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In 2012, we completed numerous small improvement projects at our designated off-leash dog areas and approved a new set of official rules for the sites. Plans are already in the works for more improvements to come in 2013, including summer construction at Rice Creek as we execute the Lexington Trailhead Project. Read on for more important news and updates!
"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." -Roger Caras
 There has been a great amount of feedback and concern that the current Off-Leash Area Rules do not address the most important rules for new and routine users. The following rules have been vetted with representatives (Guardians and Stewards) from all four off-leash areas, the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department and the Director of Parks and Recreation. These park user rules will be posted at the main entrances to each of the off-leash areas.
Additional user etiquette signs will be posted as friendly reminders to users within the off-leash designated areas of appropriate user behavior to help support a friendly and sustainable park environment. The Parks and Recreation Department would like to thank its guardians and stewards for their help and support in vetting these important rules.
Off-Leash Dog Area Rules:
1) Dogs must be leashed before entering and when leaving the park.
2) Use this park at your own risk. Owners are legally and financially responsible for the actions of their dogs.
3) All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. No female dogs in heat or puppies under 4 months of age are allowed.
4) Owners must use a plastic bag to clean-up their dog’s feces/vomit, and place in trash containers provided.
5) Your dog should be in sight and under verbal control at all times. Do not allow your dog to dig holes.
6) No aggressive dogs allowed. If your dog exhibits aggressive or unruly behavior to either dogs or people, leash it and leave the park immediately.
7) Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult and should be educated about safe behavior around dogs (no running, screaming, food, etc.)
We appreciate compliance with these rules.
Please note:
- Owners must comply with all other Ramsey County Park Rules, and Municipal and County Regulations and Ordinances.
- Call 911 to report criminal activity or injuries to humans.
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Call 651-767-0640 to report any dog related issues to local animal control.
- Call 651-748-2500 to report damage or maintenance issues.
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 Please join us in welcoming Jennifer Fink to the Ramsey
County Parks & Recreation staff! Jennifer joined the department in January as
the new Recreation Services Supervisor for parks and aquatics.
As part of her new position, Jennifer will be the primary
department contact for all four designated off-leash dog areas in the Ramsey
County parks system. You can look for her at future guardian meetings and contact
her in the office at jennifer.fink@co.ramsey.mn.us
or 651-748-2500 x333.
Jennifer joins us after nearly eight years with Anoka County
Parks and Recreation, where she oversaw marketing and visitor services
initiatives. Jennifer lives in White Bear Lake with her husband, children, two
guinea pigs and the family dog, Nika, who tips the scales at almost 100 pounds.
Jody Yungers, who has worked with the off-leash program
since its inception, is still with the Parks and Recreation Department, but is
currently transitioning into her new role as Director of Golf and Arena
Services.
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Snow may be on the ground, but we’re already thinking
spring! Plans are in the works for the 2013 annual Spring Clean-Up. Please mark
the date of April 20th
on your calendar, and look out for sign-up information as we get closer to the big day.
 As a reminder, there are Designated Small Dog Hours in operation at the Woodview Off-Leash Dog Area. These times are reserved for dogs 35 pounds and under and are as follows:
- Tuesdays: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Sundays: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Small dog hours are also available at the Otter Lake Off-Leash Dog Area on Tuesdays (6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m) and Saturdays (10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.).
Please note that service dogs, regardless of size, are allowed in all four off-leash dog areas at all times, including during designated small dog hours.
Thank you for your cooperation!
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By Becky Palapala and Kristin Westbrock
If you choose to bring young children, particularly toddlers, to a dog park you should be aware of the inherent health and safety risks.
NOT ALL DOGS ARE SOCIALIZED TO CHILDREN
A running child can provoke a dog’s natural “prey drive.” Also, typical child behaviors (yelling, etc) can make a dog feel threatened, and the dog may nip or even bite, which is a dog’s way of protecting itself.
HEALTH ISSUES
Even after fecal matter is picked up there can be a residue of parasites, harmful bacteria, and pathogens in the dirt. If your child plays in the dirt, and then touches their mouth or nose, this could cause a serious health problem.
RUNNING DOGS
Dog park regulars are mindful to watch for dogs engaged in exuberant play as running dogs are capable of knocking down an adult; needless to say, knocking down a small child could be catastrophic.
HOW CAN YOU KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE IN A DOG PARK?
- Never let your child play in the dirt or grass.
- Always ask the owner of a dog before letting your child approach a strange dog.
- Keep your children quiet and close to you. No running, screaming, waving arms or throwing things – as this may provoke a dog’s natural prey behavior to chase the child.
- Never bring food for your child or treats for dogs to the park.
- Reconsider bringing wagons, bikes or strollers to the park as some dogs are unfamiliar with these items, which may cause them to act aggressively.
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Keep moving. Dangerous interactions almost always occur when people and dogs are milling about in a common area. Walking the trails is the best way to avoid these dangers.
WHY DOG OWNERS BECOME UNEASY WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT
Owners are legally liable for the injuries caused by their dog whether accidental, inadvertent, provoked, or for any other reason. When injuries happen even a gentle, friendly dog could find itself with the unfortunate, and legally binding, designation of “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous” dog. For this reason, the presence of small children may make other park-goers upset or uneasy, and they may feel as though they need to leave the park to protect themselves and their dogs.
Please consider carefully before bringing children to the dog park. Be safe and bring children to the playground instead.
 Make sure to never miss an update on our off-leash dog areas, parks, and other services by staying connected with Ramsey County online, by email and via Facebook and Twitter. Upcoming meeting announcements will be posted on bulletin boards at the parks, on our website and social media pages, and distributed to email subscribers via GovDelivery.
Connect:
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