Protect Your Kids and Everyone's Dogs

Please remember that the dog park is for dogs first. There are plenty of parks in the Centre Region specifically for children, but Tudek Dog Park is the only legal, fenced, off-leash park in the area. By honoring the official rules in regards to children and respecting some of the dangers that children may encounter in the park, we can all work to ensure the safety of your children and the dogs.

The Official Rules & Some Common Sense Ones Too

Only three out of the sixteen dog park rules specifically mention children or children's toys.

» Children under 12 must be closely supervised at all times by an adult. It is strongly urged that young children not be brought to the dog park for their own safety.

» No food or treats (human or dog), alcoholic beverages, strollers, bicycles, or children's toys allowed in the dog park.

» No more than three beings* per handler allowed (*dogs and/or small children)

Beyond these rules, the park and our users would also request the following:

» Children must be in the same side of the dog park (small dog or large dog area) as the responsible adult

» Children should not chase dogs, run or roll around in the grass

» Children should not climb the fences

» Parents must make sure gates are closed after they and their child
enter/leave

» Children should not pet dogs unless their adult is standing next to them and supervising

» Parents that are not able to control their dog(s) and children at the same time should leave the park immediately for the safety of all parties

Dangers in the Park

So why all the rules and suggestions? This is a dog park. . . a place for the dogs to run and play off leash and to BE DOGS! This means that you could be putting your child in danger by bringing them into the park. Remember that the park rules state: No attendant is on duty. Users of this facility do so at their own risk. Ferguson Township shall not be liable for injuries to dogs, owners/handlers, or others that use the dog park. This means that you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your children from dangers at the dog park. Not all of the dogs in the park are going to be child-friendly, especially when approached by an overzealous, unsupervised child. Without the dog owner's approval, you should not allow your child to pet a strange dog. Any dog has the potential to bite your child, regardless of how friendly they may appear.

Running, squealing or screaming may cause your child to become a target as it resembles the sounds of prey or an injured dog. Herding dogs may also nip at legs while attempting to "round up" your child.

It should go without saying, but if your child picks up a toy (or brings food into the park), a dog may jump on and knock your child down in an attempt to get at the toy.

Health Risks in the Park

Children are also much more susceptible than adults to contracting infections from the feces and urine that are present on the dog park grounds. Dog toys also may carry bacteria that can cause disease. Keep in mind that infected dogs may also carry fleas, lice or skin mites.

You can help prevent health risks by following some basic rules:

» Have your children wear shoes (full coverage, not sandals) in the park.

» Don't let your children pick up and throw toys for the dogs

» Don't let your children roll in the grass