[debbiej]

just skimming this thread again, I couldn't help but notice that most of the "pro park" responses are from novice or junior members. and people with pups.

dogs are not kids. they don't need to go to the park. they do need many, many controlled experiences. they need exercise and training, yes, but not wild abandon. I wouldn't take a working breed to a dog park, not for any reason. when I take my dog out, I take him to places where I have a reasonable hope that I will only have to deal with other dogs on lead and under control. we were at a dog beach (without our dogs, just watching) and a man arrived with a pack of small dogs, terriers I think. these dogs ran with one purpose over to a large gsd type dog and begin nipping and barking at him. I was appalled. the man was clueless and the dogs totally out of control. and you know what? if there had been a rottie there, and if it had snapped back, it would have been viewed as the one at fault.