Dog Parks- What Is Acceptable?

[MuckyPug]

We're lucky - Max is EXTREMELY fussy with his balls (the tennis variety, he doesn't have the other ones!). At home, he has a rather grand selection of tennis balls. When we go outside, he brings us one and we chuck it ... over and over and over we'll repeat this and sometimes it gets lost in the bushes. And he'll spend however long it takes to find that same ball and if we show him we have another from the pile, he'll look at it and 'nope' back to finding the one he lost. So at the dog park he isn't interested in anyone's ball - only his.

And he's also not protective of his ball so if another pooch picks it up he'll race back with it and wait for me to throw it again once I've retrieved it from the other dog.

So if you were there with me and Max and your dog wanted to play too, we would have no issue, and if it got to the point that it looked like one or the other wasn't having fun then easy fix, stop throwing the ball.

In relation to dog parks, it seems to me such a shame that we can't all just follow very basic etiquette and manners. It really is just common sense ... watch your dog, be mindful of your dogs body language and other dogs body language, be prepared to step in, communicate with others in your vacinity and listen if they give you a titbit on their dogs behaviour.

I believe that all dog owners should be able to safely and freely use off leash areas, not just bully dogs and bully owners taking over with their bad manners which have rubbed off on their pooches.

[Pheebs]

Will probably make more than a few people unhappy with this comment but I don't like people bringing kids to dog parks full stop. ;)

I understand that sometimes it means the difference between dogs being exercised or not as it's too difficult to juggle and arrange someone to look after kids.. and it probably goes without saying that if a dog isn't well socialised enough to tolerate the behaviour of children then it shouldn't be there... however I think it only fair that if dogs aren't allowed within 50m of a childrens play area... then the same should go for children in a designated area for dogs

I don't go to dog parks anymore anyway as I just don't think your average joe can be trusted and i'm highly strung at the best of times and don't want to deflect these nerves onto my dogs :rofl:

[MuckyPug]

I sometimes get a bit peeved by people banging on about the perils of children around dogs. But I'm used to it now.

I have 3 kids, an 11, 8 and 4 year old. And they are great around animals - because they are taught. And they love coming to the dog park. And here are our rules, which they are reminded about before each visit, and i have never had to reprimand them for forgetting.

1. no running, yelling or screaming

2. no touching

3. if you want to pat a dog, approach the owner first, and if you aren't comfortable doing that, ask me

4. watch were you're walking ;)

5. don't go near the gate unless me or dad are there.

Then, we find patch of the park where it's a bit off to the side, and our youngest can potter completely out of the way of the dogs. And we don't go when it's hectic busy either.

And we have had some lovely times with the dogs, and most importantly the kids are learning.

You can't just expect them to be good with dogs (or any animal) with no exposure. And if want the love and expertise of dog ownership to continue past our generation then you have to include your children in what the joy of owning a dog can be. It includes teaching them the responsibility side too.

And just as there are some irresponsible parents, there are just as many irresponsible dog owners in dog parks who let their dogs bully and get aggressive with other dogs.

No difference.

[Pheebs]

I probably should have further emphasised my use of the words 'average joe'

I can only draw upon my experience which has unfortunately been with both feral people and their dogs alike ;) You know the type... "Oh don't worry he's reeeeeaaaal friendly!" (as their dog comes charging towards you).

If you can't maintain effective control of your dog at all times then you simply shouldn't be there. Unfortunately because these areas are legally designated as off lead for everyone, people seem to think it's their right to be there (which it is) - whether their dog is socialised and under control or not. I admit that my dogs recall under distraction is at this stage terrible - something that i'm working on with them... so I simply don't put myself in the position where something could go terribly wrong.

