The (Scary) Truth About Dog Parks + Alternatives & Pros & Cons | Pupford
62 Comments Filed under pup parenting
The 'dog park debate' is truly one of the most divisive aspects of being a pup parent. While dog parks can be a powerful tool for giving your pup physical exercise, they can also quickly turn into a dangerous trap.
In this episode, we break down some of the pros and cons of dog parks and how they can benefit your pup. We also explore the dangers, negatives, and scary parts of taking your pup to a dog park.
Plus, we look at some alternatives to dog parks! Let's get right into it. 👇
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OVERVIEW OF THE TRUTH ABOUT DOG PARKS
Dog parks can be a divisive topic.
Some people say dog parks are bad.
Others absolutely love dog parks.
So, which is it?
Let's look at some pros and cons of dog parks so you can determine for yourself!
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POSITIVES & PROS OF DOG PARKS
Dog parks can be a powerful tool for getting your dog's energy out and helping them socialize with other pups!
Here are some main benefits of dog parks:
- Interaction with new dogs and dogs of different sizes
- Ability to run freely off leash
- Typically more space than your yard or another exercise area (at least off leash)
- Fenced in so you don’t have to worry about your dog running off
- Get their exercise out
The main reason dog parents go to the dog park is for their dogs to have the freedom to run and play in a fenced-in area!
But there can be drawbacks... ⤵️
NEGATIVES & CONS OF DOG PARKS
To be frank, many of the worst experiences I've had with my dogs have happened at dog parks. Yikes!
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Here are some common drawbacks and cons of dog parks:
- Pup parents who don’t pay attention to their dog and the subsequent cues and body language their dog is giving off
- Too many dogs with ‘pent-up’ energy in one confined space
- The potential for very bad dog-dog interactions (dog fights, attacks, etc.)
- You do not know the other dogs' and humans' backgrounds, training methods, beliefs about training, etc.
- You can create negative experiences for your dog if they have bad interactions with other dogs
The number of times I've seen dogs attack other dog parks AND THEN the dog stays in the park is too high to count. It's terrifying and can be a serious problem.
If you're gonna go to a dog park, express caution!
Related Reading: Puppy Fear Periods
ALTERNATIVES TO DOG PARKS
So if you're not wanting to go to a dog park, what can you do?!
Here are some common dog park alternatives:
- Parks that have off-leash hours or just normal parks on a leash
- Longer walks, jogging or running, hikes
- Simple pup play dates where you know the dogs and have more control of the situation
- Never forget the importance of mental exercise with tools like:
- Flirt pole
- Snuffle mat
- Lick mat
- Foraging boxes, etc
Here are some more resources for dog park alternatives:
Learn how to exercise your dog indoors here.
Learn all about the power and benefits of mental stimulation for dogs here.
Struggling with a high-energy dog? Learn how to calm down a hyper dog here.
WHAT DO PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT DOG PARKS?
Erika Gonzalez: "I have a lot I can say about dog parks, but I’ll just say this, you probably won’t see me at any."
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Amber Aquart: "When going to a dog park, sit outside for a while and observe the dogs inside, their body language, and how their owners handle situations to best determine if it’s a good idea or not for you and your dog to enter."
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Britt Erickson: "Dog parks are a great exercise outlet but not a place you take your puppy to be socialized."
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Richard Gonzalez: "I believe that dog parks are unpredictable and I feel that there are better options to get our dogs the physical activity they need. There’s just too many unpredictable variables that could cause physical, emotional, or mental harm to my dog, and it’s not worth it to me."
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DOG PARK PROS & CONS + ALTERNATIVES RECAP
Multiple dog trainers are apprehensive about dog parks. Figure out for yourself what is best for you and your dog.
Everyone’s situation is different, and it can seem like your only option at times. Weigh the pros and cons, and look at what you are getting yourself into.
If you feel uncomfortable and you can sense your dog’s discomfort, leave. It is much harder to overcome mental and emotional challenges your dog can experience if being attacked/had other poor experiences, than cutting their playtime a little short.
What has been your experience with dog parks? Tell me in the comments!
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62 comments
Leave a CommentAs always, great article.
Our 8 month old English bulldog is great around other pups, but has always seemed to prefer people instead! In puppy training class, it was the owners she’d approach first. We’ve only taken her to our dog park here (separated by size, which is great) a couple of times. She’s done great both times with the pups, but again it was their owners she wanted to say hi to snd hang out with!
I suppose I am one of the lucky ones that have only had positive experiences with dog parks in my area. There is a beautiful one with a swimming pond that is well maintained (they close it regularly to treat for fungi).
In my experience most dogs stick close by their owners, sometimes it is hard to find a dog willing to play. They like to run around on their own and then return to their ‘pack’.
Dogs will react based on the emotions of their owners – if you go in feeling apprehensive that a dog is going to be aggressive, then you might just bring it on. If you are calm it can go a long way in diffusing most situations. And of course paying careful attention to body language of all dogs involved.
If a dog does not want to socialize with us, I simply call my dog in a calm voice and walk away. She follows me and all is good.
I’m surprised that dog trainers aren’t advising that. A large part of training is modulating your own reactions. If you can do that, you keep control of your dog. They take their cues from you.
I have a French Bulldog and there is a French Bulldog Meetup once a month. That’s the only time I take my boy to the dog park. I would never take him to a regular dog park. Too many chances for him to get hurt.
I have a 6 year old American Staffy (Pittie) and so I am very aware of stereotypes people have of him. He loves the dog park, but I make it a habit to keep him on leash and walk him around the park, letting him sniff and introduce to dogs. I know him well so after our walk, if I have any reservations, I either keep him on leash and walk around or leave. I always keep an eye on him and his body language. And I won’t take him into the park if there’s too many dogs, or if there are small children. So when I take him, it’s at times when the park is not busy. Now, leaving the park, that’s a different story lol
Not all dog parks, dogs or owners are the same. Some we like, some we avoid.
However:
- Not everyone can walk long distances so dog parks become the place to play fetch and exercise dogs.
-Some areas have lots of restrictions for dogs to be on lead all the time unless in an enclosed area; not being allowed in areas to protect the wildlife or to protect and prevent alligator attacks.