Why I Don’t Like Dog Parks
We are all so fortunate to live here with so much space for our dogs to romp. Over the past few years, there has been a new development. A piece of property, privately owned has been taken over by dogs and people calling it a “Dog Park.” I must tell you, that it is NOT a dog park. It is private property that someone has allowed people to use. In my opinion, calling this a “dog park” is indeed, disrespectful to the owners and their generosity.
The other very unfortunate issue I have is that people take their puppies there to socialize with other dogs…dogs that are off leash and whose owners are doing business or texting on the phone not paying attention to whether their dog is harassing, or being a bully especially to young puppies. The consequence of a young, maybe not so confidence puppy is that a bully dog can devastate them for relationships with other dogs for the rest of their lives. A bully dog will charge up to a puppy, posture it, and maybe even roll a pup in hopes of intimidating it. Bully dogs have never learned how to greet nicely and are usually a result of having been bullied or aggressed as a puppy. Or they do not respect their leader/owner. The REALLY unfortunate part of this is that people on their phones paying no attention to their dog, may respond with, “Oh, He just wants to say, HI!” We all know that is an excuse for not training their dog and being in denial about the fact that their dog is either a bully or aggressive.
Then there is the dog poop everywhere. This is so dangerous for every dog. Any dog that is not wormed regularly is at risk for becoming infected with worms from those dogs just by walking on the soil. The risk of life threatening Parvo is also present in all this dog poop. Even wildlife can be negatively affected by the poop left behind. Do you know that rats are particularly attracted to dog poop? We all know what diseases rats can carry. Frankly, I am totally disgusted with anyone that lets their dog poop anywhere then leaves it behind.
The dog parks are not the only place. In our valley, other poop infested areas are Trail Creek, Adams Gulch, and now even Deer Creek. This is the direct result of irresponsible dog ownership. There are NO excuses. Just because someone is talking on their phone and doesn’t see their dog poop, is not justification for leaving it behind.
With all due respect, if you don’t have time for your dog and must talk on your cell during your walk, paying no attention to your dog, you should not have a dog. This is the DOG’S time to be with you and you with your dog. This should be sacred time for the two of you. It is not time to be texting or the place to expect other dogs to entertain your dog.
In general, I think dog parks entice irresponsible dog ownership. Yes, there are those people that do respect the area, that do clean up and do pay attention to and train their dog. All it takes is one event to sour the experience for another dog. Dogs do NOT have to have other dogs to play with, contrary to what humans think. Dogs LOVE their people and want to be the shining star in the life of their human.
