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Discussion Archive (Read-Only Folder) - Anne Arundel Dogs Given Free Rein
From: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) Staff 6/21/2005 6:39 am
To: ALL (1 of 60)In a county known for chocolate Labradors and, increasingly, thimble-size lawns, Janet S. Owens, the Anne Arundel County executive, has taken the unusual step of opening four off-leash dog parks -- and one dog beach -- on little more than a hunch that the dogs would come. She wants to market Anne Arundel as a dog-friendly county, to lure the leash-and-collar set in the same way that Blue Ribbon schools attract parents.
At Parks and Beach, Anne Arundel Dogs Are Given Free Rein
Your thoughts on Anne Arundel going to the dogs?
From: lidiworks 6/21/2005 7:51 am
To: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) (2 of 60)I think that dog parks can be a wonderful addition to any neighborhood, especially in areas of close living, with small or non-existent yards. There are a lot more single people out there than married couples and this allows them to have a companion, a friend, a clown, and guardian all rolled up into one. Not only that, I think that dog parks improve the quality of life for the dogs and those living in the community--because most dog people are among the nicest people in the world. Dog parks allow the dogs of responsible owners (people who take care of, clean up after, and train their animals) the opportunity to socialize in a positive way, a very important deterrant to overly aggressive animals. Moreover a gathering of dogs is also more likely to act as a deterrant to crime in the surrounding neighborhood. There was a time when you could just take your pet for a walk, off leash, without getting a fine. I also believe that there were fewer dog attacks back in that time. Keeping a dog on the a leash all the time just intesifies their territorial behavior by setting up physical barriers. Besides every creature should be able to be free and move freely as in their nature some of the time. It cuts down on stress, physical ailments, and behavioral issues. I'm super glad about Annarundel's efforts. I may even have to consider moving.
From: advancer2 6/21/2005 8:00 am
To: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) (3 of 60)Anne Arundel County went to the dogs a long time ago. I live in the county. Think Janet Owens should go in a dog park with the dogs - that's where she belongs. Dog Parks - what a stupid idea - if you don't have a yard big enough or a place to walk them, then don't have have one. Not everyone is a dog lover.
From: Lyria2 6/21/2005 8:11 am
To: advancer2 (4 of 60)Yes, but there are plenty of people who are dog lovers. They have money, too. If Anne Arundel can lure them in their money to their county, it benefits them. Dogs like to be off their leash and run free, but laws prohibit that in most areas for safety reasons. Dog parks become places to let the dogs run safely, where the owner doesn't have to worry about traffic or kids. It's a win-win for both dog owners and dog haters.
Honestly, I'd rather live near a dog park than a playground. Less noisy.
From: bterrell4 6/21/2005 8:12 am
To: advancer2 (5 of 60)Excuse me? You're saying that just because you are not a dog lover, nobody else should be, either? Sorry, my friend. There are a LOT of us dog lovers out there. I think you might have to share a little space with us.
From: corvette1975 6/21/2005 8:13 am
To: advancer2 (6 of 60)Funny enough, my first thought was, 'How much noise will these parks create?' Probably because I live next to an idiot that allows his dog to bark day and night -- we (being homeowners) had to involve the HOA to threaten him to keep the dog quiet.
I just have a feeling that if the dog park is anywhere NEAR people's homes, they are going to have problems with people complaining about noise violations (which a barking dog can be -- I've learned a lot 'thanks' to that neighbor). I'm as much of an animal lover as the next person, but listening to a dog (or dogs) bark incessantly will send me over the edge.
From: flower053 6/21/2005 8:30 am
To: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) (7 of 60)Where is this Anne Arundel dog beach located? Also, does anyone know what is the closest dog park to bethesda, md??
From: ARCurlyQ 6/21/2005 10:26 am
To: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) (8 of 60)Dog parks offer many benefits to communities and DC really needs to create dog parks for its citizens to use.
1. Dog parks in DC will be yet another avenue to prevent the "money run" out of the city and will also lure in people (and their disposable incomes) from other locales.
