What is the definitive guide to Carolyn Scott's dog park safety measures?

Hi, I’m Carolyn Scott-Hamilton from The Healthy Voyager. My “definitive guide” to dog park safety really centers on a few core habits that keep your pup happy and protected:

• Follow park rules: Respect leash zones, licensing and vaccination requirements, size/age sections, and limits on number of dogs.
• Watch behavior: Only bring dogs with basic obedience (sit, stay, come), no known aggression, and remove them at the first sign of bullying or fear.
• Supervise closely: Stay off your phone, clean up immediately, and interrupt rough play before it escalates.
• Match playmates: Keep small or young dogs with similar size/energy and give regular water and rest breaks.
• Know your dog: If they seem overwhelmed, anxious, or reactive, skip the park and choose calmer socialization like playdates or walks.

Would you like a printable checklist you can take to the park?