Dr. Robert Forto: Recent Comments

Comment on Go Big or Go Home: Bronco's Darrent Williams Murder Trial Coverage

Mario Mangone — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:59:11 GMT

"It is amazing how many people love to wallow in other peoples misfortune." Couldn't explain it better.

Keep up the good work and thank you for putting your priorities first.

Comment on H1N1, Captain Trips and the Swine Flu

Susan McCauley — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:03:51 GMT

The fact that the vaccine made you ill does not mean that the actual flu would be worse. Some people have been permanently damaged by the vaccine.

I use Super Vira-gon if I feel anything coming on and it works! All natural and powerful preventive.
Go to www.animalworldusa.org on the Inspiration page and scroll down to the Baseline Nutritionals link to order. You will not regret this!

Comment on Canine Behaviorist

bespoke software — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:58:16 GMT

Humm... interesting,

This is the great definition of a canine behaviourist,

Thanks for writing about it

Comment on Christmas Puppies: A Bad Idea?

Gayle Cousineau — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:04:44 GMT

Great article! I posted it on my blog. Thanks for the great puzzle idea as an option to a puppy so the best choice can be made and help assure a forever home.

Comment on Canine C.P.R.

Cats Pets — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:13:45 GMT

its very good blog site , I really liked it , it contains lot of good and Important information , I think , We all must read.
Barbara

Comment on Dog Parks: Why I Don't Like Them

Julia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:12:45 GMT

We have a few dog parks here. The best ones being the completly fenced ones for my dogs. I used to take my siberians to the dog parks everyday to run and run and play. But now the dog parks are mostly in ruins and full of horribly aggressive dogs and owners who pay no attention to the dogs, thus leaving poop and fights all over. I wonder, in my neighborhood these invisible fences are the norm. And behind every one of these fences is a horribly aggressive dog. I cannot walk my dogs near my home because many of these aggressive dogs break through the fence to attack my dogs. I am left with putting dogs into car and going to a state park with trails or something, its a huge pain. I totally agree with what you say and these aggressive dogs and idiot owners are ruining my enjoyment of walking and spending time exercising my dogs.

Comment on Dog Parks: Why I Don't Like Them

Aly — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:57:42 GMT

I have a love-hate relationship with dog parks.. As a city resident and owner of two very high-energy herding dogs, it is very difficult to find places where I can get them the exercise they need. Our small yard and daily walks are simply not enough for them. We no longer utilize city dog parks because of uneducated and ignorant owners. My dogs like and NEED to work and run(A LOT). Any time we go to a dog park, their toys are stolen by other dogs with oblivious owners. We choose to go to the two state parks in the area with "off-leash training areas." These parks allow much more space for dogs to run and since there are no fences, there are usually better trained dogs there. Even in the rare instance that there are "problem dogs," there is always enough room to get away.

I just wish there were more options for city residents with well trained dogs to have off-leash privileges in some parks or even large fenced areas that were available for private rentals.

Comment on Dog Parks: Why I Don't Like Them

Dr. Robert Forto — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:07:12 GMT

Thank you for your comments Carrie and Meg. Carrie, I agree with you. I do have an unpopular opinion but it is an opinion that most people can understand as you stated. There are so many problems in the local dog parks that I have had to start a class called my Growl Class to deal with all the dog reactive dogs.

When I orginally published this article it was reposted in the Rocky Mountain News and I spoke many times as an expert witness for the local city governments about what should be done.

This issue needs to be looked in depth and a plan needs to be enacted.

Take care,

Robert Forto, PhD
Denver Dog Works

Comment on Dog Law: Traveling with your Dog to Hawaii

Susan McCauley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:14:11 GMT

Very helpful information. Thanks

Comment on Dog Parks: Why I Don't Like Them

Carrie Boyko — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:39:10 GMT

You have a strong and largely unpopular opinion, yet I understand your point. The problem with dog parks is not the dogs; it is their owners. That is who we need to educate in leadership. You pointed out that the dog park is not a place for an owner to "kick back"; they must be in full leadership mode. When I take my pack of 3 to the park, it is a full time job to keep tabs on them. They are well-trained and highly socialized, and my status is always clear. I am in charge. Whenever that ceases to be the case, we leave.

Dog Owners will continue to push for dog parks to give their dogs off-leash time, as long as there are leash laws everywhere. Trainers need to push just as hard for more owner training. That said, I do not believe all owners have it in them to provide adequate leadership for their dogs. I see owners every day that treat their dogs like little babies and give them everything they BEG for.

I suppose the problems are no different than those with parents who are not in charge of their children. I hope you will continue to push for more training of owners, and I would encourage you to embrace the idea of a training class for dog park attendees that includes lots of leadership skills.

Best wishes, Carrie Boyko
All Things Dog Blog