I'm lucky enough to live within a 3 minute walk of a dog park, and I've been taking Lexi there since she was able. There are quite a few small dog owners that visit the park, although there is no small dog section.
It seems to me, incidents occur when:
- Dog is on leash
- Owner gets freaked out
It is my opinion that if you are scared for your dog, or insist on keeping it on a leash because of aggression issues or whatever reason. Do not go to an off leash dog park. It's asking for trouble.
We frequent a couple other parks in the city, usually we'll go with friends. We have a really nice one that runs along the river with lots of trees and even some agility stuff. Again, no small dog section but you'll see tons of small dogs running around, and from what I know - there has never been a problem.
I have seen a couple scruffs break out between bigger dogs (nothing serious) and if Lexi starts to head over, I simply call her back. For small dog owners, I think it is very important your dog listens to you in an off leash situation.
Occationally throughout the world, something bad will happen but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop bringing Lexi to dog parks.
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Jennifer Leigh |