Dog parks - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Shicks · 03-09-2016, 05:22 PM

Our community is getting a new dog park this spring. One area for large dogs, one for small dogs. I would love to try Ruger. He likes our neighborhood dogs. But, lots & lots of concerns going through my head. Anyone use doggie parks & what to know about them.
Thank you please reply with advice & experience

Britster · 03-09-2016, 06:12 PM

I used to go to the dog park often. I just don't live as close to the one I like anymore so don't go as much but still attend sometimes.

It honestly just depends on the park, the dog, etc. I hate to see people try and force their dog to enjoy the company of other dogs if they just naturally do not. But then again I don't like when people baby their dog too much either and pick them up every second when the dog is fairly content.

Anyway the small dog side at our local dog park usually has a lot of nice people & dogs. There are park rangers as it's in a state park so they are always there to solve any issues.

Jackson LOVED the dog park as a youngster. He would run around for an hour. Now at 7 1/2 he's indifferent. He enjoys going but he's not super hyped about playing with strange dogs, he's more like mehhh whatever and prefers to pee on everything and sniff butts and every once in a while run around with other dogs. Lola, 1 year old cockapoo, adores it still and runs around a lot.

I would definitely check it out and see if your pup likes it!

Britster · 03-09-2016, 06:14 PM

Here's an older video I made with a lot of dog park clips!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poGIcfzi0VY

Mayzoo · 03-09-2016, 06:26 PM

If your guy is good with recall (coming to you almost without fail when called even with distractions) then you do not have too much to worry about. My big concern is Mario is 8.5lbs and our parks allow up to 30lbs in the small yard. Some owners bring in bigger since they think their dogs are super gentle. I know Mario has not an aggressive bone in his body, but he can be pesteringly annoying, so I have to watch other dogs for their aggression level since massive injuries can occur so fast.

When I take Mario, I keep him on a leash until I size up the "attitude" of those already in the yard. If they all look to be agreeable with Mario (and his pestering ways

), then I will let him off leash, but keep him near me with frequent recalls until I am pretty sure no aggression from other dogs is imminent. Then, I just have to keep my eye on the gate for newcomers, and if someone shows up, I recall Mario, and we approach the new dog with caution looking for aggression.

Some folks believe a dog park is a great place to off leash socialize a less than social animal. Then they may or may not watch their animal since the human, in reality, has no idea how to socialize them to begin with

.

During warmer months, I also make sure I give Mario a dose of Capstar right before we get to the park so he does not bring home fleas.

margaritaville · 03-09-2016, 06:27 PM

We have a local dog park with a large and a small dog areas. The rules are clearly posted. Dogs have to have their shots, be spayed or neutered and be licensed. Doggie clean up bags are provided and you have to pick up after your dog.

There is rarely fighting problems on the small dog side but the rangers are called often to large dog side

I always worry that my dogs will get parasites from a dog that has them. My dogs get their monthly heartworm and flea treatment but there is always the chance.

All in all they have friends there that they always play with and seem to be excited to go. They have come to know the time (around 2pm) that we go there and they follow me closely to make sure I don't sneak out without them. When we turn onto the road that leads to the park they start barking.

rhhh75572 · 03-09-2016, 08:12 PM

The apartment building I live in has a dog park, but it is for all dogs. I wish they had one for big dogs and one for little dogs. I can only use it if there are no dogs in it. I also have to snatch mine up quickly if someone with a big dog comes because they don't seem to care that mine are so much smaller.

If your pup is friendly, I'd say go and have a good time.

ladyjane · 03-09-2016, 10:25 PM

I know they are fun for the pups, but dog parks creep me out. I have heard of so many issues...dogs attacking dogs and even people attacking people.

But, the main thing that keeps me away is illness. I think dog parks are a great place to share germs...and some of the viral illnesses that go around can be pretty bad. I went through something years ago...it was a virus that started in the dog tracks in Florida and ended up all over the US. I had five pups in the hospital from it...two in ICU. They had all been at a photo shoot at a dog boutique. Guess I am a germaphobic....just don't like my pups to be around others. I am lucky that I have many and they have their own backyard dog park. LOL

Jkpal · 03-09-2016, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I know they are fun for the pups, but dog parks creep me out. I have heard of so many issues...dogs attacking dogs and even people attacking people.

