Although dogs are prohibited at Willow Glen and Schallenberger elementary schools at all times, the principals of these schools say many dog owners disregard the rule.

"It's a big problem," Schallenberger Principal Marcie Payne-Graves said. "Parents put up signs on the fence asking people to clean up after their dogs, and the student council put up posters, but it hasn't worked.

The problem occurs after school is over. That's when the majority of dog owners frequent the campus, Payne-Graves said, but occasionally people bring their dogs while school is in session. And when the dogs come, they frequently leave unwelcome calling cards—feces—that their owners do not clean up.

"The kids step in it and they bring it into class," Payne-Graves said. "It's gross."

The principal added that if the owners cleaned up after their dogs, she wouldn't be as aggravated by dogs on campus.

Willow Glen Elementary School Principal Dayle D'Anna also said that the presence of dogs is a problem at her school. In the past couple of months, she said the problem has worsened.

Although she occasionally notices canine visitors during regular school hours, she said most dog owners exercise their pets at the school after 5 p.m.

School might not be in session in the evening, but the campus is not vacant, D'Anna said. Many children are in an after-school programs until 5 p.m. and many teachers work late.

Bringing dogs to a school can pose a safety hazard to the students and staff, D'Anna said.

"Dogs seem friendly, but we can't take that chance," she said.

Even if students and teachers do not come into contact with the dogs, many of them have had close encounters with canine remnants.

"The field is a small area," D'Anna said. "The children play soccer on every inch of the field. They shouldn't have to worry about stepping in dog residue. It's inconsiderate."

D'Anna said a good solution to the problem would be the designation of a dog park. And Willow Glen Elementary School parent Bob Mulvany agrees.

"What's frustrating is that the city uses schools as de facto parks, which people then use for their dogs," he said.

According to San Jose Parks and Recreation manager Steve Roehmer, the effort to create a dog park in Willow Glen is "pretty active." Roehmer said he is currently looking at cost estimates and potential locations. Wallenberg and Bramhall parks are the favored sites, he said. On Feb. 16, Roehmer will present a staff report on residents' opinions about the proposed park options to the department.

Roehmer said that neighbors' concerns about the possibility of a dog park were primarily related to the noises and smells that could be emitted from the area.

However, he added, "It shouldn't be an issue if the owners are responsible."

Roehmer said that most residents support having a dog park in the area.

"I know there is a huge demand from dog owners," he said. "There are a lot of dogs in the Willow Glen area, and their owners are organized and vocal. There is definitely a need out there."