Re: At the dog park yesterday...
 

I dont have my dog trained to come back when commanded. He usually does, but it depends what he's in to. However, I think the people who have instant recall with their dog are few and far between- I would say probably less than 2%. I envy that kind of discipline, and we're working on it constantly, but to be honest, it's not a MAJOR priority.

The park in question is a huge open field, surrounded by forest (with trails) at the back. I've been going there for over 2 years now, and have never once had a problem with anyone else, or their dog, or seen problems between other owners. I cant recall ever even seeing a dog fight on there, and there's everything from pitbulls to great danes.
People go to the dog park fully aware of what it's like there. Like I said, it's a huge field. Dogs are running all over the place, chasing balls, chasing each other, playing with sticks etc. The first time my dog got this guys ball, I called him and he came back. I gave the ball back to the owner.
The second time I saw he had the ball, he brought it back to me again when I called him.
So this "out of control" thing has perhaps been a little misconstrued. What I meant is that he just likes to run around like crazy... with all the other dogs. If I see him chasing another dogs ball, I'd never once think to call him back. He's a dog. In a dog park. They chase balls. I've taken toys there that other dogs have had, and my dog has taken other dogs toys. As long as they all up with the right owner, no harm done. People go there with that understanding.

It's your choice if you dont want to take your dog there, but if everyone had your mindset, dog parks would be empty.

Re: At the dog park yesterday...
 

With respect - it isn't about "my mindset" I was simply stating the facts (as they are here, it may not be true for your area) that the LAW states total recall is required, and that I am surprised at the ignorance of most people to that law - hence most people at off leash parks don't have control of their dog. I abide by that law, not only because I don't need any law suits from someone like you encountered, but mostly because I know my dog and I wouldn't trust him loose with other dogs. He can be really friendly with strange dogs, but other times he seems to take an instant dislike to one and will fight. The responsible thing for me to do is avoid such a situation, and as I can't be sure he will respond to being called off, that is what I do.

By the same token, I don't appreciate other peoples dogs bounding up to me out of control when at a park with my dog. I don't know their dog, they don't know mine and if the dogs get into a scrap and they can't call him off, then what? If it got nasty, or someone got hurt, they'd be in the wrong for having a dog in a park illicitly off leash - simple really. (Again, not me - It's the LAW, I didn't make it.)

I don't doubt you're telling the truth about your situation and how things are in that particular park, as I said, if there are by-laws around it and something goes wrong then one should expect to pay the consequences is all.

I have a similar situation where I live. The farmer whose property backs onto mine has a right to shoot my dog if he gets into his field (which is easy to do as it's only a post/three wire fence). I am aware of this and make sure my dog doesn't get into his field - if he does, and he gets shot, then it's my fault, not the farmers.

Re: At the dog park yesterday...
 

Sorry, I wasnt having a go, and I would imagine the law is probably the same here. Rightly or wrongly though, law or not, very few people have that kind of control over their dog.

Re: At the dog park yesterday...
 

That's OK - no problem. Neither was I (having a go) :)

Re: At the dog park yesterday...
 

This is the sole reason I keep some form of leash on Henry at the dog park, he has been trained that he shouldn't go more than 20ft away from me - that's fine when he is behind me, he doesn't like me to escape:rofl: But he does think 20 feet is more like 50 feet when he is in front. I can stomp on the end of the leash to remind him where he should be. If he gets in a sticky situation I can pull on the leash and drag him away.

Re: At the dog park yesterday...
 

Hi Mate give me a ring or email, my dog sounds like she would get on well with yours. Shame about the snow though, are you still gonna take it in the bad weather?

Re: At the dog park yesterday...
 

Alberta seems to be bonkers over minor laws even in comparison to Ontario. AFAIK there's no law here attempting to govern roaming cats or dog behaviour in dog parks. Half the time the areas where we run the dog, Riverdale Park, Monarch Park in Toronto, Herb someone Park in Guelph, are just areas of grass with many loose dogs, not designated dog parks. I can't recall seeing anyone who seemed to have the level of control over his or her dog or cat apparently expected in Alberta. It seems pointless and counter productive to pass laws that are just going to be ignored (not that Ontario is short of those in other respects than pet control).

Re: At the dog park yesterday...
 

The off leash parks around here usually have a list of rules - mostly pick up after your own dog type ones. They all state that your dog must be "under control" at all times. I always assumed this was just a liability issue for whoever operates the park.