Dog parks in your area

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

I was thinking it would be great if everyone could post the dog parks that are availabe in their area.

I live in the Hampton Roads area and we have a few that we go to.

Chesapeake, VA

Western Branch Park, off of I-664, exit 11B Portsmouth Blvd behind the Community Center. This is a fenced in off the leash park. There is no fee.

Chesapeake City Park, off of I-64, exit 289 Greenbrier Parkway, take Greenbrier Parkway all the way about 3 miles (you will pass the YMCA and some schools) the park will be on the right. The dog park is in the back of the park. This is also a fenced in off the leash park. There is no fee.

Norfolk, VA

Peta, you may have to look up the address for this one, I only know that it is off of Brambleton Blvd. There is a ramp for the dogs to get in and out of the water. Zahra actually stuck her paw in to test it.

I also know of two in Virginia Beach, but I have only been to those once. There is two in Hampton and I know that there is one in Newport News.

I would love to hear about dog parks in other areas and what makes yours a really great dog park. :)

Jenn

[jenwilson]

Hi Jenn! I live in Knoxville TN and we JUST got our first dog park in April of this year. It is a huge success and our 2nd dog park is set to open in 2008. The second park is suppose to be larger and divided for large and small dogs. We do have access to the Pet Safe Village dog park, but this is a privately owned park and the only off leashed times are M-F 5-close and Sat & Sun 3 - close. We also must sign a lease when using Pet Safe's Park. Thanks for the info regarding your area. If we ever travel there, we know there are dog friendly areas to visit.

[JazzysMom]

Am I the only one here who is opposed to off-leash dog parks?

I don'tl trust even the best behaved dog to ALWAYS be friendly and obedient in the best of circumstances, and it seems to me that an off-leash park is just asking for trouble.
My vet can't stand off-leash parks, or even PetSmart and PetCo, because he says he has treated so many animals that have been injured in fights in all three places.
Just too scary for me!
I'm a leash-gal all the way.

[Quercus]

I don't use dog parks, or dog play schools...my dogs simply don't get along well enough with non-family-pack dogs. I have seen a lot of dogs do fabulously in those settings though. I think each dog park takes on its own culture, some are great, some not so much. I think some dogs are better suited to them. My sister takes her lab to one several times a week, and she has never seen an issue occur....it is inhabited by mainly labs :)

There is a group who takes their Bs to a park in Florida frequently too...they all get along wonderfully...so it can happen...but in general, I am an on leash gal too...except for lure coursing :)

[Duke]

I know of one dog park in Livonia, but I haven't been there yet. I don't feel Duke has enough training. He is very dominant. Even in the Obedience class on the last occasion he got hostile with the nice doggy next to us. That was embarrassing. Thankfully the trainer gave us her take on the behavior to smooth things over. But it's nice to know we have a park for dogs. I hear it is fenced with separate areas for the big ones and the little ones. At this point I think I would have to put him in with the big ones. He might hurt a little one. But until I trust him, we'll hold off on visiting the park.

[listeme]

I think to some extent there are regional and even population-density factors. I was a nervous wreck the first time I saw my fiance let his very well-behaved dog play off-lead in a public park with other dogs. But this was in a rather densely populated area, not many big fields, and I gradually noticed that there were a lot of folks who did so by tacit agreement. They knew each other and each other's dogs.

Me, I'm way too much of a wuss to try it with either of my basenjis. Around here (suburban Virginia), I don't know of any -- but there are tons of sidewalks and wide open spaces and even great trails.

So, I know this is probably a goofy question, but are the dog parks more for "socialization" or exercise? DO dogs need to have experience with other dogs? I'm not the party type myself, as a human, so I tend to think my dogs need about as much socialization as I do... the ability to chill out if a relative shows up unexpectedly with a small child or their own dog, but that they don't have a big need for large gatherings. But I could be putting my own personality needs onto them...

[jessi76]

I think dog parks are for both, socializing and exercise. That said, I really only use the dog park during "off peak" hours. when I know there will be only 1 or 2 other dogs there. this way my dog socializes and exercises, but it's not overwhelming, for him or me. I keep a very close eye on him at all times, and I find it easier to referee the play with only a couple of dogs there. if the park gets too busy, I usually leash up and leave. (if a small dog arrives, we leave immediately - Tucker seems to view small dogs as "prey" and I just can't chance it)

[pelican]

I guess there are situations where it is the best solution, but not for my dogs. My older B is not the most friendly dog when other dogs get in her face. I think her head was chomped on while she was at a dog sitter's house. The sitter said my dog tried to run under a chain link fence and cut her face up.

