In my town (located in Northern California), issues surrounding dog parks are a hotly debated topic in the local newspaper: should dogs be free to roam off-leash with their masters or should people be allowed to use the trails at the park free from canines? Some concerns (to name a few) the public appears to have are dogs' aggressive behavior towards people; aggressive behavior towards other dogs; feces left by dogs; destruction of property and harassment of wildlife.

I've contemplated the matter, having witnessed many incidents at my local dog. I should note, I rarely see a dog leashed in areas designated as leash required. This regulation seems to be almost entirely ignored.

I would like to share a few examples of incidents I personally have witnessed at my local dog park, including approaching an owner on the trail who had two dogs, both approaching me in an aggressive manner. The owner stated the dog (the dog that initially appeared more aggressive) would not harm me. However, when this dog got closer to me it instantly turned its demeanor into a happy greet. I knew it would be fine with me. However, the other dog was the one that needed to be regarded with much caution, although the owner was completely oblivious to this fact. Reading the other dog's body language, it was obvious it not only aggressive but fearful as well, a very bad combination. I believe had I made a quick move, the dog he was NOT concerned about was definitely the one likely to bite due to fearfulness. Some people believe the dog that displays fear is too afraid to bite. Wrong. Aggression combined with fear is dangerous behavior.

Another man said, "Don't worry, my dog will not harm you" as it approached me in an aggressive manner. I knew it was a breed known for aggressive behavior and this animal continued to bark at me and dart toward me showing both fear and aggression. I'm quite sure had I responded to this animal by showing fear or excitement, the situation would have escalated and a possible nip or bite would have followed. When I informed the gentlemen the dog was exhibiting aggressive behavior and he should leash him, he was highly offended.

While walking down another trail, a man had a dog off leash. This dog attacked an equal in size but less aggressive animal and bit it several times. The owner didn't appear alarmed about his dog's aggressive behavior, i.e., once he had the dog in his grasp, he did not bother to move quickly to leash/control his dog, it got loose and attacked again. Luckily no one was standing too closely or it is likely a person or child could have been seriously injured.

One time I witnessed a highly predatory type of dog chase down a wild animal and attack it at a dog park. The owner didn't appear to show much concern.

Other issues that concern me are large dogs off-leash in on-leash areas while small children are walking a bit ahead of their parents. I find it disturbing because rarely if ever do I see a dog at this park obey their masters when given the command, "Come."

In observing the interactions between people and their dogs at these parks the greatest problem appears to be people placing human emotions on their animals, i.e. "My dog won't hurt you," "My dog wouldn't hurt anything." It appears people have raised their dogs to a human level, a great mistake. It is a true disservice to dogs to have this attitude. Canines are predators, social in nature, but predators none-the less. Pack behavior still exists in the dogs of today and it is displayed in different degrees depending on the breed and temperament of the animal. Many dog owners seem to lack the ability to read their animal's behavior. Too many times, after it is too late, I've heard of an animal biting a child or an adult who said, "My dog has NEVER hurt anything before." Well folks, guess what, ANY dog will bite given the right circumstances, even Fluffy.

Please remember it only takes a few seconds to adversely change the life of a child or an adult's permanently due to a dog bite/mauling. I also hate seeing another dog being attacked by a vicious dog. Though this generally does not occur outside of their territory, expect the unexpected.

To be sure law enforcement has enough on their hands without policing the dog parks everyone seems to enjoy so much. Perhaps if people cannot police themselves/abide by the rules of a dog park, dog owners that use these parks should arrange to police the parks themselves, ensuring the rules are followed so that dog parks remain a resource for those that love the freedom to interact with their dog in a more natural setting

In closing, I'd like to advise people to get educated on canine behavior, know your dog in dog terms, not people terms. Learn to read body language. Purchase a good book that outlines the various dog postures and how to interpret them. Learn how to respond to behaviors exhibited by your dog. Keep your pets under control. Please, have fun at dog parks but respect the rules and remember, these rules exist not only to protect yourself and your dog, but abiding by the rules also preserves your right to continue to use dog parks.