From the article: Dog Parks: Off Leash Opportunities
If you take your dog to a dog park in Arizona, share your "pet" peeves. What bugs you about dog parks (in general) or about a particular off-leash facility in Arizona? How about the people/dogs that frequent that dog park? Did you ever have a confrontation or issue with another dog owner over a problem at a local dog park? How did you resolve it? Share Your Experience
Dog parks
- It's great for both the owners and dogs to have so many fenced in dog parks here in AZ. I agree with others about aggressive dogs and it is the owner's responsibility to watch their dog(s) so that issues like attacks, bites, etc. don't happen. Unfortunately many dog owners don't do this, and I even had one owner tell me they couldn't control his dog! I would not hesitate to step in to protect my dog and if I get in the way and get bit or touched by someone else's dog, the law will step in and take the dog as it is then considered to be a dog attacking a person (vs. dog) - I have done this and the dog ended up being put down....so dog owners, be forewarned about your responsibilities. Also NO kind of food should be brought into the dogs parks, either dog or people food. I saw one time that a girl started eating some chips and many dogs ran over to her because they smelled it and it could have gotten out of hand quickly. Thanks to responsible dog owners for enforcing the rules!!
- —mlecuyer
Bringing treats to the park
- Frequently we visit Countryside in Mesa. There are 2 ladies that bring 4 of their dogs in the small area. They sit on the bench with their dog's treats outs. My puppies aren't interested in the treats but want to play, When they approach the pups there's a fight because their dogs are protecting their treats. As I'm getting one pup the other is still running around and the owners just sit there and say, "he's going to get bit!" really??? Come on ladies!! DON'T BRING TREATS TO THE DOG PARK!!!!! And if you know you're dogs bite, don't bring them!!!
- —Guest Danette
It is the filthiest dog park
- We visited Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert once and will never go back. There was dog poop all over the park. No one was cleaning up after their dog. I always carry plastic bags with me to pick up my dogs poop. As far as the water goes, we can go to Lake Pleasant which is closer to us and is a clean place.
- —Guest Bobspipe
Large Dogs in Small Dog Park
- We have two dog parks in Fountain Hills. One for large dogs and one for small passive dogs. ... NOT large passive dogs. Still, regardless of the sign some owners of large dogs bring their large dogs into the small dog park. In running play they still hurt the small dogs. They have BIG feet. Owners think the sign does not apply to them or they say their large dogs are just puppies. Large running puppies still can hurt small dogs especially if they are old. Our only solution is for the small dog owners whose dogs are old or have problems is to pick their dogs up and leave the park meant for them. Also, Yorkies and other small breeds don't stand a chance agains big running feet.
- —Guest Resident
aggressive dogs
- we have taken our german shorthair to quail run for several years but ran into a problem this year with aggressive large dogs. our dog will run after birds and is not interested in other dogs. we will not take him back to this dog run after he was attacked and bitten by a border collie. this experience was a very costly vet bill.
- —Guest Suziq
Foothills Dog Park (City Park)
- I over reacted the other day from all the dirt in the small dog park that I use. They do a wonderful job of keeping up this park. They are moving forward this winter & planting rye grass in all areas & I just want to say thank you from all of us. Please visit this beautiful park.
- —Guest Vicky Heatherdale
Foothills Dog Park (City Park)
- Small dog W. side area All dirt. Is their not a dust ord. in Gld. It has not had grass planted in 2 yrs whereas they have keep up Big dogs side(new & old) after remodel
- —Guest Vicky Heatherdale
Spay neuter
- My ultra friendly, young white boxer has been attacked by unfixed males 2x. I've also witnessed and been involved when other dogs were attacked and badly injured by mainly intact males. I believe there should be either sections set aside for these dogs or they shouldn't be allowed. Unfortunately. It's not that they're bad dogs per se, it's just testosterone and animal instinct.
- —ccthuluu
You're dog isn't aggressive?
- If all the dogs are passive, there really should be no concern about a little dog getting out of the way. If the 30 and 40 pound dogs are running all over the park, including into people, they aren't passive. That's the problem we have at our park.
- —Guest Tim
Pet Peeves & Issues at Arizona Dog Parks
- Dogs with aggressive behaviors and/or issues should not be allowed to visit. [From About.com Phoenix Guide: that is already a guideline of every dog park in the area.]
- —Guest Jolly Ollie
Shots!
- If you take your dog to a dog park, please keep them up to date on their vaccinations and parasite control. As a veterinarian, I worry about exposing your pet to infectious diseases such as parvo, distemper and tick fever.
- —Professional Vet
