i keep reading these threads where people make the comments about how bad dog parks are, which i agree with.

the thing i have a questiona about is this:
i have also sen these threads where people amke comments about people letting their dogs off leash at parks where of course kids are running ang playing around. now, of course if you have a dog that is not well socialized or does not like kids or some other problem, you should not have him off leash. but for others that are fine, big dogs but wonderful around people and well trained, where are you supposed to go to let your dog run off some energy if you don't have a fneced in back yard? and even with a back yard, unless you've got acres of property your dog will need more running space once in a while.
well guys,,,,,?????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> what to do?

We get up very, very early in the morning and go to the dog park (at that time only a few "regulars" who control their dogs are there). Or, go either really early or really late to a fenced-in school yard or football field and have fun with your dog.

The problem with dog parks is that they are not regulated in any way. In Vegas, one of the dog parks has become a meeting place for punks to smoke pot, drink beer, and bring their aggressive dogs to see which one is tougher and this park is limited to a tiny area so there is no escaping an aggressive dog. Nothing worse than drunk punks and aggressive dogs. Fights all the time (both human and dogs). Real scary! One of the parks is really huge and you can avoid any tough customers. Of course, we have a big huge desert to explore too! Drive around a find a suitable place and then (yawn) get up at 4:30 or 5:00. It's a family ritual with us now, we love it.

Bestdog, I'm in Vegas too and I will bet you are talking about Woofter dog park, arent you? That place is a damn scum bag magnet.

When making a decision to get a dog, especially a high energy breed, one should be prepared to insure that the dog has a well fenced in area. If a real fence is too much of an expense, an invisible fence is also an excellent choice. Like said earlier, if you absolutely must take your dog somewhere, go to a fenced in ballfield or something like that.

You may have the greatest most non-agressive dog in the world but dog parks are still an accident waiting to happen as the un-thinkable can take place. I've said this before and I'll say it again. Dog parks are like driving a car. You can be the safest driver in the world but you have no control over the idiot in the next lane. Now some have responded to this "Well you still get in your car though". Of course. Driving a car is a necessity, that is of course if you desire to make a living somehow. Taking your dog to a dog park is not necessary. If you live in an apartment or a house with a backyard the size of your living room then a large active breed dog is not for you. Too many people get the wrong breed for their lifestlye. Its not fair to the dog.

Hey Chuck with two water retrievers you must have a kidddie pool in the backyard with rubber duckies.

Milt

What's the matter milt? Didn't you hear the news? those lovable retrievers of mine? Well guess what. I'm gonna make them the roughest toughest PP dogs on the planet! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> You'll see!! Then its some Schutzhund baby!! Think it can't be done? HUH! Just wait and see sucker. Then I'm gonna sell them to a police station! You think those GSD's do well? Blah Blah Blah! Watch out for my killer Golden Retriever!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> The Lab? The bad guys will be checkin their shorts, and you'll think twice before messin' with me! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Punk.

HEE HEE <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

See VanCamp disclaimer at the end of his posts. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Only problem is that your wife would sell you before the dogs.

Milt

Very little argument on that one.

i do have a yard for her to run in, not fenced so everything we do outside is either on leash or i use my judgment on the safety. i thought of all of this before i brought my dogs home. just wanted some input..........thanks

Please don't mis-understand my post. I'm not specifically talking about you. I have no idea how large your yard is or what considerations you made before getting your dog. If your dog can safely get enough excersize doing what you are doing then more power to you. My main point is directed towards those people who get an active breed dog and have a shoebox sized yard and then have a crazed bottled up animal on their hands. Then to remedy this they think "Well I'll just take the dog to the dog park every day for excersize." Bad situation, bad move.