Marley Park Dog Park

RosieJoe

Was up there over the weekend with one of the dogs. Was kinda disappointed with the amount of poo in the place

Would have thought that people going to it would be willing to tidy up after their dog seeing as the facility was put in place especially for them. It even has a big bin right outside it to cater for the doggie bags.

Vel

I know, its a real shame. I can see why it happens though, as so many owners are having a chat or on their phones and aren't keeping a close enough eye on their dogs. Dog is off at the other side of the area going to the toliet and they don't even notice.

I have to say that I hate it up there at weekends and busy evenings. The amount of dogs running riot around the place and not being controlled by their owners is a disaster waiting to happen. I'm all for dogs socialising together off lead and having a play and a run but there has to be some control in the mix too.

Its lovely up there early week day mornings though.

danois

How safe is it i want to bring my pup somewhere secure he can run and play but escape from. He loves other dogs but cant play the same on a lead ..

Kamili

My dog gets quite intimidated up there and I've found it a waste of time bringing him anymore. He usually just ends up sitting beside me all the time. He's normally a very friendly dog and socialised and enjoys a good romp and play with other dogs when he's allowed off the lead in other places.

Totally agree on the amount of poop there too, there are huge amounts of it, usually ends up on the bottom of my shoe too by the time I leave. So frustrating.

username123

Was up there last week and 2 different owners of Huskies were totally ignoring their dogs while the dogs were becoming extremely aggressive with other dogs. It came to a head when a Boxer got involved and suddenly the entire place erupted with dog fights. One of the Husky owners even ignored his dog being territorial towards humans with a water bowl that owners were pouring water from bottles into for the dogs.

Ive been there on a number of occasions when idiot owners are not controlling their dogs.

Ah that's going to happen though. That's why they call it socialization.It happens in school yards too. Alot of the time people are shocked by the "fighting" when all it is , is handbags.

Chris_Heilong

username123 wrote: »

Was up there last week and 2 different owners of Huskies were totally ignoring their dogs while the dogs were becoming extremely aggressive with other dogs. It came to a head when a Boxer got involved and suddenly the entire place erupted with dog fights. One of the Husky owners even ignored his dog being territorial towards humans with a water bowl that owners were pouring water from bottles into for the dogs.

Ive been there on a number of occasions when idiot owners are not controlling their dogs.

Huskies are usually really good with people, I had a similar situation where someones 2 year old male Sib was aggressively dominant to my dog and when there was a big bowl of water in between 3 dogs then it just got out of hand and basically I had the grab another owners husky by the scruff of the neck (because he was biting mine and my dog was crying and the other owner was just sitting there) until my wife had enough time to put lead back on our guy so we could leave, dont know how the situation would have went if water was not involved sometimes I think in these environments where dogs socialize there sould be nothing to be possessive over, no toys, food or water. If they want a drink take them out and back in when they are done.

**Vai**

username123 wrote: »

Was up there last week and 2 different owners of Huskies were totally ignoring their dogs while the dogs were becoming extremely aggressive with other dogs. It came to a head when a Boxer got involved and suddenly the entire place erupted with dog fights. One of the Husky owners even ignored his dog being territorial towards humans with a water bowl that owners were pouring water from bottles into for the dogs.

Ive been there on a number of occasions when idiot owners are not controlling their dogs.

Almost makes me glad Portlaoise doesnt have a dog park, I would hate to have to put up with issues like that.

koneko

I've only been a few times as it's not close to me, but I haven't really run into any issues so far, other than people not picking up poo. No issues with dogs fighting any time I've been up so far.

Danois, what kind of pup is it?

username123

Deleted User wrote: »

Ah that's going to happen though. That's why they call it socialization.It happens in school yards too. Alot of the time people are shocked by the "fighting" when all it is , is handbags.

I agree there are situations where the dogs should just be left to sort it out and it IS handbags - but in a dog park you get idiot humans with zero control over their dogs and situations can get genuinely out of hand.

I have witnessed situations in Marlay Dog Park where people have had to leave because their dog is bleeding from unchecked agression shown by another dog while the owner stands idly by.

danois

koneko wrote: »

I've only been a few times as it's not close to me, but I haven't really run into any issues so far, other than people not picking up poo. No issues with dogs fighting any time I've been up so far.

Danois, what kind of pup is it?

Hes a husky lab cross

Thanks for replys all

star-pants

That's a bit crappy people aren't cleaning up after their dogs, especially in park like that, who do they think is going to clean up after them?

My girls don't like the dog park, my dad tried twice to bring them before, he was practically dragging them towards it. It's far less stressful to walk around Marlay Park itself and let them run back and forth on the lead.

Kamili

star-pants wrote: »

My girls don't like the dog park, my dad tried twice to bring them before, he was practically dragging them towards it. It's far less stressful to walk around Marlay Park itself and let them run back and forth on the lead.

I've found the same, my dog does'nt enjoy it either. there are just too many ingnorant owners that cannot control their dogs in there. Cannot or just can't be bothered....

