Dog parks: fun or hell?
When you live in a city, you don’t always have the luxury to have a yard. Thankfully, most cities have dog runs where their furry kid can socialize, exercise and have fun, in a secure and enclosed area. But, is it really a good option? In therory, yes. Let me explain.
Charlotte being a true Parisian, careless of the rules :).
Blue & Cookie by the Seine river for some piece and quiet.
When we lived in Paris, our dogs had a hard time with the concrete. They had been used to be surrounded by green grass before, so they were a little bewildered at first. We lived close to lovely parks, but they were all forbidden to the four-legged, probably because many people didn’t pick up their dog’s poop. Believe it or not, there were poop motorcycles - called motocrottes - that roamed the streets and vacuumed faeces the pet owners “forgot” to pick up. Even if they now can get a fine if caught in the act, some still don’t care, the typical French nonchalance. Not much was designed for our canine friends, no poop-bag dispensers (that has changed since, they finally realized it might influence people to be more respectful if they are given the opportunity for free) or friendly areas for them to play. There were dog runs in the outskirts, but frankly not very welcoming (at the time, it was not as common as in the States). Paris might be romantic for couples, but definitely not for doggies and their pawrents! We had an appartment with a little terrace and built an area with grass, which did the trick for them to play and run a little, in addition to long walks in the city, especially by the Seine river where it was more peaceful. We rapidly moved to a quieter environment, had a huge yard in Normandy and then, a few years later, were surrounded by some more gorgeous nature once back in Switzerland, so it was not an issue anymore. Hiking in the Wallis mountains, what a treat! And then, we moved once again, this time back to an urban setting, New York City. Talk about a change of scenery! Of course, it brought up the question as to where our pack can enjoy a safe open area to burn out energy, although we again didn’t compromise on a private terrace, not cheap in the city, but hey, our crew deserves it! The good thing about Manhattan though is that there are plenty of dog runs and most parks are allowed to doggies. And I couldn’t wait to discover them all with our little ones!
Charlotte socializing at the Union Square dog park.
But she has a preference for her ball still (and her mommy throwing it :)).
So what’s the matter you’ll ask? Well, if you knew my crew and their quirks, you’d get it. Of course taking Gurk to a dog park would be like throwing a lit match in a haystack, you can imagine how quick his sanity (that is already compromised) could go up in flames, and Cookie would just be too freaked out. But I had hopes most of the others would enjoy it, so I was indeed thrilled to start our new adventure and try so many dog runs. My gusto slowly faded as almost each attempt was a failure… In our bountiful pack, only one truly enjoys dog parks, and that is Charlotte. She is outgoing, friendly and isn’t afraid of anything. She enjoys meeting other dogs, and if they’re a little too insistent, she either ignores them or if it goes too far, she’ll kindly but firmly show them it’s not appropriate. No fuss. She is well-balanced and has been my personal helper with all the rescues that entered our home from the get-go, helping them being good doggies. Even if the others learned from her, some either lack of confidence, or just don’t enjoy being around too much ruckus. If the park is empty or with only calm and collected dogs, that is tolerable at best. Some will strut a little, sniff around, but most will just stay glued to me until I come back to my senses and finally decide to leave… Funny how they suddenly are overjoyed! But why?
Ellliott & Tootsie wishing to leave ASAP!
Much more at ease in the open (like hiking in Wallis, Switzerland).
I guess it’s just like when you enter a bar or restraurant and don’t like the vibe… Should you force yourself to stay and give it a chance? Will you end up enjoying the experience or feel like you’re wasting your time? Although I try not to overprotect them, I know my dogs pretty well and adjust depending on what they enjoy. Some activities are just not their thing and I will not force them. If they’re not super social, so be it, I’m not either. As long as they’re behaving and are happy that way, it’s all that matters. Apart from those who have trauma and I know for a fact that dragging them into such social environments will do more harm than good, each of them got a taste of different dog parks, just to make sure. And to be honest, it was pretty much the same scenario (we always opt for the small dog run if we have a choice, but still): there was either a troublemaker (very often a little bully who doesn’t mean harm but who is just dang annoying), a bigger dog that keeps sniffing their butt and doesn’t read the signs (tail tucked in, showing teeth, growling, meaning “just leave me alone!”), or a nugget that has a big mouth and almost spits on their face. Or individuals who come to parks to get their dog fix and are a little too psychedelic when they see Chihuahuas. Not plain relaxing or fun. We did have friendly and stress-free encounters, but that was rather rare. When you think about it, it’s not the dog’s fault, but their owner’s. All dogs have different personalities, but it is their parent’s responsibility to help them behave in society. So many people drop their dogs, sit on a bench and have their eyes fixed on their phone. Recreation time! Yeah alright, but would you leave your kids without supervision? I’ve seen so many dogs eating what they’re not supposed to, start a fight or being persecuted, dart out when someone else opens the gate, none of which would have taken place if their human had been a little vigilant. Duh!
Blue wishing the dog run in Washington Square Park was deserted…
Never mind, I’ll go enjoy the views with Charlotte! The Madison Square Park has stunning views with the Flatiron building on one side, the Empire State building on the other, not bad at all!
Although I’m not a control freak, I always keep a close eye on my pack. Not to mention that there are freaks who come to parks to potentially steal your dog, that happens more than you can imagine! And of course, it’s easier to snatch a little dog than a Great Dane… So well, with all that in mind, and after several unsuccessful attempts, I just had to face the facts: there were too many negatives to really find it a conclusive option. The dogs chose, they did not like it all, so why bother? It may sound like a shame, but I don’t think so. I still bring Charlotte from time to time, with Bernie because he’s such a wacko he doesn’t even care if other dogs are being rude, but they both are in their senior years and start to not care for it anymore. They enjoy strolls by the East or Hudson rivers, in quieter areas, or the Ramble in Central Park and play at home, where there isn’t anything spoiling their fun. “L’enfer c’est les autres”, meaning “Hell is other people”, a quote from Sartre we fully agree with. Does it mean we have less freedom? That’s another question…