So frustrated w/ kids at the dog park

[FrequentFlyr]

Don't prejudge all children and parents that frequent dog parks~ It's just not fair~

OK, I have hundreds of parks around my house for children, and not one dog park. Why would people even bring their kids to a DOG park?? Makes no sense to me. There are more than enough parks for kids, please let dogs have the fun for a change!!

Oh no :( I bring my 2 young kids to the dog park with me whenever we go..
Why? Because I have to...Daddys out of town all week.They are accustomed to being around all size dogs big and small. They don't run after dogs, chase them and would never think about throwing sand at an animal. In fact they pretty much don't pay a great deal of attention to the dogs for that matter, unless the dogs come over to check them out. In which case they pet it and say hello.

What they enjoy doing is usually finding yet another kid there and they go collecting bugs (Yuck for me a blast for the kids) or climb trees.They also sometimes bring their bikes to ride outside the dog area as well. IN full and clear view of me.

Please don't wish to ban all kids from dog parks just because you had a bad experience. I have never felt from anyone at our dog park that my children were not welcome. I would be crushed if I had. :(

 

[ericaese]

First of all I totally agree that the kids at the dog park were way out of line and so were the parents and I also would have been upset if I was you. Now, I have a son whose almost 4 and I also take him to the dog park with me. How convenient is a dog park if you have to find a babysitter for your skin kid just so you can have an afternoon out with your furkids? He loves to go and usually just plays in this little area with dirt & trees. He's been around dogs since he was born and I would never tolerate him mistreating any kind of animal. I always keep him in my site and try to stay within 5 feet of him. I have seen bad parenting at the dogpark though. One time in particular there was this little boy probably around 8 or 9 walking around with a bag of treats trying to feed the dogs. Luckily there were only a few there at the time and were all pretty laid back, the bad thing I didn't even see the kids dad untill about 5 minutes after the kid came into the park! He must have let the kid go ahead of him. Well anyways last time I was at the dog park right after I got there this dog came running right at my son full blast paws up and knocked him right on his back. Not that his is crazy for a dog to do or anything but the dogs owner didn't even attempt to reprimand her dog!! Not a NO, BAD DOG, or anything. Worst of all she seemed annoyed like it was mine and my son's fault. My son gets knocked over by butt wiggles all the time but this was different. There were like 3 other kids there and the dog got everyone of them too, he would have got my son a couple more times too if I hadn't gotten in front of him, and the whole time this lady is just talking about how annoyed she was that the kids were there. My guess is she doesn't have any. In my opinion the dog park is about the dogs having fun, but all discipline should not just go out the window. Dog owners have a responsibility to know what behavior is publicly acceptable and to try and discourage unwanted behavior. Just like parents should be watching there kids and not letting them taunt the dogs. Sorry this was so long!!

 

[FrequentFlyr]

In my opinion the dog park is about the dogs having fun, but all discipline should not just go out the window. Dog owners have a responsibility to know what behavior is publicly acceptable and to try and discourage unwanted behavior. Just like parents should be watching there kids and not letting them taunt the dogs. Sorry this was so long!!

Well said~

 

[kanajb]

Our first trip to the Dog Park was last night. I was meeting a couple of people there that were bringing their Boxers too. Well, I did take my three kids with me (10, 3, 2). I could not have gone otherwise. My husband was ther too so we each took a small child and that was ours to watch over. My oldest has been aroung doge most of her life and knows what the rules are. This was a great experience for my puppy, but also for my kids because they had never seen so many different types of dogs. Neither of the babies were ever out of arms reach from one of us and they know they have to ask the owner before they can pett the dog, throw his ball or give him a treat. I think if handled correctly the dog park can be a win-win situation for the dogs that don't see well-behaved children often and for children to learn to respect a dogs space. Sorry so long, but just my .02 cents worth.

 

[myroxygirl]

My pup is too young to go to the dog park yet, but wanted to add what happened to our first boxer Brandy. My husband got her before I knew him and apparently some kids in his neighborhood would throw stuff at her. He had no kids at the time and was not around many kids. When I met him years later I had two small kids and Brandy snipped at them and never got really close to them. We think it all went back to the unsupervised kids in his neighborhood. It is important (I think) to try and get the dogs around as many polite and supervised children as possible so that in the future they don't have bad feelings towards little ones. Sorry long.

 

[mcooper]

kids & dogs

Absolutely the dogs should be supervised at all times as well as the kids - who certainly should be welcome at the parks. However, I was appalled at the post about a baby being left alone on a blanket in a dog park, of all places! In this day and time, leaving a child alone in any public place is unthinkable; also you never know how an animal will react to being teased or picked on by children in a situation where they are wound up with excitement. Parks are wonderful places for children and dogs to play together, my sweet fellas adore kids and romping but they are big boys who still see themselves as lap puppies and don't realize their potential to accidentally hurt someone - even an adult - when they are galloping and jumping everywhere. It is my responsibility to closely supervise and not leave them unattended so a good time can be had by all. My boys would be sad if there were no kids to play with.

 

[mancin]

Well I'm happy to report I have had better luck with children at the dog park lately. I have no problems with children being there because I believe it's important for children to know how to act around dogs and vice versa, and I agree with everyone else that both the dogs and the children should be supervised at all times. Last week when we went a little girl (cutest little thing I've ever seen) shyly drug her mom over to me and asked if she could pet my dogs because she loves puppies. I had to hold onto Tyson's collar (still working on the jumping ) and both he and Crash were tickled to get attention from a youngster. She got lots of sloppy kisses and wiggles from the boys. I was pleased to see a responsible parent and child with manners and hope to see more! appicon

 

[FrequentFlyr]

I was pleased to see a responsible parent and child with manners and hope to see more! appicon

I am so happy you had a positive dog/child experience
Oh and I love your signature...how true~

 

[Mama_Zookeeper]

This thread topic is sad in so many ways. I for one am appalled & depressed over how violent & sick the news has been as of late about child abductions, molestations & murders. Don't parents realize that unmonitored children like the previously mentioned ones go missing every day with some horrific results.

These children may very well tease the wrong dog one day! Once one dog reacts with so many loose dogs it could turn into a free for all. I know my Mia reacts as soon as she hears another growl and will attack regardless of size. Scars and trauma...and the dog would most likely pay for its actions with its life!


My 12 year old goes with me for walks with the dogs and to a local duck pond where we have a small playgroup. My 6 yr old has gone once but says it is boring because we do not let him run off. I have never taken the 2 years old. I hope someone watches out for these kids.

Dora

 

[myluckydutch]

We are so lucky

We have a great dog park in our neighborhood, but the kid park is where we all meet. The kids there are wonderful and so far no problems. The only issue is actually one of the dogs! She's sweet but does not realize how big she is and just bowls over anything in her way! but we love her. Anyhow, our Dutch just loves the kids and other dogs. We bring her but only let her play right now with certain dogs as she is still little. In time we'll let her run off leash. Our boys are very good with dogs, and I have taught them that they are to always ask the dogs owner if they can pet or play with a dog. That is the parents resposiblility. I have two boys and they always respect other peoples animals. They know that some animals are not used to kids. My little one is actually helping one owner teach her dog that kids are cool, he holds all the treats for Murphy and now Murphy doesn't bark at him anymore.... Dog parks can be for kids... they just need to know the rules!