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Dear Critter: What is good behavior at a dog park? If there are 12 people at the dog park, there will be 12 opinions on the dogs' behavior at any given moment. The dogs don't seem to have this problem. Could you please define what is and is not acceptable dog behavior with other dogs and, of course, with humans (which I think we know a little better.) Please talk about proper dog park decorum and ground rules. Please describe how to know if a dog is friendly or aggressive (tail level, expressions, etc.) — Chris and Tom Cooper

Dear Reader: What excellent questions and what timely information. Dog parks are becoming more and more popular with dog owners for many reasons. The latest, the Kyle Park Dog Park at 500 S. First St., in Tipp City, just recently opened. For more information, call (937) 667-6305.

But like anything else, there are all kinds of people using dogs parks with all kinds of dogs and varying degrees of ideas about what is good or even acceptable behavior.

Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan strongly believes a dog park is a reward for good behavior and that a dog should only be taken to a dog park to socialize with other dogs after being exercised so the dog is in a calmer state.

Other people — usually lazy dog owners — think they can take a dog to the park, turn it loose and sit there reading a book or talking on the cell phone, while the dog tears around the park, usually terrorizing or irritating other dogs. Those dogs clearly get little attention at home and even fewer rules for behavior.

There's an excellent book called "Be the Dog, Secrets of the Natural Dog Owner" by Steve Duno that has lots of good advice for dog owners. And it has several tips for going to the dog park that are very thoughtful and useful.

Duno advises that dogs learn a lot at dog parks about being around other dogs, but owners must do some homework.

1. Visit the dog park without your dog to "determine if it is appropriate." Is the fence tall enough? Is it clean and free from dangers? Do other owners pick up after dogs? (Duno warns disease can be spread that way.)

2. Observe the dogs at the park. "Are they huge unneutered bullies or reasonable pets?" Are owners attentive to them?

3. If you don't like what you see, search out another park. Check our Web site www.937pets.com for a listing of Miami Valley dog parks.

4. Before taking your dog, make sure he knows how to behave on a leash, walking in your neighborhood and obeying commands like "come."

5. When you take your dog, pick a quiet time with few dogs. Duno suggests walking him around the perimeter, working on obedience. Let the dog greet new dogs.

6. If your dog seems to be doing well, let your dog off leash and watch. Taking the leash off prevents the dog from getting caught or tangled up with another dog.

7. Duno says every dog in the park will likely accost your dog. "They'll sniff at his rear, jump on him, chase him, lick at his mouth — all manner of posturing behavior." Your dog may snap or take off running.

8. Give it a few minutes. Don't intervene unless "serious fangs-out aggression erupts."

9. Probably your dog will play, find a buddy and enjoy himself.

10. Duno advises after 10 minutes to call your dog. If he comes, praise him — no food. If he doesn't, put him back on leash, take him out and work on obedience. Then return and repeat the command.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2248 or ldenger@DaytonDailyNews.com.