In Praise of Dog Parks
Send to a Friend
Digg
del.icio.us
Each day at 8 AM sharp, Benji, a two-year-old pug, can hardly sit still. His eyes fixate on the corner of a building adjacent to his local dog park. Benji goes into a wild frenzy when he sees Jesse, a six-year-old golden retriever outside. The two friends are as close as brothers, and they look forward to their morning meetings at the dog park. It's the highlight of their, and often their owners', day.
If you have a local dog park, it is likely filled with pups and people who are looking for kindred souls. Bark-parkers all over the world are discovering the simple pleasures of a community meeting place. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your visits.
Keep It Simple
Your dog needs to play, and dog parks provide an enclosed and welcoming environment for it. Even if you only have a set time each day to spend with your pet, a simple romp off-leash at a dog park will help your pooch to relieve stress, especially if your dog leads a relatively quiet life at home. Socializing with other friendly canines allows dogs to enjoy each other while developing manners and respect. A quick 15-20 minute visit is better than no visit at all. It's a chance for you to get some exercise and fresh air too.
Spay and Neuter
Benji and Jesse have been neutered, which helps them to safely enjoy the park. Sheila McCullough, DVM, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says, "In addition to extending a dog's health, neutering reduces male territorial instinct." She reminds pet owners that a female dog in heat will inevitably cause confrontation between males who have not been fixed. Even the gentlest male dogs, if not neutered, can be uncontrollable when a female in heat is nearby.
Offer Suggestions
Good parks plan for dogs as well as people. If your city cannot provide playground equipment, such as obstacle pits designed for dogs, consider getting together with other park visitors for a fundraiser to purchase such upgrades. Other improvements might include benches, water fountains and shade-promoting landscaping that both dogs and owners might appreciate.
Avoid Risks
Although dog parks often provide creature comforts, risks can loom within the gates. Public parks are open to all -- so any kind of canine can come in. Protect your pet from strangers, using a leash if necessary.
A major concern for those who visit dog parks is the issue of infectious diseases. Before even thinking of visiting a dog park, make sure your dog's vaccines are current. Avoid dogs that appear lethargic or ill. "Dogs that are very sick do not usually feel well enough to run and play at a dog park," says Dr. McCullough, "so serious infectious illnesses may not be a major concern. Common sense should tell a dog owner to keep a dog at home if it isn't well."
Veterinary hospitals regularly treat injuries from dogfights that happen at dog parks. Make sure your dog is well trained and socialized. Keep your dog away from canines that lack such social skills. Accidents can also occur at dog parks, especially when an excited dog runs full-speed through unknown territories. Small dogs are at risk of being "run over" by larger dogs, and older dogs can over-exert themselves, causing injuries and illness.
No Park, No Problem
If your community does not have a dog park, consider forming a committee with other interested pet owners who may support the idea. Your first line of business should be the park's desired location. Start with your local park and recreation board, since many dog parks lay within the jurisdiction of public parks. Failing that, consider private land, or land that may be available for lease or sale. The location of your park will then help to determine its required annual budget, who will have access to the facility and how it should be run.
Visit several dog parks to get ideas for design, features, and rules for usage. You will also need to plan for maintenance, such as trash removal, drainage, and grass mowing. Like any big project, you will need to write a business plan to cover the basics. Your time and effort will be worth it once the park opens. Just ask Benji and Jesse if they happen to come for a visit.
About the Author
Connie Jankowski served as an editor at Fancy Publications, where she produced the DOGS USA Annual, Dog Fancy, Veterinary Product News, and contributed to Cat Fancy, Cat Lovers of America magazine, and other titles.
Add a comment or Ask our expert
Article about Dog Parks
Great article. I would like permission to use it or parts of it in a Portland Resource Directory for Portland, Oregon. What is your policy?
Posted by Gerrie Smith on 2007-09-24 at 15:03:00
Dog parks
We have just opened a dog park in our town and really appreciate your suggestions. We have already used alot of them. Thank you for your article.
Posted by Rustie Nielsen on 2007-09-24 at 15:17:00
Tomahawk Area Dog Park
We are setting up a new dog park with about 6-8 acres, for next summer. We are in design mode. What % would you dedicate to large dogs, vs small? Other design advice appreciated. We need about $14,000 for 2000 feet of 5' chain link fence & gates. Do you have any fund raising ideas or sources? So far we have $50 donation cans around town; and I'm about to send letters to community organizations and companies. Thank you!
Posted by Jo- Ski Theiler on 2007-09-25 at 12:43:34
The Article and Dog Parks
Thanks for the suggestions. When I go to the dog park, I'll be very cautious with my Chihuahua, Betty. Also, thank you for supporting spaying and neutering to help dogs and their population. Good article.
