Adnil444

And this is precisely why I DON'T go to 'dog parks'. Thats fair enough and I would expect other people who dont want their dogs to be greeted by other dogs to also stay away from dog parks, there are plenty of parks that are not designated dog parks where they could take their dogs. Agree totally with you. Or petition your council to have small and large dog areas in the off-leash dog parks. That's what I'm doing.

You might think it's OK but I'm assuming you have a big dog? My Mini Foxie is not a woosy, precious little bit, but she is little. I don't want over boisterous larger dogs, of any breed, bowling up to her. If my dog is under effective control why can I not expect other dogs to be? Yes, I know, it's not a perfect world. Hi, I agree with you as an owner of both large and a small dog. That is why I petitioning our council to have segregated areas - one for large and one for small - most problems at off-leash areas would end. I love my bigger dogs running and playing with the labs or in fact any other dog at the park, however one in particular can be boisterous and I will always halt her play and make her settle if it starts to get out of control. Off-leash parks are there for the dogs to run and play etc - we have a number of guide dogs/assistance dogs that are working 7 days a week, and are perfectly trained, however when they come to the off-leash park, they are allowed to be dogs, and that means running, being boisterous etc. I think that if owners of any dogs don't like that, then perhaps they should not take their dogs to an off-leash park - there are other options available (for instance our park has a track on the other side of the off-leash oval which is perfect for those that just want to do laps with their dogs. To me, an off-leash dog park is an area where dogs can play, romp, run etc etc, if you have a dog and you don't want it to participate in those activities, but just want to walk it, I would not take a dog to an off-leash park. I don't take my small dog to off-leash parks anymore - she is small, old and getting cranky. I don't want her be bowled over. I take her for walks on lead around the neighbourhood - she's happy, I'm happy.

Agree totally. Dogs apparently have the brain capacity like that of a human toddler - whose toddler out there was perfect at coming when you called their name?? I know mine certainly wasn't, he wanted to explore his world etc. I would say that one of mine is 99.9% at recall, terrific, however there will be a time when he doesn't come and I'm aware of this. My other one, has pretty good recall - that is at the dog park if there is a dog fight, she will want to go and "sticky-beak" and won't come when I call her; if a swf starts squealing, again she is off like a rocket to explore and won't come when I call her (and chase her to get her back). All other times she is great and will come when called and is always treated and praised for doing so. She was much better before she hit puberty and I am hoping that she is just going through her teenage years and will settle down again. But I am always working on her.

LOL - but in my opinion those 5 chihuauas should not be in a dog park if they are going to go for other dogs - one of mine may well go back at them and I am sure others in the park I go too would also. I would have nicely asked the owners of those 5, to either put them on lead or take them to the other side of the fence and walk them.

Good question. Firstly, I should point out that our off leash park is small and I know most of the dogs there. Most owners know Lucy and know how to act around her. If there is an overly friendly dog or a dog that I don't know there when I pull up we turn around and go somewhere else. Sometimes we're half-way through our walk (and away from the car) when this happens though. 99% of the time all is fine. She actually loves meeting dogs - she just doesn't like (usually large) dogs that jump on top of her. Our park is a multi-use series of ovals with a path on the outside. I stick to the outside path while dogs that are off leash play in the middle. It is not a dog park - it is used by kids to play footy, joggers etc, so most of the dogs are very well behaved (or else they simply wouldn't last there). For example, this evening we went to the park and the usual crowd was there. I let my boy off leash and we (Lucy and I) stood to the side. She knows these dogs and happily said hello to each of them. As she can't be trusted off leash (she will bolt if someone scares her) her life would be pretty boring if we only went for street walks. She loves foraging under the trees in our park. If we go to onlead parks some half-wit usually has their dog off leash anyway, so there is no avoiding off leash dogs unfortunately. Oddly, I find the dogs that are offleash better behaved that dogs that are offleash in on leash areas. Hi Megan, thanks for answering this. This now makes sense to me and I understand why you do that.

Hi Rubystar, how horrible. I can't imagine what it feels like to not feel safe walking in your own street and neighbourhood. Take photos, if you can, of these dogs and report to the council - see if you can find out where they live and just keep hammering it home to them each and every day - eventually something will happen. We had a DA and people agreesive dog in our street and the owners didn't have proper fencing and let it roam loose, no collar etc. Several of us in the street just kept on at the council - the dog is now contained behind proper fencing and we never see it anymore.

