Nothing makes my dad and stepmom happier than taking Kuma, their four-legged canine “;son,”; to a dog park. Once there, Kuma proceeds to act like prince of the park, wagging his tail excitedly, strutting his stuff. However, there are some who bring disorder and unhappiness in this gated kingdom: overly rambunctious ruffians, unvaccinated Fidos and irresponsible or inattentive owners who don't clean up after their pooches.

But chaos can be averted by paying attention to the laws of the land per city regulations,  posted at the entrance of every dog park, as well as the simple rules of etiquette below.

ETIQUETTE

If it is your dog's first time to the dog park, plan your visit for a day and time when the park is not busy. This will allow you and your dog to get comfortable with the park without a lot of distractions.

When entering the park, open one gate at a time. Do not dawdle when entering as it could hinder entry and exit by other people.

Unleash your dog inside the double gate area before you enter the park. A leashed dog might feel vulnerable and trapped, and this can lead to aggressive behavior.

If your dog is being a bully, call it off and redirect its behavior. If your dog is getting picked on, move it away from the aggressive dog and alert the dog's owner. Do not try to solve the problem yourself, as dog owners are protective.

Clean up after your dog. Bags are sometimes available, but you should bring your own in case there are none.

Do not bring human or dog food into the park. Dogs might beg, steal or fight for the food.

Watch small children carefully, since running and playing dogs can knock them down. Children should not run, scream, chase dogs or tease dogs. This can make dogs aggressive.

DOG PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

According to the City and County of Honolulu

The following provisions apply to off-leash parks.

1. Off-leash parks are for dogs, their handlers and those accompanying them. No other use is allowed.

2. Dogs must be on leash when entering and exiting the off-leash park.

3. No handlers shall have more than two dogs under his/her control.

4. Handlers shall maintain voice control over the dog at all times.

5. Handlers must have control and must carry a leash while their dogs are in the off-leash park.

6. Dogs must be free of diseases and parasites such as fleas and ticks.

7. No dogs in estrus/heat are allowed in the off-leash park.

8. All dogs are required to wear a valid current dog license tag attached to the dog’s collar.

9. All persons entering an off-leash park enters the off-leash park at his or her own risk. The city is not liable to any person or dog for any injury or harm incurred or caused by any other person or dog entering or remaining in the off-leash park.

10. Handlers shall carry equipment for the removal and disposal of dog feces.

11. Handlers shall pick up and dispose of any and all feces left by the dog.

12. Handlers shall be eighteen years of age or older.

13. Minors under the age of eighteen shall not be allowed in the off-leash park unless under the control and supervision of an adult.

14. Handlers shall immediately leash and remove the dog from the park if the dog exhibits aggressive behavior towards other park users or other dogs.

15. No food or animal snacks are permitted in the off-leash park.

16. All persons entering the off-leash park shall comply with all departmental rules and regulations, city ordinances and signs posted in the park.

17. Handlers must stop their dogs from digging and must fill all holes dug up by the dog(s) under their control.