Lose The Leash Dog Training of San Diego Training a 4 month old Min Pin Puppy
San Diego Dog Trainers \"Lose The Leash\" Training a 4 Month Old Min Pin Puppy
How To Give Your Dog CPR
HOW TO GIVE YOU DOG CPR
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, as it is called, is a version of artificial respiration that includes assisting the HEART to BEAT. The purpose of CPR is to keep oxygen moving to the lungs and blood circulating throughout the body. The directions contained here APPLY TO DOGS. While these instructions may be good in an emergency, it is wise to check with your VET to establish the procedure that is best for your DOG.
How To Administer CPR
If your DOG is NOT breathing use a finger to clear any mucus or other objects from the mouth. TILT the head back to straighten the airway passage.
Hold the mouth shut with one hand, and place your mouth over the DOG’S nose and mouth making sure the seal is tight.
Blow into the nose while watching to see if the chest expands.
If the chest DOES NOT EXPAND start over again by clearing the mouth. If the chest DOES EXPAND release your DOG’S mouth so it can exhale.
Repeat the breathing procedure once every five (5) seconds until your DOG is breathing normally, or until your Vet or other Emergency technician is available to begin treatment.
IF YOU CANNOT DETECT A HEARTBEAT YOU MUST PERFORM ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARDIAC RESUSCITATION.
PUT your DOG on its right side. PUT the heel of your hand on the ribcage just behind the elbow. PUT your other hand on top of the first hand.
Firmly press on the ribcage in quick, smooth movements. Depending on the size of your DOG press down 3-4 inches using both hands. The compression should last no longer than 1/2 second. The smaller the DOG the fewer inches of compression and less force are needed. At all times try not to damage the ribcage.
Repeat this procedure a total of 10 times.
Then, if your DOG is not breathing, perform CPR as described above.
Alternate between the chest compressions (10 in a row), and one breath into the DOG’S nose.
GET YOUR DOG TO A VET!!!!!
How Well Can Dogs See?
Dogs can see color, but not nearly as well as we can. The reason is because the dog’s eye has considerably smaller ratio of cones to rods in their retinas. Cones enable color vision; rods are useful for black and white vision in dim light.
Dogs, therefore, can see far better in dim light than we can. This makes sense because dogs originated from animals that hunted in the dawn and dusk when there is little light and it is important to make the most of what light there is.
The dog’s eye also possesses a light-reflecting layer called the tapetum lucidum that acts as an image-intensifying device. This reflection makes an object seen in dim light more clear. And the tapetum lucidum also causes dogs eyes to shine in the dark.
Dogs perceive motion better than we do, but see detail less. If an object is far off and is stationary, it will be nearly invisible to a dog; tests have shown that a dog cannot see its owner when the owner stands a mere 300 yards away, but is not moving. However, a dog can easily detect someone a mile away waving his arms! Again, the dog’s vision is a result of its ancestry as a hunter that needs to track fleeing prey.
Finally, dogs have a wider field of view than humans do. A greyhound has a visual range of 270 degrees. Typical dogs have about 250 degrees. Humans have only 180 degrees.
Source: Illustrated Dogwatching, by Desmond Morris, Crescent Books, New York, 1996, p. 84.
WHY DO PUPPIES CHEW SLIPPERS?
IS YOUR PUPPY CHEWING AND DESTROYING ITEMS IN YOUR HOUSE? VISIT LOSE THE LEASH DOG TRAINING!
Puppies chew slippers, toys, newspapers, and other objects for several reasons. First is simple playfulness. Growing puppies are supposed to explore everything in their environment. This fact stems from their ancient wild ancestry when they needed a broad knowledge of the properties of the objects in their world to survive.
And, puppies teethe. Between 4 and 6 months, the adult teeth begin to come in. During this time, puppies need to chew on tough objects to help the new teeth break through. Soft dog food is useless. Hard dog food will help, but the dog may seek unacceptable items (from our point of view) to chew on.
Third, puppies go through a “pre-hunting” stage during their growth. This phase occurs when a puppy is large enough to be interested in prey, but not able to catch it. In the wild, the adult dogs bring home large chunks of meat for the puppies which the puppies are supposed to eat. In the house, a puppy may think that the human pack members have left something lying around for the same purpose — to eat! In fact, if you scold your puppy for chewing an object left on the floor, you may puzzle the little one for doing something that is perfectly natural for him or her to do.
