Hi, new member looking to open a dog park in UK (Essex)

Hi,

My name is Stephen and I'm a dog owner researching the demand for a new dog park in the UK. There have been a number of attacks in our area over the last few years from fatal poisonings to anti social behaviour and I feel confident there is a strong demand for a fun and secure environment.

We've already identified a parcel of land (circa 1.5 acres) but would love to hear members' views - in particular the type of attractions and facilities you'd like to see at a park.

Thank you.

Stephen

No thanks 1.5 acres full of dogs I'll stick to the 800 acres of country park. I hate the idea of dog parks, if we're not careful we'll end up confined to them.

I am also doubtful about the benefits of dog parks. I would probably pick the time when it was packed, and there would be no parking spaces left! However, I would willingly pay for the chance to be able to regularly use a securely fenced area for private exercise and training. My two had the time of their life this weekend, galloping after a ball in one of those large grass surfaced enclosures at an agricultural showground.

I would not park my dog anywhere,she stays with us.

Hi Steve, welcome to Dogsey. I am not sure of the area you have identified but would prefer to keep to my own. I used to walk my dog in Hockley Woods but not sure whether this is safe these days. I loved the video of your wiemarahna (sp?) Beautiful dogs. I am of limited mobility these days so it is just out onto our local green or with my mobility scooter round the block. I worked in Rayleigh for over 12 years at Brooklands when it was an office. Hope you get the support you need. Good luck. M xx

Agree with the above, the idea of dog parks horrifies me !!

Hi,

Thanks for the welcome and the replies.

Just to clarify, I am not proposing a park that is aimed to be a full-time alternative to long walks in our parks and open spaces.

I propose that the park operate on a membership basis in order that we can control numbers and aim to ensure that the park is a safe environment for all users.

Owning a dog is a social activity and I aim to create a club environment where members can interact with one another, sharing tips on health, training or anything else for that matter.

I can see the park providing stimulus for the dogs through planned activities, agility equipment and water attractions.

The park will be fully secured so those canines with a tendency to disappear will be safe and there will also be an area for smaller dogs.

In the summer months there will be plenty of shaded areas provided and there will always be drinking stations present. Furthermore, the water features will help keep the dogs cool.

In the winter months when the nights draw in, the park will have ambient lighting and an attendant will be present giving those who are reluctant to exercise their dogs at night a safe alternative.

I know the park will not be for everyone, but dogs can get so much pleasure/benefit from socialising.

So, just to reiterate, whilst some people may use the park on a full time basis many will just add the destination to their weekly/fortnightly roster.

Regards,

Stephen

I wouldn't use it for most of the reasons you consider to be positives tbh. I walk with my dogs so that I can interact with my dogs,not share tips with others. I don't want to be distracted from my dogs. My small dogs don't need their own area as they interact with big dogs quite happily because they were very well socialised as puppies. They find all the activities they need in the woods, they have shade and an enormous lake should they want a paddle or drink. I really don't consider owning a dog a social activity, it is for them but not for me and I don't want to stand around chatting while the dogs interact, I both want and need the exercise myself. I would hate being watched by an attendant, neither I or my dogs need supervising. I'd hate the fact that 1.5 acres was considered varied enough for the dogs or myself to have any interest in it. We walk different paths and routes all the time to keep us interested. We walk for around 2 hours and I'd be bored out of my skull in a dog park after about 15 minutes. I can see the point of an enclosed field for breeds that otherwise couldn't go off lead but would they want to share as I guess the reasons they can't go off lead are many and varied. Your intent may not be to stop us walking in the country parks etc but that's they way dog ownership is going

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

I wasn't trying to win you over just give a bit more detail behind my intentions and the reasons why I am looking to open a dog park.

I've received over 100 comments from local dog-owners offering support and whilst I appreciate that such a facility won't appeal to everyone there's clearly a number of people out there who think it might.

It sounds like you and your dogs have a great time and long may that continue.

I'm afraid I wouldn't be using a place like that either, however, wish you luck.

I prefer long walks through the park, recreation fields, woods and moors. My dogs have a good recall and have been trained to ignore livestock and wildlife so can enjoy off lead freedom in these open spaces.

When I was interested in agility I joined a club, with a venue that was always available to the club on the stated days, with experienced trainers, limited numbers of members in each class so not overcrowded, well maintained equipment, club insurance etc.