2. Dog parks in DC will be another method of crime prevention. Crimes will occur less in neighborhoods where people are socializing outside on a regular basis.
3. Dog parks help to create citizen engagement. Any place where people can gather and socialize, people will mobilize to make other improvements. I walk with a small group of people in NW DC. While walking our dogs, it's not uncommon for us to pick up trash or note concerns to be reported to DPW.
We live in a society where casual socialization is no longer the norm. Dog parks are one way we can get people out of their homes and into their communities.
Message 9 of 60 was Deleted
From: bhinmd 6/21/2005 10:56 am
To: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) (10 of 60)I lived near a park in Brooklyn, NY that was converted to a dog park. The transformation of the park was a horrible sight to behold. The park was formerly well-kept and green; it is now a brown, dusty, dirty, smelly eyesore. Kids used to play there, families would bring sleds there when it snowed. Now, it's probably too unsanitary for any child to play there at all. I'm sure that many dog owners are great people, but the dog owners in that neighborhood were among the least considerate people in the area; the kind of folks that care more about dogs than their human neighbors. I think the whole dog park thing needs some perspective. Dogs are animals, not children. As animals, they should be treated well, but people should not have to give up the best open spaces for the sake of animals. I'm sure there's room for compromise here, but I think there are too many people who are off-balance in favor of animals.
From: bhinmd 6/21/2005 10:56 am
To: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) (10 of 60)I lived near a park in Brooklyn, NY that was converted to a dog park. The transformation of the park was a horrible sight to behold. The park was formerly well-kept and green; it is now a brown, dusty, dirty, smelly eyesore. Kids used to play there, families would bring sleds there when it snowed. Now, it's probably too unsanitary for any child to play there at all. I'm sure that many dog owners are great people, but the dog owners in that neighborhood were among the least considerate people in the area; the kind of folks that care more about dogs than their human neighbors. I think the whole dog park thing needs some perspective. Dogs are animals, not children. As animals, they should be treated well, but people should not have to give up the best open spaces for the sake of animals. I'm sure there's room for compromise here, but I think there are too many people who are off-balance in favor of animals.
From: amk730 6/21/2005 11:04 am
To: flower053 (11 of 60)Bethesda Dog Run
Location: Near the 4 towers in Bethesda, MD
Directions: Take Democracy Boulevard to Fernwood. At the first light make a right and go to the end of the street. You can make the last left and park in the cul-de-sac or park at the dead end and go through the woods.
Description: There is a trail around the field that is approximately 2 miles.
From: flower053 6/21/2005 11:11 am
To: amk730 unread (12 of 60)oh wow! it's that close! before i was going all the way to wheaton. thanks!
From: advancer2 6/21/2005 11:16 am
To: bhinmd (13 of 60)I totally agree with you. Dogs are animals, but a lot of people treat them as human beings. Just look at Paris Hilton and how she dresses her poor pooch up. That is cruelty to animals.
From: hfarthing 6/21/2005 11:16 am
To: flower053 (14 of 60)The Dog beach is located at John Downs Park, 8311 John Downs Loop PAsadena Md., only 9 miles from my house and I didn't even know it was there.
From: flower053 6/21/2005 11:27 am
To: advancer2 (15 of 60)Dogs may be animals but they show human emotions such as shyness, attachment, love, jealousy, anger, etc. I challenge you to have a dog and you will see how quickly you will fall in love with them, too. :)
From: flower053 6/21/2005 11:27 am
To: hfarthing (16 of 60)thanks!
From: hfarthing 6/21/2005 11:30 am
To: flower053 (17 of 60)Also 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis Md. 21403
From: doglover209 6/21/2005 11:58 am
To: corvette1975 (18 of 60)Actually, the dog barking incessantly next to you is probably suffering from extreme boredom. An hour spent running and playing with other dogs would probably give it the stimulation it needs so it wouldn't exhibit that very annoying behavior. I take my (very well-trained) German Shepherd to dog parks, and other than a few talkative hound breeds, the dogs don't make much loud noise. That being said, a lot more people than should don't train their dogs adequately so their dogs can be good neighbors. Early and constant training is a must, as is responsible waste removal. I go to the dog park in Herndon, VA, and the people there are very conscientious about picking up after their dogs and enforcing the rules.
