Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you think it's something about this area? I used to take my dog to an unofficial dog park (part of a park that allowed dogs, but there was an area across a bridge where everyone took their dogs in the evening, so people who weren't fans of dogs weren't inconvenienced) when I was in grad school, and it was all lovely and laid back. Great socialization opportunity for dogs AND their people -- all though the people generally didn't know each other's names, just the names of the dogs.

The dog park nearest my house is full of life forms who make me glad we have a fenced yard where our current dog can run.

+1

High strung people with high strung dogs = no fun!

+2! I lived in Australia for awhile and if you see a dog on a leash there it typically means it's aggressive. Exactly the opposite of this area.

OP here. I ask because I see so many dog owners and walkers (Arlington, I'm talking to you) - who know nothing about dogs. There is a dog walker who brings about six dogs, who sits on the bench for most of the day. She is too busy talking to the "regulars" (older women, NBD, they only have one dog) to intervene or notice or care what all of her dogs are doing. Apparently, this is her thing- it is what she does every day. Which I find odd in itself, but at least watch your dogs.

I also heard the same dog walker give a command to one of her dogs that was completely unfamiliar to her dogs. She gave the command because she heard another owner use it. She yells from the far bench, and I have not seen her get up for her dogs. Never mind that her dogs do not know the command!

I have seen too many people who don't know what they are doing. Another couple claimed their dog was "in heat" (as we all know, it was not - or if it was, it was irrelevant). Their dog was humping every single dog in the park! The other dogs were infuriated, understandably, and fights started breaking out, and the owners still would not remove that dog until people started yelling at them. One lady was in sheer hysteria, crying and screaming over it.

Are people really this stupid?

Thanks for listening.

Anonymous wrote:Do you think it's something about this area? I used to take my dog to an unofficial dog park (part of a park that allowed dogs, but there was an area across a bridge where everyone took their dogs in the evening, so people who weren't fans of dogs weren't inconvenienced) when I was in grad school, and it was all lovely and laid back. Great socialization opportunity for dogs AND their people -- all though the people generally didn't know each other's names, just the names of the dogs.

The dog park nearest my house is full of life forms who make me glad we have a fenced yard where our current dog can run.

+1

High strung people with high strung dogs = no fun!

Anonymous wrote:
I was in Glover Park's informal dog park(b/c it is actually part of the national park and dogs are not allowed off leash) and watched dogs chase runners, steal soccer balls from kids and attack people on bikes. The owners did nothing. All it takes is one complaint to the park rangers and they will be out writing tickets.


OMG. You are a victim. Therapy?

Well If one feel threaten by a dog, one can kill the dog. You will not even get a ticket.

Do you think it's something about this area? I used to take my dog to an unofficial dog park (part of a park that allowed dogs, but there was an area across a bridge where everyone took their dogs in the evening, so people who weren't fans of dogs weren't inconvenienced) when I was in grad school, and it was all lovely and laid back. Great socialization opportunity for dogs AND their people -- all though the people generally didn't know each other's names, just the names of the dogs.

The dog park nearest my house is full of life forms who make me glad we have a fenced yard where our current dog can run.

Anonymous wrote: I was in Glover Park's informal dog park(b/c it is actually part of the national park and dogs are not allowed off leash) and watched dogs chase runners, steal soccer balls from kids and attack people on bikes. The owners did nothing. All it takes is one complaint to the park rangers and they will be out writing tickets.

OMG. You are a victim. Therapy?

Anonymous wrote:oh a ticket. I'm so scared

As OP mentioned, the dog-owner idiots abound.

oh a ticket. I'm so scared

I was in Glover Park's informal dog park(b/c it is actually part of the national park and dogs are not allowed off leash) and watched dogs chase runners, steal soccer balls from kids and attack people on bikes. The owners did nothing. All it takes is one complaint to the park rangers and they will be out writing tickets.

We have a couple of long trails that are off leash. It is great to let our dog run and swim.

Small enclosed dog parks tend to have too many owners with different opinions on what's appropriate or acceptable. "Dog park drama"

Terrible idea.

We never take our dogs there. The few idiot owners ruin it for others.

Yes, they attract a lot of morons, and a lot of lazy people. And there is a lot of fighting. And a lot of blaming about the fighting.

Can't stand them. When we adopted our dog, I used to take her in the beginning but quickly decided it wasn't for us. I take her for long walks, always on the leash.

Each one has a slightly different atmosphere, but yeah, in general they attract enough lazy, distracted owners that it's too frustrating for me to deal with. I shouldn't have to tell you that your dog pooped, or wince as you drag your clearly stressed, fearful dog into the park.

The worst is the people who try to imitate Caesar by pinning their dog while others play nearby. It's dangerous, and we immediately leave when I see that.

Do they attract idiots? I have been to some, where the dog owners (and walkers, who claim to be trainers???) know absolutely nothing about dogs and their behaviors. Some people are oblivious, while others are hysterical. Thankfully, our dog is well trained. But it never ceases to amaze me.....What gives?