[Carl in Tampa]

My daughter and "our" Beagle were in The Villages for several days during the Thanksgiving season. She decided to take the Beagle to the Mulberry Dog Park so he could run free for a bit.

Apparently the park is divided into two courses, one for smaller dogs and another for larger dogs. I surmise this is for the protection of the smaller dogs; particularly to protect them from larger dogs that might consider the small ones to be game.

In any event, my daughter became acquainted with "Grumpy" at the park. Grumpy was the owner of a smaller dog, and he complained about my daughter running her Beagle in the course for smaller dogs. Grumpy objected that dogs over 40 pounds were to be run in the larger course and demanded to know the weight of our Beagle.

My daughter acknowledged that the Beagle, with a "standard" weight of 35 pounds, was slightly overweight at around 40 pounds, but pointed out this did not change his placid, friendly disposition or make him a hazard to Grumpy's dog, which repeatedly charged at our Beagle, probably wanting to romp and run.

I can only say that Grumpy went a long way towards spoiling the dog's outing, and he should be ashamed. Next time, perhaps I will be with my daughter, and I will assure Grumpy that our Beagle is not a "large dog."

Some people have no common sense.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

My daughter and "our" Beagle were in The Villages for several days during the Thanksgiving season. She decided to take the Beagle to the Mulberry Dog Park so he could run free for a bit.

Apparently the park is divided into two courses, one for smaller dogs and another for larger dogs. I surmise this is for the protection of the smaller dogs; particularly to protect them from larger dogs that might consider the small ones to be game.

In any event, my daughter became acquainted with "Grumpy" at the park. Grumpy was the owner of a smaller dog, and he complained about my daughter running her Beagle in the course for smaller dogs. Grumpy objected that dogs over 40 pounds were to be run in the larger course and demanded to know the weight of our Beagle.

My daughter acknowledged that the Beagle, with a "standard" weight of 35 pounds, was slightly overweight at around 40 pounds, but pointed out this did not change his placid, friendly disposition or make him a hazard to Grumpy's dog, which repeatedly charged at our Beagle, probably wanting to romp and run.

I can only say that Grumpy went a long way towards spoiling the dog's outing, and he should be ashamed. Next time, perhaps I will be with my daughter, and I will assure Grumpy that our Beagle is not a "large dog."

Some people have no common sense.

It's been our experience that while our large dogs have never gone after another dog, large or small, many small dogs have gone after them. I believe it's a fear aggression thing. I actually had to change my walking route because of three dachshunds who wanted to kill my Golden. I am glad for the different areas of the dog parks, but mainly because it keeps the fearful little ones from going after my docile big lugs.

A beagle is a large dog? Ha! I'll show Grumpy a large dog...

[Taltarzac725]

There seems to be some real control freaks at that dog park from the scuttlebutt I have heard about it. Try Doggie Doo Run Run which is about 1 mile north of CR466 on CR101. It is just before the cell tower and CR104 on the east side of CR101.

Very nice owners Scott and Laura and people there for the most part. It is private, however, and they charge $3 a day for one dog. $ 5 for two. $25 a month for one; $30 for two. You will need to show proof of shots (standard ones like rabies and bordetella) and the dog should be neutered/spayed.

[jebartle]

Get along just fine. Rio Grande pool area dog run is a perfect example. Actually I wish people got along as well as our dogs, ha!

[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

My daughter and "our" Beagle were in The Villages for several days during the Thanksgiving season. She decided to take the Beagle to the Mulberry Dog Park so he could run free for a bit.

Apparently the park is divided into two courses, one for smaller dogs and another for larger dogs. I surmise this is for the protection of the smaller dogs; particularly to protect them from larger dogs that might consider the small ones to be game.

In any event, my daughter became acquainted with "Grumpy" at the park. Grumpy was the owner of a smaller dog, and he complained about my daughter running her Beagle in the course for smaller dogs. Grumpy objected that dogs over 40 pounds were to be run in the larger course and demanded to know the weight of our Beagle.