I have had this happen to me as well, not nice at all. I used my best "fishwife" voice and stood between my dog and the other and growled at the other dog to get away and it worked, however may not next time with a different dog. I read somewhere here where some carry a can of citronella and spray it in the dogs face - could work too.

Brilliant Turkey Trip ....thats all I have to say ;) Well said and put.

Warning: A Rant There have been so many posts on annoying out of control yappy aggressive little dogs. I thought I'd offer "The little dog POV ..." Playful bouncy young labs are among the most dangerous dogs for my old chi cross. He has luxating patellas and a bad back. One playful knock would mean not only pain but quite likely the need for surgery. Even when I keep him on lead and tell the owners of these dogs that he does not like labs or that he may get hurt, they insist their dogs are friendly. When I pick him up to keep him out of their way, they lecture me on how bad it is to pick up small dogs--it makes them aggressive, etc, etc. However, when my dog is in obedience classes with well trained labs in a controlled situation he shows no aggression at all towards them. He'll sit next to a lab in long stays. He'll act as 'a post' and allow the labs to weave around him. We rarely go to off lead areas but even owners with onlead dogs want to force my dog to socialise with their dogs or want to "cure" my dog of his discomfort with bouncy young dogs by forcing him to interact. It drives me nuts. Di I think by naming labs as a "dangerous" dog for your old boy is being a bit unfair, ALL of the large breed dogs would be a danger for him then such as ridgebacks, great danes, boxers, they are all large and high energy. The only reason that labs get picked on is that there are so many of them around. Personally if i had an old dog I would never take them to an off lead park because accidents do happen , a dog could be running for his own ball and step on your oldie by mistake. Agree, I don't take my older mini schnauzer to the dog park anymore - she is no longer dog tolerant and she is losing her sight and hearing (and most of her teeth). She would feel threatened and I would be worried that she would get knocked over and hurt - why put a dog (especially a small one) in that situation? She now just gets gentle short leash walks which she enjoys. There are plenty of other options other than off-leash parks.

Hi Megan, good on you for taking on this girl, and what a horrible start to her life. Can I ask if you take her to off-leash parks and if so why if she doesn't seem to be enjoying it. Would you be better off taking her for walks at on-lead parks, around the neighbourhood etc. I know there are some dogs at our park that may take offence and snap back at her if she did this to them, therefore can I ask (and I don't want to be blasted here, but am trying to understand), why take her there in the first place if an incident could occur. Unfortunately, as another poster said, the general consensus is in off-leash parks, "well if your dog doesn't like it, don't come", which of course is not correct as all the signs at the entrance to the park state that even off-lead, all dogs must be under effective control, however I doubt anyone reads this or takes any notice and basically it is a free-for-all. Every time I take mine to the park, I know there is a risk, albeit small, that something may go wrong and I am always watching and keeping an eye out not only for my dogs, but for the others in the park.

Technically, this is not right. Although admittedly it is the current days' common consensus of opinion by most of those who take their dogs and use the off-lead areas for exactly that purpose. But effective control is what each and everyone of them is supposed to have before they exercise the privilege of being allowed to let their dogs off-lead. Unfortunately, because so many people have the attitude of "if you don't want dogs running over to you in an off-lead area then don't come here" it's too hard to battle it without risking it being at the expense of their own dog's safety and that's exactly what a lot of people who are conscientious about the problems that can and do occur at off-lead parks do - they don't go. Even though they too are entitled to their share of the park and peaceable enjoyment of it. Hi, agree with you. I am petitioning our council to have our very large fenced dog park segregated for small dogs and large dogs - with one small effort, most of the problems at the dog park would disappear. The small dog owners I'm sure would appreciate having an area that they felt comfortable with knowing that the larger dogs were not going to bound up or knock them over etc and vice versa for the larger dog owners - one of mine does get very excited if a small dog runs and squeals and will chase (and I always get her back and put her on lead or most of the times I anticipate that it will happen by constantly watching the little ones if they come near). In a segregated area, they can still mix and see each other through the fencing, but everyone would be safe. There are far too many ignorant people who use dogs parks and sometimes the risks are just not worth it. IMO.

