First trip to dog park!

[Melissa]

We got our dog park permit in the mail yesterday and decided to try it out today.  We had never gone to a dog park before so we were not sure what to expect.  They had a large 5-acre area and a 1-acre area for smaller dogs. Buddy had fun running around and chasing after his toys.  Overall it was a good visit.   What surprised us was that we were the only ones there.  We had the place to ourselves!  We might go back this evening to see if there are any dogs there...not sure when they show up, early morning, etc.  Any thoughts on this, or your experience? 

 

By the way, the one we went to was in Homer Glen, IL - Messenger Marsh!

 

Thanks!

[Michelle Viglietti]

There is no permit required to visit Shelby Farms Dog Park. However, your dog can become a member of Shelby Farms Dog Park for a $10.00 membership fee. There are some perks associated with the fee and you can check their website for more information. Also, the Off Leash Society accepts donations and sells t-shirt. The proceeds go toward dog park improvements.

[Tammy & Gracie]

No, Shelby Farms is free. The dogpark in Germantown requires a pass and has a yearly fee. The fee covers park upkeep. We also have to show proof each year of shots and take a brief course on park rules/etiquette. It is so hot here, the parks have people early in the day and from 6:30 or so till dark this time of year. Gracie and I visit both parks often.

[Margot]

Wow... that's an enormous park! If the permit requires that the dogs are also vaccinated, I guess that's a good idea..... perhaps on the weekends you will see more people? Saturday and Sunday mornings are when my dog parks are quite the "happening place", and after a while, you'll find a good bunch of dogs, and, sadly, a few you may wish to avoid. There are always the dog parents that go to the park and don't watch their dog and just chat on their phone/text/etc, so just watch out for Buddy and you'll have a blast. And a tired dog is always a good thing! :)

[Melissa]

So we went back the dog park this morning. Got there a bit before 10:30am. Still too late as we didn't really see anyone in there. So we all went on a walk on one of the trails. After we went back to the dog park section. We walked into the larger area and within a couple of minutes a dog came out. This is 5 acres so you can go walk on trails within. Anyway, it was a German Shepard and we found out he was 11 months old and we noticed he was not neutered (perhaps this is why he acted the way he did?). Anyway, Buddy wanted to say hello so they both started sniffing each other and then all of a sudden the shepard got very aggressive. Growling and chasing after Buddy. Pinning him against the fence biting at his neck. Buddy yelped a few times so we knew it was hurting him (when playing in puppy class he has gotten play bites from other dogs and not yelped). Thankfully the owner grabbed his dog and I was able to pick Buddy up and out of the way.

Of course both owners said he has never done this before!!! Well a few minutes later 2 more dogs came back from a walk and the owner was giving them water out of their own bowl. Well the shepard wanted to drink out of it and started being agressive yet again!!! Again they said he has never done this before! Sorry I don't buy it. Thank fully Buddy was ok and doesn't seemed traumatized by it, but it was quite scary as the shepard was at least twice the size of Buddy.

When we go back we will stick to the smaller part for dogs 35 pounds and under! Geesh!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I am sorry that you found an aggressive dog, that happens sometimes. In fact, it's a reason why a lot of people don't ever take their dogs to parks. I haven't encountered this problem too much, and we still love going. I wouldn't count on the small dog section being better, however. In my experience, little dogs can be just as territorial and aggressive as larger ones... if not more so. Then again, maybe that is because I have a standard doodle and little dogs tend to be on the offensive because his size intimidates them. Doesn't matter that he's super submissive and friendly! Good luck!