My daughter acknowledged that the Beagle, with a "standard" weight of 35 pounds, was slightly overweight at around 40 pounds, but pointed out this did not change his placid, friendly disposition or make him a hazard to Grumpy's dog, which repeatedly charged at our Beagle, probably wanting to romp and run.

I can only say that Grumpy went a long way towards spoiling the dog's outing, and he should be ashamed. Next time, perhaps I will be with my daughter, and I will assure Grumpy that our Beagle is not a "large dog."

Some people have no common sense.

Carl -- what you are describing is beyond "common sense." You are describing an entitled, self-serving, nasty old man.

What kind of dog does Grumpy have and what color is he/she? I'll be on the lookout for him!

[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by CFrance

It's been our experience that while our large dogs have never gone after another dog, large or small, many small dogs have gone after them. I believe it's a fear aggression thing. I actually had to change my walking route because of three dachshunds who wanted to kill my Golden. I am glad for the different areas of the dog parks, but mainly because it keeps the fearful little ones from going after my docile big lugs.

A beagle is a large dog? Ha! I'll show Grumpy a large dog...

If a beagle is a large dog, we have a Neanderthal, as do you! Count me in with showing Grumpy what a large dog really looks like.

Yeah. We'll show 'em!

[fred53]

To avoid unnessary stress you have to learn to just ignore people. Especially when you are correct. As to ruining the beagles day...I doubt it. Ruined your daughters day...likely.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by jebartle

Get along just fine. Rio Grande pool area dog run is a perfect example. Actually I wish people got along as well as our dogs, ha!

Miss going to that 20 + acre to the south of the Rio Grande Recreation Area. They have a croquet court and an air gun range there too but have not been back there in a few years.

Our new dog Beau chases things and we would lose him without fences to keep him in an area. I used to go to this field with Sport when all he wanted to do was dig for moles, voles and gophers. Miss the dogs and the people at the Rio Grande field.

There are grumpy people everywhere. I just try to ignore them as much as I can unless they really get my goat.

The Paradise Dog Park is OK but I really like the walkways around the reconstruction around the lake and near the archery range. Go there almost every week.

[mrbgull]

Doggie Dooo Run Been going there for several years. Nice people ,great place

[Hancle704]

Why are there so many people who think that their job in retirement is to enforce what they think are the rules.

[Jima64]

He sounds like a real cranky pants as my wife would say.

[Kahuna32162]

We go to the Mulberry Grove dog park almost every afternoon and the only time someone protests a dog on the small side is if they are over aggressive. Those who do not regularly frequent this facility have no use in posting here. By the way the park will be closed from Dec 5th to the twenty third while the access road is being paved.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by Kahuna32162

We go to the Mulberry Grove dog park almost every afternoon and the only time someone protests a dog on the small side is if they are over aggressive. Those who do not regularly frequent this facility have no use in posting here. By the way the park will be closed from Dec 5th to the twenty third while the access road is being paved.

What???

Anyone who goes to any of the dog parks, has a right to post a comment. The rules are the same in all of our parks. Basically, the dogs and their owners are all the same -- some nice, some not-so-nice, big and small, etc.

So what is the problem? Are you Grumpy??!?

[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by Hancle704

Why are there so many people who think that their job in retirement is to enforce what they think are the rules.

I think it's because they think they are entitled. Entitled to do whatever they damn please! They are from a sect of condo commandos who move here from Anytown, USA and feel a need to play the Big-Man-on-Campus role.

[Barefoot]

We've been taking our dogs to DDRR for many years.
No Grumps are allowed!
There is a large area for dogs under 30 lbs, and another large area for dogs over 30 lbs.
in addition, there is a five acre fenced area where all dogs romp and socialize together.
I love it there and so do our dogs. The people are great!
Laura and Scott try hard to ensure it's a well-run dogpark.