Dog Parks

[Guest donatella]

When they build dog parks they should automatically gate off a small dog section so as us small dog owners can socialise our littlies without fear. There are some around but not many. All in one dog parks are just too bloody dangerous.

[Staffyluv]

When they build dog parks they should automatically gate off a small dog section so as us small dog owners can socialise our littlies without fear. There are some around but not many. All in one dog parks are just too bloody dangerous.

We are really lucky here.. Most of the dog parks have 2 fenced off sections so the little ones and puppies don't get overwhelmed with the bigger dogs...

In saying that, one of Ziggy's new friends is without a doubt the tiniest Pom I have ever seen.. She is also the bossiness dog and has all the other dogs following her.

I thought she was a puppy but she is about 7 years old.. She is probably about 3/4 the size of the other 2 Poms the lady has...

[Guest donatella]

You are lucky! We have a couple here, but most are free for all dog parks and just too risk taking tiny dogs into.

Ohhh Ziggy's friend sounds so cute, you should try and get a video of them playing, i'd love to see a staffy and a Pom play.

[Staffyluv]

It is usually just him doing the usual army crawl up to her so he is lower than she is.. She does zoomies and he chases her...

She has a really tiny tennis ball that she chases to..

If they are up there next time, I will try to get some video of them.. They are funny to watch...

[Guest donatella]

He sounds really gentle, I bet she's a fiesty little thing! Would definitely love to see a video next time they're there together, it sounds too cute!

[Simply Grand]

I agree too Midol, it's just not realistic to expect other dogs to never run up to yours in a dog park and if your dog doesn't react well to it then you shouldn't take it in. It isn't fair on your dog the others.

Another dog park danger I was reminded of today unfortunately is uninformed people who take their adult dogs with aggression problems to the park to "resocialise" them. Often they've adopted the dog as an adult, have been told it wasn't properly socialised as a youngster and is therefore aggressive so they think they need to have it around other dogs to get used to them. Obviously a bunch if unknown dogs in a park where other owners do not expect aggressive dogs is a terrible way to do this!

I find it really useful (essential) to watch the interaction between the owner and dog when an unknown dog arrives at the park, you can quite quickly get a good idea of how much control the owner has over the dog. I also watch how the dog interacts with a range of other dogs before I let mine near it, and I trust my dogs instincts. Saxon and Quinn are not generally wary of other dogs so if they show wariness I worry - and their instincts are usually spot on, the dogs they are unsure of then cause trouble with someone else.

[Kavik]

I don't go to dog parks - recipe for disaster IMO, especially small fenced ones. Only one of my dogs would possibly enjoy it anyway.

[nawnim]

Good post Snook. I am also horrified at people who take small puppies to dog parks because they have been told they need to be socialised. The sight of a young dog surrounded by several larger dogs and being left to fend for itself is something I find upsetting. Then if the owner senses that the puppy might not be safe and goes to pick it up, other owners advise to leave it because they need to learn to stand up for themselves.

[ElleAus]

I'm with Kavik, recipe for disaster and they do happen. Dogs killed by other dogs, chased onto roads, people bitten trying to fend off dogs not to mention the number of behaviour issues like Snook mentioned. Sounds dramatic but it pays to be aware.

It can be good fun but I feel for it all to align with good owners and good dogs and no-one else interrupting is too rare.

I avoid off lead dogs at the park unless it's a one on one and I am confident in how the other dog and mine will interact.

Shudder when I see young pups being thoroughly traumatized, you know who's going to grow up the next park bully.

But back on topic I believe, the lists at the start of this thread are all great and if everyone followed these dog parks would be much improved.

[megan_]

Just a word of caution about dog parks. My dog was awesome with every dog he encountered when I first got him (he was 3 years old at the time) and loved going to a local dog park and racing around with all the dogs. He didn't care if a dog was huge, tiny, really assertive or more timid - he adjusted his playing style to suit each dog, was pretty submissive and never instigated any scuffles. Fast forward a few months and after repeatedly being faced with dogs that challenged him, bullied him or on a few occasions even attacked him (without anyone being hurt) he developed fear aggression and is now reactive with almost every dog he meets. I didn't know enough about dog body language at the time to realise he was being pushed around unless it was a really obvious challenge or I would have stopped it. People shouldn't take their dogs to dog parks if they have issues but they do. I have heard at least two owners of dogs who were in group classes for dogs with reactivity/aggression/fear issues say they take their dogs to dog parks and both of these dogs I wouldn't even want close to my own dog on leash, let alone running around off leash. Both are highly reactive (one is the most reactive dog I've ever seen) and both have high potential for biting both dogs and people. If you are ever even remotely uncomfortable about another dog in the park or about owners not paying close enough attention please pack up your dog and leave. It's just not worth the possible repercussions if something goes wrong.

Good post Snook. Many people don't realise that a dog can be really traumatized even if they AREN'T attacked. All it takes is subtle body language or an over-enthusiastic "don't worry, he's friendly" dog to hurt yours.

I witnessed this at an off leash oval this weekend. A very enthusiastic dog came to the park so we left immediately. Another very hyper dog joined and as we were driving off all hell broke lose and there was a huge fight. Neither dog was out looking for a fight, they were just too aroused. Their owners thought they were just playing until it was too late. Unfortunately the husky owner didn't leave after the fight and I saw it showing very predatory behaviour to a small dog - the owner of which was oblivious.

I love having off leash areas for dogs, but the more I've learnt about them the more I feel large packs of strange dogs are a recipe for disaster - and most dogs don't seem to really enjoy it anyway. A 1:1 play session with a dog that has an appropriate play style is far more enjoyable for them - and much safer.

[BC Crazy]

I do attend a leash free beach everyday & have done for almost 20 years. I don't like those fenced in leash free's & doubt I would use one.

I am very careful at the beach, I always go at certain time etc I survey the beach first & see if I know most dogs on there, which I normally do. But if I am unsure ,we don't go & make other plans.

Over the years I have had some wonderful times & meet some beautiful dogs. I have also seen some of the worst things ever. Pups getting bullied & much worse These bad memories are etched in my mind forever.

I don't attend the leash free on w.ends or holidays either as there are to many unknowns.