Are dog parks good or bad?

[Pupcake]

We live in Seattle, the land of dog parks. There are probably a dozen we could easily get to. I took our last dog to dog parks quite often, but she never wanted anything to do with the other dogs and was always, always left alone.

When we got our 5 month old pup I assumed we would once again be frequenting dog parks but I have come across articles stating how bad they can be-- how dangerous they are for dogs (especially young ones) and how they can teach dogs very bad behaviors. I have taken Heidi to a couple of different dog parks at low-traffic times and stayed righ tby her (or rather, she stayed right by me!) but I have noticed how sometimes bigger, more aggressive dogs will want to be far too rough with her. Today at the park I overheard another woman saying how wonderful dog parks are for young dogs because it socializes them and they "learn their place" (I guess I didn't really know what that meant).

Any thoughts? How good or bad can they be? Any ideas specifically for me and my 32 lb 5 month old dog to navigate a dog park?

 

[ACooper]

You will get mixed answers according to experiences.

Dog parks have positives and negatives.

Positive side:
They get to be off leash and explore.
Good exercise.
Good opportunities for socialization with other dogs and people.
Good place to work on distraction training.

Negative side:
High potential for dog fights due to idiotic owners bringing aggressive dogs.
Good chance of passing around communicable diseases, worms, and other parasites.

 

[Brattina88]

I think it depends on the individual dog, park, and owner. I don't think its fair to say that dog parks are flat out dangerous, as anything can be dangerous, like a simple walk around the block.
I would never take a puppy or an untrained dog to a dog park. They need to come when called, and know a strong leave it command IMO. Young dogs do need to learn certain behaviors like bite inhibition or proper play etticacy from older dogs, but I don't think a dog park is a good place for that when they are young and just learning. A smaller, planned play group with owners you know would be better.
Personally, I think its most important for the owner to be diligent in observing and thinking ahead. The owner not only needs to know their dogs behaviors and body language, but needs to keep an eye out for approaching dogs and people. I like going to a dog park around me that the gate can be closed so there can be smaller dogs on one side and larger dogs on the other side. OR more active, rough playing dogs on one side, and the more placid, mellow dogs on the other.
I think its a common misconception for everyone to think that every dog is going to play with another dog at the dog park. For my Maddie, she loves going to dog parks for the meet & great aspect. She loves to meet (some) new dogs, but once the novelty has worn off she likes to get belly rubs from other people Missy on the other hand will play with any dog, any size, and is typically very gentle (after all she's used to playing with my Dad's mini wiener LOL).
I personally love going to the dog park for socialization and training. Its a great way to get energy out, by allowing them to run off leash (legally).
Some dogs just aren't cut out for dog parks. And some days just aren't good days to stay at the dog park. If you have problems with a certain dog or owner, you can just leave (after saying something) That's what I always do

 

[Maxy24]

I think if you go at a low traffic time they can be good, you can keep a better eye out for aggressive dogs and since there is overall less dogs there is less of a chance of bumping into a dangerous one. They can help socialization if you find nice dogs but hurt it if you encounter mean ones. I don't know if I'll ever bring my dog to one, probably not.

 

[ButterSticks]

I would add that dog parks are for already exercised dogs; they are not for exercising your dog.

They are not for dogs that are dog-aggressive.

They are areas where dogs should be allowed to have normal pack interaction (meaning that bad behavior is punished by the pack).

All of these rules are routinely broken by owners, which is why dog parks have a very bad rap among experienced dog people. If you have one where these rules are followed, that is a gift above gold, because it IS so wonderful for dogs to be able to be with other dogs.

Other avenues that tend to be better controlled and safer: supervised dog playgroups, dog daycare, neighborhood "clubs," etc. Look around for these.

 

[SizzleDog]

I would add that dog parks are for already exercised dogs; they are not for exercising your dog.

Ummmm...?

