Dog Parks...For or Against?

[jo_]

For the last couple of months we've been tossing around the idea of adding a second cairn to our family. But, I have to admit my main reason for considering a second dog is more for Jagger's sake than ours. She absolutely loves others dogs. We have the occassional play dates with friends, but lucky if it's once a week. I adore Jagger more than words can express and I want to give her the best life possible. She absolutely loves playing with dogs and I don't think she gets enough of it.

After just returning from our first 8 night camping trip with Jags, I'm not sure how well a second would fit. She was wonderful but I'm not sure how well 2 would work in the canoe, 2 tied up at the site (we we forever untangling her!), walking 2 while portaging, etc.

So to my question...how many of you take your guys to dog parks? My mom manages a vet clinic and sees illnesses and fight wounds from the parks. She thinks it's a terrible idea putting Jagger at risk.

Opinions on off leash parks?

[Sam I Am]

For me dog parks are places to avoid. I have had far to many close calls with owners yelling, as their huge dogs are bolting towards us, "Dont worry he/she is friendly". To only land up frantically picking up Jock and turning my back to this dog as its thundering towards me. It seems most dogs in these off leash areas have no recall, and any dog that has its hair standing on end while coming at us at mock speed is not something I am about to treat as a wait and see situation. Every month in our local paper there are reports of small dogs being killed or ripped to shreds by owners "friendly" dogs. And to make it worse the law in our part of the country cannot make these people pay for vet bills or worse If the dog attacks a person than somethings done... but in our area you are out there at your own risk!

[Idaho Cairns]

For dog parks. Our girls love them, love the rough and tumble nature of running with a bunch of dogs so we use them when we can and have never had a real problem with aggressive dogs. Dog parks tend to be pretty self policing, owners with aggressive dogs are generally approached by the other users and asked to control their dogs or leave so there is rarely an on going problem. Some folks don't like to see their "Poopsie" getting play mauled however so that can be a problem with Cairns who are first class maulers.

We camp with ours and untangling isn't any more of a problem with one than with two--usually ours don't get tangled with each other--only with chairs and trees on the campsite--or under the RV.

As I have said many times here, I think Cairns do better in pairs because the active Cairn mind needs more stimulation than a human can or is willing to give. Our girls play constantly and seem to always be making up new ways to enjoy each other. They engage each other several times a day in some sort of play activity. Here is an example, just a moment in the back yard playing "King of the Mountain" with each other around a yucca plant--it is just one of many examples of how creative Cairns can be in playing with each other. I never tire of my dogs antics and would never condemn a Cairn to having to live with humans only. I also wouldn't want to have to entertain a single Cairn either!

[hheldorfer]

I give a big thumbs up to dog parks. Buffy and Ziggy love going to the DP. They socialize and play with other dogs - both big and small - and get lots of attention and exercise. A trip to the DP almost always results in a long doggie nap when we return home, which gives us a break too.

That being said, you should check out your local dog park(s)first and talk to some of the dog owners there. Ask if they have a small dog area - some parks do, some don't (ours doesn't). Ask if they've seen many problems with aggressive or poorly-controlled dogs. Find out who polices the park (ours is checked regularly by the Forest Preserve cops). We've found that the DP "regulars" do a good job of self-policing, keeping order and letting dog owners know (tactfully) when their dogs are being too rambunctious. Finally, find out whether or not a permit is required (ours is run by the Forest Preserve District, permit costs $25 per year per dog and requires proof of rabies vaccination).

DH was the first to take Buffy to the DP. We were a little worried that she'd be too small, wouldn't fit in, etc. but she proved us wrong. She quickly joined the pack, learned proper pack etiquette and became one of the regulars.

One final note: If you take Jagger to the DP, don't keep her on a leash. Some people do this on their first visit because they can't quite deal with their dog going leashless around so many other dogs. In fact, this puts the dog at a huge disadvantage and interferes with the greeting process. I've seen more tiffs involving leashed dogs than dogs allowed to roam freely.