Those poor boys - those wounds must be very painful. Report and take photos and get as much evidence as possible. The more people that report these idiots the better, and keep on at the council, phoning, emailing, etc, the more noise that is made, the more notice they will take. This should not have happened at all and that owner must be brought to face the consequences of her and her dogs actions.

I'm beginning to agree with you. Hell if you can't walk your own dogs on lead without being attacked by some other moron's dog, then yes go for it. But probably you would be charged for carrying an illegal weapon!!! Maybe do a citizens arrest and hold the lady and call the police. I don't go out with my dogs unless I have my mobile and one with a camera, then at least you can take a photo of the person and the dog - it's a lead that maybe useful.

Wow what an absolutely horrible incident. It certainly sounds like this woman's dog has attacked before and just doesn't care, and she obviously has a brain the size of a gnat. Personally she should be sued and made to pay compensation and I do believe that dog should either be pts or rehomed with a responsible person who understands that breed. She should also be banned from ever owning another dog (or animal of any kind). I hope your aunty is doing ok and her lovely dogs recover soon without any side effects. See you soon.

Oh no, I've just placed an order this week for a tall baby gate - the shipping advice said 3 days and I promptly received an email from them when I placed my order. I was hoping it will be delivered tomorrow or Friday. Will keep you posted.

That park is renowned for blues, there are way too many dogs there at peak times. I've found the oval at St Ives to be really good. Most of the people who go there for training or agility use it so they are very dog savvy and not ignorant about any issues their dogs have. It doesn't ever get very busy, I know it's that bit further away for you though. I would report it for sure. Hi Clyde, is the St Ives oval open at all times or is it restricted to different times? I know that there are horse shows on there at different times, but wasn't sure if it was open at other times. There is also a smaller enclosed area, is this for the smaller dogs? The oval is always open as such but if there is a horse event then they take precedent. There are now fenced off areas over near the training area too which is great for people whose dogs might not come back! So there are about 4 options there, the only time you might luck out is a Saturday avo if there's horse stuff and dog training going on. AFAIK there is no small dog/big dog area but as there is rarely that many people there it's easy to avoid either/or. Thanks Clyde, I'll give it a try, it is a bit further but if it is safer it is worth it. I went to Frenchs Forest today but got there early before the crowd and it was great - only a handful there. BTW I'm the owner of Rocky and Rosie who were involved in the attack yesterday. Poor Rocky is so not aggressive, he just wants to run around with his ball (he doesn't let go of his slobbery ball) and he has never been in a fight before. Rosie (also not aggressive in anyway) defended him which under the circumstances is natural. All very distressing for all concerned and especially as lovemesideways ended up getting bitten.

That park is renowned for blues, there are way too many dogs there at peak times. I've found the oval at St Ives to be really good. Most of the people who go there for training or agility use it so they are very dog savvy and not ignorant about any issues their dogs have. It doesn't ever get very busy, I know it's that bit further away for you though. I would report it for sure. Hi Clyde, is the St Ives oval open at all times or is it restricted to different times? I know that there are horse shows on there at different times, but wasn't sure if it was open at other times. There is also a smaller enclosed area, is this for the smaller dogs?

Hi, I have 3 dogs, 2 are rescues and it is a privilege to have these dogs. I also have learnt so much from them and the joy and love they give me far outweighs the negatives. I think Newfoundlands are amazing dogs and you obviously love and respect them to bits. There is a thread on here now about the percentage of dogs that don't make it past 3. I went to a dog seminar recently and they brought this up and the figure is huge and this is mainly due to behavioural issues (which most are normal dog behaviours). I know my two would be dead now if it wasn't for the amazing work done by the rescue organisations.

Hi, I am with Bow Wow Meow and so far no problems with them. I have 2 dogs covered for accident only insurance and I pay $30.50 per month. Choice Magazine did a great article (I think from memory in Sept 09) about Pet Insurance and Bow Wow came out on top. I have only had to make one claim so far and it all went smoothly. Hope this helps.

