Over the past several months, I have watched with great interest the debate surrounding the push for a new waterfront dog policy to regulate activity there.

A draft proposal by Albany's Waterfront Committee got a public airing Jan. 24, and a joint meeting with the city is scheduled.

Passion is abundant on both sides of a complex issue that boils down to this: Dog owners want Albany Beach to remain an off-leash romping ground, while non-dog owners would like to protect it, and other parts of the park, from over-exuberant canines and owners who cannot be trusted.

Officials say much of the rationale behind the new policy relates to plans to hand over the Albany Bulb to state park control. The proposed policy would bring the area in line with state regulations, which officials say they hope would make the transition easier in the long run.

Ultimately, responsibility lies squarely with dog owners and professional walkers to follow safe and appropriate practices, regardless of whether the city adopts an ordinance that bans dogs from and requires them to remain on leash on the Neck and Plateau. And that's not just at the Bulb – that's how it should be at any dog park or multi-use open space.

Owners and pros alike need to consider whether their dogs are a good fit for an off-leash park. It's difficult for many owners to admit that their pooches aren't perfect. But an honest assessment of a dog's strengths and weaknesses is essential for creating a pleasant and safe experience for everyone.

"Dogs in dense urban areas often are edgy and reactive with other dogs and even people," said Veronica Boutelle, former director of training and behavior at the San Francisco SPCA and founder of dogTEC, which offers the country's most widely recognized professional dog-walker certification program.

"Here in the Bay Area, though, we enjoy highly socialized dogs who can say hello to each other and meet new people on the street gracefully," said Boutelle, who ran her own dog-walking business in the East Bay for years.

"No doubt this is in part due to the large number of guardians who take their dogs out regularly to run and play, and those who send their dogs out with professional walkers to do the same," she continued. "Reducing the places for this kind of activity, and forcing dogs into smaller spaces, is likely to lead to increased incidents between dogs. Far better to insist that dog walkers and the general public adhere to standards of conduct, including seeking training and education about dog behavior and following maximum pack size limitations."

There is no straightforward litmus test to tell whether your dog is safe for a park. In general, however, if your pooch isn't comfortable being greeted by dogs that are off leash, then the off-leash setting is not best. Instead, try the Bay Trail, where it's safe to walk or run with a dog on leash for miles. 

Trainers and behaviorists will tell you that overly fearful dogs aren't a good fit for a dog park. It's one thing if your dog is cautious – remaining on the fringes, sizing up the situation before joining other dogs in play or deciding to go it alone with her nose to the ground – and another to be so gripped by fear that she will fight when approached by an otherwise well-meaning playmate.

The miles of off-leash trails in places such as Tilden Regional Park or Point Pinole Regional Shoreline may offer a less-stressful outing – more space, fewer dogs.

Just as troubling are dogs that become aggressive in what would be considered a normal social situation. Many shelter dogs were poorly socialized when young, and they fit this category. People often think of the snarling, lunging dog chained in a yard when they picture aggression. So it can be hard for some to identify their dog's behavior as aggressive.

If your dog can only play well with certain types of dogs, and he becomes intense with the "wrong" kind, that is aggression. Because you can't control who else is at the park, perhaps this Fido should stay home.

But temperament isn't the only thing that can be problematic. Even something as seemingly innocuous as fetch has its downside: Ball-throwing can incite a dog's prey drive and increase arousal levels. Other dogs may be tempted to join the fun, which can create tremendous frustration for their humans if those dogs don't recall when balls are involved and can cause competition among the dogs, potentially leading to a fight. And if your dog is a guarder, then keep that ball at home.  

Owners and walkers should be aware that they are responsible for how others view dogs at the park. Those who act indifferent to the dangers and the rules are acting irresponsibly and are threats to the unparalleled freedoms we have in the East Bay. If Albany adopts new regulations for the Bulb, owners must follow them, or the divide between "dog people" and those who aren't will only grow.

If you don't like the rules – at the Bulb, Point Isabel, in El Cerrito or anywhere else – don't go to that park.

Still, even with the most well-vetted dogs and responsible people, problems will arise. If there is a fight, be sure to check dogs for injury. Exchange personal information with other owners, as injuries sometimes aren't apparent until later, then leave. Know that adrenaline is coursing through your dog's body, and it takes four days for adrenaline levels to return to normal.

During that time, the dog will be "hyper adrenaline," meaning she will be quicker to take offense or become overwhelmed, fearful or over-stimulated. A responsible owner or walker will recognize that they need a break from the park and be careful to keep stimulation reduced for several days.

Likewise, if your dog runs into or knocks over a person at the park, leash your dog and be respectful of the human and his or her needs. While anyone who visits a multi-use park must be aware that interaction with dogs is a possibility, they should not be tormented by the pups' presence.

And don't forget about the poop. Always carry bags to pick up after your dog as quickly as possible. Even better, consider how clean our parks would be if everyone adopted a two-for-one approach and picked up an extra poop for every one their dog contributed.

Much of this seems like common sense, but bad behavior – both human and dog – is rampant in the parks. The bottom line is that the more responsibility we all take and the more courtesies we extend each other, the safer and more enjoyable our multi-use parks will be for everyone.

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Todd Perlman is an entrepreneur and veteran journalist who has worked in Maryland, New Jersey and the East Bay. He lives in El Cerrito and is a manager at Metro Dog, a dog day care and boarding center in Richmond near Point Isabel. Learn more about "dogumentarian" Kendra Luck on her website, www.dogumentarian.com.