Supervision is Key to Enjoyable Experience at Dog Park

Recently, I heard another story about “Dog Park Rage.” That’s right, it’s not just for the roads anymore. Road rage isn’t the only place where people make fools of themselves. Dog Park Rage happens right here in Morgan Hill. And it won’t surprise you when you hear a typical case.

A dog comes into the park with his owner and starts to run around. He encounters another canine and the two square off, trying to establish some territorial rites. There’s a little growling and maybe even a show of teeth. But the owners aren’t there to separate them. After all, this is a park where dogs should run unsupervised and free, right?

Suddenly, a small scuffle starts and this is where it gets interesting and rather sad. One of the dog owners finally comes over and says something derogatory either to the other dog or to its owner. Words are exchanged and tempers flare. The dogs and the owners begin to fight.

In this incident, one owner actually picked up the other guy’s dog by the collar, yelled a few obscenities, then asked who belonged to the dog. Not only did the dogs want to scuffle, but the owners also seemed to have the same thing in mind. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed this time. But in at least one other situation, the police had to be called to separate everyone. You know, if there are too many of these incidences, it’s possible that the whole idea of a public dog park may have to be reconsidered.

If you plan to take your pooch to the park, it’s important to remember a few basic rules. First, this is a public area. It’s designed to be shared by everyone there. And while someone might think it’s nice to let their pooch run free, dogs bump into each other all the time at the park. You can help your dog avoid confrontations. Just don’t let him run loose without being watched. No parent would go to a park and let his or her child run around unsupervised. It’s too dangerous. And why should it be any different for pet owners at the park? Stay with your dog and keep him from getting involved in a fracas.

It also helps if you don’t bring toys or food since either might cause dogs to be aggressive. If your guy is possessive about his favorite ball, don’t take that ball to the park. This would be tantamount to starting a fight. Other dogs will be curious and try to get it and your dog won’t like that.

Finally, when you go to the park expect to meet some new friends. Don’t go just to let your dog run free. The park is a place for socialization and comraderie, not territorial skirmishes.

At the dog park, you’ll encounter other people and their pooches. Expect it. Enjoy it. But keep your dog under control. Otherwise you might as well go elsewhere for exercise.

Q: Please settle a wager I have with my fiancee. She says it’s OK to give milk to cats. I heard somewhere that it can make them ill. What’s the answer?

A: I’m going to go right down the middle on this one, because you’re both at least a little correct. Kitty-cats love cream. But some can’t tolerate cream or even milk because of a lactose intolerance that leads to messy diarrhea.

So for the most part, milk’s all right in small amounts as long as your cat can digest it. And many cats will do whatever it takes to get some. Did you ever the old saying, “As honest as a cat when the cream’s out of reach?” It describes how sneaky some cats can be to get some of that cream. Mmm, they love it, and they’ll do whatever they can to get some.

Q: I heard that canned tuna fish is unhealthy for cats. Why?

A: This is a misconception, because tuna meat is perfectly safe for kitty-cats to consume. Tuna oil is not a good idea and can be unhealthy for cats. High levels of dietary fat or oil can lead to a condition called steatorrhea, a nasty form of diarrhea. So don’t feed tuna packed in oil to your cat. It’s not safe or healthy.

Water-pack tuna is acceptable as a dietary supplement for cats. But it should be used only as a supplement, because it isn’t a well-rounded diet. Cats need a balanced diet with the proper vitamins and minerals. Tuna is high in protein but lacks nutritional balance, so stick to a commercial cat food to keep your kitty healthy. Give him a little tuna, but only as a treat.