DOGS


DOG OWNERS REGULATIONS AND CODE OF CONDUCT

THE Morgan Arboretum is a unique facility, which does not exist anywhere else in North America.

The Morgan Arboretum is a multi-use facility dedicated to forest conservation, university teaching and research, as well as public recreation and education. Although members with dogs as a group are the most regular users of the Arboretum, we are part of a broader group of supporters of this very unique green space.

Dog walking in the Arboretum is a privilege which is restricted to 600 members who pay an additional fee. There are strict regulations concerning dog comportment and the times and places dogs may be off-leash. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in loss of the privilege of having your dog at the Arboretum.

The Arboretum is not a dog park and as dog owners it is important to respect the rights and welfare of other Arboretum users.

It may appear that these rules are rigid and uncompromising. However, the privilege of utilizing the Arboretum will certainly outweigh the rules and regulations that will ensure that we are all harmoniously sharing this fabulous resource.

Dog walking is a privilege restricted to members of the Arboretum and only dogs registered with the MAA are allowed on the premises. Note that there is a moratorium on dog registration for 2006-2007. Therefore we will not take any more dog registrations for the moment. Click on the link to the left to access the dog-walking regulations and code of conduct.

A- REGULATIONS

The member is 100% responsible for their dog behaviour.

Access and identification

  • All members with dogs must check in with the gate attendant and have their coloured dog card in full view on the dashboard of their car.
  • Use the assigned dog parking lot after 10 AM.
  • All dogs must be evaluated before becoming a member. Pit Bull and Pit Bull crosses are prohibited in the Arboretum.
  • A Maximum of 2 dogs are permitted per member.
  • If you get a new dog this dog must also be evaluated before privileges are granted.
  • All dogs must have current vaccinations.
  • All dogs must have their Arboretum tag on at all times.

Dog Behaviour

The following behaviour will not be accepted:

  • Dogs aggressive towards other dogs.
  • Dogs that bark incessantly and continually.
  • A dog that bites a human will have its access privileges revoked.

Dog Owner Behaviour

All dog owners must:

  • Carry their leashes and enough bags for scooping.
  • Poop scoop systematically. This is a zero tolerance policy. Members that ignore the scooping rule will have their dog privileges revoked.
  • Use the assigned dog parking lot after 10 AM.
  • Respect restricted dog areas (on leashes) or non dog areas.
  • Follow the weekend and special event protocol and courtesy rules.

B – CODE OF CONDUCT

Don't assume that everyone likes dogs.

For a better sharing of the facility, call your dog back and keep him under control while passing other visitors, especially children, school groups and adults who appear a little hesitant. Many people are fearful of dogs and some fear that they will be knocked down.

You may know that your dog is harmless but the parents, children, seniors and teachers do not know this.


C – DOG RESTRICTED AREA (ON LEASHES)

Where you must keep your dog on a leash at all times:

  • In the dog parking lot. It is dangerous with cars coming and leaving the lot. Many dogs are territorial with respect to their own car. This will eliminate any dominant issues and allow dogs to get on a neutral ground.
  • Around the Conservation Centre and in the adjacent parking lot.

D – AREA WHERE DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED

Where your dog is not permitted:

  • Dogs are not permitted on the blue trail at any time. The blue trail is reserved for members that have no affinity toward dogs.
  • Keep your dogs away from Blossom Corner and avoid trampling the spring flowers.
  • Dogs are not permitted off the trail system.

 

E -WEEK END AND SPECIAL EVENT PROTOCOL

WEEK ENDS AND HOLIDAYS

  • After 10 AM on Saturday, Sunday and holidays you are obliged to walk in a clockwise direction on Centre Road (Orange Trail). The reason for this is that dog interaction, dog traffic and dog behavioural issues will be reduced as dogs will not have to meet face to face. Members that prefer not to meet dogs will also have the option to walk clockwise.
  • Please do not walk your dogs in groups on Centre Road (Orange Trail). It is intimidating to non dog owning members to see a pack of loose dogs.

SEASONNAL ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Skiing with your dog

  • The Yellow Trail is dog friendly to skiers and dogs.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the blue trail.

Special events - There are times when the Arboretum is exceptionally busy, such as:

  • Sunny weekend days.
  • Sugaring-off time.
  • School tours , usually in March and May.
  • Spring blossom time and during peak autumn colours.

This might amount to 20 days of the year. On these predictable occasions:

  • Come early before the crowds arrive.
  • Voluntarily curtail the off-leash privilege in well-used public areas such as Centre Road (Orange Trail).
  • Use other off-leash areas of the Arboretum.

F - CENSORING AND CONSEQUENCES

If any member ignores the aforementioned rules and regulations then they will be asked to give up their dog privileges.

There will be no leniency if a member is jeopardizing the rights and privileges of the other dog members through careless and thoughtless actions.

Dog privileges are renewed yearly, however, if there are complaints toward certain dogs and owners then the dog committee will review each case and appropriate action will be taken.

When you are walking with your dog in the Arboretum, you may inform other dog owners when they have crossed the line of being a responsible dog-owner. In this way you ensure that others respect the Arboretum as much as you do and that we use this facility harmoniously.

Please be vigilant and ensure non-members with dogs are not using the facility.

 

les pages en français