RRUFF Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Hours?

Dawn to 10:00 p.m. 365 days a year, except for occasional maintenance.  The park will be lighted in the evening until 10:00 p.m. 

Can I bring my puppy to the dog park?

Puppies over 4 months with all shots are allowed to come to the park. This is for the safety of young puppies who do not yet have an immune system that protects them from bacteria

Can my small dog play with the bigger dogs? 

Small dogs (30 lbs or less) and puppies should not be in the large dog area.  If you choose to use the large dog area it is your responsibility to keep you small dog safe, not the responsibility of the large dog users

Can I or my children use the agility equipment?

NO! It is for the dogs only

What should I do in an emergency?

If there is an emergency, please call 911. If your dog is seriously injured, please call or go to an emergency vet. Animal Control is not always available when dog park is in use and is not properly equipped to handle emergencies.

What should I do if a person or dog is bitten?

Call Animal Control at 916 625-5434 and call 911 if it becomes an emergency

Do I need to bring water?

No, we have water for the dogs in all three areas. However, if you prefer, feel free to bring your own water and water bowl

Is my dog a good match for an off-leash dog park?

A dog who has a history of playing well with other dogs may be a good candidate. If you know that your dog has fought with or attacked other dogs, however, it’s best not to take him to a dog park. Some dogs simply don’t like other dogs. If your dog’s social history with other dogs is unknown, try introducing him via a private play date to one other very social dog first, to see how he does. The dog park is not a safe place to test the social skills of a dog with an unknown history.

What makes a good dog park?

Good dog parks are well-maintained and have secure fencing and air locks (enclosed entry/exit areas between two gates). The very best dog parks also have posted rules. It’s a good sign when a dog park requires that all dogs entering are licensed and vaccinated, and are spayed or neutered. Although the rules may seem onerous, the better-regulated dog parks are usually safer.

What about etiquette — for dogs and for humans?

A good dog park will have clear etiquette rules for both humans and dogs. As in any social situation, being polite and considerate goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe and happy. These rules may include whether food or toys are allowed, and whether there is a restriction on small children. Even if kids are allowed, it’s never a good idea to take small children to a dog park, since they can get scared, knocked down or hurt by dogs running around and playing. Other good practices include keeping your dog on leash until you are safely in the air lock and removing your dog’s leash before entering the play area.

The humans who use the dog park matter as much as the dogs. Dogs have a way of bringing people together, and most dog people are empathetic and respectful. Your dog park may have a lot of regular attendees, which can be great because it keeps things predictable. Try to be as inviting as possible to newcomers, though, as all social dogs can benefit from an expanded circle of polite canine playmates.

The 10 Unspoken Rules of Dog Park Etiquette

•         Obey the order of play between small dogs vs. Big dogs
•         Have verbal control of your dog
•         When introducing your dog to another dog, keep a little distance
•         Stay with your dog and keep moving
•         Reward good behavior (and intervene on bad behavior)
•        Scoop the poop
•        Exercise first, dog park second
•        Supervise your dog while at the park
•        Leave the kids at home
•        Be cautious about handing out treats

What do I do if I see someone not following the rules?

We encourage everyone to hold others accountable. If you see someone not following the rules (i.e. doesn’t pick up poop, isn’t paying attention to their dog) introduce yourself, remind them of the rule and thank them when they follow through.  If we expect to have a great dog park, we must work together.

What should I do if there is a dog fight?

There is always the possibility that a dog fight will occur. Here are steps to take:

•         Keep calm. Even the calmest, most pleasant, well-adjusted person may become upset, angry or belligerent if they or                their dog is injured in a fight. Emotional behavior is automatic. Try to remain as calm and objective as possible. 
•         Never Reach your Hands into the middle of a dog fight. You may get bitten, possibly by your own dog.
•         To break up a dog fight, grab your dog’s 2 back legs and pull it away from the other dog. 
•         Distract the dogs and divert their attention. A blast of water, a loud whistle, or a pocket air horn may work.
•         If your dog is not in the fight, make sure your dog doesn’t join in.
•         If a fight occurs, control your dog and move your dog to a neutral area.
•         If necessary, exchange contact information with the other dog’s owner. If you can’t because you must attend to your                 dog, designate someone else to get the information. It may be helpful to get the other dog’s owners license plate                          information
•         Take a picture (if it is safe for you to do so)
•         Leave the Park. Dog fights can be traumatic for both dog and owner. It’s good to end your visit to give both of you a                    cool-down period.