Source: Illustrated Dogwatching, by Desmond Morris, Crescent Books, New York, 1996, p. 109.
Great Veterinarian in San Diego Coronado Crown Veterinary Hospital!
Thank You Crown Veterinary Hospital!!!
Thanks to the staff at Crown Veterinary Hospital in Coronado. This is our preferred veterinarian, Jim Speir and his professional, courteous, thorough and trustworthy staff! They are great with all types of animals, but we take our dogs there. We had to make multiple trips to the hospital recently, and our dogs are healing perfectly! Only 10 minutes from downtown San Diego, we are proud to call Crown Veterinary Hospital “Our Vet!” Make the trip over the bridge and say hello!
Crown Veterinary Hospital
817 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 619.435.6624
www.CrownVet.net
This post brought to you by LOSE THE LEASH Coronado Dog Training
What Makes a Good Dog Park?
What Makes a Good Dog Park taken from the American Pet Dog Trainer Website
ALL DECENT DOG PARKS SHOULD HAVE THESE FEATURES
Materials for cleaning up after dogs (bags and garbage cans) —
The ability to clean up after our dogs is essential for basic good health for both dogs and humans. Many canine diseases are spread through feces, and feces attract insects which can spread disease to humans. Cleaning up after your dog – particularly in urban areas – is a demonstration of good citizenship we should all practice.
Separate entrance and exit gates if fenced —
Separate entrance and exit gates allow dogs to come and go without meeting each other in a cramped area. Dog fights often break out when one or more dogs feel threatened yet have no way to remove themselves from the threat. Additionally, when two people attempt to get their dogs in and out of the gate, they are not focused on the dogs running loose in the dog park, and there is the potential for a dog to escape.
Entrances and exits with a two-gate system so dogs can’t escape from the park accidentally —
Parks with a two-gate system avoid the possibility of dogs escaping from the park, increasing the safety of all the dogs.
Natural visual barriers within the park (hills, trees, etc.) —
Not only do natural visual barriers create a more enjoyable environment for both dogs and humans, but they also offer dogs a way to avoid problems. If a dog feels he is being targeted by a bully or pack, he can remove himself to a location where the bullying dog(s) cannot see him and they will quickly forget about him and move on to other activities.
Drinking Water and shade —
Dogs can’t cool themselves as efficiently as humans and therefore must have access to drinking water and shade. Dogs play very strenuously in dog parks and water is an absolute necessity – if there is no water available, it is very possible that dogs may suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal. Additionally, there should be shady areas where dogs can lay down, cool themselves, and rest before continuing their strenuous play.
Enough space to avoid crowding —
If dogs become too crowded, it is much easier for a “bully” or a pack of dogs to corner and harass another dog. Fights tend to break out more often under crowded conditions. A dog park can be a wonderful place for dogs to socialize. However, some dog parks are better than others, and some dogs do better at dog parks than other dogs. To help you assess your local dog park, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers provides this information to help you decide if a particular dog park is the best option for your dog. Below are attributes which can make a dog park a good place to bring your dog or a place that has the potential for problems. Very few dog parks are perfect so consider your dog’s temperament along with the features of the dog park and make an informed decision about whether or not your dog will have an enjoyable time at the park! For more information on dog parks and other dog issues, check out the APDT web site at www.apdt.com.
City of San Diego Leash Free Dog Parks
Approved Leash Free Locations in San Diego
Balboa Park, 24 hours a day at:
Nate’s Point – Balboa Dr. at El Prado, south side of Cabrillo Bridge.
Morley Field northwest of tennis courts.
Cadman Community Park
Cadman Park in Clairemont is located at 4280 Avati Drive. For hours and boundary information, please visit our Cadman Park Leash Free page.
Capehart Park
Located at the corner of Felspar and Soledad Mountain Road, this one acre park offers the following amenities: two fenced pens, on turfed areas: one for small dogs and one for large or all dogs, areas to provide water for dogs, a drinking fountain, picnic tables and benches, and a parking area. It is open 24 hours.
Dog Beach
Located in Ocean Beach at the foot of Voltaire Street, this site offers 24 hour access to the beach and ocean.
