Discussions

We have talked about this before, I know. But my experience in the last two trips to the dog park brings me to ebrandon again to attempt to raise awareness on the potential dangers kids are being exposed to. I would rather do this and be annihilated by eBrandoners than not do anything at all and hear of a child having his/her face ripped off and a dog put down for doing nothing more than just being a dog.  
 
First of all, I'm not going to say don't bring your kids. Reality of the situation is, kids will be at the dog parks. Problem is there should be strict rules of supervision required and few people are acting responsibly.  
 
What I saw happen could have resulted in my dog being put down if no one intervened. A girl aged 5 was sitting on the ground with her face 6 inches from my dog's face and she was stroking both sides of my dog's face. For some reason my dog didn't like it and was growling at the girl. The girl didn't know to stop. Where was Dad? Five feet away with his back to his daughter socializing. I called to my dog to be gentle which resulted in her backing off. I told the Dad my dog is not used to kids and he removed his daughter from the situation.  
I cringe as to what would have happened if I had not noticed and intervened.  
 
The next day a parent came with a little girl barely 3 yrs old. Left her walking among a pack of 4 dogs. Most of the time she was sitting on the ground or attempting to hug one of the dogs.  
 
Parents, please note. Not all dogs are used to little kids. The dogs parks are not the place for them to be socialized around little kids. It puts your child at great risk for injury. If you must bring your child, please teach them to sit on the benches, hold on to them and keep a close eye on where they are at all times. Never turn your back. I would be devastated if an injury occurred.

I agree so much!  
 
My dog isn't used to little kids at all, and when they are at the dog park running and screaming he thinks they are hurt, and he'll fight any dog that goes near them because he's trying to protect them... Which then doesn't turn out so well and we have to leave. He also doesn't like being grabbed by kids, and a lot of kids that come to the dog park seem to lack basic dog knowledge.  
 
I have seen some really good kids there though, when a dog comes up to them they stop moving and put there hand out and let the dog sniff them and even then don't reach for the dog... I think if your going to bring your kid to the dog park they should be taught how to properly interact.  
 
Dogs don't get to run wild at playgrounds, kids shouldn't run wild at dog parks.

It were my dog and I couldn''t completely trust it with kids then I would watch my dog like a hawk and probably leave if I thought that the situation was getting dangerous as I canot control other people''s kids or parenting styles. There are several parks around town so the potential to leave and go to another park is real and that''s probably what I would do if faced with such a situation. Better to remove your "potentially" dangerous dog from an uncertain situation than face a lawsuit as it''s extremely difficult to defend your dogs aggresive actions anywhere but his own fenced in yard or home. Better safe than sorry!  
 
Edited by 70`s guy, 2016-07-30 07:58:52

....your expression of concern and sage advice to parents to be vigilant with their children however you must keep in mind parental negligence does not negate your responsibility to keep your pets under control in public spaces.  
 
The dog park, you must remember, is a public space where dogs happen to be allowed to run off leash. And while you are correct that parents should be aware not all dogs are socialized to be around children you must also be aware not all children are knowledgable in how to interact with unfamiliar dogs.  
 
I for one would not bring a young child to an off leash park . Not only because of the inherent dangers pointed out up stream but also because while many talk the talk about being responsible pet owners, significantly fewer walk the walk. The last time I was by there, there was copious evidence laying in stinky piles around the grounds.

I agree with everyone who has posted here. My post sounds like I put the responsibility on the parents but it also lies with the dog owner too. Every person needs to keep a sharp eye out on what is going on in dog parks and keep all kids and dogs safe. Things can happen quickly and just a short, arm's length away in which you are powerless to act. Ideally kids should be instructed on how to act around strange dogs and every dog owner should have control of their dogs. But we don't live in an ideal world.  
 
All I want is for everyone and every dog to be safe and enjoy life.

dog parks are meant for dogs to be able to run free without owners concerned for their dogs welfare - or perhaps being put down because some stupid parent wasn't watching their kid. Children can go anywhere with parents - many, many, many places do not allow dogs - so give dog owners a breeak - afterall it is a "Dog Park", where dogs can run free - give me a break about kids - parents watch your darn kids and realize it is a "Dog Park".

dog parks are meant for dogs to be able to run free without owners concerned for their dogs welfare - or perhaps being put down because some stupid parent wasn't watching their kid. Children can go anywhere with parents - many, many, many places do not allow dogs - so give dog owners a breeak - afterall it is a "Dog Park", where dogs can run free - give me a break about kids - parents watch your darn kids and realize it is a "Dog Park".

