Miami has specially designed canine-friendly parks where dog owners bring their pets to play with other dogs on city owned properties. This kind of environment can offer a great opportunity to socialize your dog while giving him/her necessary exercise. With a little caution and a lot of common sense, the dog park can be a fun experience for all.
Choose a park that is totally fenced in, with a self-locking mechanism at the gate. The area should be well lit and properly maintained; grass should be mowed and holes filled in. A quick trip around the fence perimeter will unveil any potential escape routes underneath the chain link. Conveniently placed garbage cans are essential, as well as plastic bags for doggie waste. I have heard that in the City of Miami some owners do not clean up after their dog. Number one rule: You must clean up after your dog! (Hit read more)
Be a responsible pet owner; make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccines for rabies, distemper and bordetella. Also essential is effective flea prevention prior to going down to the dog park. Keep your dog at home if he’s sick or contagious with conditions like mange, kennel cough or ringworm; ticks, fleas or diarrhea are also good reasons to remain home with your dog. Pets with bite histories or tendencies towards aggression are bad candidates for socialization at the park.
There’s lots of activity at the park and not much shade, so I’ll make sure we both stay hydrated, especially in the summer months. I’ll pack up a water bowl for my dog Bo. He’ll have on a nylon collar with his ID tag and rabies tag visible, and I’ll have him on leash all the way from the vehicle to inside the park’s gate.
Dogs are predictably unpredictable. I’m always watching and supervising; even if I’m chit-chatting with another dog owner, my main focus is on my dog and his behavior, as well as the behavior of others. I don’t get lost in a phone conversation. I don’t listen to my Ipod. I do listen for growls and barks, and watch for doggie body language that might indicate trouble. A fearful dog can bite just as hard as a confident biter. Signs of fear could be a tail between the legs, hair standing up on the back, barring teeth, head hanging low and whining. Signs of aggression could be stiffening of the body, closed mouth and motionless tail straight in the air.
Beware of extra busy times when the park is mobbed with canines. Maintain the positive dog park experience by visiting at less hectic hours. Dogs are calmer in smaller groups. Simply follow the rules and it will be a walk in the park for everyone.
Janet Goodman, specializing in dog obedience and behavior problem solving for family pets. Questions? Email janetgoodman@bellsouth.net.
3 comments:
The dog park at David Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove ruined a beautiful view of Biscayne Bay - one of the few in the City. But that's not the worst of it. Often the stench from dog poop is overwhelming. It's a disgusting situation. I have a dog so I'm totally supportive of dogs, their right to socialize and run and jump in the company of their peers. But - their owners are not being considerate. Let's not take over existing and meager park space for dog parks - acquire new vacant lots - even on a temporary basis - to create more dog parks.
The key issue here is proper maintenance of the already existing dog parks in the Miami area. It is essential for doggie waste stations to be in full supply with plastic bags and empty trash cans, but we don't have to leave all of the responsibility to Parks and Recreation. Dog owners must be prepared to pick up after their pets. It's up to those who enjoy the dog parks to make sure they are safe and clean.
The dog park in Coral Springs off Sample is well used and everyone cleans up after their pets. It never smells it is quiet. Great Dog park!
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