How many people go to dog parks?

[dreamparkingspace]

I went to one for the first time today. I had never been to one before because I was always under the impression that the closest one to Flint was in Lansing, but it turns out there is one in Flushing which is only about a 20 minute drive from my house. Anyway, I took Shawnee (Hector and Tatum stayed at home for the first visit 'cause I wasn't sure how it would go) and she had so much fun. There were only two other dogs there who were referred to as "camp counselors" (everyone probably stayed home today 'cause it was so darn cold) but the three of them ran around in the snow for about 20-25 minutes. One of the dogs in particular, Buddy -- some kind of Border Collie mix maybe with a Rottweiler, could really match Shawnee's energy level. They had a lot of fun. It was called "Woof Woods." Maybe I'll bring my camera next time I go there. How many people on this board go to dog parks with their pooches?

[Cinder & Smoke]

How many people on this board go to dog parks with their pooches?

LOTS of us do!

Watch for the Spring announcement for the Annual Pet Talk *Gathurin* at the
Findlay (Ohio) Dawg Park on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

BIG Tyme Event - Lotsa Dawgs and Pet Talkers - *NICE* Park and
really GOOD Food and Socialization.

"Search" for "Findlay + Gathurin" to find the "reports" on past Gathurins.

There's a whole MOB of Dawgs & 2-Leggers who come down from Michigan.

EVERYbody and EVERYDawg are Welcome to attend!!

[Twisterdog]

We don't have a dog park in our entire county.

Even if we did, I doubt I would go. For one thing, I have six dogs, plus generally at least one foster/rescue dog. IMO, they have a big enough pack on their own, they have plenty of play and running buddies at home.

I live in a tiny town surrounded by thousands of square miles of open desert. I just take them three blocks to the edge of town and let them loose. It's the world's largest dog park.

[shepgirl]

We don't h ave any either but we have plenty of bush where the trails are never ending so the dogs get plenty of exercise that way and we often meet other dogs and owners , even horses and riders so it's quite a bit of fun.

[Karen]

We go to the Pet Talk gatherings at the Dog Park in Findlay Ohio! There's even a "time out" pen for dogs who are afraid of, or not getting along with, other doggies.

[Freedom]

The ones around here are not very reliable. There are constant warnings that folks with small dogs should not go. There is just a fenced in area, no sections for sizes. Several small dogs have been attacked, at least 2 that I know of were killed. So it is not something I do.

This is why I love the monthly Meet Ups! The one I attend is all small breeds, my Marlin is the largest dog there at 18 pounds. My dogs don't run and play, they sit on the sidelines and watch, wondering "WHEN can we go home, Mom?"

[Giselle]

I used to.

Dog parks are great, but the quality of the experience depends on who attends and the quality of the park itself. As a basic requirement, the parks have to be double-fenced, have separate areas for big/small dogs, etc. etc. As a basic requirement, the folks who go should have superior control over their dogs, no overly dominant dogs, no overly vulnerable puppies, etc. Pack mentality exists and dog parks are TEEMING with it.

Dog parks are only as good as the people and dogs who frequent them. Not all dogs are "dog park dogs". Unfortunately, few people actually realize that.

Dog parks: Use with caution!

[AllAmericanPUP]

I use to years ago but it's a 45 minute drive and when gas prices went up I stopped going.
Instead i just take my dogs to a fenced in ball diamond and let them play with each other..

[luvofallhorses]

I don't just because we don't have one here. I do take them on the walking trail sometimes though. They are thinking of making one here though.

[Taz_Zoee]

I used to take Zoee often for a few months. Then her issues got worse so I stopped taking her as much. And I've only taken Taggart once so far. I'm not against them, in fact, I like the dog park near my house. But I must work with Zoee in other surroundings first.

[Casper]

I have always wanted to take Skylar to a dog park. He loves any and all dogs and would have a great time getting to play with some new friends. Unfortunately the closest dog park is over two hours away. That long of a ride would be too stressful on any of our dogs.


Though, knowing the risks that come along with a dog park (like those already mentioned) makes me a bit hesitant. I cannot even go to the vets office without seeing someone who does not have control over their pooch.

[ramanth]

The one I go to regularly is the one here in Lansing (http://www.lansingdogparks.com/), but I have also been to the ones in Findlay, OH and Lake Orion, MI numerous times as well as a handful of others.

My two love dog parks. I'd be happy to meet you out there come Spring & Summer.

[Suki Wingy]

We do when we can. It's $10 each time if you don't buy the yearly pass, which is a lot more money for us because we live over the county line.

[mruffruff]

I try to take my two at least once a week.

We belong to a members-only dogpark. It requires UTD shots, $50 a year dues and well behaved dogs. The person that runs it checks out the dogs every year. Rules that aren't followed can get you booted out. The door has a combination lock, fenced in by an 8 foot heavy chain link fence. We usually go at off times so there are few other dogs there. Bella loves to streak back and forth the length of the park while Scruffy just snuffles around until he gets tired.

We had a problem a couple of years ago with a young dog, but he was asked not to return. Most of the people who come are older adults with socialized dogs.

[k9krazee]

I take Mini and Jack to the Lansing dog park semi-regularly when I'm home. I don't get to go as often as I like because of school though.