From: sujosef 6/21/2005 12:12 pm
To: flower053 (19 of 60)It would be helpful to have an address list of dog parks in Montgomery County, DC, and NOVA.
Thanks.
Lydia's mom.
hellebores 6/21/2005 12:26 pm
To: bhinmd (20 of 60)I definitely think people shouldn't be naive about opening a dog park. You really need a culture of people picking up after and caring for their animal. I go to Congressional Cemetery in DC, which allows members of the Preservation Society to purchase a license to bring their dog. It works out to about $14 a month, which goes to support care and upkeep of the cemetery and administration of the program - but you pick up after your own pet. Frankly, it's a bargain. Maybe because of the arrangement, and maybe it's the people, there is an atmosphere where people generally pick up after their pets. Some of us volunteer to patrol portions of the property, and many people pick up extras on an adhoc basis. We don't want to lose the priviledge and I think most of us feel fortunate to be able to use the property. I understand the concern of the person who saw the park in Brooklyn, because of a park out of state I visited. It was a fenced area where people ran their dogs and it was foul. No one picked up. Maybe they took it for granted.
I think having designated areas people can take their dogs is good for the parks for dogs vs parks for children issue. If there is a designated area for people to take their dog, then people aren't creating their own rules and that ought to defuse tensions. I also think it's good for community. If there's a place in the neighborhood people can go, they meet one another see each other in the neighborhood, and it builds connections.
Edited 6/21/2005 12:29 pm ET by hellebores
From: corvette1975 6/21/2005 12:30 pm
To: doglover209 (21 of 60)[clip]Actually, the dog barking incessantly next to you is probably suffering from extreme boredom. An hour spent running and playing with other dogs would probably give it the stimulation it needs so it wouldn't exhibit that very annoying behavior....Early and constant training is a must, as is responsible waste removal. [clip]
doglover209,
Oh, I competely agree. The problem is this guy doesn't care. And/or is too stupid and really has no idea about a dog's needs. I have never seen him take that dog for a walk (let alone to a dog park), and he travels a lot, leaving the dog alone. It really is a sad situation (as the dog deserves better), but any attempts at talking to him have been futile -- hence why we've (other neigbbors and the HOA) have had to work under the threat system to get results.
From: taxpayertoo 6/21/2005 12:44 pm
To: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) (22 of 60)Some people use county facilities such as baseball fields to play with a wooden bat. I, however, choose to recreate with my dog(s) and other dogs and their owners. Dog parks are valid recreational activities. The fact that some people don't utilize them doesn't make them any less valid.
1/10 of 1% of parkland in Arlington County is dedicated to community canine areas. The rest of it is devoted to other recreational activities for humans and their children. The argument that dog parks take precious space away from children is a crock. (And face it, most of them are at home sitting in front of their darn computers eating ho-ho's anyway!)
Be it a dog park, tennis court, baseball field, or monastery...try to put it in a neighborhood and the neighbors will complain.
Dog parks provide a valuable service to communities in that they enable seniors and disabled individuals a way to exercise their companion canines, oftentimes the only "family" they have. They can reduce crime in neighborhoods and provide a forum to educate dog owners about responsible pet ownership. Well-exercised dogs are good neighbors. They sleep instead of bark. Janet Owens is right on the money in urging Anne Arundel County to provide these facilities to its taxpayers.
People need to get over the feeling of "entitlement" and learn to share public space. The world's a crowded place folks and it ain't getting any better any time soon.
Dog parks need to be well-run facilities with high-profile, effective sponsoring groups. Park users need to be responsible dog owners and considerate neighbors.
It's the people. Not the dogs.