[kjwarnold]

A vote FOR dog parks, however we only get to use one when we're traveling to a certain city in Florida once a year. It's a gorgeous location, well-maintained and the dog "parents" who use it do a nice job of keeping their dogs in line and obeying the rules. There's nothing local for us to use at home.

We travel in an RV with our two Cairns and have a great time doing it. They love to go and like seeing different things, meeting other RV people and dogs, and hiking in various areas of the country. Two really isn't much more difficult than one and they certainly amuse each other. We don't canoe, so I can't answer how that works, but I'm sure you could figure it out.

I can't remember, how old is Jagger? I think it's better to wait until a Cairn is 2 or older before adding another to the family. They really benefit from having an older, more mature and trained dog around. Plus, it's WAY easier on you! That older dog is like a built-in puppysitter.

[Newman]

last time I went to a dog park fonzy ran and tackled every single dog and licked the hell out of everyone before he came back to me, lol

I am never going back again lol

[Hawkeye]

I think they are great as long as the people attending watch their dogs and abide by the rules. I have read where one person can ruin it for everyone else. We use to take Bailey to the DP and he had a blast playing with the big boys. Since we got Radar we have not gone back and that is mostly because I am not sure how he would handle it. He is still a bit young (I think) and has not socialized with many other dogs...so I'm not sure how he would handle it.

[Sam I Am]

I also wanted to add that it also totally depends on the individual dog. Jock doesnt and never has tolerated most other dogs. He went to all kinds of puppy classes, agility and was raised with a sweet tolerant Scottish Terrier and still remains a very in your face Cairn. Excepting him for the way he is and what he will tolerate is what drives me to make certain decisions. I only wish that other people that let their dogs run uncontrolled in parks follow the same decision making. There is nothing more terrifiying than having a Rotti or pitbull come barreling towards you, as the owner is screaming .... spot come spot come... and spot is totally ignoring its owner!

[jo_]

Interesting responses. Seems like the feelings here are similar to others I've asked, strong opinions for both sides.

Idaho...your posts in particular always make me want a second. The Col. Potter Rescue sure has some cuties looking for homes!!

[KShep]

Does Jagger have gender identity issues like Ripley with a masculine name!? Hahaha. I get that all the time when I tell people her name.

[Lynn in TN]

I would love to have a second Cairn also, but I will probably wait util Kelly is 2( unless I can talk the breeder out of her red wheaten female). LOL

Our dog park has not been around long and I haven't taken Kelly to it. She is still so young and small I probably won't take her until she is at least 10 months. I want to check it out first too.

[cairnrescueleague]

I don't think there's any way of knowing whether other dogs at a dog park are up-to-date on vaccinations or are parasite free. Even if your dog is up-to-date on everything, it's no guarantee, because most vaccines aren't 100% effective. I know of dogs that have contracted sarcoptic mange and kennel cough from dog parks.

[Dempsy's Mom]

Demps and I have only been to two dog parks and both have been good experiences. The owners were in control and the dogs looked healthy and well cared for. Demps loved playing. One time I did go to a park with my daughter and her dog and the was one pup there that looked like he was sick - she doesn't go to that park anymore.

[beccadiane374]

We are FOR dog parks!! Tanner loves it when we go & he has a blast! That being said, ours is one that has a separate side for small dogs and any time I feel like there is a threatening dog (which has only been once), we just take a walk in the park & head home early.

[jo_]

Does Jagger have gender identity issues like Ripley with a masculine name!? Hahaha. I get that all the time when I tell people her name.

All the time! I always tell everyone she's a tomboy. Her name was actually Willow for 3 hours...we quickly realized it did not suit her at all!

[sanford]

Dog parks are a wonderful way for dogs to socialize, exercise, & have lots of fun. It's also tremendously enjoyable to watch the dog's antics, body language and enthusiasm for play! I weighed the pros & cons re the possibility that Ruffy could get exposed to some parasite, etc. Fights between dogs can always occur so that is a concern as well.