I exercise my dogs at the dog parks I go to - I don't have a yard right now, so they get their offleash "run time" at the dog park.

All your other points I agree on.

 

[mom2dogs]

I wouldn't hesitate to take my dog to a park that is clean and dog-friendly but I would always keep a watchful eye out and leave if something looked remotely iffy. Wouldn't take a puppy, though (plenty of other ways to socialize - I don't think dog parks should be high on the list. I rather meet and greet with dogs that I know/have a general idea about).

I was bummed to learn that a common dog park here was unfenced I've seen a lot of dogs just walk behind their owners off leash here, so it seems to be the norm - just not for my dog. A friend takes her dog and keeps asking if I want to go, and I keep making up excuses.

 

[Lilavati]

I have to say . . . Sarama gets her big excercise session at the park too . . . dog parks are fine for excercising dogs . . . with one caveat . . .


If your dog is very high energy, and totally out of control until excercised, then you probably want to get them a bit calmer before going to the park though.

But it depends on the park.

I think dog parks are wonderful . . . but you need to find the right park, and the right time of day. I think my park is paradise, but as we learned at the NOVA meet-up, its paradise in the morning and not the afternoon. I'd never been there in the afternoon before, and I don't think I will be again.

It depends heavily on your dog . . . and on the other owners. Not just how responsible they are, but whether you are a good match. There are some owners, for example, who are obviously responsible, but freak out the minute things get at all rough. They are not a good match at my park were rough and tumble is very common and the attitude is a growl there or there is dogs being dogs . .. its when the snarling and snapping starts that people are asked to take their dogs and go.

So, its not only finding the right park, its finding the right park for YOU and for YOUR dog. However, a few things:

You need a fence unless you have an iron recall . . that's an iron recall in a dog park, which is pretty much different from anywhere else

You want a park where people are dead serious about cleaning up after their dogs. Indeed, where people are dead serious about cleaning up after OTHER people's dogs if necessary.

Less known parks are better than big, well-known parks (in my experience).

Be just as wary of shy, nervous dogs as aggressive ones. The absolute scariest moment I've seen in a dog park involved a frightned dog and an idiotic owner, not an agressive dog and an idiotic owner. Its the only time I have ever yelled at someone to get that blankety-blank animal out of the park RIGHT NOW.

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

I too take my dog to the park for off leash exercise---he is a beagle mix and he NEEDS to run and sniff without the contraint of the leash or a slow walking owner (me!). But I agree that you have to use common sense, know your dog and know your limits. Our park is for town residents only--have to show proof of vacs., and the animal control officer drops by from time to time to see if there are any recurring problems. So overall, it works well for me and my dogs!

 

[Laurelin]

I'm not a fan of dog parks. They're not really a good plan for toy dogs, unfortunately.

 

[ButterSticks]

I exercise my dogs at the dog parks I go to - I don't have a yard right now, so they get their offleash "run time" at the dog park.

When the idea is to let dogs be with dogs and act like dogs, you have to take into consideration that dogs are not really sedentary creatures by nature. Some breeds have higher energy needs by than others, but dogs, if left to their own devices (or if wild) would almost always be on the move - hunting, scavenging, patrolling, breeding, etc. When a dog gets a 25 minute walk in the morning and then spends the rest of the day on the couch and only gets their "run time" at an off leash dog park, they aren't entering the situation in a calm relaxed state of mind. Excitability due to a lack of burnt energy lends heavily to behaviors that are otherwise a lot more subtle if the dog is well exercised. And with such a high turn over of dogs who are not familiar with each other, who don't get a chance to settle on a system of hierarchy before one leaves and another one comes in, means that the likeliness of them ever being totally ease with each other is slim to none. We can help them relax and get along better and faster by making sure they are well exercised before entering the group.

 

[Suzzie]

both

i still take my dogs though, i leave if the situation becomes unacceptable.

the parks around me have areas for little dogs (i mean LITTLE), so that's an option too.

