How it should be done!

On the Port Phillip website you'll find the following titbit of information. It makes for informative reading when compared to the current attitudes of our clowncil -

Dog Owner Groups
Many popular parks have their own unofficial dog owner groups that get together to socialise with their pets. These groups can be a great way to get to know people in your area and to allow your dog to socialise and play with other dogs. The people in these groups take good care of their parks, helping to promote responsible pet ownership.
Some of these groups are advancing into more official groups such as Alma Dog Group at Alma Park in St Kilda East. Alma Dog Group recently worked with the Animal Management unit to host Port Phillips first Pet Expo in April 2006. Council is actively encouraging more groups like Alma Dogs to be created as they help to promote responsible pet ownership and encourage community togetherness.
Another park that has quite a social dog group is Gasworks park which is located in Middle Park. This park is an off-leash park that is used by many dogs for their playtime. The regulars to Gasworks have become quite an organised group.
Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda and Clarke Reserve in Elwood are two more examples of parks that are very popular in their neighbourhoods. These parks have active groups of regulars that enjoy spending time socialising with their dogs in the parks.
So if you are new to an area or to being a dog owner, talk to people in your neighbourhood about local doggy activities and news. If you are a new visitor to a park, it's a good idea to talk to other park users to see if there is a group of regulars that get together as it is a great way for you and your pooch to make some new friends.