Tales from the dog park

Last August, my small town got a phenomenal dog park. Placed on a chunk of land unsuitable for any thing else, the 40,000 square foot area on the edge of a township park has two shady fenced areas on the side of a hill. Dogs over 35 pounds play on one side, while the other is for dogs weighing less. Each side has a fire hydrant for the comfort of the boy dogs, and a drinking fountain with three levels- one used by humans, one on the ground for dogs, and a mid-level that, in practice if not design, is multi-species. Park benches are located under shade trees, and brave squirrels whisk through the branches, allowing every dog to dream. It's a wonderful place, and provides some of the best free entertainment ever.

The dogs love it, especially Boodles. As soon as we turn the car into the parking lot, she is alert and ready to go. If there are other dogs already in the park, there is always a "meet and greet" at the gate. In fact, dogs inside the park often run to the fence as soon as a car pulls into the lot.
As soon as the dogs enter the park, the hierarchy-establishing ritual takes place. Boodles doesn't care too much about this- she is always low-dog on the dominance pole, and she is just looking for someone to play with. Juniper, however, is very interested in making sure that everyone knows she is in charge of the park. A quick butt sniffing usually does the trick for her, and then she moves off to enjoy the park on her own. It takes a lot to get her to play; she is a serious dog with serious concerns. Recently, though, she has loosened up a little, and will enjoy a short romp.

Boodles, on the other hand, sees life as a series of delightful interactions with people and dogs. In Boodle's view, all people are placed on this earth to love her, and all dogs are here to play. Nothing makes her happier than an energetic dog to run with her. (For some reason, Boodles and Juniper won't play with each other at the park.) When the pictures below were taken, the large dog area was closed for some grass repair, and all dogs were allowed in the small dog area. We checked with the owner of the small white dog to make sure he was OK with larger dogs.



Here is a short video of Juniper and Boodles playing with a white Husky.


What's important at the dog park? Bring only dogs who are well socialized enough to play- this is no place for behavior issues. Clean up after your dog. Don't bring food or children into the park. Read an article that describes good dog park behavior in greater detail here