Dog Parks???Do they exist??

allypal

Is there such a thing as a dog park in this country?? I am so fed up having to keep my dog on a lead all the time - dogs need to run!! If we're going to have laws around keeping our dogs on leads then is it too much to ask for certain designated sections of parks to be sectioned off for dogs to run around safely and without upsetting a certain section of society that would like to have all of us on leads. Winter is upon us and the evenings are getting dark and i can no longer get up the mountains every evening to get myself and dog some excercise......so.....has this topic of dog parks been discussed before??? Do we already have dog parks or am i getting myself in a twist over nothing?? If they are not already in existence would fellow dog owners out there be interested in petitioning the parks authority to factilitate this?? And while im on the topic why are the parks closing so early in winter- cant they be lit up so those of us lucky enough to still have jobs can use them??

LBD

Hey there...there's one in Marley park, our two bassets love it they can run around and play with other dogs and it really tires them out!!

Haven't heard of any others but if Marley have one Im sure there are others out there.

ghost_ie

By law, you can have your dog off the lead in any public park before either 10 or 11 (not sure which) in the morning, and for an hour before sunset. The park beside the Dodder in Dartry is a good place to let dogs off the lead - in fact, dogs on leads are considered oddities there

anniehoo

Am i misconstruing the law..or are dogs allowed off lead in public as long as theyre under control? i.e. if you call your dog and he/she comes back straightaway then thats "under control" to me.

chiefwiggum

LBD wrote: »

Hey there...there's one in Marley park, our two bassets love it they can run around and play with other dogs and it really tires them out!!

Haven't heard of any others but if Marley have one Im sure there are others out there.

we have a basset too.do yours like to dunt and bump other dogs:D doesnt take a lot to tire them out does it

Crazyivan 1979

I just heard about the one in marley park, apparently it has just opened. Might give it a try this weekend. Usually bring mine to Corkagh park, there are some disused fields adjoining the park, where I let him run or on the football pitches if there are no matches on. The wardens usually turn a blind eye to that if the dogs are not annoying anyone, but they'll give out to you if you have them off the lead in the rest of the park.

jimmyn

I'm right with you, Pal. Dogs (especially big dogs) need to run. Unfortunately there is damn all in the line of proper dog parks in this country. Yet we are all supposed to keep our dogs on a lead in public. It's a no-win situation.

I wish the IKC would get off their ass and develop a Canine Good Citizen programme like in the States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_Good_Citizen Maybe then good dogs with off-lead training could be given more general freedom.

My dog is trained for total off lead control. He will come when called, sit and stay until released (even in high distractions - a cat jumped over him once and he didn't break his down stay), and he will walk to heel beside me off lead.

I went to a lot of trouble to get my dog to this level, but now I give him all the freedom he needs to run (although supervised - he never goes out alone). If we're running through the woods and another person or dog approaches, I'll call my dog and get him to sit or heel beside me till we're clear again. He's a happy dog as a result, and I'm a happy owner.

jimmyn

Oops, my mistake, it looks like the IKC have such a scheme now http://ikc.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=78&Itemid=79

I must check into it a bit further.

Paul91

if you live in the country or close to it, you could ask a farmer if you can leave your dog of in there fields, as long as there is no livestock, you ask first and have control of your dog of it's lead, this can be a solution, the farmer behind our estate likes myself and a few other of the locals to walk the dogs over his fields (i'm on the trails/path/tracks) as the dogs keep down the "unwanted" population of other creatures.

Boomtastic

There's a doggie club in one of the greens in Marino on the Northside where owners congregate of an evening and socialise their dogs together off-lead.

They politely remind owners of dogs that poop, what their responsibilities are. Locals don't seem to have an issue with it.

lightening

St. Annes park on Dublin's Northside allows off lead walking to non restricted breeds before 11AM each morning and after certain times, depending on the time of the year each evening.

funkyjebus

Hi guys,

So how is the one in Marlay Park? How is it fenced? How big is it?
Haven't been to marlay Park in ages, where abouts is it, ie; whats it near that hasn't moved, BMX track, train?

Have heard bad stories about the one in st Anns park, gaps in fence are to big etc. Tried to find it one day, but got lost! Any directions?

