Yorktown Community Dog Park: Lose the leash
FAQs
What is a dog park?
A dog park is a place that has been designed and offers amenities that invite, rather than only permit, dogs and dog owners to play off leash.
Are dog parks just for dogs?
No. Dog parks are for dogs, their owners, and other dog lovers. Dog parks offer physical and mental stimulation for canines and humans alike.
Why are dog parks important?
Dogs parks facilitate dogs and their families to safely play together and with other dogs and humans. Dog parks allow people to learn how to communicate better with their canine family members, exchange tips with other dog owners, and help each other solve problems. Dog parks provide a space for dogs to exercise, avoid boredom and destructive behaviors, and learn good manners. All of this makes dogs easier to live with, and they are less likely to be given up for adoption, or worse, abandoned.
Are dog parks a new idea?
No. Dog parks have been established all over the
U.S. , on both coasts, and are an amenity to a town. There are more than 1,300 dog parks registered at www.ecoanimal.com.
Are dog fights a big problem in dog parks?
No. Off leash areas are neutral territories that visiting dogs are unlikely to try to protect. Animal behaviorists have also made the observation that dogs are less likely to be aggressive when they are off leash than when they are leashed. Dogs that are known to be aggressive toward other dogs or humans should not be allowed in the dog park.
Are dog parks safe for humans?
Dog parks are safe for adults, but young children should not be allowed in the park and older children must be closely supervised at all times. An added safety benefit is that since dog parks are often patronized early in the day and late at night, the activity deters vandalism in the park and surrounding area.
Are dog parks loud?
No. Other towns and cities have found that nuisance barking in dog parks is not a problem. Well-socialized dogs are actually quieter in public and at home.
Do dog parks spread disease?
No. The risk for disease in dog parks is no greater than any other location that dogs congregate – veterinary offices, boarding facilities, groomers, doggy day care, or pet stores. However, all visiting dogs must be current on the required rabies vaccine and it is highly suggested that dogs be current on all other recommended vaccines.
Do dog parks smell bad?
No. Patrons are expected to pick up after their dogs. While feces is unsightly and can spread disease, the truth is that dogs will defecate whether they are leashed or not and it has been the experience of other towns and cities with dog parks that there is more peer pressure to pick up after dogs in dog parks than in other public locations.
Are dog parks harmful to the environment?
No. Dog parks maintain green space, including trees for shade, and counter the heat island effect. This is increasingly important as development rates continue to increase in the region. As long as patrons pick up after their dogs, impacts on water quality are minimized.
Will a dog park interfere with surrounding land uses?
No. Dog parks provide a safe place for dogs to play off leash instead of interfering with adjacent land uses.
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