Crate Escapes Dog Behavior & Incident Policy

At Crate Escapes, the safety and comfort of our dogs, guests, and staff is our top priority. Our off-leash park is designed for social, well-mannered dogs who enjoy group play. To help set clear expectations, please review the following behavior and incident guidelines.

Off-Leash Play Expectations

Dogs must be comfortable playing off leash in a group setting.
Dogs should respond appropriately to social cues from other dogs and humans.
Owners are required to actively supervise their dogs at all times and intervene when needed.
Leashes are discouraged inside the off-leash park, as leashed dogs can experience increased stress or leash reactivity when surrounded by off-leash dogs. If a dog requires a leash to remain calm or controlled, the off-leash park may not be the right environment at that time.

What Is Considered an Incident

An incident may include, but is not limited to:

Snapping, biting, or attempting to bite in a manner that staff feels is overly aggressive
Pinning or prolonged aggressive or bullying behavior
Escalated scuffles beyond normal play
Behavior that causes injury or fear to another dog or person
Repeated signs of stress, overstimulation, or aggression

Minor Scuffles & the 3-Strike Guideline

Crate Escapes recognizes that dogs play differently, and not all scuffles are serious. Brief disagreements or minor tensions that require staff intervention are part of normal dog socialization.

To manage these situations, we follow a three-strike guideline:

Documentation: If a Rufferee or staff member intervenes during multiple minor incidents in a single day, staff may determine that the dog should be asked to leave. While we generally follow a three-strike guideline, it is ultimately at the sole discretion of Crate Escapes staff and management to decide when a dog’s behavior is no longer safe for them or others. When a dog is asked to leave under these circumstances, it counts as one official strike on the dog’s account.
Accumulation: If a dog receives three separate strikes over time, they may lose off-leash privileges and be removed from the park.
Staff Notification: Any time staff notices a concerning behavior, they must notify management to make a record. This ensures accurate tracking and allows management to make informed decisions.

Important: Serious incidents, such as bites, injuries, or aggressive behavior beyond minor scuffles, are handled immediately and may bypass the 3-strike process.

Immediate Response to Serious Incidents

If a serious incident occurs:

Dogs will be separated immediately
Owners will be notified of our policy immediately, if possible, or within 24 hours via email and/or a message within the Crate Escapes app and/or text. (Subject to what client has provided and what is available)
Staff will document the incident on the pet's file in RunLoyal and upload documents such as photos or guest statements, as they are provided or available
Dogs involved may be asked to leave the park for the remainder of the day, even if no injury occurs

Staff & Management Discretion

All decisions regarding incidents, strikes, and removals are made at the discretion of Crate Escapes staff and management. Our team is trained in canine behavior and group play dynamics, and we recognize that what some guests may find alarming may be normal and safe behavior under supervision.

Crate Escapes reserves the right to:

Determine what constitutes normal play versus an incident
Decide when intervention is necessary
Remove any dog from the park at any time if we believe there is a safety concern

Injury & Bite Policy

Any bite that breaks skin will result in immediate removal from the park.
Additional steps may include a suspension period, behavioral evaluation, or permanent removal depending on severity.
Per our waiver, owners are responsible for their own pets and assume all risk by entering the park.

Our Commitment

We understand that dogs, like people, can have off days. Our goal is always to address concerns early and respectfully, before situations escalate. Decisions are made with the well-being of the entire Crate Escapes community in mind.