Doyle Community Park
Located at 8175 Regents Road, this park is situated behind Doyle Recreation Center and offers two fenced turfed areas, one for small dogs and one for large or all dogs. It is open 24 hours however it is not lighted.
Dusty Rhodes Neighborhood Park
Located on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard between Nimitz and West Point Loma, this one acre park offers one area for all dogs. There is discussion about adding water stations for dogs and fountains for people, and expanding this site to five acres.
Fiesta Island
Located in Mission Bay Park, Fiesta Island offers a 5.2 mile asphalt path around the island for dogs walkers. Hours are from 6:00 a.m. – 10 p.m. everyday.
Grape Street Park
Located at Grape Street and 28th Street this site is unfenced and is available for off leash use during the following designated days and times:
Posted Leash Free Hours:
Monday thru Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Kearny Mesa Community Park
Located at 3170 Armstrong Street, this one acre park near the Kearny Mesa Recreation Center offers one area for all dogs. The site is now lighted which allows for evening use. Hours are from 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. everyday. There is a water station for dogs and fountains for people. Parking can be a challenge during the day as the closest parking lot is used by students attending Mesa College.
Maddox Neighborhood Park
Located at 7815 Flanders Street, this .65 acre park offers one turfed area with a walkway and drinking fountain.
Nobel Park
Located at 8820 Judicial Drive, just east of the North University Community Branch Library building, (map) and near the Nobel Athletic Fields and Recreation Center, this area offers adjacent parking and separate sections for large and small dogs.
Rancho Bernardo Park
Located at 18448 West Bernardo Drive, this 2.66 acre park offers leash free space adjacent to Rancho Bernardo Community Park, and includes additional parking for dog park users.
Rancho Peñasquitos Park
Located on Salmon River Road at Fairgrove Lane across the street from the Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library, this one acre park offers two fenced, double-gated, turfed areas; one for small dogs and one for large or all dogs, benches, and a street parking area. It is open 24 hours.
Torrey Highlands Park
Located on Lansdale Drive off Del Mar Heights Road, this one acre park offers a turfed and mulched area
General Information
All people bringing their dogs to leash free areas enter at their own risk and accept full responsibility and liability for their dog’s actions.
All other park areas with the exception of the Beaches and Mission Bay allow dogs at any time, but they must be on a leash.
Owners are always required to clean up after their dogs.
All athletic fields and Robb Field: Dogs are not allowed on any athletic field at any time.
This information was taken from the City of San Diego website 11/09/2009
http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/general-info/leashfree.shtml
This post brought to you by LOSE THE LEASH Dog Training San Diego
Holiday Safety Hazards for Dogs
While holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter, and The Fourth of July, can bring us much celebration and joy, they can also offer some potential hazards to our pets. Here is a partial list of things which are potentially dangerous to your pet:
Aluminum Foil
When ingested, aluminum foil can cut a dog’s intestines, causing internal bleeding, and in some cases, even death.
Anti-Freeze
If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal — even in very small quantities. Because many dogs and cats like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Fortunately, the Sierra company now offers a far less toxic form of anti-freeze. They can be reached at (888)88-SIERRA.
BloatBloat (gastric torsion & stomach distension) is a serious life-threatening emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Bloat is relatively common among large and deep-chested breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Great Danes. Many experts believe that a feeding a large meal within 2 hours of exercise or severe stress may trigger this emergency. Eating quickly, changes in diet, and gas-producing foods may also contribute to this serious condition. Symptoms of Bloat include: unsuccessful retching, pacing, panting, drooling, an enlarged stomach/torso, and/or signs of distress.
Bones
Bones from steak, veal, pork, turkey or chicken, as well as ribs, can be hazardous to your dog and are not recommended.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains an element which is toxic to dogs, called Theobromine. Even an ounce or two of chocolate can be lethal to a small dog (10 lbs. or less). Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. During many holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter and Halloween, chocolate is often accessible to curious dogs, and in some cases, people unwittingly poison their dogs by offering them chocolate as a treat.
Corn Cobs Many dogs have suffered and, in some cases, died after eating corn-on-the-cob, when the corn cob caused partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.
ElectrocutionChristmas tree lights and electrical cords can be fatal if chewed on by a dog (or cat). Whenever possible, keep electrical cords out of reach.