I have tried an outdoor park and an indoor facility. In both situations, I sawseveral dogs become defensive/agressive when they felt cornered or surrounded by an comfortable amount of dogs.

Severl times I witnessed the owner of an agressive dog being giving a "warning" and the dog was not removed. In one instance the owner encouraged his dog to be dominant over the other dogs.

I also worry about an increased risk of parasites on the ground or in shared water.

Just my two cents.
Rich

[lvoss]

Dog parks provide a place for socialization and exercise. Not all dogs do well at a dog park and not all owners are good at recognizing when their dogs just do not behave appropriately for a dog park. Of my 3 basenjis, I have 1 that can not go to the dog park, 1 that used to go but can not go if one of her offspring is there because she is overly protective of them even now that they are almost 2 years old, and 1 that does great and I take to the dog park to have play dates with her siblings.

My mom lives in Orange County California in an area with a lot of apartments and condos where dogs are allowed but have no yard to exercise in. She has 3 dog parks in her area and uses them on a regular basis. Each park has its pros and cons and my parents have gotten to know the "regulars" at the parks they use at the times they use them. They also know their dogs well enough to know when they should leash up and go home. During this time of year, she doesn't really use the dog park as much because she has two male basenjis, and as people say "Tis the season". After their hormones settle back down they will go to the dog park more.

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

Ivoss,

I like what you posted, I was going to post almost a similar comment about Dog Parks. I realize that not everyone is for them but we do not have a very big yard and this is a great way for my dogs to run as fast as they want without dragging me on the ground behind them! Zahra is very socialized with other dogs, we started taking her as soon as she got all of her shots.

Our dog park is not too big and the regulars watch their dogs as they should. There are some times where some one comes in with an animal that gets aggresive but if it continues they leave. Just like at a park with a child, my eye is constantly on my dogs and making sure that they mind their manners and that they are not being beaten up by another dog.

My idea for the post was to hear about other dog parks or other ways that people take their dogs out for excerise in their area and to learn about the location. I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn of places that I have not been to or see what other parks are like.

As for the parasites and the water, I have not had a problem with my dogs getting sick from the dog park. Both of my dogs have the Ghiardhia <spelling> shot so that they do not get sick from water but they could pick that up from mud puddles in the yard or on our walk.

Anyway, I agree that the dog park may not be a good place for some but it works for us and I would love to hear from people who go and what they like about theirs.

[JazzysMom]

>>and not all owners are good at recognizing when their dogs just do not >>behave appropriately for a dog park. Of my 3 basenjis, I have 1 that can >>not go to the dog park, 1 that used to go but can not go if one of her >>offspring is there because she is overly protective of them even now that >>they are almost 2 years

This is the problem I have with the parks. IF I think MY dog will be fine at the park, that is one thing. But I also have to deal with the dogs that have the "bad" owners. I'm not willing to take the chance that they will not supervise their dogs and that may result in a fight or an injury to my dog.

If I didn't have a yard, I would just leash up and walk the neighborhoods with my dogs.
But I'm glad the rest of you enjoy them! ;-}

[listeme]

I hope I didn't come across as disapproving!

Mostly, my feelings on the parks are a function of my personality, honestly. If I'm given the choice between: spend Saturday afternoon reading a good book or spend Saturday interacting with strangers -- even very nice strangers doing fun things! -- I'll probably opt for the book. So I figure my basenjis want to do the same. (We're working on phonics.) I'm just not really a party person. I'm shy. :)

But I would hate to be depriving my dogs of something essential to them, which is why I was glad to see that other folks choose not to do the parks, either, and their dogs are also fine. Which is the goal -- making sure the dogs are fine, however we do it, neh?

[jenwilson]

Where I live, we have only ONE true off the leash dog park. Hollie loves to play with other dogs (of all sizes) and I would not deny her that for anything. I do stay close to her, especially if the dogs are what I call "wrestle playing." I stay close enough that if any of the dogs got a little too excited or overly aggressive I could get Hollie out of the way. She is tough and holds her own, but I wouldn't want to be responsible for someone elses pet being hurt (and having to pay their vet bills). Our park has been very successful and we too know the regulars by sight and their dogs by name (the dogs are the most important, aren't they?). I also make a habit of taking Hollie away from the gate and leashing her when another dog arrives. I find that 5, 10, 15 dogs crowding the gate for the newcomer scares some dogs and they could snap out of fear. Once the dog is in and unleashed, then I releash Hollie. We will stay for up to 2 hours, because she LOVES it and needs the exercise. There are pros and cons for everything and yes we do have to decide what is best for our own dog. THey are all different.