From: Lyria2 6/21/2005 1:06 pm
To: advancer2 (23 of 60)I understand what you mean about people loving their dogs over humans. Consider, though, the sheer number of playgrounds and parks around. Then you add (or convert) a couple of dog parks and one dog beach. The balance is still tipped FAR in favor of humans.
From: HootieBoy 6/21/2005 2:16 pm
To: ALL (24 of 60)Give me dogs over kids any day. The world already revolves too much around nasty little kids.
To the poster with the constantly barking dog: forget your HOA. You need to contact the SPCA to have the dog removed from its owner. He's neglecting it.
From: MausiMaus04 6/21/2005 2:24 pm
To: flower053 (25 of 60)I believe there is a dog park in Hyattsville. Go on the internet and search for dog parks in Maryland. It should come up.
From: corvette1975 6/21/2005 2:28 pm
To: HootieBoy (26 of 60)<
> That would be me. Unfortunately, there isn't anything the SPCA can do -- all they are concerned with is that the animal has food, water, and shelter, all of which the idiot neighbor does at least provide. The owner is also not physically abusive. The problem is the owner neglects in a whole other way (basically, treating the dog like a goldfish) and such agencies don't recognize that behavior as 'neglect.' Because, trust me, if "neglect by ignoring your dog's emotional needs" was something they could enforce, I'd be on the phone in a heartbeat.
From: MausiMaus04 6/21/2005 2:28 pm
To: corvette1975 (27 of 60)I usually go to the dog park in Bowie which is right between two neighborhoods. Although the dogs will bark while playing every once in a while, they are usually too busy running and playing and don't really make that much noise. A dog barking in play is a lot different, too, than a dog barking because he's bored.
I live in Caroline County and have two dogs (Husky and Boxer) which are outside dogs. They bark when someone they don't know comes on the property. Behind our backyard we have a neighbor who owns one or two dogs which bark constantly. Sometimes I feel like even our dogs are putting their paws over their ears because they can't stand it anymore.
It's all dependant on the owner. It's rarely the dog which is the problem.
From: MausiMaus04 6/21/2005 2:30 pm
To: advancer2 (28 of 60)So, I take it you rather have your neigbors' dogs roam your backyard instead of playing in a well fenced area? That's an idea! Hey - everybody take their dogs to advancer2 to play. If you don't like dogs, don't worry about dogparks. It's not like someone is building one in your backyard!
From: HootieBoy 6/21/2005 3:02 pm
To: corvette1975 (29 of 60)How heartbreaking. There aren't many things as sad as a neglected, lonely dog. I'm glad I don't know where you live. I'd jump the fence and steal it! : flower053 6/21/2005 3:05 pm
To: MausiMaus04 unread (30 of 60)"A dog barking in play is a lot different, too, than a dog barking because he's bored."
I completely agree with you on that!
Also, while we are on this topic, I need your advice on something: My sister has two yorkshire terriers that she leaves in in a kennel cage when she goes to work (9-6:30pm) everyday. I try telling her to leave the dogs out of the kennel because not ony is it cruel for them to be in there but in the case of a fire at her apt they could burn alive (and the Animal Doctor on wash post has attested to this, too). She claims that the dogs will either bark incessently while she is gone or tear up her furniture if they are out of their kennel, but if they are in their kennel her apt is fine and quiet.
Why is it that her dogs ruin her furniture? and, she also claims that they pee on her couch even though they have 'wee wee pads'. why is that?
overall, i feel bad for the poor dogs and consider their treatment cruel.
From: corvette1975 6/21/2005 3:29 pm
To: HootieBoy (31 of 60)[clip] How heartbreaking. There aren't many things as sad as a neglected, lonely dog. I'm glad I don't know where you live. I'd jump the fence and steal it! [clip]
I would LOVE to see someone do that. I would sure be able to *ahem* look the other way if I saw someone doing that.
Or, I would really like to see laws that would allow neighbors like myself to be able to call someone to report on stupidity. Like I said, the dog is not abused physically, but he is ignored. I wish they could take animals away from their owners based on that....
