Dog park etiquette
So I just need to vent on this issue, I realize that dog parks aren't always the best place to take your dog and quite a few people avoid dog parks at all costs.
But seriously, what the heck is with bringing a squeaky toy to the park?
When Obi, my Shiba hears a squeaker, it can be clear across the park and he'll drop what he's doing and seek out the squeaker.
One would think this is common knowledge at a dog park, also one would think it's common knowledge not to try and take a toy from a dog's mouth that is not your own. Fortunately no major issues happened, but I did get in a minor verbal scuffle with the owner of the fru-fru toy pocket cutesy-wootsy dog who brought the squeaky ball.
When I take my Shiba to the park, I'm constantly on the lookout both for my dog and to see how other people interact with him. I've had way more good experiences than bad, but when things like this happen its so stressful it makes me reconsider the dog park.
Also, maybe this is an Austin dog park issue, but what is with people having picnics in the off leash parks? We walked by a girl having a picnic by herself in the off leash area, on the way back 6 wet and muddy dogs stormed her picnic blanket and were rolling around on it and sniffing her food. Yes, we did feel a little bad for her, but it was really hard not to laugh. You would have to think that having a clean blanket and open food in the leash free zone is a bad idea... don't you? Then again, maybe I don't think like most people...
OK! That's all for today's rant. Thanks for listening.
But seriously, what the heck is with bringing a squeaky toy to the park?
When Obi, my Shiba hears a squeaker, it can be clear across the park and he'll drop what he's doing and seek out the squeaker.
One would think this is common knowledge at a dog park, also one would think it's common knowledge not to try and take a toy from a dog's mouth that is not your own. Fortunately no major issues happened, but I did get in a minor verbal scuffle with the owner of the fru-fru toy pocket cutesy-wootsy dog who brought the squeaky ball.
When I take my Shiba to the park, I'm constantly on the lookout both for my dog and to see how other people interact with him. I've had way more good experiences than bad, but when things like this happen its so stressful it makes me reconsider the dog park.
Also, maybe this is an Austin dog park issue, but what is with people having picnics in the off leash parks? We walked by a girl having a picnic by herself in the off leash area, on the way back 6 wet and muddy dogs stormed her picnic blanket and were rolling around on it and sniffing her food. Yes, we did feel a little bad for her, but it was really hard not to laugh. You would have to think that having a clean blanket and open food in the leash free zone is a bad idea... don't you? Then again, maybe I don't think like most people...
OK! That's all for today's rant. Thanks for listening.
Comments
I find that most people with tiny dogs do not understand that they are in fact dogs. They seem to expect owners of actual dogs to treat them like they are in some way special. Grrrr.
The picnic thing is kind of funny. Sounds like she kind of got a dose of an instant lesson.
And LMAO at the picnic girl... Hope she did not get hurt by the trampling dogs, but I think she may have learned her lesson!
Oh well, some people will always lack the common sense about bringing in food and toys to the dog parks.
I hate it when people bring toys yeah it'd be fun to play ball with your dog, but some dogs guard toys even if it's not their toys.. >.<
Most parks post rules about toys and food. You can try to ask someone nicely about it first and point out park rules. Unfortunately a lot of people may turn unpleasant but it is worth asking nicely first.
I said, well did you think about the fact that not all dogs are good with cats and it is a DOG park? (Hell, we have 2 cats as well as our Shibas and I'm glad our 2 didn't notice she had a cat, they'd be all over her trying to GET the kitty!)
She got annoyed and walked off while her husband just watched the entire interaction, somewhat resigned it seemed. I felt kinda bad for him, I think he recognized her special brand of crazy.
Cats, even cats that are GREAT with dogs, should NOT be brought to an off leash dog park. NO MATTER WHAT... Like Jessica said... That is shockingly irresponsible.