Dog park ettiquette

[Deleted]

Sorry for all of these dog questions. It's been so long since I've had a dog that I feel a little rusty. I should go over to the pet board, but you guys are home.

Anyway, I just got home from taking Betty to the marymoor off leash area and I don't think I ever want to go back.

A big dog jumped up on h and got his pants all muddy and the owners didn't apologize or say anything to us. They saw the whole thing go down too. Then I poured a small bowl of water for Betty and she got crowded out by 3 other dogs. Again, those owners didn't say anything. Granted Betty is still a little shy and timid all of these big dogs started to charge her and she was obviously stressed. We immediately took her home and she seems to be fine now.

Am I being too over protective for being upset at this behavior or were these inconsiderate dog owners?

[BlackCanary]

The first dog's owners were inconsiderate. I would be embarrassed if Abby did something like that! I think the others were slightly inconsiderate as well. If they saw you pour out the water for Betty, they should have stopped their dogs since it was clearly set out for only her.

I am so sorry you had a bad experience! If she hasn't really been around other dogs before, I suggest starting out with another dog one on one and then going from there.

Try out the PetSmart doggy day camp! They have a camp just for small dogs and there are always a couple of dogs who are shy around other dogs. If you take her to the Woodinville location, I can make sure to take good care of her! ;D

[BlackCanary]

I'm not a dog expert, but feel free to ask me any questions! I have been watching a lot of dog training videos!

[pacificrules]

We never had a good experience at Marymoor when our dog was a puppy. It's just too overwhelming and the doggy parents seem to be too laid back. Very rarely do I see owners really keeping track/disciplining/redirecting their dogs. We've gone there a few times now that she's older and it's better, but we tend to stick to the smaller dog parks and have a better experience.

ETA: Water always seems to be tricky though (anywhere we go). We bring a gallon when we go and assume that we'll have to share. Maybe next time find a pretty secluded spot so she's sure to get some water without being crowded.

[jennlin]

The jumping should've been apologized for, but it happens- don't wear nice clothes to a dog park. As for the water, you shouldn't fill water for just your own dog, always fill up every bowl that is available within reason.....probably 5 or 6 bowls, if they are all right by you.

[BlackCanary]

Did you bring your own water dish for Betty to drink out of? I don't think they have communal bowls at Marymoor. I could be wrong though.

[Deleted]

Sept 1, 2012 23:41:22 GMT -5 BlackCanary said:

Did you bring your own water dish for Betty to drink out of? I don't think they have communal bowls at Marymoor. I could be wrong though.

Yes, it was her own personal bowl with water from a water bottle full of water from my house.

I didn't see any communal bowls there either.

If I can cart all of this stuff in to the dog park, why can't everyone else? I'm going to assume that parents don't bring diapers for everyone in the play group? I totally get if there's an emergent issue and a dog needs water or something, and I would do it, but it bugs me that I would be expected to cart water in for everyone else's personal dog bowls too. Maybe dog parks just aren't for us.

[niq]

I always read "dog off leash area" as "place for owners who need a break from actually watching their dog area".

[BlackCanary]

How old is Betty?

[Deleted]

Sept 2, 2012 0:45:44 GMT -5 BlackCanary said:

How old is Betty?

Not exactly sure, but about 2

[Deleted]

There are 2 smaller ones near our house and I might go try those. We just went to marymoor because my friend's dogs like it there and we went to go meet up with them.

Good to know that I'm not the only one that doesn't like marymoor.

[BlackCanary]

I'm kinda sad because I love Marymoor!

[jennlin]

Didn't realize there were no communal bowls.....in this case, you have every right to shoo dogs away.

[maddysmum]

I go to the dog park assuming I'll leave filthy and dress accordingly, purely because dogs are unpredictable. But that practicality aside, being jumped on by a dog always requires an apology - that's rude.

But when it comes to water, we wait until we're outside of the dog park/by our car to pour water. Dogs don't understand manners and it's just easier.

Where are you?

Mercer Island has a great dog park with two separate sections - small dogs (or quiet dogs) and big dogs (which has a doggie beach) which I think works better. And there's a small one at Robinswood Park on 148th that I like. It used to be a horse corral (so it's about that big - just a fenced rectangle) and it's never super busy and the dogs are nice.

We spend a lot of time at dog parks and used to go with family and my sister's little guy always got bowled over by the big dogs. Just sort of the nature of things.

Should she ever get run over by 120 lbs of black fur, I apologize!

[sarack]

yikes. sounds like everyone has had bad experiences there. don't go back. and no, you don't have to fill up other dog's bowls, that's what their owners are for.. even if there are other bowls there...

[mkate710]

I'm not much help, we don't take Coco to Marymoor because we have a big park within walking distance that kind of functions as an unofficial dog park. Since she's so little, I wouldn't be comfortable letting her play with a ton of bigger dogs. I know Marymoor gets pretty crowded.

The dog park at Magnuson always seems less crowded though, you guys may consider trying that. Coco is getting much better at playing with other dogs, but it's been best to introduce her to one or two at a time, rather than a whole park full.

[BlackCanary]

Sept 2, 2012 22:19:04 GMT -5 sarack said:

yikes. sounds like everyone has had bad experiences there. don't go back. and no, you don't have to fill up other dog's bowls, that's what their owners are for.. even if there are other bowls there...

Apparently I'm the only on who hasn't.

[hallows]

Sept 3, 2012 19:17:21 GMT -5 BlackCanary said:

Sept 2, 2012 22:19:04 GMT -5 sarack said:

yikes. sounds like everyone has had bad experiences there. don't go back. and no, you don't have to fill up other dog's bowls, that's what their owners are for.. even if there are other bowls there...

Apparently I'm the only on who hasn't.

Nope, I haven't either. We have a great time every time we take Augi.