1. Pick up after your dog and fill in any holes that your dog digs.  Dog waste left in the park is a nuisance that can spread disease and contaminate surface water, and holes are a hazard to all park users.

2. All dogs must enter and exit the park on a leash. No dog is to be off-leash in the parking lot or other park areas at any time.

3. People and dogs use the park at their own risk.  Keep your dog in sight and under verbal control at all times.

4. Aggressive dog behavior will not be tolerated.  Other park patrons may ask owners of aggressive dogs to leave and hold them liable for injuries caused by their dogs. If you are concerned about a repeatedly aggressive dog, notify the PACK Board, and, if necessary, the Burnsville police.

5. All dogs over the age of four months must be fully licensed and vaccinated. Females in heat are not allowed.

6. For their safety, supervise children inside the park at all times.

7. No human food or dog treats are allowed in the park as their presence may incite aggressive behavior.

8. Park users may use the park between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily.

An Expert Point of View

Cesar Millan, National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer" and author of "Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems," offers his top five tips for success at the Dog Park:

1. Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, has all her shots, and is in good health. Under no circumstances should you bring a sick dog to a dog park!

2. Do not use the dog park as a substitute for the walk! If you drive to the park, leave your car a block away and take your dog on a vigorous walk of at least thirty-five minutes to drain some of her energy. Never take an over-excited dog to the park.

3. While at the park, don't stop using your calm-assertive leadership techniques. Be aware of your dog at all times, and take responsibility for her behavior.

4. A calm-submissive dog will not attract another dog's aggression, but an excited dog, a weak, timid dog, or an aggressive dog can become a fight-magnet.

5. Know your dog! If your dog has poor social skills, is overly fearful or aggressive, or if you have not yet established a calm-assertive leadership stance with your dog, find a more controlled way to introduce her to the company of other dogs such as "play dates" with one or two other dog owners.

If your dog becomes aggressive...

1. Leash your dog immediately. A "time out" in your vehicle or a few leashed laps around the park should redirect their energy.

2. If your dog causes several aggressive incidents with more than one dog, they should be leashed and taken home for the day.

3. If your dog causes serious aggressive incidents on three or more separate visits to the park, please stop coming to the park until you have consulted an animal behaviorist or trainer and have corrected the behavior.

4. If you witness behavior that concerns you, calmly approach the owner and respectfully share your concerns.

Additional Tips

• Be careful when setting items on the ground.  Some dogs view any object on the ground as a toy and will pick up and play with, chew on or dunk them!  If you bring personal items with you, please use the tables.

• You will most likely get dirty and wet, so dress accordingly. There is a dog-washing station across the parking lot from the park entrance.

• Secure your vehicle by closing windows, locking doors, and activating alarm.  Do not leave valuables (i.e., keys, radar detectors, removable stereos, compact discs, wallets, purses, checkbooks, credit cards, etc.) in your vehicle while it is unattended.  Report suspicious activity and vandalism immediately to the Burnsville Police Department at
  (952) 895-4600.

• Read this article, Dog Park Etiquette by Peggy J. Lee, LICSW, which ran in the Star Tribune newspaper on November 24, 2007 for more great tips.