Safety & Rules
At the SaddleBrooke Dog Park, we are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable environment for all dogs and their owners.
The following guidelines will help ensure every visit remains positive for everyone.
General Park Safety
- Remove your dog from the park immediately if they show signs of aggression or if play becomes unsafe.
- Be mindful at the entrance gates. When a new dog arrives, call or move your dog away so they can enter calmly.
- Keep your dog within sight at all times.
- Give your full attention to your dog while in the park.
- Separate agitated dogs and, if needed, remove them or move them to the other side of the park to calm down.
Resolve Issues Through Communication
We value a sense of community among our members. If you experience an issue with another dog or owner, start with calm, respectful communication. Most situations can be resolved quickly when approached constructively. Speak politely, explain your concern, and listen to the other owner’s perspective. Often, a small adjustment—such as leashing, redirecting, or a simple apology—resolves the problem and maintains goodwill within our park community.
Prioritize Safety
Our safety protocols follow official SaddleBrooke Dog Park Rules and Arizona State Law Statutes §11-1014 and §11-1025.
If an aggressive incident, bite, or other immediate threat to safety occurs, report it right away so appropriate action can be taken.
Arizona Law Requirements
Dog bites must be reported to Pinal County Animal Care and Control at (520) 509-3555 per Arizona state law.
State law also requires the dog to be quarantined for at least ten days.
The owner of a dog that bites a person is legally liable for any resulting damages.
Arizona State Legislature Website
Report Incidents Promptly
If an incident occurs, please complete the Incident Report Form using the button below. The Safety Committee will review all submissions and provide recommendations to the Board for resolution. Committee members must recuse themselves from cases involving their own dogs.
Rules
Dog Park Rules
Similar to other dog parks, our rules have been established based on proven effectiveness in maintaining a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. Our top priority is to keep all visitors—both two-legged and four-legged—safe, healthy and happy during their time at the park.
Important Note: Please be aware that all activities within the park are conducted at your own risk. The SaddleBrooke Dog Park Association, along with its members and Board of Directors, will not be held liable for any pet injuries, injuries to individuals or loss of property that may occur during your visit.
Clean up after your dog. Waste receptacles are provided for your convenience. Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for the health of our dogs and visitors. If you notice a full receptacle or waste on the ground, please take the initiative to address it. Our park relies on volunteer efforts and everyone is responsible for its upkeep. There is no paid maintenance staff to clean up after you or your pet.
Manage aggressive behavior immediately. If your dog displays signs of aggression such as snarling, growling or snapping, leash and remove them from the park promptly. Dogs, like humans, have their moods and it's best to prevent incidents before they occur. If you notice your dog showing signs of dislike toward another, consider arranging visits at different times to avoid conflict.
Report incidents promptly. In the event of an incident, please complete the INCIDENT REPORT FORM. The Safety Committee will review all information and provide recommendations to the Board for resolution. Members of the safety committee must recuse themselves from cases involving their own dogs.
Ensure up-to-date vaccinations. All dogs entering the park must have current rabies vaccinations, as required by Arizona State Law. Members must provide renewal vaccination certificates to Judy Luning at ljudy59@aol.com. While rabies vaccination is mandatory, we also highly recommend keeping all other vaccinations, such as Parvo, current. Female dogs in heat or those that are sick or injured are not permitted in the park.
Follow leash protocols. Upon entering the de-leashing area, remove your dog's leash. Do not enter the park with your dog on a leash (unless classes are being held in that area). Please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Limit three dogs per handler.
- Supervise your dog(s) at all times.
- Excessive barking is not permitted.
- Pinal County Leash Law stipulates that dogs must be leashed outside the park.
- Exercise caution when entering or exiting the park to avoid conflicts between leashed and unleashed dogs.
Exclusive access for SaddleBrooke residents. The SaddleBrooke Dog Park is reserved for SaddleBrooke residents only. If you bring a guest, all rules apply to them as well.
No food allowed. Please refrain from bringing food into the park.
We appreciate your collaboration in guaranteeing a safe and pleasant experience for every visitor to the SaddleBrooke Dog Park!
Revision Adopted May 9, 2018
Etiquette
Dog Park Etiquette
A Dog Park is where your leash-less pet is free to sniff, run, and socialize with other dogs. But like any social activity, it's important to know basic rules of etiquette. In this case, it's not just a matter of a social faux pas—failing to comply can put your dog and other pets at risk. An hour at the dog park is like a dozen walks on a leash in terms of physical and mental benefits for your pet. By following the suggestions below, you and your dog should have enjoyable times in the SaddleBrooke Dog Park.
Entering the dog park. We have a double entrance. The first is where you take your dog off leash. It is imperative that you pause to look around and if there are 20 dogs swarming the gate, don’t enter the park. A pause will also allow other pooches to get used to yours and not go hyper when you do enter. If there are dogs swarming the gate, you have every right to ask their owners to get control of their dogs and let yours in.
People socialization. One of the benefits of a Dog Park, is that it becomes a great place to make new friends and socialize. Unfortunately, this leads to the canines being unattended. Know when your dog has pooped so you can scoop!
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A FIGHT BREAKS OUT? Despite your best efforts, it can happen. Make sure you're ready and give it a moment. Most doggie duels end as quickly as they started.
- • If they go at it for more than a few seconds, try to squirt them with a hose or water bottle. If they’re still fighting after about 5 seconds, you and the other owner should approach the dogs from the rear. Gently grab their back legs at the top of the leg and lift them up like a wheelbarrow then start moving back. Don't reach for the collar. Your dog could bite you by reflex.
- • After any altercation, leave the park. Your dog must learn this is not acceptable behavior. Time-out works!
First time visit. If you have not been to a dog park before, or new to SaddleBrooke, it is always best to come at a time when the park is not in heavy use. Morning from 6-8 AM and afternoons from 3-5 are busy. Bring your dog at a less active time to become familiar with the new environment.
Know when to go to the park. If your dog has an attitude, go for a walk and let them get over it, before entering the park. Don't go to the dog park if your furry pal isn’t current on vaccinations. Dogs that are not spayed or neutered are not good candidates for a dog park.
Puppies. Rabies vaccinations are given at 4 months. No dog may enter the park without a Rabies Vaccination. Puppies who have not completed all vaccinations may be exposed to diseases their immune system is not prepared to fight.
A supportive culture. Help other members, especially new members, feel welcomed in the park. Always give suggestions with grace and kindness. Please adhere to the Code of Ethics for all SaddleBrooke Residents. The use of profane or abusive language will not be tolerated. If someone is trying to be helpful, accept the comments with grace. If you have a small dog in the large Dog Park and a member comes and suggest you leave, you must comply. They know their dog and are probably trying to avoid conflict. If you fill a swimming pool for your dog, it is your responsibility to empty it. We don’t leave sitting water in AZ.. It is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. We are a community-driven dog park located in the heart of the city. Our park is designed to provide a safe and friendly environment for dogs and their owners to socialize and exercise. We have a large open space for running and playing, as well as separate areas for small and large dogs. Our park is equipped with water fountains, waste disposal stations, and plenty of shade. We also offer obedience training classes and special events throughout the year. Come and join us for a paw-some time!
This information is compiled from The American Kennel Club, and other sources available on line for Tips and Rules on Dog Park Etiquette .
