Seger Park Dog Owners Association

Ok, so you’re at the park and you see two dogs about to face off. Or worse yet, a full fledge fight is underway.
What do you do? How can you minimize injuries? How can you keep the peace?

“All of a Sudden”
It’s rare for dogs to instantaneously fight. In 99% of most altercations have several ‘warm up’ arguments prior to an actual fight.
Look for repeated humping or “lean overs” - one dog placing it’s chin over another dog’s back repeatedly. As arousal levels increase, dogs that appear to be “boxing” with the back feet on the ground and the front feet off the ground, are often approaching the tipping point.

If your dog is involved in a fight or other such incident in the park, we ask that you use this form to file a report (you must be logged into the site to access this attachment). This helps us determine what circumstances are most likely to lead to fights. We can then establish groundrules that avoid these situations and lead to a more peaceful environment. It also helps us identify dogs that exhibit problem behavior and take steps appropriate to the circumstances.

You may cut and paste the following into a WORD document or download the form at the bottom of this page using Adobe if you are logged in to our site. If you don’t have Adobe, you may click here to Download it.

Please remember to be courteous to all park visitors. We ask that you not smoke and that you pick up after your dog. Thank you.

Dog Poo Fact Sheet
Dog poo can be a major worry for local communities and councils because of the potential health, environmental and amenity impacts.
Concern about the presence of dog poo in public places such as streets, parks and on beaches often rates highly in public opinion surveys.

The problem with dog poo
Some dog droppings contain harmful bacteria and nutrients. They can be washed through the stormwater system into natural waterways and Port Phillip Bay, which may contribute to excessive E. coli pollution readings on beaches following heavy rainfalls.

We try to provide plastic bags for those who may have forgotten to bring one. If you have additional bags at home, please bring them to the park and help us replenish the supply.

Also, when you are picking up after your pets, look around to see if there are any other "deposits" that your neighbors have missed. Your help is needed to keep the park clean and safe.

A compilation of official rules and of considerate behaviors to improve every body's dog run experiences.

* Open only one gate at a time and close each gate after you pass through. The double gate is designed for the safety of nearby pedestrians and drivers in addition to all the dogs in the park.

* Do not bring food into the park of feed other dogs in the park. Food can trigger aggressive behavior. In addition, many dogs are on strict diets for weight control or other health issues.

* Do not smoke in the park. It irritates some dogs and owners, and could cause a fire.

* Keep an eye on your dog at all times, and be considerate of other dogs and owners. Your dog's rough play or mounting may make other dogs or owners uncomfortable. Keep a collar on your dog while in the park so that you or others can hold and control the dog if necessary.

Articles of incorporation of the SPDOA.

HOURS OF OPERATION: 6AM to 10PM

1. Please observe city laws, including:
   1. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated; tags must be worn at all times.
   2. You must clean up after your pet(s).
   3. Dogs outside of the dog run must remain on-leash at all times.
2. No biting, fighting or bullying. You are responsible for removing your dog from the dog run following any display of aggressive behavior.
3. Dogs must be accompanied at all times.
4. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
5. No dogs in heat allowed.
6. Limit three (3) dogs per owner/walker.

The City of Philadelphia requires that all dogs be registered and licensed. Licensing is done through the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. The licensing fee is nominal and varies according to the type of license you request and whether or not your pet is neutered. Additional information can be found by following the Dog Licensing Information link above, or by calling (215) 683-LOST (5678). To view or print the License Application at this site, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.

The SPDOA bulletin board is a service to our members and park users that enables us to inform everyone of upcoming events, plans for the dog run, and other issues relating to the park. We ask that you not post any business cards or other notices on the board, as we cannot endorse information other than our own. We thank you for your energy and inspiration, and encourage your increased involvement in dog park operations.