What are your thoughts on dog parks?

[homemadetreats]

It's a shame but in Australia the places you can take your dogs are seriously limited as all national parks are off limits. There are a few dog parks but personally I find the fun taken out of it when I have to stay extra alert for 'problem' dogs. I've had my dogs attacked a couple of times recently and the owners just stood there doing nothing!

Much prefer smaller parks with dogs and owners I know.

 

[Duke'sMommy]

I take my dog to the dog park to an extent. The one I go to has a smaller area that is used for small dogs, puppies and dogs with issues. Well Duke is a dog with issues. He has selective dog agression. So I only go if the small area is free and if we are there and someone wants to come in with a small dog Ill leave if they want or most people are fine and Duke is really good with little dogs so we will stay and he will play with all the small dogs. I do muzzle him up to enter the park because I just never know when someone is just gonna let there dog bolt for the gate from the car. Like others a walk is just not good enough for him. He needs to run offleash and play ball. The areas not the biggest but this is really my only option for him at the time being.

 

[Lizmo]

I would MUCH rather settle for taking my dog to a training class once a week or a casual day of training like I've been to at my trainer's before where the dogs meet and greet on lead while training, meet people, and then get to play off lead sometimes with the other new dogs that are there.

Never been to a dog park, and don't expect to take that chance any time soon

 

[Toller_08]

I like dog parks. The one by my house is excellent. Very quiet, and not many dogs ever show up there. Plus, it's a community park and everyone knows everyone pretty much, and we all get along well and are very understanding.

The other park I go to is a lot busier, but it's enormous, so it's really easy to find your own spot away from people/dogs.

There are certain parks in the city that I avoid completely, but I love the two I do frequent, and have never had a problem. If not for dog parks, my dogs would never be able to get off leash time or adequate exercise as 99% of fields and whatnot around here are not dog friendly. And walking them on a leash doesn't satisfy them in the slightest.