Dog parks are not on my list of must go places. I do understand for the need in urban environments that afford pet owners the ability to exercise their dog in a big area. However, I feel that the benefits are greatly outweighed by the substantial problems that are caused.
REASONS FOR DOG PARKS
There are multiple reasons that the United States has fell in love with dog parks. Mainly it comes down to space. It is a supposed secure area to let your dog run freely with other dogs. It allows the pet owner to feel like they are giving the dog its heart’s desire to run and be free. In urban environments it may be the only opportunity to allow the dog to get what can be called free range exercise.
Secondly, it allows the dog to “socialize” with others of their kind and generally run amok which makes them sleep for days. For many owners it can also be a great way to meet other “dog” people and socialize. There will also be those owners that are totally overwhelmed by their fur baby and need the time for a break. Finally, there is the whole dog poop issue that can be addressed right there in the park. What’s not to like? Right?
ISSUES THAT ARISE
The problems with these parks are numerous. We can start simply with sanitation. Owners are usually rule bound to clean up after their hounds. These rules are always followed. (Sarcasm Alert) Urine is ever present and really unremovable. These two together generally makes the dog park a latrine that is used by how many dogs? Disease would have to be present even among the best kept locations. Dog flu, parvo, etc. would be silently waiting for any young dog or immune suppressed older canine that vaccination may not save. And vaccination, you have proof for every dog present, correct?
Another issue is the owners themselves. Many owners unsnap the leash and let their fur baby run, retreating to an area to read a book, look at the phone, talk to someone else, or even go back to the car. Ultimately leaving their canine to fend for itself in the park. Creating issue if their dog is not getting along with others in the park. Which brings us to the pack mentality that rules the park.
When dogs are left to fend for themselves the pack becomes the rule. Someone must be the alpha male and female. Ideally you would want you and your family to fulfill that role in your dog’s life. In the park where there are multiple owners and dogs, the jungle can quickly become the rule. Dogs settle alpha issues by fighting and in the most dog fights the owners are the losers. Vet bill, legal bills, hospital bills, and fines are easy to rack up at the park. Owners that “drop off their dog” and dogs with problems can lead to substantial issues.
Always remember that your dog has teeth and breaking up a fight can result in bites from your dog or the other. Many owners treat their pooch the same as their child so there are instances of fights between owners over some indiscretion committed by one or the other dog.
All this over stimulation can force your dog to make drastic choices. In some instances, it can cause your dog to have fight or flight responses to the other dogs. This response can trigger other emotions like aggression and prey capture in the dogs present. Any of these scenarios can scar your pooch emotional and cause issues for you and your family at home.
Most “dog parks” are secured by a fence which gives the owner a sense of security for their pooch. I would check to make sure the area is completely fenced in, and the fencing is serviceable. Many parks have a gate that is constantly being opened to allow other dogs and people in. There are cases of dogs escaping through these gates and getting free. Do not expect someone else to grab your dog to keep it from running away.
SOLUTIONS
I get it, you live in an urban area and the dog park is the only place you have to go to exercise your dog. There are other places and opportunities you may have to help your canine.
1. Dog Clubs- Whether it be AKC, Schutzhund, Show Dog clubs, Obedience clubs, Agility clubs, etc there are numerous ways to get your dog exercise and socialization. These clubs have established members that can help you with your dog and provide a structured safe environment.
2. You can exercise your dog in a regular park. Yes, I know it’s on leash only, but you can do this safely.
3. Working with your local dog trainer. In many instances you can get with your dog trainer and find out if they have special get-togethers for dog owners. This can be easier on you and your dog since the people attending the sessions should be trained in the same manner as you and your dog.
4. Prepare yourself for the outright chaos of the park if it is your only option.
We recommend
A. Know the park rules.
B. Always have your leash.
C. Keep your dog’s collar on the dog.
D. Socialize your dog before going to the park. It is not an ideal place for young dogs to learn manners.
E. Train your dog before going to the park. You’re going to find that it is difficult to control your dog in this environment. Distractions will make your dog prioritize the other dogs over anything you may want. Training must be perfected in a stable environment and distractions added in and conquered before you can expect your furry partner to obey in the park.
F. Try to go to the park during non-peak hours.
G. Try to go with a partner, spouse, relative, or friend. This person should ideally be someone that knows the dog and can help should problems arise.
H. Have a plan should the need arise to leave quickly.
I. Know your dog, what is it capable of handling when presented with several dogs.
J. Do not go if your dog is aggressive to other dogs or people, this is not a place for training those problems.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, the dog park is your local governments way to say they have done something for dog owners. In many cases you can have great experiences with your dog in these areas; however, I do not think the risk is worth the reward. Disease, behavior problems, lawsuits, fines, and stress for you and your dog are not worth the issues that can happen. I believe these parks have been constructed with good intentions but there is that old saying that the road to the hell has been paved with those intentions.
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