El Paso County Dog Park Etiquette

Many people in El Paso County and Colorado Springs take their dogs to the dog parks. There are several parks:

Fenced Dog Parks:

Bear Creek Dog Park, 21st St. and Rio Grande, Colorado Springs
Cheyenne Meadows Park, Canoe Creek and Charmwood, Colorado Springs
Devon’s Dog Park, Greenland Open Space, Monument
Rampart Park, 8270 Lexington Dr. and Union, Colorado Springs

Off-Leash Areas:

Garden of the Gods, 3130 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs
Palmer Park, 3650 Maizeland Rd., Colorado Springs
Red Rock Canyon Open Space, High Street, Colorado Springs

Rules

1. Guardians must be present within fenced enclosures and is responsible and liable for behavior of the dog at all times.
2. Guardian is responsible for cleaning up & disposing of dog waste
3. Dogs must be currently vaccinated & display city and county license
4. Guardians must have in their possession a leash for each dog
5. Aggressive animals are prohibited
6. Guardian is responsible for obeying all park rules

Etiquette in Fenced Dog Parks (Greet, then meet!)

1. We recommend that puppies under four months old NOT use the dog park because they have not yet received their full inoculations to protect them from parvo-virus and other diseases
2. Please be sensible in supervising your children. If there are dogs present which are unknown to you, consider changing your plans
3. Female dogs in season can be the cause of dog fights and aggressive behavior. Please leave your female dog at home while she is in heat.
4. Aggression in dogs can increase when they are leashed, especially when encountered by off-leash dogs. Evaluate your dogs prior to going to the park to ensure they are well socialized to be off leash.
5. Do not bring more than four dogs to the park. More than four is beyond the handler’s control to ensure a safe and happy experience for everyone. Consider how many dogs are using the dog park before you go inside the fence. Consider adjusting your schedule if you have multiple dogs so that other visitors are not overwhelmed.
6. The double gate is provided for your dog’s safety. Please make sure you close the first gate entirely before opening the second gate so the dog is in a safe enclosure during transition from leash to off-leash.
7. Dogs differ in their tolerance of other dogs playing with their toys or food. Please look around and coordinate with other visitors to make sure that a thrown toy does not start a fight.
8. Minimize loud noises – either dogs parking or humans shouting – so that the dog park does not disrupt others.
9. Be considerate of other visitors’ needs and concerns. People may be using the fenced are to train their dogs as well as play with them. Dogs may also be older, fragile or sick.

Thanks to Pikes Peak Veterinary Clinic for this info. Contact them at 718-475-1747