Would This Be Useful for Your Park Walks?

[PawPing]

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I’ve got an idea I’m thinking of trialling in my local park.

Basically, it’s a simple (and free) tool that helps dog owners see how busy a park is before heading out, especially helpful for anyone with reactive, nervous or easily distracted dogs.

It would be completely anonymous and relies on people checking in and out when they visit a park to help others plan quieter walks. There would also be a small space for things like warnings about litter, loose dogs, or other issues.

Just wondering - is that something you’d actually use?

Appreciate any honest thoughts or feedback

(This is just an idea for now, not trying to sell anything.)

Thanks everyone.

Dave

 

[JoanneF]

I like the idea, but I think the fact it relies so heavily on everyone checking in would be a stumbling block - unless you could build in a feature where any one visitor could enter that there were, say 10 dogs?

 

[PawPing]

I like the idea, but I think the fact it relies so heavily on everyone checking in would be a stumbling block - unless you could build in a feature where any one visitor could enter that there were, say 10 dogs?

Thanks Joanne! Appreciate your thoughts. You’re right, the system will rely on people checking in and out, but I’m exploring simple ways to make it more useful even with minimal input, like location services and maybe push notifications to your phone etc.

Your idea about allowing users to quickly log a rough dog count is good potentially a work around. The idea is to keep it as low-effort as possible while still helping owners (especially of reactive dogs) decide if it’s a good time to visit.

From experience it’s extremely anxiety inducing to not know who your dog might meet in the park, I hate confrontation and have quite a grumpy dog who is mostly on the lead but still can’t avoid interaction.

 

[JoanneF]

Can you do one for people?

 

[PawPing]

Can you do one for people?

Haha probably!

 

[Flobo]

I like the idea in principle because that would be really helpful... But as Joanne has said it has to rely on people being pretty consistent and reliable in their observations and logging in AND out of the park. Would people actually be bothered do you think in order to help others? maybe, I don't know... For myself, if I was walking a reactive dog in the park, (if I used apps that is), I may use it to get a rough idea of how busy an area was, but generally I've always walked around the edges of parks if I have to use them with a reactive dog and used a yellow lead to indicate, hopefully, to others to give us space. Even if the park looked quiet on your app, it only takes one distracted person with their dog off lead to potentially cause problems to you and your dog sadly...

 

[PawPing]

I like the idea in principle because that would be really helpful... But as Joanne has said it has to rely on people being pretty consistent and reliable in their observations and logging in AND out of the park. Would people actually be bothered do you think in order to help others? maybe, I don't know... For myself, if I was walking a reactive dog in the park, (if I used apps that is), I may use it to get a rough idea of how busy an area was, but generally I've always walked around the edges of parks if I have to use them with a reactive dog and used a yellow lead to indicate, hopefully, to others to give us space. Even if the park looked quiet on your app, it only takes one distracted person with their dog off lead to potentially cause problems to you and your dog sadly...

Thanks for the reply, really appreciate the honest feedback. You’re right, it does rely on people actually using it properly, which is both the strength and the challenge of it being community-based.

That said, I still think it could be useful as a rough guide - not something to fully rely on, but just to help avoid the busiest times or give you a heads-up before heading out. Even if only a few people use it regularly, that might still be enough to make a difference for some.

Definitely early days, so it’s really helpful to hear what might work and what might not.

 

[Flobo]

That said, I still think it could be useful as a rough guide - not something to fully rely on, but just to help avoid the busiest times or give you a heads-up before heading out. Even if only a few people use it regularly, that might still be enough to make a difference for some.

I agree, any tool that can potentially help a person with a dog that needs space, is a positive thing. It may be good even if it just raises awareness to other park users that dogs like this exist. I do really wish you luck in designing something, please do keep us posted, we're always happy to listen to ideas and give honest feedback.

 

[Mad Murphy]

I was in the woods today there are big signs that state dogs must be kept on lead. But of course there was a woman who thought the rules didn't apply to her. Even when I forcefully pointed out her error ( the deer have new borns now)

My point: relying on people to check in and out is a bit of a non starter because people are selfish egocentric and lazy.

