FAQs

Oct 13, 2011 | 0 comments

Below is a list of the FAQs which we have received and answered. If you have a question which you feel should be on this list, please submit it to us at faq@chelmsforddogassociation.org.

Q: Why are the FAQs so bare right now?
A: Questions (and answers) will be added as they are presented. The Dogs FAQ will be updated as time allows.

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Dog Park (10)

This question gets asked quite frequently.
The biggest concern that people seem to have is that grass requires upkeep (mowing, occasional replanting, etc)
While this is true, the choice of ground cover was considered very carefully and was chosen after a significant amount of research.

This question gets asked quite frequently.

The biggest concern that people seem to have is that grass requires upkeep (mowing, occasional replanting, etc)

While this is true, the choice of ground cover was considered very carefully and was chosen after a significant amount of research.

The goal is not to have a perfect, golf-course-like, surface. The goal is to have surface that is good for the dogs, good for the environment and sustainable (both in maintenance and in cost).

  • Grass is self-sustaining, once it gets properly established.
  • Grass is better on the dog’s feet than nearly any other surface.
    (For example, many dogs hate the feel of pea stone on their feet.)
  • Grass filters out many of the things in dog waste.
    (The Chelmsford Dog Park is above the North Chelmsford Water aquifer. Our agreement with the water district, when building the park, was to use grass as part of the mitigation.)
  • Other popular suggestions like gravel, mulch, and pea stone are more expensive than grass. They also require regular replacement and maintenance.
    Grass is actually cheaper, overall, than almost any other surface, when you take into account the primary and maintenance costs.
  • Since the Chelmsford Dog Park is mostly an open field – sand, pea stone, and gravel would get very hot in the sun, making it unsafe for dogs to attend the park. Grass stays cool in the sun (and produces oxygen).

 

 

Category: Dog Park

The Chelmsford Dog Park was built using money from grants and donations. The town did not put any tax money into the building of the park and does not have any budget line items for the support and maintenance of the park.  The park is maintained by the Chelmsford Dog Association through the volunteering and generous donations of individuals and organizations who contribute money, equipment and time.

The Chelmsford Dog Park was built using money from grants and donations. The town did not put any tax money into the building of the park and does not have any budget line items for the support and maintenance of the park.  The park is maintained by the Chelmsford Dog Association through the volunteering and generous donations of individuals and organizations who contribute money, equipment and time.

 

 

If you would like to donate: 


If you would like to volunteer, please look at our Volunteer Page or contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Category: Dog Park

The Chelmsford Dog Park is located at 52 Richardson Road, North Chelmsford, MA 01863

The Chelmsford Dog Park is located at 52 Richardson Road, North Chelmsford, MA 01863 – Google Map

The town granted us 2 acres at the former DPW lot which have been landscaped, prepared and made safe for the dogs and their owners.

There is no mail service to that location, so please do not send any thing via USPS or any other method to the park itself.

Any mail can be sent to the Chelmsford Dog Association at PO Box 491, North Chelmsford, MA 01863.

 

Category: Dog Park

The primary surface is grass.
There is an asphalt path around the main area and the small dog area and there is also a mulch-covered hill in the main area.

The primary surface is grass.

There is an asphalt path around the main area and the small dog area and there is also a mulch-covered hill in the main area.

Category: Dog Park

Rules and Regulations for Chelmsford Dog Park

rules_regulationsRules and Regulations for Chelmsford Dog Park

  1. The Town of Chelmsford (or its agent) shall not be liable for any injury or damage caused by dogs or handlers. Owners/handlers are responsible for any injuries caused by the dogs under their control. The dog park area is for dogs, owners/handlers and those accompanying them.
  2. Hours: Dawn to Dusk.
  3. Dogs are to be kept on a leash (not exceeding 6 feet) when outside the dog park fenced in areas.
    Do not have your dog unleashed between your vehicle and the gated entrance.
    Leash and unleash your dog inside the dog park, not in the double gated holding area.
    Do not open the outside gate if the inside gate is open.
    Be patient.
  4. Owners/handlers must carry leash at all times.
  5. No animals other than dogs permitted.
  6. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 6 years of age are not permitted within the park. Handlers must be 16 years of age or older.
  7. Scoop your poop! Owner/handler must immediately clean up after their dog.
    Owner/handler must have in their possession an adequate number of bags, or other appropriate device, for removal of their dog’s waste.
  8. A maximum of two dogs per owner/ handler are allowed in the park at one time.
  9. Aggressive dogs are not allowed.
    If your dog becomes rough or unruly or exhibits aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs, leash him or her and leave the park immediately.

    • Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior, as determined by the animal control officer, will have park privileges revoked.
    • Dogs must display current license and must be properly inoculated, healthy (no contagious conditions, and parasite free. In the event of a dog bite or injury the owner/handler must exchange current tag info and phone numbers.
    • All bites must be reported to Animal Control at (978) 256-0754
  10. Female dogs in any stage of heat are not permitted in the park.
  11.  No puppies under 4 months of age are allowed in the park.
    Puppies under this age are not fully vaccinated and are vulnerable to disease and injury.
  12. Do not bring strollers, carriages, baby carriers, bicycles, skate boards, scooters, children’s toys, or dog toys into the park.
  13. Owner/handler must repair all holes dug by their dog under their supervision.
  14. Owner/handler must be in verbal control of their dog at all times.
  15. Owner/handler must remain in the park and keep their dog within view at all times.
  16. No commercial use of the dog park is allowed without prior agreement, including dog training classes, doggie daycare, dog walkers and/or advertisements.
    • Training space is available for rental.
    • Please contact the Town of Chelmsford by following the instructions on this booking form and PDF.
  17. The dog park will be closed periodically throughout the year for maintenance.

 

ProhibitedKnow_The_Rules

  • Glass containers
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • The use of prong, spike, or choke collars
  • Human and dog food or treats
  • Human or dog toys
Category: Dog Park

The CDA is not responsible for banning people from the Park. The park is on town land, and as such, falls under the jurisdiction of the town management. In order for the town to ban a dog/owner from the park, there must typically be a record of multiple incidents.

The CDA is not responsible for banning people from the Park. The park is on town land, and as such, falls under the jurisdiction of the town management. In order for the town to ban a dog/owner from the park, there must typically be a record of multiple incidents.

This means that incidents need to be reported to the Chelmsford Police! Posting on Facebook does not count as a report. While we appreciate being notified of issues, reporting it to the Chelmsford Dog Association does not count as a report either.

If a person or dog is reported to the Chelmsford Police several times for incidents (or if the action is sufficiently egregious, maybe after only one incident) the Animal Control Officer or other police representative may submit a request to the town government (through the town manager’s office) that the individual (dog or person) be banned from the park. If approved, a “No Trespass” order is issued to the individual and that individual (person/owner) can receive a fine or jail time for violating that order.

Every case is different and is handled individually – there is no “one size fits all” list of things that will be get someone banned.

Category: Dog Park

If a dog in the park is acting aggressively or dangerously toward humans or other dogs, or a human in the park is being belligerent, acting dangerously or breaking the rules (even after a reminder/request or two) – this can and should be escalated to the Chelmsford Police by calling (978) 256-0754.

If a dog in the park is acting aggressively or dangerously toward humans or other dogs, or a human in the park is being belligerent, acting dangerously or breaking the rules (even after a reminder/request or two) – this can and should be escalated to the Chelmsford Police by calling (978) 256-0754. You can also fill out an Incident Report online, which will be sent directly to the Chelmsford Animal Control Officer.

Category: Dog Park

Yes, the dog park has age restrictions on both dogs and humans.
Puppies under the age of 4 months are not allowed in the park.
Human children under the age of 6 are not allowed in the park.

Yes, the dog park has age restrictions on both dogs and humans.

  • Human children under the age of 6 are not allowed in the park. Period.
  • Human children between the ages of 6 and 12 are allowed, in the company of an adult.
  • Human children between the ages of 12 and 16 are allowed, but can not be the primary handler of the dog.
  • Human children over the age of 16 are allowed to be the dog’s handler.

 

  • Puppies under the age of 4 months are not allowed in the park
Category: Dog Park

We all want the dog park to be the fun time for our dogs. A little understanding of dog behavior and an alert eye is all it takes for good dog interaction. A little personal responsibility for the park is all it takes for the park to stay nice and clean.

Dog Park Etiquette

Dog parks can provide exercise and socialization for dogs, but they can also provide problems if dog owners are not paying attention. This is no different from a playground for children. A group of children playing can turn into shoving and crying if children aren’t taught how to behave and parents don’t watch for signs of trouble. And all parents need to clean up after their children to keep the playground safe.

We all want the dog park to be the fun time for our dogs. A little understanding of dog behavior and an alert eye is all it takes for good dog interaction. A little personal responsibility for the park is all it takes for the park to stay nice and clean.

