RULES OF THE DOG PARK

It's all fun and games-as long as you plan your visit correctly and everybody plays nice.

- JUNO DEMELO

Make Sure Your Dog Is Ready

Every dog has his day. It's just not always at the dog park! Potential candidates should be friendly, fixed, fully vaccinated, and at least 6 months old, says Alexandra Bassett, a certified dog trainer and behavior specialist in Los Angeles. "Ideally, pets should also follow some basic obedience cues-such as 'come,' 'down,' and 'stay'-even in distracting environments," Bassett says. If it's your first time, consider finding a park with separate areas for small and large dogs so your pup can play with others his size, and try to go during off-peak hours (generally midday on weekdays and late afternoon on weekends). And always look for signs outlining specific rules of the park.

Bring Three Things— and Only Three Things