From: Sabio7 6/21/2005 4:10 pm
To: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) (32 of 60)As a long-time dog owner and lover, and a resident of Arlington County, I'd like to make the following observations:
1) Dog parks are fine...they serve a useful purpose in an increasingly urbanized area.
2) The single most important factor for dog parks is location. These are high impact activities and should not be located adjacent to streets, schools, playgrounds, neighbors, etc. Contrary to what some assert, dog parks are single-use activities and are not suitable for any other form of recreation.
3) Unfortunately, the Arlington County Board is beholden to a special interest group whose primary purpose is establishing dog parks for their members, regardless of the problems they may create. The Arlington County Board has ignored its own laws and regulations in siting dog parks in the County, including in a Historic District, in a Resource Protected area, in a park next to a stream, and next to a Senior Center/Community Center. In one park alone, 17 mature trees have been destroyed by this activity.
4) The siting process has ignored virtually all negative effects, and has crudely overridden the legitimate concerns of neighbors and their civic association. In doing so, they have created a huge amount of negative backlash and greatly reduced support for even properly located dog parks.
5) The dogs are generally better behaved than many of their owners, who treat those who object as 'dog-haters'.
Burt Bostwick
Arlington, VA
From: HootieBoy 6/21/2005 4:11 pm
To: corvette1975 (33 of 60)I think we have communicated before regarding the cat clinic at the DC school. You are an animal lover like me!
From: corvette1975 6/22/2005 7:42 am
To: HootieBoy (34 of 60)[clip] I think we have communicated before regarding the cat clinic at the DC school. You are an animal lover like me! [clip]
You are correct, and yes I am! :-)
From: 1_tnk_trk 6/22/2005 8:25 am
To: ALL (35 of 60)[clip] I take my (very well-trained) German Shepherd to dog parks, and other than a few talkative hound breeds, the dogs don't make much loud noise. [clip]
I had to laugh at this one. I am the owner of a "talkative hound breed" (a beagle/coonhound mix, you can only image what he sounds like) and he does like to bark a lot when he's playing at the dog park.
Lucky for me, he only does this excessive barking at the dog park, or else the neighbors in my condo building would probably have my head. If it wasn't for the dog park and the exercise my dog gets there, I don't think he would have adjusted as well to condo life.
One thing that I haven't seen yet on this topic is hours of operation for a dog park. I live in Alexandria, VA and I believe that dog parks are only open during daylight hours (correct me if I'm wrong here please). So if this is the case, there won't be loud noise coming from the dog park to bother people at night when they are trying to rest and sleep. Maybe that will put peoples' minds at ease (a little).
From: doglover209 6/22/2005 9:13 am
To: HootieBoy (36 of 60)That's so wrong LOL... But I think you're my dream man :) I think we should be like Europe and be able to take our dogs everywhere-but leave the kids at home. I like kids, but they're not very well-behaved nowadays!!!
From: HootieBoy 6/22/2005 9:34 am
To: doglover209 (37 of 60)I am extremely flattered that you think I'm your dream man, but I happen to be a woman! :) I guess HootieBoy is misleading. That stands for my precious kitty cat Hootie.
I have five cats and four guinea pigs. No kids. My husband has two kids from his first marriage but that doesn't count. No kids for me. I would much rather be surrounded by animals than kids. I know we need to have them so that the earth stays populated (although sometimes I don't think that is a good thing) but I leave the child raising to someone else!
From: doglover209 6/22/2005 9:50 am
To: HootieBoy (38 of 60)OH LOL LOL...sorry! It's just so hard to find guys these days that don't want children. I'm like you--I wouldn't mind if the guy already had kids--but I don't want *my own* kids unless you count the short ones on four legs that have fur. You have quite the menagerie--I only have 1 dog and 1 cat. And yeah, I think there are plenty of women having enough kids for the both of us. Sorry again for the presumption! ;)
From: HootieBoy 6/22/2005 9:59 am
To: doglover209 (39 of 60)I thought your presumption was hilarious! How fascinating that it's hard to find a man who doesn't want kids. I would think just the opposite! Seems like it's always the woman whining "I want a baaaabbbbyyyy" If they stayed little cute babies I would have lots of them but they grow up to be nasty, smelly, dirty little brats. Yuck. I would have more animals if my husband would let me. He has kept his foot down about getting dogs because we aren't home enough by I really want a couple. I want to adopt retired greyhounds. They would love going to the beach!