The first step is to only bring dogs to the park that are relaxed around strange dogs. I have two wonderful dogs. One of them loves other dogs. The other has been bitten in the past and is nervous. He shows his nervousness by barking and growling. Some may say this is aggressive, but listening to his growl, you will hear a whine. That whine is the sign that he is scared and unsure of the other dog. I do not bring him to places where strange dogs play. He has a few dog friends that visit and I don’t push him to meet more.

My friendly dog can be overly friendly but I have taught her to approach other dogs slowly. She will roll over if the other dog shows any sign of concern. This is a good trait for a dog because rolling over is like saying “I am not a threat and just want to be friends.”

My neighbor has a dog that lunges and pulls on the leash when he sees other dogs, cars, bicycles, etc. This lunging is a sign of aggression. It could be from nervousness or a more malicious. Either way, like my nervous dog,he should not visit a dog park.

Here are some signals that your dog is being friendly:

  • Approaches other dogs slowly
  • Approaches from the side (even if headed toward another dog, the final few steps should involve moving toward the side of the dog and then turning toward them)
  • Wagging tail
  • Play bow
  • Rolls over or allows other dogs to sniff
  • Barking in a playful manner (you need to know your dog’s different barks)
  • Not paying much attention at all (this doesn’t mean your dog isn’t interested, just that he is not concerned with the other dogs and therefore, he doesn’t need to focus on them)

Here are some signals that your dog is uncomfortable or not ready for a dog park:

  • Whining
  • Growling or unfriendly barking
  • Ears pinned back
  • Ears very forward
  • Tail up (if normally down)
  • Tail tucked between legs (usually means he is scared)
  • Sticking his head between your legs (He’s looking for you to protect him. Do so by leaving the park. He will love you for it.)
  • Showing teeth
  • Lunging or charging other dogs
  • Bumping his shoulder into another dog
  • Stealing toys
  • Jumping on people
  • Jumping on dogs’ backs

(See our FAQ on dog body language)

If you have a dog that may not be friendly enough for the park, you can help him improve. Try bringing him to training classes. Also, try bringing him to the park but do not enter it. Just let him sit in the car and watch the dogs. If he is calm, on the next visit, let him walk around the parking lot on leash. Do this and the training until your trainer says that the dog is ready for the dog park. (You want to get other people’s comments on the dog because we are all biased toward our wonderful animals and it is easy for us to miss something.) Then only let him in when there are just a few dogs. Even dogs that like other dogs can be overwhelmed in a crowd.

Here are the signs of a good owner and supporter of the park:

  • Only brings dogs friendly to other dogs and people
  • Always picks up after his dog
  • Watches his dog and other dogs for possible problems
  • Throws trash in receptacles
  • Lets others know if their dog needs picking up after
  • Never leaves the dog in the park without adult owner supervision
  • Removes dog immediately, at any sign of trouble
  • Keeps the dog leashed except in the fenced area of the park
  • Licenses the dog (just visit town hall for a form)
  • Donates to and/or volunteers for the park

Working together, the Chelmsford Dog Park can be a great place for our friendly dogs to exercise. Dogs that struggle with social situations are always welcome to walk in our other public lands on leash and under their owner’s control.

By Beth Logan, CDA volunteer trainer

Category: Dog Park

We depend on individuals to volunteer and donate. We have many needs, and opportunities. Anything you can do is greatly appreciated! Contact us, either in person at the park, or via one of the contact forms in the menu above.

The Chelmsford Dog Association is a group of volunteers who work to maintain the dog park in the Town of Chelmsford. We also host assorted other events for dogs and their owners.

For direct donations, we have several fundraisers every year and collect money from the donation boxes at the Chelmsford Dog Park. We also accept donations online.

Additionally, we organize and accept sponsorships for equipment for the park, as well as volunteer labor opportunities. Continuing opportunities for volunteering can be seen listed on our Volunteer Page.

In addition to individual donation and sponsorships, we are asking local businesses for donations so that we can maximize the cash donations we receive to be used for the Dog Park expenses and to fund future programs throughout the greater Chelmsford area. Your support would be greatly appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration. We have many needs, and opportunities. Anything you can do is greatly appreciated!

Please feel free to contact us for more details. We can be reached via e-mail at cda@chelmsforddogassociation.org, or by mail at PO Box 491, North Chelmsford, MA 01863.

Category: Dog Park
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