Anyone know of a group that gets together specifically so dogs can play together. I'm taking about an informal free meeting in a park on the weekends, something like that. I know my little guy would love that.

LBD

chiefwiggum wrote: »

we have a basset too.do yours like to dunt and bump other dogs:D doesnt take a lot to tire them out does it

Hey!!!
Good to hear from another basset lover!!! Our oldest is 15months and the younger is 8months so they are on the go all day long.....but the long run in the dog park helps them in the direction of bed Watching them in the dog park is hilarious....they have to have a run around with each dog that comes in whether the dog wants to or not!!! Theres nothing quite like watching a basset run hell for leather ears flappin in the wind so adorable!!

What age is yours?

LBD

funkyjebus wrote: »

Hi guys,

So how is the one in Marlay Park? How is it fenced? How big is it?
Haven't been to marlay Park in ages, where abouts is it, ie; whats it near that hasn't moved, BMX track, train?

Have heard bad stories about the one in st Anns park, gaps in fence are to big etc. Tried to find it one day, but got lost! Any directions?

Anyone know of a group that gets together specifically so dogs can play together. I'm taking about an informal free meeting in a park on the weekends, something like that. I know my little guy would love that.

The one in Marley is about the size of a football pitch. Completely fenced in, thick wire mesh and wooden posts. Theres an entrance gate into an initial inclosure and then another gate into the actual dog park....so basically if they get through one gate they have to get through another one before they escape Its at the end of all the pitches where St johns train etc.....come in the main entrance (by the park keepers house) and take a left!!! Completely secure would have no reservations letting them run around!!

Have no idea about St Anns....or any groups that get together but we were there last saturday and our lads ran around for a good hour with about 12 other dogs give or take. Good chance to meet other dog owners, your never stuck for someone to have a chat with up there!!!!

chiefwiggum

LBD wrote: »

Hey!!!
Good to hear from another basset lover!!! Our oldest is 15months and the younger is 8months so they are on the go all day long.....but the long run in the dog park helps them in the direction of bed Watching them in the dog park is hilarious....they have to have a run around with each dog that comes in whether the dog wants to or not!!! Theres nothing quite like watching a basset run hell for leather ears flappin in the wind so adorable!!

What age is yours?

ah jesus they're gas the most ungraceful dogs ever ours called bertie basset will run ears flappin and next thing hes flat on his face after missing his step..he has some side step on him though..hes just gone 2 now this month actually, hes stretched out here at my feet as im typing this

Paul91

do your bassets show much agression? good looking fella by the way!

Reason i ask is on my evening walk we go past two, and they go beserk at my "pack" - normally they are gated in, so not a problem, but one evening they where out and oe of them actually tried to take a chunk out of my German Shepherd side, I keep my guys under close lead when dogs are running loose, luckily she only lost a bit of fluff but could have been worse

as for dog parks - i'm jealous, dog walking can be so lonely only messing, gives me great time to think and relax

chiefwiggum

no not at other dogs as they should get on with others as they are a pack dog but he growls at some strangers till he gets used to them and he has a loud growl

LBD

chiefwiggum wrote: »

ah jesus they're gas the most ungraceful dogs ever ours called bertie basset will run ears flappin and next thing hes flat on his face after missing his step..he has some side step on him though..hes just gone 2 now this month actually, hes stretched out here at my feet as im typing this

Wow what a face!!! Cannot get enough of these dogs....

Our eldest is called Len...he's the lemon one and Dougs is the little tricolour dude...a right pair of spunky monkeys!!!!! Sorry for the off topic banter folks but bring your dogs to the dog park, they'll have a ball!!!

chiefwiggum

that pic looks very familiar..ours sleeps (and farts) all evening..lovely colours on the tri colour,,great dogs the bassets..so affetionate

barbiegirl

Our 5 month old puppy Sindy loves the dog park in Marley. It's great fun, the owners and dogs are always friendly. In fact we're due a trip, maybe on Saturday afternoon.

funkyjebus

LBD wrote: »

The one in Marley is about the size of a football pitch. Completely fenced in, thick wire mesh and wooden posts. Theres an entrance gate into an initial inclosure and then another gate into the actual dog park....so basically if they get through one gate they have to get through another one before they escape Its at the end of all the pitches where St johns train etc.....come in the main entrance (by the park keepers house) and take a left!!! Completely secure would have no reservations letting them run around!!

