Devestated Hometown, UT 11/11/2009 8:37:19 PM My friend and companion was attacked and killed in a dog park by a larger dog. It's too late now for him but I'll push for a divided park which might spare others.
sc ov, AZ 6/7/2009 12:21:25 AM Great article! i have not come across a park that has two sections, one for small and one for large. did not know there were any.. i like that idea, it would feel safer, for my small dog..although i do think most people who take their pets to dog parks are very responsible but, i rather be safe. hope there is one near us...
Mandy Forest, OH 11/21/2008 8:57:08 PM I would like to bring the dogs to a dog park but I am afraid of them getting involved in a dog fight.I love the idea because if you don't have a fenced in yard you can still give your dog a nice run. God Bless
Anna Maple Grove, MN 10/13/2008 4:46:18 PM Great article! I thinks dog parks are a good idea, except our dog park has no fence, and both the big and small dogs are together, so I don't bring my dog there, even though I'd like to. Good to remember safety!
Beagle Lover Granite Bay, CA 10/13/2008 8:58:11 AM We LOVE dog parks and so do our Beagles ! Thanks for this great article !!!
Cindy Gaithersburg, MD 6/6/2008 7:09:57 AM This was a great article. It's great that you have written about dog park safety. This is important!
Jim ventura, CA 6/5/2008 5:06:37 PM LonG Beach recreation dog park Long Beach cal is one of the most dangerous places for dogs, dog fights are a daily occurance, avoid it at any means
Sue Three Oaks, MI 5/20/2008 2:59:20 PM Very good ideas, I've never taken my dog to one yet, but plan to. This article gave me some good insight on what to do.
nadine glendale, AZ 5/3/2008 11:32:58 PM I notice there will be times when the par is great and all the dogs will get along.There are also times when all the dogs attack one poor dog at once and I feel so bad for that dog.
Jill Lansing, MI 5/2/2008 3:56:51 PM wow, that's scary. that makes me want to think twice about entering a dog park.
Pam Freeport, NY 4/20/2008 9:55:38 AM Safety in dog parks is very dependent on the dog owners who take their dogs to the parks. Dogs should be obedience trained and owners should watch their dogs, not mostly ignore their dog and spend time socializing. Dog owners have a responsibility to other owners and their dogs. If a dog is aggressive around other dogs, they should not bring that dog to a fenced park and let their dog run free. Of course some dogs don't get along, just like people don't get along with some people. It's the responsibility of the owner to know their dog, take time to watch the activity, and be attentive so they can make judgement calls.
Abby Coal Valley, IL 4/19/2008 6:08:58 PM I think they are safe when well taken care of, the rules are followed and dogs are trained and controlled. I love the idea of the bike horns, those could quickly brake up a fight without owners getting hurt. I think owners should be careful tho about taking their dogs, its NOT a place to train your dog and certainly not for dogs to learn to socialize with other dogs, they need to be trained before they ever set foot in a dog park. Its always best to have large dogs and/or rough players separated form the smaller ones. Also owners should not bring toys other than balls that only one dog can keep in has mouth, a friendly game of tug a war can go bad very quickly. But when all the above things are done, I think it is a safe place to enjoy your dog(s) and other's too.
Gayle Denton, TX 4/19/2008 7:11:48 AM Take your dogs for walks. Watch them closely if you choose to take them to the dog park.
Joanne Lincoln, NE 4/18/2008 7:49:23 PM I think it is important to make sure the dog run is well- fenced. I am not sure that the second dog run in my city is completely fenced. It has been re-located at least once to make way for some kind of racing vehicle. Neither the old or new location is particularly attractive. On the other hand the other dog run in the city has a fence, trees, a creek, and other fun things for the dogs. This dog run is in a more upscale neighborhood. I don't know if that is why the dog run is better or because it has not had to deal with relocation and has been established for a long time.
Colleen Carrollton, TX 4/18/2008 10:34:29 AM I think dog parks are wonderful. Dog owners to me are more responsible with their dogs than most people are with their children (human children). The thing I see so often though are people with small dogs bringing them into the large part of the park. We always keep a close eye on our dogs because although they like little dogs, may get too rough, but they don't mean to be, they're just big dogs. I say just use common sense and you'll be okay.