News
September 09, 2025
Asking Eric: It’s the people who behave badly at the dog park
She insisted twice that I needed to hear the story. By the third time, she was yelling at me.
**Dog Park Drama: When Owners, Not Pups, Cause the Problems**
It started with a simple request, a polite insistence, really. But by the third time, the woman was yelling. Eric, a local dog park regular and self-proclaimed listener of neighborhood woes, found himself caught in the crossfire of a canine-related conflict that highlighted a growing problem: it's often the people, not the dogs, who are behaving badly at the dog park.
The woman, whose name Eric preferred not to disclose, was clearly agitated. Her story, delivered with rising volume and pointed finger gestures, centered around a recent incident at the dog park involving her golden retriever, Buster, and a particularly unruly miniature poodle, Fluffy. However, the real source of her frustration wasn't Fluffy's nipping, but rather Fluffy's owner's apparent indifference.
According to the woman, Fluffy repeatedly harassed Buster, displaying aggressive behavior that should have prompted intervention. Yet, Fluffy's owner remained glued to their phone, seemingly oblivious to the escalating tension between the two canines. When the woman politely suggested that Fluffy be leashed or taken for a time-out, she was met with a dismissive wave and a muttered, "He's just playing."
"That's when I lost it," the woman confessed to Eric, her voice softening slightly. "Buster is a gentle giant. He wouldn't hurt a fly. But he was clearly uncomfortable, and this person just didn't care. It's not fair to the dogs, and it's not fair to the other owners who are trying to have a pleasant experience."
This incident, while perhaps a bit more dramatic than most, reflects a common complaint among dog park enthusiasts: the lack of responsible ownership. While dogs will inevitably be dogs, with their own unique personalities and occasional squabbles, the onus is on the owners to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Eric, after patiently listening to the woman's tale, offered a sympathetic ear and a gentle reminder that communication, even when difficult, is key. He also suggested that the woman consider speaking to park authorities about establishing clearer guidelines for dog park etiquette and enforcement.
The incident serves as a reminder that dog parks, while wonderful places for canine socialization and exercise, require a shared commitment to responsible ownership and respectful behavior. After all, a happy dog park is a park
It started with a simple request, a polite insistence, really. But by the third time, the woman was yelling. Eric, a local dog park regular and self-proclaimed listener of neighborhood woes, found himself caught in the crossfire of a canine-related conflict that highlighted a growing problem: it's often the people, not the dogs, who are behaving badly at the dog park.
The woman, whose name Eric preferred not to disclose, was clearly agitated. Her story, delivered with rising volume and pointed finger gestures, centered around a recent incident at the dog park involving her golden retriever, Buster, and a particularly unruly miniature poodle, Fluffy. However, the real source of her frustration wasn't Fluffy's nipping, but rather Fluffy's owner's apparent indifference.
According to the woman, Fluffy repeatedly harassed Buster, displaying aggressive behavior that should have prompted intervention. Yet, Fluffy's owner remained glued to their phone, seemingly oblivious to the escalating tension between the two canines. When the woman politely suggested that Fluffy be leashed or taken for a time-out, she was met with a dismissive wave and a muttered, "He's just playing."
"That's when I lost it," the woman confessed to Eric, her voice softening slightly. "Buster is a gentle giant. He wouldn't hurt a fly. But he was clearly uncomfortable, and this person just didn't care. It's not fair to the dogs, and it's not fair to the other owners who are trying to have a pleasant experience."
This incident, while perhaps a bit more dramatic than most, reflects a common complaint among dog park enthusiasts: the lack of responsible ownership. While dogs will inevitably be dogs, with their own unique personalities and occasional squabbles, the onus is on the owners to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Eric, after patiently listening to the woman's tale, offered a sympathetic ear and a gentle reminder that communication, even when difficult, is key. He also suggested that the woman consider speaking to park authorities about establishing clearer guidelines for dog park etiquette and enforcement.
The incident serves as a reminder that dog parks, while wonderful places for canine socialization and exercise, require a shared commitment to responsible ownership and respectful behavior. After all, a happy dog park is a park
Category:
Politics