Safety is a Shared Responsibility for All Park Users
The main feature of the park is the Off-Leash Dog Area (OLDA) which is a public/private partnership between Fairfax County Parks Authority (FCPA) and Westgrove P.A.C.K. While leashed dogs are welcome to use all parts of the park, dogs can run free inside the OLDA, subject to the posted rules.
It is a goal of the Westgrove P.A.C.K. to promote a safe and secure environment for dogs and their handlers regardless of dog size, temperament, training and abilities. As they relate to the safety of dogs and handlers in the park, these goals are to:
Should a dog prove problematic, we may request that owners remove their dog from the park until behaviors are controllable. This applies to dogs that are repeatedly demonstrate aggressive behaviors, or owners that fail to adequately monitor and control their dogs.
We encourage reporting of repeat incidents, as well as all serious incidents to Fairfax County Animal Control for further investigation and potential action as provided by under Virginia law. Park users are encouraged to report any incidents of aggressive behavior to County authorities and the Westgrove P.A.C.K. board.
It is a goal of the Westgrove P.A.C.K. to promote a safe and secure environment for dogs and their handlers regardless of dog size, temperament, training and abilities. As they relate to the safety of dogs and handlers in the park, these goals are to:
- Foster a positive culture at Westgrove dog park users where dogs and their human companions have a clean, safe, enjoyable, healthy and well-maintained area for recreation, exercise, training and socialization.
- Ensure that the County-established rules of the OLDA area are followed. These rules were developed in conjunction with Fairfax County. Rules will be clearly posted and made available to park users through a variety of physical and electronic means.
- Educate park users as to the signs, precursors, triggers and behaviors of dogs that are either aggressive, or may cause aggressive behaviors in other dogs at the park. We will also provide informational materials on suggested avoidance, breaking up, and follow up actions that a responsible dog handler should follow.
- Informally work with dog handlers that exhibit dangerous behaviors to help curb or minimize situations and where a dog’s behavior is not aligned with the culture of responsible park use, as well as to build awareness of the potential consequences of repeated dangerous behavior directed at other dogs in the park or their handlers.
Should a dog prove problematic, we may request that owners remove their dog from the park until behaviors are controllable. This applies to dogs that are repeatedly demonstrate aggressive behaviors, or owners that fail to adequately monitor and control their dogs.
We encourage reporting of repeat incidents, as well as all serious incidents to Fairfax County Animal Control for further investigation and potential action as provided by under Virginia law. Park users are encouraged to report any incidents of aggressive behavior to County authorities and the Westgrove P.A.C.K. board.
Report all serious incidents to the Fairfax County Animal Protection Police at 703-691-2131 or via email at [email protected]. In case of emergency, call 911.
How well do you know your dog?
This sounds like a strange question but it is one that a lot of people say “yes” to but then let their dog run free without proper supervision. Again, sounds like a no-brainer but we have a responsibility as a dog owner to:
We offer the following information to park users to assist in understanding and managing sometimes difficult situations in the park.
- Know and Follow the County Rules of the Off Leash Dog Area — they are posted at all of the entrances.
- Be attentive to your dog at all times. This means watching the behavior of your dog and others around it to be at the ready to separate your dog from others.
- Best practice would be to refrain from phone use or other distractions.
- Carry a leash while in the park, should you need to remove your dog from the park.
- Recognize the "Signs" that could escalate to a possible confrontation.
We offer the following information to park users to assist in understanding and managing sometimes difficult situations in the park.
Situation |
Suggested Handler Action(s) |
Dog(s) bullying another dog — Although this will happen occasionally, if it occurs often, aggressive or fearful behaviors are more likely to develop in some dogs because of exposure to the dog park. Individual dogs may bully a dog they perceive to be weaker or more submissive. |
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Aggressive, overly assertive, overly unruly, and under-socialized dogs should not utilize the park. A dog that displays such forceful behaviors, even before coming to the point of fighting with other dogs, can cause other dogs to become excessively fearful. |
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Young dogs or fearful dogs are discouraged from utilizing the park, as they may be made more fearful by highly assertive dogs, highly interactive dogs, or rough play. A fearful dog may snap or bite to defend itself and perhaps develop problems that can be seen outside the confines of a dog park. |
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Lack of knowledge about a dog’s triggers and an understanding of how to de-escalate them. Understanding that YOUR dog may be the source of inappropriate behaviors in other dogs |
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Owner/Handler Inattentiveness Don’t be the one reading a book or with your face in your phone and not paying attention and don’t rely on other dog owners to let you know that something is up with your dog. |
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Dog Handler Awareness Staring, crouching, and other tense body language is a warning sign. Rough play, like a group of aggressive dogs chasing another dog, is also very dangerous. |
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Situational awareness. Be aware of the “regulars” or “new dogs” who often cause problems. Help non-park regulars understand the warning signs and “problem owners” to make the park safer for everyone. |
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Recognizing the Signs of a Potential Dog Fight
- Posture – A dog’s body language can communicate fear, hostility or submission. Learn to read and respond to your own dog’s body language and be alert for the body language if other dogs.
- Packing – More than two or three dogs packed together can sometimes lead to trouble.
- Possession – Whether it’s you, a ball/toy, or a treat that shouldn’t have been brought in, most dogs will protect what is theirs.
- Provoking – If your dog is continuously annoying another dog or demanding another dog’s attention, it’s time to remove your dog from the situation.
Pay close attention to your dog and be aware of where he/she is and what they are doing at all times. Stay close enough to control or protect your dog if an issue arises. Keep a collar or harness on your dog at all times so you have something to grab if needed.
Fairfax County Rules pertaining to dog parks include requirements that Owners must carry their leash with them at all times, and that dogs must be on leash until inside the first gate of the entrance. There are also prohibitions on common "triggers" such as dog food, treats, and toys - all of which are not permitted in the dog park.
When all else fails, just leave the Park. Take a walk around the outside of the park. Use training methods to help your dog and understand they need guidance from you.
Most importantly always remember… Your dog is your personal property. If a fight occurs, you must trade contact information. You may be responsible for damage or injury caused by your dog!
How to Break Up a Dog Fight
We offer the following informational video that is designed to help equip park users to address dog fights.