As an owner of three large sized dogs I will say that if you think your dog will attack a human or dog then DO NOT bring your dog to the park. Stop being a lazy sack of shit and take your dog for a proper walk. I can say with confidence neither of my dogs would dream of hurting another human being because then they would have to answer to me as the alpha. So in closing, if your dog growls or attacks when unprovoked then you suck as a dog owner.  
 
Edited by kgb, 2016-07-30 10:14:40

I agreen with the op in most cases, there are dog owners who do need to pay more attention to their animals. On numerous cases I have seen my dog play with other dogs and be the only owner within distance....as a fellow dog owner I know how my dog plays yet I do not know how your dog plays. What I might see as possible situation may not be what it is, however you are no where to say anything. I will restrain my animal but how am I to know how yours will react. Now I''''m not saying you have to be standing right there but if I look around and see no one watching this animal then how am I to know who the owner is.  
 
On the note of children. I do agree that unless your child no matter what age knows how to interact or meet and greet a dog of any size then the shouldn't be at the park. And if the don't then the parent should be watching them.  
 
On the same note your animals needs to know how to interact with children just the same, animals as well. If your dog seems to miss behave them you need to be by to correct it. I understand owners bring their dogs to get them socialized as well and that's a great thing, then be very watchful when children are present. Even though that child may understand the do's and don't your animal does not and you are aware of that.  
 
We have children's playgrounds for kids to go and burn off energy and I wouldn't let my dog off leash their. I would be holding him while watching my child play with the other children.  
 
And we have dog parks for our animals to actually have the space to run and play with others. These areas are fenced for this very reason.  
 
Also of you are a dog owner and have children then you should be teaching your children how to interact with dogs. I understand that you can't be everywhere and have your eyes on everything all the time this is also a risk you take at the park.  
 
Also those steamy piles yes I do agree that owners should be picking up after your animal. I will admit there is the odd time when I can't my animals steamy pile, however I practice that I will pick up an other lying around. Every little bit helps and if we all did that it would be a much cleaner place.  
 
All in all we are all responsible for our children, pets and those around when at the dog park!  
 
My two cents! <:img src=:images/icon_smiley.gif>:  
 
Edited by Stormyskies, 2016-07-30 10:29:18

hockeyfan90 said "dog parks are meant for dogs to be able to run free without owners concerned for their dogs welfare - or perhaps being put down because some stupid parent wasn't watching their kid. Children can go anywhere with parents - many, many, many places do not allow dogs - so give dog owners a breeak - afterall it is a "Dog Park", where dogs can run free - give me a break about kids - parents watch your darn kids and realize it is a "Dog Park". "

Posted a picture of the rules at the Pooch Park. Take a look! No where does it say:  
- no kids: or  
-kids must be gentle with dogs or even:  
Parents must keep close watch on younger kids as dogs are loose and could hurt your child.  
On the contrary, it states that dog owners are responsible to keep their dogs under control. If you can''t do that with your dog and ensure everyone''s safety, including kids, then your dog has no business being in a Brandon dog park. Best to buy an acreage outside of town and let your dog roam free on your own property. In the city parks there are rules to follow and the law will not be kind to you if your dog attacks a child in a dog park. Like the sign says. Dog owners are responsible in controlling their dogs!  
 
Edited by 70`s guy, 2016-07-30 11:22:43

Most people do not know a thing about 'normal' dog behaviour. People often interpret dog behaviour based on human nature which is totally wrong. Two Brown Dogs runs a class where they talk about how dogs communicate and interact. It is really interesting and has helped me to work with my dogs and understand their behaviour better.  
 
In response to a few posts to this thread, it is not that people are 'bad dog owners', people treat their dog like a child in the family. Most people do not get adequate training to be able to work with their dogs and therefore do not establish ground rules and communication with their dog.  
 
Any dog instructor/breeder worth their salt, will tell you they hate dog parks. Why? Because people use them wrong. Dogs should be exercised before going to a dog park to get rid of their sillies. Then taken to the dog park in a controlled fashion to socialized. 99% of people I know, use the dog park as the main source of exercise for their dogs.  
 
