Is Boston Going to the Dogs?

Part of being a responsible dog-owner is making sure the dog is getting enough exercise and socialization. With open space at a premium here in the Boston area, it’s really challenging to find places that are secure (fenced off from traffic) and open to dogs. I have a hard time believing that creating a few designated dog-friendly areas within existing parks would be a huge burden to other dog-free park users. I’d be willing to plunk down some dough for a “pay-to-play” fee that would go to the maintenance of the dog park.

What many non-dog owners do not understand is the need for these spaces is essential to create happy and well behaved dogs. I rescued my pooch when he was only 4 months old and I was living in the middle of the city of Austin, TX. Since moving to Boston, I have realized what I had taken for granted.

Since Cobalt was a little pooch I regularly walked him 3 times a day, and also took him off leash almost every day. (Due to him being 15lbs of pure energy) Austin did have large spaces in the inner-city set aside for off leash areas, it also was lenient about other areas uses. These areas were well marked by signs and large, so non-dog-loving people could avoid them. Unlike in Boston, NONE of these were fenced in. I do not recall a single instance of a confrontation or a run-away dog.

Dogs are very smart animals, but they do need to be taught. Being given a regular opportunities to run off leash they can learn their limits and return commands. All an off leash dog wants to do is run around like crazy for 40 minutes with other dogs so they can go home and pass out. I am a very athletic individual, but even after a 2 mile run Cobalt is still ready to go for more. Dogs need more exercise the most of us can give.

In addition the outdoor venues were far more dog friendly then Boston. On a Friday afternoon at least 10 dogs would be lounging under their owners tables while we enjoyed a few beers. The constant exposure to people and different atmospheres is the only way for a dog to learn to relax and behave. I have been reprimanded for having my dog at an outdoor cafe in Boston, while the woman who was next to me had a teacup in her purse was allowed to stay.

These outdoor spaces are essential and needed, I have been to the Commons many times, and never seen a dog just run off and into traffic or worse. That being said owners should take responsibility for any aggressive dogs or “in the process of being trained dogs” and confine them to less populated spaces until the owner confidently knows they are under voice control. It only takes one untrained dog or owner to ruin it for the rest of us who have worked so hard.

My wife’s and my dog Gatsby is a sweetheart (if not pathetic-looking http://ow.ly/jgWV ) and we’re excited to hear that our local park in Cambridge will experiment with 6-9am off-leash hours. Our challenge with Gatsby is that, as a rescue, she wasn’t properly socialized. So when she’s on a leash, on busy streets, with other dogs walking straight towards her, she freaks out, barks, and gnashes her teeth. But the few times we’re able to take her to open areas off-leash, she’s very sweet, sniffs butts, and behaves perfectly.

So I know my wife and I would be more than happy to pay some sort of license fee if it meant the city guaranteed time and space for dogs like ours to learn how to socialize so that it transfers to more stressful areas like a busy sidewalk.

As an owner of three large breed dogs it would be fantastic to have more accessible open areas within the city for dogs to run around. I am lucky that I have a car and can take them out of the city for long hikes and treks. I use to live in Seattle, and there were a number of dog friendly, off-leash areas within existing parks and it seemed to really work well. There were no added fees implemented or put on dog owners, but was just part of city expenditures. I am a tax payer, and I pay more taxes because I don’t have children (I don’t get those exemptions and write offs), but I am often excluded from park areas because I have dogs. I, like every other person with or without dogs, should have equal access under the law to use public spaces.

I find the comments of people who are opposed to the creation of off-leash areas because they don’t like being bothered by off-leash dogs running towards them when they are in a public park, jumping up on them, or having dog owners from a distance yelling “don’t worry, he’s friendly” confusing. The best way to prevent these unpleasant interactions from happening is to provide legal and well defined places for dog owners to take their dogs off-leash. Clearly the current “no dogs allowed off-leash anywhere” rule isn’t working to protect these people, we need a better solution.

The problem is that without legal places for people to take their dogs off-leash people who enjoy time with their dogs off-leash, exercising, socializing with other dogs and socializing with other dog owners, don’t have any legal place to go. The way to get dogs out of the places people don’t want them to be is to create legal off-leash areas where they are allowed to be, not fight against their creation.

Our public parks provide places for people to participate in many activities, walking, running, basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, swimming, picnicking, etc. Playing with a dog off-leash is just one more activity that many people enjoy doing. Providing them with a sufficient number of legal and clearly marked areas where they can engage in this activity is the best way to keep them out of places where they shouldn’t be and away from people that don’t want to be around them.

Off-leash areas should be financially supported the same way that other park activities are supported, sometimes through tax dollars, sometimes through user fees, and sometimes through donations, grants, gifts, etc.