Fireworks
Never unnecessarily expose your pet to firecracker noise or fireworks displays, as they can cause companion animals tremendous fear, and in> many cases, long-term phobias. Make sure to keep dogs indoors, and keep walks (on a leash) very brief. Try masking loud firecracker noises with “white noise” (from the air conditioner or white noise machine), as well as with music or other familiar sounds (radio or television). Or if possible, take a brief vacation with your pet in a quiet rural area, until The Fourth of July fireworks are over.
Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
A dog’s normal internal body temperature is between 100.5 degrees F and 102 degrees F. Leaving a dog in a parked car in the summer (even with the window a few inches open), can cause heatstroke within minutes. Heat exhaustion is usually caused by over-exercising a dog during hot weather. Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure or even death in a short period of time. To cool off an overheated dog, wet the dog’s body and paws with cool water, then fan. If the dog experiences heatstroke or heat exhaustion, he should receive veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Hypothermia
When a dog’s internal temperature drops below 96 degrees F (by being exposed to cold weather for long periods, or getting both wet and cold), there is a serious risk to the dog’s safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters when taken for walks during cold winter weather. Any sign that a dog is very cold — such as shivering — should signal the owner to bring the dog indoors immediately.
Ice-Melting Chemicals and Salt
Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog’s footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home. There are also products available such as Musher’s Secret which can be applied to your dog’s footpads prior to going outside, that may help reduce the pain that is often caused by road salt and chemicals.
Poisonous Plants
Dogs (and cats) can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants. Keep all unknown types of plants and any plants suspected of being poisonous out of reach of your pet, and/or spray with Bitter Apple (for plants). [See below for a partial list of poisonous plants.]
Plastic Food Wrap
Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping when there are food remnants left coating its surface.
Tinsel and Other Christmas Tree Ornaments
When ingested by a dog (or cat), tinsel may cause obstruction of the intestines, and the tinsel’s sharp edges can even cut the intestines. Symptoms may include: decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessless and weight loss. Treatment usually requires surgery.
Training Collars
Remove your dog’s training collars whenever left unsupervised or crated. Never tie your dog by attaching a leash or tether to your dog’s training collar. Always use a flat buckle collar when tying your dog, and then only when supervised. Never leave your dog tied unsupervised in front of stores, restaurants or supermarkets, as they can be harrassed, poisoned or stolen.
Poisonous Plants — Partial List
Acocanthera — Fruit and Flowers
Amanita Mushroom
Amaryllis — bulbs
Amsinckia/Tarweed — Foliage, Seeds
Anemone
Angel Trumpet Tree — Flowers and Leaves
Apple Seeds
Apricot Pits & Seed Kernal
Atropa Belladona
Airplane Plant
Avocado Leaves
Azalea
