Mocha and Poppi
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Dog Wars Part 2
I have heard much support and some criticism of my last editorial. Let me clarify one point- I love ALL dogs, hell I love animals. I love big dogs, little dogs, fat dogs, skinny dogs. I love poodles and pit bulls. I do recognize that our dog parks have been organized to separate dogs by size, I just think that is wrong headed. Yes, really big dogs that are running at warp speed should probably be in a different park, but it is a fact that many many parks do not segregate dogs in this way. To the best of my knowledge there is not a major problem with attacks, NFL style tackles etc in most of these parks. Again, I appeal to all to use common sense about this issue. Yes, some dogs display behavioral issues, but I doubt it breaks along weight lines. We had a nice, cordial community and my sense is that while the dogs are generally getting along, the humans could perhaps take a few lessons in that regard from watching our canine pals. Just a thought.
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I love dogs, also. And thus, I value their lives and wellbeing. I have seen several small dogs hurt and/or killed being mowed over by large dogs both at Fenton and elsewhere. And just because a dog does not show immediate injury does not mean it is okay. I watched one small dog die a lingering two year death due to internal injuries caused at a dog park. It does not matter how friendly the bull is that runs into you - you are going to get hurt, one way or the other.
ReplyDeleteAs a responsible dog owner, I don't take my small dogs in the park if I see over sized dogs, which in the case of Fenton, means I seldom get to use what I'm paying for. My bigger dog goes to Mehl, seperately from the small ones. There are two parks across the street for bigger dogs and another one for all sized dogs at Mehl, less than a mile away. There just is no excuse except rudeness and disregard for others to bring a dog over 30 pounds into the small dog park. If folks with a big and little dog don't think their little dogs are safe with the big ones, then why in the world would they bring their big one to injure other's small dogs. If a dog is too maladjusted to play with dogs its own size, it doesn't belong in a dog park. Larger puppies need to learn to play with the dogs they will become in order to become properly socialized.
Even if dogs are not injured, you will also notice that when there are no larger dogs, the smaller ones run free and enjoy themselves. When the larger ones take over, the small ones hide under the table, cling to their owners and otherwise display significant stress - again, something that is not good for dog behavior and can eventually lead to fear and aggression in previously well-adjusted dogs. Park rules are enforceable by law and exist for a reason- I suggest that people follow them.
I also suggest that the woman who picks up all the dog poop simply stop doing it and let everyone else live with it.
It seems you have an association with someone who has some sort of ax to grind here. I said nothing about a woman picking up the poop- so that makes me wonder. I will grant you that there have been some problems in some parks, and perhaps even a few at Fenton. I can tell you that I have been going there almost daily for over a year. I have never witnessed a problem, although the folklore suggests there there was a situation once. I do not agree that the presence of larger dogs inhibits to any significant extent the activity of the smaller dogs. Again, this was an appeal to civility and common sense, but if some want an all out battle, it seems that is what we might have. I hope not.
ReplyDeleteYou commented on the poop in the other post. I've seen a woman walking around picking it up. That's all.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have an ax to grind. One of my own dogs was injured at Fenton when a larger dog tumbled over it while we were trying to leave. Cost me $400 in vet bills and the vet said that this sort of injury is all too common. I know of others also, but that really isn't the point - the rules are clearly posted. If this one is to be broken, why not all the rest?
All the vets and trainers I've spoken with highly advise against mixing large and small dogs for energetic play. I would suggest that those who don't care about the larger dogs mixing with their small ones simply use the other dog parks and save the single small dog park for those who do care. That's what I would call civility and common sense.
I had some folks read my posts for "civility". They pointed out that you are the one referring to "wars" and an "all out battle". Ironic.
ReplyDeleteI have read the recent editorials with a great deal of interest as a dog owner who has had a number of "unpleasant encounters" with irresponsible dog owners who do not follow the rules. I am aware of a number of dog owners who no longer visit Brandi Fenton because they feel that park rules and regulations are not being consistently followed. I suggest that if all of us would act responsibly a visit to the dog park would be an enjoyable experience for all of us:
ReplyDelete- follow all posted rules and regulations including pet weight limitations.
- be alert and pick up after your pet.
- monitor your pet's behavior and control aggressive conduct.
If these simple rules were followed there would be no need for anymore "unpleasant encounters" between and among dog owners. We may even begin to see a number of "old friends" and "familiar faces" return to Brandi Fenton..........
Well it seems that Tim just wants to argue for the sake or arguing. The point of my original editorial was that we have rules, but that the very same people who have been the most militant about this, ignore other dogs and owners in the park that are clearly outside the "rules". I am not advocating an all out battle as he suggests, I was merely predicting this, an in fact, some of those very militant people I spoke of earlier have been involved in those battles. Remember, I have two small dogs- I am not an advocate for the larger dogs, just common sense, and civility. Many of the people I speak to, and I tend to speak at some time or another to most regulars, feel the way I do- let's keep the militancy under control. A case can be made that it is the militants that are creating the tension in the park. Now, this is my blog and I believe everyone knows who I am. I am open to adult discussion on any of this at the park, but I will not let this anonymous dialog continue much longer.
ReplyDelete