 

[elegy]

I personally am not keen on the idea. I've never been to one (I have pit bulls and they are not appropriate dog park dogs), but I've read too many stories of peoples' dogs getting hurt/traumatized/etc by other dogs and by other humans.

 

[Zoom]

It really depends on how the parks are set up and the mix of people in them at the time. I've had some unpleasant trips due to idiots and their inappropriate dogs, but the majority of our trips are awesome and then I have two very tired, content dogs at the end of the day. It's also the only place within reasonable driving distance that I know I can let the dogs swim without worrying about getting a ticket for breaking a leash law or trespassing or some other thing.

In regards to bringing already exercised dogs, there's a fine line. Your dog should not be so amped up and wired that it's nothing but a big spastic ball of energy blazing around pissing everyone off, but neither should he be so worn out that he's cranky. I've seen plenty of both types and they both irritate me. Granted, if you have a huge park, which I'm lucky enough to be in a city with two huge, awesome dog parks, then it's not as big of a deal, as you can take your dogs and move off. In smaller parks, it's more of a hazard.

I actually should take my guys out today, since I'm being dragged out to the clubs tonight to celebrate my roommate's b-day. They need a good hard run...zoomies in the backyard and on-leash jogs just don't compare.

 

[Lilavati]

I personally am not keen on the idea. I've never been to one (I have pit bulls and they are not appropriate dog park dogs), but I've read too many stories of peoples' dogs getting hurt/traumatized/etc by other dogs and by other humans.

Its always a risk, and everyone needs to make their own choice about the risk. That said, it is very dependent on the particular park, and on your dog. I think, by and large, clean, well-run dog parks with a stable group of "regulars" are extremely positive for most dogs. That said, accidents, and fights, happen at the best of dog parks. But then, they happen at doggie day care too. And there are dogs that just don't belong in dog parks: they're aggressive, or they're shy, or they're so excited that they are totally out of control, or they for some reason have "target" tattooed on them. If you have one of these dogs, don't take them to a a dog park. IF someone comes to a dog park with one of these dogs, its time to leave . . .or rally the regulars to have a "chat" with this person.

As for pit bulls, we have several regular bullies at the park, and none of them are a problem. Like all other dogs, it depends on the individual. But extra caution is warranted, both if you own a bully or if you see a strange one come in.

 

[Punkygirl0101]

I have taken my puppy to dog parks. He didn't actually have a good come at home, but for some reason at the dog park he listens very well to me. (He listens to me better at home now thats hes older).

I usually take 2-3 dogs at one time, but the most I took was 4.

It all depends on the dog park, and how well you watch your dog and observe other dogs. I know which dogs will cause problems, so I leave when those dogs and their owners come. I am very careful at introducing my dogs to whatever dogs come.

We have about 4-5 dog parks here. Theres only one I go to, and the same people go to it everyday..sometimes new people I have never met before come, but I introduce my dogs to their dogs and see how it goes.

I have never had a problem with dogs trying to harm my dogs.
\
I have 5 dogs who go to the dog park with no problem (Harry-Dachshund who just fetches the entire time. When other dogs come up to him he just ignores them, Cartman-Dachshund who usually hangs out with me the entire time, but does enjoy interacting with the other dogs..but doesn't wander away too far from my side, Bjorn-mutt who is a bit fearful of large dogs, but will easily go play with small dogs, Zen the 4 month old Pug/Beagle mix who LOVES playing with any dog, and loves meeting the people. Hes the one I have to keep a strong watch on so he doesn't mess with a dog who doesn't want to be messed with.) And then Elliot (Dachshund) who usually follow his dad (Harry) around playing fetch, and he is great with other dogs, but he doesn't like to play with them at the dog park.

