Sun Tzu

Ive taken my dogs to all the bark parks in my area. Other than a few minor problems here and there, my dogs are well socialized with other dogs. The drawback is no one monitors the parks even though they are sponsered by the city. That means there is no regulating pets that may have a potential disease, or dogs that havent had their shots. It can also be a place to get kennel cough.

It's easy to see that the dogs obviously enjoy it, but I'm wondering if other than that if there is any benefit that outweighs the risk someone takes by taking their pet to a public bark park.

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ratbastid

It's a great place to tire out very active dogs.

On the downside, though, you have no idea how well trained other dogs there are, or how willing their owners are to control them. I've heard of dogs getting hurt or killed in pack fights at dog parks.

Now, we take our dog to the dog park, and she mostly hangs out on the fringes of the main play space. The first thing she does is go around and introduce herself to all the people.

Willravel

I need to find one of these near me. I took my beagle to Santa Cruz to see the ocean a few weeks ago, and he was not only scared of the ocean, but other dogs. They seem like a good idea, but I don't have any experience with them.

roachboy

i am a big fan of puppyparks...the one near where i used to live is probably the biggest thing i miss about philadelphia.

in general, dogs work out whatever it is that they work out by peeing on stuff, smelling each other, jumping on each other and running around.
huskies, even aging ones, really need to run and a fenced in park is the only place i can let su tong off lead.
he doesnt understand cars.
he really doesnt.

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Lady Sage

I wish there was one of those around here. My dog loves to run and play with other dogs. It is such a pain to try to schedule play time with other people to bring their dog over.

jorgelito

Off-leash dog parks are awesome. It's all worth it though, your dog will love it. He gets to play and socialize with other dogs and he will be much happier. Lots of people take their dogs to the park all the time without incident. Some parks are even separated in to small dog/karge dog areas. I think generally it's a great idea to go, just exercise common sense and pay attention to your dog. Also, some places have restrictions on puppies and dogs in heat (for obvious reasons).

Most of the time, the other dogs/people at the dog park I go to are pretty cool. There are always some jerks who spend the entire time on their cell phone (this is LA), bring food (like a sandwich), don't clean up their poop, or fail to discipline their dogs. It's up to the community or ranger to "police" it.

As long as your dog's shots are up to date, you should be fine. Keep up with the updates on any outbreaks and monitor your dog's health.


Will, here are some dog parks in your area - don't let another day go by without giving him the opportunitites to socialize and play. He will definitely love it in time.

http://www.superdogservices.com/html...anta_cruz.html

http://www.capitola.com/dogs/dog_par...dog-trail.html

Roachboy, here is a list of places in your area. A movie star like Su TOng needs to "see and be seen".

http://www.animalalliancepa.org/resources_dog_parks.cfm

http://www.fairmountdog.org/

http://www.segerdogrun.org/

And my dear Lady Sage, here is a list for you so the "Moose" can run on the loose!

http://www.petvr.com/index.php/pages...endlyohio.html

For everyone, check here for dog parks in your area.

http://www.petvr.com/index.php/pages...ndlyparks.html

Lady Sage

You are such a sweetheart!!!!!!!!!!!

Willravel

Thanks, jorg!

Elphaba

Ditto kisses from me, jorgelito.

A pack attack in a dog park is something I have never heard of and wonder if some special circumstances were in place.

The great thing about dog parks imo is that it allows the dogs to associate with each other without the "territory" demand that they feel is required at home. Most dogs truly do enjoy that environment, but pet owners still need to be watchful for problem behavior of some owners. Frankly, the owners of aggressive dogs rarely bring them to dog parks, but there is always the idiot owner that doesn't have a clue.

lindalove

I've never heard of a Bark Park, but I say go with your instincts on this one. If you feel you or your pet is at risk from either being bit or catching something, take your dog elsewhere.

Maybe a friend has a dog or two that you can allow your dog to spend time with or even a family member. It needn't be a daily thing, just once a week so your dog gets to be social. The added bonus is you get some social time in as well.

Cynthetiq

Why would the city be responsible for your animal contracting diseases???

Are they responsible for you catching a cold because you went to a government beach?

IMO they do have some sort of regulations here in NYC, if you dog isn't licensed then you haven't gotten your animal's shots. Park officials do roam the park here and check for licenses on dogs.

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savvypup

We've got heaps of off leash areas popping up around where I am (Brisbane) and they're great! Although they always seem to empty when I go. I think there's many poor 'walk' deprived pups around here.

I just wish that since we can't let our dogs run wild so Council have provided these areas, that people would do the decent thing and pick up their dogs crap. Crikey people, the bags are provided.

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Ourcrazymodern?

Our dogs love running around in packs with strangers. It's lots of fun and a little humbling to see how much more sociable they are than we. I've witnessed only a few minor altercations no matter how many are there. The threat of disease is, I think, far outweighed by the joy it gives them to be able to run and socialize!

*Nikki*

I would say as long as your own pet is vaccinated then don't worry about the other pets.....

Acetylene

That's what vaccines are for.

You don't stay away from MALLS out of fear of disease, do you? Neither should your pet stay away from parks!

If you are afraid of your pet being hurt by an untrained dog, come equipped. Bring pepper spray to break up any fights. But more importantly, have a spine and speak firmly to the owner of any dog that is being aggressive. Ask him to control his dog or leave. Call the police if he becomes belligerant. Don't be worried that you are being rude: it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY that owners of untrained dogs be taken to task for their dog's behavior, or else they will ruin the fun for the good dogs.

Dogs deserve a chance to run off-leash and in many places a dog park is the only safe place to do it. They also deserve a chance to play and romp with someone who isn't delicate and pink, like we are!

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