Dog Park Myth Busting
(7/24/07)

STATEMENT:  Dog parks are ripe with aggressive dogs and inattentive owners

In researching dog parks, each and every list of rules includes the following:
-Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior must be leashed and removed immediately
-Dogs must be under voice control and in sight of owners/handlers at all times

(Reference: Albuquerque Dog Park, Houston Dog Park, Chandler, AZ Dog Park are only a few)

There seems to be a misconception that people plop their dogs into the park and then go on about their business.  That is not they way the park works.  When an owner brings their animal to a dog park, the owner MUST be ever vigilant with their animal.  An owner doesn't just bring their dog in, let it loose and then go off to a table to chat with other people.  The owner must be inside with their animal, watching him/her and making sure their dog is a good dog park citizen.

STATEMENT:  People are going to get bitten

Again, our research has shown that the time animals and people are most vulnerable are outside of the park as owners and dogs are either leaving or entering.  It takes a vigilant owner to know their animal, pick up the signs that their dog is nervous or scared and know what to do.

STATEMENT:  Aggressive dogs like pit bulls and Doberman pinschers shouldn't be allowed.

An aggressive dog can also be a Chihuahua, poodle or Pomeranian.  Any dog can be aggressive if it is put in a scary or unknown situation.  The owner must know his or her dog and its tendencies before using the park.

It's been proven that a well socialized and exercised dog is less of a threat to people and children. A dog that gets no exercise or attention is more of a threat.

STATEMENT:  Children are going to get injured at a dog park

That is why most dog parks do not allow children under a certain age to be in the dog park.  Some rules state 12 years old, others say 10 years old, sometimes younger.  You can check the rules from the links above.

Younger children in a dog park is a big no-no as well.  Children don't understand that running up to an unknown dog or running around a park is a very bad idea.  If they have dogs at home, their dogs are used to the behavior.  Other dogs with no exposure to children don't understand what is going on and will sometimes see that child as a toy.  Dogs can play rough.

There never is any substitute for parents being diligently responsible and watchful of their children .
 

STATEMENT:  People keep saying that the park will be educational for our children.  That's ridiculous if you limit the age!

First and foremost, in our research, we have seen many parks and organizations using their parks for training clinics from local obedience and agility groups.  The kids and their parents bring their dogs and receive basic command training from professionals.  Local rescue groups and shelters hold clinics on basic animal care for the kids and their parents.  Animal Control Officers and like agencies are able to give clinics on what they do in their job and re-enforce the need for proper care.

Just as with any of the other parks in Las Cruces, rules will be posted.  This isn't a 'free for all'. 

Educating children in our community doesn't mean that kids have to be 'inside' the park to learn.  There are going to be observation areas where these kids will be able to learn by example, by watching the interaction between the owners and their dogs.

STATEMENT: Owners who use the park won't be responsible enough to pick up their dogs 'leavings'

Of course that happens, but from the research we've done, 9 times out of 10 the owners pick up after their animals because they are responsible pet owners.  Sure there are going to be instances where people don't pick up but it's been shown that others will step in and help keep the park clean.

STATEMENT: Who's responsible for how the park is kept?

Just like any other group, the users of a dog park become a community.  It's members watch out for others, help keep the park clean and usable.  Regular users make sure new users know the rules and follow them.  It is a friendly atmosphere.  Everyone who uses the park will want it to be a successful one.

Members of the existing Dog Park Coalition, and their supporters will be recruited to assist with the dog park.

STATEMENT:  You said the fence height will be 4 feet.  Dogs can jump over that.  Plus the fact, Alamogordo has an 8 foot fence.

The common height for fences is between 4 and 6 feet.  In cases where the fences are higher are due to the fact that, according to our research, the park was developed in an existing public park.

Once again, if the owner is watching their dog, the dog won't go over the fence.  It's easy to pick up on if the dog is thinking about bolting.