I have zero sympathy for someone letting their dog run around unleashed at a park that isn’t a dog park. It’s unsafe for kids and other dogs. You are indeed selfish and entitled if you do this. I welcome Seattle Parks’ pledge to crack down on this in 2025. - ThreadSky

robertcruickshank.com • 164 days ago

I have zero sympathy for someone letting their dog run around unleashed at a park that isn’t a dog park. It’s unsafe for kids and other dogs. You are indeed selfish and entitled if you do this. I welcome Seattle Parks’ pledge to crack down on this in 2025.

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bestbets206.bsky.social•164 days ago

…and wildlife-so many stupid conversations I had as a Seal Sitter with entitled dog owners at West Seattle beaches on the threat to harbor seal pups and their own pet and why their dogs weren’t even allowed on the beach at all (pointing to the signs) leashed or no. “But my dog can’t read” 😡

russellme.bsky.social•164 days ago

Honestly I disagree because we don't have nearly enough dog parks. We need off-leash areas that you can walk to in every neighborhood. Pointing fingers at dog owners who are just trying to meet their dog's basic needs is going to be just as effective as 'slow the flock down' signs.

robertcruickshank.com•164 days ago

I think we definitely need more dog parks and off leash areas. But at the same time, it’s reasonable to insist that dog owners respect other people and other dogs. It’s not on parents or other members of the public to accommodate dog owners. It’s the other way around.

russellme.bsky.social•164 days ago

Absolutely true that it's on dog owners to respect other people. But I don't agree that the only way to do that is to never let them run except when you can drive them to a dog park. A person who takes a well trained & friendly dog to an empty field early in the morning isn't impinging on anyone.

robertcruickshank.com•164 days ago

I think that right now it’s being abused by people who aren’t in control of their dogs. I’ve seen a lot of this at the Ballard commons park next to my kid’s school. One dog ran up to a little kid and started growling at it. Owner didn’t do anything, said “it’s a friendly dog!” Sorry, no.

robertcruickshank.com•164 days ago

Because it’s been abused we now need enforcement to rein this back in. Once dog owners realize there are fines coming for letting dogs run off leash then they might be more responsible and we can have flexibility.

russellme.bsky.social•164 days ago

Totally agree that that situation isn't ok. It would be a big help if there were more places where dog owners could take their dogs without having to drive. But as a dog owner it's obviously never ok to have an out of control dog scaring kids.

russellme.bsky.social•164 days ago

Interestingly many of the off-leash areas in Vancouver aren't fully fenced. On this, as on so much else, the US seems to take a much more black and white stance than other countries.

luckyjim1980.bsky.social•164 days ago

This kind of enforcement is so desperately needed in Thurston County...

jaycarmona.bsky.social•164 days ago

💯💯💯

caskiebeth.bsky.social•164 days ago

Agreed. When I worked for The ASPCA, having good manners as a pet parent means leashing your dog and scrupulously cleaning up after your dog. Also training your dog, but even then, leashes on in public space unless specifically a dog space.

caskiebeth.bsky.social•164 days ago

Most communities do need more dog parks, true, so that should be part of the overall plan. One excellent way to advocate for space for dog parks is to point out that seniors use dog parks much more than they do the soccer field or baseball diamond.

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