Canton Dog Park Rules and Regulations

 Last Updated: 07/24/2006

Use of this park constitutes agreement to the following rules:

1. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the Canton Community Association (including subcommittee Friends of Canton Dog Park) nor the City of Baltimore shall be held liable for any injuries caused by or to dogs, their guardians, or any others using the park. Guardians are responsible for any injury or damage caused by their dogs. Noncompliance with posted rules and regulations may increase guardians’ risks of personal liability and may be cause for suspension or banishment from the Canton Dog Park.

2. Hours of operation: dawn until dusk daily, per the City of Baltimore. Quiet hours: before 9:00am and after 7:00pm; please keep noise to a minimum out of respect to our residential neighbors.

3. The “small dog” side of the park is reserved for small, old, or less active dogs, as well as dogs uncomfortable with larger or more rambunctious dogs. Guardians must cooperate if asked to remove a big dog from the “small dog” side (or vice versa). Rambunctious large breed puppies may be better suited to the “big dog” side of the park.

4. Dogs must:

a. Be healthy, vaccinated, and legally licensed (Baltimore City Health Code §§10-201 and 10-301). Young dogs may be particularly susceptible to illness or injury; guardians must use proper discretion to determine whether puppies are mature enough to enter the park.

b. Be spayed/neutered by seven months of age. Some dogs react aggressively to puppies or unneutered dogs.

c. Wear collars or harnesses with ID tags at all times. Guardians must be able to grab hold of their dogs.

d. Be leashed when entering and exiting the park (Baltimore City Health Code §10-307).

5. Guardians must:

a. Be at least 16 years of age to ensure proper responsibility.

b. Bring no more than three dogs per guardian. Guardians must be able to control all dogs in their care.

c. Remain in the park, maintaining sight and voice control of their dogs at all times. This is for the safety of dogs and humans using the park, as well as to ensure guardians know when they need to scoop poop or monitor behavior.

d. Accompany children under the age of 16. While some dogs live with and understand children, many dogs are unfamiliar with children and their behavior. Rambunctious dogs may jump and knock over a child and/or bite accidentally while playing with toys. The safety of children in the park is not guaranteed.

e. “Scoop the poop” and properly dispose of waste (Baltimore City Health Code §10-313). Bags are provided throughout the park in mailboxes attached to the fence. Trash receptacles are located near the gates.

6. The following are prohibited in the off-leash park:

a. Dogs showing aggression toward people or other dogs; guardians must remove aggressive dogs immediately. Dogs who exhibit repeated aggressive behavior or cause injuries to humans or other dogs may be banned from the dog park. Guardians must be sensitive to other dogs and their owners as aggression is often in the eye of the beholder. Park users should report instances of aggressive behavior by submitting comment/incident report forms.

b. Excessive (continuous or uncontrollable) barking; only minimal barking permitted during quiet hours. This includes barking along the fence.

c. Human behavior which excites or aggravates dogs. This park is first and foremost for dogs.

d. Spiked or prong collars; they may injure other dogs during play.

e. Leashes. On-leash dogs may feel threatened by off-leash dogs. Dogs requiring leashes for their control should not be in the park. Leashes must be removed (while entering) and attached (while exiting) within the double-gated entryways.

f. Human or dog food or treats. The presence of food triggers overexcitement and/or aggression in some dogs. Training treats may not be brought into the park; pockets must be emptied of treats prior to entering the park.

g. Glass containers, which may cause injury to dogs or humans if broken.

h. Alcohol, per the City of Baltimore.

i. Squeaky and/or edible toys, which may trigger overexcitement and/or aggression in some dogs.

j. Any use not dog-related. Biking, skateboarding, and other human recreational activities are prohibited.

These rules and regulations, created in conjunction with the City of Baltimore, have been implemented to ensure a safe environment for dogs and humans.