The Paw Park is open from dawn to dusk everyday
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There are a number of possible causes of the leash aggression displayed by dogs. If your dog has had a bad experience with another dog, they may have come to consider all dogs as potentially harmful; even when entering the park to play.
One of the reasons that many dogs are fearful and react aggressively when on the leash is that they feel restricted by the leash. Most animals when corned will lash out in self-defense. This doesn’t mean that you don’t use a leash, you need to be in control of your dog when in any public space and understand how they must be feeling at that moment. In spending time at the park, we have seen that many park users politely call their dogs back from the entrance, so as NOT to overwhelm arriving dogs. Please do this with your dog too!
Your dog may be fearful of any number of things that are exhibited as dog leash aggression and other dog aggression. You may be unwittingly helping to trigger this fear response. If you are a first time visitor to the park, and are nervous about meetings between your dog and another dog, your dog may sense your apprehension and be even more fearful.
When dogs on leash meet, say outside of the gated area, try to have a loose leash when dogs greet each other. When dogs start to circle, while sniffing each other, try not to get their leashes entangled, as this can result in a negative reaction by one or both dogs. Understanding dog body language and behavior help a great deal in these circumstances. If the dogs show signs of aggression or stress, simply walk away from each other. (watch for an upcoming "understanding dog behavior" event at the paw park)When exiting the park, we understand that is often necessary to leash a dog in order to get him/her to leave her playmates. We have noticed that as some leashed dogs are exiting the park, unleashed dogs get more excited and create some tension. Try calling your dog into the Sally port and attach the leash there. Try to avoid lifting small dogs, as any dog that is following you will find this especially exciting and may jump or nip at the dog being carried or at the person carrying the dog.
Always try to follow Rule #3 to the letter. Leash & unleash dogs within the double-gated Sally port securing gates each time.
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The Paw Park WISH LIST
As you all know, the park is coming along nicely but still needs some work. We are completely funded by volunteers and supporters like yourself. The town of Amherst does not give us any monetary donations for the maintenance and care of the park. We have compiled a "WISH LIST"of things that we still need to help finish and maintain the park.
Here is what we came up with:
Shade trees, more benches, accessible water supply, lawn mower and/or volunteers to help keep it mowed regularly, clean fill for low spots/sod for quick cover, parking-lot enhancements (larger lot, tarmac sealer, lines painted, bumpers)
These are just some of the more important things that we came up with. If you have any of these things that you'd be willing to help with or know someone who would, please contact us. Or if anyone has suggestions for other needs that you may think we need... Thank you! The Paw Park Volunteers
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>Contact us at amherstpawpark@yahoo.com with questions or comments.
In December 2009, the Amherst Town Board unanimously approved Amherst, New York’s first Off Leash Recreation Area (OLRA) for dogs and their owners. The Amherst Paw Park Association (APPA) – through its affiliation with the Amherst Parks Foundation - is dedicated to raising the funds necessary to make the park a reality, maintain & improve the facility. The Paw Park was built solely with generous donations of materials, labor & money. The facility, while approved by the Town, is NOT a Town project and is NOT funded by the Town. In order to keep the park safe, attractive & viable, APPA are responsible for fund raising for as long as the park is utilized.
Thanks to the Town, we have approval to convert an unused portion of Amherst’s Municipal Complex on Smith Road (near the Compost Facility). This park is designed to give dogs the exercise they need, off leash, in a controlled setting.
Our vision for the Amherst Paw Park includes a fenced-in, dedicated area that allows dogs to run and socialize while not infringing on the activities of joggers, cyclists, and other park users. The park will encourage interaction between dog owners and provide a setting to meet others with similar interests.
For more information about contributing to APPA, please visit our donation page with the paypal option.
Amherst Parks Foundation is a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.
Tax deductible donations can also be made by check to:
AMHERST PARKS FOUNDATION (please note "paw park" in the memo line)
5140 Main Street, Suite 303-229
Williamsville, NY 14221