Dog Park Etiquette

Callahan is a Multi-Use Park

This means that everyone is welcome, whether you walk, bike, ride a horse, ski or explore with your dog. While all of Callahan’s users should respect each other’s needs, CDOG asks in particular that all dog owners and dog walkers maintain MAXIMUM AWARENESS of their dogs and all other park users.

No Bad Dogs

As dog trainer Barbara Woodhouse liked to say, “There are no bad dogs, only bad dog owners.” CDOG’s Guidelines aim to help dog-loving humans become good dog owners and, in the process, project a responsible image to the rest of Callahan users. Help us make our motto “Good Dogs Make Good Parks” a reality.

Perception is Reality

We need to conduct ourselves in a manner which is both composed and respectable when managing our dogs.

  • Call your dog calmly to you, secure him/her, and step to the side of the trail when other walkers, runners, riders, leashed dogs, or bicyclists are trying to pass.
  • Take advantage of off-hours to walk your dog when there is less park traffic and less chance of drawing complaints.
  • Be open to communication. There are many reasons people need to see that you have your dog under control – small children, fear of dogs, reactive dogs.
  • Show respect when people ask you to call your dog to you and leash them if necessary.
  • Let people know if you need something from them – my dog is nervous around small children, is protective of me when new dogs approach etc.

DOG OWNER GUIDELINES

Leash Your Dog in the Parking Lot

This is a minimum consideration for dog owners and dog walkers that needs to be rigorously enforced. The parking lot at Callahan State Park is a busy place for dogs, children, adults and cars alike. Let’s prevent accidents.

Clean Up After Your Dog

Please pick up and properly dispose of any droppings on or within ten feet of all trails. Degradable bags and barrels are available for this purpose at the three main entrances and at Eagle Pond. Put used bags in the barrels provided.

Prevent Aggressive Behavior

Any behavior that is aggressive or threatening is unacceptable at Callahan State Park. If your dog does not fit in, then do not bring him or her to Callahan State Park.

No Jumping

Jumping dogs are misbehaving dogs. If your dog is a jumper, it belongs on a leash until you teach it not to jump.

Greet Before You Meet

Not everyone wants to meet your dog. Call ahead and ask other park users and dog walkers if it is okay for your dog to greet them before you allow your dog to interact.

Control Your Dog

Be in charge of your dog. Your dog must come when called and be familiar with basic commands: come, sit, stay, off, no, etc.

Be Aware of Your Dog

Keep your dog in sight at all times. Know where your dog is and what he’s doing. Use the same awareness that good parents show with their children.

No Trespassing on Private Property

We must respect the rights of property owners who abut Callahan State Park. Do not let your dog wander onto private property. Alter your route or use a leash if necessary.

Strict Control Area

When in a Strict Control Area keep your dog close to you or under tight command.

Learn All User Guidelines

Be proactive and understand the Etiquette Guidelines established for Basic Trail Users, Bikers & Horse Riders. Read Main Entrance signs and both CDOG’s brochures. Let’s make Callahan the best multi-use park in the state!

March 27, 2010

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