Dog Parks and Children
May 10th, 2008
I so enjoy the dog parks almost as much as my tail waggers but I don't understand the "Family" day at the parks.
When you bring your “Kids" and I mean toddlers etc to the park with the dog its fine but I see over and over again Very small children and parents with strollers on unpaved and very rugged walks and no control over the kids or the pets.
Dogs finally have a place they can call their own and I see more and more dog parks being taken over by children screaming, swinging sticks and running after dogs.
What parent would even think that this is a Safe environment for their children with dog droppings etc and you never know what dog "Does not understand children?"
I don't think it's safe or fair for parents who bring their children to the dog parks.
It's just that "A Dog Park"!
We can't bring our dog to the kid’s park
I see a double standard.... and not a safe environment
The enjoyment of these areas are being ruined.
Comments
I think it is fine that
I think it is fine that children are brought to the dog park, it is a learning experience for the child. That it is for the dog and dogs need to be respected. Most dogs don't care they are more interested in the other dogs, and a responsible parent would leave if it became unsafe. Get a life besides your dog, that's what these parents are trying to do. Try being open minded instead of being a selfish dog owner.
If the parents want to take
If the parents want to take on the responsibility that is fine-but they need to understand that dogs are running and playing. Don't go screaming or complaining if the kid gets knocked over or chased or steps in dog poop (although this should be cleaned up) etc. Don't go complaining to anyone because the kids are being bothered by the dogs. If they want to teach a child respect for dogs that is great, but not if they expect it to cater to the kids. Like the article said, they are dog parks, and were created so people can let their dogs play without issues.
I too get frustrated when
I too get frustrated when small children that don't behave are at the dog park. I almost always bring along my 8-year old daughter when we are at the Dog Park. She however has been taught that it is a "dog park" not a "kid park" and therefore she needs to act appropriately. I think there are parents that don't understand that fact &/or kids coming without a lot of dog experience. Although I too have seen many adults getting mad when they get dirty from a dog, etc. I would like to remind them also - that it's a DOG PARK. If you are worried about getting muddy from the dogs, etc. then maybe you should stay home.
I too have had more negative
I too have had more negative experiences with children at the dog park than good ones and I do TRY and be open-minded but something is very worrisome to me......LAWSUITS! I know there are signs at the gates that basically say "enter at your own risk" but I have friends that are lawyers that tell me that does not mean you cannot be sued by some parent because your dog jumped up and scratched their cornea (a real lawsuit from another state) even if it is truly the unwatchful parent or troublesome child that is at fault. It is a classic case of the big bad dog vs. the sweet little kid. Do you have a million dollar umbrella insurance policy???? There are a tons of parks for kids and I just want to go to the dog park and let my critters run free without panicking every time they do a "fly by" and almost tip over a toddler that has of course wandered from their parent. Besides, why does the responsibility fall on me to make sure my dogs don't hurt the kids because I'm sorry but the parents DO NOT step up. I have even gone as far to politely ask parents to keep their kids from chasing my dogs and do you know what I get in return???? A dirty look that implies I have some sort of vicious animal. I have even seen 4 month old babies in strollers left unattended in dog parks on multiple occasions. Are you kidding me??? If all the dogs were Golden Retrievers and Shih Tzus there wouldn't be a problem but some of us go to the dog park because we have BIG and ROWDY dogs which is what we love about them and kids are just at risk for injury. I do not want kids to get hurt so it is not that I am closed-minded I am simply concerned for their safety and think there are more appropriate places for children to interact with animals......like the petting zoo!!!!!
I agree except for the part
I agree except for the part that states if all of the dogs were Golden Retievers or Shih Tzu there wouldn't be any problems. What? I have seen many Goldens as rowdy or otherwise as other dogs and the same with Shih Tzus. Any hint that any breeds are better than others for dog parks is not a good thing.
Well said, dog breeds are
Well said, dog breeds are irrelevant. I suppose it is the naivete owners that assume their dog could never harm a child even though the statistics show that most dog bites/injuries are caused by family pets in the home. I would challenge the proponents of bringing kids to the dog park to explain how they have their child's best interest in mind knowing these facts. A dog bite to the face can result in lifelong disfigurement for what????.....something to do for an hour that involves your child scaring the pants off all the other dog owners??? And don't tell me you wouldn't sue when faced with thousands of dollars in medical bills. Just last night I was at the dog park and a young boy was running around snatching balls out of unfamiliar dogs' mouths while the parents chuckled 50ft away at his antics. Most people aren't any good at training their pets (just see if anyone can recall their dog!) or getting their children to behave in public so this is just a recipe for disaster. I cannot believe that a parent would TRUST that other dog owners have pets that have been socialized around children. That is not a requirement to get a permit for a dog FYI. Yes, maybe it is the "bad" ones that ruin it for the families that are well-behaved but I would say the best parents are the ones that are not even there! Folks, find something else to do with your kids or keep them at your side......no exceptions!