[ewarp]

I live with my basenji in a small townhouse. We have a tiny yard and it's certainly not fenced. I regularly take her to a large (36 acre) fenced dog park about 10 minutes from here. She really doesn't care for other dogs, but the offleash running time is indispensible.

She is a typical basenji- she's dominant and catty with other females. We work on our "walk away" command all the time. I watch for hackles, frontal behavior, tails going straight up... any signals that things could escalate and I ask her to walk away- no problem.

That said, you can't count on everyone to be responsible. It's your responsibility to make sure that your dogs are sufficiently protected from disease, parasites, other dogs, other people, and health hazards. I don't go when the crowds are there, and I certainly don't stand there and socialize while my dogs explore on their own.

I think the true problem with dog parks comes when the owners are being irresponsible. They're talking on their cell phone or eating a muffin rather than keeping an eye on their dogs. Even worse, I've seen people put their dog in the park and then go sit in their air conditioned car.

Be a responsible dog owner, encourage others to do the same. Do what you feel is best for your dog.

[cmd]

Personally I would be careful with other dogs in one. As much as they seem to like other dogs, off leash would make me nervous. You just never know. However I'd love to find out where pet friendly parks are when interstate traveling. We recently took a trip down I64 through TN and AL and would have loved to find a place to let them stretch. I'm surprised how many parks don't allow dogs even ON a leash. We did find one to stop at. The Peach Park, near Montgomery AL, has good food and an attached park with tables. It was great to use the tie-downs and eat lunch. I also stopped at a place in VA which had a similar eatery -- though I can't tell you where of hand. I even once was allowed to take Brie into a small restaurant in KY on a camping trip -- though that was 12 years ago. Maybe we need a "traveling with the dogs" section?

But back to the request: I know of 2 near Kings Island, OH off I71. There is a new one which has a HUGE fenced run in the woods. PM me for directions. There is rarely anyone at either during school hours ...but no BBQ sadly.

[MacPack]

We are very lucky here in Tampa. We have several dog parks and indeed, each has it's own "culture". We have taken our 3 basenjis to a dog park almost daily for over 6 years, and before that we took them to a big off-leash area far from traffic every day. When the first dog park opened in this area, several of us that knew each other from various internet basenji lists got together and discovered that off leash in neutral territory, basenjis got along with other dogs and with each other far better than anyone expected. I daresay we were the first "social experiment" of ongoing basenji meet-ups and I think most people (on the chat lists) didn't really believe how well they all did! We currently have a regular get-together with other basenjis every Sunday at a larger 6 acre park, sometimes only 5, often as many as 10 or 12 basenjis that play and chase for a couple of hours. Some of us have been together since the start of our little group, some we have recently met, but all get along very well. The girls are, well, bitches, and snark at the boys from time to time, occasionally at each other, but nothing like a fight. If things get tense, we all get up and go for a walk and everything smooths out. I am the biggest fan of dogparks that you will ever meet!
Of course you have to pick your park, and even a good park changes by the hour. Go alone at different times of day and chat with owners, hopefully you will find a group of like-minded responsible people and hook up with them. One of our parks is pretty much a 'pit and rottie' type of park, but others are great! Like someone else said, watch the other owners and be sure they are watching their dogs and not just socializing. And if a dog that comes in that makes you nervous, leave!
I won't say we have never seen a real fight, or that no dog is ever injured, but it is very rare. And the dogs LOVE it, they are very social creatures and love to meet new dogs and play, and really love seeing their pals every Sunday. Whoever gets there first always says that their dogs just sit and watch the gate till another basenji gets there, then they start to socialize with everyone. I could go on and on about the pleasures of dog park! We have met some of our very best friends there, and 2 good friends that met at dog park just got engaged,so it can be very good for humans as well.

If anyone is ever in Tampa, let me know and we'll meet up. We have met (in person) at least 10 people from all over the country that I knew from chat lists, all are amazed at our little basenji gang!

