Are dog parks really a good idea?

Question

Don't get me wrong... I prefer for my dog to have off leash exercise. It is better for her and she is more tired afterward making her a better canine citizen... But my experience has shown that dog parks are dangerous places where many people bring their unsocial, aggressive dogs. I've been to a total of 7 dog parks between Columbus and Cincinnati and the experience has not differed from place to place.

It is normally about a 50/50 ratio between dogs that have little to no training and are completely out of control, and well rounded, social dogs that are very appropriate. But as the saying goes... one bad apple ruins the bunch. To me this "movement" seems mis-guided, and I feel it is actually encouraging irresponsible pet ownership.

Answer 1

I do not think they are a good idea and I do not take my dogs to them. I think that when you take your dog to dog parks you take a risk of harm coming to your dog or you take the risk of your dog harming another dog. (You also risk disease and/or parasites) It seems that many people take their dogs to dog parks for their own socialization because not many pay attention to their dogs and at least half of the people going to dog parks really can not control their dogs. So if a problem or fight begins they are either not paying attention or have no idea what to do. Another thing I think is not a good idea is bringing toys and balls in a dog park because those items can create problems because dogs can become too possessive over those items but I see people bringing them all the time.
Also a lot of dog park have "regulars" there and just because those dogs all get along does not mean they will accept other dogs intruding in their area or pack.

Answer 2

Since the average dog owner is totally clueless, I do believe public dog parks are potentially very dangerous. People go to socialize themselves. They turn their dogs loose and start gabbing, ignoring their dog. I used to only go during the week mid-morning when either no one or only a few people were there. I'd watch the dogs that were there before even going in the park to see if they were ok.
Where I live now there are only 2 public dog parks in a city of 7 million people. So, I have not even tried going. There are a number of private dog parks though. The nice thing about them is they require the dog to be fixed, they require proof of vaccinations, they don't actually temperament test, but if your dog is aggressive, the others are going to complain to the owner and you will be kicked out. The one I joined has a swimming pool for the dogs and rarely has more than a few dogs there. It's also larger than most the public dog parks I went to before.

Answer 3

Stay away from dog parks they are not good for any dog. If you want to exercise your dog go to the park early in the day so that you will have the park to yourself and let your dog run. It is the perfect way to exercise your dog and a lot safer.
Some dogs no matter how much they are socialized never like other dogs, they are born that way. I do not think it is irresponsible pet ownership it is just how dogs are.

Answer 4

Well people whom bring their aggressive dogs to the park should be fined, because there is uasually a sign placed at the entrance of a dog park that states that aggressive unsocialized dogs should be leashed or not allowed.
I have two pit-bull breeds and one has been attacked at the dog park two or three times, people try to tell me that their dogs are just being protective of the ball or toy, but that behavior could lead to severe problems and they should know not to be putting toys around their dogs especially if they are aggressive about them.
I feel that there should be people supervising dog parks for this reason.

Answer 5

i'm i a small town and i have never traveled to one...i just go to a park in the woods...lol! however i do think that most ppl abuse it. and make it the only form of exersize the dogs gets, it easier then walking them ya let it run about while u sit on ur butt. and 'one bad apple does spoil the bunch'. i might not go to parks with a bunch of strangers but i do get together with friends and their dogs some of which are the spoilers but as friends we actively watch them so it is rare a fight to go full blown before one of us gets to it.

another thing it seem the little ones start by being yappy...and well annoying (cause some odd people think it cute it not and its asking to be attacked) and he has to be there a while before it calms down even after a long walk.

Answer 6

i agree and i think it is irresponsible of that owner who does not have a sociable dog to take them there..but i also believe it is your responsiblity as another dog owner to tell that person how you feel. if you notice people are leaving or that the dog is bothering other dogs, go to that owner and tell them..or take a camcorder with ya, and video tape it. send it to whoever runs the park and see if they can do anything about it. but every dog should be trained..the parks aren't meant to get exercise they should have already had their exercise and this should just be play time for them. good luck..also you could call the city and see what they say about it

Answer 7

It really depends on how well run the park is, and how closely the owners adhere to the rules. My dog (who, by the way, looks EXACTLY like the dog in your avatar...cept mine has a black tongue. He is Akita/Chow) does not like them. He prefers to play with only one or two other dogs at a time and gets a bit nervous when too many are around. I think that dog parks CAN be a good thing...but, they are definitely not for all dogs.

Answer 8

I agree with you 100%. I also worry about other things. Fleas, parasites and the possibility of disease. All of these are other considerations that this isn't a great idea. Dog walk areas on highway rest stops are generally places to avoid if at all possible. I think dog parks are the same.

Answer 9

I agree, when I was living in NYC we had dog parks where some people don't have licensed, vaccinated, trained dogs. Some dogs are still "intact" and try to mount other dogs! Its insane. Luckily they build parks for small and bigger dogs. Some people think its funny when their dogs attack others, its horrid. They don't even clean up after themselves! I would rather take my dog for a run, thanks.

Answer 10

I completely agree with you. For many people its very convenient to cut their dogs loose and enjoy themselves.
Dog off leash parks are excellent idea, again, it's the people who tend to screw and mess up the whole experience.
We are very lucky with our off leash park.
It works and is perfect for the dogs when used properly.