Dog Park Tips & Etiquette

1 Before You Go

Orange County Dog Licensing Requirements

Orange County requires all dogs to be licensed and have current rabies vaccinations. You can get your license at the Orange County Animal Services office or online. The cost varies for spayed/neutered dogs versus intact animals. Keep the tag on your dog's collar at all times—park rangers and other visitors may ask to see it. Many Orlando dog parks also require proof of vaccination before entry.

What to Bring Checklist

• Poop bags (at least 3-4) – Parks sometimes run out, and you'll need extras for accidents.
• Collapsible water bowl – Communal bowls can spread disease. Bring your own.
• Fresh water bottle – Florida's heat and humidity means dogs dehydrate quickly.
• Leash – You'll need it for the walk to and from the off-leash area.
• High-value treats (keep in your pocket) – For emergency recall. Never share openly at the park.
• Towel – Many Orlando parks have water features or your dog might enjoy Lake Baldwin's dog beach.
• First aid basics – Antiseptic wipes, gauze, and your vet's number.
• Proof of vaccination – Some parks or other owners may ask, especially for puppies.
• Sunscreen (for you) – Florida's sun is intense, even in winter.
• A good attitude – Seriously. Relaxed owners make for relaxed dogs.

Seasonal and Weather Preparation

Orlando weather is hot and humid for much of the year. In summer, early mornings before 9am or evenings after 6pm are best—asphalt and concrete can burn paws when ground temps exceed 130°F. Watch for Florida's famous afternoon thunderstorms that can roll in quickly, especially from June through September. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions. In winter, temperatures are mild but can occasionally dip, so lighter-coated dogs may appreciate a jacket on cooler mornings.

Is Your Dog Ready for Off-Leash Parks?

Not every dog is cut out for the dog park, and that's okay. Before you go, honestly assess: Does your dog reliably come when called? Can they handle excitement without becoming aggressive or fearful? Have they been around other dogs before without major issues? If your dog is reactive, extremely shy, or has a history of aggression, start with controlled playdates or work with a trainer first. The dog park isn't the place to "socialize" an undersocialized dog—it often makes things worse.

2 At the Park

Proper Entry Protocol

Most Orlando dog parks have a double-gate system. Here's how to use it correctly: Enter the first gate with your dog still leashed. Close it completely behind you. Look around the main area—is it calm? Is there a pack of dogs rushing the gate? Wait for the crowd to disperse if needed. Then remove your dog's leash, open the second gate, and let them enter. Never hold the gate open while you fumble with leash clips. The double-gate exists to prevent escapes, so use it properly.

Reading Dog Body Language

Learning to read dogs can prevent most conflicts before they start. A play bow (front end down, butt up) means "let's have fun"—that's a good sign. Loose, wiggly body and a relaxed open mouth indicate a happy dog. But watch for warning signs: stiff posture, a body that freezes mid-motion, whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes), raised hackles, or a tucked tail. A low growl isn't always aggression, but a hard stare combined with stillness usually means trouble is coming.

Taking Breaks

Dogs don't always know when to stop. If you notice your dog panting heavily, moving slower, or getting snippy with other dogs, it's break time. Call them over, have them sit with you for 2-3 minutes, offer some water, and let their excitement level drop. This is especially important in Orlando's heat for high-energy breeds who will run themselves into exhaustion. Regular breaks every 10-15 minutes can prevent overexertion and keep play sessions positive.

Step-by-Step Conflict Intervention

If things escalate, stay calm. Yelling or panicking makes it worse. First, try a loud, firm "HEY!" or clap sharply—this often breaks the focus. If that doesn't work, approach from behind and grab your dog's back legs (not the collar—you might get bitten). Pull backward in a wheelbarrow motion. Once separated, put distance between the dogs immediately. Check both dogs for injuries. Exchange information with the other owner if there's any bite or injury. And be honest with yourself about whether your dog caused the problem.