Large and small cities in most of the US are realizing that that providing places for people to go with their dogs off-leash is just one more service to provide their residents that improves the quality of life for both dog owners and non-dog owners alike.

It’s so nice to see so many thoughtful responses on this list! I was expecting the usual anti-dog vitriol. I think most of us responsible dog owners would happily pay a user-fee to use an off-leash space even for limited hours. It makes a huge difference to MY happiness to see my dog running, exploring, playing with other dogs, not to mention what it does for the dogs!

I pay a user fee for my kids to play soccer on town fields. Same for baseball. Same for use of public swimming spaces. So some kind of permitting process and user fee seems in line with other ways we do shared use. As with playgrounds, any dog play area is going to need some upkeep. Though, hmm, I never pay a fee for my kids going to town playgrounds or using town tennis courts or basketball courts, and the necessary upkeep and renovation involved there comes out of our taxes.

I think the real key to success is for us dog owners to, when we actually have a privilege of off-leash space, to obey ALL the rules — on-leash until you get in, park in designated areas, pick up after your dog and any others that haven’t been picked up.

I hope our town will eventually allow for some off-leash areas. Until then, I rely on the generosity and good will of neighboring towns that allow it.

dog parks that are in the South End — Corridor Park near Garrison Square and Peter’s Park. I don’t have a dog, but I see how these dog areas are great for the dogs and how the dog owners also have a sense of community and who their neighbors are. It’s all part of city living, close quarters, all kinds of people.

I have to agree with Sue. giving dog owners a legal off leash area would stop dogs from being where you are walking for the most part. I chose to buy my condo in Jamaica Plain partly because of the dog-friendly neighborhood.
I have a 3 year old Golden Retriever that shows no sign of mellowing from his puppy days. My husband and I along with all of our neighbors are happier with a well exercised Max. We love the community we’ve built through meeting other local dog owners. Living in a city it’s hard to meet your neighbors at times, but waiting for max to finish wrestling or bring back his ball gives ample time for conversation.
Responsible dog owners are just as frustrated as non-dog people when we see undisposed of waste on the street. we dislike the person with the dog running down the street a danbger to itself and others. Please give those of us who are active, contributing members of the community a chance to enjoy our pups in peace.

sorry marie, but that’s an utterly ridiculous statement. especially in light of how expensive a single family home. you’re basically saying that only people who can afford a 500k+ mortgage are allowed to have a dog. classist much?

What great programming. I hope you have a similar segment soon on how Boston’s parents can move towards curbing their children. I encounter kids almost plowing into me on scooters, bikes, or on foot (not to mention in those double-wide strollers) in JP and the South End far more frequently than I step into dig excrement or get pounced on by an off-leash canine.

To Michael Benac’s point about a fee for dog owners: Michael, we do pay a fee. It’s called taxes. Children running and playing in a park are no less destructive to the grass or apt to bump into someone than a dog. And it’s not guilt that makes us want a nice place for our dogs to run around, it’s that we like making them healthy and happy, just like people with children do. It’s also always fascinated me that people who don’t have or like dogs feel that they can dictate where dogs should be, yet I’ve never heard a dog person complain about someone else’s children wanting to romp with or pet their dog. As to those who complain that a dog cuts in front of them while on a trail…people do that to you, too! And Marie, would you also put that yard limitation on people? Only people who can afford a house with a big yard should be allowed to have kids! One can see from all these remarks that people with dogs or those who like them but for some reason can’t have them, are so much more open than those without. I guess those of us who are lucky enough to have beloved canine companions should feel sorry for the “others.”

Dog parks are a great idea for both dog and human. 1) by having a designated fenced in area, you no longer have dogs interacting with people that do not want to interact with dogs 2) the happiest I’ve seen my dog was in a dog park where he could run and play with others.

As a dog owner of an alpha male I am appealed that people would let their dogs off leash. My dog is an alpha, which means he will defend his turf, and wants to dominate his turf. If your dog is off leash and comes running towards my dog and I, I’ll have to pull my dog back and sometimes I have to deal with another alpha male and this can lead to a fight. I can control my dog; he’s on a leash. Your unleashed dog is not in control and dogs are impulsive reactionary animals.

LEASH YOUR DOGS ALWAYS! Anything less is criminal. Children running are a problem that can end with your dog being put down. Dogs can look at small children as dogs or something else. Children do things that dogs are not expecting.

For instance, I was in a dog park with my dog and this other dog owner came into the park with two young children. One was obviously scared and remained in her stroller (she was about 4) clearly agitated by the 8 to 10 dogs of variously sizes running around and barking playing and growling, which some dogs do when they play. The other child was about 9 or 10 years old and he started to run around and barking as if he was a dog. What seemed like an innocent child’s game became dangerous situation as the dogs started too play with him as if he was a dog. The child became scared, the mother did nothing to stop the child and the only reason this kid was not bit was that all the dog owners grabbed their dogs.

