I took Tia to our local dog park!

[Raised By Wolves]

I had to go check it out. Our local dog folks are quite responsible from what I've seen, and shelter and rescue dogs are the norm around here. So, off I went.

I started out to stay outside and observe, but ended up participating. I don't get a chance to see dogs interact in a large group very often. There were about 10 dogs present. A young jack russel took a "fancy" to Tia, and did the humpty-do, but I broke it off to save her the trouble.

Even if you don't take your own dog to a dog park, it's well worth the time to sit and observe how dogs interact and communicate with each other - and, how the humans interact with the dogs.

[IceyBlueSibes]

I bet Tia was thankful you did that for her! Hehe

We like to take our dogs to the park. The best is when there are only a few other dogs around. When it's evening time, or the weekend... there are TONS of dogs. Probably around 20+.. The only thing is that most of the owners are uneducated about REAL dog behavior and they form little "cliques" when everyone has arrived. If you're not a regular you're not part of the "group" and often times people stay away from "outsiders". It's also frustrating because Denali is SOO noisy and loud when she plays, she sounds like she's going insane. Many people don't understand, so when there are fewer people it's a lot easier to explain that she's just playing. Sometimes other dogs don't understand her behavior and they get into a frenzy.

My aunt and I had gone there with Denali and her Mom's Great Dane pup, Noah... Noah had a BLAST running around, but this one lady that was there, threw her hands up by her face and went "*GASP*" and jumped away from Noah running. He was nowhere close.. I'm sorry but if you're going to shy away from a dog at a DOG PARK... then that's not the place to be, unless it's obvious that the dog is not well behaved.

We make our trips short and usually in the afternoon. The pooches get a good run, maybe play with some other dogs, and after their run their ready to go home!

I too agree that the dog park is wonderful. It helps to let out that pent up energy and it won't tire you out Always take precaution though because you never know what kind of "people" are there, and if they have enough brains to NOT bring an aggressive dog.

Sorry if that all seemed like a rant. LOL I just wish my "Area" was a little nicer and more social. Many are of "upper class" and just pretty snooty. No more trips for now! Canine Influenza has broke out in our county @ AC&C and a grey hound rescue; dozens of dogs are being PTS and several hundred greys are undergoing extensive treatment.

[k9hullio_sam]

That is great!! The closest thing to a dog park that Mandi has ever been to is the horse farm. They have 6 dogs there, and Mandi gets to run around there. Mandi wouldn't be good at a dog park, as she needs time to 'warm up' to new dogs. To bad Mandi isn't more social!

I recently wrote to my community about the need for a dog park there, as a school assignment. I didn't think that they would take it seriously (even though it was a very good letter, if I do say so myself! ).....come on, a high school kid? But they invited me to attend one of their meetings. I don't know if I want to go though. My dog wouldn't play there, and how effective could I be trying to fight for a dog park, when I won't even be using it?? I don't know.

[Navygrrl]

My city is working on a dog park. It's supposed to open this summer, but you know how that goes. Hopefully it will open soon.

I think it's funny how you described the people at the park with their dogs. It's almost EXACTLY like when I take my kids to the playground (at least with regards to how to 'parents' act).

[ewarp]

I love my local dog parks... as long as it's not the weekend and it's not prime hours for the hordes to descend upon them.

I have two that I frequent- an 8 acre one, and a 30-some acre one. Both are well maintained and for the most part, visited by responsible dog owners.

The only thing that bugs me is when people bring small children. You can't keep an eye on your dog(s) and your children, and you can't be sure that every dog there is okay with kids.

[Kelly]

I rather like my local DP. The one in NC was way bigger and a bit better, but the one around here serves it's purpose.

All I have to say is the word "dog park" and the dogs' ears perk up, and they get all excited!

[Beryl]

I was seriously thinking about going to one of our local DP. I'm in one of those "areas" as well (Boulder, Colorado). The attendant at the Vet's told me a horror story about her dog catching viruses on 2 occasions after playing at one of our local parks. So, I guess the viruses don't care about social economic status. LOL!

I'm thinking it might be a good thing anyway. He has every kind of shots and such so he shouldn't pick up anything deadly. Coming in contact with strange bacteria might build up his immune system.

He goes to doggie day care about once/week and he gets lots of interaction there. I love watching him messing with (chasing, jumping on, nipping at, etc.) other little ones and watching them do the same to him. It has made him quite the social butterfly.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Originally Posted by Kelly

I rather like my local DP. The one in NC was way bigger and a bit better, but the one around here serves it's purpose.

All I have to say is the word "dog park" and the dogs' ears perk up, and they get all excited!

All we have to do is ask "Wanna go to the PARK!?" and they're going crazy!

[Barrett]

Our local park is pretty nice. It now has fenced off areas for small dogs and large dogs. My wiener crew love to go and play with other little dogs. Dachshunds seem to suddenly be popular around here and there are always a few in the fenced off area. It's fun to see those long doggies running in a pack. I usually stick to the unfenced area because it is almost 5 miles across and I can let my dogs off leash and easily stay away from other dogs if I feel like it. Bailey barks at really small kids so I get nervous around all the little tots sreaming and running in circles at the park and so does Bailey...LOL!!

[fancychicken]

We have a joke of a dog park here where I live. It is an area that has been designated, I think by the locals as "the dog park" . but because it isn't fenced in, you are supposed to keep your dogs on leash. Of course no one does. Most of the time there isn't an issue. I have become freinds with a person that has got the MOST fabulous Irish Wolfhound. She has gotten 33 tickets for having him off leash. Funny that she is the only one. I must also add that this dog is SUPER well behaved, and does not cause any trouble whatsoever. I think it because of stupid peoples uneducated opinions of Giant breeds. Big dog= scary vicious.