I love my husband. He's totally into OLA (off leash area) park and wrote this out of control rant about the "unwritten" do's and don't at OLA.
Ruleofblue's Journal
My Podcast Link
10/01/2007 13:23 #41434
Dog Park Do's and Don'ts09/24/2007 16:15 #41293
Other Dogparks Official and Not so...The "unofficial" Amherst dog park is at the Amherst State Park off of Mill Street in Williamsville. On any given night you will find 20 to 30 dogs "off leash" running through the apple orchard. 
.
The "official" Amherst dog park is not yet open. That is located at Paradise Park at near the intersection of Casey Road and Paradise Road in Amherst. Casey Road intersects with Transit Road in Amherst.
. The "official" Amherst dog park is not yet open.
That is located at Paradise Park at near the intersection of Casey Road and Paradise Road in Amherst. Casey Road intersects with Transit Road in Amherst. 09/24/2007 16:09 #41292
Buffalo's First Dog ParkI've been to the Buffalo Dog Park. It is not what people think. I personally had this impression that any Joe from on the street was showing up with their dog. Boy was I wrong.
It is near the Buffalo Rowing club on the water. (Buffalo's first off-leash area is in LaSalle Park next to the old Colonel F.G. Ward Pumping Station.) It is clean and quiet. The only people at the park are dog people and the occasional high school football game.
There are rules that have to be followed in order to bring your dog into the park.
1) The dog MUST be over 4 months of age.
2) Your dog MUST be spayed or neutered (when age appropriate).
3) Your dog MUST be up to date with all vaccinations (including flea and tick).
4) You, the owner, takes responsibility for your dog's actions. If your dog can not behave appropriately, you and your dog are asked to leave.
5) Pick up after your dog. If you didn't bring a "potty bag" one will be provided for you. The City of Buffalo provides generous trash receptacles.
People who go to this park with their dogs have no problem telling you to leave if you can't control your dog. There are breads of all sizes and ages there. Most of the dogs get along with each other. Those that don't... again, the dog and their owner are asked to leave.
It is near the Buffalo Rowing club on the water. (Buffalo's first off-leash area is in LaSalle Park next to the old Colonel F.G. Ward Pumping Station.) It is clean and quiet. The only people at the park are dog people and the occasional high school football game.
There are rules that have to be followed in order to bring your dog into the park.
1) The dog MUST be over 4 months of age.
2) Your dog MUST be spayed or neutered (when age appropriate).
3) Your dog MUST be up to date with all vaccinations (including flea and tick).
4) You, the owner, takes responsibility for your dog's actions. If your dog can not behave appropriately, you and your dog are asked to leave.
5) Pick up after your dog. If you didn't bring a "potty bag" one will be provided for you. The City of Buffalo provides generous trash receptacles.
People who go to this park with their dogs have no problem telling you to leave if you can't control your dog. There are breads of all sizes and ages there. Most of the dogs get along with each other. Those that don't... again, the dog and their owner are asked to leave.
james - 09/24/07 16:12
I am so glad we finally have a dog park! I was always paranoid at Delaware park that a cop was going to sneak up with a ticket.
I am so glad we finally have a dog park! I was always paranoid at Delaware park that a cop was going to sneak up with a ticket.
There's always a risk of other dogs hurting your dog. In my experience, you're more at risk of a loose dog on the street approaching than at the dog park.
There's literally 100's of dog encounters at the dog park every day, and only a handful of real fights a year.
Still, if you have reservations about any dog you see at the dog park, just don't go in. If a dog shows up that seems to play too rough or cause trouble, just leave.
Is there a chance your dog will get attacked at the dog park? Yes, definitely. I just don't think it's any higher than the chance your dog will get attacked by a loose dog on the street. The people who bring their dogs to the dog park tend to be "dog people" who've already socialized their dogs. In my humble opinion, the dog park is possibly the safest environment to socialize your dog, so long as you use common sense and follow your gut instincts.
I agree with you. I worry every time we go. I wish there was something in place that I could be sure that other dogs wouldn't be an issue, but there isn't. Maybe it is different in other cities and Buffalo is just behind the times.
good common-sense guidelines... off-leash parks still make me nervous though- YOUR dog may be great- it's the others I worry about.
OFF Leash Area
OLA?