Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
A message from 'dog paradise'

A message from 'dog paradise'

Is this vision possible?


I am writing this just a few hours after returning from a mountain hike with Pax that had a truly healing effect on us. Getting out of the city and experiencing the mountains, crystal clear streams, and blossoming alpine meadows has an indisputable uplifting effect, but today was even more exceptional.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I wrote a piece about the intolerance of people who do not like dogs, as well as, dog laws that are overly restrictive, limiting, and unfair to those of us who live with dogs.

I pondered the paradox that most people consider themselves to be more important than animals and insist that dogs should be disallowed completely from sensitive natural environments or confined to a lifetime on a leash so they don't damage them. The irony is that reckless human behaviour is at the core of almost all kinds of environmental destruction, not dogs and their paws.

The lack of dog access to beaches and parks is likely the result of the intense pressure applied by those who don't like dogs or at least have not experienced the joy of living with canines. 

These individuals are loud and influential enough to get their way with lawmakers. I sometimes hear them argue that some dogs are aggressive, therefore no canines should be allowed. It’s like saying that everyone’s freedoms should be restricted because of a small percentage of criminal offenders.

I also hear them saying that dog feces is a potential health hazard, but most dog lovers are super responsible and it is quite rare to see an “abandoned dog No. 2” these days. Also, in case a poop goes unnoticed in the bushes, it feeds plants and trees unlike plastic wrappers and soda cans I often come across when hiking.

Sadly, the shrinking number of dog beaches and parks leads to the rise of “dog ghettos”,  overcrowded dog zones that are the breeding ground for disease, parasites, and behavioural problems due to unnatural congested conditions. 

The anti-dog sentiments are in stark contrast with books, movies, and research that confirm dogs are, and always will be, loved. The viral dog videos with millions of views are clear proof.

Today has been a special day because we were able to find dog paradise! A mountain region with NO DOG RESTRICTIONS! 🐶  Dogs and people hiked together, having fun, saying hi, sniffing butts (dogs only 😆), while respecting each other's space. Everyone got along just fine without bylaws and restrictive signs. No fights, no aggression, just happy dogs and people in a little slice of paradise!  

Dr. Peter Dobias hiking with his border collie Pax in the Canadian Rockies August 2020

Unlike dog restricted areas, where I usually find wrappers, cans, and plastic, today the meadows were pristine, the water was clean, and there were no signs of trash anywhere. 

Is it possible that fewer rules and the sight of happy dogs makes people feel freer, happier, and therefore more respectful, caring, and considerate of one another and their surroundings? 

I know that it would still take a lot of effort to convince some people that allowing dogs in more parks and beaches would disperse their presence more evenly and solve the problems we see now. 

With some rare exceptions, dog guardians are responsible and most dogs are friendly and well behaved. It may happen that a puppy learning the ropes may jump up and make a paw print or two on someone’s T-shirt or pants, but no one died from a little muddy puppy-love, and we can apply the same level of tolerance as we do when we are on a long haul flight with a crying baby on board. 

I am writing this blog with the hope that it may land on the screen of a city council member, or park official, who is influential enough to pioneer an experiment in a progressive city, town, or a park. Here is what it could look like:  

  1. 🏖Allow 40% of beaches and safe parks (away from traffic) to be leash optional (40% is the proportion of families with dogs.)

  2. 🏞Let dog lovers visit national, state, or provincial parks, with dogs and give them the freedom to decide when to let their dogs off-leash. You will see that nothing much will happen and the environment will not suffer under the soft canine paws.

  3. 🙂😞Survey people in the "dogs allowed" and "no dogs allowed" zones to see what their happiness index is.

  4. Give people who don’t like, or are afraid of, dogs an option to visit dog-free zones, or if they want to come to “dog-friendly areas” it would be a good opportunity for them to get used to dogs and see how wonderful they are.

  5. 🤓Municipalities and officials could connect with top behaviourists using positive and gentle training methods to create free or inexpensive dog training classes to help eliminate some problems such as jumping up, barking and lack of social skills. Most dogs love to learn and their people do too. 

Today's hike made me feel hopeful and happy! I met about two dozen lovely dogs and well over 100 people. The mood was happy and uplifting, and the dogs got along just fine. 

For decades we have been taught that to achieve order in our society strict law enforcement is necessary, but allow me to disagree. The word ‘enforcement’ originated from the word ‘FORCE’, which makes most people uncomfortable. 

I am convinced that when we have the freedom to make sound decisions, without being forced, we act more responsibly and hold higher respect for one another. Research shows that dogs make us happier, healthier, and live longer. Are these good enough reasons to try and find a way to create a more dog-friendly and tolerant world? 

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close