21 Rude Things Floridians Do at Dog Parks

Every Florida dog park has “that person.”

The one who scrolls their phone while their husky bullies a pack of pomeranians. Or the one who insists on giving bacon treats to every dog in sight without asking the owners’ permission.

These parks may be for dogs, but they’re really a window into human behavior.

These are some of the most common rude things we see Floridians do time and time again once their dogs’ leashes come off.

Not Picking Up After Their Dog

Let’s start with the most obvious—and most disgusting—offense.

Some people still think it’s okay to leave their dog’s poop behind like it’s compost for the community.

Nope. It’s gross, it’s lazy, and it turns the park into a minefield.

If your dog does the deed, pick it up. No excuses. No pretending you didn’t see it. No “Oops, I forgot a bag.”

It’s the one rule everyone agrees on. And yet, some still ignore it.

Letting Aggressive Dogs Run Wild

Not every dog is a social butterfly, and that’s fine. But if your dog is a biter, a growler, or a fur-raising menace, don’t just set them loose.

Other dogs aren’t there to be targets for your pup’s bad behavior.

“Don’t worry, he’s just being dominant” isn’t an excusable explanation.

If your dog is starting fights, it’s your job to step in, leash up, and leave.

Ignoring the Size-Specific Areas

Most dog parks have separate spaces for large and small dogs. That’s not just for fun. It’s for safety.

Letting your Labrador romp in the tiny dog section puts everyone at risk.

And if you’ve got a Chihuahua chasing a German Shepherd, that’s asking for disaster.

Respect the signs and pick the right area. It’s not about ego. It’s about keeping tails wagging.

Bringing Sick or Unvaccinated Dogs

Dog parks are basically germ swap zones. That’s why it’s so important that every pup is healthy and vaccinated.

Bringing a dog with kennel cough, fleas, or worse? That’s not just rude. It’s dangerous.

You might not see the symptoms yet, but other dogs could catch something serious.

Being a responsible dog parent means knowing when to sit one out.

Glued to Their Phone the Whole Time

Yes, we all sneak a scroll now and then. But at the dog park, your dog needs you to pay attention.

They could be digging, stealing toys, or picking fights. And if you’re deep in your group chat, you won’t notice until it’s too late.

Other owners are tired of doing double duty because someone’s watching TikTok videos instead of their terrier.

Eyes up. You’re not at a coffee shop.

Laughing Off Humping Behavior

Every dog owner has had that “please stop” moment. But the real issue? People who just shrug and laugh.

“Ha ha, he’s doing it again!” isn’t a valid excuse.

It’s uncomfortable for dogs and people alike, and it can lead to tension or fights.

It’s your dog, it’s your responsibility. Time to break it up, not cheer it on.

Handing Out Treats to Other People’s Dogs

You may think you’re being generous. But giving snacks to someone else’s pup without asking is a big faux paw.

Allergies, training restrictions, food aggression—it all matters.

That one treat could undo months of hard work or trigger a bad reaction.

Unless you’ve got permission, keep the goodies in your pocket.

Letting Dogs Hog All the Toys

Bringing toys is fine. But turning the park into your dog’s personal toy chest? Not cool.

If your dog guards toys like treasure and growls at anyone who comes near, that’s a problem.

Parks are shared spaces, not private playgrounds.

Teach your dog to share or leave the favorite squeaky at home.

Leaving the Gate Open

Dog parks have double gates for a reason. They only work if everyone uses them properly.

That means closing each gate completely, every time.

Letting it swing open because “you’re just running in for a minute” could lead to a runaway situation.

If a dog escapes, it’s chaos. Don’t be the reason someone else’s best friend bolts.

Using the Park Like a Dating Scene

Yes, dogs are great icebreakers. But some folks take it a little too far.

If your flirting makes other people uncomfortable, it’s time to tone it down.

This isn’t a singles mixer. It’s a dog park. People are here for fetch, not flings.

Friendly? Great.

Flirty? Maybe.

Pushy? Please don’t.

Bringing Dogs in Heat

If your female dog is in heat, the park is a hard no.

Male dogs will lose their minds. Fights can break out. The energy shifts instantly.

Even if she’s sweet and social, the scent alone will cause chaos.

Save the off-leash play for another week.

Allowing Dogs to Dig Dangerous Holes

Digging is instinctual for many dogs. But allowing them to leave crater-sized holes behind is a hazard.

People can trip, twist an ankle, or worse.

If your dog starts a digging project, redirect them and fill it back in before you leave.

The next visitor’s shoe—and shin—will thank you.

Ignoring or Downplaying Dog Fights

It’s uncomfortable when dogs scuffle. But pretending nothing happened? That makes it worse.

Own your role. Apologize if your dog started it. Ask if the other pup is okay.

Walking away like nothing happened makes everyone uncomfortable.

Be the kind of dog owner others are glad to see.

Letting Kids Roam Unattended

Bringing kids to the park? Totally fine… if they’re supervised.

Letting them run up to strange dogs, scream, or get in the middle of a scuffle? That’s dangerous.

Dog parks aren’t playgrounds. Dogs don’t always understand kid behavior.

If you bring a child, keep a close eye. For everyone’s safety.

Refusing to Leave When It’s Time

Some dogs just don’t want to leave, and that’s fair. But it becomes a problem when their owners make it everyone’s problem.

Trying to corner a sprinting dog while everyone else stands around? That’s a training issue, not a group activity.

If you can’t get your dog back easily, it might be time to practice recall somewhere quieter.

Dog parks aren’t places for long goodbyes.

Judging Other Dog Breeds

“He looks aggressive.” “That dog type shouldn’t be off-leash.” “Those little ones bark too much.”

You’ve heard it. Breed bias is still a thing, and it’s still rude.

Every dog is different. Every owner is doing their best.

Leave the breed shaming at the gate.

Showing Up with Too Many Dogs to Handle

Dog lovers often have more than one pup, and that’s great. But bringing a whole pack to the park can turn chaotic fast.

If you’ve got three or four dogs and you’re the only one watching them, there’s no way you can keep tabs on all their behavior.

Things get messy: one’s digging, one’s barking, one’s chasing someone else’s dog, and the fourth is headed for the exit gate.

If your crew is too big for one person to manage, it’s time to rotate or bring a buddy.

Letting Dogs Jump on Strangers

Not everyone wants muddy paws on their jeans, even if your dog is “just saying hi.”

Some people are scared of dogs. Others just don’t want to be knocked over by a friendly golden retriever with no boundaries.

It’s your job to keep your dog from leaping onto every human in sight.

Dog parks are for dogs, not for unexpected full-body tackles.

Talking Loudly About Other Dog Owners

We all see the drama. Someone’s dog is being a menace. Someone else hasn’t moved from the bench in an hour.

But loudly whispering, snickering, or making rude comments just adds to the tension.

Passive-aggressive play-by-plays aren’t helpful; they’re rude.

If it’s serious, speak up kindly. If it’s not, let it go.

Ignoring the “No Toys” or “No Food” Rules

Some parks have posted signs with clear rules: no toys, no food, no exceptions.

These rules exist for a reason. Dogs can become territorial, aggressive, or overly excited.

Bringing in a picnic lunch or tossing around a ball when it’s not allowed is disrespectful to other parkgoers.

Check the signs before you unpack the goodies or launch a frisbee.

Treating the Park Like a Private Dog Training Session

Practicing commands is fine, but turning the park into your dog’s personal boot camp is another story.

Long drills, harsh corrections, or repeatedly calling your dog while ignoring the chaos around you creates tension.