Be sure to show respect for the other dog owners, the other dogs, and the park itself.

Bringing your dog to a dog run or dog park is a wonderful way to socialize your pet, and can be great fun and good exercise for both of you. But to avoid conflicts and other problems with both fellow dog owners and other dogs, you should always follow certain rules and guidelines whenever you visit the dog park.

Nina Munk is founder and chief executive of Urbanhound: the City Dog's Ultimate Survival Guide. She is also a journalist and editor who has worked for various national magazines, and lives in Manhattan with her husband, son and dog. Here she lists the basic rules of proper and respectful dog park etiquette:

• Dog waste. The number one rule at the dog park is: pick up after your dog. People and dogs want a clean, pleasant place to run around and play, and this is impossible if the park gets covered with dog waste. Bring plastic bags with you, and as soon as your dog makes a mess, pick it up and place it in a trashcan.

• Vaccines and tags. To protect other dogs and their owners, you should always make sure that your pet has had the full course of vaccinations and that the shots are up to date. Also make sure that your dog has a current and visible dog license on his or her collar.

• Fights. Some people may think that fights between dogs are natural and healthy, but Munk disagrees. Fights can lead to injuries for both dogs, and bad feelings or conflicts between owners. Let your pet play with the other dogs, but do everything you can to avoid fights or break them up as soon as they start. If the situation does not improve, take your dog out of the park and return another time.

• Respect. Your overall attitude when at the dog park should be one of respect. Respect the rights of other dogs and dog owners by being friendly and responsible, and respect the park itself by trying to keep it as clean and well maintained as you can.

Urbanhound—The city dog's ultimate survival guide
www.urbanhound.com

Dogpark.com

DogFriendly.com

Free Play
www.freeplay.org

The Dog Park
www.thedogpark.com