[Csue]

I have been going to our local dog park since last August when my dog was
about 5 mos. It is the small dog park and we go almost daily. There is this woman who goes daily only after she has walked her dog a long time and they stop and rest. The dog lays on the only picnic table because as she says "he does not play, does not like other dogs, that is why he is on table"..
IOW, if your dog gets on table it is your fault if gets bitten. I have never had a problem with her dog and have sat at that table also. The other day my dog and i were next to the gate and her dog was on the ground when it attacked for no reason my dog. He was bleeding on his face, when we caught him we determined after washing it off, it was his ear biten right thru.
She kept saying 'My dog does not like to play, etc etc. The guy that was helping me finally told her she has no reason to be at the park, her dog does not play, is aggressive and so forth..She told him they walk alot and he gets tired so they stop at dog park to rest..just kept saying that. Finally she left in her car! Why has she been allowed to keep coming there..her dog has biten one lady, a dog, and probably more i don't know of. There seems to be some kind of 'cliques' at the park and she is part of one i guess. Nevertheless, it is very uncomfortable being there when she is.
Sorry, this is so long..I guess i had to vent and am a bit puzzled?!
thankyou,
Csue & Milo

 

[chul3l3ies1126]

I would suggest filing a complaint with the Animal Control or whoever is in charge of the Dog Park. Is there a number on the dog park sign (if there are rules posted maybe there is a number?) Is there an office for the dog park nearby? If not I would call the Animal Control or the city and find out who is in charge of the dog park.

Last year my cousins dog was killed at a dog park by a known aggressive dog (and my cousins husband was bitten and lost his thumb due to trying to save his dog). There had been a complaint filed before about the dog biting others, but "Since the dog doesnt draw blood" it was allowed to stay... which was ridiculous. Some people claimed, "If you know there was an aggressive dog there, then why would you continue taking your dog there?" Well IMO why should a well mannered dog have to miss out on fun while an aggressive dog gets to stay at the dog park?!

I would really suggest calling and finding out how the dog park is run and file a complaint. There is no reason why that woman should be allowed to keep taking her dog there when she KNOWS that her dog doesnt like other dogs and has bitten in the passed. Maybe talk to that guy that helped you, and find out if others have been affected by that woman and her dog before, get together and bring it up with the animal control or whoever is in charge.

I hope it can be resolved before anyone really gets hurt.
I personally would never risk taking any of my dogs to a dog park because of so many ignorant owners... but again that is my own opinon and way of preventing a problem, it's just too risky for me.
Good Luck.
Nessa

 

[Leroy&Lucy'sMom]

Those are both terrible stories. I hope he heals quickly, i know the ears always open up when they shake their heads. This really scares me because I recently started going to a dog park after many years of stopping. So far the dogs/owners seem good but there are so many bad stories on forums...

 

[jbsmomto1]

this is one reason why I am afraid to go to those places...both my dogs are pretty passive, Quincy more so but Roo is a pup and hasn't quite learned the proper behaviour yet.

 

[wvasko]

I have people dropping their dogs off and want to keep them in same kennel run and get upset when I say no way. I tell them I will put them in adjoining kennels and the dogs may see each other and all will be safe. The people think that because the dogs get along at home all will be good here. I tell people when dogs are in a new place anything is possible. These are dogs, not rocket scientists. It's my job to protect them when they are dropped off here. It's the owners job to protect them when they are in a dog park or be prepared for bad things that can happen. I just wonder how many dogbite in parks threads are on DF. I'm sorry your dog got attacked but it's an old story.

 

[tirluc]

..She told him they walk alot and he gets tired so they stop at dog park to rest..just kept saying that. Finally she left in her car!

ok, ummm, i'm a bit confused here.....they walk a lot and stop there to rest, but she gets in her car and drives off.....is it just me or does something not compute here?.....

 

[Lolas_Dad]

That lady is an idiot for bringing her dog there knowing that her dog is dog aggressive. If she wanted to work with the dog on getting her dog to be better around other dogs the best thing she could have done was stay outside the dog park fence and walk the dog around the perimeter of it.

