Short Pump Park — Attraction in Virginia

I took my 8month Doberman there today. He plays calm most of the time. I keep an eye on my dog 100% time to make sure he not across the line(never bite or nip any dogs so far, tried to hump like 5times his life but never successful on any because I stopped. There was one dog today at dog park keep growling mine and went after mine. I want to build my dog’s confident so I usually if others play rough I let them be, bottom line is no real bite. But then I saw that dog did bite my dog’s right side cheek. I stopped and went check immediately nothing serious. Walk my dog to the end side. Wait for few minutes then I decided to leave. When we towards to the gate, that dog came again and growling n growling closer n closer. I didn’t know what to do by that time Its not my position to teach other dogs. So I decided use the most mild way said loud and clear: Hey, no! To that dog. Wanted to stop the tension before he bite mine again. The owner yelled at me: “Hey don’t talk to my dog like that!” We went to the car. After got in the car I thought maybe the lady didn’t know what was going on few minutes ago. I can’t leave her the impression that I yell at her dog for no reason just purely bully her dog. So I went back. I said ‘Hello can I talk to you for a minute?’ Then I explained what happened today. The reason I said loud ‘no’ simply stopped the fight before it happen. She got upset and loudly said she been bring her dog to this dog park forever& hers never bite any dogs(I can never say my dog will never bite, because even never happened doesn’t mean it won’t happen. I will always keep my dog on check). He just a baby only 9month(so that give yours excuse ok to bite?also mine is only 8month). Are you sure that’s him there are so many dogs(this shows she didn’t see what happened at all, rainy day wasn’t that much dogs. While it happened only another boxer and German Shepard beside. I witness the whole thing). Said my Dobbie is aggressive( now she just make up story, my Dobbie lower energy don’t want trouble, I keep an eye on my dog all the time he didn’t even bark once today)also said I’m lunatic (huh??? ) Then I realized I can’t talk with irrational people so I left. Talked with a lady outside about to came in but decided not after saw these. And she said sorry what happened, also said she was mad at that dog owner yell loud at me. Told me next time just video it as evidence. Not gonna say which dog because I do believe it’s not the dog’s fault it’s the owners’ plus how they train their dog. A smothering and bully parent of course the dog just copy what the owner does. Yet still Love the park itself but be aware dog owners like the one I bumped into today. Don’t assume all dog parents are responsible and rational...

The Dog Park here is amazing. They’ve been talking a lot about dog flus and dog diseases. However, if your dog is vaccinated and you’re careful not to have them drink a lot of the water there you can bring your own water by the way or water bowl. And you don’t let them play with other toys like tennis balls etc. it seems pretty safe you can always socially distance your dogs. It is a wonderful community feel I always take my beverage size dogs in the smaller dog park because they’re terrified of the big dogs. And they always enjoyed it anyways every time I go there, I think of my dog jackson who used to be the Dog Park police, he would definitely referee everybody there and he died when he was 21 and he still went to the dog park every day when he was 18 and onwards. He’s a legend there it is a great community field. It is really clean. Just make sure people pick up their poopy, but most people do adhere to that otherwise they’re going to get marched out. Kids are not allowed under 12 I believe. But there is a park nearby for the kids to play on. There’s also events and Fetch A cure has a wonderful statue there given by a charitable organization that Fetch A cure is a cancer awareness and also cancer treatment for companions In CRISIS. it is important to take note of this beautiful red dog, which is synonymous with the dogs all around town with Fetch A cure. I think it would be ideal to actually have vendors like salty paws RVA ice cream, coming in the summertime or maybe even if they could get permits some kind of coffee kiosk, probably not some food because dogs will go crazy over that. People generally take care of their animals there however, there have been some incidences or people do not pay attention to the dogs, and they have gotten into squabbles, but nothing terrible and then the people usually end up yelling at everybody else while the dogs are cool. All in all it’s a great place it has a cool walking trailcoming up to West Broad Village and they even have a labyrinth in the woods. If you have hound dogs, be careful to hold onto them in the woods. And please bring your poopy bags they’re all...

I had an unfortunate first time experience today. I was met by a Dog who's owner promoted bad dog behavior. I was met by a barking dog who followed me around the entire walkway of the large dog area around 945 AM on Sunday. I faced the dog and put my hand out and the dog backed away continuing to bark loudly. I walked further, turned and faced the dog and gave the no command. The female owner said "he is just being a dog" I responded with 'you need to control your dog " her next response was "you don't have a dog you should not be here". "There must be something wrong with you my dog does not like you" The dog stayed within a few feet and barked at me the entire time. I gave the dog another loud stop and no command. On the way out I asked for the dog tag number and her response was "are you kidding?". Who is enforcing the rules at this dig park? I went back but she was gone. She is a bully and her dog is attempting to take on her behavior. I am 70 with a hip, shoulder and back injury and a community resident for 44 years ..never have I encountered this type behavior from to poorly behaved ANIMALS. I have contacted animal control..and waiting for more...