MacPack (Anne in Tampa)

[Mantis]

We are very lucky to have PAW parks in Tampa and a great community of basenji owners. Almost all of the basenjis that meet weekly are rescues and have been through hard times and socialize well. Just follow the rules. Don't have your dog on a leash inside the park, dont have kids that could look like peers to dogs, pick up your poop, no puppies that dont have the proper vaccines and be aware of the unfixed dogs in the park. Our basenji group is exciting to watch and has a pack personality. This group of basenjis protected and loved on Beta when she was really ill at the park last week with no problems. The macpack have the apha female and male of the group in my opinion and are fun be with!

[goldenfri]

We goto the dog park in Wheaton Maryland in Wheaton Regional Park. Its close enough that we can walk there during a longer walk.

As far as taking dogs to the dog park, I enjoy letting them walk around and do their own thing as opposed to when we go for walks and they alway have to do what I say on the leash. The funny thing though is that they just stay around me anyway and just watch all of the other dogs. They will go around and sniff other dogs but will not play with them. They prefer to watch all the action near me. If another dog gets too in their face or friendly with them they ether let out a long growl or a hard sniff and hop away. This lets the other dog know that they don't appreciate that, if the dog doesn't get the clue thats when I will step in. So far no problems.

Its also interesting the totally different way they interact with dogs there, totally calm. When they are on leash they go nuts and scuffle with each other if they even seen a dog, so I think its good for them to become more socialised so hopefully I can eventually break them of this habit.

[markusa59mn]

There are 5, well maintained off leash parks here in Minneapolis-St. Paul and I consider them a God Send. Luxor gets more run time than I could give him in a hundred walks and comes home hungry, happy and tired. He's been beat up a couple times and the rough play is hard to watch sometimes, but the benefits far outweigh the scratches. Lux runs the park, interacting with every dog and running to greet every new arrival. I can't wait for it to get above freezing so we can go romp. We want to come to B heaven in Tampa!

[Mantis]

Ha Ha...I suppose it is basenji heaven. It was 43 this morning in Tampa and Caesar was shivering in his fleece sweater....

Can't wait for it to warm up again...

[markusa59mn]

-4 this am, moving to a high of +5. It's out, pee-pee, poo-poo and back in very fast!:eek:

[Mantis]

HA HA, it's

[jys1011]

43 degrees would be SUMMER here! We're dealing with 6 and windchills of below zero :eek :eek:

[Mantis]

I say all the basenjis up north come down to visit Tampa and hang out for the winter....snowbird basenjis....

[nala121498]

Nala and I will be on the first flight outta here...

[UnluckyDrabBear]

Great dog park in Groton, CT on Rt 184.

I suppose that I can understand why you might be nervous letting a Basenji off leash around other dogs. That is just not the case for us.

Our 3.5 year old basenji is a rescue that had at least 2 previous owners and was not socialized to other dogs at all. When we first got her she would not let another dog within 25' of her. We had to wait for times at the park when only a few dogs were there. It was very difficult to bring her to the park then because it would literally be an hour or more of growling nonstop. We kept it up because we didn't not want a mean, aggressive, dog.

For the longest time she would not even move farther away than 10 feet from us. Slowly she got used to it though and would venture a bit further away and begin to interact with other dogs. About 6 monthes after we started bringing her (and this was 3 or 4 times a week at least) she got comfortable enough that she would actually play. The first time I saw her play bow at the park was a thing of beauty.

Now (1.5 years after getting her) she plays and runs (some) and interacts. She is still aloof, but she is so much more social than we ever thought whe would be. The only time I hear her growl these days is when it is a puppy that is spastic and doesn't yet understand the body language. Only when she is pushed a bit does she even growl now, where before it was a given if she even caught sight of another dog.

These are social and active animals and it breaks my heart to think of them not being allowed the chance to run and socialize. If you're new to the dog park scene but want to try it, I recommend taking your B when there are only one or two dogs there (try a weekday at lunchtime) and going for very short periods of time. As your B (and you) gets use to it, increase the times that you go. You as the owner can always gauge the mood of the other dogs. If they are too rough then leave and come back some other time. Trust me, with the temperment of our older dog we have to do that all the time!

[Mantis]

that is a great story! If any of you can post pics of your parks that would be great as well!!

the Macpack often visit the Davis Island dog park in Tampa. It is an extra special park because it is on the beach and the fence goes into the water so dogs can swim if they want too!

Caesar loves this dog park in particular because it is different from his usual haunts. He will chace the retrievers into the water, just to run with them. Once he gets in, he realizes he doesnt like water and runs back out!!

I am looking forward to getting Cairo to the park. His puppy energy level wears me out!! Our dog parks allow pups at 12 weeks, but I will wait until he gets that final series of shots just to be extra cautious.