But, the main thing that keeps me away is illness. I think dog parks are a great place to share germs...and some of the viral illnesses that go around can be pretty bad. I went through something years ago...it ; was a virus that started in the dog tracks in Florida and ended up all over the US. I had five pups in the hospital from it...two in ICU. They had all been at a photo shoot at a dog boutique. Guess I am a germaphobic....just don't like my pups to be around others. I am lucky that I have many and they have their own backyard dog park. LOL

Piper is very little-dog friendly, but is (rightfully) wary of larger dogs. I think she'd love to run loose with other her size, but, overall, I don't trust situations where dogs are milling about off-leash. Too much can happen too fast! And I really understand the fear of germs especially experiencing what you did after photo shoot; terrifying. I can only imagine the antics of your little gang running amuck and having such fun in your big backyard!!

ladyjane · 03-09-2016, 10:44 PM

I have posted photos...will do so again one day.

capt_noonie · 03-09-2016, 10:52 PM

We rarely go to dog parks. I suppose the argument against dog parks would go the same with even walking your dog around these heavily trafficked areas as far as picking up a virus or something. It is true, it can happen. But we usually only go if no one else is in there bc Toto has a habit of attacking other dogs that are larger than him out of fear, and with him being barely 5 lbs, that's almost every dog. Uni loves it and will run around with other dogs most of the time. But for now, we just let her say hi through the fence, while I hold Toto while he barks his head off at everyone one. Probably saying, "I WILL KILL YOU! WHO ARE YOU?! I HATE YOU! YOU MUST DIE!!!"

We have several parks nearby and most everyone seems friendly enough. We started going to a new one last summer and started to get to know some people and we might go again this year when it gets warmer. It's large enough that we can stay over on one side and if Toto has his ball he is fine, as long as no one else gets it. An annoyance though is there is always people that don't pick up the poop.

Jkpal · 03-09-2016, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I have posted photos...will do so again one day.

That'd be great!! If you ever have any spare time (I doubt if you're familiar with that term, Mzz lady farmer & zookeeper) posting photos again would be such fun to see!

Cherie6446 · 03-10-2016, 07:44 AM

My two love the dog park. Zoey greets all the dogs and then finds a person to sit on. Lol. Jackson the shy one wants to play ball and ignores the other dogs. Right now they are off flea/heartworm meds and I won't take them and expose them to fleas and germs.

Magnus · 03-10-2016, 08:45 AM

I've been couple and wasn't a big fan. One I went to was FILTHY. Had so much poop at a section of the part for small dogs. Zoey doesn't like anyone (human/canine) so she doesn't enjoy the park either. As for Magnus... He's 50/50 with with other dogs so I don't want to risk him getting into fights.

They do love running around in the park though. So sometimes, I take them to the local park that allows dogs and let them roam a bit with the leash in tow. That way, I can grab them if there's any signs of trouble.

KairaPup · 03-10-2016, 11:10 AM

I take Kaira regularly. The park I take her to is the only one that has a big/small section. The small section is usually pretty okay. I will pick her up if other dogs are being rude- she tends to be a humping target.

The main problem is people bring dogs to parks that really have no place being in a group or they fail to control and discipline their dogs who are causing issues. If there are dogs like that who are targeting Kaira we will simply leave.

Aside from that she has a total BLAST. Being a service dog a lot of her time is spent being calm and working. She knows the park is her time to go absolutely nutso and she does.

I also work at a dog daycare and she plays there, but the dogs can sometimes be a bit much for her so she will pick a spot and just supervise. Some of our regulars are around 30 lbs and can bully the tinies.

I never take my other two dogs. They are dogs who do poorly in a park environment as they will attack strange humans. My chihuahua goes to work with me and gets lots of dog time there, and the other dog isn't allowed because she pulled some funny business and got kicked out of work.

crazydoglade · 03-10-2016, 11:16 AM

I think it would be better to search out a group of like minded dog people. Check at your local pet store, groomers or trainer. The threat of disease is too risky for me. Just because the rules say they have to be immunized doesn't mean they are. Also what you think is aggressive may not be the same as someone else. I've had 2 coworkers lose their babies due to injuries from other dogs at the parks.

