Public Dog Parks

[JKlatsky]

Originally Posted by APBTLove

Those dogs might be awesome and social, but it's a rare terrier or bull breed who will shirk from a confrontation.

I wouldn't consider any of my dogs to be particularly dog aggressive. No one "goes for" anyone else. I have one that's fairly reactive when other dogs jump into his space (I actually think this is a result of too much time in dog parks and my not understanding what was going on), but I'm aware and keep him from those kind of situations.

But ALL of my dogs have a certain amount of dominance. I cannot think of a single one that will back down if challenged. And consequently their posture exhibits a certain challenge. All it takes is one other dog that wants to be top of the group that day and you can have a fight.

And I'm sorry, maybe this is just me...but since I think a certain amount of protectiveness is a breed characteristic of the GSD and well as a certain amount of drive for toys. All of my dogs (and this includes all the dogs who have their CGCs, the TTs, their obedience titles and regularly work around other dogs) have a certain amount of drive for toys and will guard them (even if it's just passive possession by keeping the ball in their mouth the whole time) and also have a careful eye on Mom. Back when we used to go to dog parks before I decided it wasn't worth it, if another dog came to me and started jumping on me, my dogs would try to push the other dogs away and put themselves between me and the jumping dog. None of these things I think are bad, but they are not a good recipe for the dog park dog.

And in addition to all these behavioral concerns...you're absolutely right. Disease is rampant. Even if they check for vaccines, you can't guard against things like URIs, fecal issues, coccidia, giardia, etc...Communal water bowls can be very troubling. Also, STDs. I certainly would never take a potential breeding dog to mix among dogs you do not know.

Nope, I think play dates with people I know at training are much better than the unregulated dog parks.

[trish07]

In our dog park, Pitt, Bull, Dob, Rott etc. were the sweetest dogs there. Never, or very rarely, they have caused fights or been into some, from my experience.

Most of the time (should I say always??) Labrador and Retreiver were the biggest fighters in the park, again, from my experience.

I do not blame the breed indeed, but the onwers who were not aware of their companion attitude and didn't care of the way they were acting with other dogs.

Also, little dogs are, I think, a problem in public dog parks. Most of the time, they are not well educated (because they are so "cute") and can get into trouble so fast! (again, not the dog's fault)

There should be a separation for smaller dogs, just to make sure small dogs don't get hurt by bigger dogs (a big dog can run over a small one and injure him). I do love small dogs, I've seen really sweet small dogs that were playing so nicely with all dogs, but they can be hurt all the time.

[shilorio]

Originally Posted by ken k

I dont go to dog parks, and its not the dogs, its some stupid people with dogs

i agree totally, im afraid of the desieses too :/

[Caledon]

I don't do Dog parks anymore. I did have one bad experience and stopped going before I saw # 2. I did not like the mob scene at the entrance gate. I did not like it as some dogs (regulars) thought it was their territory. I saw a few examples of that.

I do like off leash hikes.

I do like supervised dog play days. By supervised I mean that the staff ensures that the dog is vacinted and has flea control. Staff members walk amoungst the dog and keep on top of any play that looks like it is getting too much. They will ask you to leave if you cannot get your dog under control.

[mjbgsd]

Originally Posted by LaRen616

Con's
There are never enough GSD's and hot guys there

LOL

[Ares2010]

The only dog park around here is one out in a snobby area. They think their dogs stuff doesn't stink..I am so tired of ppl being scared of GSD. The one time we did go it was fine..he had a good time..I get more annoyed with the ppl more then the dogs.

[doggiedad]

dog parks are a great place to train. you can
go into the gated area or train along
the outside fence. <

the exercise is great as long as your dog is playing.
sometimes when we're in the dog park Loki
will run around for a short period of time and then lay down.
other dogs do this also. <

as far as people and dogs coming in with unknown
back grounds well that happens whenever you encounter another person or dog no matter where. <

the dog park that we attend has a water fountain for dogs and humans.
i always take a 1.5 liter bottle of water for our dog. i don't
like the communal bowls, yucky!!!!! <

my local dog park has a section for small dogs. <

play dates are great for dogs and pups. <

Originally Posted by APBTLove

By public dog parks, I mean anyone can come as long as they have turned in vet records proving their dog is UTD on shots and healthy... Or one where ANYONE can walk in. Not private dog parks where you have to be some kind of member to go, and it's not a bunch of strangers and strange dogs, the people know each other a bit...


Now, what is YOUR opinion of public dog parks? List, in your opinion, the Pro's VS Con's for the DOGS, not you.


I'll keep mine short, for your reading sake...

Pros:
As with any group setting, the dog can learn to be social.

Dog gets some exercise.


Cons:
Dogs and people of unknown backgrounds coming in.

Diseases being tracked in... Open water bowls are a big peeve of mine.

Parasites.

With a large breed who's got a reputation, if there is a scrap, chances are the finger will be pointed at the German Shepherd/Rottie/Bulldog instead of Buddy the golden.

If something happens, say another dog goes for yours or visa versa... your dog could be seriously damaged, physically and mentally.

Say your dog has high prey drive, what if someone brings in a small dog who takes off running around, and your dog tackles it? Just play can kill a small dog.



My views of public dog parks are obvious, there is too much risk, IMO, to take your dog to one. Set up private play dates or get-togethers if you want your dog to play with dogs outside of it's pack.

[APBTLove]

Hey, know I'm not attacking YOU, just stating my opinion, it's usually a debate when it comes to dog parks

Originally Posted by doggiedad

dog parks are a great place to train. you can
go into the gated area or train along
the outside fence. <
I agree, with high-level distractions, especially for a dog who reacts in some way to other animals. However, there are safer, more controlled places to train...
the exercise is great as long as your dog is playing.
sometimes when we're in the dog park Loki
will run around for a short period of time and then lay down.
other dogs do this also. <

as far as people and dogs coming in with unknown
back grounds well that happens whenever you encounter another person or dog no matter where. <
Of course, but me walking by a strange man on the street with J and me taking J to a dog park where dogs I don't know with people I don't know are there specifically to let their dogs run around off lead are difference circumstances, yes? And, in most other circumstances, it isn't a horde of loose dogs who can quickly get into the pack mentality if a fight were to break out... In public, the worst I've had happen was three off lead dogs rushing, who left promptly when they found out I was a lot tougher than they were lol
the dog park that we attend has a water fountain for dogs and humans.
i always take a 1.5 liter bottle of water for our dog. i don't
like the communal bowls, yucky!!!!! <
I don't even understand the mentality of the people who decide to plop down a community water bowl...
my local dog park has a section for small dogs. <

play dates are great for dogs and pups. <
Yes, play dates ... Think of it as setting up a play date between your child and another, the parents and the kids meet up and go have fun.... A dog park is like taking your kid into Chuck-E-Cheese on a Saturday afternoon, handing him tokens and saying "Go have fun!"

[Caledon]

I agree with doggiedad.

Training your dog outside the fenced area is a great spot. The dogs are containted, you only have to worry about your dog as the others are behind a fence. Your dog sees the distraction and you know there will not be any contact. What you do have to watch for are people who enter and exit without leashing their dogs.

[APBTLove]

Yep yep. I have no choice but to pass a fenced dog park if I want to go on a nature walk with J... And it makes for a lovely distraction, because all of the dogs hit the fence and act ridiculous, guarding 'their' area.

Though the fence is about 2' high, and I do not trust it. But that's the only nature park I can go to with him.