Park Rules
Posted Rules of use for Fido’s Fitness Park:
- To enter the Park, you and your pet must be active clients of Clovercroft Veterinary Hospital
- All dogs must have up-to-date immunizations (Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Bordetella)
- All dogs must have a negative fecal parasite check within the past 12 months.
- Dogs with known or suspected contagious disease may not enter the park.
- Park users and dog owners assume all risk related to dog park use
- Aggressive dogs prohibited
- Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior must be leashed and removed immediately
- Owners are legally and financially responsible for the action and behavior of their own dogs and are solely responsible for any and all injuries and/or damage caused by their dog
- Ground may be uneven
- Park is not separated by size, so know your dog’s limits
- No children under 16 without parents
- No children on equipment
- Children are welcome, but not recommended
- Children should be instructed not to scream and run as this may trigger a dog’s natural instinct to chase and hunt
- Owners must accompany their pet at all times, do not leave your dog unattended
- Abandoning animals is unlawful
- Leash all dogs outside of the fenced area
- No smoking
- Small dog treats may be used as a training tool for equipment use, but only when not disruptive to other dogs, otherwise food is not permitted in the park
- Female dogs in heat are not permitted
- Dogs should wear collars, but no prong-type, choke-type, spike-type
- Thanks for reading and obeying all the Rules- Be Safe and Have Fun!
FAQs
Where is Fido’s Fitness Park?
The park is directly behind Clovercroft Veterinary Hospital.
How much does it cost?
Fido’s is free to all active Clovercroft clients.
Who may use Fido’s Fitness Park?
- The park is only open to active clients and pets of Clovercroft Veterinary Hospital.
- Immunizations must be up-to-date.
- A Rabies immunization is considered current if received within the past 3 years.
- Distemper and Parvo immunizations are considered current if received within the past 1-3 years.
- Bordetella is considered current if received within the past 6 months.
- If you are unsure whether your pet is properly immunized, the staff at Clovercroft can assist you.
- Dogs must have been checked for intestinal parasites with a fecal test within the previous 12 months in order to enter the park.
- Dogs with known or suspected contagious diseases are not permitted in the park.
What type of activities will you find at Fido’s Fitness Park?
- An “A frame” for climbing
- A teeter totter
- Tires for climbing through and jumping onto
- A variety of jumps
- Open and collapsed tunnels
- Tennis balls & Frisbees (may be used as long as not disruptive)
- Many indoor dogs require an outlet for play. Fido’s provides an area in which you and your dog can expend some energy and enjoy the outdoors. Seating and water is provided for your comfort
When entering the Park, how do I use the double-gated entry?
- Enter the first gate, (be sure to close all gates as soon as you pass through them)
- Unleash your dog while inside the gate area, (keep your leash with you)
- Enter the park through the second gate,
- Continue to walk some distance after passing through the second gate. By walking a good distance you help keep the gate area neutral territory. By staying away from a corner or the fence, you minimize the chance that your dog may feel cornered or threatened as she is greeted by other dogs.
How to Introduce your dog to the Obstacles at Fido’s
- The best way to introduce your dog to an obstacle is with treats. Gradually approach the obstacle and guide your dog through the obstacle by holding a treat in front of your pet. As soon as your dog has completed the obstacle, give him the treat and lots of praise. Keep it fun and energetic!
- Some obstacles are best introduced with the help of another person. For example, someone holds your dog at the entrance to the tunnel while you go to the other end. Call your dog and when your dog emerges from the tunnel give her the treat.
- You may wish to assign a name to each obstacle, so in time, your pet will identify the name with the obstacle.
Why is the type of collar my dog wears while inside the Park important?
- Dogs often play by nipping the neck of another dog. If a prong, pinch, choke, spiked or similar collar is in use, then injuries may occur to either dog.
- All dogs in the park should be wearing an appropriate collar.
What are appropriate play and related behaviors?
- Barking & growling
- Chasing & bowing
- Wrestling & Pawing
- Mounting (not all dogs will tolerate this common behavior & the dog should dismount when asked)
- Yelping (a signal one dog gives to another to indicate too rough)
- The behaviors above will usually alternate between dogs during play
- What are inappropriate play and related behaviors?
- Chasing without allowing the other dog to rest
- More than one dog picking on another dog
- Cornering or crowding another dog
- Failure to trade roles during play (bullying)
- Persistent mounting
- How can I tell if my dog is not enjoying the Park and we should leave the Park?
- If your dog is showing signs of aggression or any type of inappropriate play (see above)
- If your dog is showing signs of tension such as trying to hide, cowering, running toward the exit
What do I do if a dog fight occurs?
Dog fights usually include a lot of and growling and barking. Typically these sounds indicate bluff more than bite. Many times when dogs of similar size fight, no serious injuries occur to the dogs. BUT every time a human puts themselves between the dogs they are bitten, so do not put your hand into the middle of a dog fight. Instead, use the tools at hand to separate the dogs (leashes on poles, air horn, plastic snow shovel).
Should I allow my small dog to play with the big dogs?
Know your dog’s abilities and observe the level of play within the park before entering. If many large dogs are playing rough, you should probably not enter the park at that time. Large dogs can play so vigorously, that sometimes small dogs can become injured even during friendly play.