Edit: Strange analogy... but just because as a learner driver I can do 110 on the freeway doesn't mean I should do it before I've mastered the basic controls of handling a vehicle. The same should go for anyone attempting to go to a dog park all guns-blazing without having the disciplinary framework. It just won't end well

Edited April 21, 2011 by Pheebs

[MuckyPug]

I agree Pheebs. The average joe can be annoying ;)

I just get cranky when all children are tarred with the same brush - just as some breeds get tarred with the 'aggressive' or 'dangerous' brush.

I agree that you should have complete control. We are working on that and that's why these off lead, fenced areas are great for practicing because the dogs need to learn somewhere safe. But if they are not socialised AND have no recall/control - then that's a bad mix.

Max has reasonable recall - but if he's in full chase mode, or being chased, his pug ears are pinned back and he's off..... take a fair bit of "max come" - and loud!

[W Sibs]

I have to say that the dog park I take my 2 too is very tame and everyone really looks after their dogs and seems to be responsible owners. Once in a while you get a crazy dog and an owner who has no idea but the park is so big and open that it's easy to walk away from the situation.

I rarely bring toys or treats to the park with me.. unless I'm there for purposely training/proofing my 2 but that comes out when there is no dogs around or gets put away with dogs are about.

We never stay at the same place long anyway.. we are always walking, running, hunting or doings something. Neither my dogs plays with other dogs (unless they know them).

We don't go to the dog park for socialising and playing, we go because Charlie likes to hunt lizards (they are bigger at the park then at home) and it's a huge open space for Emmy's zoomies (and she really really loves her zoomies).

[raineth]

well I don't have to deal with these problems as our designated dog park is so ridiculous that nobody - not one single dog and their human - uses it.

it is really small, unfenced near a busy road, has no bin, it did have a tap but they removed the handle, but worst of all it is surrounded by houseyards full of dogs that go completely balistic when you are in there!

[fuzzy82]

My little 4.5 kg poodle x sometimes jumps on people at the dog park. Mostly we stay away from people and dogs, but one time when we arrived there were quite a few people near the gate. My poodle x looooves people more than anything, and she jumped up and touched a guy with her front paws once, then came when I called her. I think if you're at a dog park you have to be tolerant of dogs, I didn't think it was a big deal, but the guy gave me the stink eye....

Another time we were walking around, and my poodle x disappeared out of sight for a few seconds. She had disappeared around a corner and I called her, but she didn't come, which was weird. I went looking for her and found her on the lap of a woman with her son sitting on one of the benches. I called her off, but they seemed to think it was cute.

Would you all be annoyed if that happened to you? Because after reading some of the answers in here I am now paranoid about taking them to the dog park in case what she does is rude and annoying (although I don't really see how).

I find it much ruder to allow dogs 10 times the size of my dogs to run up to us at full speed and make no attempt to stop them or call them back. It's usually fine, although it makes my dogs a bit uncomfortable, and all we want to do is stay away from all the other dogs.

If you don't want to hang out with dogs and tolerate their behaviour, then maybe go to an on leash park and use a long line to allow the dog to run around.

[corvus]

Do you find it acceptable:

- when people allow their dogs to bark non stop at the dog park? I live next door to a big offleash park and it does peeve me when people let their dogs bark in the park at unreasonable hours- like before 7am on weekends.

Yes. It's a dog park! If they can't bark there, where can they bark? We live in a constant state of noise vigilance because our neighbours are liable to blow their top at us if our dogs bark. The dog park is a release for us as well as them. It is THE ONLY place we can relax and let them be as noisy as they like. I assume anyone who lives near a dog park doesn't care or they wouldn't live near a dog park.

Sorry - but I don't think it is reasonable for a dog to be allowed to bark all the time before 7am on weekends. Would piss me off too, and I would be calling the council.

I live next door to a park (not a designated off-leash dog park, but a park where dogs are allowed off lead) and we don't get this kind of inconsiderate behaviour. If we did, on a regular basis, I would be calling council.

Oh, wait, I'm sorry! You have made me realise the error of my ways and how terribly inconsiderate I have been.