Balsam Pear — Seeds, Outer Rind of Fruit
Baneberry
Beach Pea
Betel Nut Palm
Belladonna
Bird Of Paradise — Seeds
Bittersweet — Berries
Black-Eyed Susan
Black Locust
Bladder Pod
Bloodroot
Bottlebrush — Flowers
Boxwood Bleeding Heart
Boxwood Tree
Bluebonnet
Buckthorn — Fruit, Bark
Buttercup — Sap, Bulbs
Caladium
Calla Lily
Cardinal Flower
Carolina Jessamine
Cassava — Roots
Castor Bean — Leaves, Bean
Chalice vine / Trumpet vine
Cherry Tree — Everything Except Fruit
Cherry Laurel
Chinaberry Tree — Berries
Christmas Berry — Berries
Christmast Cactus — Sap
Christmas Candle
Christmas Rose
Christmas Tree — Needles, Tree Water
Common Prive
Columbine
Coral plant
Corn Cockle
Crocus (Autumn) — Bulbs
Crocus — Bulbs
Croton
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Daphne — Berries
Datura / Jimsonweed
Deadly Amanita
Deadly Nightshade
Death Camas
Death Cap Mushroom
Deiffenbachia / Dumb Cane
Destroying Angel / Death Cap
Diffenbachia
Dragon Tree
Dutchman’s Breeches
Dogwood — Fruit
Eggplant — Foliage
Elderberry — Foliage
Elephant’s Ear / Taro — Foliage
English Holly Berries
English Ivy
Equisetum
Euphorbia / Spurges
False Hellebore
False Henbane
Fiddleneck / Senecio
Fly Agaric / Amanita
Four O’Clock
Foxglove
Gelsemium
Ghostweed / Snow On The Mountain
Golden chain / Laburnum
Holly Berries (English and American)
Horsechestnut
Horsetail Reed / Equisetum Hyacinth — Bulbs
Hydrangea — Flower Buds
Iris — Bulb
Ivy
Jack-In-The-Pulpit /Indian Turnip
Jasmine
Jasmine Star
Jatropha — Seeds, Sap
Java bean — Uncooked Bean
Jerusalem Cherry — Berries
Jessamine — Berries
Jimsonweed
Johnson Grass
Juniper — Needles, Stems and Berries
Laburnum
Lambkill / Sheep laurel
Lantana
Larkpsur
Laurel
Lobelia
Locoweed
Lords and Ladies / Cuckoopint
Lily of the Valley — All parts of the plant, as well as vase water
Machineel
Mayapple — All parts, except fruit
Mescal Bean
Milk Vetch
Milkweeds — Foliage
Mistletoe Berries
Moccasin Flower
Mock orange — Fruit
Monkshood
Morning glory
Mother-In-Law’s Tongue
Mountain Laurel
Mushrooms (many wild forms)
Narcissus — Bulbs
Narcissus Jonquilla
Natal Cherry
Nicotine Bush
Nightshades
Oak — Acorns, Leaves
Oleander (very poisonous)
Peach — Pit
Pear Seeds
Pennyroyal — Foliage & Flowers
Peony
Periwinkle
Philodendron
Pikeweed
Pine Needles
Poison Hemlock
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison Sumac
Pokeweed
Pokewood / Poke cherry — Roots, Fruit
Poppy
Potato plant — New shoots and Eyes
Privet Shrub
Rattlebox
Rhododendron
Rhubarb Plants
Rosary Peas — Pods, Seeds, Flowers
Russian Thistle
Sago Palm
Salmonberry
Scarlet Pimpernel
Senecio / Fiddleneck
Skunk Cabbage
Snapdragon
Snowdrop
Spanish Bayonet
Spider Plant
Star Of Bethlehem
Sudan Grass
Sundew
Tansy — Foliage, Flowers
Tarweed
Thornapple
Tiger Lily
Toad flax — Foliage
Tobacco Leaves
Tomato Plant — All parts, except for fruit
Touch-Me-Not
Toyon Berry — Berries
Trillium — Foliage
Trumpet Vine
Tulips
Venus Flytrap
Verbena
Virginia Creeper — Sap
Tobacco Plants
Water Hemlock
Wildflower
Wild Parsnip — Roots, Foliage
Wisteria
Yellow Jessamine
Yellow Star Thistle
Yew (American, English and Japanese)
Note: Veterinary treatment should be immediate if poisoning is suspected.
San Diego and Southern California Dog Rescue Organizations
This is a work in progress, so please let me know if I’m leaving anybody out!!!
Email us your favorite links or just post the organization as a comment below.
