9 January 2019

The Forde dog park

| johnboy
Join the conversation
14

Having ventured to darkest Gungahlin this afternoon we thought we might as well do something useful. So we took George (The Kelpie Of Few Accomplishments) to the Forde Dog Park to see what it had to offer.

As I previously mentioned on the subject of dog parks; all a dog really wants is green grass to run on and the owners don’t ask for much more than somewhere to sit and a bin for the disposal of dog muck.

And to be honest despite all the thoughtful equipment built for the dogs, the ability to run around is where it’s at for them.

Owners would occasionally make desultory efforts to get the dogs to do something clever, and the dogs would sometimes oblige.

The best thing about the place is the paired gates to enter which should prevent doggy escapes.

On the downside the turf is deader than disco and it’s fast becoming a dust-bowl.

The large trees are great providing plenty of shade to the numerous park benches.

George definitely had a good time, but he probably would have had as good a time anywhere else with as many dogs to talk to. (Even better he came back onto his leash like a deceptively good dog)

So I’m in favour of gated off leash dog parks, but still not entirely convinced about the equipment.

Join the conversation

14
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

luther_bendross said :

Are there any other dog parks around? I know of none. We usually find ourselves around Mt Ainslie, however with summer coming on I don’t fancy a tick-covered pooch.

I wasn’t aware that there were ticks in Canberra???? Certainly not paralysis ticks which are the ones you need to worry about.

I have heard on the grapevine that they are building another at Lake Ginninderra, in the area that the Dogs Day Out is held (which, incidentally, is on this weekend)

luther_bendross said :

Are there any other dog parks around? I know of none. We usually find ourselves around Mt Ainslie, however with summer coming on I don’t fancy a tick-covered pooch.

I wasn’t aware that we there were ticks in Canberra???? Certainly not paralysis ticks which are the ones you need to worry about.

I have heard on the grapevine that they are building another at Lake Ginninderra, in the area that the Dogs Day Out is held (which, incidentally, is on this weekend)

la mente torbida3:17 pm 10 Nov 08

I have been warned by dog trainers to be aware of small white dogs running off-leash. Apparently potential play pal suddenly becomes prey.

tylersmayhem1:06 pm 10 Nov 08

…until a big dog makes short work of a little dog, then all the folk who love pointing fingers at to who’s fault the Canberra bush fires were grab hold of it, and down it’ll go.

A great idea I think, but being the realistic and cynical person I am, I see problem brewing.

ramblingted said :

mmm..dunno about the equipment…looks a bit too much like the Mt Pleasant assault course…although, probably provides interesting stuff to pee on…

That’s the great advantage chihuahuas have, they are quite happy weeing on grass clumps. Anything bigger, and they have to do hand-stands (and they do).

my rotty has had a few bounds about the daramalan ovals with two greyhounds and two whippets lately – no playground stuff, just lots of space, wears her out, all good!

mmm..dunno about the equipment…looks a bit too much like the Mt Pleasant assault course…although, probably provides interesting stuff to pee on…

There’s that, but there’s also overprotective dog owner crippling their babies.
Play growls are play, the dogs know it but some people freak.

Apparently there’s one under construction in Tuggers.

Personally O’Connor oval has the best community and largest number of dogs.

Macquarie oval at the right time is pretty good too.

I find a common problem at a lot of them is intellectually disabled dog owners with anti-social dogs and I don’t know a good answer to that problem.

luther_bendross10:29 pm 09 Nov 08

Are there any other dog parks around? I know of none. We usually find ourselves around Mt Ainslie, however with summer coming on I don’t fancy a tick-covered pooch.

Those hoops and stuff are for the dog sport stuff that some humans like?
Playing with other dogs is the big thing. That way larger (potentially dangerous to us) dogs can learn to play safe. They don’t like to hurt their little mates.

have to be a very, very small and determined dog…

That’s the thing, innit? Dogs aren’t modern-day kids, whinging that there’s “nothing to do” and wanting someone to make entertainment for them. Dogs just like space, freedom and other dogs to play with. All you need is a decent fence, and bins for the pooh (and seats, I guess, so the humans can sit and socialise their way).

dragonflygal9:07 pm 09 Nov 08

Looks interesting… How big are the gaps in the fence, could a small dog get out through them?

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.