The written (and unwritten) rules of dog park etiquette

(WJBK) - Earlier this month, FOX 2 took you out and about to the Orion Oaks Dog park. For the first-time dog park goers out there, there are some things to know when bringing your dog along to the park.

"It's very important that the owner keep their eyes on their dog at all times," says manager parks and rec operations Sue Wells. "I know it's a wonderful place to come socialize and talk and meet new people, but their first responsibility is to their dog."

And with responsibility, comes rules. Both written and unwritten.

VOICE COMMAND

"At our dog parks we do have many written rules. Number one - your dog has to be under voice command," says Wells.

Voice command, she says, means that if your dog is out running and chasing other dogs and causing a commotion, that you can stop your dog's behavior and have him come to you.

PICKING UP AFTER YOUR DOG

It's the last thing you want to step in, obviously, and it also keeps the park clean.

PLAY WITH OTHER DOGS

Unwritten rules are equally important, like judging the aggressiveness of your dog's behavior.

"They will play; they will play rough. But when a dog becomes aggressive, we ask that they do not come to the dog park," Wells says.

YOUR DOG'S HEALTH

Wells says that another unwritten rules is that, if your dog hasn't been feeling well, to keep him away from the dog park.

BARKING

Wells says if your dog's a barker, no problem. She says there's no noise violations or anything that could get you into trouble.

FRISKINESS

"No humping," Wells says adamantly.

LEASHES

Wells recommends getting a 6-foot leash.

TREATS

It may be fun to give your pup a treat at the park, or may help with his training, but Wells doesn't recommend it.

"It just creates potential conflict with other dogs," she says. "No treats in the dog park."