Posted by Crise Billwalk on 2007-11-14 at 07:56:26
dogs poop & scoop
do you have some edresses re dog owners assiociations?, spec- in toronto i wanted to discuss enforcement of poop & scoop laws, to target the minority who are making all dogs & owners look bad thanks -gh
Posted by gary higgins on 2009-03-08 at 17:28:48
Wolf Hybreds
What are the dangers of having a Wolf Hybred in a dog park. My 10 month Akita was at a park with this Hybred many times. One day they started fighting, don't know who started it, but my 10 month old bit into the ear of the Hybred. Next time we went there a couple days later we were told we could not come in because the Hybred was there. We're we kept out because my pup bit the Hybred? I don't know.
Posted by Pat Moore on 2009-03-12 at 10:25:05
dog
my dog poops A LOT wat should i do? luv BOB ps sometimes his poop is green
Posted by Bob on 2009-03-16 at 17:07:05
start a dog park
i would like to start or help create a dog park in cheshire ct
Posted by bob on 2009-03-19 at 01:06:58
Dog park next to animal shelter?
Our town is in the process of creating a dog park and a new animal shelter. A lot of people assume it would be a good idea to put the two next to each other, but I am not so sure. Won't the stressed barking from the animal shelter put the visitors to the animal park on guard? And might they then be more likely to bite or be afraid to enjoy themselves?
Posted by Teresa on 2009-04-03 at 20:02:04
DOG PARKS
HELLO I'M NEW TO TUCSON AND WAS WONDERING HOW TO FIND THE DOG PARKS SO I CAN TAKE MY BASSETT HOUND
Posted by klynn on 2009-04-05 at 19:56:17
Finding a Dog Park in Rockland County, NY
Have been trying to locate a Dog Park in Rockland, NY. Have looked all over the Web but can't find a specific location. Rockland State park does not allow dogs and don't know where to go? Please help
Posted by Barbara Heller on 2009-04-15 at 14:13:26
dogpark
i live in methuen mass.where is the nearest dogpark in the merrimack valley?
Posted by jim robertson on 2009-04-18 at 16:12:13
methuen ma
The nearest dog park I know of is off exit 4 off 93 in Derry. Too bad there's not a closer one...
Posted by julie on 2009-04-20 at 21:35:37
Fenced dog parks
Our dog park is fenced, except for the entrance. Park District officials say silly things, such as a dog leaving might be aggressive with a dog entering if there was a gate...and age 10 and under couldn't come in if there were a gate...My point is, my dog can escape if he chooses not to listen to me when he's excited about being at the park. I can't take him off leash there, so what is the point?
Posted by Karen on 2009-05-04 at 13:52:29
Woburn Dog Park
It all comes down to one thing RESPONSIBILITY, by the owner. There is more than enough land at Horn Pond in Woburn for a dog park. All dog owners I walk with are more than willing to contribute. Joggers are not the only breathing animals that would like to utilize this world. If you are at a dog park and your dog becomes unruly it is your responsibility to leave. There are more of us who have adopted animals because of circumstances in this world, now it is time to help them, love a better and free life. Thanks for listening. Irene
Posted by Irene on 2009-05-13 at 11:29:28
Dog Park
Would like to know if there is a "Dog Park" anywhere near Winnsboro, TX? Perhaps, Longview, TX or Tyler, TX, Mt.Pleasant, TX
Posted by Johnnie on 2009-05-18 at 18:52:45
Creating more dog parks
Does it take an act of Congress to get a dog park. These seem to be few and far between - I'm out in the country and there really needs to be more of these - Unless you're a real doggie person, the political world doesn't seem to think it's necessary - if it doesn't generate money..
Posted by What to do... on 2009-05-25 at 12:30:20
where can i find a dog park
I just moved to Holbrook NY. I'm having a hard time finding a dog park here. Is there one in the area?
Posted by Lee on 2009-05-26 at 14:34:29
dog park
I live in bellport,, I am also looking for a dog park in my area.
Posted by Paula on 2009-06-19 at 10:11:35
Submit your comment below:
From Our Sponsor
Sponsor Petcasts
The Pet Hour
Presented by Iams >>
Finally a show dedicated to dogs and cats - and the people who love them. Join the pack on XM channel 155.
Learn More >>Dog of the Day
Name: BELLA
Owner: BEVERLY LONG
Hometown: LA QUINTA, CA
Click to see snapshots of the world's greatest dog...yours.
View Gallery Submit Your Photo
Name: Lisa
Owner: Dee & Wilfried Hein
Home: St. Paul, MN
Know a dog who went from unloved to loved? Let us know!
View Gallery Submit Your Photo
Quiz
In the well-known painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware" by German-American artist Emanuel Leutze, which animals are depicted with the president and other men?
Suggestion Box
Do you have a comment about something you've read?
Email the editor and tell us what you think!
