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I am most disappointed by my experiences at the dog park since I moved to Petaluma five months ago. Let me first say that I am a longtime owner, trainer, breeder of champion animals and am extremely knowledgeable about canines.
I am also very spoiled by the fantastic dog park in San Mateo at Seal Point which is divided between small and large dogs, provides drinking fountains for both dogs and people, and provides sheltered seating for both dogs and people. Rocky Dog Park has a fantastic view, BUT... The water situation is horrible. There is no shade from an often brutal sun. And the park is littered with dog waste since many owners do not carry pick up bags or do not watch their pets. Daily, I see dog owners turn their animals loose and get immediately on their cell phones while the animals run wild. Large dogs routinely bowl over small dogs. My small, elderly service dog was injured to the point of shrieking by a large, boisterous Lab youngster who bowled her over in a full speed, headlong attack as she walked with me at a heel. The owner had his back turned and was talking on his cell phone. Some owners regularly bring five or more dogs at one time. No one can control that many dogs at one time, regardless of his or her delusions. Rules are enforced by NO ONE -- not even the people who regularly use the park, and as such, should jointly enforce their space. I have seen two dog fights, two biting incidents, and a lot of untrained, unsupervised animals -- far too many for the few months I have been using the park. I have, for the good of my own animal, decided to abstain from ever visiting again. A fenced area for small dogs, properly posted rules, regular visits from local shelter volunteers for educational purposes, free training classes by volunteers, better water supplies, and some more benches and some shade would GREATLY improve this park. I have been to fantastic parks in Burlingame, San Mateo, and Hayward that should serve as models for Petaluma. These parks are financed and supported by enthusiastic pet owners. This is too great a town to have such a lousy dog situation. |
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Don't mind 55-zone. He most certainly stopped taking his meds. Even great towns like Petaluma keep a well stocked stable of jackasses around just to keep things interesting.
I used to take my dogs to Rocky as early as 14 years ago. It has always been a dump and people have always been less than attentive. My suggestion would be to try one of the neighborhood parks. There are several legal and "illegal" alternatives, such as Prince Park, which is just off Washington past Ely. The entrance is right next to the Golf Course. There is also a park at the end of Rogers Lane on the far east side of town. It's a small, well manicured field that is fenced and frequented by locals from the neighborhood. There are two parks book-ending Rogers Lane. This one is on the far east end and is a small baseball field. No poop, no crazy dogs and lots of fun. Most of the owners talk to each other and not their phones. There are many other options as well. Ask around and do a few searches on the web and I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for. |
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I'm not sure where you came from, but you certainly do not belong here with your nasty, uncalled-for comment to someone stating facts about the dog park in Petaluma. |
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I've lived here for more than 15 years, and you're absolutely right. This dog park is the dirtiest of all. And it has everything to do with the latte sipping crowd who use it as a social watering hole while their dogs run around unsupervised. A dog park is where one goes to spend quality time with their dogs, not to let them run and do as they please. I've seen people pull up, open the door and just let their dog out while they go back to their newspaper never bothering to get out. The soccer/softball fields across from the airport have off leash hours posted, and it's much nicer. Green grass sans the dog feces, shade and access to water. It's a shame this so called dog park is named for one of this city's best K9 officers. I've only been a few times and it's so bad, I never went back. I wonder if these people just leave dog feces all over their own yards at home. Of course not. |
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Rocky Dog Park is literally a dump, built atop a former land fill. And, I agree that it appears that it will always be a dump. Although I still take my dogs there ocassionally, I am usually able to avoid the crowds because I am retired. I used to pick up others' feces while picking up my dogs', but no more. I used to return to the parking lot with 3 or 4 pounds of the stuff, but it appeared to make no noticable difference in the appearance of the park. A large portion of owners use the park as a poop field. I have learned to not say anything because in today's society you usually get a 'UP YOURS!' response. I only continue to go because my dogs seem to enjoy the experience. My local park seems to do fine, although too close to the street. For what I think a dog park should be, I offer the one in Novato, on Novato Boulevard near the intersection of San Marin Drive. |
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Somewhat related, there seems to be no regard whatsoever at public parks AT ALL to our city's leash laws. I'll start by saying there is no excuse for not keeping dogs leashed around children's playgrounds. I've had several frightening run ins with obnoxious, un-leashed dog owners - particularly at Oak Hill Park in recent months. While my little girl was playing in the playground area a week ago, an older man parked in the upper parking lot, opened his van doors & let his two large dogs run loose without him, while he was on his cell phone and not supervising them. Meanwhile, both dogs ran right toward the swings and jumped all over the both of us. Needless to say, i caught me completely off guard and it terrified my daughter to be attacked from behind by two large dogs while on a swing - but what traumatized her even more was to see the owner, inches from my face, intent on shouting me down while calling me a lousy parent. All I did was ask him kindly to leash his dogs, and take them to the dog park. His comeback was that I'm a bitch who is instilling a fear of dogs in my child, and I just need to get over it.. because its a public park, and his dogs have the same rights as anyone.
Since that happened, my kid doesn't want to go to ANY park.. and that is really upsetting to me. That we have to fear not only loose, wild dogs but aggressive owners. Tell me.. What's a mom to do?? |
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I hope you got a good description of him and his vehicle along with the license number. Dogs do not belong in a childrens play area on or off a leash. Petaluma has a leash law and I suggest you call the police every time you see anyone breaking this law. Not only does a leash keep others safe and comfortable in public, it is a literal lifeline for the dog. If any off leash dog comes after mine (always on leash), that person is going to have more than one vet bill to pay. Just because they say their dog is friendly doesn't mean anyone elses dogs may see it as a threat and go on the defensive. Wake up dog owners! |
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UGH I agree Rocky is a terrible, horrible MESS, and I never go there any more.
I do go to Oak Hill, of course nobody should let their dog attack or even harass a young child anywhere inside or outside of a dog park, but I must point out that in fact dogs ARE allowed off-leash in the dog play area, which is clearly posted. Up the hill by the swings and playground, though, they are not. |
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