Dog Park Etiquette

1. Show interest in other owners' dogs. Exchange compliments, comment on something special they do, pat and love their dog. They'll do the same.
2. It goes without saying: pick up after your dog.
3. Corollary to #2: Look up from your phone enough to notice when Fido is doing his business. I'm talking to you, owner of the young black lab with the red collar last Tuesday.
4. Extra points for scooping random poop not originating from your pup. It's good karma. And dogma.
5. There will always be owners who don't think your dog is good enough to associate with their Speshul Preshus. Ignore them.
6. Balls are communal property. Don't bring one you don't plan to leave.
7. When a dog misbehaves, smile sympathetically then avert your eyes. Helpful suggestions are not appropriate.
8. If your boy is a humper, do your best to distract him when he starts. You may need to be vigilant - it seems to be an irresistable habit regardless of humpee's gender.
9. It's perfectly acceptable to have a warm exchange with another owner, then wander off without introductions or goodbyes. In fact, it's preferred. It's all about the dogs.
10. If you have a dog who tends toward "assertiveness," train him to keep his rope in his mouth at all times, like Bacon here.