Grumpy at the Dog Park

[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]

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]

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]

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!
:a040:

[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]

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]

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]

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.

[Barefoot]

Those who do not regularly frequent this facility have no use in posting here.
Thanks for the info about the park being closed.
I think that newbies to the dogpark have a right to post their thoughts, however I think that passing on rumors is of little value.

[Kahuna32162]

[QUOTE=Taltarzac725;1326599]There seems to be some real control freaks at that dog park from the scuttlebutt I have heard about it.

My comment was directed to the people who do not or have not frequented the Mulberry Dog Park. "Scuttlebutt" is not fact.

[Taltarzac725]

[QUOTE=Taltarzac725;1326599]There seems to be some real control freaks at that dog park from the scuttlebutt I have heard about it.

My comment was directed to the people who do not or have not frequented the Mulberry Dog Park. "Scuttlebutt" is not fact.

I am going by what someone who lives up there and used to go to the Mulberrry Dog Park said about another grumpy gus there. It would not stand up in a court-of-law because he would not be there to testify-- hearsay-- but I can alert him and his wife to this thread.

There are grumpy people everywhere. Even at Doggie Doo Run Run once in a while. Scott and Laura do manage it quite well. New comers though do show up and there are a few people I avoid because of things I have seen them to do dogs. One used to beat the dog he was watching-- not his dog-- with a stick. He said it worked on his kids who were professionals now or maybe it was just that because his kids were professionals he could discipline the dog he was watching as he felt. I did see this disciplining with my own eyes.

So, I just greet this person if he comes into the dog park but get away from him as quickly as possible.

[Barefoot]

One used to beat the dog he was watching-- not his dog-- with a stick. (snipped) I did see this disciplining with my own eyes. So, I just greet this person if he comes into the dog park but get away from him as quickly as possible.
I didn't see this man. Tal, did you report him to the owners and to the proper authorities?
I'm sure the dog's owner would like to know the situation.
It's easy to write down a license plate number as someone leaves the parking lot.

[Taltarzac725]

I didn't see this man. Tal, did you report him to the owners and to the proper authorities?
I'm sure the dog's owner would like to know the situation.
It's easy to write down a license plate number as someone leaves the parking lot.

This was a maybe a year ago. But the man still comes once in while with his own dog. There were some harsh words exchanged by some of the dog park regulars with this man. He just said something like he knows best. He no longer carries a stick to control his or anyone else's dog.

I am just pointing out that there are problematic people everywhere.

I do not know if Scott and Laura were alerted about this but it was a while ago and the man does not do this any more. He is not someone I like seeing at the dog park but at least he has modified his behavior.

[Barefoot]

He no longer carries a stick to control his or anyone else's dog.
That sounds positive. However I feel sorry for any dog he owns!

[kcrazorbackfan]

This was a maybe a year ago. But the man still comes once in while with his own dog. There were some harsh words exchanged by some of the dog park regulars with this man. He just said something like he knows best. He no longer carries a stick to control his or anyone else's dog.

I am just pointing out that there are problematic people everywhere.

I do not know if Scott and Laura were alerted about this but it was a while ago and the man does not do this any more. He is not someone I like seeing at the dog park but at least he has modified his behavior.

That would be one of the worst mistakes of a persons life if they ever went after one of my "girls" with a stick.

[Nucky]

That would be one of the worst mistakes of a persons life if they ever went after one of my "girls" with a stick.

Can I get an Amen?

[Carl in Tampa]

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??!?

Kahuna has made an unsupportable assertion and an inane statement. Let's sort it out.

The claim that "the only time someone protests a dog on the small side is if they are over aggressive." is unsupportable on its face since Kahuna goes to the park "almost every afternoon." Were you there when my daughter was there? Did you see the incident? Or, as Mrs. Robinson asked, are YOU Grumpy? If there is ever a time when you aren't there then you cannot credibly assert that anything only happens under certain conditions.

And, what is the basis for your inane statement that "Those who do not regularly frequent this facility have no use in posting here"? I occasionally visit the dog park, just to see the variety of dogs that are there. But, even if I never visited the park, the report of my daughter regarding her experience is a reliable report and I do "have use" (sic) posting here.

I assure you that our Beagle will be back.

[Kahuna32162]

Kahuna has made an unsupportable assertion and an inane statement. Let's sort it out.

The claim that "the only time someone protests a dog on the small side is if they are over aggressive." is unsupportable on its face since Kahuna goes to the park "almost every afternoon." Were you there when my daughter was there? Did you see the incident? Or, as Mrs. Robinson asked, are YOU Grumpy? If there is ever a time when you aren't there then you cannot credibly assert that anything only happens under certain conditions.

And, what is the basis for your inane statement that "Those who do not regularly frequent this facility have no use in posting here"? I occasionally visit the dog park, just to see the variety of dogs that are there. But, even if I never visited the park, the report of my daughter regarding her experience is a reliable report and I do "have use" (sic) posting here.

I assure you that our Beagle will be back.

I really don't want this to get ugly, but it seems to be going that road. I don't discount your daughters account, but my experience has been nothing but positive when visiting the dog park. I've made many friends and know most the dogs who are there almost everyday.

The only issue anyone seems to have is if a new dog is overly aggressive with smaller dogs, on that case we suggest that the owner might consider moving to the larger dog area.

Sometimes when a new dog is introduced into an exsisting group, they can want to establish their territory in that group. This is just nature and we, as dog owners, need to recognize this. You, your daughter and the beagle are always welcome and I look forward to meeting them. Our Darcy loves to run and play.

[Taltarzac725]

That would be one of the worst mistakes of a persons life if they ever went after one of my "girls" with a stick.

This man was disciplining his friend's or neighbor's pooch. We did not know if he had permission to do this or not. He did get an earful from some of us. I chose to just listen and not get involved. This was probably a year ago.

There are still problems once in a while at Doggie Doo Run Run. It is usually a new customer with a dog that they recently adopted. A dog like this named Jesse James bit our previous pooch Sport quite deeply in the butt after running him down along with his housemate and some other dogs. It was like they were on a fox hunt. Scott, Gene and Laura banned Jesse James and the owners of Jesse James felt terrible about the whole mess. This was in the Summer of 2007. These things still happen every once in a while. Probably at all the dog parks in the Villages with new dog owners seeing what their new dog is like.

[Polar Bear]

That would be one of the worst mistakes of a persons life if they ever went after one of my "girls" with a stick.
My thoughts exactly.

[Barefoot]

that would be one of the worst mistakes of a persons life if they ever went after one of my "girls" with a stick.

can i get an amen?
Amen! I have zero tolerance for that type of behavior.