Dog Park questions

I sometimes leave Roscoe's collar on and sometimes take it off. Generally, it stays on until I see that he is planning on playing wrestle or chase with another dog. Then it comes off.  I don't worry about being able to control him with the collar 'cause if it came to having to hold onto him, I can grab a great big handful of skin. [8|]
 
As far as disease goes, I'm generally not too worried because the worst cases of contagious diseases are generally found in puppies and poor condition dogs. For a healthy dog like Roscoe, I just don't worry that much.  But then I tend not to be a worrywart about things like that (other things, I'm a worrywart). I never get flu vaccinations for myself for instance.

I've been told it's a good idea for the dog to get that Borcula (sp) shot that
they get when they go for boarding or doggie day care.

ORIGINAL: pamdb
I've been told it's a good idea for the dog to get that Borcula (sp) shot that
they get when they go for boarding or doggie day care.

 
I think you mean Bordatella, and that's one of the ones I don't worry about.  We had it run through our dog park, but Roscoe never got it.  For a healthy dog with a good immune system, it's just not that big a deal, in my opinion. It's like me getting a bad cold. Not something that I want, but something I'm willing to risk for the sake of socializing with my friends.  []

I remove my dogs' collars at the park because Indy likes to grab collars when wrestling. 
Had a bad scare once when he grabbed Jasmine's collar, and then flipped over, essentially tightening a tourniquet around her neck.  She was choking and he was screaming in pain (from the collar wrapped around his bottom jaw).  I had to pick him up and flip him over the "untie" them.  I honestly thought Jasmine was going to die there.
So, no collars.

I've never heard anything about taking dog tags off, I wouldnt want to, thats weird. As for disease i always make sure the area is clear of feces before I let my dog go and if i see a owner not pick up after their pet I am not shy about saying something. their irresponsibility reflects all dog owners. Sure it is a risk for disease but dogs have survived hundreds of years and unless htey are full on making out or he's eating poop I dont worry about it or I'd worry to much, ha ha!
I personally dont take Rory to dog parks to often becuase she is a pit bull and a lot of people dont wnat their dogs playing with her. Its funnt cause she is usually the one of nicest dogs and the humans are more worried then their dogs!
ALWAYS be aware of your dogs and other dogs body language, that is how they communicate and regardless of the size they all display the same signs. I try to take Rory to places that allow dogs that are less populated like beaches that let them off leash, wooded areas, state parks and places like that. We have a better chance of meeting less dogs where she can play more one on one instead of the whole pack mentalilty they get at the dog parks. Hopefully you have friends with dogs who like to play too!

Everyone at our park wears collars, but I do see the concern about getting tangled if wrestling (although less so with flat collars - and the rule at the park is any prong or choke collars must come off).  I am in agreement on the disease worrying - sure, I worry a little, but I worry more about Wesley not socializing with dogs and people (this is one of his issues) - so, we take our chances...  If he is not feeling well, we don't go, and I am hoping others feel the same (I know my walker and others who bring their dogs to the park say that the dogs they know get individual short walks when sick, so as not to infect everyone).  To me, it is the same as kindergaten or sleepaway camp - is your child more likely to get lice, a cold, poison ivy - yeah, is it worth it - yeah...
 
I think the bigger danger at dog parks is fights, if people are not aware of their dogs' temperments or don't watch their dogs.  Sure, a fight can happen in the blink of an eye, while you are watching, with a great dog who usually doesn't fight - that is a risk I am willing to take...  It is when a dog is clearly agitated and his/her people aren't watching or nipping potential issues in the bud that I get nervous and will usually leave...

Pofi and I have been frequenting Twin Cities dog parks for nearly a year now (and Mia for the last few months).  As a rule, I bring plenty of extra baggies and when someone isn't picking up after their dog, I whip out a bag and say, "Did you need a bag, I have extras!"  This way I'm calling them out, but not accusing them of not intending to pick up.  I also will pick up any extra I see when cleaning up after mine, but there's usually not a lot to be found.  I also rarely see dogs who look like they aren't healthy or well cared for and most seem to have mulitiple tags which usually means ID and vaccinations at the least.  (I know the might not be current, but...)
 
With the extras (dog license and mpls off leash license), I actually wear those myself on a lanyard round my neck!  Just to keep the metal to a minimum.  I do leave the collars on (ours are flat and break away - and they have broken away in play and they ae somewhat loose - I walk with harnesses so, I don't need the collar to be that snug), but Leslie's experience with Jasmine and Indy is always on my mind and I've just started taking them off while they are at home and at large in the house.
 
So far so good for us - I only had the one bite experience with Pofi and a heeler mix who gets too excited.  When I approached the owner of that dog another time and let him know their dog had bit mine and another in chase and that I felt I needed to leave as the dog wasn't muzzled (he always had been when I first started frequenting that park), he was very nice and apologetic and from then on they have muzzled their dog. Makes me glad they haven't ignored me nor have they denied the dog the use of the park. It's truly not a vicious dog, but get's carried away on that herding instinct.
 
 

We went back to our park last night and there were more dogs with collars. There was also a short fight between a golden retriever and a border collie. The golden's owner stepped in to break it up and he got bit on the arm (it was bleeding). It think the border collie was also bit b/c it was whining for several minutes after the fight ended. 

ORIGINAL: pamdb


I've been told it's a good idea for the dog to get that Borcula (sp) shot that
they get when they go for boarding or doggie day care.

 
I place we board Sally (vet's office), requires it.

I go to our local dog park about once a week and I'd say that most dogs thjere wear collars. My park has a special "little dog" area, which is nice for the small guys (my pup is only 14lbs).
 
Here's a funny dog park story: when I was there this past Sunday, there was a golden that would NOT answer to his owner and they chased him around this huge park for about an hour before someone finally caught him. It was funny to see the golden running away from the people like it was a big game. (Although if it was MY dog, it would not be funny anymore). Still, it was very amusing to watch []

My local dog park requires licenses to be worn by the dog at all times.  So with that in mind, check your local ordinances before you take off the collar.  It can be a hefty fine.

I always leave the collars on, but they both have snap on collars, so it's easy to get them off if they do get into a tangle.

Tyler's collar stays on - mainly because I don't want him to be off running free if some dork forgets to secure the gates. He doesn't have a problem, but I am watching him the whole time and am ready to jump in if he gets caught. Same for fights - go for the rear legs to pull apart.
I do Bord. internasal, and leave fast if someone looks "off" or mangey.
I am fortunate that our park is very well taken care of. In fact last month a pup was diagnosed with Parvo. Park immediately shut down, notices posted, all vets in region notified, and they had the paper and tv stations reporting about it and symptoms, etc for days. They disinfected for 10 days and had the park closed for 2 weeks, then inspected 2x. Pretty good reaction to a potentially bad situation. (and kudos to the vet and owner- not sure when the dog picked the parvo up, but they wanted to be safe for everyone else)