Needless to say a huge argument ensued between the mother who started too blame us for our dogs going out of control.
One of the dog owners told her that she should have stopped her kid from doing what he’s was doing. This was stated several times before we all had to grab our dogs. I just left as my dog was clearly agitated and I always remove him from this kind of situation.

The dogs were playing and this child was viewed as another dog. This woman just did not get it. I don’t bring my dog too her child’s playground for obvious reasons. People with small children should be aware of this. Dogs play rough, no pun intended. They should not bring their children too dog parks if they can’t behave or are not use to large dogs.

Too me it’s the dog owners that are the problem as this woman was and she did not respect that different breeds will react to situations differently. My dog is a hound, which is not a herding dog. Hounds are wired to hunt, knowing this and being able to control this is my job. However dog park etiquette is also an issue as this story illustrates.

My taxes pay for playgrounds, basketball courts, baseball fields, swimming pools and a host of other recreational options I don’t and won’t make use of. But somehow dog owners need to pay an extra premium for public spaces? I’ve already paid for public space. I want to use it.

Just as we designate some space for basketball player recreation or toddler recreation, we can find ways to designate some space for dog owner recreation. “Dog parks” are really parks for people, where our neighbors gather every day, where friendships are formed and civic life takes place. I don’t want to stay in my yard. I want to be a member of my community, enjoying my city.

Somerville is working hard on this and taking dog owners seriously. Thanks,Joe!

I adopted a dog two years ago. I found him in a shelter in Vermont and then learned he had been brought in from Puerto Rico. I had looked for nine months and then had a very poor experience with a local rescue group upon selecting a dog that would have been perfect for me. I did not even get to meet him. It must have been some sort of divine intervention because my perfect boy was waiting for me in another state a week later. He has saved my life! Due to health complications, I lived in social isolation, and did not exercise at all. I now walk 3-6 miles daily and am fairly well known in the dog community at 3 parks. I have even started a “Dog Walkers of West Roxbury” facebook page. I have been employed as a dog walker. Every morning and afternoon I am out no matter what the weather. I have some issues, anger, and frustration around the blanket leash laws. I understand the need for limitations and structure, but feel my chosen community should be recognized, have rights, and be included within the same standard as all populations. The main reason I hear we are discriminated against is that some of us don’t clean up after our dogs, that we are not responsible, and that it might be dangerous. There is one park I go to in that the families and kids leave a mess: clothes strewn all over, trash, bottles, beer cans, and food on the ground. I was almost hit by a moped yesterday while walking in a city park that allows no motor vehicles. We actually try to clean up after them! Hoodlums have actually cut the trees down for recreation. I don’t have children, but have to pay plenty of taxes for their quality education. I also pay taxes and dues for the public parks. I am a member of the DCR. My dog is well behaved. He is licensed and totally vetted. He had a great foundation and then I had him in formal training for a year. He wears an electronic collar just in case I have to curb him for any reason. I clean up after him and others. So…. why shouldn’t my taxes go to something I support? Why do I have to be exposed to the trash and noise I don’t contribute to? “The more I get to know people, the more I love dogs”. Have I made my point clear enough?

I feel like I have lost the battle on dogs and their owners. I am completely surrounded by dogs that bark for hours at a time. Tell my how is that cute ??

Or, how about the owners, I really like when it is trash day, you leave out your trash barrel, the trash guy emptys out the barrel, but then the dog owner who is walking the dog, puts the dog crap in my barrel, where is now sits for the week. This really has happened, twice.
Also, why do dog owners let their dog pee and crap in other peoples lawns, it blow my mind.
Pee and crap in your own friggin lawn.

Excellent show with well spoken guests.

For more info on the NYC experience, please check out http://www.NYCoffleash.com.

For informatio on the incredible experiences within landmarked Prospect Park, Brooklyn, please check out
http://www.FidoBrooklyn.org

Thank you
NYCdog

There are many, many inconsiderate people in the world. In fact there is not one subject that involves an entire community where there is agreement. This has always been and will always be the case. Unfortunately it seems to no longer be the fashion to compromise, from our political leaders down to everyday people.

It is not easy to train a dog. I have two dogs and I worked with a very well regarded dog trainer (the ASPCA gives them dogs for 2 weeks so they can be evaluated to determine the best environment to place them in). Their opinion is that in 99.5% of the cases it is the owner that is to blame. Dogs are hardwired to respond positively to consistent training and most people do not, for one reason or another do that (think about how many times you have tried to diet, i.e. and how many times you broke your promise to yourself). Inconsistency is one of the best ways to create a problem dog.

