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Comment by Judith Andre on May 25, 2010 at 2:21am

Things I've seen at the dog park: a 3 or 4 yr old boy deliberately falling on a pack of small dogs ( repeatedly, mother watching ) , a man in dress clothes munching a hamburger with his young daughter (no dog) , dogs in heat (when I suggested to an owner that this could cause a dog fight she left the small dog area and went to the large dog area ), puppies as young as 5 weeks old....I could go on.....

Comment by Stephanie on May 24, 2010 at 5:47pm

There's often kids at our favorite dog park, I put their parents in the same category with people who wear short summer dresses and heels to the dog park = clueless. The dog park is like every other public place - it lets everyone in, whether they have a brain or not. I've seen a guy eating a McDonald's hamburger in my dog park and I didn't feel a bit of pity for him when the two local great danes slobbered him good! I've also seen a woman come in to the park dressed in white dress pants and a pastel pink sweater, I laughed to myself when she got jumped on. Common sense is free, but not everyone can afford it. Don't feel bad about what people may think of your dog in a dog park, that is their socialization time and unless they're fighting with other dogs or biting people, enjoy the time with them.

Comment by Cody, Carly, Addie, and Becki on May 24, 2010 at 2:52pm

Elizabeth we have the same problem with people eating at our dog park. It was a rule when the dog park was formed (about a year ago) that food was not okay. But since the founders didnt post a rules sign any where nobody really respects them. Last night we went to the dog park and a lady who I know quiet well was knocked to the ground by a pack of playing dogs. It made me cringe to think that people let their little kids run freely. Then there are the people who dont have dogs at all but bring their kids to play with the "doggies" sigh. some people . . .

Comment by Avyon on May 24, 2010 at 1:30pm

Ugh Im sorry to hear this. I completely understand how you feel. We have rules posted next to our dog park but it seems like nobody enforces them at all.

I've seen people bring baby strollers!!!! toddlers!!! and a pregnant woman who looked like she was about to pop go in there! (I'm sorry if you're scared of dogs jumping on you.. DONT GO IN).

It's nerve wracking sometimes!

Comment by Elizabeth Olsen on May 24, 2010 at 3:23am

The park by my house has a few parents who bring their kids (no dogs) to eat lunch in the dog park. As you can imagine it drives all the dogs crazy! You don't want my dog running onto the soccer feild ( or whatever sport is popular with the mini van-SUV crowd these days) during a game and running off with the ball. So don't interupt my dogs socialization with tasty food and eye level munchkins! That being said there are also alot of nice respectful children whos parents care and teach them manners. Sigh...

Comment by Ginny and Diggory on May 23, 2010 at 11:42pm

I wish their were more rules about this. I can't tell you how many times people have brought their toddlers into the dog park and let them wander around amidst the big dogs that are running and wrestling. I know I've personally almost been taken out by groups of dogs that are running and playing rough, and I'm a full-sized adult! I can only imagine how badly a little child could get hurt, and of course, if someones going to be blamed, you betcha it would be the dog owner, not the parent who irresponsibly lets their kid wander around. I agree - there are countless playgrounds and parks where dogs aren't allowed off-leash. Let the dogs have their parks and the small children have theirs! I have seen older kids at the parks who are great with the dogs - they are respectful and ask to pet the dogs before they approach, but they are also big enough to handle the dogs and watch out for them if they are heading in their direction. I think a good rules of thumb should be no children 6 and under, ages 7-14 with adult supervision.

Comment by Chloe's parent Liz on May 23, 2010 at 11:35pm

the dog parks in our area say no unattended children, not recommended for small children

Comment by Geri & Sidney on May 23, 2010 at 10:20pm

Patricia, since I take my dog to a dog park, am I a problem? I don't understand your blanket statement :(

Comment by Josh Hopkins on May 23, 2010 at 9:47pm

most dog parks you have to be at least ten years old to enter, and that is still with parental supervision so there should actually be a rules board before entering the park, if not then whoever runs the dog park is not doing there job. YOu have nothing to worry about, they should have not been in there in the first place.

Comment by Gail and Ashton on May 23, 2010 at 8:43pm

My hubby and I have to drive across the state (almost out) if we want to take Ashton to a dog park. I wish we had one closer. :(

But the closest one (Washington/Idaho border) is very nice and it is posted that "Any children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult". It goes off the honor system but from the regulars we have seen they are really good about policing the park. One time we were in the park and someone showed up with a little girl and the call went out "child!!" (the same voice one would scream shark! at the beach...yeah, that inflection) and everyone, including the parents, knew there was a young person in the park and they were being watched. Almost like put on notice watched.

Irresponsible parents are everywhere...everywhere but with their children that is. lol

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