A Rockdale Council spokesman said the fence was provided around the off-leash dog walking area in Scarborough Park, between President Avenue and Colson Crescent, ``for the protection of the public'' and the council would ``monitor the situation''.

Resident and dog owner Dorothy Higgins said neither she nor any of her neighbours were notified of the council's plans to enclose the off-leash area measuring 100 metres by 25 metres.

Ms Higgins said the enclosure was directly opposite homes and would subject residents to noise and amenity issues.

She said the off-leash area should remain unfenced, as it had for decades. Residents are concerned the move is a precursor to eliminating the off-leash area.

"They [dogs] will fight. It's not going to work. Next thing they will get rid of it altogether because the dogs will be causing problems,'' Ms Higgins said.

Animal behaviorist and veterinarian Dr Kersti Seksel said if a dog was well socialised it should be able to tolerate being in close proximity to other dogs and animals of other species.

"Like humans, all animals like their own personal space and some dogs need more than others,'' Dr Seksel said.

"But if it is not well socialised it should not be off a lead.

"The issue is more about off-leash space. Distance and space depends more on individual dogs.

"Big dogs, like Great Danes don't necessarily need more room than small dogs like Jack Russells, which run around a lot more.''