Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester Dog Owners Group (MDOG) is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization making change for you and your dog. We advocate responsible dog ownership and are active in the community educating dog owners with information about choosing the right dog, trainer, vet, what it means to be a responsible dog owner, and community programs that may be available to owners such as spay/neuter, AKC CGC, and more. We encourage the town to participate in our efforts by programming recreational activities through the Recreation Department and help in promoting Animal Control's annual vaccine and licensing clinic.

If you are interested in working with MDOG to create educational, community, or recreational programs, please contact us at mdogct@yahoo.com. If you would like to volunteer for MDOG, please contact us at volunteer4mdog@yahoo.com. For more information about MDOG, please click here to see the MDOG trifold brochure.

Canine socialization and exercise are important to MDOG. A well-exercised, well-socialized dog is a welcome member of any community. That's why MDOG is working to raise money for Manchester's first community dog park. Here, dogs of all kinds would be able to socialize and exercise in a safe, enclosed area.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pet ownership is a positive aspect of our society.  Many studies have shown the benefits of pet ownership to the mental and physical health of people of all ages.  Taking a dog into a social situation provides a means for social interaction between people that otherwise may not be possible.  It is easy to start up conversations when a pet is present and many friendships begin in this way.  For some elderly people, an outing with their dog may provide the only contact with other people in their day.  For people with mobility problems, a dedicated dog-friendly area allows exercising of their dog without walking any distance.  For most dog owners, the opportunity to meet other dog lovers is a happy and rewarding experience, just as it is for their dogs to meet other dogs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

According to the Town Clerk’s Office, there are 3,714 licensed dogs in Manchester and it is estimated that there are more unlicensed dogs in Manchester than there are licensed dogs.  The estimated 7400 dogs in town represent about 28% of the town’s households. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Town of Manchester approved a parcel of land, approximately 1.5 acres, to be set aside for the building of a dog park giving the citizens the responsibility of raising the funds and building the park by 2011. This land is located behind the Water Treatment Center in Mt. Nebo Park on Spring Street in Manchedster.

Because of the "paws"ative aspects a dog park brings to the community, MDOG is helping citizens to raise those funds. Your support is needed to help create the dog park. Stay updated on our activities by checking our calendar or joining our Yahoo! Group.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

• Dogs are social animals. Families and single people own them because they provide affection and companionship, and teach children responsibility and caregiving.

• Dogs need exercise. They need to run and play with their owners to work off energy and satisfy their need for challenge and stimulation. It is a reality that in our society many dogs must be left alone for long hours while their owners go to work. Dogs that are deprived of exercise, stimulation and socialization may become problems for their owners, their neighbors and for other dogs because they are bored. Good behavior is learned through interaction with people and other animals. In order to learn good behavior, dogs need to be brought out of isolation into social situations. They are by nature pack animals and should not be isolated from other dogs.

• Dog owners are regular users of Manchester's open space and parks. Even though owners are supposed to clean up after their pets, sometimes dog feces are a problem in park areas, at athletic fields and on school grounds. A dog park will provide an attractive option for dog owners, reducing the damage caused by digging and by dog waste. Manchester has created many parks for its citizens, most of which contain a variety of athletic fields and other active recreation facilities serving thousands of residents. According to the Town Clerk's Office, there are 3,714 licensed dogs in Manchester, and it is estimated that there are more unlicensed dogs than there are licensed dogs. Many dog owners are now coming forward to request that the town provide a facility to meet their recreational needs.

• Owning a dog encourages people to exercise and enjoy their town's open spaces. Dog exercise areas have been places where neighbors and other local residents regularly meet and greet, often forming longer lasting community ties.

• A dog park that allows licensed dogs encourages residents to get their dogs licensed, creating revenue for the town.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Parks for Pooches committee has proposed a 1 acre dog park located at Mount Nebo behind the Water Department building, a site which already has a parking lot.  The location would be cleared of brush (probably by volunteers), fenced and possibly surfaced with wood chips.  There would be separate small/older and large dog areas. There is a source of drinking water very near the proposed site. 

This is the northeast corner of the Water Department's fence.

This is the view into the proposed dog park from the parking lot between the baseball diamond and the Water Department.

Although there is already a path, we expect that some clearing will be needed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MDOG Made the Papers!

Click here for Journal Inquirer Article from July, 2009

Click here for Reminder Article

Please email mdog.amduke@yahoo.com with any suggestions for additional FAQs for this page. Thanks!