Wantage Dog Park Sussex County, NJ

Park Rules & Safety

A few simple rules keep the park fun and safe for every dog and every owner. You are responsible for your dog — use of the park is at your own risk.

Park rules

  1. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
  2. Shock collars, choke collars, prong (pinch) collars, and spike collars are prohibited for the safety of your dog(s) and other visitors.
  3. Only small dogs and older dogs are permitted to use the Small Dog Park.
  4. Female dogs in heat and sick dogs are prohibited from entering the Dog Park.
  5. Owners must maintain control over their dog(s) at all times.
  6. Do not throw toys for your dog if the park is crowded.
  7. Dog owners must have possession of a leash at all times.
  8. Refrain from giving your dog treats when other dogs are nearby.
  9. Immediately leash and remove your dog if it becomes threatening or aggressive.
  10. Any dog over the age of 4 months must be healthy, vaccinated against rabies, and legally licensed.
  11. While inside the boundaries of any dog exercise area, an adult must accompany children under the age of 16.
  12. Dogs may be off-leash in the fenced-in areas only.
  13. Keep gates closed at all times.
  14. Fill holes and stop dogs from digging.
  15. Do not leave dogs unattended. Abandonment of animals is prohibited and illegal.
  16. To help keep the dog park clean, do not groom animals in the park.
  17. Owners are responsible for any injuries caused by their dog.
  18. No human or dog food allowed in the park.
  19. No smoking.
  20. Two-dog limit per adult visitor (2 adults = 4 dogs maximum, etc.).

Dog park safety

Wantage Dog Park is a recreational facility for friendly canines and their owners, regardless of where they reside, to enjoy at no cost. The 8-acre park has 4+ fenced-in acres providing space for dogs to run off-leash, interact with other dogs and people, and enjoy freedom.

Start in the small dog area if unsure

If you have a small dog, puppy, shy dog, or old dog, you are welcome to begin by letting your dog exercise in the “small dog area.” If you are worried about your dog's reaction to new dogs, try coming to the park when it is not very busy.

Take the leash off in the vestibule

It is important that your dog is off leash when meeting new doggie friends in the park. Leashes make dogs feel trapped — if one dog is on leash and another is off leash, the leashed dog can become aggressive for fear that he might be attacked and not be able to get away. Remove your dog's leash in the vestibule before entering the final gate into the park.

Normal greetings vs. warning signs

When dogs greet each other there is a lot of sniffing and movement. Tails wag, ears may go back, and they may bow, squeal, or bark. If a dog is nervous, the hair on his back may stand up — this is not usually a sign of aggression but rather fear. With practice, dogs get better at meeting and greeting strange dogs.

The only time to become concerned is if two dogs stiffen, stare at each other, and stop moving. This confrontational behavior should be discouraged and can usually be stopped with a calm, sharp, growling command of “knock it off” from the owner.

If a dogfight breaks out

Occasionally dogs will get into a disagreement. Do not attempt to break up a dogfight with your hands by reaching for a collar. Dousing the dogs with water may distract them enough to get them to stop. You can also try throwing a towel or jacket over the dogs to break their concentration enough to allow you to separate them.

If your dog is a persistent bully and repeatedly gets into arguments with other dogs, the dog park is probably not the best place for him or her to exercise.

Leave toys and treats at home when it's busy

Toys and treats can prompt aggression as dogs become possessive and competitive around other dogs. The park is a place for dogs to interact and play with each other. We want all to have fun and be safe, so stay alert to potential doggie disagreements.

Grievances

If you have a grievance with another owner, please use our Grievance Form (PDF), with discretion.