We don't get constant barking at our dog park, but they are dogs and they are playing and they do bark. When my boys see their canine pals they get excited and we have a few minutes of non-stop barking that can feel like an age. I think that is entirely reasonable. Sometimes something sets all the dogs off and they all bark for a while. Some of us have to exercise our dogs before 7am. Either we exercise them in our own yards and upset our neighbours or we exercise them at the dog park and apparently upset the dog park neighbours. So go call the council. I'm sure they'll move the dog park for you.

[Quickasyoucan]

One of my dogs is a ball/toy stealer, more that he wants to join in the game.

I have to put him back on lead to stop it which annoys me a bit.

People keep throwing the ball each time i get it out of my boy's mouth and give it back.

I have kids who love squealing anywhere including the park.

My home backs onto an off lead dog park (a really large one) and we don't have a problem with barking noise. The noisiest it gets is when there are a large group of people there trying to play some sort of team sport.

Or the idiots who let of firecrakers there at night.

Or my dogs barking from the back gate because they want to say hello to the other dogs in the park...lol

My peeves are people who think they can hit golf balls there and people who think it is the place to bring quad bikes.

One of my dogs loves joining in the soccer practice there too (again he usually ends up back on lead poor boy).

Sowhat's the etiquette?

Do I have a right to say to the people playing with balls or other toys (either with dogs or just say kicking a footy back and forth)

that they should either let my dog join in (many do)

or put the toy/ball away while we are there,

or at least don't throw the ball again untill we have had a chance to move on?

Or should my dog have to stay on lead and not get a good run because he's a dog who likes to chase balls.

Perhaps, somewhere in the middle so that he gets a run but doesn't piss everyone off with his love of balls.

The thing that gets me is people continue to throw the ball even though they're getting shitty with my dog, even when I tell them I'll put my dog back on lead.

My dog loves playing ball more than anything in life, why should I stop his enjoyment just because people cannnot keep their own dogs under effective control? I don't have a big yard, I don't want to break the law therefore the only place I can exercise my dog (and that includes throwing the ball) is at the off leash.

I don't mind other dogs chasing my dog and more importantly nor does he (so long as they are not doing it aggressively), nor do I mind dogs taking a catch of our ball and bringing it back. My dog has no problem sharing, it's all part of the game. But I cannot stand people whose dogs steal the ball and run off to the other side of the park whilst the owner ignores it or says I can't get the ball off my dog. If you cannot get a ball off your dog and it will not come when it is called you are not under effective control and probably need to go back to your training. God help you if you need to call your dog back when there is a fight at the park or if it knocks over a small child. Added to that you are basically ruining someone else's perfectly normal enjoyment of the park. I don't agree we shouldn't take balls to the park. For a lot of dogs that is what the off leash means to them and as I said a bit of playing is fine. But out and out ball stealing and being unable to control your dog is no better than letting it jump all over people uncontrollably.

Also if a dog acts aggressively and rushes my dog at the park, I will do whatever is reasonably needed to stop an attack. If that means putting my foot on your dog, I will do it. Everyone has a right to use reasonable force defend themselves.

I also don't agree with children screaming wherever they go in public... but that is another topic all together.

Edited April 21, 2011 by Quickasyoucan

[aussielover]

Do you find it acceptable:

- when people allow their dogs to bark non stop at the dog park? I live next door to a big offleash park and it does peeve me when people let their dogs bark in the park at unreasonable hours- like before 7am on weekends.

Yes. It's a dog park! If they can't bark there, where can they bark? We live in a constant state of noise vigilance because our neighbours are liable to blow their top at us if our dogs bark. The dog park is a release for us as well as them. It is THE ONLY place we can relax and let them be as noisy as they like. I assume anyone who lives near a dog park doesn't care or they wouldn't live near a dog park.

Sorry - but I don't think it is reasonable for a dog to be allowed to bark all the time before 7am on weekends. Would piss me off too, and I would be calling the council.