Kamili

Kamili wrote: »

I've found the same, my dog does'nt enjoy it either. there are just too many ingnorant owners that cannot control their dogs in there. Cannot or just can't be bothered....

Again thats the point of the dog park . its letting the dog off the lead. Some dogs are going to be great others are still learning. No dog has killed another dog there.

Vel

Deleted User wrote: »

Again thats the point of the dog park . its letting the dog off the lead. Some dogs are going to be great others are still learning. No dog has killed another dog there.

No, sorry, I think you are missing the point here. The Dog Park is for owners to allow their dogs to socialise in a controlled manner, just like dogs need to be controlled in other public places. Its not a place for a mass free for all without any supervision.

If someone has a dog who is a bit full on and excitable but is constantly monitoring their interactions with other dogs and people within the park and taking them away to cool off if things get out of control, then that is fine.

However, it is a whole different ball game and completely unacceptable for people to stand back and completely ignore what their dog is doing, which is what we are talking about.

ISDW

Deleted User wrote: »

Again thats the point of the dog park . its letting the dog off the lead. Some dogs are going to be great others are still learning. No dog has killed another dog there.

Sorry, but thats not a great attitude to have. Maybe no dog has been killed, but some may have been so frightened that they could develop fear aggression etc. I find the criteria that its fine, as long as no dog has been killed weird. This country desperately needs places for dogs to be let off lead safely, but if another council went to see this place and saw aggressive dogs, with irresponsible owners in it, it would probably make them think twice about building the same thing in their area.

Just because its a dog park doesn't mean that people should just let their dogs off lead and allow them to do whatever they want. By your reasoning then, what will happen if (when) a dog does get killed there? It is very easy for a fight to get out of control when there is a pack mentality, very easy.

Kamili

Thanks Vel, you expained more eloquently the point I was trying to get across.

My dog has experienced other aggressive dogs in there with their owners not lifting a finger at all to stop it. This free for all attitude is ruining it for others.

The concept is a great one but as always there are those who through ignorance are ruining it for others.
Dre as in Dray you seem to have completely missed the point and it's the attitude of people like you that cause problems for others. Dogs must always be under the effectual control of their owners, this is something that owners using this facility aren't displaying be it that they don't care or don't know what is going on.

I for one always monitor what my dog is doing in there at all times, more in fear of him being attacked but if it where the case he got aggressive to another dog I would not turn a blind eye, I would immediately put his lead back on and remove him from the run. I have seen onseveral occasions that others do not do this!

username123

Vel wrote: »

No, sorry, I think you are missing the point here. The Dog Park is for owners to allow their dogs to socialise in a controlled manner, just like dogs need to be controlled in other public places. Its not a place for a mass free for all without any supervision.

+1

It is a ridiculous notion that because a dog has not actually been killed there that its all fine.

I have personally witnessed a badly bleeding Beagle being taken out by his owner after another dog attacked him and the owner of the other dog did nothing and laughed it off. The attitude was 'sure they sort it out themselves, its not aggression, its play'. That is not the response of a responsible dog owner.

The Beagle owner was very upset and I dont doubt his dog needed to see a vet after the incident as there was a lot of blood.

This, to me, is not acceptable.

I will say, anytime I have been there, the majority of the dog owners are responsible, but as usual, the minority ruin it for everyone else.

Kamili

I would be livid if I was the beagle owner, who was well within their rights to report the owner and dog to the county council who can issue a fine. But of course that means getting details from the aggressive dogs owner or reporting them to the park attendant. The law still applies inside the dog park, dogs must always be under the effectual control of their owners. Which includes controlling an aggressive dog. If you cannot or will not control your dog off the lead you shouldn't be in the park IMO.

Vel

I witnessed a huge lab who became totally obsessed with a tiny little yorkie. He just wouldn't leave it alone and was barking and jumping all around the dog who was terrified. His hackles were up and he certainly wasn't just wanting to play. The owner of the lab acted responsibly and put his dog on the lead until the yorkie left. Each of those owners have a right to be in the park, but each of them also have an obligation to make sure their dog doesn't hurt another one.

By your logic, Dre is Dray the owners should have left the dogs to it and crossed their fingers that the yorkie wasn't killed :rolleyes:

I also witnessed a fight between two dogs where one of the owners was off up at the entrance talking on her mobile with her back to the dogs:rolleyes:. A number of people had to get involved and separate the dogs and one of the dogs had a torn ear. But your opinion would be that because neither dog was killed, that that situation is acceptable? Rubbish!

Vel

Vel wrote: »

I witnessed a huge lab who became totally obsessed with a tiny little yorkie. He just wouldn't leave it alone and was barking and jumping all around the dog who was terrified. His hackles were up and he certainly wasn't just wanting to play.

So what did he want because your description doesnt sound like he wanted to attack the dog.

Really i am wanting to hear what this big dog was doing. Was he intimidating the little dog first , because he gets a trill from murder ???