From: doglover209 6/22/2005 10:16 am
To: HootieBoy (40 of 60)Yep. You'd be surprised. When I tell men I've dated I don't want my own children they look at me like I have two heads. I'd rather be the fun cool stepmom who does things with the kids... and then gives them back to their mom when the weekend is over lol. ANY CUTE GUYS OUT THERE WHO WANT AN ATTRACTIVE, FUNNY, SMART, ANIMAL LOVING WOMAN?? Ahem.. well, it can't hurt to try LOL...
Greyhounds are wonderful dogs--surprisingly they are couch potatoes. Maybe when your schedules bring you home more often you all can reconsider--a lot of dogs need good homes!! Personally, I'm a German Shepherd girl myself, but they take a lot of attention.
From: HootieBoy 6/22/2005 10:29 am
To: doglover209 (41 of 60)When I met my husband I was like "I don't want any kids." Then I went through the "I want a baby!" Then I was like "Wait. They grow up. And they want a lot of stuff. No!" So, his kids are 16 and 13 and we have them every other weekend and at first it was difficult and weird but the older they get the more enjoyable they are.
German shepherds are incredible and amazing. The most noble of dogs. So smart and so dedicated. I have a habit of taking in whatever nobody else wants. Always buying half dead plants and trees and bringing them back to life. Who knows what kind of doggies I'll end up with! I recently tried to adopt a three-legged, one-eyed cat but the rescue organization didn't pick me. :(
From: QWP_Dogs 6/22/2005 10:41 am
To: 1_tnk_trk (42 of 60)Hi, I am the Committee Chairperson for the Quiet Waters Dog Activities Committee. A few things I'd like to point out:
1. Regarding hours: Quiet Waters Park is open from 7 am to dusk (this varies by time of year, currently about 8:30 pm). The Dog Park closes a half an hour prior to the Park closing.
2. Noise: Quiet Waters Dog Park is pretty far back in the park, so noise is not really an issue. Location is important.
3. Rules. Rules are extremely important. What is even more important is enforcement of rules. You can find QWP rules on the website: http://www.quietwatersdogpark.org. They can serve as a good starting point. People need to police each other. Aggressive dogs cannot be tolerated, leash laws apply outside the fenced area, and of course, people must still pick up after their dogs!
4. Quiet Waters Dog Park has been a great success, but it still has problems. Most of these problems are due to people, not dogs. During the week, the regular attendees really police each other, but on the week-ends we have people coming from everywhere and sometimes disregarding the rules. I cannot stress enough how important it is to police each other. Any suggestions on how to enforce rules would be greatly appreciated.
5. Fundraising / Community events. We have established a Dog Activities Committee to enhance the quality of the park (aka water, our new pet rinsing area, waste bags, cans, signs, etc.). This committee puts together an annual Fundraising activity, the Annual Howl-O-Ween Barkin' Bash (this year's event will be held on Saturday, October 29th). It's a lot of fun and really helps this great community treasure. The Barkin' Bash consists of area "pet-related" vendors (pet sitters, rescue groups, groomers, vets, etc.), live music, games, and of course, a very popular costume contest! (Mosby, Laila, & Denver from the article will be in attendance) More details will be forthcoming on the Quiet Waters Dog Park website.
6. Involvement, if you are interested in helping out with Quiet Waters Dog Park as a volunteer or if you have any questions/suggestions, please feel free to contact me at david_iams@yahoo.com.
