Bark Rangers Charter

Bark Rangers are members of the Cary Dog Park Club that assist the Town of Cary with the Cary Off-Leash Dog Park. Bark Rangers politely remind offenders of the posted rules and report blatant disregard of the rules to Town of Cary. Bark Rangers may also assist in breaking up dog fights. They also will have knowledge of the park history and plans and therefore can serve as a resource to members of the dog park community.

Bark Rangers will:

Have memorized the rules of the dog park and politely remind offenders of said rules and why they are necessary for the safety of the dog park.

• No children 12 and under are allowed inside dog park. Bark rangers will carry cards that explain why it is unsafe for children in the park (see appendix A)
• No strollers, bicycles, tricycles, big-wheels, wagons etc. Only wheelchairs or motor scooters used by people with physical challenges are allowed.
• No food (animal or people), treats or bones.
• Dogs under 4 months are not allowed within park.
• No females in heat.
• No smoking inside the dog park.
• No littering and pick up after animal. Bark Rangers will carry a bag (or more) at all time and offer it to offenders.
• Maximum of 2 dogs per handler and must have a park pass.

Safety, Education and Assistance

• Will be able to identify appropriate and inappropriate play and educate owners when appropriate.
• Assist in breaking up fights (when safe to do so) and fight prevention..
• Bark Rangers will have a whistle on lanyard to use to break up fights that are escalating.
• Will be able to educate members on safe ways to break up the fight.
• Will be able to advise on techniques to avoid fighting and aggressive behavior.
• Will be alert to signs of fearful and aggressive dogs. Will advise owners on techniques and alternatives.
• Will assist parties in the case of injury or dog bites:
  • Advising that animal control needs to be contacted in case of bite. Also will advise TOC.
  • Advise in case of injury to exchange phone numbers and names. When in doubt, recommend medical assistance. Bark Rangers will know the closest medical facilities. Will advise TOC of incident.
• Will educate proper use of the gates.
• Take feedback regarding the park operation and forward it to the TOC.

Each Bark Ranger will:

• Go through an initial training session
• Receive:
  • An identification badge for lanyard.
  • A whistle
  • A set of cards (see appendix A)
  • A handbook
  • On-going support from Cary Dog Park Bark Ranger Committee. This will include continuing education on dog behavior and updates on park plans.
  • Scheduled meetings (dates to be determined) with the Cary Dog Park Bark Ranger Committee to discuss issues, ways to improve, etc.

Town of Cary or the Cary Dog Park Bark Ranger Committee chair may revoke bark ranger status at any time.

The Bark Ranger program may be terminated at any time by either the Town of Cary or the Cary Dog Park Club.

Appendix A

Reasons why it isn’t safe for your child to be in the dog park today:

• Not all dogs are socialized with children.
• Some dogs see children (with their quick movements and small size) as prey. A child running may be seen as prey.
• Some herding dogs will attempt to herd your child. The dog may naturally herd with small nips to the back of legs.
• Your dog may become territorial over your child. Other dogs may also become territorial over your child. This can cause a fight that could injure or scare your child.
• When dogs are playing, they naturally mouth, mount and may body slam. A dog may mistake your child for another playmate.
• The dog park can be quite overwhelming to children.
• If there is a biting incident or worse the dog park could be closed down.

Please play it safe and have your child stay outside the dog park. Failure to follow the rules of the dog park may result in loss of park privileges.