The dog park is considered by many as one of the greatest things since sliced bread. And then, there are those instances where conflicts arise between dogs, people, or both that can cast a dark shadow over the illustrious dog park. So, here are a few rules of etiquette to follow before taking your dog to the park.

1. Make sure your dog is fully vaccinated before taking them to a park with other dogs. This usually means that puppies under the age of four months should avoid these canine playgrounds until cleared by their vet. Also, make sure your dog is healthy before exposing them to other dogs. A very common dog parasite is the tapeworm. These annoying critters are carried through the eggs of fleas or through dog feces. Since dogs sometimes eat the droppings of other dogs, eat fleas that are biting them, or lick the ground where other dogs have pooped they can easily contract this worm.

2. The issue with tapeworms can be easily mitigated by one main thing. Pick up after your dog. Watch them when in the park. If they poop, go get it. Don't be irresponsible and leave it for someone else to pick up. Don't be afraid to pick up abandoned poo. Not everyone will be as attentive as you.

3. Make sure your dog is socialized and can handle the excitement and crowd in a dog park. If your dog is at all aggressive, do not bring them to the park. Not all dogs enjoy playing with other dogs. Don't force it. If your dog exhibits any behavior that could be construed by a person or dog as fearful or aggressive, consider leaving immediately. If you aren't sure how your dog will behave, take them to the fence outside the park, on a leash, and allow the dog to watch what's happening inside the park. You should get a good feel for how they will behave. THE DOG PARK IS NOT THE PLACE TO WORK ON ANY BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS.

4. Don't bring food, drink, or toys into the park. Dog aggression can be fueled by conflict over treats or toys. This includes food for you.

5. Always follow the park rules on dog size. You know how much your dog weighs. Don't put a Yorkshire Terrier in the yard with the big dogs, and don't put your black Lab in the yard with the tiny dogs.

6. Little children should not play in the same area as the dogs. Running, screaming, or wrestling children can fuel herding or protective behaviors. Also, dogs running and playing can sometimes run into people. A small child doesn't have much of a chance against a pack of playing dogs that can weigh hundreds of pounds.

7. You and your pup should have good manners. Your excited dog should not randomly jump into the laps of strangers. And you, as a dog owner, should always set an example for polite behavior, no matter how irritated you might be.

8. Make sure you work with your dogs on the simple basic commands of sit, stay, come, and leave it. You may need these when in the park.

9. Don't discipline another person's dog. Feel free to politely address any situation with the dog's owner. If a dog is behaving badly or you are afraid another dog or person could be injured by a dog's behavior, politely address it with the owner. If you don't feel comfortable doing so, get help from one of the other dog owners.

10. Make sure your dog is wearing the allowed collar. No dog clothes, pinch collars, harnesses, or other things another dog can get themselves tangled in or break a tooth on while playing.

11. Follow the rules posted by park management. They are there for the safety of both you and your dogs.

12. Get into the camaraderie and culture of the dog park. Get to know the other owners and their dogs. But most of all...you and your dog should both have fun!