South (San Diego County) Shelter
5821 Sweetwater Road
Bonita, CA 91902-2219
(619) 263-7741
http://www.sddac.com/
North (San Diego) County Shelter
2481 Palomar Airport Rd
Carlsbad, CA 92009-1531
(760) 438-2312
http://www.sddac.com/
Camp Pendleton Animal Control
Building 25132
Camp Pendleton, CA
(760) 725-8120
City of Chula Vista Animal Shelter
690 Otay Road
Chula Vista, CA 92011
(619) 691-5123
Coronado Animal Control
1015 Sixth Street
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 522-7371
El Cajon Animal Control
1275 North Marshall
El Cajon, CA 92021
(619) 441-1580
Rancho Coastal Humane Society
389 Requeza St.
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-6413
The Animal Care Center & Humane Society
3000 Las Palmas Ave.
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 745-4362
http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/
North County Humane Society & SPCA
2905 San Luis Rey Rd.
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 757-4357
http://www.nchumane.org
Helen Woodward Animal Center
6461 El Apajo
Box 64
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 756-4117
http://www.animalcenter.org/
Central (San Diego) County Shelter
5480 Gaines St.
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 236-4250
http://www.sddac.com/
San Diego Humane Society
887 Sherman Street
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 299-7012
http://www.sdhumane.org/
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue
P.O. Box 50726
Irvine, CA. 92619-0726
(714) 528-4730
http:www.coastalgsr.org
Retrievers and Friends of Southern California
P.O. Box 1822
Temecula, CA 92593
Phone: (951) 696-2428
Fax: (951) 698-2412
Email: info@retrieversandfriends.com
http://www.retrieversandfriends.com/
Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue
PO Box 491209
Los Angeles, CA 90049
818-700-5200
http://www.grcglarescue.org/
Here are some more
Dog Park Pros and Cons
Dog Park Pros and Cons taken from the American Pet Dog Trainer Website
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers is an organization that was created to educate its members, the public, and other pet-care related industries in the proper management of pet dogs. A dog park can be an asset or a detriment to a community. The goal of this document is to provide, in outline format, a compilation of the advantages, disadvantages, and things to think about for communities and/or the individuals to consider regarding dog park development.
Advantages:
Dog Socialization Advantages
Excellent source of dog-dog social interaction
Excellent source of dog-people social interaction
People Socialization Advantages
Excellent source of people-people social interaction
Dog-oriented people can meet and interact
Doggy play dates can be arranged
Physical and Mental Stimulation Advantages
Excellent source of off-leash exercise for active dogs
Dog parks allow dogs to get adequate physical and mental exercise, thereby lessening destructive and annoying behaviors in general which can benefit society as a whole
Educational Advantages
Good opportunity for owners to learn about dogs through observation and provides the opportunity to learn from more experienced owners
Opportunity for well-mannered-dog advocates to demonstrate how they turned their dog into a well-mannered dog
Community Advantages
Dog parks which are designed for dogs only, lessen the chance of owners letting their dogs off-leash in on-leash parks
No cars, rollerbladers, skateboarders, bikes, etc. likely to be encountered
More likely to encounter people who enjoy dogs
Could provide location for community dog activities
Disadvantages:
For People
Potential of danger from aggressive dogs
Potential of danger of physical injury from dog-related hazards
Potential of lawsuits arising from dog fights
Potential for parasites
For Dogs
Potential of danger from aggressive dogs
Intact dogs may create problems
Potential for parasites and disease
Potential for lack of impulse control and over-excitement
Not appropriate for small and large dogs at the same time
Potential for injury
For the Community
Some people will not understand the concept and will abuse the park
Won’t pick up after their dog
May leave dog unattended
Allow their dog to indulge in inappropriate behavior
Some people will not be educated enough about their dogs to know if a dog park is appropriate for their dog
Potential for noise
Potential liability issues
Things to consider:
City, County or Municipality Sponsored Park
Responsible Pet Ownership – Who will maintain the park?
Will maintenance cost more than for other community parks?
Will there be rules and regulations?
Will there be any type of overseer or park personnel to enforce regulations
Is there the possibility of a core group of volunteers who will maintain the park and enforce rules & regulations?
Private Park
Knowledgeable person/business could charge for admission and establish rules and regulations
Small Dogs
Separate hours exclusively for dogs under 20 lbs.
A separate, fenced area of the park for dogs under 20 lbs
Costs
A city, county or municipality sponsored park could have special interest areas dedicated to dogs as is now done with soccer fields, swimming pools or tennis courts
The park could charge a nominal fee to take care of maintenance costs
Consider having parks monitored by a core group of park goers to save the city funds
Physical design also plays a big part. Separating big dogs from little and providing several gathering spots for humans (tables, shelters etc) and visual barriers helps direct the flow of the dogs.
A written and posted set of rules with an ‘if….then you must leave’ clause is important
Bringing treats or toys into a park can result in problems (Some dogs will attempt to protect valued resources. An owner with treats or toys can be a very valuable resource so fights could occur over such objects of desire)
A park with several long fenced runs where owners could practice obedience, play frisbee, throw a ball etc undisturbed might be a practical idea. The owner could take all of their dogs or one and if they wanted a play date with others they would meet there or mutually agree. This park would have timers on the runs and each person or group would get 15 minutes and then it would be the next persons turn if there was someone waiting. The timer might require money to unlock the gate.