 

[PawPing]

I was in the woods today there are big signs that state dogs must be kept on lead. But of course there was a woman who thought the rules didn't apply to her. Even when I forcefully pointed out her error ( the deer have new borns now)

My point: relying on people to check in and out is a bit of a non starter because people are selfish egocentric

I totally get your frustration. You’re right - some people do ignore rules even when they’re clearly displayed, which is especially worrying when wildlife is involved.

I completely agree that relying entirely on people to voluntarily check in and out might not work for everyone….and since you brought it up, I’m exploring the idea of adding small incentives - maybe something like earning credits or rewards for regular, helpful use. Vouchers for somewhere or free coffee etc.

It might not solve everything, but it could nudge more people to get involved consistently, which helps everyone.

Again, I’m loving the honest feedback - it’s really useful while shaping this idea.

 

[JudyN]

I doubt you'd get enough take-up to give a realistic indication of how busy the park is - it might be better for people to just say that the park is 'busy', 'quiet' or whatever when they're there. That would also give them the opportunity to change their rating from, say, 'quiet' to 'busy' if a load of dogs turn up at once (plus check-in and -out numbers won't account for dog walkers who turn up with 8 dogs). App users could then check the most recent reports to see if they're mainly busy, quiet, or somewhere in between.

Maybe knock up a basic app and give it a test run with your local park - you could put a sign up describing your idea and ask those interested in taking part in a pilot scheme to contact you. You could then supply them with the app and see how it goes - if no one contacts you, or they don't bother to update it, you know it's unlikely to work.

Something else to consider: I wouldn't want anyone - including someone I don't know who has just created an app - to know that my dog and I are in the dog park now. They might prefer to update it after they've left the park, though then they're less likely to remember to do so as they're sorting out leads, muddy paws, etc.

Another thought is that if people weren't concerned about anonymity, you could, theoretically, track them via gps so they don't need to check in or out. But that brings up a whole can of worms about privacy.

Also ensure that you're fully compliant with data protection laws.

 

[Dibbythedog]

It sounds a good idea. I have a reactive dog so would use it . We have many parks here , spoilt for choice . The only thing is , it can change rapidly , We've been to parks that are quiet when we arrive and within 10 or 15 minutes can get busy. Depends on the the time of day . Lunch time is busy,

 

[margaret1961]

Sounds a great idea but this would need to be a really simple app with just one button I think which uses your location to detect the park. If not people will stop checking in and out

 

[PawPing]

I doubt you'd get enough take-up to give a realistic indication of how busy the park is - it might be better for people to just say that the park is 'busy', 'quiet' or whatever when they're there. That would also give them the opportunity to change their rating from, say, 'quiet' to 'busy' if a load of dogs turn up at once (plus check-in and -out numbers won't account for dog walkers who turn up with 8 dogs). App users could then check the most recent reports to see if they're mainly busy, quiet, or somewhere in between.

Maybe knock up a basic app and give it a test run with your local park - you could put a sign up describing your idea and ask those interested in taking part in a pilot scheme to contact you. You could then supply them with the app and see how it goes - if no one contacts you, or they don't bother to update it, you know it's unlikely to work.

Something else to consider: I wouldn't want anyone - including someone I don't know who has just created an app - to know that my dog and I are in the dog park now. They might prefer to update it after they've left the park, though then they're less likely to remember to do so as they're sorting out leads, muddy paws, etc.

Another thought is that if people weren't concerned about anonymity, you could, theoretically, track them via gps so they don't need to check in or out. But that brings up a whole can of worms about privacy.

Also ensure that you're fully compliant with data protection laws.

You’re right that take up will be key. The idea is built around being lightweight and anonymous, so it’s really just a quick “check in” and “check out” button to show how many dogs are likely there right now, without any tracking or sign ups involved. But I completely get your point, if only a handful of people use it, it won’t be much use to anyone.

I really like your suggestion of a simple “busy, quiet or moderate” toggle. That could sit nicely alongside the check in option or even replace it. It gives more flexibility and might feel more natural to use.

A pilot scheme is exactly what I’m planning, just testing it out in one park in Romford where I walk my own dogs.

Appreciate the reminder on data protection laws too. Thanks