Dog parks?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I just discovered that there is a dog park very close by and with Jace old enough to go I thought that would be a fun thing to do with the weather being so nice here now. It sounds super nice and is brand new, but I was wondering what everyone's experiences with dog parks have been and if they're fun, or chaotic. 

[Becka]

That's a great idea, Amy--I did this with Sadie, too.

[Becka]

Sadie and I go to the dog park every day, and we love it. That said, it isn't the right environment for everyone (dog or person). I would suggest going for the first time during the off-hours if you can, and I would avoid going on the weekends if your park is anything like mine. If someone's dog is truly being aggressive (and sometimes their play can sound vicious when it's not--dogs know the difference, usually), just leave.

[Lynda Kamrath]

We like dog parks, but everyone needs to be in control of their dog.  Doodles are usually great dogs at a dog park because they love to play, but some other breeds are not so great.  So, I would recommend going when it is not busy and keep your dog on leash at least until he has smelled out the place and then allow off leash if it seems okay.  Introduction to other dogs is the important part.  Also, getting to get a feel of the other people who are there with their pets.  It can be a great thing, but with the wrong dogs or people it can also be tragic.

[Adina P]

If it is a huge dog park, like those that are in the woods or hiking terrain, leashed probably is ok. But most dogs (unless they are well trained) get uncomfortable being on leash if a bunch of dogs rush to greet it when those dogs are off leash. So it is usually a good idea to unleash right away.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

We have not taken Libby to a Dog Park yet as our Vet avised not to use the parks.  He has had too many dogs come in with injuries from aggresive dogs using the parks.  I would really like to try one as we have some nice ones here in Fresno. Someday when the time is right and the park is not as crowded I will try and see how Libby does.  She is very social with other animals and people so I don't think I would have any problems with her.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Dog parks can be a great place for your dog to run and get some socialization (and you can meet more dog owners), but there can be aggressive dogs also.  You just need to check out the park first and be aware of the other dogs.

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

You'll receive as many opposing comments as you there are members on here. I've taken my two regularly without ever having an incident. Mine love it.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

My hundred pound dog got taken down by an aggressive alpha dog when he was a little over a year old (he's not a brave soul).  He's 8½ and we've never gone back.  I don't take issue with the dogs; I take issue with the lackadaisical manner many owners take when at the dog park.  They bring a newspaper, sit down at the picnic table and never see what's going on around them.  I will say that many of my friends regularly frequent the dog parks here in town and have never had issues so go, see for yourself - you will be the best judge for the park near you and the dogs and owners that frequent it.  Good luck, I hope your experience is NOTHING like mine!

[Seamus & Haidee]

Seamus and I have mixed feelings about our local dog park in Brooklyn.  We first visited the park when he was street legal and it was too much for him at first. Now at 10 months of age, he enjoys playing with the other friendly dogs and loves to socialize with other human and canine friends. The down side is that he has been jumped on several times, unfortunately by young and excitable pitts. Some owners watch their dogs in the park, and some tune out. I always watch Seamus and make sure he is behaving and that other dogs do the same.  A fight can break out very quickly as I learned many times so being alert to your dog and his play friends is a must. That said, it is a real treat for Seamus to be in the dog park as we live in the city and he loves running around like a free bird.

[Pat and Traveler]

I would certainly go during off times, and like somebody mentioned, maybe during a drizzle or very early or some other time that would keep most dogs at home.

I was very excited about going to dog parks when Trav was old enough, and there was usually no problem.  That turned out to be the key thing for me--usually.  Sometimes there were aggressive dogs, or dogs that would be fine except that  together they formed a pack and went after some dog--and that dog turned out to be Trav a couple of times.  Scary!  Eventually I found that I was just too nervous for it to be a fun experience, though Trav was always eager.

Trav is 3 now, and he doesn't really play with other dogs like he did when he was younger.  He's interested, especially when he's on leash, but he's much more interested in playing ball.  He's great off-leash so our activity is mostly going to a park that's not a dog park and playing fetch.

Hope the park turns out to be a great experience for you and Jace.  Everybody's experiences are different, and lots of people find dog parks the perfect place for their fur pals.      

[GBK]

I've also found that if you keep moving, there is less trouble with most dogs in the dog park.  The park closest to me is like a fenced football field.  We walk the perimeter, that way my dogs are always moving together and can meet and play with the other dogs for a short period of time.  I always have them close, and no need for crowd control of dogs who's owners are all sitting around not paying attention to their dogs.....  I also agree with everone's suggestion of going on off hours and days, good luck and have fun :)