I live next door to a park (not a designated off-leash dog park, but a park where dogs are allowed off lead) and we don't get this kind of inconsiderate behaviour. If we did, on a regular basis, I would be calling council.

Oh, wait, I'm sorry! You have made me realise the error of my ways and how terribly inconsiderate I have been.

We don't get constant barking at our dog park, but they are dogs and they are playing and they do bark. When my boys see their canine pals they get excited and we have a few minutes of non-stop barking that can feel like an age. I think that is entirely reasonable. Sometimes something sets all the dogs off and they all bark for a while. Some of us have to exercise our dogs before 7am. Either we exercise them in our own yards and upset our neighbours or we exercise them at the dog park and apparently upset the dog park neighbours. So go call the council. I'm sure they'll move the dog park for you.

Barking for an extended period is not normal dog behaviour in my opinion.

Obviously every dog occasionally barks when they get excited, but I would not think it was normal or acceptable for them to bark for an extended period.

Unfortunately Corvus, the reality is we live in a built up area where our dogs are expected to behave in certain ways. If you want to allow your dog to bark for an hour at a time, you should have some consideration for others and do it in an isolated area. not everyone, even dog lovers like myself wants to hear dogs barking non stop.

I do not actually have problem with bad behaviour in general, I realise not all dogs (including my own) are perfect. It is when owners don't seem to care or turn a blind eye to this sort of behaviour that annoys me. I really think an apology and a "i'm working on it" goes a long way...

[jr_inoz]

Do you find it acceptable:

- when people allow their dogs to bark non stop at the dog park? I live next door to a big offleash park and it does peeve me when people let their dogs bark in the park at unreasonable hours- like before 7am on weekends.

Yes. It's a dog park! If they can't bark there, where can they bark? We live in a constant state of noise vigilance because our neighbours are liable to blow their top at us if our dogs bark. The dog park is a release for us as well as them. It is THE ONLY place we can relax and let them be as noisy as they like. I assume anyone who lives near a dog park doesn't care or they wouldn't live near a dog park.

Like I said - there are NO issues with dogs barking at our park. Of course they bark - but not all the time, and not really early in the morning.

Sorry - but I don't think it is reasonable for a dog to be allowed to bark all the time before 7am on weekends. Would piss me off too, and I would be calling the council.

I live next door to a park (not a designated off-leash dog park, but a park where dogs are allowed off lead) and we don't get this kind of inconsiderate behaviour. If we did, on a regular basis, I would be calling council.

Oh, wait, I'm sorry! You have made me realise the error of my ways and how terribly inconsiderate I have been.

We don't get constant barking at our dog park, but they are dogs and they are playing and they do bark. When my boys see their canine pals they get excited and we have a few minutes of non-stop barking that can feel like an age. I think that is entirely reasonable. Sometimes something sets all the dogs off and they all bark for a while. Some of us have to exercise our dogs before 7am. Either we exercise them in our own yards and upset our neighbours or we exercise them at the dog park and apparently upset the dog park neighbours. So go call the council. I'm sure they'll move the dog park for you.

Like I said - the are NO issues with dogs at our park - of course they bark, but not all the time, and not really early in the morning. (There is the odd bark at around 6:30 - 7am but it certainly isn't constant.) I know I am fortunate in having considerate people in the area.

Edited April 21, 2011 by jr_inoz

[poochmad]

There is a guy who takes his dogs to the dog park and then leaves them inside while he walks on the outside, presumably to let them do their business. Unfortunately, his dogs are aggressive to both people and dogs so everyone has to wait until he finishes before you can go in. It really annoys the heck out of me. I wouldn't mind so much if he was using it for the right reason, but just to use it as a toilet really makes me

[wuffles]

My dog loves playing ball more than anything in life, why should I stop his enjoyment just because people cannnot keep their own dogs under effective control? I don't have a big yard, I don't want to break the law therefore the only place I can exercise my dog (and that includes throwing the ball) is at the off leash.