When my first dog turned 3 I got a second dog who was significantly more challenging than my first. She was a rescue dog who was removed from a house by the police and needed a lot of work. My trainer showed me what to do and then I went into boot camp mode. It was exhausting but I followed her instructions and it worked.

I see many dog owners who clearly do not have a clue. I routinely see owners whose dogs are out of control while on the leash. You’ve seen them, they’re the ones who are getting pulled down the street with barely any control over their dogs. There is absolutely no reason what your dog has to be 4, 5 or 6 feet in front of you just because that is the length of the leash. Your dog will still be able to go to the bathroom if he walks closer to you. This type of behavior allows a dog to think he can have his way any time and in any place.

There is one comparison between dogs and children that I believe does hold true. Parents that do not provide discipline and boundaries often have children that are badly behaved and parents that do often have the opposite. On this subject I can write volumes as I live in Park Slope, Brooklyn where there are many examples of parents who let their children do anything, anywhere. I know many people who work in restaurants who are completely exasperated with parents who let their children run around. Not only is it obnoxious and annoying to everyone else it actually is a very dangerous situation. Children + waiters walking around with hot food in a small space is not good. But believe you me most of those parents get really pissed off when they are asked to mind their children.

If your dog is off leash and does not come when you call it you are not in in control of your dog. It doesn’t count if you have to call your dog 10 times while it is running away before it comes back. Your dog should come back when YOU tell it to. Period. End of story.

Hi, I m glad this topic is being discussed – maybe I am not alone.
Not to generalize, most dog owners are respectful of humans and acknowledge that humans have the priority to use public streets, parks, public areas, and transportation system. I also second the idea that dog parks need to be paid fully by dog owners — this is a luxury for those who want to own dog — they need to pay for it. I even want to ask for “human parks” — just for humans no dogs — a.k.a tax payers!!
Now this email is directed to the few BAD apples that believe humans have NO right to exist if they can’t accommodate dogs and other animals in public areas like parks, streets, on the T (buses and subway). Unfortunately, some of the people who believe Boston citizens who pay taxes have lower rights than dogs include:
1. City Animal control departments (greater Boston, incl. Cambridge …etc)
2. Some police officers
3. Dog owners.

Let me relate some facts from actual experience.
1. After being attacked by a dog. I told the dog owner to leach the dog. Her delay was supported by saying that she is trying but because i was running that provoked the dog made it difficult for her to control her unleashed dog. Her logic was to blame me as the cause that agitated the unleashed dog to attack because I was running in a public park!! (logic: After all, I am just a human and pay taxes and don’t have the elevated status of dog to run freely to attack and terrorize people and not pay taxes.) The more interesting part is on calling the city animal control department their response was: “Sir you have a problem, stay out of the parks where dogs are unleashed if you can’t take it”. After repeated reports for over a year, I learned that I am not allowed in a public parks because — it is a DOG WORLD in Greater Boston area. The animal control “refuses to do anything!! and advised me to call 911 to protect myself in the event of the next attack. Or better sit at home become obese and increase our health care bill so dogs can run freely in public areas.

2. I resorted to calling 911 when attacked by a dog. It took police 20 minutes to respond to my first 911 call. This first time the police officer advised me to obtain a license for a pepper spray to protect myself from unleashed dogs attacking me. On inquiring if that is safe. The police officer replied assuring me that it won’t hurt the dog at all — just to keep them away until police arrives.. When i requested the police officer to give a warning or a ticket to the two dog owners who had their dogs unleashed — His answer was: “I didn’t see them unleashed” The next time I called 911 upon seeing two unleashed dogs who I requested the owner to please leach them. The dog owner replied with profanity that I should get out of his way and out of the park – he will not leach his dogs!! (logic: I don’t have the high status of a dog to freely use the public parks – just a tax payer citizen who should pay for dogs to freely roam and attack). While standing still to take a picture of the two unleashed dogs this time. I was attacked by one. Following police orders to protect myself I used my pepper spray for the first time and called 911. The dog owner ran after me and kicked me while I was on the 911 call. The police officers came in less that 2 minutes and charged me with a criminal charge for defending myself against an unleashed dog!! The police officer was very angry at me and told me that I provoked the dogs by walking again in the park. The police officer accused me saying: “why do you walk in the same park when you know unleashed dogs can attack you!!!!” (logic: I asked for it and again I am just a tax payer and not a licensed dog).

3. Until today dog owners unleash their dogs and think its is their right!! well police is on their side!!

My question is – if the animal control is controlling humans and not animals, the police is accusing humans for walking/running in public parks provoking unleashed dogs .. how can I obtain a dog license to be elevated to a dog status and enjoy all those freedoms??

Human living in a “dog world” … opps I mean great Boston -:)

If others interested in joining me to promote “Human” rights please email me — thanks