Dog Parks,

Sylvia Koczerzuk Author

The Good , Bad and Ugly about dog parks

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly about Dog Parks

There are a lot of good and bad perceptions about dog parks.

This article is intended as an educational source to address some of the most common myths and perceptions about dog parks as well as to highlight their positive aspects.

I have visited many dog parks throughout the United States and Canada some I loved and some my dogs and I just were not a fan of.

I often describe dog parks as the good, the bad and the ugly so here is my take on my years of experience since dog parks have evolved.

The Good

Great dog parks often have large open spaces so that dogs are able to walk and explore/sniff if that is their preference instead of hanging out with other dogs and people.

You may think then why go to the dog park?

Dog parks or trails are legal places to allow your dog to be off-leash. It's a great opportunity for those who live in apartments, condos, or townhouses when there isn't a back yard and the dog park gives their dog an opportunity to run, sniff and play outdoors.

Dog parks provide great mental stimulation for your dog in regards to providing the opportunity for great smells so the opportunity to sniff, see and hear different sights and sounds.

Dog parks can become a social community for both owner and dog where they become well acquainted with each other.

Dog parks can often provide the right setting for families to play with their dogs, either through recall games, hide and seek, or just a chance to romp along with their owners. Although it should be large in size to be able to do these activities at the dog park.

Is it a good place to socialize your dog? NO!

Dog parks should not be the only source of socialization or even your first point of contact for your dog and as I will explain further down what to consider.

The dog park is a great opportunity for dogs to interact with those dogs that otherwise might not do well on a leash.

It's important to know who your dog is and to be aware of his body language. Dogs often show signs of being uncomfortable before any reactivity starts.

So become dog aware.

You can also learn more about this topic through Lilly Chin's dog language handouts online.

The Bad

Often dog owners believe that dog parks are ideal locations to socialize their puppies.

It's not something I recommend as a professional behaviour consultant and I would definitely get your veterinarians okay before you decide to do so.

There is no control over the health of the dogs that are being brought into the dog park and your young dog's immune system may not be ready for that type of exposure.

From a behaviour standpoint, taking a puppy into a dog park can be risky due to many under-socialized dogs visiting the park.

I do not recommend socializing your new puppy or dog with unknown dogs until they have had lots of good experiences with known dogs. Even then there are risks.

Owners can misinterpret their dog’s body language as well as other visiting dogs. Some owners tend to congregate in groups and then do not monitor their dogs or give other owners bad advice like ‘let them work it out’. This can lead to dangerous interactions.

You don't want to use dog parks as the only form of exercise for your dog, especially if your dog becomes overstimulated at every visit.

Some dogs bully other dogs. Dogs can become sick from other dogs. Some dog parks do not have separate areas for different-sized dogs, some smaller dogs are afraid of larger dogs and some larger type dogs may like to bully smaller dogs or worse.

Certain dog parks are not big enough so they become too busy for certain numbers of dogs which increases the likelihood of stress which could result in fights among the dogs.

The Ugly

There are some dogs that really don't belong in dog parks. They have short fuses and can do a lot of damage physically and emotionally to other dogs. Having your dog exposed to too many dogs who do not know how to play appropriately can cause your dog concern and could lead to your dog becoming dog aggressive.

Dogs do and can become injured, and sometimes fatally.

Dog owners can also become injured by dogs that are not under their owners’ control, or those who bite, and people have been knocked into or down to the ground by out of control dogs.

Under Canadian law, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs regardless of the location.

Many dogs can feel intimidated when too many dogs group together which can lead to fights and injury.

Allowing for movement keeps things less intimidating and allows for dogs to move away. When dogs are walking they have an opportunity to move, stop and sniff and keep moving if they aren't interested in interacting with the other dogs.

“Do’s and Don’ts for Dog Parks

Do look and watch before you enter the dog park to see what kind of dogs are inside the park.

Observe their behaviours to see if dogs are bullying other dogs.

Watch the owners to see if they have control over their dogs. If you see something that makes you uncomfortable do not go in. If you are inside the dog park and there is anything that looks uncomfortable to you and more important to your dog leave.

Do not expect dog parks to socialize puppies or socialize your dog that has no dog-to-dog experience.

Do not take your dog to the dog park when he is not feeling well.

Too many owners think that taking their dog to a dog park is a necessity it is not. Do not force your dog into an environment they are simply not interested in.

Is your dog reliable and focused on you? Your dog should have some training in the dog park like being able to disengage and engage with you when needed.

Remember to take litter bags with you so you can pick up after your dog. Do take water for your dog.

My favourite type of Dog Park is those that have large open spaces that allow for movement, and legal off leash trails.

I love to see my dogs have the opportunity to have some off leash time.

My goals for going to a dog park is mostly for the mental and physical stimulation for my dogs and less so for socialization.

If you decide a dog park is not right for you, don;t worry you can full fill your dogs needs very easily by taking a ride to a park and attaching a long line for so extra freedom to explore and sniff.

Thank you for reading this blog.

Sylvia Koczerzuk

www.walkaboutcanineconsulting.org

walkaboutcanineconsulting@gmail.com