[markusa59mn]

Guy doing? Luxor is digging the snow and all that is winter. His new best friend is a 7 mo Great Dane named Sammie. I know the puppy energy is intense, but I do miss those precious early days. Enjoy! Mark n' Lux

[jys1011]

Great dog park in Groton, CT on Rt 184.

UnluckyDB-I'm not too far from your area...in NJ to be exact.

I LOVED your story. Our two dogs have serious issues with other dogs (mostly resulting from an attack) but I'm so happy there's hope & I'm going to give your idea a try. Maybe first just hanging out in a dog park to see & just keeping it up consistently until they relax.

Thanks for giving us fearful doggie owners some HOPE :D :D :D

[luzmery928]

Well I have to admit once again I'm new to the doggies park area but this weekend I took my B to a small park and discovered a small area enclosed I'm assuming for dogs although my B's head fits through the bars. Anyway someone was inside with what looked like a pit bull and champ seemed like he wanted to play so after the other owner's invite we proceeded to enter. I was nervouse(you know the whole pit bull thing and of course going off the leash but I decieded to let them mingle) The owner assured me his pit was friendly) Well they sniffed and then the other dog started chasing champ in circles. I couldn't tell if he was enjoying it or not but then the other dog just kept on barking in poor champs ears so I decided it was time to go. Well champ kept looking around and trying to find the dog so I don't know does that mean he was enjoying the play. Honestly my heart was beating a mile a minute and it was honetly to much for me but I don't want my own fears to step into champs natural environment that he might me craving. I take him to a bigger park now always on a leash and let him interact with other dogs and he absolutly loves this. I do wonder thought if another dog barks does this mean it's happy or yelling, kind of a dominance thing? I wonder what champ feels like when he hears barking and he can't bark back?

[Mantis]

well a pit bull is a challenge for a first time at the dog park....i probably would have done the same and it is always wise to be cautious when dogs are off the leash.

usually a good dog park (fenced, I mean) will have two areas distinguished by dog size.

start with the small dog pens and if you feel comfortable try the large.

i have found in my experience with dog parks that there are different types of play. i am not sure if it is based on size or breed.....

typically I feel that the large dogs tend to be more mouthy in play and are a bit rougher.

basenjis will box during play which I have seen in the smaller breeds.....

if you are unsure, dont risk it.

barking can be talking....watch your basenji for the signs....hair standing up on their back and neck means they are showing they are a larger dog, scared, excited.....tense.....if their ears go down.....you may want to try a different form of socialization first

just stay in control...use your mommy eyes, stick with your instinct....caution is always best....

basenjis are capable of being with large breeds, but start small and work to your comfort level....

[luzmery928]

Yeah it's funny though because other dogs don't seem to get him. He sniffs then waits to be sniffed and kind of plays the staring game and then the boxing gloves comes on. He's so cute I love when he plays like that

[Mantis]

I find that Caesar loves bird dogs and labs because they will chase him.

[BillyK]

My experiences with the nearest dog park (in Des Moines, IA) have been wonderful. Jenny is good with everyone, and I was worried because she was a little leash aggressive when we first got her (7/06), and she is a play biter. There were 20 dogs at the park the first time we went, and she was excellent. She likes to tear around as if to say "try and catch me" and so far no one has. She does this roll-on-the-ground maneuver when she wants to chase the chaser, and the chaser runs over her as she picks up in hot pursuit. We were just there last weekend and there is mud and standing water everywhere and she LOVED it. She chased Betty (lab-mix) in and out of the water...

[spitfirekrl1]

Any in Colorado that anyone knows about? I've never actually seen one.

[jenwilson]

Dogster.com had two listings for Colorado. I don't know if they are close to you or not.

Grandview Dog Park
17500 E. Quincy Ave.
1/4 mile east of Buckly Rd off Quincy
Aurora, CO 80013

Dog Park at Tony Grampsas
44th Avenue & Salvia
Golden, CO 80401

[spitfirekrl1]

Thanks jensilson! That provoked me to do a google search (since neither of those are very close and there's a website dedicated to dog parks (coloradodogparks.com) and apparently there's TONS of them around here. I'll have to check one out...maybe (I'm still a little scared).

[jenwilson]

Try to visit during off peak hours. Early cool mornings... slightly raining days.. test it out first. Good luck!!