Children at the dog park are
Children at the dog park are as annoying as aggressive dogs. Years ago the dog parks were a wonderful place to go with your socialized furry friend. Now I see that dog parks have become a fad that anyone thinks they can go to. Well..you can't and shouldn't. Dog parks are for socialized friendly DOGS. There is enough room in this world and places to go for you to go to places that are more appropriate. Leave your kids at home and also aggressive dogs. Your ruining it for the rest of us.
Another scary aspect of
Another scary aspect of having very small children in strollers at the dog park is the issue of "resource guarding" with their own pets. This happened to me at the Battle Creek dog park -- on a wooded path, my super-friendly dog and I came upon a dad, stroller, and dog. My dog went over to greet the other dog, but the other dog was more interested in "protecting" his family member in the stroller and snapped at my dog. Why on earth would you bring a stroller to a dog park? I can see how having OLDER children at a dog park could be a good learning experience, but, in my opinion, there is NEVER, EVER a good reason to bring a child younger than 7 to a dog park.
Like so many dog park issues (such as poop pick-up, dogs playing too aggressively, etc.) it is up to the responsible dog park users to educate others about appropriate behavior. Too often we "Minnesota Nice" people are afraid of offending someone and don't speak up when a situation seems dangerous. When safety is involved, we need to be less concerned about making friends and more concerned about keeping the park safe for everyone.
Boy, this is a touchy
Boy, this is a touchy subject with me. One of the reasons I stopped taking my dogs to the dog park was because of this issue. I had two wonderful and dog friendly companion dogs who loved nothing better than having a place to run, jump, and play with their pals in the wide open spaces. Then, along came a mother, toddler and infant riding in a stroller. They weren't aware of where their dog was, nor were they familiar with any of the other dogs in the park. The infant was crawling on all fours on the bark chip path, while wearing the dog's leash. The toddler was holding the other end of this leash and laughing as they moved down the dog path. The mother didn't seem to be the slightest bit aware of the danger she was putting both of her children in at that moment. Having raised two children and several dogs, I immediately picked up the infant and handed it to the mother. I was so alarmed, that all I could think to say was, "No, this will not do !" I'm not going to let you put both of your children in such danger at this park! Do you have any idea what the other dogs at this park are capable of doing to them? Are you aware that many dogs don't actually know that these are children, having no experience with little children in their lives? " She was understandably surprised at my actions, and apologized, putting the children back in the stroller. I also reminded her that these precious faces on her children were at the exact level of any number of strange dogs, making them very vulnerable. I was so upset by this encounter that I had to leave with my two dogs in tow. Please don't be naive about dogs. We love them dearly, but it is not their fault if they are put in a strange situation due to human ignorance. The park has insurance to cover their end but you as the dog owner have the final liability. If the govt agencies choose to combine children and free dogs, I will decline to be a part of it.
I think "Former Dog Park
I think "Former Dog Park Walker" brings up an important point. As concerned dog owners I urge each of you to write a letter (yes the snail mail versions are often received as more important) to the city agencies that manage the dog parks regarding children. At the very least a CAUTION sign should be added listing the potential risks to children (specifically!) since many parents are completely ignorant on the subject and explicit rules regarding the presence of children in the parks. The most extreme approach and one favored by myself would be to not allow any children under a certain age (such as 10 years) and those children would again be subject to explicit rules. I understand that some people might find this as a highly regulated approach but these are our CHILDREN! Good grief, we go to so many lengths to protect them why. are we so naive about the real statistics of children and dogs?!?!?! I worry for the unprotected child that gets hurt, I worry for the owner of the dog that accidently harms a child, and I worry for the future of all dog parks if litigation proves too risky for them to even exist. Please folks, make your voice heard to the people that need to hear it.....the parents and the govt. agencies that oversee these parks. I am even going to print a copy of this blog and attach it to my letter with a govt. report on the incidence of dog bites in children. Despite our best intentions we cannot always predict negative outcomes but we can prevent them.
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