Dog Park Do's

•       Do make sure your dog is up to date on his vaccinations and parasite control
•       Do remove your dog's leash in the holding area before joining the other dogs to play
•       Do restrict your dog's play to size-appropriate areas (under 30# and all puppies regardless of size use Small Dog Area
•       Do pickup after your dog inside and outside the dog park
•       Do pay attention to your dog and its behavior - not your cell phone
•       Do make new friends and have fun
•       Do leave the dog park if your dog becomes aggressive or fearful with other dogs and/or people

Dog Park DON”TS

•       Don't bring your dog to the dog park if they are sick . They can infect other dogs (Kennel Cough, Giardia, etc.)  
•      Don't take a puppy to the dog park under 4 months or if it has not had all vaccinations
•       Don't take your dog's valuables to the park
•       Don't bring an unneutered adult male to the dog park - it may result in fights!   
•       Don't bring food or treats to the dog park
•      Don’t allow  your dog to bully other dogs
•      Don’t bring balls or toys if your dog is possessive of them
•      Don’t  hit or kick another person’s dog. EVER
•     Don't  bring a female dog in heat to the dog park
•     Don't ever leave your dog unattended
•     Don't smoke - cigarette butts are toxic to dogs and it's a violation of City of Rocklin Ordinance
•     Don't bring small children to the dog park, especially on the large side.  We are not responsible if they are injured

How can disagreements at the dog park be resolved?

As with any social circumstance, there will inevitably be disagreements at dog parks, both between dogs and between humans. It’s best to think of these as opportunities to find ways to keep everyone safe and happy. Sometimes a dog will “disagree” with another dog about whether play is appropriate. This can lead to squabbles, which do not necessarily lead to fights. In fact, a brief scuffle with growling or barking, with little to no physical contact, can be an opportunity for dogs to learn from each other. With that said, any dog who becomes agitated or upset — or starts fights — should be removed from the park.

The most important thing for humans at the park to agree on is that everyone, dogs and humans alike, should feel safe there. If you are uncomfortable with the style or intensity of play, your dog may start to feel uncomfortable, too. The best thing to do in a situation like that is to ask for a “consent test”: Separate the dogs briefly and then, if both want to go back to playing, let them. If any dog looks happy to stay away from the play, give him a break. There’s never a bad time to do a consent test; the worst that will happen is that play will be interrupted for a few seconds.

It’s healthiest for the dogs when their humans are respectful and considerate of each other.

 Dog Park Essentials

1. Water and Water Bowl. Dog
2. Waste Bags. Don't forget to bring your own dog waste bag in case the park supplied bags run out
3. Breakaway Collar
4. Identification Tags
5. Leash
6. Cell Phone
7. Air horn or whistle to break-up dog fights
8. Super Soaker Water Gun

Why don’t we have grass?

Grass is high maintenance, requires mowing and sod replacement.  Frequent watering which will damage the Old Heritage Oak trees; weed control and foxtail potential. Additionally grass gets soggy and requires dog park closure often; especially in the winter when it floods.

Most dog parks use decomposed granite. Why didn’t RRUFF?

Decomposed granite is expensive to install, contains silica which can be harmful to dogs and can cut in between their toes. It is very hot, bright and reflective in sunshine; can adversely change the water relations in the soil around the Old Heritage Oak trees and will reduce water infiltration into the soil

Why did we select 100% Natural Cedar Playground Bark?

After consulting with an environmental biologist, arborist and soil specialist, we selected the 100% Natural Cedar Playground bark for the following reasons:

•         Organic material is “Magic” between growth and no growth – perfect balance
•         The Micro Flora of the soil is critical for good health
•         Contains green waste such as oak leaves, pine needles and chips
•         6” deep layer will eliminate foxtails
•         Old Heritage Oak trees will benefit
•         Nutrient complex is greater
•         Water penetrates better
•         No silica, therefore is people and dog-friendly
•         Lower temperature and natural light

Please note:  Unaltered Male dogs are normally not allowed at the RRUFF Dog Park.  Because of new medical standards and recommendations, many breeds should not be neutered before age TWO.   ANY dog over two that is not neutered is not allowed inside the dog park.  NO EXCEPTIONS

Important Reminder:  If your dog is aggressive, PLEASE DO NOT BRING IT TO THE RRUFF DOG PARK UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  Animal Control will be notified.  Too many dog park users are bringing their aggressive dogs and this is causing problems for the other users and their dogs. Please be responsible and considerate.