[BDawg]

When Lexi was younger, I took her to the dog park for several hours nearly every day. (Wish I had that kind of discretionary time now!) She became VERY well socialized from a young age. I think this was great for her. She learned how to interact with all breeds of dogs and of all sizes. Now, the only ones she hates are Jack Russells and Pomeranians. I know that if we see one of those, I better get her before she goes nuts!

Otherwise, Lexi loves to be at the dog park. But, I have to admit that she enjoys running through the woods FAR more than she does just the dog-dog interaction.

When we lived in Georgia, we used to go to UGA's intramural fields in Athens. They have a HUGE off leash dog area and running trails. Lexi could run for hours and chase squirrels and just be a dog. It was great.

Now that we live in Northern Virginia, there are far fewer places to take the dogs. They are opening up a new one, but get this, you have to PAY!! I can hardly believe it.The name of the park is Leesburg Canine Country Club. I've never been to a dog park where you had to have a membership to get in!! I'm not talking about a dog tag, you actually have to pay a membership! And it ain't cheap! I think for the two of them, it's $400 some odd dollars a year!! HOLY GEEZ!!

That's another reason I'm trying raise so much money for the doggie 4K!! I got the park to donate a year membership to the top fundraiser. I WANT THAT MEMBERSHIP!!! So if any of you wants to help us get it, please donate!! :) It's like killing two birds with one stone: It helps homeless dogs and helps us get closer to having an offleash area to be able to run!! www.firstgiving.org/bdawg

[luzmery928]

Well my B craves for playmates. We went to the park around here searching for the doggie area and found out the area is not closed in..Great. I guess nobody has the dame issues of not being able to have their dogs off the leash. Anyway Champ found a friend and so they started playing and the other dog (off the leash) ran off wanting Champ to follow. Being the good mommie that I am I ran with him on the leash chasing the other dog. By the way it was hailing out and their was snow and ice on the floor. Yeah the things we do for our babies

[gbroxon]

...Now that we live in Northern Virginia, there are far fewer places to take the dogs. They are opening up a new one, but get this, you have to PAY!! I can hardly believe it.The name of the park is Leesburg Canine Country Club. I've never been to a dog park where you had to have a membership to get in!! I'm not talking about a dog tag, you actually have to pay a membership! And it ain't cheap! I think for the two of them, it's $400 some odd dollars a year!! HOLY GEEZ!!...

I confess that when I read that you have to pay, I was like, okay, they have to collect a nominal fee to keep up the grounds, provide water and probably waste bags and receptacles. Not so bad, I'd pay a fee. But then when you went on to say the fee would be over $400 a year...Good Dog! Do they have a bodyguard for each dog? They only serve Perrier water in sterling silvers bowls? Poop is scooped and disposed of by the Queen's Guard? Holy Moley!

[StellaGirl]

I would love to take Stella but she is weird standing their growiling but it is not a growl i dont know how to describe it. Also if a nother dog tries to play w/ my vizsla when she is there she gets real mad and hair stands up every thing. So i am going to try the dog park w/ out Bela there and see how Stella does w/o her big boy there. I would love for her to go we go 3x a week for 2to 3 hours. But i do have to say one thing Stella is the boss a 17lbs she walks my big 70lbs Vizsla around the yard and house and is the 1st to eat and do whatever she wants and tells on her brother


Shannon

[nomrbddgs]

I personally am opposed to dog parks simply because most people don't watch their dogs, don't know their dogs attitudes, don't know dog behaviour. But, that being said, I do take my dogs to play dates with other dogs and I introduce Sugar to other dogs. If she doesn't get along she doesn't get off leash. And I tend to play one on one. I've seen too many bloody ends because of people who say, 'My dog gets along with other dogs' and then just lets them go, without even an introduction.

[dash]

There are 2 that I am aware of. 1 in Westerville called Brooksedge Park off of Schrock rd. There is supposed to be one at Alum Creek at Africa but I have not visited it. Both are free.

During the summer we go almost daily. I go at any time busy or not. Our dogs are very social. I've noticed most people are very good at self policing. Any dog that shows aggression is asked to leave and does. Many people seem to have no idea how their dog will react in that situation- and how could they? For some, it is just to much. We started leaving Dash in the small dog part but he didn't get to run enough so we moved with the big dogs. We actually switch him back and forth to find a dog that runs as much as he does. He sort of takes over and claims the park as his own and for some reason the other dogs just ignore him or chase him.

I don't think they are for everyone for sure. If the owner is nervous, the dog will sense it and be on guard. And some dogs feel ganged up on. You know your dog better than anyone so listen to your gut.

