We love having you and your dogs visit our trails and we work hard to keep everyone safe while they are here on our grounds. We ask that you help us protect your dogs, other visitors and dogs, wildlife, and our trails by following our rules for dog/owner conduct.

Cincinnati Nature Center records all dogs and owners on the property daily to enable us to react in an emergency. If you plan to visit with your dog(s), please register them online via our Member Dog Registration form or at the Rowe Woods Gatehouse.

Prevent contact between your pet and other guests. ‍

Whenever a dog (or other pet) is walked in public, there’s a chance of encountering people who dislike or are afraid of dogs. Likewise, dogs are not predictable when encountering unexpected situations and new people.

• Do not allow your pet to approach people without their invitation.

• Instruct children to NEVER approach a dog (or other pet) without the owner’s permission.

• Take a different trail to avoid a group of school children.

• Keep your pet tight to you when passing others.

• Put yourself between your dog (or other pet) and others.

• Stand to the side to let others pass.

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Never allow your dog to sniff another dog without the owner’s permission.

‍A territorial or aggressive dog should be left at home in familiar territory. Sometimes even a well-behaved, friendly dog—when on-leash and walking with his owner—can switch from calm to fierce in an instant. This common behavior is known as “leash aggression.” Move aside or put yourself between your dog and other dogs.

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Six-foot leash rules apply to the entire property at all times.

We strongly discourage flexi-leashes because they offer less control and extend past our 6-foot length limit. The only time your dog (or other pet) may be off the leash is inside your vehicle.

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Clean up after your pet and carry the bag to the nearest garbage can.

The Nature Center provides waste bags and waste receptacles.

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Keep your pets on the path provided.

‍Your dog is a guest at this property, but the wildlife lives here. Don’t allow your pet to chase animals or dig up plants. Swimming and wading is prohibited in all ponds, lake, and streams for pets (and people)!

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Dogs (or other pets) are NEVER permitted in the Nature PlayScape.

‍Many children are afraid of dogs or other pets.

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Dogs are not allowed in the Nature Center buildings.

‍If you go inside the Rowe Visitor Center, have another person familiar with your dog watch them or use one of our dog leash hooks found outside the building.

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For the comfort of all guests, pets are not permitted at programs or events.

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Keep your pet well-hydrated while hiking.

‍Ensure your pet drinks plenty of fresh, clean water, but not from our ponds or streams. Cincinnati Nature Center provides a drinking fountain outside the Rowe Visitor Center, which provides easy pet-drinking access.

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Check your pet for ticks and burrs before you leave for home.

‍Natural materials can easily get caught in your pet’s coat or paws.

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Keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date.

This is a state law—vaccinations provide protection.

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Cincinnati Nature Center is a private member organization committed to respecting our environment and one another. Following proper pet protocol ensures safety, cleanliness, and enjoyable hiking experiences for all guests—humans and pets alike. If you find these rules too strict, please leave your pet at home.