I take Genghis to Butcher park almost everyday. It has Faux grass and a separate area for large dogs. If there is an aggressive dog I take him to the less busy Los Gatos Creek Trail dog park that has the same small dog/big dog set up, if there that park has aggressive dogs I take him for a leashed walk on the trail.
He used to be very nervous about the dog park and stay on the edges, but now he LOVES it and gets excited when he realizes where we are. I know and make sure my dog has all his shots including bordetella, which are supposed to prevent most of what he can get at the dog park.
The thing that I dislike most about the dog parks is when people bring their kids there and think it's ok for them to feed MY dog their treats without permission. How do I know the treats aren't poisoned? or how do they know the dogs are not allergic to the treats. I watch Genghis like a hawk at the dog park and he is pretty good about not approaching strangers unless I am comfortable with them and talk to them, but the treats makes it an uneven playing field. Also how are the dogs supposed to get exercise if they are busy begging for treats? Also treats make some dogs aggressive/possessive. and fights start breaking out. In general if I see someone bringing in treats with the intention of feeding other peoples dogs, I leave. It's a dog park not a duck pond.
Going to the dog parks makes me understand why many breeders do not let their puppies go to houses with small children. Some children are pretty rotten and I think they all hang out at the dog park. Not just the dog park but the small dog park side. you don't see them messing with the great danes and mastiffs on the other side.
With all that said, I will still take Genghis to the dog park. It has done more good than harm. He meets up with his doggie friends and there is always someone there to play with. I love meet ups but they require planning, and Genghis needs exercise/fun everyday. |