Kamili

Deleted User wrote: »

So what did he want because your description doesnt sound like he wanted to attack the dog.

Really i am wanting to hear what this big dog was doing. Was he intimidating the little dog first , because he gets a trill from murder ???

The description certainly does sound like he wanted to attack, thre large dog's hackles were up, that is a sign of aggression towards another dog.

Thrill from murder? What???? Dogs are aggressive towards other dogs for various reasons.

Have you any idea of dog behaviour?

So why didnt it attack when it had the chance ? To be honest that sounds more like wanting to play but being a little defensive. Most importantly just annoying to the little dog.

koneko

You can't just pass everything off as doggy behaviour and say it's all okay. If a big dog is being too rough with a small dog, the owner should have the sense to lead the bigger dog away.

It's not all black and white. It's not like you should only pay attention when the dog is aggressive and out to kill, that's just stupid. It's about common courtesy too.

username123

Deleted User wrote: »

So what did he want because your description doesnt sound like he wanted to attack the dog.

Really i am wanting to hear what this big dog was doing. Was he intimidating the little dog first , because he gets a trill from murder ???

Do you actually understand dog behaviour and the responsibilities of owners in public with their dogs? It certainly sounds like you dont.

If someone is not happy with the attention that another dog is paying their dog - whether it be play, aggression, or curiosity - it doesnt matter - the point is that the owner of the dog giving the unwanted attention has a responsibility to REMOVE their dog from the situation.

You dont bring your dog to the dog park and just allow him to intimidate and dominate other dogs there - and if you do, youre a rubbish owner, who probably has no control over the dog because guess what - the dog does not see you as the pack leader.

username123

Kamili wrote: »

I would be livid if I was the beagle owner

The beagle owner was livid, as were a number of bystanders. It was verbally addressed to the woman in question who was the very picture of outraged ignorance that people would be telling her off for her dogs behaviour in public. She loudly effed and blinded a number of people out of it, continued NOT controlling her dog and after a few minutes most people had left the dog park and were warning incoming owners to wait until this woman and her dog were gone.

Kamili

username123 wrote: »

The beagle owner was livid, as were a number of bystanders. It was verbally addressed to the woman in question who was the very picture of outraged ignorance that people would be telling her off for her dogs behaviour in public. She loudly effed and blinded a number of people out of it, continued NOT controlling her dog and after a few minutes most people had left the dog park and were warning incoming owners to wait until this woman and her dog were gone.

That just annoys me no end, I would be off to find the park attendant as soon as possible. I hope the beagle was ok after it. Why do people do that, she shouldn't be allowed back in there.

barbiegirl

Can I suggest we be careful here there are so many people who would like to see the dog park closed and all dogs muzzled and on leash. The vast majority of users of Marley dog park are great. We use it as often as we can and both pick up and keep an eye. Yes we've had some incidents but overall it's a positive experience.
I've had Sindy attacked by some under socialised dogs and had Fargo being a little prick trying to climb on everything (he is neutered) which we stop immediately unless the owner agrees to let their dog sort it as ours has to learn. This has worked and he does this a lot less.
Remember that as bad as not watching your dog is constantly interfering with your dog socialising and learning the rules. Sometimes you have to sit back and sometimes you have to act. Dogs do play rough, they bark, play growl, leap about, play chase, jump over, under and on-top of one another.
My big bug bear is the know it all owners who try to use their training methods on other dogs, some pure bred owners who when they hear yours is a cross kind of go Oh and of course the keep your brutes (who are playing very non aggressively) away from my darling types :-)

username123

I agree Barbiegirl - the vast majority of the people who use it are responsible owners. As usual its just a few idiots who cause problems.

Kamili - is there a park attendant? Ive never seen one myself, although Im usually only there on weekends.

Kamili

username123 wrote: »

I agree Barbiegirl - the vast majority of the people who use it are responsible owners. As usual its just a few idiots who cause problems.

Kamili - is there a park attendant? Ive never seen one myself, although Im usually only there on weekends.

Yes there should be, I think they are usually floating round by the house.
They usually have someone monitoring the park at all times afaik.

Edit: just found the rules of the dog park online which includes the park attendant's number in case of trouble. Also note an on the spot fine can be issued if you don't clean up after a whoopsie. Also worth noting is that no food is permitted.
http://www.dlrcoco.ie/parks/marlay/07_MarlayDogPark.pdf

RosieJoe

Kamili wrote: »

Yes there should be, I think they are usually floating round by the house.
They usually have someone monitoring the park at all times afaik.

Edit: just found the rules of the dog park online which includes the park attendant's number in case of trouble. Also note an on the spot fine can be issued if you don't clean up after a whoopsie. Also worth noting is that no food is permitted.
http://www.dlrcoco.ie/parks/marlay/07_MarlayDogPark.pdf

Great find on the PDF Kamili. Such simple rules that should be simple to follow.

I think the park is a great addition especially as most places are now going on-lead only. Hopefully the dog park will remain.