Leash-Free Parks

Dog Etiquette in Parks

In addition to knowing when and where dogs are allowed off leash, there are some simple guidelines for dog owners to follow while at a leash free park:

• You are responsible for the actions of your dog.
• Ensure you have control of your dog at all times, whether on or off the leash.
• Stay with your dog at all times.
• Your dog should remain leashed until safely in the park; remove your dog’s leash when you enter the leash-free area. Mixing on-leash and off-leash dogs can cause stress in the leashed dogs which may lead to aggression. Owners should carry a leash at all times.
• You may have a maximum of two dogs off the leash at one time.
• No aggressive dogs are allowed.  If your dog is bullying, please leave the park.
• Leave your toys at home. Regardless of your dog’s reaction to toys, other dogs may have issues with guarding behavior. 
• Pick up and dispose of your dog's waste.
• Make sure your dog is wearing a current license tag on its collar and has current vaccinations.
• Do not bring a female dog in heat to the park; her presence can create fights and aggression for the other dogs.
• Pit bulls must be muzzled and leashed at all times (Dog Owners Liability Act R.S.O 1990 C.D.16 Ontario Regulation 157/05)
• If you bring children with you, you must supervise them at all times and do not allow them to approach dogs that they do not know. It is not recommended to bring infants and toddlers.

With the exception of designated leash-free parks and private property, all dogs must be on a leash and controlled by a competent person in the City of Burlington. When visiting leash-free parks, be aware there are unleashed dogs at play. You are entering the park at your own risk.