[luzmery928]

We took Champ to the park yesturday, he loves it there. Sometimes I think he's not too sure how to play with other dogs, he kind of waits for there q. He starts out with a sniff then he does this really cute thing, he stands to the side of the other dog like saying O.k now you sniff me. Yesturday he saw a lab and was trying to play with him but didn't get a responds. A Bulldog came by and so the lab went to play with him and they kind of jumped on each others heads and looked like they were hugging each other. Well when the bulldog left, Champ went up to the lab, was straining his head to look up at him (the lab was 15 months old and about 3x our B's size) and he just jumped on the labs head and gave him what looked like a hug. I'm thinking wow he got the idea from watching them play. He's so smart. But then we saw a yorkie and Champ wasn't very gentle. He tried nipping him and actually grabbed a piece of the yorkies hair on his face and pulled. I immediatly grabbed champ, applied a little pressure to his mouth and apologized to both the yorkie and the owner. No harm was done but I don't allow this behavior. I do think it had to do with all the hair on the yorkie. My dog loves grabing our hair and pulling. Off the leash is not an option for us as much as we would like it to be. I feel for both our B's safety and other dogs. But I do enjoy those few times he seems to find a real play buddy and they just go at it, so the leash is not really an issue for us. He's enjoying himself and safe.

[dash]

Your story is very familiar. Dash is very dominant and we noticed he does better with the larger dogs because they are a little tougher. He has been known to run up to the meanest looking dog in the place, nip him in the face and run! So we watch him very closely. We are baffled by the fact he seems to be oblivious to his size.

[luzmery928]

That's what my husband and I were saying yesturday. Our B does not care about size and he seems to want to play with every dog he sees.

[luzmery928]

This morning was a little bit upsetting for me. I took Champ to the park and they have an area where the dogs can be of leash although not fenced in so my B stays leashed. As I mentioned before Champ loves other dogs so I was excited to see them all playing and getting along. Well one particular dog seemed very excited, overerly excited, and he was playing with Champ a bit too rough for my comfort so I stared pulling Champ away. He didn't seem to be enjoying the play either. The owner just kept calling the dog (i guess she was too busy socializing with the other owners) and the dog kept coming back but more rough. It got to the point I covered Champ with my arms and wanted to pick him up. The airhead owner just came and said wow he is so stubborn. We walked away. I was upset because Champ was loving the other dogs but due to this one dog/owner his play time was cut short. What's with some of these people don't they realize that as loving as there pets might be at times, they are also capable of hurting? I'm glad we left because as we walked around again, we heard some owners yelling and then heard a dog cry out. Glad it wasn't my B.

[dash]

Your dog is still a puppy right? I think you are smart to be cautious. I discipline others dogs as well as my own if they are messing with my dog. If Dash feels overwhelmed he just runs over in between my legs. Usually it is the other way around and I have to make Dash settle down.
and most of you probably don't agree with me but I allow the dogs to police themselves. However I never sit and chat with others without keeping one eye on my dog. I can tell when it is getting out of hand. Some breeds are talkers and people can automatically assume they are aggressive. I can't really explain it. I have had several years experience with all kinds of breeds so I know some of the ins and outs of their behavior. I totally agree that if your dog is overwhelmed it is best to go somewhere else. You don't want to ruin the experience for him. However, your body language can add to a dogs anxiety. If you are nervous about him being there, he will be to.

[luzmery928]

Yes I know about the energy and so I always stay calm. I usually let him fend for himself a bit since I think this is also new to him. He's 1 year old but we've only had him for 2 months and since he's a rescue we're don't know what his experience with play is. He still seems to be learning how to play with other dogs, at least that's what I think. So I give him his space (as much as I can being he's always on a leash) and I run besides him when he plays with the dogs but when he looks scared and seems to be feeling traped, we stop the play. I let him play with all types of dogs as long they all play nice and I don't allow that dominance behavior.

[Duke]

I found an indoor dog park like setting. They have 2 Rough & Tumble nights and 1 Gentle & Mild night. (evenings - 1 hour each) We took Daisy to the latter on Tuesday. She got along great with 3 young (5-7 mos) Whippets and 2 (1 yr) Beagle/Lab type dogs. It was a good experience for Daisy, me and son. Thursday, we took both Daisy & Duke to a Rough & Tumble. Also a good experience. The dogs were all mixes, but they were all young large sizes - playful in excess for Daisy's size. I ended up holding her 1/2 the time. Duke is not very socialized. The indoor park allowed Duke off-leash, thus less aggressive. He is not friendly at all on-leash. We need to go more often, expecially with Duke. The dogs there were regulars and knew instantly the new dog on the block needed a greeting. Duke was overwhelmed. He did bear teeth a few times. They supplied squirt bottles and a broom in case of a fight. I was nervous and totally expected to go home early. But, it's there for "socializing" and the dogs parents were OK with the way it went.