I don't mind other dogs chasing my dog and more importantly nor does he (so long as they are not doing it aggressively), nor do I mind dogs taking a catch of our ball and bringing it back. My dog has no problem sharing, it's all part of the game. But I cannot stand people whose dogs steal the ball and run off to the other side of the park whilst the owner ignores it or says I can't get the ball off my dog. If you cannot get a ball off your dog and it will not come when it is called you are not under effective control and probably need to go back to your training. God help you if you need to call your dog back when there is a fight at the park or if it knocks over a small child. Added to that you are basically ruining someone else's perfectly normal enjoyment of the park. I don't agree we shouldn't take balls to the park. For a lot of dogs that is what the off leash means to them and as I said a bit of playing is fine. But out and out ball stealing and being unable to control your dog is no better than letting it jump all over people uncontrollably.

My dog is a ball stealer She will come immediately when called, but whether she'll bring the ball with her or just spit it out along the way is another matter. She's not badly behaved, just doesn't grasp the concept of this 'fetch' thing.

Edited April 21, 2011 by wuffles

[corvus]

Barking for an extended period is not normal dog behaviour in my opinion.

Obviously every dog occasionally barks when they get excited, but I would not think it was normal or acceptable for them to bark for an extended period.

Unfortunately Corvus, the reality is we live in a built up area where our dogs are expected to behave in certain ways. If you want to allow your dog to bark for an hour at a time, you should have some consideration for others and do it in an isolated area. not everyone, even dog lovers like myself wants to hear dogs barking non stop.

What's an 'extended period'? I'd go insane if my dogs barked for an hour. Two minutes feels like an extended period to me. And apparently 30 seconds feels like an extended period to my neighbours. I've timed how long it takes me to lose it when my dogs are barking and it's not even a minute. If it's on and off, I crack at about 3 or 4 minutes.

Given my dogs make noise when they are having a lot of fun, IMO they need to make noise sometimes. If they make noise for a few minutes, and then another dog comes through a few minutes later and makes noise, and then another dog... What's the difference between that and one dog making noise for half an hour straight? I stayed in a hotel in the States once for a week that had a dog park behind it. I kid you not, there were dogs barking out there at 11pm and at 4am. During peak times it was non-stop noise for a couple of hours. I counted fights at one point because I couldn't believe how often they were happening. Said to OH "Let's never live next door to a dog park." Yes, it's noisy, but it's a dog park. I wouldn't move in next to a train line and complain about the noise.

Yes, we live in a society where certain behaviour is expected of our dogs. I don't think silence is one of them. I'd probably throttle my dog before they got to a full hour of barking, but I don't know what other people live with and what other people's dogs are like. I would hate to condemn someone on the grounds that their dog barks constantly at the dog park. For all you know that's THE ONLY time the dog is ever allowed to bark. Maybe it's hysterical about balls and this is the only place it can chase them. Maybe the owner knows how to make them really enthusiastic about training and is just training them. I just think it's acceptable for dogs to make a lot of noise in a dog park. Surely they should be allowed to let loose somewhere? Where else if not a dog park?

[RiverStar-Aura]

Do you find it acceptable:

- when people allow their dogs to bark non stop at the dog park?

This is a tough one because some dogs just bark in play. There's a rescue dog at my local dog park who's a mix of herding breeds and he just circles everyone barking and barking; it's not annoying, it's just what he does. The ones I find annoying are the dogs who sit at your feet and bark for attention because they want patting; not a fan of that.

- when people spend the whole time yelling at their dog, but not actually doing anything about the bad behavoiur?

I admit I spend a LOT of time yelling at Zeus because he gets in such disobedient moods sometimes, however, I always intervene with any bad behaviour. When he's at home he's an angel but when he's off leash and there are distractions ... he's almost a different dog. We've got to learn somewhere and if not at an off leash area, then where?

