Being a dog owner in a densely populated urban area presents a unique set of challenges, not the least of which is space. As more people are packed into an area, it logically follows that the amount of yard space would diminish from home to home. Without yard space, a dog owner might be forced to risk harm to himself, his dog, and other people by seeking alternatives, such as the open street, or if the owner lives in an apartment building, the halls of the building itself. Measures like this could result in incidents that would be avoided with a designated play area for the dog.
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The city must do its part to maintain the park and enforce the rules, but whether the dog park succeeds or fails is contingent on the conduct of its patrons. The majority of dog owners do not bring their pets to dog parks with the intention of causing trouble; they simply wish to have a place where their dogs can be just that. Accidents will happen, of course, but responsible owners are aware of the risks involved, and if they are truly responsible, will conduct themselves and their dogs accordingly. No one wants his own, or anyone else's, pet to be hurt, after all. The key is in education, in making sure visitors to the dog park understand and are willing to follow the rules.
Ultimately, creating a dog park is a major undertaking for a city, and presents as many challenges as owning a dog. It can be an expensive and difficult process, but in the end is well worth it. It improves the community, and even invites dog owners who seek a home that is welcoming, both to them and their dogs. Ask any dog owner, and you will hear the same answer: dog owners think of their four-legged friends as members of their own families. They should be given the same attention to their needs as any other resident of a