Dog park...a whole new set of rules

The dog park is an interesting place.  I should have realized it would have its own dynamic and social "rules", but I thought it was just an area for dogs to play.  I have since realized how wrong I was.

The "regulars" at the dog park have lots of rules and if you want to get along with the other people you need to follow the rules--the dogs get along great and have fun, but you can be shunned from the dog park if you don't follow the rules.

I know people told me having a dog was like having a 2 year old, but I didn't realize I would have to learn dog playground rules like all the kid playground "rules" (like not letting your child gasp climb up a slide, or play in any area outside the direct playground--with dangerous things like rocks and sticks--and heaven forbid they encourage another child to get dirty!)

The dog playground rules are a little ridiculous too.

• Young children (under 12) are not really looked upon favorably at the dog park.  I don't know how many times people have warned me about bringing Aaron to the dog park.  Things like "You know a dog may jump on him" or "Don't let him touch rocks--sometimes dogs pee on them" or "don't ever let him bring snacks in here because dogs like to eat snacks that kids bring" (yes, I know to wash his hands after we leave the dog park, and I do realize dogs jump and eat food--I actually own a dog as a matter of fact).
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• You have to keep a careful eye on your dog--no reading or talking on the phone.  If your dog is playing with another dog you need to be within 10-15 feet of your dog to make sure you are there if they need anything (the dog park version of helicopter parents).
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• If your dog poops and you are not already there cleaning it up the second they are finished there will be someone walking around yelling "Who has the __ Dog?" and will hand you a bag to clean up after them.  Sometimes I just wait for that to happen because then they bring me the bag and I don't have to walk across the park to get one myself! 
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• There is the usual gossip about different dogs "Did you see the ______ dog the other day that did _____" or "the owner of that dog (they all know all the names of the dogs) said this about _____ dog and if they ever said anything like that about my dog...." 

I have found it is much more enjoyable to go to the dog park when the "unwashed masses" are at the dog park--they don't know all the rules and because of that the "regulars" usually stay home.  (I should note that not all the regulars are like that--there are a number of owners and dogs that are very nice...but you never know what you are going to get when you arrive!)

Despite all the drawbacks, I still go--because sometimes Roxie just needs to wrestle and the other dogs are much better at it than me or the kids!  Plus, we can come home and she will sleep for hours! (again--similar to the regular park).

 This day we went and met up with two of Roxie's "cousins"--both golden doodles that came from the same breeder.  The other 2 may have actually been siblings as they were both adopted about the same time.

Just a note--trying to get 3 dogs to pose for a picture is also similar to the success I have with getting 3 kids to pose for a picture!