Dog Parks and the People who Frequent Them. Personality #1

First of all, Rusty's eye has improved. It was that bush he was allergic to. Whew!

Secondly, today I have been asked to write about Dog Parks. What about them? How about the people who go there.....???!!!!

As most of you know, we are at some park nearly every day. Of course, the Hazeldale Dog Park is near and dear to us, because it's in our vicinity, and we know a goodly number of the people who go there.

"Won't some of them be offended?" you ask.

"I doubt it. They know..." I respond. "I'm only describing people who go there - not bashing anyone."

There is also Hondo Dog Park, which is a little ways away, but we still go during the Spring and Summer months - the winter park is all gravel, and the pups don't much like the texture, and it hurts their little feet.

There is also Winkleman Park, which is new this year. It is nearly the same distance as Hazeldale, but it's on a slope, and it's exhausting to keep going up and down the hills. It's most likely going to be closed for the winter, but that remains to be seen. The slopey part has sod that will give way when it grows damp, as it does in these here parts; The upper section has 2 other mini parks off to the side of the greeting paddock - a barked chip side, and then a wee dog side that's grassed.

Next, is Summer Lake. It's a nice, small, community park, with a lake nearby to go walking around. The dogs love the ducks, geese, squirrels, and the occasional nutria that come out from their lairs. They are huge, sometimes, like the ones seen at Commonwealth Park (which doesn't have a dogpark, but it's still a nice stroll).

There's also Gabriel Park, in Portland, which has both a Summer and Winter Park. We enjoy it here, as it was the park where I first brought Syd, and it was also one of the first parks in Portland. Here we established relationships with other dogs and their parents, and learned more about dogs and their behavior than anywhere/anyhow else.

There is the one bonus park, in the Portland area, that we love to go to, about once a month - Thousand Acre Park. This is in Troutdale, and it's on the Sandy River Delta. Here we don't meet many people, because it's about the hike, and the running about, as well as enjoying nature. There is very little standing about and gabbing, which is what we are about to embark on in today's blog.

Let's talk, today, about the model dog parent who brings their dog into the park.

The model dog parent has the model dog (remember, this combination is a rarity, so it's better to attempt to be this, rather than to demand it - few people have model children, and even fewer have model dogs (in other peoples' eyes)). These come to the park, the dog is unleashed, either in the unleashing area, or, if there isn't one, as soon as the dog is inside the park. This dog sniffs the ones near it, finds the dogs that it enjoys, and plays by running around, wrestling, and having a great time. The parent watches, picks up the poop, occasionally (if necessary) throws the ball, and keeps an eye on the pups, but stays calm, and moves in calmly and quickly if anything comes up. These are actually much rarer than you would think.

Most dog owners watch The Dog Whisperer, and they can recite tips by heart. They even talk about attempting the methods, but to no avail. The #1 Dog Owner has intuitively figured these out, or has worked hard on them, and takes it for granted. Other pet owners are a little jealous of them.

A good friend of mine had Ceasar Milan help him with his dog, who would pee poo on his clothes, and rip things apart, despite her being well past the puppy stage. He had begun work, was going to online school, and was terribly busy, but tried to make time for his dogs. Ceasar tried to help him, but to no avail. When we talked, he was upset, not liking to put her in the crate all day when he was out (she wouldn't use the doggie door until he came home). Apparently, she didn't like the new schedule, and being put on the back burner, so to speak. Her counterpart, another female, had no problems with this at all. But their personalities were very different - the one with the issues was high strung, and the other was quite mellow. You can't always chose who you love.

Personality #1 takes things in stride, and constructively reprimands the pup, only when something naughty has been done. And it must be done immediately and effectively. Waiting until you are able to finish the conversation and then getting around to disciplining does nothing but make the dog believe you've some neurotic tendencies - they've no idea, by then, what you're talking about! They've moved on! Personality #1 gets this.

This owner also exercises their pups on a regular basis, is consistent, feeds them the best food (that doesn't mean expensive - it means quality - from raw food diets to even Costco Nature's Domain - which is high quality, no gluten, no grains, raw food kibble), and keeps them groomed and healthy. This takes time. They also ensure the dog is well socialized. This is very important, as is being sure they see you as the Alpha in the pack.

This personality is also quite congenial with others. They keep one eye on the dog, and they are full of knowledge and ideas, but don't browbeat others. You just know.

I would have to say, most people (not all, believe you me!) who bring their dogs to the park have many of these attributes.

Most dog parents are a mixture of all the personalities, especially on different days when moods are wonky; many times they reflect those of their pup(s)...which can be quite interesting.

Later, I'll introduce more personalities, and I hope you enjoy reading about them, and thinking about whether or not they are you, or someone you know....or pray they aren't!