A regular part of summer fun is a trip to the park. This is just as true for our doggy friends as it is for us. Although many city parks don't allow dogs at all, more cities and towns are providing dogs their own place to play. These off-leash dog parks, or dog runs, are safe, enclosed areas where friendly, healthy dogs can play together in a way that isn't possible anywhere else.

The catch, of course, is that there is no way to guarantee that all the dogs there are, in fact, friendly and healthy. Any time you take your dog around other dogs, there is an inherit risk of disease transmission, as well as the possibility of a canine equivalent of a school yard squabble.

For some, these potential risks are enough to make them avoid dog parks completely. Many dog owners, though, and most dog trainers and behaviorists, find that the socialization and exercise benefits outweigh the possible risks. The trick is knowing some simple ways to minimize the risks and make the dog park experience more pleasant for everyone.

HEALTH IS KEY

For starters, make sure your dog is physically healthy. All vaccines should be up to date, including kennel cough (bordetella). And make sure he or she is up to the rough and tumble play that tends to occur between dogs. A dog with arthritis, or back problems, won't enjoy being wrestled with and is likely to snap and bite to protect himself.

Dogs with heart problems, infections, or any other underlying medical problems should stay home unless given the green light by your veterinarian.

You also need to make sure you will be able to control your dog once in the dog park. If your dog was playing too rough, or just needed a break, would you be able to call him or leash him to take him out of the dog park, or would you be one of those sheepish owners scrambling after their dogs, desperately trying to collar a dog too wily to be caught.

The mood in a dog park can change in an instant; it's your responsibility to keep your eye on your dog at all times, and be ready to remove your dog should the need arise. If you can't do this, sign up for an obedience class before attempting off-leash play.

Make sure your dog actually enjoys being with other dogs. Too often an owner seems to enjoy the socialization of the dog park more than his or her pup does. If your dog constantly cowers, or tries to stay glued to your side, or snaps or growls at the other dogs, he does not belong at the dog park.

Maybe he's just a loner, or has socialization issues that need to be addressed, but either way, you need to respect the personality of your dog and find a way to meet his exercise needs in another way. Too many fights start in dog parks because one dog just wants to be left alone. If that's your dog, respect that.

DOG-PLAY RULES

The flip side of this is the dog who loves to play, but does so too roughly. If other dogs are snapping at your dog on a regular basis, it may be time to look at why it's happening. Yes, your dog is probably just trying to play, but if it's in a way that is scaring or hurting the other dogs, you need to step in. Dog play isn't a total free-for-all. There are rules just like everywhere else, and the number one rule is that no one gets hurt.

Don't let your 100-pound Rottweiler tackle the neighborhood toy poodle, whether it's all in good fun or not. (Some parks have separate areas for small dogs, just for this reason.)

So, to recap: Healthy, fully vaccinated dogs will probably love the dog park, and reap the many benefits of dog-on-dog play. Dogs that have health issues, don't enjoy other dogs, play too rough or don't know their own strength, would not be good dog-park candidates.

If at any time you are at the dog park and things get too rough to be safe, don't hesitate to leave before anyone gets hurt. You don't want to end up at the emergency clinic because your little buddy has a serious bite wound.

A final reminder: Follow the number one etiquette rule — pick up after your dog!