Beneful

	THE wind in your fur, the grass at your feet, and a thousand new scents to send the snoz into overdrive - 'ain't parks a slice of paradise for dogs. But with all that freedom comes some responsibility, especially in public places like beaches and parks. Animal behaviourist Joanne Righetti says off-leash parks are a great place for fun and exercise, but that it's important to keep dogs under control so you don't infringe on other people's right to use the space. "The classic thing that goes wrong in dog parks is that people assume they can let their dog off and they can do what they want. But by law you have to have dogs under effective control. You have to be able to recall your dog, so that they don't annoy other people or pets."

	1. Making friends Righetti says to make sure your dog is well socialised before you go to the park by introducing it to other dogs as a puppy. That way they can socialise with other dogs in a positive way, expending energy and stimulating the senses. But she says not to expect every dog to become best buddies. Just like humans, not all dogs will click. Body language warning signs that dogs aren't getting along include eyeballing, hiding behind an owner's legs, raised hackles and a tail straight up in the air. "Any signs of your dog being fearful or aggressive means watch out," says Righetti.

	2. Pooper scooping Non-dog owners never stop whinging about it - dog poo piling up in our parks and on our curbs. And Righetti says it's a fair enough complaint considering that many people still don't feel the need to pick up after their dogs. "Although it seems obvious, we need to point it out for etiquette. Because when you go to any off leash area it tends to be full of poo so there are a lot of people not doing it. Responsible people and councils now put bags along the fence line and bins, so there's really no excuse." 3. Let them sniff It might look strange to humans, but Righetti says dog sniffing is the equivalent of window-shopping or catching up with friends in the dog's world. "Dogs have left their calling card there and they're getting the snapshot of who has been to the park today. Being free to stop and sniff around is good for them. It exercises their minds as well as their body." 4. The old like to stroll Righetti says a good point to make for elderly dogs is that many prefer to take a calm approach at the park, like her own Dalmation Cherry, who is a senior now at 10. She says owners of young and frisky dogs should be respectful towards the old-timers who may not have the energy or inclination to bound around in the grass.

	5. No food fights Owner Michael Lloyd Jones, who runs Sydney's dog-friendly Café Bones, says it's important to be discrete with treats in a public place to avoid food fights on neutral territory. He says despite hundreds of dogs running around in the café's adjoining off-leash park, there's rarely an incident because owners keep treats for after playtime to prevent a tug of war on the field. But it seems the reward is definitely worth the wait. The signature dish served here is a frothy puppacino with secret herbs on top.