[Dailydrool] Dogparks

[Val Brewer]

I think dogparks have different personalities. We used to live on Oahu. There are 4 or 5 different dogparks on Oahu. Half are public, run by the state. Two are privately run (one by a group of citizens; one by the Humane Society) but these are also open to everyone at no charge. None of the parks requires animals to be neutered. All have signs posted saying dogs are to be up to date on shots, and that bitches in heat and aggressive dogs should not enter the park, but noone enforces any regulations.
 
When we lived there, I used to take both dogs to the park and both loved the excursions. Bo sniffed around the perimeters and Harley played with other dogs. One of the parks was relatively small--half a football field?--but had shaded paths, a shallow waterfall and swimming area, benches, and different areas for big dogs and tiny dogs (though noone ever used the tiny dog area, which was very small and not as nice). The other park was larger--a football field--, also shaded with benches, a water fountain for dogs and one for people.
 
Regarding personalities, the smaller park tended to attract, in my opinion, kind of hyper dog owners who fussed a good deal if there was any rough-housing or barking among the dogs. I preferred the larger park (since Harley barks when playing), which was much more laid back, anything goes so long as the dogs didn't fight. That being said, at one time or another, both Harley and Bo were attacked at both of the parks. Not often--and we went frequently--but maybe once or twice each. Some people did bring aggressive dogs, basically (and Harley has never been any good at reading doggie social cues; he assumes everyone loves him and treads close to dogs he should avoid; I can't imagine why a dog would attack Bo, who is meek as a mouse). So I would say that one needs to be very alert and careful at the parks.
 
Here on the Big Island there is only one dogpark, basically the size of someone's yard, attached to the Humane Society. There is little shade. And few dogs ever go to the park. Although it is open 6 days a week, dogs only gather there on Saturday mornings from 10-12. Go figure. I rarely take Bo and Harley to this park as some of the regular attenders dogs are too rough for the boys. Don't know if any of that info. is useful. 
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