- When people sit in their cars and let the dog run around in the park?

Never seen this happen -- my dog park has a nice little community of regular go-ers and we go to socialise ourselves as much as our dogs. It should come as a surprise that people do this but it's not.

- When people let their dog jump all over you?

I don't really like this, especially if the dogs have been for a swim in the creek, which backs onto the park but hey, this is why I don't don my Sunday Best. I expect to get dirty when there are animals involved!

- When people hit your dog, or yourself when throwing the ball for their dog?

People do this on purpose? Some people are just jerks, end of story. We do have a man who likes to "play golf" in the middle of the off leash park during park rush hour but he's always careful to set up away from everyone and never aims at anyone.

- when people let their kids run around the park screaming?

Don't have this happen because the local park is set up with a playground further away so if the kids want to muck around, they go there. Plus uber cool dragon in the playround, another bonus!

- when people let their dog try to hump your dog or attack it and then think its funny?

Zeus is one of these dogs but I ALWAYS put a stop to it. I'll growl at him then walk over and pull him off and make him sit (if he's persistent it's on the lead buster). Usually he knows that I'm about to stop him so he ducks and runs away but at least I've stopped the behaviour. Mounting other dogs is something I've been struggling with and am working on it with him. I don't find it amusing though, mostly it just p1sses me off.

- when people let their dog take your dogs ball or toy and destroy it and then think its funny or not even offer to replace it?

- when people let their dog steal your dogs ball/toy and are then not able to get it back from their dog?

These ones bugs me a bit because Zeus has a favourite toy (it's a yellow duck from Pet Barn that makes the most awesome duck quack!!) and he loves to play fetch with it. If I have this toy he tends to be focused on it and runs off less, however, there's a dog at the park who, if he gets a hold of it, won't give it back then proceeds to rip it to shreds. I understand that some dogs are like this but I only bring the toy because it holds Zeus's interest and allows me to work on his recall training (he's not too bad, it's only once he catches a scent he follows his nose then completely ignores me). The trouble with this particular toy stealer is that he comes over and tries to sniff and scratch the toy out of the bag I've hidden it in and the duck isn't cheap either ($15 or so).

One thing that also annoys me is when dogs come over looking for the treats I've brought as a training aid for Zeus. Zeus is pretty okay and obedient when there's no other distractions around but put him in the mix with other dogs and food smells and he's only obedient for probably 80% of the time so I need treats to work on training him. I get annoyed that owners don't call their dogs away when they start nosing my treat bag or following me around when I'm trying to train Zeus. I usually end up having to put the treats in my bag (then the taller dogs start pushing at it with their noses) and their owners just laugh and say I should know not to bring food to the dog park.

How else am I supposed to get training in?

[Scarlett Dog]

Will probably make more than a few people unhappy with this comment but I don't like people bringing kids to dog parks full stop.

I understand that sometimes it means the difference between dogs being exercised or not as it's too difficult to juggle and arrange someone to look after kids.. and it probably goes without saying that if a dog isn't well socialised enough to tolerate the behaviour of children then it shouldn't be there... however I think it only fair that if dogs aren't allowed within 50m of a childrens play area... then the same should go for children in a designated area for dogs

I agree 100%

I am not anti-kids, just think they don't belong at at dog park (just like I'd never take my dog to kid's playground). My girl LOVES children, they are very reinforcing for her (still being a puppy)- sadly in my experiences , squealing and running make it very difficult to stop her from getting over excited. I've also had kids trying to climb over her. Grrrr

I know not all kids are like this. I think it's great for anyone (child or adult) to ask to pat/approach you dog. I have yet to have a good experience.

Edited April 22, 2011 by Scarlett Dog

[Crisovar]

Barking for an extended period is not normal dog behaviour in my opinion.

