You enter Rowayton Dog Park at your own risk.
You are liable for injury caused by a dog under your supervision. Users of the Rowayton Dog Park assume the risk of injury or damage to themselves or their dogs. The Rowayton Dog Park Committee does not guarantee the Dog Park is escape-proof. You assume the risk that your dog may escape from the fenced area. Usage of the Rowayton Dog Park constitutes acknowledgement of this disclaimer.
You must be able to control your dog at all times and aggressive dogs must be immediately removed.
Playful actions to watch for:
Back and forth play – dogs change position – role reversals
Bouncy, exaggerated gestures
Wiggly bodies
Open relaxed mouth
Play-bows
Twisted leaps or jumps
Pawing the air
Signs of Anxiety/Stress to Monitor:
Fast wagging low tail
Whining or whimpering
Ears may be back
Hiding behind objects or people
Signs of Fear:
Dog will try to look small
Tail tucked
Hunched over, head down
Tense
May urinate submissively
Red Flags that Require Intervention:
Excessive mounting
Pinning (holding another dog down and standing stiffly over them)
Shadowing another dog (following) incessantly
Bullying: repeatedly bothering another dog that does not want to interact
Fast non-stop running with a group – high arousal situation
Full-speed body slams
Putting head repeatedly onto another dog’s neck or back
Staring with a fixed gaze directly at another dog
Snarling or raised lips
Showing teeth
Hackles up at the shoulders
*Association of Professional Dog Trainers, apdt.com
Handlers must remain in the park within view of their dogs at all times.
Focus on your dog at all times. When your dog is off leash at the park, 100% of your of your focus should be on your dog- NOT YOUR CELL PHONE (one of the biggest problems at the dog park).
You must pick up after your dog.
Waste bags are provided for your convenience. Trash recepticles are located near each entrance gate. Thanks for picking up!
Maximum of 3 dogs per handler.
The dog limit per handler allows them to effectively monitor each of their dogs behavior while at the park.
Always remember the basic pack nature of dogs; their inherent drive to establish dominance, and the possibility of clashes, even between the "nicest" of dogs.
All dogs must be on leash outside the park and dog leash must be removed while the dog is in the corral.
Always keep dogs on leash until they are inside the corral.
Make sure the first gate is closed BEFORE opening the second gate. If the outer gate is open, there is always a chance that a dog can run out of the park and into the street.
Unleash your dog within the corral.
- A dog often feels vulnerable being on leash while other dogs around it are off leash. The leashed dog knows that it cannot maneuver freely and cannot get away if it wants to. This sense of vulnerability may lead to aggression.
​
- When a new dog arrives at a dog park, the other dogs often rush over to investigate. This sudden flood of attention can overwhelm newcomers. To avoid a canine mob scene, ask dog owners to remove their dogs from the gate area or simply wait until the crowd moves on. Make sure that you don’t let your dog be a bully at the entrance gate.
Dogs over 6 months must have town license and rabies tags.
Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
A dog park is not a safe place for young children.
Across the country, many dog parks prohibit children from entering. If you choose to bring a child into the dog park, it is vitally important that you supervise your child closely. You must take full responsibility for your child's safety while in the park.
Do not permit them to run, scream, chase the dogs, grab the dogs, or tease the dogs. Some dogs are not accustomed to children; these dogs may feel scared or threatened if a child runs toward them or grabs at them.
Children should never approach or touch any dog without first asking the owner's permission.
The safest place for a child is by a parent's side. Dogs often run fast and play vigorously with each other while in the park, and they may inadvertently knock down and hurt a child who is standing out in the open.
Remember that your main responsibility while in the dog park is to monitor your dog and to be prepared to intervene if there is any sign of trouble. Before bringing children to the dog park, consider whether you can effectively supervise both the dog and the children at the same time.
Only flat collars are permitted in the park.
Remove metal collars - this includes prong or "pinch" collars, choke chains, and spike collars.
- Chain collars can become caught on the fence. There is also the risk of other dogs breaking their teeth on the collar, especially if engaging in mouthy play.
Handlers must stop dogs from digging and immediately fill in any holes in order to avoid injuries.
This is for the safety of all visitors to the Dog Park.
Please report issues to rowaytondogpark.com or the police.
​
Norwalk Police Department:
Phone: (203) 854-3000
Emergency: 911
​
Repeated violators will be reported to the police and are subject to park privileges being revoked.
A dog that repeatedly displays aggressive behavior with a variety of dogs is not a good dog park candidate and should stop coming to the park.