When I first started going to dog parks with Lola I walked her outside the area the first time. This way she could see other dogs and I could see how she was reacting without her hurting another dog or getting hurt herself. At the same time I could see how the dogs were reacting to her.

 

[Csue]

ok, ummm, i'm a bit confused here.....they walk a lot and stop there to rest, but she gets in her car and drives off.....is it just me or does something not compute here?.....

That is exactly what my friend helping me told her..then why don't you rest in
your car!!! She parks there,,it is a beach area and lots of little trails so goes walking..but she still should not be in that dog park. Sadly, we have had a
couple little confrontations with dogs..but glad to say they do not come anymore. I guess it is just a chance you take no matter how careful you think you are..when i do see a potential hostile incident brewing (like circling
each other), i remove my dog right away.
This is the small dog side..sometimes i will just go over to the big dog side and just stay by the fence. I have been back to the dog park once since this happened and did not see this woman, which is rare. But also did not see my dog's little playmate (the Owner who helped me) there either !!
I would much rather my dog had a couple playmates locally to visit, but there is not..so the dog park is our only choice..he is still young and wants that interaction and play..he is very social.
Thanks for everyone's replies*
Csue and Milo..

 

[Layladog]

This is why I don't go to dog parks anymore.

Last time I went my dog was attacked by a lab mix. After I was done prying them apart (on my own), the other dog's owner said "oh he's really toy-possessive." I couldn't help but wonder why she had decided to BRING HIS TOYS to the park with them!

 

[Mdawn]

I never take my dogs to dog parks either. I know lots of people go and encounter no problems but to me, it just seems like a recipe for disaster. There are no dog parks in my area anyway so its a mute point but if there were, I'd never take my dogs there. I simply don't trust people enough to use good judgment on whether their dogs should be there or not and I don't want my dogs injured because of it.

Sorry to hear that your dog was injured.

 

[Chris / Oakley]

We have one dog park in our area... rules are as follows:

1. Open until one half hour after dusk
2. Up-to-date rabies and license tags required
3. Use the off-leash area at your own risk
4. Leash your dog while entering and exiting the area
5. Keep your dog within sight and under verbal control
6. Work as a group to keep the park clean.
7. Do not allow your dog to chase wildlife
8. No puppies under four months, female dogs in heat, sick dogs or
aggressive/out of control dogs
9. No glass containers, food or toys (these could cause a fight)
10. Children must be supervised an adult
11. Off-leash area users are subject to the Dog Owners Liability Act
12. Fill the holes your dog digs
13. Clean up after your dog -Always remember to Scoop your Poop!


Our dog park has no fence.. it is merely isolated by trees and apparently some gutters, it's about 225' x 1500' or 10 acres. I debated over the past 2 months if I wanted to take Oakley there. Today went okay, had to calm him down a couple times and I learnt his recall skills need a little bit more work with distraction.

However the dark side of our first visit, I witnessed a bull terrier attack another mix dog. There were about 10 people around (within 10 feet) and they broke it up very quickly before blood was drawn, and the bull terrier was then leashed. Noone spotted what sparked the confrontation. I know it's not as bad as what you had happen, but it's still a scary reminder, and I made a point to move away from that group after that incident.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

I personally wished they had a place here where you can take dogs off leash and play frisbee. If we had a park here, I would take my girls there for some frisbee fun. But we take our chances where we go for getting stopped by animal control for having dogs off leash. They really need the exercise, and walking just isn't enough with them. They need to run. All has been good up until this weekend, the softball season has now officially started, so no more frisbee there. There's 4 different games going on at once at the park. So we are in search of another place for them to have fun. Can't wait til softball season is over and we can go back there to play frisbee. It's a great place to go, and others bring their dogs there as well to play ball/frisbee. I use it more for the fun rather than the socializing with other dogs, but they get their opportunities to meet other good dogs there. Of all the people that go there, we pretty much know everyone and their dogs, and it's pretty cool.

 

[Layladog]

Have you tried biking with them? It's great exercise for them.

