Dog Parks - Why Even Have Rules?

Let's discuss dog parks for a moment.  I have had the pleasure of taking care of one of my "old man dogs" for the past week and a half. I see him for breakfast and dinner and each time we visit the dog park because that's where he does his business.  He is a gentle soul - a 90 lb (give or take) lab/shepherd mix.  He excitedly enters the park, pees, and then makes his round to all of the human people to say hello.  He doesn't engage much with other dogs except for a few sniffs here and there.

During this particular stint with him, I will have walked him 23 times.  That means 23 times at the park. I have met great people, great dogs, and even made some business contacts.  I have however seen some things that are questionable.  Well, questionable is very vague.  I question the common sense of some people and THAT is questionable.  Every dog park has a set of rules.  These rules are posted outside of the park, completely visible to anyone that is entering.  They even used to have a sign with a picture of a dog with his back to you showing his giant hairy testicles to say "Dogs must be neutered to enter".  The rules at each dog park don't vary much - They are essentially just stating the obvious.  This is the actual list of rules from the park that I am speaking of:

PARK RULES

• All dog run users must observe city laws and ordinances, including:
  • Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. 
  • Dog waste must be disposed of properly. 
  • Dogs outside of run must remain on leashes at all times. 
• The following dogs are NOT permitted in the dog run:
  • Puppies under 4 months and ANY dog not fully vaccinated as recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Un-neutered males and female dogs in heat. 
  • Sick dogs. 
• Children 10 and under are not permitted in Seger dog park. 
• Children 11-15 must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Leashes must be removed upon entering the dog run. 
• Collars must be worn in the dog run. 
• The following collars are not permitted in the dog run: 
  • Prong 
  • Choke
  • Heavy chain link
  • Spike collars 
• No toys allowed except for standard tennis balls.
• Smoking, food and alcohol are not permitted in the dog run.
• Pay Attention. 
• No biting, fighting or bullying allowed. 
• Dog owners are responsible for removing their dog immediately if your dog displays aggressive      behavior. 
• Repair any damage caused by your dog's digging. 
• Limit of three (3) dogs per owner. 

DOGS MUST BE SUPERVISED BY OWNERS AT ALL TIME

Dog owners / handlers must be inside the park and within view and voice control of their dogs at all times.

Be Advised: All persons using Dog Park  assume any and all risks associated with the use of the dog park.  

• No attendant is on duty.   Users of this facility do so entirely at their own risk.
  Report Unsafe Behavior!
  To report immediate danger, call 911.
  Any of the following information is helpful:
  1. Name / description of offending dog & owner / handler,
  2. Photo of offending dog and/or owner / handler. Use your cell phone to take the photo.

So far this week in the dog park I have personally seen :

*A baby strapped to the front of her mom 

*A 3 yr old girl

*2 little kids (around 5 yrs old)    that were running up to dogs and then running away yelling "I'm scared"

*A couple enjoying 2 sandwiches from Subway while sitting on a bench (annoyed at the dogs coming over to them)

* An very large unneutered pit mix (not aggressive at all, but you never know when they are intact)

It's really frustrating because you want to point out the obvious to these people, but that would only start a fight.  You want to tell them that the dogs coming in there are all dog friendly, but not necessarily kid friendly.  People avoid confrontation like the plague, but there are certain cases like these where dog owners have every right to approach a parent and say <" Get your kid outta here!!"   These pups run fast and play rough! They WILL knock you over if you aren't paying attention.  Dogs eat hoagies!  Dogs can be food aggressive!  Especially when there are 10 dogs to 1 potential hoagie!  I don't know if it's my general concern for human intelligence or my empathy for the dogs that are put in potential situations that would result in bites or euthanasia.  If you bring a kid to a dog park and a dog bites your kid, you could try to have said dog euthanized for aggression (even though your kid wasn't supposed to be there in the first place!)  This is especially scary for pet sitters like me because we don't know the dog as well as the owner.  Maybe they are good with kids, but only in certain situations.  I have walked out of this park in a huff and shaking my head in disbelief almost daily.  It is a wonderful place for dogs to run and socialize and play.  Please just follow the rules and let them!!