Ideas needed for a new Dog Park

[Kimmy & Chewie]

I'm thinking of opening a new dog park in Thailand. Found a great space in a good location around 2 acres (8000 sqm) in size. The space was formerly a driving range so it has grass and sand bunkers as a starting base. This will be one of the first dog park in center of Bangkok.

I'd like to get your ideas and wish list to make it the best dog park.

Here're some of the things I've thought of so far...

• ›2-3 separated fenced areas for small and large dogs
• ›Multiple play area (e.g. grass, water and sand pit)
• ›Agility equipment (e.g. jumps, tunnels)
• ›Grooming/Dog wash station
• ›Free poop bags
• ›Waiting area/refreshments for owners (e.g. coffee shop on 2nd floor)

Revenue source

• ›Annual membership
• ›Monthly/Daily passes also available
• ›Income from coffee shop (food and drinks)

Thank you in advance for your great idea :)

[Jen and Annie]

Well, I personally DO bring treats with me when I take Annie, because I DO use the dog park to practice her recall, among other things. BUT, if you have treats, all the other dogs will smell it and come around! And they do come around sniffing.

Some people are weird about a stranger giving their dog a treat, or they don't like their dog approaching strangers (Me, with all the treats LOL). Basically other peoples dog's will focus on the person with the treats rather than listening to their owner... I personally don't care, but I know others do.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Some people are 'weird' about it because their dogs have food sensitivities or they don't want their dog eating certain kinds of treats, such as the tainted ones that are killing dogs. I personally hate it when other people give my dogs food without my permission.

[Jen and Annie]

The term 'weird' was used in the nicest way possible, as I fall into that category as well - I dont like strangers giving my dogs treats either, my girls are on a strict diet of NO GRAIN and nothing MADE IN CHINA...I don't let my girls take treats from petsmart or other patrons at the dog park, i just nicely say 'they are allergic to alot of things....'. I don't give other dogs a treat unless their owner says it's ok. Alot of people at the dog park are not as courteous to ask first, which is why I mentioned the treats as a possible 'no no' in the dog park.
The "I personally don't care" portion of my comment was addressing the fact that other dogs approach me, NOT that I give other people's dog a treat without their permission...

[F, Calla & Luca]

But I do Think treats can be a possible source of friction between some dogs.

[Jen and Annie]

I could see some fights breaking out if there were any 'food guarders' in the bunch. I haven't personally seen this happen, but it is definitely probable to happen at some point.

[Becka]

Indeed--this is why no food of any kind is allowed in our dog park. Of course, people still break this rule all the time. I appreciate when people ask me before they give Sadie a treat (I always say no) and feel very irritated when they don't.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

It seems there are 2 concerns/issues here.

1. People giving treats to your dog before without your permission

2. Dogs becoming distracted/agitated/hostile when food are in smelling range

I also agree with you, Jen about the benefits of bringing in food to practice recall for example.

Are there ways to work around or address the concerns/issues? Separate area for no-treats or encourage owners not to give treats to other dogs...etc.

[Adina P]

Not sure how enforcable it would be but a rule that stated: Treats allowed only for training of your dog(s). Please do bring in food or treats otherwise and do not hand out food or treats other people's dogs.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Good idea, Adina. Might need to hire a dog park marshal to enforce rules :)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

How about having dog training workshops? it's the perfect kind of place for it. There will be lots of distractions and lots of space to practice recall.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Wow, you're just full of great ideas! 

[Diana Erhart]

Kimmie...I spoke with one of the workers at Charlie's daycare when I dropped him off today. She said that for the dog park, the owners are responsible for their own pets. So they just have one person at the check-in desk that verifies that the dog(s) have their current vaccinations and takes their payment. The way it is set up you cannot get into the dog park without going through the building and past the desk. For the daycare, they have 10 dogs per one person. They feel that this is the best ratio. She also said that they use a software program (I think it is called Kennel Connection or Canine Connection?). It allows them to keep records on everything they do and so therefore keep track of dogs and their vaccinations so that once you have submitted your dog's records they have it on file and they can check when you come in the door. Let me know if you have any other questions you would like for me to ask. She also said that you could e-mail the owner if you would like to discuss more with her.