And then I have dogs I KNOW are not dog park material. Brad-senior dachshund mix, he can get aggressive with people and other dogs and also has arthritis, Charlotte-JRT/Chihuahua mix she is very possessive of me, and would start fights with strange dogs, Reese and Bob-3 year old dachshunds they could be dog park dogs, but we didn't do a good job socializing them with other dogs outside their pack when they were younger, and Bob sits there and barks at everything when we went the first time, and Reese was TERRIFIED. So they have the potential and I am working on it.

I have taken Peanut (Chihuahua/Italian Greyhound/Rat terrier) before, and he gets really excited to go...and then when we get there, he jumps at me to pick him up, he has thrown up a couple times when he was displeased (Don't know what thats about.) He growls at the other dogs if they come near me. SO I won't bring him anymore, I just walk him. Jannah (Dachshund) is VERY dog aggressive. I took her to PetSmart not too long ago, and my best friend and her dogs came. Jannah was growling at them the entire car ride over, and trying to bite them. I don't know what is up with her, when she was a puppy she met lots of other dogs and people, and used to be very submissive she would even pee on herself..but now shes turned Dog aggressive. And then lastly is Daggett (Dachshund) who is currently losing weight. She has had breathing problems when she gets too active..so I haven't brought her yet. I think she would do just fine though.

I would add that dog parks are for already exercised dogs; they are not for exercising your dog.

I disagree with that. I take Harry (12 year old Fetch-o-holic dachshund) there to burn his energy. He fetches ALL day long at home, and can become quite a nuisance to use with his constant wanting us to throw his fetch toy. So I take him to the dog park where a lab owner whose there every night enjoys throwing his ball for him, or whatever kids are there will throw his ball and he comes home a tired boy, who could care less about fetching. And then Zen (My pug mix puppy) I take to socialize and to burn his puppy energy. So..it can be used for exercise, and thats what a lot of people do at the dog park, play fetch or run around with their dogs to burn their energy.

I also take my dogs to play sessions with my best friend's dogs.

They're not really a good plan for toy dogs, unfortunately.

care to elaborate?

And as for pit bulls, there are a LOT of well behaved pit bulls we have at our dog parks.

 

[ihartgonzo]

I agree with others, in that it depends MOSTLY on your individual dog and how they handle interactions with other dogs.

Personally, I don't feel that the dog park is an appropriate place to begin socialization. There are way too many factors that you have little control over, and when you're in the process of socializing a dog or puppy, you need every experience to be positive and you need to have the ability to control that. I cringe when I see rude, rambunctious puppies racing around the dog park... just one intolerant adult dog, reacting too harshly to the puppy, could damage that puppy's view of other dogs for life.

I brought Fozzie to dog parks when he was 6 months old, and I still do. He has tons of fun! Fozzie has never gotten in so much as a scuffle. He was well socialized with other dogs before he ever entered the dog park, and going to the dog park has helped him to become even more social and relaxed around other dogs. PLENTY of rude dogs have attempted to get a rise out of him, but he is super laid back and never reciprocates pushy behaviors. I think part of being safe at a dog park is knowing your dog, knowing their behavior with other dogs in various situations, and being able to stop things from escalating before a fight even occurs. It's also important to already have established a solid recall, before going into the dog park... it's really annoying when, not only is some one's dog being a jerk, they cannot even call their dog to them.

On that note, I KNOW the type of dog that Gonzo tends to not get along with at all; Labs, Pointers, Danes, Labs, Rotties, Bulldogs, Labs, Boxers, Labs & Labs. haha, note that he is not a Lab-fan! And, coincidentally, 75% of dogs at our dog park are Labs. It just isn't a good set-up for him. When I've taken Gonzo to meet friends at massive, 20-acre or more dog parks in the bay area, he has done amazingly well. But every local dog park is, at most, 2 acres with a ridiculously high concentration of dogs. 30 dogs running around wildly just over-stimulates him, and he would rather herd dogs that he doesn't care for (Labs in particular) than play with other dogs that he does. Some dogs and owners get annoyed by the herding, and some dogs actually freak out at him, so it just isn't safe for him, generally.