Edited 6/22/2005 11:06 am ET by QWP_Dogs
From: treehug 6/22/2005 10:53 am
To: advancer2 unread (43 of 60)Some people are not animal lovers and may not see the need for dog parks. I am not fond of children, yet I have to share my space with many children's parks, pay taxes toward educating other people's children, etc. I don't mind doing it because I know that other people have different views. There are many things going on in the world that I don't agree with, yet I don't condemn others for doing so. We all have to live in this world together and we have accept that not everybody thinks the same way. Maybe tolerance should be thougt of as a good thing.
From: QWP_Dogs 6/22/2005 10:58 am
To: ALL (44 of 60)Fourth of July Parade - Annapolis, MD
Judi Jones & Michelle Kownacki (of Paws) are organizing this year's fourth of July pet parade.
Here are the details:
Crabtowne Canines 4th of July Dog Parade
It is $6 per registrant (Please register by June 27th!). You receive a great t-shirt, a bandana for your dog as well as water.
The group is meeting at 5:15 out at the Circle (the new Circle at Taylor Avenue) on West Street. Parade begins at 6PM and ends down by the dock.
Any money left over goes to the SPCA.
For details, stop by Paws Pet Boutique at 64 State Circle or call Michelle at 410-263-8683. Hope you can participate!
From: 1_tnk_trk 6/22/2005 11:04 am
To: QWP_Dogs (45 of 60)Thanks very much for your reply to my post. We've brought our dog to Annapolis and walked around with him in the historic district but didn't know about the dog park! Next time we come up we will definitely check it out.
And, it looks like you would have any issues concerning noise covered by the hours the dog park is open. What do you consider "excessive barking"? Personally my hound's bark is music to my ears that some people find entertaining, but I'm sure annoys others. Would we be asked to leave with him even if he's just being himself?
From: LHodskins 6/22/2005 11:06 am
To: Lindsay Howerton (WPFORUMS) unread (46 of 60)I think it's best to leave the kids vs. dogs discussions off this page--complaining about children is not going to convert anyone to our side (for the record, I have one dog and no children).
Going back to the main discussion, I think it's great that this park has opened. We are already planning to take our retriver there, and are more than willing to spend some money in the county as a result.
We are lucky in that we live in Arlington and have the option of taking our dog to the several well-run parks here. Unfortunately, there are those who think the dog park laws do not apply to them, but those kind of people exist in every segment of our world and always have. The best thing to do for the others is to make sure the rules are clear and well-posted (not always the case) so that park users know them and cannot plead ignorance. Peer pressure also goes a long way. I have found that a friendly reminder to abusers that it's the rules that allow us to have these parks often does the trick. Thanks, Ms. Owens, for giving our dog a legal place where she can satisfy her swimming needs. We promise we'll do our part to make your idea work to everyone's enjoyment.
From: QWP_Dogs 6/22/2005 11:22 am
To: 1_tnk_trk unread (47 of 60) 3286.47 in reply to 3286.45 I really doubt that anyone would ask you to leave. Dog owners there usually don't have a problem with barking. The biggest problems (besides of course leash laws, and waste pick-up) are people who bring small children (under 6) into the park. This is a rule we enforce not so much for worries about biting, etc., but the dogs like to run with each other and I've even been knocked over.Sometimes we do have to ask people with aggressive dogs to leave. This can be somewhat subjective and it can be hard to differentiate between just playing hard. Everyone has their own idea of what aggressive is and their sensitivity to it varies somewhat. Therefore common sense must be employed. I guess the most important thing to know is that it is impossible to make everyone happy.
In summary, I wouldn't worry too much about the excessive barking aspect. No one lives near the park
While you are there, check out the great trails, dog beach, and try to catch a Saturday night concert.
You may have seen my other post regarding the parade. Michelle of Paws Pet Boutique is one of the two ladies that started the Dog Park. She is a great, knowledgeable resource, and I urge you to stop by her store sometime.
On another local note: Matt Barry, the owner of Mosby from the article, is the owner of Happy-Pet (http://www.happy-pet.net) if you are ever looking for reliable help. Also, as you leave the park, you may notice that Muddy Paw Wash just opened at the entrance. This is a do it yourself Dog Wash / Cafe. Anne Arundel County is indeed a great place to be a pet owner.
