Are Dog Parks Safe
or Are Dog Parks Dangerous for Dogs?
Dog parks are a relatively recent phenomenon, and they are now
the fastest growing type of municipal parks. There were 571 dog parks in the
largest 100 cities in the United States in 2011, which is a 33% increase over a
5 year period.
But are dog parks safe? The ASPCA has endorsed the idea of
dog parks, saying that it gives owners an opportunity to provide much needed
exercise for dogs, which has a positive impact on decreasing dog behavior
problems. True, but at what cost? Lots
of people love taking their dogs to dog parks. But are they safe? Fights are
common at dog parks, and because of the large number of dogs in a
relatively small area, so are diseases.
This is an ongoing debate and there are pros and cons to be
considered, but in my opinion - dog parks
are a bad idea. I admit that my evidence is anecdotal, but I really believe
that more harm than good has been done by dog parks - too many fights, and too
many illnesses. But, you ask, “what about exercise and socialization?”
First of all, dogs can get all the exercise they need with a
couple of daily walks and a good game of fetch or tug. For the more active
breeds, add a pet sitter during the day, a jog, a game of flirt pole and some
food toys.
Secondly, socialization should be done carefully, with
dogs you know – not with strangers’ dogs.
I don’t know a single professional dog trainer who would
take their own dogs to a dog park (unless the park was empty or they knew all
of the other dogs and owners there.) One fight can change a dog’s attitude
about other dogs for the rest of its life - it’s just not worth it. Also, keep
in mind that true “socialization” takes place between 3 and 22 weeks of age. If
your dog is not dog-friendly at 1 year of age, taking him or her to the dog
park is not going to “socialize” them.
So for these two reasons - fights and illnesses - I tell my clients to avoid dog parks. But in
spite of my advice, I know that some of
my clients are enamored with dog parks – so I tell them that if they absolutely
must take their dogs to dog parks, they should at least follow some common
sense guidelines:
1)
Be alert. Watch your dog and the others around
him. You’re not there to have coffee and chat with your neighbors – you’re
there to supervise your dog.
2)
Keep weight ranges similar. Small dogs should
not be matched with bog dogs and vice versa.
3)
Be extra aware of bully breeds at the park.
Their play styles are more “in your face” than other breeds, and this can be
frightening to more laid back dogs.
4)
Watch for avoidance behavior in your dog. If
you’re not good at reading body language, you have no business taking your dog to
a dog park. For example, if your dog comes running back to you and stands
behind you, don’t pet him and tell him “that’s ok” - put a leash on him and
take him home! He’ll recognize that you did your job and protected him from
whatever was frightening him.
5)
No prong collars should be worn at the dog park,
as dogs often play by grabbing each other on the neck and this can result in a
serious injury if the dog gets his mouth caught in the prongs.
6)
Get to know the “trouble makers” at the dog park. Dog parks are frequented by a lot of
“regulars” and your neighbors can probably tip you off to the dogs who tend to
bully the other dogs.
7)
Bring an air horn – the loud noise can break up
a fight (not always - but sometimes).
8)
If you have to break up a fight, do not reach in
between the fighting dogs – this is a sure recipe for a dog bite. Instead, grab
the back legs and pull the dogs apart.
9)
If one of the combatants is a Pit or Rottie,
they tend to hold on and sometimes it makes more sense to wait for them to
re-grip before pulling apart. When fighting dogs have their mouths latched on
to each other, pulling them apart at the wrong time can make injuries
worse.
Sounds like more trouble than it’s worth doesn’t it?
