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Alum Creek Reservoir
Last week I tested out a few new dog parks. Some we liked… some we didn’t. We had found pretty much the same “type” of people were at each one of them regardless of where they were located or set up (Bark Park is in a whole league of its own).
- There are a few with well socialized dogs, are responsible and pick up after their dogs (we like these people).
- There are those that bring young children with them to the park and either a) dont watch them and let them run amok or b) absolutely freak when a dog comes near them to sniff, lick, say hello or plays around the child (this person usually brings a purse pooch to the park and puts it in the big dog side not the little dog side). Its a DOG park folks… not Kindercare! This brings us to the next type..
- The bully. We have had very little physical contact with bullies so far and I hope it stays that way. The bully is poorly socialized and has a chip on its shoulder the size of China. It starts scuffles left and right and leaves injured dogs in its wake. Usually the owner just stands there, embarrassed and meek and has no idea what to do or say other than I’m “sorry, I just don’t know what to do with him” – my usual response, get him neutered and sign up for obedience classes the moment you leave here! They usually stand around and sulk as their dog runs around like a rabid wolf well past the time they are no longer welcome.
- The I cant be bothered to pick up poop. Around here, these tend to be men. It may just be a geographical thing, or it may be all over, who knows. These are one of the worst in my book. They come to the park and sit on a bench and watch. No interaction with the dog, no playing, no socializing nothing but watching as their dog takes a crap 20 feet away and won’t pick it up. This is the main reason I closed my dog park. We were at the park Tuesday and a “dude” watched his beagle mix take a crap and just sat there. I waited for a few minutes and pulled out a baggie and proceeded to pick it up. (it would just be my luck to step it it) I went to grab it and OMG it was FULL of tapeworms! OMG YUCK!!!!! I mention it to the owner of the beagle and he says, “yea I know”. If you know, WHY are you at the dog park?! Saturday it was a dog with mange all over its face. The owner of the dog didnt even have a vet. Great!
I am sure I am forgetting others… but those are the main ones I seem to find at all the public parks. I guess I have become really, really spoiled going to Bark Park. Marcia has such a geat set up and so many great volunteers to ensure things are going smoothly. Speaking of Bark Park… Its tomorrow!!!! We can’t wait to see our friends and enjoy the day. The weather forecast is predicting a gorgeous day in the low 80°s.
Here are pictures from Alum Creek Reservoir Dog Park. It was awesome. A little too crowded on a weekend morning… but I bet it would be perfect during the week. There was shade EVERYWHERE near the water (which made it difficult to get good pictures in actual park away from the water) and water access to a huge lake! Heaven on Earth for a lab.
great pics =)
looks like they had fun
x
MissJessixas last blog post..Bath time
We’ve never been to a dog park. Sometimes we think that is good and sometimes we think that is bad. We love the 4th picture from the top. It’s such a happy photo
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Such happy photos. I think your dogs are part fish.
The beagle owner, how very sad. I think men like this might be using the dog to get girls to notice them. I hope the girls notice what kind of creeps they are.
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There is a guy in my neighborhood who walks the dog and when the dog poops, he stands next to it and calls his girlfriend to come pick it up (this usually involves the cell phone).. I offered him a bag once and he said “oh I don’t do poop.. she’s coming”
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Wish I was there.
George x
Pooky
Sadly there are irresponsible dog owners everywhere, though most around our way are spot on!
Those pictures are great. The fourth one is fab! What a happy pup! Something like that might even persuade me to swim – I just paddle a bit and bite the water.
Love
Finni xx
Finnis last blog post..Lazy Saturday
We LOVE Bark Park! Can’t wait until we see everyone tomorrow. I agree– it is so well run that it is hard to go anywhere else. Just wish it were open in the Winter–Gabby and Misty would be in the ice water and loving every minute
See you tomorrow !!
Misty and Gabby
Sounds like the very same issues we have with the dog parks around here. I’m not a big fan of dog parks, they’re trying to open one in my neighborhood and don’t really care either way, I walk my dog three times a day and most people who bring their dogs to the park are hyped up because they never get walked, people think taking them to the dog park is their exercise. I see people in my own condo take their dog out front to go potty and turn right around and take them back in the house — poor pups.
Great pics by the way.
Nanjodogzs last blog post..Cabin Cuddlers
What beautiful pictures! Your dogs always look like they’re having such fun!
Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch
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Lucky doggies to get to sniff out so many park! What fun..
Kisses,
Baylee
Baylees last blog post..Allie rides the big ride riding machine
Those Labs always seem to have so much fun in the water.
