Would you be willing to pay a membership fee to use city dog parks that you currently can visit for free?

With state budget cuts trickling down to the cities within them, taken for granted luxuries such as school music and sports programs, city or state funded parks, and public transportation are being cut back or eliminated.  Seems that now, dog parks aren’t even free anymore. 

This makes me wonder, where exactly are my tax dollars going these days? Bailing out big banks, auto companies and CEO bonuses? While a possible dog park fee is by no means the biggest detriment caused by drastic state budget cuts, it’s ridiculous to think tax paying citizens are being asked to fork out more money just to go to the dog park! I would gladly pay a dog park fee if a fee was set up to support local dog shelters or help animals in need. But a mandatory dog park fee that is a direct result of government and big business financial irresponsibility is just too hard to swallow.

I understand we are in difficult times, and proposals such as the one in Novato, California are likely to pass. Can we at least make some good of it? Can dog park registrants be forced to provide proof that their dogs are up to date on vaccinations? Can a portion of the fees be used to support animal population control?

I would assume most dog owners wouldn’t deprive their pets of the joys of the dog park despite the fees, but the bone would be a lot easier to swallow if we know the program will do some good for the local pet community.

Even though it was raining, Maisey and I ventured outside today to Alberta Park. I didn’t plan ahead, unfortunately, and Alberta Park was muddy. Coming from Phoenix, we haven’t had the chance to play in the rain and mudd much, but it was no surprise that Maisey loved it.

We’ve both been a little stressed, and it turns out muddy shoes and paws, a wet car interior and off leash romping in the rain was just what we needed.

I just wish I had thought ahead to bring a towel.

Just as I tend to assume the majority of the population understands the concept of common courtesy, I tend to assume the majority of dog owners understand the rules of etiquette when in public with your dog. The problem is, I think I’m putting too much faith in the general population with these assumptions.  Far less than most seem to obey the rules of common courtesy and I’ve encountered enough owners with bad dog park manners to make me question that faith.  In thinking about this, I decided to gripe write a post on my personal rules of dog owner etiquette. (Disclaimer: This is based mostly on my experiences and pet peeves as a dog owner, and by no means is an all encompassing list of dog owner no-no’s).

Rule #1 – Understand (and respect) the power of a dog

Just a few weeks ago at the park, Maisey and I had an encounter that illustrates this point. While Maisey and I were walking on the path, a large pit bull mix came running toward us from grassy area in the center of the park. I’m sure this dog didn’t have any malicious intentions (there I go with that faith again) but by running up so quickly, he startled both myself, Maisey, my boyfriend and Mya (my boyfriend’s German Shepherd). Mya jumped into her role as our protector and barked back at the dog, Maisey barked because Mya did, and the pit bull (realizing it wasn’t going to win any sort of match with Mya) went after Maisey. The dog’s owner walked casually from the center of the park toward the commotion while calling her dog (but she expressed no sense of urgency).  

Maisey loves to run free as much as the next dog, but a leash-less dog in the wrong time and place can be dangerous for both the dogs and owners.  An owner that doesn’t understand that, shouldn’t own a dog. We all think of our dogs as loving and caring beings (which they generally are), but when put in a threatening situation, dogs will react like the animals that they are. Just because you know your dog’s intentions are harmless doesn’t mean other dogs know that, and they may react defensively.

Rule #2 – Know when to enter (and when to leave) the dog park

If your dog isn’t comfortable around a large number of dogs, don’t enter a crowded dog park. If your dog is aggressive or excessively protective, don’t enter a crowded dog park. If you are in the dog park, and your dog becomes aggressive, leave. If another dog enters the dog park that appears to be aggressive, leave. This sounds cut and dry because it is. As a dog owner, my first concern is keeping my dog safe. Dogs want to protect their owners, as well. Avoid a potentially aggressive situation before it has the chance to become dangerous.

Rule #3 – Pay attention!

For gods sake, when you’re in the dog park, please don’t talk on your phone, listen to music or just disappear. Your dog is your responsibility. You need to be able to react if your dog is misbehaving, causing problems or is in a potentially dangerous situation. Nothing is more annoying than an owner who isn’t noticing or simply looks the other way when their dog is causing a problem.

Rule #4 – Dress appropriately

Please don’t wear your new shoes, expensive jeans or fancy purse into the dog park. Dogs jump, and usually have dirty feet. You look silly if you get dirty and freak out because you just bought that dress. In general, dress comfortable when taking your dog in public. Don’t wear flip flops, sandals or heels. You can’t run fast in any of these, and if your dog gets away from you, you’re useless.  

Rule #5 – Pick up after yourself (and your dog)

This should be a given, but landmines I see scattered throughout my local dog park suggest that it isn’t. Don’t litter (at the dog park, or anywhere else for that matter) and pick up after your dog. If you don’t, it’s unsanitary and just plain rude.

Rule #6 – Enjoy yourself!

Don’t be afraid to let yourself and your dog  get a little dirty. Dog Parks are a blast for both humans and dogs, so have fun!

As I mentioned, these are my personal pet peeves and not an all encompassing list of dog park etiquette. If any of these came as a surprise to you, or you just need to brush up, pawfriendly.com offers a much more comprehensive list.

I love people watching. I’m curious what’s inside other peoples’ heads. People watching is psychological to me. It makes me think. On my first trip to Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert, AZ I discovered the beauty of dog watching. Cosmo Dog Park is incredible – even Dog Fancy thinks so. The dogs even have a beach.

So, last weekend I went to Cosmo Park. There were about 80 dogs there – a little overwhelming at first, but Maisey and I warmed up to it. After a little running around and some defensive barking, Maisey took off and I sat down in the grass and watched. When there are that many dogs in one area, you can really see the differences in their personalities. The dogs are smiling or barking or tucking their tail between their legs. Some want to be alone, some won’t leave mom’s side and some can’t wait to run free.  I could sit for hours and watch their curiosity and discovery. I love watching Maisey interact with all these different personalities. I’m proud when she plays nice or doesn’t jump. It fills me with joy to watch her play. She’s a good dog, and she deserves it. I imagine this is much how a new mom feels watching her child run around the park with the other kids. I’m sure it’s the exact same feeling.  Hence the name, Dog Park Mom™.