Dog Park Etiquette 101: A Canadian Guide

Dog parks are a cornerstone of Canada’s dog-friendly communities. They give pups the freedom to run, socialize, and burn off energy — while offering owners a chance to connect, too. But these shared spaces only work when everyone plays by the same rules. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essentials of dog park etiquette in Canada, from preparing your dog at home to handling tricky situations in the park.

Why Dog Park Etiquette Matters

• Keeps dogs safe and prevents injuries.
• Builds trust among owners.
• Protects parks from complaints and closures

Preparing Your Dog Before You Go

Checklist

• Up-to-date vaccinations.
• Strong recall skills — your dog should come when called.
• Proper socialization — your pup should be comfortable around others.
• Spay/neuter encouraged (unfixed dogs may spark fights).

Do’s and Don’ts at the Dog Park

The Do’s:

• Supervise your dog at all times.
• Pick up after your dog immediately.
• Respect size zones (large dog / small dog areas).
• Bring water (not all parks provide it).

The Don’ts:

• Don’t bring food, treats, or toys that could cause conflict.
• Don’t allow aggressive behavior — intervene early.
• Don’t ignore your dog (avoid being glued to your phone).
• Don’t bring puppies under 4 months or sick dogs.

Respecting Other Owners and Dogs

• Greet politely and ask before allowing dogs to interact.
• Step in quickly if your dog is being too rough.
• Be understanding of nervous or shy dogs.

Special Canadian Considerations

• Seasonal issues: winter ice, summer heat.
• City-specific bylaws (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary differ slightly).
• Reminder: fines apply for unleashed dogs outside designated zones.

Dog parks are one of the best perks of living in Canada’s dog-friendly communities — but only if everyone follows good etiquette. By supervising your dog, respecting others, and following posted rules, you’ll help keep these spaces open and safe for years to come.

Loking for a park near you? Explore our Canada-wide Dog Park Directory