Should You Take Your Dog to Dog Parks?

As dog owners, we all have that dream in mind of our pup running free through a field without a collar or a leash, enjoying the natural surroundings. If you don’t live in the countryside with a well-trained dog, that dream seems far off, with the closest thing to it being a fenced-in dog park in the middle of the city.

Dog parks are generally large fenced-in areas designated for an off-leash fun time for your furry friend, but what’s the catch? Are dog parks really safe for all dogs – especially smaller dogs? Is it smart to bring a puppy to a dog park? And what risks are associated with frequenting a dog park in your community? Throughout the course of this article, we will discuss what dog parks are, how to find a good dog park in your area, dog park etiquette, and the risks of bringing your dog to a dog park. Then you can make an educated decision about bringing your new puppy or long-time loyal companion to a dog park.

What Exactly are Dog Parks, and Where Can You Find Them?

Dog parks are a fun and exciting place where dog owners from around your community gather to let their dogs experience the outdoors off-leash. Oftentimes, dog parks can be found on the outskirts of cities or in conjunction with popular parks, sectioned off and away from crowds.

Dog parks are totally fenced-in, and a lot of them have obstacle courses, sensory play toys, and cool-down zones with drinking water and pools. Larger dog parks even have two separate entrances and sections where dogs are separated based on weight. Smaller dogs play with other small dogs, and large dogs play with other larger dogs to try to avoid injury.

To find a local dog park, you can check community boards and social media and ask other dog owners or your vet to see if there is a dog park in your area that they would recommend you visit.

What You Should Look Out For at a Dog Park Before Bringing Fido?

Before you bring your dog to the dog park, it’s a good idea to go and scope out the park for yourself. Look around to see if the park is well-maintained and that there aren’t any holes in the fence where your dog can escape, and if the facility is in a location that your pet would be okay with. For instance, if your dog is afraid of traffic and the dog is along a busy road, that might not contribute to a relaxing and fun experience for them.

What else should you look for?

Below is a quick list of questions you should ask and things you should take note of before bringing your dog to the park you are looking at:

Is there a separation between small and large dogs? This is very important if you own a small dog.

Is the dog park crowded?

Do the dogs already in the park surround a new dog that arrives?

Are any of the dogs aggressive or bullying another dog?

Do the owners have their dogs under voice command?

Are the humans paying attention to their dogs, or are they letting them run wild?

Is the park double gated with a separate entrance area?

Is there water, or will you need to bring your own water?

Are people bringing toys that could cause conflicts, like balls or Frisbees?

Asking yourself these questions when visiting the dog park for the first time alone can help you decide if this is the right park for your pup.

Is Your Dog Ready to Visit a Dog Park?

Not all dogs are dog park dogs. What do we mean by this? Not every dog will play nicely with a large number of dogs, and even yet, some may get overwhelmed and have the situation cause undue anxiety. Or, your pup could still be too young and not listen to you if they get into trouble.

Here is a list of reasons your dog might not be ready for a dog park experience:

Puppies younger than six months of age haven’t had all of their vaccines and shouldn’t go around with unfamiliar dogs.

Any dog that isn’t up-to-date on all of its vaccines shouldn’t go.

When your dog doesn’t know basic obedience commands, they shouldn’t go.

If your dog gets aggressive easily around other dogs or is protective of their dog siblings in stressful situations, they shouldn’t go to the park.

When your female dog is in heat, it’s not a good idea to go to the dog park, for obvious reasons.

If your dog is showing any signs of illness, they shouldn’t go.

This is just a short list of reasons why you might want to avoid a dog park with your pup. But why should you go to a dog park?

All the Benefits of Visiting a Dog Park with your Furry Friend

There are a lot of benefits to bringing your dog to a dog park, just like there are benefits to bringing your human children to a playground. Your human kids make friends, play games, and socialize with other kids – your dogs do the same at dog parks.

Your dog, especially if they are the only dog in your house, need to play with other dogs. We are great playmates for our dogs, but at the end of the day, we don’t speak to dogs and miss much of what our dogs need.

Here are some reasons why going to the dog park is beneficial for you and your pet:

No Leash – this allows your dog freedom of movement, something they crave every day. This means less stress for them and for you.

Fresh air – fresh air is good for you, your dog, and your whole family – getting outside with your dog is ALWAYS a good idea.

Socialization – As mentioned earlier, getting your dog into a dog park will help them make doggie friends, play better, and overall learn good behaviors from other well-mannered dogs.

Release of Energy – Zoomies around a small apartment don’t sound like fun, but zoomies around an open field with 50 of your best friends sounds like a party!

Of course, there are many benefits for you as the owner too. You can meet other dog lovers, have a picnic, and simply enjoy watching your dog play.

Warning Signs – What to Watch For at a Dog Park when Dogs are at Play

When dogs are off-leash, and at play with other dogs, you should learn the signs of trouble and what might be considered a normal and polite interaction. As noted earlier, humans don’t speak dog, so sometimes we get the signals wrong, but generally you should follow the below guide for the difference between polite and troublesome behavior.

Polite Behavior:

A dog approaches your dog slowly with an arched back
Other dogs move slowly and calmly around your dog
Other dogs avoiding eye contact with you, and your dog
Dogs sniffing your dog’s behind
A wagging tail when approaching you or your dog

Signs of Trouble in Dog Behavior:

Another dog staring your dog down
Deep growling directed towards your dog
A dog snapping at your dog while still on their leash

Knowing your dog and knowing what makes them uncomfortable will go a long way in avoiding trouble at the dog park. If you see a problem, act quickly to avoid a dog fight. If there is a dog that your pet doesn’t agree with, take your dog home. It’s better to go home than to get injured in a fight.

What Can You Do with Your Dog Instead of Visiting a Dog Park

Not everyone has access to a dog park or has a dog that would do well in a dog park – what could you do then?

You can try arranging a play date with other dogs that you know would get along with your dog.

Fence in your yard so that your dog can have some off-leash fun regularly.

Take your dog for extra long walks or hikes so that they are able to get their energy out.

Get your dog a sensory toy where they have to use their brain, like a puzzle that hides treats or a ball that you can fill with peanut butter to keep your dog occupied.

Final Thoughts on Dog Parks

Dog parks can be beneficial, but they’re not for every dog. Considering what your dog can handle and what dog parks in your area are like will influence your decision on whether you should take your dog to a dog park.