Obviously every dog occasionally barks when they get excited, but I would not think it was normal or acceptable for them to bark for an extended period.

Unfortunately Corvus, the reality is we live in a built up area where our dogs are expected to behave in certain ways. If you want to allow your dog to bark for an hour at a time, you should have some consideration for others and do it in an isolated area. not everyone, even dog lovers like myself wants to hear dogs barking non stop.

What's an 'extended period'? I'd go insane if my dogs barked for an hour. Two minutes feels like an extended period to me. And apparently 30 seconds feels like an extended period to my neighbours. I've timed how long it takes me to lose it when my dogs are barking and it's not even a minute. If it's on and off, I crack at about 3 or 4 minutes.

Given my dogs make noise when they are having a lot of fun, IMO they need to make noise sometimes. If they make noise for a few minutes, and then another dog comes through a few minutes later and makes noise, and then another dog... What's the difference between that and one dog making noise for half an hour straight? I stayed in a hotel in the States once for a week that had a dog park behind it. I kid you not, there were dogs barking out there at 11pm and at 4am. During peak times it was non-stop noise for a couple of hours. I counted fights at one point because I couldn't believe how often they were happening. Said to OH "Let's never live next door to a dog park." Yes, it's noisy, but it's a dog park. I wouldn't move in next to a train line and complain about the noise.

Yes, we live in a society where certain behaviour is expected of our dogs. I don't think silence is one of them. I'd probably throttle my dog before they got to a full hour of barking, but I don't know what other people live with and what other people's dogs are like. I would hate to condemn someone on the grounds that their dog barks constantly at the dog park. For all you know that's THE ONLY time the dog is ever allowed to bark. Maybe it's hysterical about balls and this is the only place it can chase them. Maybe the owner knows how to make them really enthusiastic about training and is just training them. I just think it's acceptable for dogs to make a lot of noise in a dog park. Surely they should be allowed to let loose somewhere? Where else if not a dog park?

Before 7am and after 9pm are not acceptable hours for noise IMO.

Dogs can actually play quietly too and it is possible to exercise them in such a way that they play and are not disturbing the peace. On and off switches can be trained for.

[corvus]

Before 7am and after 9pm are not acceptable hours for noise IMO.

Dogs can actually play quietly too and it is possible to exercise them in such a way that they play and are not disturbing the peace. On and off switches can be trained for.

What happens if you work in the city and have to leave at 7am? 6:30am is one of the busiest times at our local dog park. We regularly turn up before 7 because OH leaves for work at 7:30am. If we happen to meet some of our friends in the parking lot, it can be very noisy for a few minutes. There's not much any of us can do about it. We have several excited dogs, some of them possibly way over threshold because they can see their friends and are waiting to be let out of the car or off leash so they can go and play. Our dogs don't get to be let off until they are calm again, but it's just not going to be instant. Sorry. I'm sure it's annoying, but our dogs need to be exercised and they inevitably get over-aroused and bark. I think that's a reasonable expectation if you live next to a dog park.

[Crisovar]

Before 7am and after 9pm are not acceptable hours for noise IMO.

Dogs can actually play quietly too and it is possible to exercise them in such a way that they play and are not disturbing the peace. On and off switches can be trained for.

What happens if you work in the city and have to leave at 7am? 6:30am is one of the busiest times at our local dog park. We regularly turn up before 7 because OH leaves for work at 7:30am. If we happen to meet some of our friends in the parking lot, it can be very noisy for a few minutes. There's not much any of us can do about it. We have several excited dogs, some of them possibly way over threshold because they can see their friends and are waiting to be let out of the car or off leash so they can go and play. Our dogs don't get to be let off until they are calm again, but it's just not going to be instant. Sorry. I'm sure it's annoying, but our dogs need to be exercised and they inevitably get over-aroused and bark. I think that's a reasonable expectation if you live next to a dog park.

I think being considerate of others is a reasonable expectation too.