03-09-2016, 05:22 PM	#1
Shicks YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Friendsville Tn. Posts: 879 Blog Entries: 1	Dog parks Our community is getting a new dog park this spring. One area for large dogs, one for small dogs. I would love to try Ruger. He likes our neighborhood dogs. But, lots & lots of concerns going through my head. Anyone use doggie parks & what to know about them. Thank you please reply with advice & experience __________________ Yorkies makes us happy

03-09-2016, 06:12 PM	#2
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	I used to go to the dog park often. I just don't live as close to the one I like anymore so don't go as much but still attend sometimes. It honestly just depends on the park, the dog, etc. I hate to see people try and force their dog to enjoy the company of other dogs if they just naturally do not. But then again I don't like when people baby their dog too much either and pick them up every second when the dog is fairly content. Anyway the small dog side at our local dog park usually has a lot of nice people & dogs. There are park rangers as it's in a state park so they are always there to solve any issues. Jackson LOVED the dog park as a youngster. He would run around for an hour. Now at 7 1/2 he's indifferent. He enjoys going but he's not super hyped about playing with strange dogs, he's more like mehhh whatever and prefers to pee on everything and sniff butts and every once in a while run around with other dogs. Lola, 1 year old cockapoo, adores it still and runs around a lot. I would definitely check it out and see if your pup likes it! __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

03-09-2016, 06:14 PM	#3
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	Here's an older video I made with a lot of dog park clips! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poGIcfzi0VY __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

03-09-2016, 06:26 PM	#4
Mayzoo YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 534	If your guy is good with recall (coming to you almost without fail when called even with distractions) then you do not have too much to worry about. My big concern is Mario is 8.5lbs and our parks allow up to 30lbs in the small yard. Some owners bring in bigger since they think their dogs are super gentle. I know Mario has not an aggressive bone in his body, but he can be pesteringly annoying, so I have to watch other dogs for their aggression level since massive injuries can occur so fast. When I take Mario, I keep him on a leash until I size up the "attitude" of those already in the yard. If they all look to be agreeable with Mario (and his pestering ways ), then I will let him off leash, but keep him near me with frequent recalls until I am pretty sure no aggression from other dogs is imminent. Then, I just have to keep my eye on the gate for newcomers, and if someone shows up, I recall Mario, and we approach the new dog with caution looking for aggression. Some folks believe a dog park is a great place to off leash socialize a less than social animal. Then they may or may not watch their animal since the human, in reality, has no idea how to socialize them to begin with . During warmer months, I also make sure I give Mario a dose of Capstar right before we get to the park so he does not bring home fleas. __________________ Mario was adopted May 2015. Now he is a service dog and brother to Bailey the Airdale mix

03-09-2016, 06:27 PM	#5
margaritaville Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: west long branch, n.j. Posts: 4,457	We have a local dog park with a large and a small dog areas. The rules are clearly posted. Dogs have to have their shots, be spayed or neutered and be licensed. Doggie clean up bags are provided and you have to pick up after your dog. There is rarely fighting problems on the small dog side but the rangers are called often to large dog side I always worry that my dogs will get parasites from a dog that has them. My dogs get their monthly heartworm and flea treatment but there is always the chance. All in all they have friends there that they always play with and seem to be excited to go. They have come to know the time (around 2pm) that we go there and they follow me closely to make sure I don't sneak out without them. When we turn onto the road that leads to the park they start barking. __________________ Joan, Bubba and Sissy-BEWARE OF PUPPY MILLS breathe in, breathe out, move on -jb

03-09-2016, 08:12 PM	#6
rhhh75572 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: New Braunfels Posts: 77	The apartment building I live in has a dog park, but it is for all dogs. I wish they had one for big dogs and one for little dogs. I can only use it if there are no dogs in it. I also have to snatch mine up quickly if someone with a big dog comes because they don't seem to care that mine are so much smaller. If your pup is friendly, I'd say go and have a good time. __________________ Me and the gang