However, we have a large dog & small dog park and we go to the small DP only. I'm just not comfortable in the large DP, even though I know many of the dogs there and they are more gentle & well-disciplined than Ruffy is! But in a skirmish, a 60 or 80 lb. dog could do a lot of damage to an 18 lb. cairn.

For me, the bottom line is that I equate taking Ruffy to the DP, with a parent taking a toddler to pre-school: the kid can pick up germs, catch a cold, etc. or even get bopped on the head by another tyke. I think the benefits outweigh the risks for kids at school and our dogs in the park, but I'm vigilant in monitoring the dogs as they play.

[KShep]

Does Jagger have gender identity issues like Ripley with a masculine name!? Hahaha. I get that all the time when I tell people her name.

All the time! I always tell everyone she's a tomboy. Her name was actually Willow for 3 hours...we quickly realized it did not suit her at all!

Lol. Ripley's was Lucy before we got her and we realized it didn't suit! But now there is that cool song out for Jagger! Maroon 5...have you heard it yet? I love it!

[Zekey's Mom]

When I first adopted Zekey, we tried 2 dogparks, and I realized that he just didn't "get" how to play with other dogs. He's very sweet and social with people, and with dogs on our walks, though. Since he doesn't fetch, it's hard to engage him in play at the DP myself. He spent most of the time inspecting and sniffing all of the Pmail.

I too was charmed by the many tales of multi-Cairn households found here, and adopted another dog from a shelter. But Gavin came with a whole set of social problems that we are still working through (if adopting, I would rec. choosing a dog that has been fostered first).

I had visions of the boys snuggling up and playing with eachother, but they don't. I try to engage them in play with me. They do like to investigate things together, and I'm happy that they seem to quietly enjoy eachother's company. I DO think that they benefit from not being an "only dog", and I'm glad that I have both. It's just turned out a little differently than I thought!

[Idaho Cairns]

Other than not being physically close what behaviors do you believe you are missing in Zekey and Gavin?

[Sam I Am]

When Jock had Sandie (our Scottie) as his roomate, he wanted to engage in play with her. But she was to much of a diva to give the new kid on the block the time of day. When Sandie died we were worried that Jock would be lonely... no problem at all. He seemed perfectly content to be the top dog and if anything has bonded to his uprights more than ever. We have thought about getting another pup, but given that he is ten yrs old, set in his way, and not tolerant of other dogs, let alone a bouncy pup, we have accepted the fact that all is good in Jocks world. When I asked our vet what her thoughts were on getting another dog, her comment was, "if you want another dog do it for yourself, not for Jock".

[hheldorfer]

When I first adopted Zekey, we tried 2 dogparks, and I realized that he just didn't "get" how to play with other dogs. He's very sweet and social with people, and with dogs on our walks, though. Since he doesn't fetch, it's hard to engage him in play at the DP myself. He spent most of the time inspecting and sniffing all of the Pmail.

Not all dogs immediately jump into the mix at the DP. Just like humans, some dogs are a little overwhelmed by it all while others charge forward right out of the gate, joining the crowd and introducing themselves to one and all. Buffy has actually helped a few of the shyer newbies by introducing herself and getting them involved in a game of chase (or the ever-popular "whose ball is it?" game).

Although many owners play fetch with their dogs at the DP, I don't think it's necessary to engage them. Heck, the dogs often ignore tennis balls in favor of playing keep away with a stick. They seem to entertain themselves without a lot of human involvement.

It sounds like Zekey enjoyed the park, even if he didn't do a lot of dashing around. Sniffing Pmail is half the fun!

[Zekey's Mom]

I really thought they would play together more, like chase and tug, but they still need me in the mix. Sometimes I'll play tug with Zekey and hand off my end of the rope toy to Gavin, and they'll tug and growl for a bit.

It might be that Zekey was fine by himself, or that at age 7, Gavin had an unknown past and too much baggage. I feel like a parent who just wants her family to get along, but they are their own little beings and have their own agendas!