Originally Posted by JenniferLeigh (Post 3041332)

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.

Originally Posted by Little mama (Post 3041351)

I haven't taken Allie yet to a dog park., but have been thinking about it. How about a dog beach? We live in sw Florida and with summer quickly approaching was wondering about it. Obviously keeping her hydrated and not letting her get too hot, I'm more concerned with getting matted from being wet and running around. She plays with another pup and when the grass is wet & she runs around like mad she gets filthy & her poor little legs get all matted, the groomer said it was from the grass being wet. I was wondering any special tricks from all you veteran moms ????

Originally Posted by orlnurse (Post 3041470)

Wouldn't it be great if there was an area for not just small dogs, but "tiny" dogs at the doggie park? I had Max in the small dog area and this lady came in with some sort of sharpei mix that was aggressive who looked to be about 30 lbs. When I mentioned nicely that this area is for small dogs she got offended, said some words, and finally left. Now that I have Lily who is only 6 lbs, I can't imagine taking her to the same area with 20lb dogs (which is usually the weight limit for the small dog area).

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 3041525)

My friend has 2 dogs, one about 5lbs and the other 6lbs and they do fine in the small dog section, where we often have 20lb dogs. :thumbup:

Originally Posted by orlnurse (Post 3041470)

Wouldn't it be great if there was an area for not just small dogs, but "tiny" dogs at the doggie park? I had Max in the small dog area and this lady came in with some sort of sharpei mix that was aggressive who looked to be about 30 lbs. When I mentioned nicely that this area is for small dogs she got offended, said some words, and finally left. Now that I have Lily who is only 6 lbs, I can't imagine taking her to the same area with 20lb dogs (which is usually the weight limit for the small dog area).

Originally Posted by jjohnson86 (Post 3040945)

When I heard that they were getting one here where I live I was really happy because I wanted a place to be able to take Mindy for walks and also a place for her to play and have fun. She loves people and other dogs, she's just got that playful outgoing personality that I love and nothing slows her down so itll be good to take her to a place where she can use all that energy! Thanks for the replies, I appreciate your imput on the matter because I don't want to do something that isn't recommended for a dog as little as our yorkies are. I raelly hope they have the big and small dog sides seperated.

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 3041102)

I love our dog park. I don't WHAT I would do without it. It has a big dog/little dog area which is so convenient and much less worry. It's a state park so it's not just a dog park... it costs $6 to get in every-time OR you can buy a yearly pass for $40. I love most of the people there, you become friends with a lot of people you meet there and familiar with all the dogs. Jackson has all of his favorite dogs and people. There's also a dog beach.

I think you just have to be the judge of things. If people aren't cleaning up their dogs poop, leaving things messy, etc, I wouldn't like going to a nasty park of course. But we've had 99.9% of good times and the .1% is usually a human causing problems, not a dog!

I want to add too though I go to another dog park about 20 minutes away from my house that is FREE and it's upkept really nice. I've never had any issues with people there, even the big dog area is usually laidback and friendly. I usually go to this one when the state park is closed on Tuesday's. I try to get to a dog park about 3x a week in the warmer weather.

Originally Posted by jjohnson86 (Post 3046428)

I can't wait till our dog park opens so that I can take Mindy and see how she likes it, see how the environment will be and what kind of people will be going. If I feet at all uncomfrtable with her being there she won't be going back but I'm hoping it will be a positive experience all around. I'd love for her to be able to play with dogs her own size, I have a lab and she tries to play with her but the lab has no idea what to do with a dog so small lol. I just want her to get her exercise and have some fun, meet a few other dogs and people, would be fun for us both. Thanks all for sharing your experiences, really helps me determine whether or not its worth even trying and I want to at least try before I make up my mind about it.