If you ever have any problem at the park, you can call a ranger at 410-222-1777
Edited 6/22/2005 11:25 am ET by QWP_Dogs
Message 48 of 60 was Deleted
From: dcredbird 6/23/2005 10:16 am
To: SandyK (Kittylover02) (49 of 60)Well, I guess we should get rid of children's playgrounds too, becuase parents should get a yard big enough for them to play.
And no more soccer, football, or baseball fields either, because you should be able to play those in your backyard too. Just buy a house with more land.
Hell, while we're at it, let just close all of the national parks and develop the land on the Mall.
From: bigmoose111 6/23/2005 6:01 pm
To: bhinmd (50 of 60)Love your Dog???????
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...
They have a Dog Beach... Ohhh Boyyyyyyyyyy?????? I can see the dog now.. Grabbin the leash and telling the owner .. I want to go to the beach I don't want to go for a walk... Ohhhh Boy..
From: HootieBoy 6/23/2005 9:39 pm
To: bigmoose111 (51 of 60)What in the hell does this post mean? English please.
Message 52 of 60 was Deleted
From: bigmoose111 6/24/2005 8:47 am
To: HootieBoy (53 of 60)No Habla Engliez......
From: HootieBoy 6/24/2005 8:49 am
To: bigmoose111 (54 of 60)Obviously.
From: bigmoose111 6/24/2005 9:16 am
To: HootieBoy (55 of 60)Okay. I love Dogs. This debate over Dogs given free rein makes no sense to me. Be responsible for your dog. Special park to take your dog to play. Actually I'm not talking on this topic any longer because it is lets say a waste of time. I have more important things to occupy my time with.
Thank You.
From: bhinmd 6/24/2005 9:26 am
To: treehug unread (56 of 60)"I am not fond of children, yet I have to share my space with many children's parks, pay taxes toward educating other people's children, etc. I don't mind doing it because I know that other people have different views."
Thank you for making my point for me. This is exactly the kind of nonsensical thinking that has turned me off from dog owners in general. The poster obviously neglects the fact that other people did the same thing for her/him. Children are the foundation of future human society, and how they are reared and nurtured has a direct bearing on the prosperity or problems of the community. As far as dogs go, I have wiped their contribution to the community off the bottom of my shoe on many occasions. Putting up a sign with a set of rules is admirable, but I when people have this kind of insensitive attitude toward their two-legged neighbors, those rules are easily flouted. I have seen several dog owners let their dogs off the leash within 50 yards of the dog park, and the dog takes off on a wild run toward the park, scaring kids and old ladies in the process. Following rules comes from consideration of others, and those who value animals over people become less considerate.
Perhaps Jerry Seinfeld said it best: "If aliens are watching this through telescopes, they're gonna think the dogs are the leaders. If you see two life forms, one of them's making a poop, the other one's carrying it for him, who would you assume was in charge?"
From: HootieBoy 6/24/2005 9:38 am
To: bhinmd (57 of 60)I couldn't care less about the future of human society. I'm here now, I can't stand kids, and I love animals. Period.
From: dcredbird 6/24/2005 9:39 am
To: SandyK (Kittylover02) (58 of 60)So, then only those people rich enough to own a large yard should own dogs?
If you're big on not paying for the responsibilities of others, then why do you dismiss my argument on parks and sports fields for children? Why should I, a taxpayer, pay for parks for other people's children, when I don't have any myself? Is that not the "paying for the responsibilities of others" that you speak of?
By the way, I don't mind my tax dollars going to either. I'm more than happy to have my tax dollars go toward both, because it adds to the quality of life of us and those around us.
But, I'm wondering your stance only goes one way?
From: dcredbird 6/24/2005 11:28 am
To: SandyK (Kittylover02) (60 of 60)If there was any substance to read, I would...other than the fact that you don't want to pay for dogs because you don't own them (in favor of cats, I suppose). Therefore, others shouldn't own them either unless they have an acre of land--which is impossible to have anywhere except an hour outside the city.