Do you take your dog to a dog park?

Question

I take my dog to a dog park at least twice a week, sometimes more and he loves it. He is very social and stays healthy because he gets a lot of exercise. Do you take your dog to a dog park on a regular basis?

Answer 1

Yup, almost everyday, except when it's rainy and gross like today. My dogs are all social and love to run, it provides them a place to kick it up and take off without me worrying if they're going to get hit by a car. I also love meeting other pet owners that care about their dogs and the many different breeds and mixes i meet out there, I've made some pretty good friends at the dog park, and even a cute guy or two ; P. We have had some problems in the past with other dogs, but I like the park I go to now. If there is an issue with a dog, people don't tolerate it and will ask that person to leave, if they dont, they call animal control and they come out fairly quickly. I've called the cops on a guy whose dane was extremely aggressive and attacking other dogs and almost bit TWO different people that were trying to pull dogs away, not a single other dog tried to bite them but this dog looked directly at the people and lunged. But this is one of the FEW mishaps that I've seen out there. I love the place. My dogs get lots of excercise and look fantastic from it, and I get to meet like minded people.

EDIT:
Mini Kirby: If I could exercise my dogs enough I would. But they need to RUN to exercise. Even a 4hour walk wouldn't cut it for them and there's no way I could take 3 dobermans on a 4 hour walk.

I also would definitely make sure that your dog is vaccinated before going, especially for lyme and leptospirosis if the park has trees and squirrels or any wildlife that may come out at night. I have gone to several different parks and have found one that suits, me, but there were several that I didn't care for. I just had to keep looking. If your own dog is vaccinated you shouldn't have to worry about other peoples dogs being vaccinated. If you're worried about fleas/ticks. Buy frontline. if your worried about worms, heartguard protects against several types of worms. It's up to YOU to be responsible for your pets health but if you are there is no reason not to go.

I also want to say, not every dog is cut out for the dogpark. Some dogs are too submissive and shy to handle it. They WILL get picked on. More confident dogs will always bully a weak dog in any situation so you have to be prepared for it. And know that it's something that can and likely will happen.

I have not yet had a problem with a APBT at the dog park, the dogs we've had issues with were Great Danes, German Shepherds, Huskys and mixes. My girl Amara's BFF(joke) is an APBT and Jasmine has the best manners of any dog there. Of course her owner is responsible and will pull her out of any situation he's not sure about or thinks could turn ugly, but that should go for any owner that visits. Some pitts aren't able to be around other dogs, and that's understandable, but it doesnt' mean ALL pittbulls can't. Some of the most well behaved dogs I've met have been Pitts.

Answer 2

I do. But be wary, you're going to get a lot of people who don't like dog parks answering this question. I personally think they're a great idea as long as all the owners are responsible and in control of their dogs. I visit a very clean, well cared for dog park, hence why I approve of it.

Just be cautious. There is always a possibility of you or your dog being injured by another person's dog. Don't immediately assume everyone knows how to properly control a dog. If a fight starts, don't get in the middle of it. Have someone else help you break up the fight. Distracting (or attempting to distract) the dogs would be a good way to start.

Also: Be sure everyone else is bringing vaccinated, healthy dogs to the dog park.

EDIT: Tocool: What do loose pit bulls have to do with your puppy visiting a dog park? Pits are not all vicious, and most dog parks (at least, the well maintained ones) have an enclosed area that is regularly monitored by the dog owners and park staff so no harm can come to your pet.

Answer 3

Can't for a couple reasons:
1) There isn't one in this town.
2) My dog would go after the other people.
3) My dog would decide to play rough with one of the small dogs and accidentally squash it.
4) If there were a dog park I would not take my dog there because of reasons 2 and 3 and also because I do not trust the people in my town. 75% of the population are people who do not socialize or train their animals. I'm not putting my dog at risk no matter how fun it might be.
5) If I move to another town (trying to, keep your fingers crossed) that has a dog park my dog and I may attend occasionally.

Answer 4

A combination, in my opinion. It depends on if your dog does well with other dogs at the dog park. And like others have said its important to have all shots done. I like both because I enjoy getting exercise by walking my dogs, but the only thing that really wears them out is going to the dog park.

Answer 5

I don't know of a dog park near me, so no. But if I could I would. And you shouldn't use the dog park just to exercise your dog, that's your job. The dog park is just a place for him to have fun, not the gym. Also you should take him on a walk before you go in, just in case there are hyper dogs that didn't go on a walk before. They want to play rough and end up in fights.

Edit:
jordie05, I get your situation, I'm working on a new dog we got, and she's bounds of energy. I'm working on her not dragging me the whole way, and I found when I make her walk by my side and not let her sniff or look and anything, she gets tired of paying attention.
So when we arrive home, she's tuckered out and just want's to lay down.

Answer 6

The last time I took my dogs to the dog park (3 yrs.ago) we all came home loaded with ticks - I had one crawling on my shoulder as I was brushing my teeth (YUCK). The time before that a large Wheaten Terrier kept humping both my dogs, the owner stood by and said, he always does that. I'm more comfortable now at the local parks very early in the a.m. when there's no traffic or people around and daily walks around town.

Answer 7

i go to the park, and walk around the outside of the dog park. I won't go in, those people there are morons with ill-trained dogs, they can't read dog body lingo, and are just plain stupid. There are fights(dog and people fights) every day, and people won't follow the posted rules and they bring in intact males, and females in heat all the time.
I used to go in, and made many friends. Now, we meet there, and walk around the park as a group. There are 3 or 4 baseball fields, and we let them run off leash up there when it's not ball season. There is also a creek,with a little sand beach, and they swim in there.

Answer 8

There are no dog parks in my area, unfortunately, so I cannot. I make up for it in other ways, however. Being in an apartment, I bought a 100 ft lead and go to the baseball diamond where people tend to walk their dogs. She gets lots of exercise with the other dogs and I get to talk to their owners. Great for all of us!

This summer I am going to try and train her to jog beside me while I bike. Have to wait until she walks beautifully on a leash though (and I buy some elbow pads, knee pads and wrist braces!)

Answer 9

I don't anymore. For some people, they're great, but not for me. I am way too afraid of my dogs interacting with unvaccinated animals. My friends and I will get together once a month at one of our houses and bring our dogs for a 'play date'. I feel that's a bit safer. My dogs know and accept these dogs, I know all of these dogs, know their temperments and limitations, and know that they are all healthy and up-to-date on vaccines.

I also think it's unnatural to occasionally throw your dog into a situation where the pack mentality is disturbed. Dog parks can lead to stress, fights, battles for dominance, and a host of other problems. I don't think it's good for my dog's physical or psychological well-being

Answer 10

No i don't. I have a Lhasa Apso, i used to however i took him once and a big dog attacked him, so he is petrified of the dog park. I do take him to a small dog meet up group and he loves it there! Kinda like a dog park but in a lady back yard which is huge and he loves it like no other.