Public Dog Parks – Pros and Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of dog parks
There are advantages and disadvantages to visiting dog parks. Some dogs love to socialize, frolic around, and make new best friends, while others dread sporadic encounters with strangers. Here, you can read more about the pros and cons of dog parks and how to use them effectively.
Customize yard visits to your dog's unique needs
As always, you should consider your dog's unique preferences, personalities, and needs. There is no one-size-fits-all view of dog parks, so you need to assess how your dog experiences them to determine whether they are good or bad for you and your dog.
The benefits of free play in dog parks
The dog park itself is seldom the problem; it's more about its visitors. Being able to let your dog off-leash to stretch their legs, train, or play with you in a secure area is a good thing.
Communication etiquette at the gate
But someone may show up. Hopefully, common sense prevails, and the person asks if it's okay to enter before swinging the gate open and an eager unknown dog rushes in. But don't assume that everyone asks. So, keep your eyes open and say "let me leash and go out" if you see someone at the gate and your dog seems uncomfortable. ㅤ
How to choose the right playmates for your dog
Choose your dog's friends wisely. Dogs are pack animals, but that doesn't mean they want to play with all dogs. A limited social circle suits most dogs well. But, of course, some dogs happily tumble around with anything on four legs that barks. In that case, it's okay. But be sure of that. And realize that it depends. It depends on how well the dogs get along and whether both their intentions are good.
Check if the game is fun for all dogs
Observe the interaction and see if there is a give-and-take in play, if your dog is sometimes chased but also gets to chase. If the wrestling is fun or at someone's expense. You don't want your dog to be subjected to "play" without consent or subject someone else to it. Some dog parents visit dog parks as a way for their dogs to play themselves tired. Such a dog can enter with excess energy that should have been released through exercise and training. Such a dog can play too roughly, run hard, bump into others, and make the game unsafe.
How to avoid fights in the dog park
It's not uncommon for dog fights to break out in dog parks. Because there are people who let dogs in who don't have the prerequisites to manage free play gracefully. There are dogs that become reactive and dominate others to feel in control. It's not the dog's fault. It's the dog parent who put their dog in the wrong context. Don't take for granted that all dogs that enter are friendly. Sometimes it goes well for a while. And then bad. Dogs that play for too long can get wound up; the stress of play can eventually boil over. A tired dog that doesn't have the ability to step aside and rest may snap when another wants to continue playing, and if you don't really know each other, it can easily become the spark that ignites the fuse.
Avoid conflicts over resources
Another common reason for trouble in the park is toys, treats, competition for attention from the dog parent. Throwing a ball to several dogs, they chase after the "prey," not knowing each other, and the one whose ball it is can get upset. It's not strange, but oh so common. Dogs are resource-guarding animals, some more than others. You can read more about this in the article Resource defense in dogs - understanding their zones and boundaries.
Treats can also trigger competition, as can another dog approaching the dog parent. So, if you're going to play in unknown territory, do it nicely, keep it clean, and don't put your dog in a situation that could end badly.
Be loyal to your dog's needs
If you don't want your dog to play with the dog that's eagerly waits to enter the gate, stand your ground. You need to be loyal to your dog rather than accommodating to someone else. Speak up if someone rushes in. Dog parks are for exercising your dog; not everyone in them is a playmate. It must be okay to say no.
Protect your dog from infectious diseases
Another aspect to consider is disease prevention. Dog parks can be a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Your dog can get nose mites, giardia, worms, kennel cough, and more. A dog that often frequents dog-dense places needs a proper vaccination plan, regular fecal exams for worm control, and you need to be aware that the dog can get sick despite the measures.
Benefits of picnic areas for exercise and socialization
A significant advantage of dog parks is that they enable dogs to be trained off-leash and burn off energy in an enclosed and safe area. Another benefit is the opportunity to meet like-minded dog moms and dads and perhaps a new best friend for your dog. Socialization is good if done correctly. Be sure to follow dog socialization guidelines to do it the right way.
Safe socialization in picnic areas: Step by step
For example, you can let two dogs that seem to have taken a liking to each other sniff each other through the fence. Then, a parallel walk where the dogs walk at an appropriate distance from each other could be the next step. During the walk, they can "chat" from a distance and get to know each other more before being released together. Please read the article "Socialize the Right Way."
Be an active guide in your dog's play
The final step is to let them into the dog park. Even then, they should be observed, and assistance provided if one dog is too pushy and the other doesn't get a response to their requests for calm or distance. So, as a dog parent, you need to be active, mediate, intervene, pause when necessary, and guide the dogs in their interaction until it becomes harmonious.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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