The short answer is probably not. For many, there may be more disadvantages than benefits. Below, we will go over a variety of factors you should consider when deciding if you should bring your dog to the dog park. In addition, if you do decide to go to the dog park, we will discuss how to do so as safely as possible.
Disease:
One factor in why dog parks are a potential "no-go" is that they are a cesspool for disease. While technically there are vaccination requirements implimented by the city for dogs that go to a dog park, there isn't any follow through or accountability. There isn't someone standing at the gate checking that vaccinations are up to date. Also, since these areas tend to be large, outdoor areas it is not regularly cleaned and sanitized. Any toys or waterbowls that may be at the park are also not regularly cleaned. Not to mention, not everyone picks up after their dog if they potty which only adds to the risk of spreading disease. If you do decide to go to a dog park, it is wise to make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations (including bordetella) and in good general health- if your dogs immune system seems compromised in anyway, you should skip the dog park until your dog seems to be in optimal health. In addition, it is wise to bring your own water and not let your dog drink from a communal water dish. Finally, going to a private dog park where there may be more strict immunization records for all the dogs attending would be more ideal.
Socialization/Aggressive Dogs/Dog Fights:
Being a dog training facility, we get numerous calls that go something like this: "Hi, I need help with my dog who is aggressive and is getting into fights and biting other dogs." We ask, "Can you describe the situations where you are seeing this occur?" then they reply "Well it's happening at the dog park..."
If you have an aggressive dog, the dog park is NOT the place to socialize it. Dog parks shouldn't be used to teach your dog proper socialization. Dog parks are for dogs who are ALREADY properly socialized. Dogs who attend a dog park should have a solid and stable temperament towards all dogs and people, including being able to handle possible rude dogs properly. We should also consider the personality of our dog. Do they enjoy being at the dog park and meeting dogs they don't know? Will they be appropriate while there?
In addition, your dog may learn to be rude or defensive towards other dogs. Depending on who shows up to the dog park, they may not be watching their own dog(s) and intervening if their dogs are being rude. If your dog is continually getting harassed by other dogs they may become defensive or scared of other dogs.
Also, as your dog ages, their sociability may change. For example, they may enjoy or are more tolerant of playing with any other dog when they are younger but many dogs as they mature become more selective on what play styles they prefer or simply may not enjoy meeting other dogs they don't know very well.
It is important to consider the personality and temperament of the dog(s) you decide to bring to a dog park or that others are choosing to bring to a dog park as we often see many dogs who should not be attending a dog park at the dog park.
The potential for fights is one of the biggest risks to going to a dog park. Even worse, many people do not know how to break up a fight quickly and safely. The risk is even greater for small dogs as a fight with a large dog vs a small dog can be deadly very quick. If you have a little dog and attend a dog park, it is wise to choose a park that has a dedicated area for smaller dogs. Fights may also occur due to resource guarding food, toys or even their owners. It is not wise to bring treats into the dog park, even though some people may want to reinforce good behavior. Likewise, many people play fetch with their dogs in the dog park, and fights often occur due to dogs resource guarding the ball or other dogs chasing and nipping at a dog that is chasing the ball.
If you do decide to attend a Dog Park:
Be smart.
Pick the right dog park. If there are any private dog parks, they are generally going to be safer. They often limit which dogs can go into the park (requiring proof of vaccinations in order to enter) and have a greater chance of having the ability to kick out problematic dogs.
Pack your own dogs water, bring a thin leash and be educated on how to use it to prevent a bad fight where a dog latches onto another (choking a dog off the bite is the quickest and safest way to break up a bad fight in which one dog latches onto another).
When you arrive to a dog park, sit and wait in your car and observe the other dogs at the park. Watch their body language and how they are interacting with each other. Are there any rude dogs or dogs that are being bullies? If so, are the owners addressing their dogs behavior or just letting their dog harass others? Do all the dogs look happy, relaxed and friendly? If so, and your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, in optimal health, well socialized, and has a temperament that is good for a dog park, then go on in.
If you are in the dog park, and there is a dog making you or your dog uncomfortable, leave. It is not worth the risk to stay and have a bad experience. Simply come back another day.
Alternatives for Dog Parks:
Dog parks are not the only place a dog can get exercise. If you are looking for an outlet for your dog's physical needs, consider a safer option.
Dog daycares are a safer option than a dog park. They get to run around and be social but with proper supervision (make sure you find a reputable daycare facility). Dog daycares require up to date vaccines so the risk of disease spread is much lower (but not zero). Most reputable daycares will separate dogs into playgroups depending on size, temperament, and play style. They also usually have some form of evaluation process to make sure the dog is suitable in temperament to be out with other dogs, unlike a typical dog park that anyone can bring any dog to. Since the dogs are away from their owners, there is less risk of a dog resource guarding people. Many daycares do not have toys available during group play times to limit risk of resource guarding toys.
Day Training programs- in addition to all the benefits of a dog daycare, these are often safer than a traditional dog daycare as they are typically run by dog trainers. Day Training programs also work not just on a physical outlet for your dog, but mental enrichment as well. Instead of possibly developing bad habits, they often will reduce bad habits and learn more obedience and other skills as well!
Another alternative is to introduce your dog to an e-collar for off leash reliability. Once you can have your dog safely off leash, we can exercise our dogs in any non-fenced grassy space. This is one of my favorite options as it opens up so many more spaces where my dogs can exercise and enjoy various activities with me such as off leash hiking, playing fetch or romping around in any large non-fenced outdoor space. Since the space is not fenced, it usually means we get the area to ourselves and don't need to worry about fights occurring, etc.
If you are interested in e-collar training for your dog, we do offer in-person classes (Foundations 3) Spring-Fall. You can also schedule private lessons or we can introduce e-collar training to your dog during Day Training.
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