03-09-2016, 10:25 PM	#7
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,450	I know they are fun for the pups, but dog parks creep me out. I have heard of so many issues...dogs attacking dogs and even people attacking people. But, the main thing that keeps me away is illness. I think dog parks are a great place to share germs...and some of the viral illnesses that go around can be pretty bad. I went through something years ago...it was a virus that started in the dog tracks in Florida and ended up all over the US. I had five pups in the hospital from it...two in ICU. They had all been at a photo shoot at a dog boutique. Guess I am a germaphobic....just don't like my pups to be around others. I am lucky that I have many and they have their own backyard dog park. LOL __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-09-2016, 10:44 PM	#9
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,450	I have posted photos...will do so again one day. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-09-2016, 10:52 PM	#10
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	We rarely go to dog parks. I suppose the argument against dog parks would go the same with even walking your dog around these heavily trafficked areas as far as picking up a virus or something. It is true, it can happen. But we usually only go if no one else is in there bc Toto has a habit of attacking other dogs that are larger than him out of fear, and with him being barely 5 lbs, that's almost every dog. Uni loves it and will run around with other dogs most of the time. But for now, we just let her say hi through the fence, while I hold Toto while he barks his head off at everyone one. Probably saying, "I WILL KILL YOU! WHO ARE YOU?! I HATE YOU! YOU MUST DIE!!!" We have several parks nearby and most everyone seems friendly enough. We started going to a new one last summer and started to get to know some people and we might go again this year when it gets warmer. It's large enough that we can stay over on one side and if Toto has his ball he is fine, as long as no one else gets it. An annoyance though is there is always people that don't pick up the poop. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

03-10-2016, 07:44 AM	#12
Cherie6446 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: SoCA Posts: 1,895	My two love the dog park. Zoey greets all the dogs and then finds a person to sit on. Lol. Jackson the shy one wants to play ball and ignores the other dogs. Right now they are off flea/heartworm meds and I won't take them and expose them to fleas and germs. __________________ RIP my darling little Gina

03-10-2016, 08:45 AM	#13
Magnus Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 3,192	I've been couple and wasn't a big fan. One I went to was FILTHY. Had so much poop at a section of the part for small dogs. Zoey doesn't like anyone (human/canine) so she doesn't enjoy the park either. As for Magnus... He's 50/50 with with other dogs so I don't want to risk him getting into fights. They do love running around in the park though. So sometimes, I take them to the local park that allows dogs and let them roam a bit with the leash in tow. That way, I can grab them if there's any signs of trouble.

03-10-2016, 11:10 AM	#14
KairaPup YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Idaho Posts: 275	I take Kaira regularly. The park I take her to is the only one that has a big/small section. The small section is usually pretty okay. I will pick her up if other dogs are being rude- she tends to be a humping target. The main problem is people bring dogs to parks that really have no place being in a group or they fail to control and discipline their dogs who are causing issues. If there are dogs like that who are targeting Kaira we will simply leave. Aside from that she has a total BLAST. Being a service dog a lot of her time is spent being calm and working. She knows the park is her time to go absolutely nutso and she does. I also work at a dog daycare and she plays there, but the dogs can sometimes be a bit much for her so she will pick a spot and just supervise. Some of our regulars are around 30 lbs and can bully the tinies. I never take my other two dogs. They are dogs who do poorly in a park environment as they will attack strange humans. My chihuahua goes to work with me and gets lots of dog time there, and the other dog isn't allowed because she pulled some funny business and got kicked out of work. __________________ Kaira, Alli, and Douglas

03-10-2016, 11:16 AM	#15
crazydoglade YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: california Posts: 405	I think it would be better to search out a group of like minded dog people. Check at your local pet store, groomers or trainer. The threat of disease is too risky for me. Just because the rules say they have to be immunized doesn't mean they are. Also what you think is aggressive may not be the same as someone else. I've had 2 coworkers lose their babies due to injuries from other dogs at the parks.