Hi Kirislin, my mini schnauzer (age 12) has been an epileptic since she was about 4 yrs old. She had a couple of fits and then that was that. When she was nearly 7 she started to fit again and in clusters which is extremely distressing for all concerned. The vet put her on phenobarb and her fitting was controlled for several years. When she was nearly 10 the fitting in clusters started again, badly, and her medication was increased. She hasn't had a fit for 2 yrs, however I am seeing the side effects of being on medication. The vet also told me the same thing - keeping calm, do not restrain her, just do your best to make sure she doesn't injure herself during the fit. She would sometimes take nearly a day to come around after these cluster fits and her little body was under a lot of stress. With the cluster fits, she would have a violent fit, then come to, then immediately go into another fit and this cycle would continue for some time - very upsetting and distressing. I have made the decision that if she starts to fit again, that it is probably best now to put her to sleep. At 12 with her eyesight going, hearing going and probably things going wrong inside her now due to the medication (the vet did say that liver damage was very common with dogs of phenobarb), also she can no longer control her bladder and bowels during the night, that the kinder thing now to do is let her go peacefully. However at the moment she seems to be ok, but aging quickly. Has your Vet considered adding Bromide to the drug regime? If Pb doesn't control it, they can add potassium bromide as well which works well for many dogs. Hi, the phenobarb is controlling it and she seems to be ok and as stated hasn't had a fit for several years now.

Hi, I had it put in part of my backyard (it looks and feels really quite real). It was down for 6 months and it was great, then for some reason, the dogs started to rip it up and I had it repaired and again they ripped it up - I've given up now and what a waste of $2,500!!! The installers guarantee that it can't be ripped up, that's why they kept coming back for free to repair it, but when they basically had to repair the whole lot, they also gave up. I loved the product and would like to have it for the whole lawn, but obviously now I wouldn't take the risk. The dogs love rolling around on it, though it did get a bit hot in summer.

Hi Kirislin, my mini schnauzer (age 12) has been an epileptic since she was about 4 yrs old. She had a couple of fits and then that was that. When she was nearly 7 she started to fit again and in clusters which is extremely distressing for all concerned. The vet put her on phenobarb and her fitting was controlled for several years. When she was nearly 10 the fitting in clusters started again, badly, and her medication was increased. She hasn't had a fit for 2 yrs, however I am seeing the side effects of being on medication. The vet also told me the same thing - keeping calm, do not restrain her, just do your best to make sure she doesn't injure herself during the fit. She would sometimes take nearly a day to come around after these cluster fits and her little body was under a lot of stress. With the cluster fits, she would have a violent fit, then come to, then immediately go into another fit and this cycle would continue for some time - very upsetting and distressing. I have made the decision that if she starts to fit again, that it is probably best now to put her to sleep. At 12 with her eyesight going, hearing going and probably things going wrong inside her now due to the medication (the vet did say that liver damage was very common with dogs of phenobarb), also she can no longer control her bladder and bowels during the night, that the kinder thing now to do is let her go peacefully. However at the moment she seems to be ok, but aging quickly.

I also think dog parks are great fun, however we do have some issues with some small dogs and the bigger dogs - I personally would love to have a divided park for large and small dogs as in my opinion that would stop all issues and everyone then can have a great time.

Sure can - looking forward to getting it so I can start letting other DOL people know about these walks. I'm in Sydney too.

I should've mentioned we have a leash-free park in the next suburb which is divided so the smaller ones can be on their own. Must take my girls there one day! But overall I agree with you that it's an owner's call on what their dog can tolerate re going to a dog park or not. And to keep an eagle eye on what's happening if they do. I like how you'll put a lead on your dog & then do a lap or two with a smaller dog. That's so like what we do on the walking track, isn't it. Because I often get the feeling that once the on-lead controlled introduction has been done....it'd be OK to take leads off. Hi Mita, If you go to the park that has been divided, I'd be really interested to know how you found it and how your girls went. I think they would be fine once the controlled introduction has been done and if you keep moving to take the leads off. I often see situations where the owners all stand around talking (and interacting with their dogs), but sometimes scuffles do happen, but if you keep moving (like doing laps of the park, or keep going along your walking track) they should be fine - but just be aware as I'm sure you are, as am I. Personally I would get more pleasure going for long walks with dogs on lead and chatting with fellow dog walkers, and they all got along nicely than just going to the dog park. When I had just one, I often used to walk with a neighbour in the morning - she has a lovely cavalier. We would walk for approx 1hr on weekday mornings and it was lovely - we walked briskly and the dogs got a nice workout, as we did as well we got to have a good chat about lots of things that mums love to chat about I've just ordered a book - Great Dog Walks, which has lots of great dog walks that are for leash walks as well as a listing of each council and their off-leash parks. There are so many walks that I didn't know existed and am looking forward to discovering some of these.