Dear Editor,
The past few months has brought on a deluge of safety concerns within the Prince Street Dog Park. RUFF has been fielding complaints from park users and trying to determine next best steps. In agreement with Animal Control, RUFF is putting in place a trial mandate of separating dogs based on weight.
While the majority of the complaints coming our way have been situations where small and large dogs are intermixed, and problems arise, the one common theme amongst all of them has been that owners have not communicated with one another in the moment.
The hardest job we have as humans is dealing with other humans. We’re all wildcards, and in a place like a dog park, where many people are strangers, it’s incredibly difficult to communicate if there is an issue. BUT, it’s the role we all took on when we decided to become dog parents. Unfortunately, RUFF’s hands are tied with helping you when you come to us without having ever spoken to the other dog owner or at the very least, knowing the other dog’s name. We can’t do a darn a thing.
This is not the outcome we want for the park, but everyone must step up if we want to co-mingle sizes. Things that need to be addressed:
• Pay closer attention to your dog in the dog park. i.e.: Put down the phone. Know your dog. Is his hair up? Is he/she uncomfortable?
• Barking: Continued barking is not only extremely rude to our neighbors, it’s a signal to you that someone is going on with your dog (aggression, over stimulated). Curb your dog’s barking by removing them from the park.
• Communication: Talking to each other about concerns is the first step.
• Accountability: See someone miss their dog pooping? Let them know. Hear a dog barking? Let the owner know. Dog scuffle (this will always happen)? Talk to the other side – “Is your dog okay? My name is xxx, what is yours?â€
• Puppies and intact male/females: When your dog is not fixed, this can give off a scent to other dogs that is not always favorable. Understand this and know your dog may not be well received.
We are hoping this trial separation is just that – a trial. Starting Sunday, March 8th, dogs under 25lbs should use the top level of the dog park. Dogs over 25lbs can use the lower level. The good news here is that we have an entirely separate dog park on Richmond Street (map below) that welcomes mixed sizes. So, if you know your dog does well with larger/smaller dogs and you want them to intermix, please plan to use Richmond Street March 8 – March 22. New signage will be posted, and you will be asked to use the designated areas. Please reach out to RUFF with any questions, concerns and/or feedback.
We hope you feel empowered to hold yourselves, and others, accountable. And that we’re all open to having those awkward conversations with one another. Life is weird, right?
With sincere thanks,
RUFF Board of Directors