Don't Make Me Use My Teacher Voice

Today I decided to try out the Bark Park again with Guinness. Our first and only visit there resulted in Guinness being rolled in the mud by a big dog only 30 seconds into the experience. I explained all of this in my previous post about the bark park. This time was a little better.

There are three off-leash, fenced-in areas in the Bark Park. I decided to take him into the one that usually is empty. There was only one dog in there anyhow. So I took Guinness in and let him off of his leash. We went to the far left of the enclosure ( which is huge btw) and found some tennis balls lying about. I played fetch with him for quite a while which he loved. Its funny how retrieving really seems to come instinctually to him. For the most part he ignored the other dog in there. Then he started to meander over to him so I followed. The couple that owned the dog looked at Guinness suspiciously and I assured them that he was totally friendly. The woman's immediate response was, "Well he is not." about her dog. Immediately their dog viciously lunged for Guinness. I was so pissed. WHY, if you know your dog is dog-aggressive have you brought him to the dog park?? Huh? The rules of the Bark Park clearly state that not only are dogs with histories of aggressive behavior prohibited, but that any dog must be removed at the first sign of aggression. They, of course did neither.

I leashed him up and he was scared to death. Now, Guinness is typically not afraid of any human or animal he comes across. If he shows any sign of trepidation I usually take that as a clear indicator to steer clear of that dog, knowing Guinness' amiable nature. I decided to chance it and take him into the main enclosure. There was a full-grown Golden there and it has been my experience that most Golden owners are very responsible pet owners. Of course the big Golden came right up to greet us. Guinness was just totally freaked out by everything. He ended up cowering over by the gate the entire time and trying to escape whenever someone opened it. I should also explain that about a week ago we were walking in the adjoining Military Park and this massive dog got loose from its gentle leader and came right for Guinness. I hadn't realized until that moment that I would take a bite for my dog, but I found myself shoving Guinness between my legs and crouching over him protectively. I ended up putting the other dog in a headlock until its owners could run over and get him.

Damn people. I mean really. Now that may have been an accident, but so many people are irresponsible with their pets. I ended up talking to the lady that owned the Golden and another lady who had what looked like a black lab mix. We were discussing why people were bringing dogs that were aggressive into the park. Meanwhile, Guinness, still over by the gate, ends up getting mounted by this pitbull who's jerky owner decided to bring in. Poor Guinness. He just melted into a pile of submissive goo and looked helplessly at me. I leashed him up and kept him beside me. The only dog he was really comfortable with was the big golden and a couple of the little tiny dogs. The pit kept assaulting every dog he came across. The owner continued to let it happen for some time before finally taking him back over into the other enclosure.

I'm gonna try to go there early in the morning the next time. I've heard its a better, more responsible, group of people at that time. And the next time I see people being irresponsible with their pets I'm going to point out the rules sign to them and inform them that they need to leave. I'll make sure I've got my cell on me from now on with the parks dept. number in it. I really think that the responsible owners who are there should really start to put their foot down about this issue with aggressive/obnoxious dogs.

But really, for the most part I enjoyed myself a lot more. The Bark Park really is a great thing and we both could really enjoy it if it wasnt for the bad owners. There is also a guy that seems to come there all the time and he sits on a bench with his dog and plays his fiddle. Thats such a nice touch. :)

We will be back. And we will enjoy ourselves without the presence of bullies.