COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Brien

"That this Committee agrees that the Council look into introducing a pilot puppy enclosure at Griffeen Valley dog park. This area could be used for small puppies to mix before they mix with the other dogs in the current dog park."

REPORT:

"While a separate enclosure for puppies would have benefits it would be difficult to achieve a successful outcome in the absence of a system to police it. While the area might be designed for small puppies there is a vast difference between how some dogs grow and develop. A puppy from a small breed eg. Chihuahua could potentially meet a puppy from a large breed eg. Great Dane. Both dogs would be classed as puppies but their rates of development would be so different that it may not be appropriate for them to mix. Furthermore apart from signage there would be little to prevent fully grown dogs from accessing the enclosure.

The most appropriate course of action in this instance would be for dog owners to introduce their puppies to dogs runs when they consider that they are ready for this experience. Puppy social skills and interaction with other dogs can be achieved through puppy training classes which all responsible dog owners should be encouraged to attend."