What are off-leash dog parks like?

Question

Once my pup's recall command is reliable I'd really like to take her to one. Are there a lot of dog fights (hopefully not)? What if her desire to go play and see other dogs overwhelmes her obedience training? I've never been to one so please fill me in!

Answer 1

The dogs at off leash parks are usually very sociable and friendly. It is an unwritten rule that if your dog is vicious or has any aggression issues then you do not let it off the leash. You have to make sure your pup is up to date on all her shots just because there is so much socializing involved.
Her obedience might not follow through as well as if she was on her own just because she is distracted and will be excited to socialize. It is great for her to meet other dogs and socialize as it will make her a more well rounded dog.
Often you will be able to sense her reaction to other dogs, if it is her first time she will probably get a little scared and look to you to protect her or hide from the other dogs. It is better to go for the first few times when there are not too many other dogs at the park so that she doesn't get too scared or overwhelmed.
Off leash parks are fun for them as they are herd animals and love to be part of a pack. If you are ever in doubt keep her on a leash for a bit or ask the other owners if any of their dogs have any issues - this being your dogs first time and everything!

I hope you have alot of fun together - may be she'll even make a new friend or two!

Answer 2

My pup loves it. I started taking her, recommended by my vet, when she was 3 months old to start socializing with the dogs. It's like an unwritten rule that if your dog is not friendly the owner lets you know and waits for you to get your dog on leash. Also there is water buckets, benches and places to dispose of their poop. Be respectful and clean up after your dog. The place I go is very clean and well maintained. Also, its a great place to actually put her obedience training into practice. I found it very helpful with that and she was at the top of her class each week because we had practiced all of the commands and had other dogs/people around. Good luck, relax and have a great time. Its so fun to see your dog having a ball even if she is a little shy at first.

Answer 3

I'd suggest going to one and keeping your dog on a leash. Perhaps consider getting one of the retractable leashes (the ones that can go as long as 25 feet or as short as 3 feet). At least for the first visit or two, you'll be able to learn your dog's reactions to the park and how her training continues (or subsides) when in the presence of so many other dogs.

Just because it is an "off-leash" dog park, doesn't mean your dog has to be off a leash. You can keep her on one until you learn how she is around these other animals.

Answer 4

Dog parks are great. The dogs get to go and be dogs. Most of the time they know that this a place just for them, and they get to do things they are not allowed to do at home. Like dig holes & walk on the picinc table. The dogs act like kids on the playground, and may have a tiff over a toy, but will figure it out. People with agressive dogs will generally not come to the dog park, but sometimes you don't know that your dog will act like that until you get it in a group setting. Take your dog, let her run & play.

Answer 5

The ones I have been to are just large fenced areas with buckets of water around the perimeter, waste cans for disposing of .. . well, WASTE (and you are expected to clean up after your dog), and some benches. The dogs run around and play. Every once in a while you will find an aggressive dog who wants to pick a fight, and some other dog who will fight back. If you are there with your dog and notice a dog with aggressive behavior, it is time to go. I took my dog because I live out in the country and he never saw other people or dogs and needed some socializing. I kept him on a leash, and other dogs came up and greeted him. When he started getting anxious, I took him away. It
s very good for socializing dogs, as long as you don't get some testosterone-laden bozo who thinks it's funny to have his dog tear yours apart.

Answer 6

They are really fun as long as other dog owners have some control over their dogs. I have encountered some overly aggressive dogs a couple of times at these parks. For the most part, it is a blast watching your dog interact with other friendly dogs.

Answer 7

I love to going to our dog park. I think its good to take them while they are young so they get comfortable around other dogs. Usually dog parks dont allow aggressive dogs and the owners are usually close by. Its a great place to meet new people and get good excersise.

Answer 8

i love in fl and there are dog parks every where. they dont have fights people that bring their dogs their are nicely trained.you may need a special license to let your dog in. it is a very minimal fee.work on that recall command and then your set have fun!

Answer 9

dog parks are great

I have not seen any fights

most dog owners that will take their dogs there watch them closely and most of the dogs are well mannered and fairly socialized

it is a great experience for your dog too

lots of butts to sniff

Answer 10

dog parks are great as long as your dog is not aggressive. i have two dogs, and one does great with it and the other one does not. it really depends on your dog. make sure that you take along any proof of vaccinations as you may be required to show them in some counties. all in all it is a great way to let your dog socalize. start him early so that it is not so much of a shock. also, dog day care places are similar and are indoors with supervision. i take my dog to happy tails dog spa in vienna, va every saturday to play with his "friends".