Places to take your pooch: a look into local dog parks

Through Fido’s eyes, a dog park can be the most glorious place on earth – finally, space to run where he pleases and play infinite games of fetch with tennis balls hidden in the grass. But to you, his owner, a dog park can be a frightening, potentially dangerous place with the threat of diseases and dog fights.
   In a phone interview, GBHS parent and veterinarian Diane Chesebro emphasized the importance of the Bordatella, or kennel cough vaccine because it can be transmitted easily between dogs during play at a park.
   But even if Fido is up-to-date on his vaccinations, he’s still not ready for the dog park.
   Dogs must be accustomed to the presence of other dogs – frequent walks around the neighborhood before the first dog park visit is essential, because socialization is key in a successful dog park experience, according to Chesebro.
   The first time that man’s best friend is introduced to a dog park, it is key to keep him or her with dogs in the same general size and personality group.
   “Big dogs don’t do well with little dogs because the (big dogs) tend to want to dominate the (little) dogs,” said Frank Munoz, local dog owner and supporter of Canine’s Companion for Independence. “It’s a little hard for small dogs because they don’t realize they’re small dogs.”
   The different personalities are accommodated for in most dog parks with separate sections – Phoenix Dog Park even has a third section for those who don’t quite fit in with the rest of the pack, per se. But when contrasting personalities clash, dog fights may break out.
  The best way to prevent this is to watch for body language – if Fluffy’s legs are stiff, her ears are sticking straight up along with her tail, it’s time to distract her attention and get her out of the situation before she hurts one of her “friends”. Also, watch for packs that form with groups of more than four dogs – if this happens, lead your dog to a neutral area or take him for a walk and come back another time.
   Dog parks, though they may be a potential hazard with kennel cough and fights, can be incredibly beneficial.
   Exercise is among the most important benefits. Chris Hanks, a regular at Phoenix Dog Park with his border collie-sheltie mix named Mija, whole-heartedly agrees.
   “(The dog park) gives her something I could never give her,” Hanks said. “I could jog with her for 10 miles a day, but she would never get the amount of exercise (she gets at a dog park).”
   But exercise and socialization can be helpful to both Spot and his owner. This is seen particularly at Bear Dog Park, located in Mahany Park across the street from an elderly community called Sun City, where exercise and social opportunities are present every day.
   The park has a dirt track surrounding the grassy field, so while Spot is off sniffing the latest trends in “doggy perfume”, the track provides an opportunity for a daily workout. The park also attracts the elderly community from Sun City.�
   “It’s really a chance for them to get outside the house because they (may not) have family anymore, and this dog park becomes their family,” said Amy Burris, a regular at Bear Dog Park with her Doberman named Briar.
  Because Granite Bay does not have any dog parks, the following parks are located in Roseville or other nearby cities, and have been rated on a scale of one to four dog bones according to their overall quality. This takes in to consideration opportunities for exercise and socialization along with cleanliness, presence of fresh water and bathing areas, toys, accommodations for all types of dogs and services provided for the owners.