Thanks a mill LBD, think i'll give it a try this sat if any of you around. I'll be the guy with the little fluffy wheaten.

LBD

funkyjebus wrote: »

Thanks a mill LBD, think i'll give it a try this sat if any of you around. I'll be the guy with the little fluffy wheaten.

What a cute lookin little dude! We'll be there saturday morning, theres a famers market on saturdays in marley too which is fun. Look out for the two bold bassets. They'll be the ones making a nuisance of themselves.....can't miss them

Crazyivan 1979

Might pop along myself, if weather gets better!

if you see this guy running around, don't be alarmed! he's a big softy and just wants to say hello!

Whispered

I have a very silly question, but what is the general "etiquette" of a dog park. Do owners let the dogs off lead and hope for the best? What about large bouncy dogs, how do people usually react to them? What level of control is usual?

I would love to go but would be worried at peoples reaction to Harley and his overfriendly behaviour.

Crazyivan 1979

Same here Helena, I am a bit worried about that.

But I have heard that people let the dogs off, children are not allowed in the fenced area and it is not supervised (by a warden etc.).

Can anyone clarify?

LBD

Crazyivan 1979 wrote: »

Same here Helena, I am a bit worried about that.

But I have heard that people let the dogs off, children are not allowed in the fenced area and it is not supervised (by a warden etc.).

Can anyone clarify?

Yup dogs have the run of the place. Most dog owners know dogs will be dogs and the play is all part of the fun of the dog park. Anyone with a problem can just bring there dog off but I have yet to meet anyone like this. The only behaviour that would be a problem is biting and growling and over aggressive behaviour but again I dont think people who own dogs with this temperment would chance the dog park!!!

Kids arent allowed in the "inner" inclosure where the dogs are and no its not supervised!! Great place though, bring your dogs they'd love it....especailly if they love the rough and tumble with other dogs

funkyjebus

helena.ryan wrote: »

I would love to go but would be worried at peoples reaction to Harley and his overfriendly behaviour.

Anyone who goes into a fenced dog park and has a problem with an overly friendly dog is in the wrong place. Once you are sure your dog wont bite your fine, I personally have no problems if your dog jumped on me for a quick lick. Thats what they do, everyone is an owner and understands. But a degree of control is required.

The whole point of it in my eyes, is to let the dog off to be itself.

Really looking forward to seeing the little guy with some other dogs now. He's only 5 minths old, he's fine with people, but hasn't been interacting with other dogs much and is really interested in them, a little too much!

Crazyivan 1979

What's the easiet way to get there, never been to marley pk before, (from clondalkin).

Would it be- M50 (s) - off at dundrum - 1st left off roundabout - going up towards Blakes restaurant but at the fork with that big white pub in front of you, go right?

Paul91

is this it?

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=marley+park&sll=53.276813,-6.239719&sspn=0.027201,0.166512&ie=UTF8&radius=3.44&rq=1&ev=p&hq=marley+park&hnear=&ll=53.276813,-6.239719&spn=0.027201,0.166512&z=13

Whispered

Right, I'm going tomorrow with my terror hopefully people wont mind him. My mam loves him but when we visit, everything has to be up off the floor or he'' run off with it, chairs have to be pushed in so he can't jump on the table, and everyone is changed into their old clothes. He's just a big puppy really.

He wont bite, and most likely with other dogs around he wont be interested in the people, but he probably will jump up and he's not a little dog. So I'd be concerned about that.

Anybody with any advice on how best to approach the dog park for the first time? Maybe a long walk first or something?

Vel

We bring our two dogs to the off lead park a bit. I think anyone using this facility should ensure firstly that their dogs are actually ok with other dogs and secondly be happy that other dogs are going to be playing and interacting with their dogs. You can't go in being all precious about your poor ickle Fido. Its a place for dogs to be dogs and do some doggy socialising.

We were there the other morning and a man was using it to teach his dog the down and stay commands and was getting angry when other dogs were coming over to sniff his dog. Someone else was throwing a ball for his dog another time and wasn't happy when our guy caught it. In my opinion both of these people shouldn't really have been using the area.

