I haven't been in Alton all that long, but I do remember when you could take the dogs to the boat ramp. I think it changed some time last summer. Bummer too, it was a great activity for the dogs and their owners, it gave them access to the lake but away from public swim areas. Not sure why it's changed, perhaps pmj is right and it was because of irresponsible pet owners not doing their "doo-ty." We just keep our wiener dog home now and he plays in the kiddie pool, but he's little (only 10 lbs) so he can get his splash on in pretty well at home, for bigger dogs it's not quite as fun.
Not sure why all the hub-bub over different training techniques. Guess I'm a bad dog owner too, since my Stewie has a crate.
He loves it in there, it's his little "safe zone" he's got his fluffy little bed in there and it's a nice snug den-like environment.