Little Bay Dog Run — Attraction in New York

I grew up with dogs, was an animal science major in college, worked with the busiest vet in western Mass, the animal control officer and fostered and trained rescues. I'm not a noob. Starting with the positives. There's parking at Little Bay Park! The dog park has a good size, with plenty of benches, a canopy over some benches for the hotter days, a dog water fountain and even a small pool and hose. There is a smaller section for those who are worried about their dog's safety with some of the other dogs in the larger area. Unfortunately, there is a need for this small area. Some, maybe half the dog owners here have well trained or well behaved dogs. Others don't. Some who don't have well trained dogs keep an eye on their dogs. Many who don't have trained dogs at this park do NOT keep an eye on their dogs at all. Unfortunately, many in this group also believe that ALL dogs are as badly behaved or ill-trained as theirs and that it's "okay" that their dog was picking up another dog by it's throat and totally okay that their dog had another dog's head in its mouth when the other dog was trying to get away from the offending dog. "That's how dogs play" they say while theirs is one of only a couple "playing" that way out of the dozen or more at the park. Apparently, it's also okay if their dog spends the entirety of its time trying to mount another dog. While there are more well trained, well behaved dogs (and owners) at Little Bay park that would like to use this dog park section, they do not enter for fear of their dog's safety or simply to not deal with the types of owners mentioned above. I have brought my dog here at least a dozen times. She needs exercise and likes to play but she also doesn't care who's where in the pecking order. Pecking orders matter in a home with a pack. Visiting dogs are not a pack. Apparently, to some of the dog owners here, their dog's establishing an unenforceable and totally arbitrary pecking order is the perfect scapegoat for their dog's bad training or bad socialization. But let's say, for argument's sake, that a pecking order is needed. When a dog submits the other dog should lay off. Problem is, that's what a trained dog would do. Many of these dogs are not and their owners are not capable or willing to follow through on their logic. A dog behaves how it's owner allows it to. Dog parks are often a representation of the area it resides in. Until the owners visiting Little Bay Park are prepared to take Little Bay dog park for their well-behaved dogs, the area and this park will unfortunately continue to be ruined by the badly behaved...

I try to look for dog parks with an enclosed space (because as well behaved as my dog is, I know she likes to run and make me chase her. And that can be very risky in an uncontrolled high traffic area) I was looking for a decently spaced park. Not to big to where I could lose sight of her but also not too small to where she wouldn’t enjoy herself. I took her to this park because I wanted her to get to socialize as it’s been a while and for her to lay and sunbathe in the grass (her favorite hobby from where we used to live) THERE IS. NO. GRASS. And the dogs are very unruly. I wanted more for my dog instead of going around on a leash for a few blocks only for a couple patches of grass. Everywhere else is concrete. Rocks. Gravel. Nothing. I don’t know whose bright idea it was to make a dog park, and then fill it with sharp hot rocks. If I wanted to visit a patch of rocks, I would’ve just gone out to my front yard. Very...

This dog park is very clean and well kept. There are 2 sections, a bigger section of the park is for larger dogs and the smaller section is for smaller dogs. Not many people knew the smaller portion was meant for the smaller dogs and often let the dachshunds play with the Alaskan malamutes in the big dog section.

Both areas have gravel and fountains for both human and dogs. There are also faucet for hose and fill the little swimming tubs up for doggoes to cool down. Outside of the park there is a porta potty. Both sections have 2 double gate access points to prevent run away dog. However, you often have to remind new dog owners and their relatives to lock the outside door before opening the inner door.

There are two parking area, within the little bay area. There are also street parking.

I am a regular here, however, there are more and more new dog owners bringing their problem dogs here. And it is driving the...