Christys last blog post..Dog’s or no dogs?
Dog parks arent common in Australia…mind you I dont think Chels has the manners to be at one yet anyway…I swear your labs get more photogenic each day…great shots
Abz & Chelss last blog post..Walk-a-thon
Water rocks! Wish I was there.
xo
SB
I love looking at your swimming pictures. I think I am going to have to learn how to do that!
Cheers
Charlie
You never know who is going to show up at the dog park. Some peoples are just so dumb! Momma only went to one once with Grandpa Angus and he got attacked by a couple of German Shepherds, so she’s never been to one again. We prefer playgroups at dog school because they have professional supervision and dumb owners get tossed out (although they didn’t kick out the little Bison Freeze dog that kept snapping at me and freaked me out).
Slobbers,
Mango
People who refuse to collect after their dog are a PRIME reason why my boys avoid the dog parks near us like the plague…
Thank you Jessixa.. they did have a good time
Peanut, Dog Parks are not for all dogs. Brutus and Rufus would not do so well I dont think. A bit too overwhelming. There are alot of parks that are not good either.
Jan, this guy was really creepy with our with out a dog with worms… I think they are part fish too.. lol
Oh Jen.. that is just way too over the top for words! If I was his g/f i’d tell him to pick up the poo or get out.. he doesnt do poo…. pffft!
George, I wish you could come play with us too.. There was a gorgeous rottie at the park today.. I thought maybe you snuck out and came to join us for a minute
Pooky.. fixed it
Thanks Finni! I love watching them at the park as well.
Sadly, you are probably right. There are two types of people, responsible and irresponsible no matter where one is.
Bev, I had a great time at the park today! The pictures of the girls turned out really good. Thank you for the musher’s secret. See you next week
Nanjo, thats such a shame.. I make sure my dogs get exercise every day whether it be walking or swimming or just some exploring. People need to be more proactive with their dogs and not expect them to run on cruise control. We are so lucky to have bark park. It is so well run and there are a ton of volunteers that mingle and keep things under control. Certainly will join it again. I wish more parks were like it.
Thank you Maggie and Mitch, that makes me feel good that they look happy. Means I must be doing something right.
Baylee.. we went to the park today
Christy… I dont know why labs love water so much… but they all seem to absolutely gravitate to it. All of them.
Thank you Abey! What a nice complement. I am sure Chelsea would do just fine at a park. There a handful of danes that go to Bark Park and they all have fun and are great there.
Wish you were here too Sophie! Apollo would love to show off in the pool for you.. lol
Thanks Charlie! It makes me so happy that they are able to enjoy the parks and water. And that I can share it with everyone.
Awe poor Mango.. sorry that little ankle biter scared you. Some of those little guys sure can be bossy mean things. You are right, the supervised parks are WELL worth the money. I am glad we have the opportunity to be able to visit one… I will be sad when winter comes and there are no more play dates.
I hear ya Dori… why people think they are too good to pick up after themselves/dogs is beyond my comprehension. It is the main reason I closed my park too. No only will they not clean up after their own, they leave trash and cig butts everywhere!
I’ve noticed that dog parks on the weekend are usually more likely to be full of the part time dog owners that can’t be bothered to train, properly socialize, or pick up after their dogs. Weekdays are a bit better.
Right now I couldn’t be paid to go to the dog park, not enough shade and no water that I would consider safe for my dog to swim in.
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You know, my boyfriend never picks up after Ace either. I don’t mind so much because Ace is MY dog, not his, and when he walks Ace I am almost always along so I just pick it up. But still, what is it with men?
As for people picking up after their dogs at the dog parks, they are actually pretty good about it around here. I don’t know why. As soon as a dog poops, the owners almost always immediately run over and pick it up. It’s outside of the dog parks, like along streets, especially in the winter, when people get lazy.
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Thanks again for sharing your awesome photos!!
My guy was very well socialized and then at around a year was attacked. He is now reactive to certain dogs. I am VERY careful at our local dog park. I will not put another dog in harms way and will ask the owner to please let me take Baylor out before they come in, then we just go for a long walk. I am blessed Baylor has friends who meet us there so he can enjoy the romping and chasing all dogs love.
It is interesting some of the comments I have heard from owners when I tell them Baylor is not good with all dogs. I have heard “My dog needs a good butt kicking”, “MY dogs are wonderful with reactive dogs”, and my favorite “But my dog is friendly”.
I appreciate the ability to have dog parks but believe they are a priviledge we all need to respect.
Blessings~
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