Let me ask you a question. Where can you go in Annapolis and talk about your private life intimately and find out about someone else in the same way? Oh, and not even know their first name? Give up? It is your local dog park.

I have been going to Quiet Waters Dog Park for over 5 years. It is my favorite place in Annapolis and I look forward to every time I can get there. It is a great park (it was voted in the top 10 in the country) with a nice layout for the enclosed portion and a great beach to allow swimming. I enjoy the variety of dogs and people, but I still know very few first names of people I have met over that time and very few know mine. I know these people well enough to know where they vacationed, where they work, who they are married to, or dating, and what kind of car they drive. But quiz me on their first names and I would probably score about 50%. That may sound bad, but I do consider the 'regulars' I know to be my friends. I know that not all of them know my name. I am constantly called Steve, who by the way is my dog and not my first name. If I run into someone I know from the dog park outside of the enclosed chain links, I will be called Steve's dad. When someone is entering the park, it is not 'hey, it is Jim and his dog'. No, it is 'hey, it is rover and his dad.'

While I am on the subject of names, the name Rover, Spot or Fido used to be 'the dog names'. Those three names had 90% of the dogs covered. Now, we name our dogs more and more with human names than ever before. I was at the park tonight and out of the 8 dogs, four had human names; Steve, Duncan, Thomas and Frankie were all in attendance. This may not seem like a big deal, but there are many times when there are only human names in the park. That can make for an interesting time. Like when I am trying to get Steve's attention and the man across the park is Steve. I am not sure why this is happening, but I know I am not naming my kid Rover or Spot, but I do like the names Bailey and Indigo.

Dog parks have their own etiquette and their own rules. I am not talking about what is written down and posted, but what is unspoken or unwritten. I am going to try to write some them down and let you know what they are so you and your companion can enjoy yourself in the dog park. I may be kicked out of the pack for this, but here they are:

1. Do not ask someone for their name. Wait until you have been coming to the park for about 6 months, or so, before you do. Talk to us all about our dogs and how great they are and you can ask all you want about a person's life, but if you ask for a name you may be labeled as strange.
   
2. Make sure you pay attention to where your dog goes to the bathroom. We do not want to have to yell at you to tell you where it is. We are too busy talking about the person who is introducing themselves to everyone.
   
3. Do not wear clothes that you do not want to get dirty. You WILL have muddy paw prints and dog spit on you when you leave. It is a dog park and not a prom. Remember, the dirtier the dog, the more fun it had and PLEASE do not whine when you see how filthy you are.
   
4. Do not bring food or treats into the park unless you really, really want all the attention. Don't be surprised when you have been jumped on, stared at or nudged by every dog in the park. Also, like in elementary school, if you don't bring enough to share, don't bring any.
   
5. Lastly, do not come into the dog area with a child in a stroller or to play Frisbee, lacrosse or catch. That is what the other 300+ acres are for. Allow us with human names to have fun in our little piece of the park.
   

Dog parks are a great way for you to play and have fun with your dog. They can be the best way to help you and your furry companion to bond and work on social skills as well as practicing your obedience training. We are extremely lucky to have as many dog-friendly parks as we do in our area. When you visit a local dog park, remember to enjoy yourself and allow your companion to do the same. You will both be better for it.