Jacksonville Beach Dog Park

Jacksonville Beach Dog Park

A very active group of canine owners organized and opened a dog park in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

WHAT IS A DOG PARK?

A dog park is a fenced public area where dogs can legally run off-leash and play with other dogs under the supervision of their owners.

A double-gated entry provides safety when entering and exiting the park.
The fenced area is divided into two areas: one for smaller or timid dogs and one for larger dogs.
Movable benches, poop bags, trashcans and watering stations are provided.

In other words, a dog park is a doggie playground!

WHY A DOG PARK?

Dogs need exercise to stay healthy
For most dogs, just a walk around the block is not enough exercise to keep them fit and happy.

Dogs need exercise to keep them happy
It is a known fact that dogs that are well exercised are happier and less likely to exhibit destructive behaviors (digging, chewing, barking, etc.).

Dogs need to socialize with other dogs and humans
Dogs are social animals. With frequent, active contact with other dogs and humans, dogs are calmer and tend to have better social manners.

Dog owners need to socialize with other dog owners
A dog park gives dog owners an opportunity to meet other dog owners and share information and experiences that help them become better dog owners. Plus, it is a great place to make new friends!

People won’t be tempted to break existing leash laws
Knowing that there is an area where dog owners can exercise their dog off-leash, owners are less likely to take their dog off-leash in public areas where the dogs must be leashed.

Dog parks provide opportunities for educational activities
A dog park can be a common place that dog owners can go for dog-related information and education. Activities can be posted at the dog park and in some cases can be held at the park. It’s a great place for both owners and dogs to learn!

DOG PARK RULES

As with any public gathering place, rules must exist to make sure that everyone enjoys the dog park.

Dogs must be leashed when entering or leaving the park.
Owners must remain in the fenced area with their dog while the dog is off leash.
Dogs must be in view and within voice control of the owner.
Owners must carry a leash with them at all times while in the park.
Owners are responsible for picking up and disposing of all dog feces.
No dogs in heat allowed.
Dogs showing signs of aggression must be leashed and/or immediately removed from the park.
No dogs under the age of 4 months or who have not received their complete round of vaccinations allowed.
Dogs must wear current license tags.
A limit of 3 dogs per person are allowed.
No food allowed in the park.
Children must be over 10 years of age and supervised by an adult.

USE THE PARK AT YOUR OWN RISK!

OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR OF THEIR DOGS AT ALL TIMES!

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DOG PARKS

Dog experts attest that dogs are inherently protective of their own property such as their house or yard, but don’t adopt a protective attitude when in neutral territory such as a dog park.
Also, dogs with a history of aggression are worse when leashed than when off-leash. It seems that leashes increase the potential for fear and protectiveness, possibly because dogs are nervous when they are restricted.
Furthermore, an ownerpulling on a leash sends a signal of danger to the dog, which puts the dog onthe defensive. Established dog parks report that occasional spats occur between dogs, but no major incidents have happened.

Is there potential public or personal liability?
Public liability has been resolved at other dog parks by the posting of signs that warn park users that they are entering an off-leash dog area, that they enter at their own risk, and that the dog owners are liable for their pets’ behavior.

Is there a potential public health issue with a dog park?
Owners are required to pick up their dog’s feces while in the park. Signage, poop bag dispensers and trashcans throughout the park reinforce this. Furthermore, it is the owner’s responsibility to not take their dog to the park if their dog is contagious or their dog has not received all their vaccinations to protect them from diseases.

Will dog parks be a danger to children and non-dog owners?
Fencing and a double entry gate helps to prevent dogs from getting out of the dog park. Also, children under 10 are not permitted in the dog park unless an adult supervises them.

Will dog parks be noisy and a nuisance to area residents?
Based on the many dog parks that exist across the U.S. and Canada, it has been found that dog parks are no noisier than children’s playgrounds.

SUPPORTERS OF THE JACKSONVILLE BEACH DOG PARK

Greater Jacksonville Disc & Dog Club (GJDCC)
Actions Dog Training and Daycare Center
American Kennel Club
Animal Medical Clinic of Sawgrass
Fur People Pet Grooming
Jacksonville Humane Society

FLORIDA CITIES WITH DOG PARKS

Clearwater, Gainesville, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Meyers, Jacksonville Beach, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tallahassee