3 Safety Tips

Orlando-Specific Hazards

Florida's climate brings unique challenges. The heat and humidity can lead to heat stroke much faster than in drier climates. Watch for fire ants—their mounds are common in grassy areas and bites are painful for dogs. Near lakes and ponds, be aware of potential alligators and water moccasins. Keep dogs away from the water's edge in unfamiliar areas. Mosquitoes carry heartworm, so keep your dog on prevention year-round. After visits to parks with natural areas, check for ticks.

Seasonal Safety

Summer (May-September): Ground temperatures can exceed 130°F even when air temp is just 85°F. Press your hand to the pavement—if you can't hold it there for 7 seconds, it's too hot for paws. Stick to grassy areas or visit during cooler hours. Heat stroke can kill quickly; watch for excessive drooling, glazed eyes, or wobbling. Afternoon thunderstorms are daily occurrences—have an exit plan.

Winter (November-February): Orlando winters are mild, making this the ideal season for dog park visits. Temperatures rarely drop below 40°F, but short-haired breeds may need a light jacket on cooler mornings. This is peak tourist season, so parks may be busier with visiting dogs.

Emergency Protocols

Know before you go: Save your regular vet's number and an emergency animal hospital in your phone. In Orlando, options include Pet Emergency Center, Animal Emergency Center of Sandy Springs, and VCA Emergency Animal Hospital. If your dog is bitten, apply pressure with a clean cloth, keep them calm, and head to the vet—even small punctures can abscess. If you suspect heat stroke, move to shade immediately, apply cool (not cold) water to the belly and paw pads, and get to a vet fast.

Disease Prevention

Dog parks are hotspots for contagious diseases. Kennel cough spreads like wildfire—if you hear dogs coughing at the park, consider leaving. Keep your dog's bordetella vaccine current. Canine influenza is another concern; ask your vet if the vaccine makes sense for your situation. Parasites like giardia thrive in Florida's warm, wet environment, so don't let your dog drink from puddles. Heartworm prevention is essential year-round in Florida due to the mosquito population.

4 Etiquette

Phone Usage and Distractions

We get it—scrolling your phone is tempting when your dog is happily playing. But distracted owners are the number one cause of preventable incidents. Things escalate fast, and by the time you look up from Instagram, your dog might already be in trouble. Keep your phone in your pocket except for emergencies. You can post those cute photos later. Your job is to supervise, period.

Handling Rule-Breakers Diplomatically

You'll encounter owners who bring treats, let aggressive dogs run loose, or ignore their dog's bad behavior. Confrontation rarely helps. Try a friendly, non-accusatory approach: "Hey, just so you know, my dog gets weird around food—would you mind putting those treats away?" If that doesn't work, your best bet is often to just leave and come back another time. It's frustrating, but not worth the drama or potential danger.

Using Small vs. Large Dog Areas

Most Orlando parks with separate areas define "small" as under 25-35 pounds. These divisions exist for good reason—a playful 70-pound Lab can accidentally injure a 10-pound Chihuahua even with the best intentions. Use the appropriate area based on your dog's size. If your small dog is confident and loves big dogs, you can use the large dog area at your own risk—but never bring a large dog into the small dog section "just because it's emptier."

5 First-Time Visitor Guide

Choosing Your First Park

For your first visit, pick a park that matches your dog's personality. If they're shy, start with a smaller, quieter park during off-peak hours—weekday mornings are usually calmest. If your dog is social and energetic, larger parks like Lake Baldwin or Dr. Phillips Paw Park offer more room to run. Check out our park listings for details on amenities and typical crowd levels.

What to Expect

Your first visit might be overwhelming for both of you. Keep it short—15-20 minutes is plenty. Watch how your dog interacts. Do they approach other dogs politely? Do they come when you call? Are they showing signs of stress or fear? Don't force interactions. If your dog wants to sniff around the perimeter for the entire visit, that's fine. Let them set the pace and build confidence gradually.

Building Good Habits Early

The habits you establish in the first few visits will stick. Practice recall constantly—call your dog, reward them when they come, then release them to play again. This teaches them that coming to you doesn't mean the fun ends. Stay engaged and moving rather than parking on a bench. A moving owner is easier to keep track of, and walking with your dog helps you stay aware of developing situations.