Public Dog Parks

[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.

[Relayer]

I'm a big fan of dog parks, but we go to a private one that my vet has behind his building. Everyone there is very responsible, nice and they take very good care of their dogs. I'd be very cautious about a truly public one. On the other hand, there are a few great beach dog parks here in florida that are not to be missed. I don't mind those because they are wide open and where else are you going to be able to play with your dog in the surf?

[ken k]

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

[LaRen616]

I am a huge fan of the dog park Sin and I go to. It costs $5 per dog.

Pro's
Sin runs with other dogs, he swims with other dogs, he plays fetch with them. He gets to be with dogs of all sizes. He gets to meet other GSD's. I get to talk with other dog lovers and GSD owners. He gets all of his energy out. He gets to run in the wooded trail area. He gets socialized.

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

[Relayer]

Originally Posted by LaRen616

I am a huge fan of the dog park Sin and I go to. It costs $5 per dog.

Pro's
Sin runs with other dogs, he swims with other dogs, he plays fetch with them. He gets to be with dogs of all sizes. He gets to meet other GSD's. I get to talk with other dog lovers and GSD owners. He gets all of his energy out. He gets to run in the wooded trail area. He gets socialized.

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

LOL... I'm usually one of the only men at our park. There are two hottie gals at ours. The rest have great personalities.

[atravis]

I pretty much agree with all the OP's cons.

Not to mention people trying to implement their training philosophies on your dog.
I had a person try to correct Mulder (Cesar "TSHH" style), and I just about lost it. NEVER put your hands on my dog unless you're petting him, or you have my permission (preferably the later before the former, but at a DP its hard to expect people to ask to pet when there's so many pooches running around).

Pros for MY dog, specifically for him:

I have a very social dog, who likes to play with others of his own kind. He used to have a couple of buddies that he would have "play dates" with, but after BOTH of them attacked him, private play sessions ended.

For the breed, because I take my well behaved dog to the public DP, people are exposed to what a well-trained GSD with a correct temperament looks like. I've talked to several people who admitted to being frightened of GSDs, that ended up petting and really liking Mulder. Score for the breed in my books! Plus it gives me an opportunity to educate people on stereotypes and falsities that surround certain breeds (GSDs included, though not limited to!)

[Greydusk]

I went to a dog park a couple times, until my dog was attacked by another dog. I had the owner of the lab mix screaming at me that I had a vicious and dangerous dog. Meanwhile, I'm the only one trying to break up the fight. The man just stood there, telling me that I had to get my dog off of his.

I cried on the way home and never went back.

[VChurch]

I like the idea of a dog park, and my dog always enjoys going to a dog park; but for me I would rather take him hiking for a day in the woods or find some open land and let him lose --which will now be them since I got the GSD puppy.

With dog parks there's just too much wondering about other dogs. My dog loves other dogs and gets along great with other dogs, but he's also content with just going to a field and running around alone -- or with a buddy. There are a few dog parks in Jacksonville, one of which you must sign a paper and stuff and that's fine but I've taken him before and there are way TOO many dogs, it was a bit overwhelming. Other than that one they're all public and anybody can walk in and out anytime.
And I especially don't like when I've gone to that dog park and had another male try to hump my dog...definitely not cool with my dog or with me.

For me and my dogs, I would rather socialize with dogs somewhere other than a dog park; and take them outdoors to wear energy out on hikes or the beach or something. But that's just my personal preference.

[JakodaCD OA]

someone suggested we make this a 'weekly' discussion topic so with that, I'm going to move the thread to that topic)

[codmaster]

I agree with most of the cons for DP. Too much risk!

Course in CA it isn't really an option for a long time now as they generally ban unaltered males older than 6 months old!

A ridiculous rule I think but it is a rule here it seems.