Dog play can and often gets rough. It involves running which no human I know of can keep up to. In a blink of an eye, a group of dogs can go from one side of the park to the other and surround a child. That child can get bitten by accident or worse. The resulting dog is then destroyed because they were just being a dog. That is a sad reality.

70`s guy said "    hockeyfan90 said "dog parks are meant for dogs to be able to run free without owners concerned for their dogs welfare - or perhaps being put down because some stupid parent wasn't watching their kid. Children can go anywhere with parents - many, many, many places do not allow dogs - so give dog owners a breeak - afterall it is a "Dog Park", where dogs can run free - give me a break about kids - parents watch your darn kids and realize it is a "Dog Park". " Posted a picture of the rules at the Pooch Park. Take a look! No where does it say:   - no kids: or   -kids must be gentle with dogs or even:   Parents must keep close watch on younger kids as dogs are loose and could hurt your child.   On the contrary, it states that dog owners are responsible to keep their dogs under control. If you can''t do that with your dog and ensure everyone''s safety, including kids, then your dog has no business being in a Brandon dog park. Best to buy an acreage outside of town and let your dog roam free on your own property. In the city parks there are rules to follow and the law will not be kind to you if your dog attacks a child in a dog park. Like the sign says. Dog owners are responsible in controlling their dogs!     Edited by 70`s guy, 2016-07-30 11:22:43"

It is a dog park, not a children's playground. Why parents would bring a toddler is beyond me. Why would parents risk their child being bowled over by dogs running full tilt? That's why the dogs are there, to excercise off leash. There are playgrounds all over the city for children where dogs are prohibited. I think pooch park signs should also i:nclude "parents are responsible for their child's welfare".

whoever you take to the park, keep an eye on them.  
 
If its your dog, or your child, It really doesn't matter. grow up and be responsible for who you brought. we really don't mind if theres children there and they play with our dog. but we REALLY REALLY hate the irresponsible people who cant be bothered to keep an eye on who they brought. The park is not there to take your dog or child to drop off and then visit with whoever else is there while your special someone is off doing who knows what.  
 
Im not saying most are like this but there are lots who are.

I have 2 children that have regularly gone to dog parks. I used these times to teach them about dog safety. Ask the owner before you pet, don't get in between two dogs playing, etc. Now that they are older they have very good awareness of dog behaviour and the "rules" when dealing with strange dogs. If others are like me, where spouse works opposite shifts, it's sometimes a necessity to take the kids along.

Spades!! said "We have talked about this before, I know. But my experience in the last two trips to the dog park brings me to ebrandon again to attempt to raise awareness on the potential dangers kids are being exposed to. I would rather do this and be annihilated by eBrandoners than not do anything at all and hear of a child having his/her face ripped off and a dog put down for doing nothing more than just being a dog.     First of all, I'm not going to say don't bring your kids. Reality of the situation is, kids will be at the dog parks. Problem is there should be strict rules of supervision required and few people are acting responsibly.     What I saw happen could have resulted in my dog being put down if no one intervened. A girl aged 5 was sitting on the ground with her face 6 inches from my dog's face and she was stroking both sides of my dog's face. For some reason my dog didn't like it and was growling at the girl. The girl didn't know to stop. Where was Dad? Five feet away with his back to his daughter socializing. I called to my dog to be gentle which resulted in her backing off. I told the Dad my dog is not used to kids and he removed his daughter from the situation.   I cringe as to what would have happened if I had not noticed and intervened.     The next day a parent came with a little girl barely 3 yrs old. Left her walking among a pack of 4 dogs. Most of the time she was sitting on the ground or attempting to hug one of the dogs.     Parents, please note. Not all dogs are used to little kids. The dogs parks are not the place for them to be socialized around little kids. It puts your child at great risk for injury. If you must bring your child, please teach them to sit on the benches, hold on to them and keep a close eye on where they are at all times. Never turn your back. I would be devastated if an injury occurred. "

Of a matter of lack of supervision! If your kid is going watch it. You can't not take kids places be aside they may act up or what ever but you do need to teach them right from wrong. Not touching a strange dog is also one of those things. However it's that same everywhere, the McDonald's play place, everywhere Nobody watches their kid when they go out so they to act like animals. I watch my kids like a hawk when they are out. So they know how to behave and certainly don't touch a strange dog.