As far as Pit Bulls go... I have met LOTS of wonderful Pitties at the dog park, too. But I know plenty of Pittie owners (a few of them trainers) who would never and will never. I completely respect them for that. The truth is, basically every Pittie was bred, at least at some point in their history, to be dog-aggressive. There is always a chance that their breeding could come out in a high-stress dog park. And, I think the biggest reason is if another dog starts a fight with a Pit Bull, they will probably lose, and the Pit Bull will probably be blamed. D=

 

[dogsarebetter]

I love my dog park! I go every week. We do have a few trouble makers. One odd thing is that this paticalur dog park attracks pits, rotts, dobes, and boxers. I dont see many non bully breeds other than my two. oh yeah, and german shepards. and i love this dog park. I have only seen one fight so far. this little pit mix really annoys the other dogs playing too roughly. and the owner thinks its funny when they get into a squabble. well, she picked on this one dog too much, and he just decided that he was not going to take it anymore and layed into her. this dog was trying to avoid this little pit mix, but she just would not leave him alone. the owner has been asked to leave several times.

I do worry alittle bit about Ruckus there. He likes to mount the other dogs, and most dont take kindly to that. but after a warning growl or snap Ruckus backs off.

 

[drmom777]

I am heavily dependent on my local dog park to keep my big hound in shape. I don't have a fenced yard and live in a heavily populated area, so Uncle Fred gets his exercize at the dog park, and running beside a bike.

He gets all kinds of walks, too, but those don't seem to do a thing for him.

 

[SizzleDog]

When a dog gets a 25 minute walk in the morning and then spends the rest of the day on the couch and only gets their "run time" at an off leash dog park, they aren't entering the situation in a calm relaxed state of mind. Excitability due to a lack of burnt energy lends heavily to behaviors that are otherwise a lot more subtle if the dog is well exercised. And with such a high turn over of dogs who are not familiar with each other, who don't get a chance to settle on a system of hierarchy before one leaves and another one comes in, means that the likeliness of them ever being totally ease with each other is slim to none. We can help them relax and get along better and faster by making sure they are well exercised before entering the group.

Maybe this is true for some dogs, but mine do not act like crazed maniacs when they hit the dog park. My females are great dog-park dogs - they ignore other dogs, and if I go to the dog park with a friend they somehow instinctively stay with our "pack". If approached by other dogs, they are cool, calm and collected. They are not confrontational, they run and play but otherwise act calm and relaxed. They are not "excitable" dogs at the dog park.

My male goes to our town's private dog park, and he only plays with a select group of "pre-approved" dogs. 90% of our dog park time is actually at the private park, so it works out very well.

I've been going to dog parks for more than 6 years, and my dogs have never instigated a fight. The only incident I've ever had was when Ilsa (now 6.5 years old) was 18 months old, and an aggressive westie made a beeline for her and latched onto her throat. Ilsa did not fight back, did not escalate.


To highlight one part of your post:

Excitability due to a lack of burnt energy lends heavily to behaviors that are otherwise a lot more subtle if the dog is well exercised.

I see this as a blanket statement. My dobes don't get full run of a yard while I'm away, but they do get daily exercise. They manage their energy very well, they aren't crazed beasts when I get home. In fact, I just got home from an 8 hour workday. I let them out potty (no walk after work today since it's thunderstorming here). They've been "on the couch" for eight hours. Ilsa is back on the couch, chewing on a stuffie. Ronin is flopped over on his side, watching the storm.

Maybe I just have naturally easygoing, well-adjusted dogs.


This is what I use the dog park for - exercise with our dog buddies (though it's not formal exercise - it's just a high powered romp with friends that doubles as exercise). If this isn't what dogs should do at dog parks... then I don't know what they *should* do, and good luck telling my dogs they're having too much fun - they shouldn't rocket around so much, they need to settle down and interact at walking speed.