FAQ

• How common are dog fights in the exercise area?
• The other dogs always run up to my dog when we arrive and can be a bit overwhelming. Why do they do this and is there anything I can do to stop it?
• What kind of collar should my dog wear?
• My dog just got his/her monthly dose of flea and tick protection. Is it okay for them to come to the exercise area?
• What vaccinations are required?
• How old must my puppy be in order to bring him/her to the exercise area?
• Can I bring my dog's toys to play with and throw?
• Can children enter the exercise area?
• Additional Guidelines

How common are dog fights in the exercise area?

Dogs, by nature, are pack animals with a strict pack order. Dogs are also individuals who can be friendly, happy, sad, angry, obedient, and disobedient. Even though many very different dogs of various behavior types gather at off-leash exercise areas, dog fights in these environments are quite rare. Because the specific dogs in these exercise areas change from day-to-day, groups of dogs don't have the opportunity to form solid packs. In these off-leash exercise areas, dogs don't have the opportunity to claim territory and therefore do not feel the need to defend it.

The other dogs always run up to my dog when we arrive and can be a bit overwhelming. Why do they do this and is there anything I can do to stop it?

Dogs in the exercise area are naturally very excited to see new dogs arrive. Many dogs will run over to investigate the situation and welcome the visitor. There are a few things you can do to make it a little less overwhelming to your animal. Don't carry your dog into the area. This may prompt other dogs to jump up on you to see your dog, or as they see it, to get to the ìprizeî you are holding. Some dogs in this position also feel the need to ìprotectî you from the other dogs, leading to a more aggressive introduction. Second, let your dog off leash as soon as possible. Dogs on leash are typically more aggressive than dogs that are off leash—once the initial introductions are made, let him/her go!

What kind of collar should my dog wear?

The best collar is a simple cloth collar, containing all of your contact information and the dog's name. Stay away from choke, prong, shock, and any other corrective collars—these are for training purposes only and can cause injury to the dog when they are running and wrestling with other dogs in the exercise area.

My dog just got his/her monthly dose of flea and tick protection. Is it okay for them to come to the exercise area?

* Flea and tick collars are not recommended to be worn into the exercise area. When dogs play and grab at each other's necks, it is possible for a dog to get a significant dose of chemical into their mouths and lungs. If your dog wears such a collar, please take it off before letting him/her into the exercise area.

* Spot treatments (the monthly, liquid application kind such as Frontline or Advantix) take 48-72 hours to work themselves into the dog's system. The residue remaining on the dog's coat during this time is extremely harmful to humans and to other pets if ingested. It is therefore recommended that you wait approximately 72 hours after the last treatment before entering the exercise area.

Since the area is completely outdoors, mosquitoes (heartworm carriers) and ticks (Lyme disease carriers) are common. All dogs should therefore be on flea, tick, and heartworm preventative treatments for their own safety and the safety of other dogs.

What vaccinations are required?

We require all dogs to be vaccinated against Rabies, Parvovirus, Bordetella, and Distemper. Please provide a copy of your dog's vaccination records for our files. If your dog is healthy and current on his/her vaccines, the risk of picking up a canine disease from the exercise area is minimal.

How old must my puppy be in order to bring him/her to the exercise area?

Puppies must be weaned from their mother and must have received their first round of puppy shots in order to enter the area.

Can I bring my dog's toys to play with and throw?

You may bring most safe toys, balls, and Frisbees into the play area with your dog. Please keep in mind that they other dogs may find the toy or ball just as enjoyable, so be prepared to put it away if it starts to create problems. Do not bring food or treats into the dog exercise area.

Can children enter the exercise area?

The K9 Freedom Center permits children age of 8 and over into the exercise area with their parent member. Children not belonging to members will be permitted with Members if the child's parent or legal guardian signs a Child Agreement Form.

Dogs will naturally run wildly and play in an off-leash exercise area and young people may not have the strength and/or experience with dogs to effectively avoid be knocked down unintentionally. A child holding a toy may entice a dog to jump up on them, accidently bite them, or otherwise cause injury to them. Members bringing children into the exercise area do so at their own risk.

Additional Guidelines:

Do not leave your dog unsupervised in the exercise area

Do not keep your dog on a leash inside the exercise area

Female dogs in heat/pre-heat, are not allowed in the exercise area

Never bring a sick dog into the exercise area

We wish you a safe and pleasant visit! As in any common area, please pick up after your dog. Trash receptacles will be located in easily accessible areas for your convenience. Please feel free to call or stop in with questions at any time.