What you need to know about dog parks: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Dog parks can be a godsend to some and a deep regret for others. When constructed and designed well and used wisely, they can be a great asset to dog parents and the community. But like any other tool, if poorly made and maintained and misused, dog parks can cause more harm than good. Knowing how to recognize a good dog park, your dog’s compatibility with this setting, and how to use one safely can help you and your dog make the most of these spaces or find other alternatives.
Benefits
Dog parks can greatly improve the quality of life for dogs, their owners as well as the community in which they live. They can provide a secure space for dogs to expend their energy and socialize with their peers and meet other people. This physical, mental and social enrichment helps to improve their behaviour and physical and mental health. This can thereby reduce the number of “nuisance dog” complaints sparked by bored, restless dogs who bark, as well as reduce the number of dogs surrendered by their owners to local animal shelters (with a corresponding reduction in euthanasia numbers). The availability of dog parks also reduces the number of incidents of off-leash dogs troubling other community members including cyclists, children, joggers and those who may be fearful of dogs.
Dangers
The potential for problems and even sometimes tragedy at dog parks is, unfortunately, very real. Such problems are often the result of poorly designed or maintained parks, inappropriate dogs using the park, and lack of knowledgable supervision by dog guardians. Some dog park hazards include:
Dog fights- These can occur in the blink of an eye due to inappropriate social or play behaviour such as abrupt greetings or bullying. The social intelligence and skill required to navigate a dog park setting are held by a minority of dogs (especially since the pandemic). Young, socially inexperienced dogs, timid or fearful dogs, dogs who tend to be overexubernt or overbearing and certainly aggressive dogs should never attend a dog park. A female dog in season is a definite no-go.
Injury - Dogs can easily injure themselves through even wellintentioned fast, rough and tumble play, especially when smaller dogs play with larger dogs. Of course, if a fight breaks out, injuries can include bites and lacerations.
Trauma - If a dog is bullied, frightened or attacked by another dog, it can have long-lasting effects, especially if it happened when the dog was a puppy or adolescent.
Contagion- If a dog park is highly frequented and faeces are not cleaned up, it can be a hot-zone for spreading diseases and parasites.
Features of a good dog park
It’s a good idea to check out a dog park before you take your dog there to see for yourself if it is safe, clean and suitable for your dog. A well-constructed dog park is several acres or larger, solidly fenced, ideally with amenities that include water, equipment to play on, and varied terrain, such as open fields, creeks, and woods, so dogs have plenty to keep them environmentally engaged, rather than just pestering each other. Parks that are small, overcrowded and boring greatly increase the likelihood of inappropriate canine behaviour including fights. All parks should have separate areas for small and large dogs. There should be two entrances/ exits to reduce overcrowding at this contentious area and these should be double-gated so dogs can’t escape as newcomers arrive.
The management and maintenance of a dog park are just as important as the design and construction. The park should be kept clean and in good repair. Poop bags should be regularly stocked and disposal bins should be provided and regularly emptied. Having a clear list of rules posted in plain view will help guide dog parents in using the park safely and respectfully.
How to best use a dog park
You should try to avoid peak times when the park will have many dogs. Always have a Plan B and be ready to leave or forego the park if the conditions are not right for you and your dog such as:
• It is crowded
• Dog owners are not actively supervising their dogs
• You see dogs whose type or behaviour will most likely be incompatible with your dog
Active supervision of your dog is essential in heading off trouble. Don’t be using your phone, chatting with others or doing anything that distracts your attention away from your dog. Learn about dog body language and play behaviour so you can distinguish between play and aggression and intervene when you see trouble. You should remove all gear from your dog except a quick-release collar to prevent injuries from dogs getting caught up in harnesses and collars as they play. Do not bring young children to the dog park. They will be a distraction to you and are at great risk of serious injury from dog bites or being run into by dogs who are in a state of high arousal. Lastly, you must carefully consider if your dog is a good candidate for going to a dog park. Do they truly enjoy interacting with a variety of unknown dogs? Do they have the social manners needed to allow others dogs to enjoy themselves at the park?
Alternatives
If your dog isn’t a good fit for dog parks or you are not comfortable with the risks, there are alternatives to give your dog similar opportunities to run freely and socialize. Consider getting together with other dog owners in your area and creating compatible playgroups that meet in fenced backyards. There are also new initiatives starting up such as Sniffspot where property owners rent out their backyards by the hour to dog owners.
The availability of dog parks also reduces the number of incidents of offleash dogs troubling other community members
including cyclists, children, joggers and those who may be fearful
of dogs.
The management and maintenance of a dog park are just as important
as the design and construction. The park should be kept clean and
in good repair.
Consider getting together with other dog owners in your area and creating compatible playgroups
that meet in fenced backyards. There are also new initiatives starting up such as Sniffspot where property owners rent out their backyards by the hour to dog owners.
Given that most dogs’ exercise needs cannot be met with leash walks and most dog owners do not have a large fenced-in yard, dog parks are greatly needed. Using them with proper knowledge and care while keeping your dog’s individual needs and preferences in mind can help you and your dog reap the benefits of dog parks while avoiding their dangers.
Do you have questions or comments regarding dog behaviour or training? Are there topics you would like me to discuss in future articles? Feel free to contact me at: mary@paragonpooch.com
Mary Maclachlan is a certified professional dog trainer living in Sherbrooke and is the proud owner of Paragon Pooch Pet Services. She is dedicated to helping dogs and their human companions build stronger relationships based on clear communication, trust and play.