Alameda Dog Park — Attraction in Alameda

There are a few older dog owners here who continuously feed other people’s dogs, and when confronted and asked to please not feed others’ dogs, they give you attitude.

This old woman with a hound always feed everyone’s dogs, and I’ve asked her several times to stop, but she won’t. She continues to feed my dog on the sly, probably thinking that I don’t see her doing it, but I always see her giving my dog her “homemade” treats. My dog gets diarrhea every time this old crone feeds her. There are a handful of dog owners who have had the same issue with her, and some have changed their schedule to avoid her. Unfortunately, I can’t do that. This problematic woman has grey, frizzy, just above the shoulder hair, warts on her nose and chin, and wears a green jacket. She literally looks like a classic witch without that pointy hat and broom! She’s there everyday anytime from 9-11/11:30.

There’s also an old dude with white hair and beard who sits in a chair by the entrance every time who will feed any dog that approaches him. He will feed them human snacks. I’ve told him that my dog has allergies, and his response was a snort and a laugh, and he said in a very condescending tone that, “oh everyone’s got allergies these days, huh”. He’s usually there around midday.

There needs to be a sign that tells people to NOT feed dogs that are not theirs. But some are so entitled (must be that old, geriatric colonizer attitude), I’m not sure if they’ll even care, unless...

Pros: It is usually well maintained, and when not too crowded it is large enough for most dogs to get some excercise running and playing. At times it is the only reasonable and convenient option for dogs groups of 3 or more. Parking in the adjacent lot is usually available and free. On many days is is quiet and relaxing, and the few owners around are controlling their dogs.

Cons: Can be hot and dirty in the summer and windy and muddy in the winter. There is some unpredictability about the types of interactions that might occur with other dogs. Nearly every time I go there is a another dog helping themselves to all of my dogs’ things while the owner looks on, while this is annoying I appreciate the responsible owners.

Needs improving: In/Out Gates are cumbersome and a lot of tangling and confusion could be avoided by installing a simple sliding gate. Bathroom facilities are rarely clean. More water stations.

Kudos for: Creating and maintaining a free large dog park, something that is we really...

It's really lovely around sunset there. Most dogs and owners are gentle with my senior blind pug and my bug loves to run with the small dogs in the small dog are and then likes to move to the large breed area to try and play with larger dogs. We have had very few difficult dog or owner incidences. The bathrooms are usually pretty clean. If ever we walk around the grassy areas though I have to muzzle my older blind dog who mistakes the geese poop as snacks. There is a lot of goose poop which can be something to be aware of for picnics in the area. I usually bring a tarp for under my blanket and a spare pair of shoes to put on to get back in the car. But the dog area does have a hose sometimes if you need one. It's really a lovely spot, especially so during the golden hours at sunrise and sunset. And I rarely struggle to...