One of our dogs likes to potter about up there and will give a warning if a dog is persistantly annoying him. Most dogs get the message and head off to find a dog who wants to play.

The other morning our other dog was having an absolute blast with a dobie, a boxer and a tiny chi Sometimes doggy play can seem a bit rarry and barky but people have to realise that and be able to distinguish between playing and fighting. A couple came in with a scottie while all the dogs were having fun and I heard the lady complain that it was all too rough and the dogs were fighting. Her husband told her not to worry and soon her dog was happily playing with the others.

From my experience the really playful, lively dogs tend to find and bounce off one another and the quieter ones tend to potter about and do their own thing.

Personally, I don't think I would find it too pleasant being up there on a very busy Saturday afternoon for example when it might be harder to monitor a larger number of dogs but early mornings weekdays and weekends are great when you would get approx 6 dogs in the area. Just the right number for me.

All of the restricted breeds and their crosses are not allowed in the area but I'm not sure how rigorously that is enforced. As I said above, our dog was playing with a dobie the other day. I would have no problem with any dog on the restricted list being in there once they were good with other dogs but some people may not be happy :rolleyes:, so it is something to bear in mind if you have a restricted breed.

Helena, we tend to do a circuit of the park first before we bring our two in, just to walk off a bit of excess energy so they aren't too hyped up going in.

Whispered

Thanks a million Vel, that gives a really good idea of what to expect.

Vel

Enjoy Helena and let us know how you get on. Everyone we have met up there has been really nice and total doggy people and we have seen some fabulous dogs. Its wonderful to watch dogs of all shapes and sizes mingling and having fun. But I would definetely recommend for your first time going, to go up early before it gets busy, just so you feel comfortable

Paul91

anyone got any pictures of the bow wow's running wild?

Mirror Image

Anyone know if there are any dog parks in the north east?

Would love to take the lads if there is one close by.

Crazyivan 1979

Just back from Marley park dog park. Ben loved it, he is shattered now. If any of ye were there, Ben was the big black guy.

allypal

wow...i'm so glad i put out my query about the dog parks....am deffinatley going to marley with the maggot....cant beleive i didnt know about it as marley is just up the road from me.......i think i'm still going to get on to the canine society and the parks department because i think every decent sized park should have an area for dogs to run and play. thanks everyone....maybe we should all be annoying the canine society about this issue!!!

Vel

Just remember that as great as these off lead areas are there is a chance that eventually they will be the only areas in public where dogs are allowed off lead. Councils will provide them and then begin to ban off lead dogs anywhere else. This is what happened in some states in America and now they are the only public places where dogs are allowed off lead, leading to them being oversubscribed and not the pleasant places they could be.

So lobby away but it might become a case of be careful what you wish for. Those in power have proved they aren't animal lovers with their failure to implement important animal welfare legislation and their insistance on implementing the misguided restricted breeds legislation, so who's to say they won't provide a few off lead parks and then ban dogs everywhere else.

bookerboy

Try castletown house in Celbridge.Dozens of dogs of lead all the time and no one has a problem especially mid week.
Avail of the river for a swim or even the muddy pond.
All great fun

PetrovthePrat

Hey,a big thanks to all the posters aboout the dog park,and to Allypal for the query! We had our brat there for the first time today,and never would have heard about it without Boards. He loved it. It was the first chance he's had to play with other dogs,and it seems to have done him the world of good. The other owners were very friendly,even when he helped himself to someone elses water. As was posted earlier the hyper bouncy dogs seem to find each other. There were some really lovely dogs,a couple of Newfoundlands,first ones I've ever meet,a springer our pup befriended and lots more. We'll be back without a doubt. If any Boardsies were there today,we were the couple with the mental tan lab cross with a black face.

iguana

Vel wrote: »

Just remember that as great as these off lead areas are there is a chance that eventually they will be the only areas in public where dogs are allowed off lead. Councils will provide them and then begin to ban off lead dogs anywhere else. This is what happened in some states in America and now they are the only public places where dogs are allowed off lead, leading to them being oversubscribed and not the pleasant places they could be.

