FAQs • Highland Village, TX • CivicEngage

Can dogs or people get hurt at a dog park?: Yes. Dogs do not always behave in ways we understand. This is why everyone should act responsibly with their dog and respect the rights of other people and dogs. Familiarizing yourself with the dog park rules and following the rules is a good first step towards providing a save dog park experience.

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Dog Park

1. Who operates Unity Park Dog Park?: The Highland Village Parks and Recreation Department

2. What are the rules for the dog park?: Visit the rules page.
Dog Park Rules

3. Can dogs or people get hurt at a dog park?: Yes. Dogs do not always behave in ways we understand. This is why everyone should act responsibly with their dog and respect the rights of other people and dogs. Familiarizing yourself with the dog park rules and following the rules is a good first step towards providing a save dog park experience.

4. Can I keep my dog on a leash?: Please unleash your dog in the entry area BEFORE you enter either the small dog or general dog sections. Mixing leashed and unleashed dogs commonly causes problems. Leashed dogs often feel threatened by the free dogs and will display provocative body language and defensive behavior. If you are uncomfortable about letting your dog off-leash, PLEASE DO NOT visit the park.

5. How can I avoid a dog fight?: Learn the 4P Warning Signs:
Posture: A dog’s body language can communicate fear, hostility or submission. Learn to respond to your own dog’s body language and others. Growling and the showing of teeth, for instance are signs to be aware of.
Packing: More than two or three dogs behaving as if they’re in a pack can lead to trouble. Break it up before it starts by leading your dog to a neutral area at least 30 feet away.
Possession: Whether it’s you or a ball, most dogs will protect what is theirs. Remain aware.
Provoking: If your dog is continuously annoying another dog (s) it’s time to leave the park.

6. What can I do if a dog fight occurs?: Keep calm and never reach your hands into the middle of a dog fight. You may get bit by your own dog.
Distract the dogs and divert their attention. A blast of water from a water bottle, a loud whistle, or the clapping of your hands may work.
If your dog is not in the fight, make sure he or she does not join in. Control your dog and move him/her to a neutral area.
Maintain a cool head. Getting upset and yelling will only add to the frenzy.
When warranted, exchange contact information with the other dog owners. If you can’t because you must attend to your dog, designate someone else to get information. Remember, owners are solely liable for injuries or damage caused by their dogs. This includes injury to another dog or person, no matter how it began, who said what or whatever.

7. Does my dog have to be current on shots such as rabies?: All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations.

8. What should I do if I see someone break the dog park rules?: Unity Dog Park is self policing and rules are in place to ensure the safety of all visitors. Most often people are not aware of the rules. If you see someone who is not abiding by the rules (i.e. forgets to pick up poop or is eating or providing treats to their dog, etc.) politely introduce yourself, remind them or inform them of the rules, and thank them when they comply with the rule. If there is a rule violation that you think might lead to a dangerous situation or injury, please contact the Highland Village Police Department’s non-emergency line at 972-317-6551.

9. What should I do if a dog bites someone?: Dog bites are rare at dog parks, especially if all users follow the rules and respect other people and dogs. But if someone is b bitten, get the person who was bit medical attention immediately, including calling 911 if necessary; get the identity of the dog who did the biting an its owner; contact Highland Village Animal Control or Highland Village Police at (972) 317-6551 to report the bite, who got bit, and the identity of the dog who bit and the owner.

10. Can a newborn puppy come to the dog park?: No. Dogs must be at least 4 months old and have had their rabies shots to come into the dog park. This is because a puppy’s immunity must build up to fight bacteria and other stuff harmful to puppies.

11. Can I bring food and drinks into the dog park?: Water is provided at the park. Water bowls are usually located throughout the park for your use. Fountains are located outside of the dog park entries to fill water bowls. No food is allowed in the dog park area.

12. Should I bring my dog to the park when it’s really hot?: Because of the danger of heat stroke, we warn against extended use of the park during the heat of the day and any day use by long hair breeds.

13. What should I do if I suspect my dog has heat stroke?: Signs of heat stroke are intense, rapid panting, wide eyes, salivation, staggering and weakness. Advanced heat stroke victims will collapse and become unconscious. The gums will appear pale and dry. Any temperature above 106 degrees is dangerous. The longer the temperature remains at or above the more serious the situation.
If you suspect your dog has heat stroke, place him/her in a tub of cool running water or spray with a hose, being sure the cool water contacts the skin and doesn’t simply run off the coat. Thoroughly wet the belly and inside the legs. Run the cool water over the tongue and mouth. Take a rectal temperature if possible to know when to stop cooling. A safe temperature is about 103 degrees. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.