Dogs in San Diego.

[Danoliafoya]

I am one of those horrible people who does not prefer dogs to children... I know, I know, I am a jerk of epic proportions

And I thought I was the only city dweller who doesn't love dogs! Unlike Sass, I will not concede to being a jerk of epic proportions for my miscynthropy.

The whole walk-the-dog, treat-the-dog-like-it's-a-child program is totally lost on me. I just don't get it.

My theory:

It's about control, primarily. The urban dweller is very often relegated to a subordinate status in his daily life, so he goes and gets himself a dog, the most intelligent creature he can find that he can completely dominate.

Secondarily, the dog is used as a buffer whereby the dog walker isn't compelled to acknowledge and interact with other humans on the street or in the parks because he is otherwise occupied with keeping the dog from shattin' where he isn't supposed to, jumping up on people, biting people, running around in circles and tangling up the leash, etc. Rock an iPod, and the dog walker becomes utterly impenetrable to the sociable world around him.

I believe that the increasing population of dog-owners and the increasing pangs of urban isolation and disconnectedness are two phenomena of the modern American city which, if mapped scientifically, would be found to be on the rise and growing in direct proportion with each other.

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by Danoliafoya

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Secondarily, the dog is used as a buffer whereby the dog walker isn't compelled to acknowledge and interact with other humans on the street or in the parks because he is otherwise occupied with keeping the dog from shattin' where he isn't supposed to, jumping up on people, biting people, running around in circles and tangling up the leash, etc. Rock an iPod, and the dog walker becomes utterly impenetrable to the sociable world around him.

I believe that the increasing population of dog-owners and the increasing pangs of urban isolation and disconnectedness are two phenomena of the modern American city which, if mapped scientifically, would be found to be on the rise and growing in direct proportion with each other.

I couldn't disagree with you more. Most, if not all, of the people I know who have dogs are quite social. In fact, I think having a dog is a social magnet for them. Yes, some do go overboard in treating them their kids, but in no way are they used to fend off people.

There are tons of dogs in my neighborhood and you'll see gangs of owners talking shop, making play dates at dog beach, etc. Have you ever been to a dog park before? It's like a bunch of parents bragging about where their kids got accepted to college!

[sdurbanite]

It's no secret that San Diego is pretty much doggy heaven.

Dog Fancy Magazine once again named San Diego "Dogtown USA" for 2009. We also got the honor in 2007 - San Diego, Huntington Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Named 'DogTown USA(R)... | Reuters

And Food and Wine Magazine proclaimed San Diego as one of "America's Dog Friendliest Cities" - America’s Dog-Friendliest Cities | Food & Wine

[Danoliafoya]

It's no secret that San Diego is pretty much doggy heaven. Dog Fancy Magazine once again named San Diego "Dogtown USA" for 2009.

San Diego is going to the dogs.

[king8]

Dog Beach in Ocean Beach and the North End of the Beach in Del Mar you can have a dog off leash. There may be a few others. Around the Bay however and most Beaches, San Diego is very NOT dog friendly. In fact, I've found that San Diego is not very friendly at all.

[king8]

grrrrrrrrrrr

[cruitr]

Originally Posted by king8

In fact, I've found that San Diego is not very friendly at all.

You must be looking for love in all the wrong places...

[BKK09]

The main stretch of Del Mar beach is dog friendly most of the year too. I like it better because it isn't so crazy busy and parking is free.

[BKK09]

Originally Posted by amb

I just read a thread that mentioned Ocean Beach as one of the few beaches that allow dogs. It never occurred to me that dogs might not be allowed on the beaches. Can anybody fill me in on what beaches allow dogs and which don't, please? Or can you direct me to where I might find that information. Also I will want to find dog parks once we get there. We are looking at Encinitas and Carlsbad primarily.

I should add also, if you are looking for a vet, (it took us a while to find a good one) Carlsbad Animal Hospital on State St were really really good. It is a 20 min drive for us, but well worth it.