Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

jaylen_browns_beard t1_j7qrk94 wrote

Reply to comment by Lowkeylowthreadcount in Hamilton Park Dog Park Mayhem by idankflip

I don’t think the city should be building more dog parks because people shouldn’t rely on dog parks for their dogs exercise since they are an irresponsible way to exercise your dog. The real issue IMO is how many people depend on these parks (and advocate for more) while completely ignoring the risks. Any experienced dog trainer or vet in an urban area will tell you to avoid dog parks for a variety of reasons.You cannot control others animals no matter how wells yours is trained and bad owners will continue bringing their dogs.

14

mookybelltolls t1_j80qrv7 wrote

You are absolutely correct. They should be 1/2 acre minimum. None would be preferable. The City is designing a park in the old courthouse space and I, and many others, would appreciate your sending a note to the Mayor's Office. He is Steven Fulop.

1

Blecher_onthe_Hudson t1_j7roiqx wrote

And that leaves what, illegally letting your dog off leash elsewhere in that park or in some other park?

Honestly, 'dog licenses' should mean the owner has qualified to own a dog by passing a training knowledge test and posting a liability bond. (Don't get me started on 'parenting licenses')

−2

jaylen_browns_beard t1_j7sffal wrote

no the alternative is training your dog to walk on a leash. If you have a high energy breed it is your responsibility to find ways to accommodate your dog rather than put them at risk in a dog park. Whether that is through daily training sessions or other enrichment is up to you. There are plenty of alternate options to dog parks.

And yeah I shared that concept on dog licenses in another comment I agree in theory I just don’t think it is realistic for another 5 or 10 years

5

Blecher_onthe_Hudson t1_j7smien wrote

I'm sure you have observed that most dogs you see on the street aren't trained at all, never mind trained to do intensive exercise on the leash. Nearly 25 years ago there were huge battles at the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association meetings between the people who wanted a dog park versus the people who insisted on continuing to use the entire park as their dog run, creating a physical and health hazard for everyone else.

I have highly intelligent friends and relatives who seem utterly unable to train their badly behaved dogs no matter how well meant they are. My brother-in-law is training his young dog to steal shoes, by a bribing him to return them with a treat!

Another relative insists (after his Portuguese Waterdog bit me) that his aggression is an innate prey instinct. My unsaid response is that back in the day when dogs worked for a living, a dog that was uncontrollably aggressive or otherwise untrainable was put down and removed from the canine gene pool instead of coddled and enabled as a pampered pet.

3

jaylen_browns_beard t1_j7sps6e wrote

That argument is not being made anymore though. It’s illegal to let your dogs off leash in the park and even if there was no dog park it wouldn’t be allowed. I agree a bigger effor should be made to enforce it

I think we agree that most people are ill equipped to effectively train their dog, but I don’t understand why you think dog parks are an ok alternative. They are very dangerous and not something the city should be encouraging or funding

3

Blecher_onthe_Hudson t1_j7sykv8 wrote

Essentially I believe that dog parks are a better alternative than off leash dogs everywhere, which was the norm before there were dog parks.

The very early morning hours are not when I'm in the park but I have heard that there are still people who run their dogs off leash then, free to crap and pee wherever they want. Back in the good old days when I had a toddler, I watched a guy let his dog crap just feet from the unfenced playground and walk away...

2

jaylen_browns_beard t1_j7uf89f wrote

I’m trying to tell you that the city has changed drastically since 25 years ago and that stance is quite outdated. Your first sentence is silly because you’re making the assumption that things will go back to the way it was which is not true. People would call the cops if there was a number of unleashed dogs or uncontrolled dogs. Owners are also more receptive. The only time I’ve ever seen an off leash dog outside of the dog park i simply asked the owner to leash their dog and they did - it is not complicated or difficult. Dog parks encourage off leash dogs by giving bad owners a place to do it. This ultimately results in more harm and violence. Your stance just seems quite ill informed and based on personal feelings about the dog owners you have come in contact with

3

mookybelltolls t1_j80re61 wrote

Blecher those people will do that anyway. The more compliant folks in a dog run do not want those dogs in a pen with theirs. I really do not understand why we think parks should be dog toilets.

1

Blecher_onthe_Hudson t1_j81844f wrote

>I really do not understand why we think parks should be dog toilets.

"We" don't, but this battle has been going on a long time. The people who passionately argued against dog-free zones and dog parks insisted that there was no reason why 'we can't all just get along and share', when that meant they and their dogs could do whatever they wanted and we had to watch out for both aggressive dogs and where we sat or stepped.

I love dogs, but I've made the choice not to have one because I am not willing to put in the time commitment required for being a responsible owner. Unfortunately this does not seem to stop many, many dog owners.

1