To Dog Park or Not to Dog Park
Some people think dog parks are all the rage while others are hesitant of them. I’ve had my fair share of dog park experiences as well as a variety of breeds and temperaments. I thought I’d give you my two cents on the pros and cons of dog parks.
Dog Park Information
Dog parks are usually made up of two different fenced areas–one side for small dogs and one side for large dogs. Most dog parks have rules and regulations posted outside the gate before you enter for safety reasons. Some of these rules include, but are not limited to, no leashes inside the fenced area, no food, dogs must be vaccinated and no aggressive dogs allowed. However, there’s no one to reinforce these rules. Many times they’re completely ignored.
Pros of Dog Parks
Dog parks allow dogs an area to play off leash with other dogs and socialize with people as well. This is especially handy for people who live in the city or apartments. They’re a great place for advanced training practice, enrichment and energy burning. In theory, this sounds great, but usually the cons outweigh the pros of dog parks.
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Cons of Dog Parks
In my experience, there are way more cons than pros when dealing with dog parks due to the lack of monitoring. Most dog parks don’t have someone on duty to enforce the listed rules, which leaves a lot of room for error. The dog park isn’t a good place for a dog that suffers from anxiety, fear or aggressive behaviors since the added excitement from other dogs and people could make the issues worse. You also wouldn’t want to take a puppy who hasn’t had all of his vaccinations to a dog park, as it’s not safe for his health
Choosing a Dog Park
Now that you know what you’re up against, it’s time to figure out which dog park if any is a good choice for you. First, you should evaluate your dog and his personality. If you have a friendly, confident dog with all of his vaccinations, he may be a good candidate for a dog park. If you’re hesitant of dog parks, I suggest locating dog parks in your area and visiting them. I usually bring my dog with me along with some really tasty treats on hand. During the initial visit, I don’t actually allow my dog to enter the dog park; rather I observe the goings-on from outside. This allows me to see what the dynamic of this particular dog park is like. I’m also helping my dog build a positive association with the dog park by rewarding good behaviors in the park area.
If I see dogs bullying other dogs and pet owners allowing this behavior, I leave immediately! Most dog parks have regulars from the area, so you can kind of get a feel for how things work. If I see friendly dogs with attentive owners, then this might be a dog park that I choose to try out on my next visit. The key to choosing the right dog park is making sure you and your dog are comfortable with the area.
Be your dog’s voice. When in doubt, stay away from dog parks.
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