Dog Park Etiquette and Charleston, SC Dog Park Locations

My dogs LOVE Dog Parks! 

Charleston, SC has many Dog Parks in and around the area where I live.  One of my dogs' favorite dog parks is the James Island County Park Dog Park.  It has a lake where they can swim or just get wet and play. 



See how happy they are?

Stark is the Red Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) and Dolly is the sable colored Border Collie with the white blaze down her face.  The other dogs are just dog park friends.  

Dog parks are GREAT for socializing your dogs.  They not only encounter other dogs of all breeds and temperaments, but they see all kinds of people: men, women, children, people with hats, people with sunglasses, people of all ages, tall people, short people, people with tattoos, etc.  

There are some rules to follow, of course, for your safety and for the safety of others, as well as the safety of the dogs.

Dog Park Etiquette

1. Pay attention to your dog
   
   If there is a scuffle, remove your dog immediately.  Do NOT allow your dog to harass other dogs or people. NO FIGHTING!  Even play fighting is NOT okay at a dog park. Teach your dog manners!
   
   
2. Pick up after your dog
   
   Most dog parks even provide bags and garbage cans for this purpose.  Please use them.
   
   
3. Pause before you enter the dog park
   
   If there are excited dogs at the gate, that is not the right time to enter.  Wait until the coast is clear and everyone calms down.  You'll have a better experience all around if you do.
   
   
4. NEVER leave your dog in the dog park unattended.
   
   If you left your sunglasses in the car or whatever and you have to leave the eyesight of your dog to retrieve them, take your dog with you or have a friend in the park watch your dog for the few seconds it takes you to retrieve the item(s).
   
   
5. Make sure your dog has had all his/her shots and is protected from fleas and ticks before taking him/her to the Dog Park.
   
   
6. Have your dog spayed or neutered.
   
   
7. NEVER take a dog in heat to the Dog Park!  That is just asking for disaster.
   
   
8. Do NOT take puppies younger than four months old to the dog park.
   
   
9. If there are too many dogs at the dog park for your dog to feel comfortable, by all means, leave and come back when there are less dogs there.  Dog parks should always be all about the dogs.
   
   
10. When your dog signals it is time to go, listen and leave.  Dogs can become stressed after too long at the dog park - especially elderly dogs or puppies.  Always do what is best for your dog.
    
    
11. Don't hand out dog treats at the dog park, but water is always okay!
    
    
12. Never take a sick dog to the Dog Park.

Dog parks are such fun!  I hope you will consider taking your dog soon.  Most people automatically follow the above rules, as they want their dogs to have good experiences. 

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Here is a list of Dog Parks my dogs and I visit in the Charleston, SC area.  If you live in an urban or suburban area, you most likely have dog parks near you too.  If not, you may want to ask your city or county to provide one.

Charleston, SC and Surrounding Areas Dog Parks

Fenced Dog Parks

1. James Island County Park Dog Park
2. Ackerman Park DogRun
3. Hampton Park Dog Park
4. Hazel Parker Park Dog Run
5. Bees Landing Recreation Area Dog Park 
6. Folly Beach Bark Park
7. Wannamaker County Park
8. Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant
9. Wassamassaw Park in Summerville

No Fence Off-Leash Areas

1. Brittlebank Park Off-Leash Area
2. Lenevar Park Off-Leash Area 
3. Cannon Park Off-Leash Area
4. Sullivan's Island Beach (5:00 am to 10:00 am)