Comments on: Following the Rules of Proper Dog Park Etiquette

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:56:01 +0000

Really good points. I know it’s a little late to comment on it, but the list is definitely something I would pass to people to read when getting or starting on their life with a dog.

By: Seuss

Seuss — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:25:56 +0000

Thanks Astrid!

So true about substituting parks or the backyard for the true exercise of extended daily walks. Each day without proper activity is like slowly shaking a champagne bottle… eventually PoP! I’m working on a post now covering how to walk a dog… the right way!

thanks again for your comments & stay tuned

By: Astrid Nicole

Astrid Nicole — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:54:14 +0000

Great article on dog parks! The only thing I'd add is that dog parks aren't a substitute for walking and bonding with your dog. Those who use dog parks as their dog's only energy outlet are sometimes the ones with the over energetic, aggressive dog. Also, there is no substitute for the bonding and training time that go hand and hand with daily walks. Astrid Nicole´s last blog post..'Tis The Season

By: Dr. Kristen Nelson

Dr. Kristen Nelson — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:12:55 +0000

A few of my patients have torn their cruciate ligaments at dog parks. They were playing with a much larger dog when the injury occurred. Please choose parks that offer play areas based on the size of dog. If the proper one is not available, start your own in a private yard. And I echo The Dog Dude's feelings on Proposition 2, vote yes! Dr. Kristen Nelson´s last blog post..Californians Vote Yes on Proposition 2

By: Seuss

Seuss — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:46:04 +0000

Tracy27,

First and foremost if you aren’t in a fully fenced in area then you are not in a “leash-free” space. In any event I always recommend responding to a “lacking” owner the same as you would a parent not monitoring their child. This holds true even for minor aggressive behaviors like unwanted tackle or mouth play etc. In short, be very vocal.

When you are dealing with a truly dangerous issue with an owner that can’t be bothered to control their dog do not be afraid to involve appropriate authorities (SPCA, animal control, police etc.)

Hope that helps you out. Thanks for the compliment on the site, it’s very much a work in progress.

By: Tracy27

Tracy27 — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:49:15 +0000

Seuss – do you have advice on how best to protect your pup from another aggressive dog in leash-free spaces like parks (especially when the other owner can’t/won’t control their dog)?

Awesome site, by the way.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:06:56 +0000

Might I add one more item that is close to me, which came about while helping an Environmental group, here in Houston, Texas.

A number of cities have an open sewer system that travel directly into the water system without going through any water treatment facility.

The largest contaminant in the Galveston Bay area of Houston/Galveston, which I am sure applies to other cities where water can travel into a larger area, comes from poop bags that have been thrown in to the sewer system.

Most poop bags are not biodegradable, and will clog pipes and cause cities tens of thousands of dollars to clean the debris, and then hauling it off to a land fill.

It is almost a catch 22 situation, over time, the poop would have broken down if left in place, and would have been absorbed by the ground, or if scooped up and placed in a ground with a mild enzyme, would go through the ground water system and not contaminate the water in these cities.

There probably are a number of alternatives, just good pet ownership practices, as you suggest, respecting the environment, and not throwing debris in a sewer, would be a good start.