No glass containers, food or toys (these could cause a fight)

A great rule, if only people thought the rules applied to them

 

[skelaki]

The best dog park solution would be IF there was one that was well supervised by experienced dog trainers/behaviorists who knew what to do in situations like we're always reading about and/or seeing in dog parks, and who had the authority to enforce rules regarding who may and may not use the park.

Sadly, most dog parks are free-for-alls and, in my opinion, not worth the risk of going to. Unfortunately, they tend to be disasters waiting to happen and it's not worth risking injury or even death for your dog.

 

[deege39]

I have read everyone's opinions and view-points on this matter, and I would just like to say that you all argue a very good case.

I continue to go to the dog park 15 minutes away for one reason: The only way to wear Donatello out is by letting him zoom off-leash. Many people have suggested to me that I could just jog or walk around my complex and that should suffice... Well. It doesn't. The first month I had Donatello that's what we did. Not only does it not work, but it's dangerous. I live in an extremely big city, and it's busy from sun-up to sun-down and every hour in-between. Others have suggested that I go biking with him; I live in an apartment complex and have no way to store a bike. I have a colony of Carpenter-Bees living on my patio... I'm not going out there! lol!

I was taking Donatello over to my father's house and letting him run in his big back yard with his two, now three, dogs... But I haven't been over there in over a month for reasons I'm not comfortable disclosing.

Here's how I've been going to the dog park, safely:
1. I get there around 8:00-9:30 AM. I'm the only car in the parking lot.
2. The minute I see just one person bring in their dog to the main-pen, I gather my things and get ready to leave. That is usually around 10:30-10:45.

Seeing that there are no other dogs there, I do take Donatello's toys, and I take food and water for him; I'm not saying the rules don't apply to me, but if there are no other dogs around, I use it as a good opportunity to refresh him on his tricks.

I was conditioning him and working him up gradually so I could sooner or later take him on a day that is busy... But I'm not sure if that's working, or even plausible; It's been raining on and off for weeks, and seeing that I spend 10 hours a day working on my business it's kind of hard to maintain that schedule... So instead, Donatello goes with me to put out fliers.

I think the best way to utilize the dog parks, is to go when there's no one else around... I know that's probably hard for some people in certain areas, but I'm 5 minutes away from Atlanta, GA- and I still find the perfect time to go. : )

 

[tut078620]

I think you can report it. Did you get any of her information? You should also get contact information of a witness when this happens. I know dog parks in my area does not allow for aggressive animals or pit bulls (and I know pit bulls can be so sweet, but there bite is lethal). I think they can even get fined for it? But I think you can get her to pay for your vet bills, maybe. Either way, if you are able to get her fined, I bet you she won't show up at the park anymore. I bet you can even press charges. I know in my area, they will ask if I want to press charges (I'm not sure about indicents that occur in dog parks though, since you entered into a "known risky" situation).

 

[Csue]

I continue to go to the dog park 15 minutes away for one reason: The only way to wear Donatello out is by letting him zoom off-leash. Many people have suggested to me that I could just jog or walk around my complex and that should suffice... Well. It doesn't. The first month I had Donatello that's what we did. Not only does it not work, but it's dangerous.
I was taking Donatello over to my father's house and letting him run in his big back yard with his two, now three, dogs... But I haven't been over there in over a month

I agree with what you say..I have the same problem..i went to the neighbors backyard this morning and our dogs played in a big 'back to nature' yard..i forgot how playful my dog really is in the morning if he has the space and a playmate helps* We went to dog park again and the same lady was there and again her dog bit another dog. So now the other dog owners are finally
speaking up. Do not come into the park or keep dog leashed or muzzle and see if it works..my dog was playing last night and did not want to leave..until ihe saw her dog..first time he's come to me when callled (or not) as soon as he spotted that dog. I am not going to pursue charges and i did not go to Vet, just kept neopsporin on his ear..he is fine and fine with the park until he sees her dog..Maybe she will take a break and stay away..she needs to..she told the woman whose dog her dog bit the other day the reason was "Your dog barked at my dog, he does not like it"..she has soooo many excuses!!
Defintely in denial i guess.
Thanks for everyones' suggestions and support..this is a great forum.
Christine-Sue and Milo*[/B]