Curious - has anyone heard of an indoor park for dogs? The place is called Dunk-N-Dogs. A self-serve grooming facility that you bath your dogs and all supplies provided (stand-up tubs, dryers, etc.). The rear end (indoor park) of the facility is used daily as a Doggy Day Care.

[Quercus]

<<Curious - has anyone heard of an indoor park for dogs? The place is called Dunk-N-Dogs. A self-serve grooming facility that you bath your dogs and all supplies provided (stand-up tubs, dryers, etc.). The rear end (indoor park) of the facility is used daily as a Doggy Day Care.>>

Cute idea, and cute name. Do they have a website?

[BDawg]

They used to have an indoor park in Athens for dogs. We went there a couple of times. It was just a big room with lots of toys. It was called Pawtropolis though. They did have a bathing facility also- and of course also had an outside area and were a doggie daycare facility. It was good for those rainy days.

[Duke]

[quote=QuercusCute idea, and cute name. Do they have a website?[/quote]\

Dunk N Dogs website:

http://www.dunkndogs.com/

[jys1011]

Never heard of it..no place like that around us. But sounds like a COOL place. My B is like Duke.....on leash is not good :)

[Tayda_Lenny]

Hey Duke, you are in the Ann Arbor area right? Ever been to Mill Pond Park in Saline? I take Tayda and Lenny there quite a bit when it is nice out... I tried to go on that 80 degree day we had a few weeks ago but it was closed cause it was still muddy... maybe we can meet up there sometime!

[Duke]

They used to have an indoor park in Athens for dogs. We went there a couple of times. It was just a big room with lots of toys. It was called Pawtropolis though. They did have a bathing facility also- and of course also had an outside area and were a doggie daycare facility. It was good for those rainy days.
Same thing at Dunk N Dogs. Big room with toys. Wish I knew about this place long before now (spring). It is apparently more busy during the winter mos. and for bad weather. I do plan on going there for a while more for socializing. Haven't braved the areas dog park. I'll have to go see it and scope out hours when not too busy before I feel comfortable to bring Duke. Daisy's a bit young now anyway.

Hey Duke, you are in the Ann Arbor area right? Ever been to Mill Pond Park in Saline?
Hey there Tayda_Lenny, Thanks! I'm in Livonia. Saline would be about a 50 - 60 minute drive for me. As mentioned above - I'm not real confident to bring Duke to a park yet. He's about 15 mos old now and not real socialized. He needs to calm down some before I feel OK about a dog park. :rolleyes:

[jenwilson]

I take Hollie to play dates at a K-9 Performance (indoor agilty/obedience/playdate facilty). I wish they had the playdates all the time. It's great for bad weather. So far, they are only doing 1 playdate a month. :( Hollie really enjoys it. They separate the dogs by weight class and I am more comfortable there in a controlled environment than I am at the dog park (which we still go to, off peak times only).

[Vanessa]

It's sad to say but the dog parks out here in San Jose look like something out of 5 points. Ghetto! Its sad. I used to live in Colorado and they had some beautiful dog parks out there.

[luzmery928]

I came across an enclosed doggie park here in Queens New york. Not very big but the owners seemed pretty alert which is great. Champ loved it, except that we had one big hairy dog enter the area and I knew this was trouble since my B loves to pull hair (mine too) anyway as soon as Champ saw this dog he was off and I was off after him. Callin ghim to come over,,yeah right. I almost caught him twice then finally I saw him grab the dog and kind of nip and pull. I was so eager to grab him at this point since eventhough I know he wouldn't bite the dog, I'm sure niether the owner or the dog would appreciate getting a haircut from my B. Well as I was running over to them I saw my B grab hold of the dogs tail and pull. Let me just insert this: the other dog was too busy playing with big dogs her size to worry about this little brat pulling at her. Anyway I caught up to my B and put his leash on ending his fun time at the park and when I look down at him, he had a big fur ball in his mouth...how embarrasing. All in all the park was a nice experience and gave my B a chance to run around free without his mommie chasing after him on the leash.