Very good point. If any lobbying was to be done it should be asking for the opposite. Allow well controlled dogs to be allowed off lead in all large parks, but make certain areas within those parks dog free. If it works in high density cities like London it will work in any park in Ireland.

I seriously dread the day my husband and I move back to Dublin in terms of our dogs. They will go from having a rich and varied walking life in all manner of parks, to being restricted to small areas most of the time.

ronbyrne2005

iguana wrote: »

Very good point. If any lobbying was to be done it should be asking for the opposite. Allow well controlled dogs to be allowed off lead in all large parks, but make certain areas within those parks dog free. If it works in high density cities like London it will work in any park in Ireland.

I seriously dread the day my husband and I move back to Dublin in terms of our dogs. They will go from having a rich and varied walking life in all manner of parks, to being restricted to small areas most of the time.

Try and get a place near to a large park or beach or mountains. I think there is actually quite a lot of places in Dublin to bring dogs if you have a car.

iguana

ronbyrne2005 wrote: »

Try and get a place near to a large park or beach or mountains. I think there is actually quite a lot of places in Dublin to bring dogs if you have a car.

I don't drive.:(

If we move back we are aiming at somewhere near the Dodder or a beach. The Dodder area looks pretty good for dog walkers, we took our boys there a couple of years ago when we brought them for a visit and they enjoyed it. They liked Sandymount too, but they needed a bath after.

funkyjebus

Paul91 wrote: »

anyone got any pictures of the bow wow's running wild?

Was up on saturday in marlay park. The place is great, both dogs and owners are friendly. Would recommend to anyone. Can't wait to go back next weekend. Might see some of you again.

Here are 2 pics i took on sat. Sorry they're not the best, just pics of my guy woth an older wheaten and a tibetan terrier.

Paul91

funkyjebus wrote: »

Was up on saturday in marlay park. The place is great, both dogs and owners are friendly. Would recommend to anyone. Can't wait to go back next weekend. Might see some of you again.

Here are 2 pics i took on sat. Sorry they're not the best, just pics of my guy woth an older wheaten and a tibetan terrier.

coool - there's always something to sniff

hyperit

This dog park in Marley park is great. Going there quite a bit now with 2 westies (among others). Should be a few pix attached here also. :)

DBCyc

I've a staffy who's very good with other dogs and wouldn't hurt a fly. Would it be frowned upon if I brought her to the dog park in Marley Park?

allypal

thanks vel .... thats a great point to keep in mind.....i would hate to see total off lead restriction......the way things are now i know i can be totally comfortable walking the dog off lead up the mountains and i would hate to see anything intrude on that freedom.....so point taken!!

doctor evil

allypal wrote: »

thanks vel .... thats a great point to keep in mind.....i would hate to see total off lead restriction......the way things are now i know i can be totally comfortable walking the dog off lead up the mountains and i would hate to see anything intrude on that freedom.....so point taken!!

Don't mean to be nip-picking allypal but that freedom comes with responsibilities and the animal at all times should have proper recall.

Vel

DBCyc wrote: »

I've a staffy who's very good with other dogs and wouldn't hurt a fly. Would it be frowned upon if I brought her to the dog park in Marley Park?

Hi DBCyc,

I mentioned in a previous post that the restricted breeds (and their crosses) aren't permitted in the off lead area. Such a shame that they have chosen to go down this route :mad: I was reading on another thread about people complaining about the behaviour of a labradoodle using the off lead area, yet your poor staffie who is great with other dogs can't use it solely on the basis of her breed:(

There is a big sign outside the park with the rules and regs on it, including this. We have been up there before and our dog played with a doberman and a staffie cross, so people do seem to break this rule. I personally would have no problem with it but others might I'm not sure how the authorities monitor the area or how strict they are.

DBCyc

Hey Vel,

I am aware that the rules and regs dont permit restricted breed dogs and it is ridiculous! But despite those restrictions, I thought that most dog lovers at the dog park wouldnt have a problem with my staffy as shes great with other dogs and loves running around playing.

With regards to the authorities, does anyone know whether there is dog warden up there that enforces these restrictions? Anyway sure I might aswell head over with her and play it by ear.

Cheers