[observer]

Exactly, moondog.

The dog park concept is an easy way out for people, as it doesn't require finding known playmates or planning or scheduling with anyone else. And, like you said before, the concept sounds so "Disney-like" and friendly. And, under ideal circumstances, it can be.

But, there's really NO control over the situation if someone new shows up and acts inappropriately -- the chance of dog aggression and the long-term consequences of one blink-of-an-eye disaster to my dog are just not worth the risk. I've heard too much about what's happened to Gracie since she was jumped by a dog. She will NEVER be the same.