DogNblog

Click this link to read the quick details of dog parks located around the twin cities area.   Most are small in acreage, are fenced, and provide poop bags.

Until we have dog parks here in the Billings area, the general public, dog owners and non-dog owners alike, aren’t going to get a handle on the difference between dog parks and wilderness areas.

This lesson in distinguishing the two is perhaps harder for dog owners.  Dog owners need to learn that UNLESS you are in a designated dog park, it is NOT EVER okay to impose your dog on other people, or dogs.

When I take my dog to Norm’s island, she is off-leash if no-one is around.  If another dog approaches and is leashed, I leash my dog.  if another dog approaches that is not leashed, I don’t leash my dog, but I am close in case I have to protect her.  If people without dogs approach or want to pass, I leash, or otherwise, take full control of my dog so as not to impose on their rights.

More on the story, from the Gazette.

Be sure to read the online comments, so many anonymous “quick” “simple” “easy” solutions

I agree with the folks who are tired of seeing dog poop on the trails.

I also agree with the people who are tired of getting jumped on by a stray dog, or dogs.  That is the difference between an open space to walk and a designated dog park. When you go to a dog park YOU have to be prepared for doggy mayhem.  When you go to Norm’s Island you have the right to expect the solitude of a wilderness area. That’s what it was created for.

Great dog walking at Riverfront yesterday.  (In the dogs allowed areas.) Except for the person who let their unneutered purebred male dog, off-leash.  The dog did not stay with the owner and ending up harassing someone walking with their two dogs.

Too bad.

Below is a fellow walking with two nice Labs and a nice Schnauzer type.

The little guy leads the way

Lucy on ice

Yesterday at Norm’s Island I read the notes on the bulletin board regarding dog parks, and Norm’s Island.

Multiple issues, the primary one being dog poop left on trails.  I kicked half a dozen piles away from the pathway on my walk, none from my dog.

I am disappointed in my fellow dog walkers, and wouldn’t blame the city, or YRPA for banning dogs.  Norm’s is a wildlife area.  If you want to enjoy the walk with your dog, pick up!

The Billings Parks and Rec department has been working on ideas for dog parks for several years.  They’ve inspired a committee called Friends of Billings Dog Parks.  You can read about their journey through this process by reading their meeting minutes here.

I don’t agree that they need to partner with a separate nonprofit to raise funds for the dog parks, but if donors prefer that, and the city council prefers it, so be it.