Are dog parks safe?

Dogs are social creatures, and dog parks can provide a great space for your pup to work on their social skills. Because of the diverse range of dogs that visit these parks, it’s an opportunity for your pooch to get used to various breeds, sizes, and ages.

Dogs learn behavior cues from their interactions with one another. For example, if you have a big dog playing too rough with a small dog and they let out a loud yelp, that may signal to your dog that they need to be more gentle with smaller breeds.

Different dogs have different exercise needs, but all dogs need exercise. Dog parks encourage your pooch to run with other dogs, burning off calories and stimulating them physically and mentally. Even a dog with a fenced-in yard may not be enticed to run as much by themself as they would be if there was a pack of dogs around.

There are several behavioral and health benefits to the exercise that dog parks offer. You’ve probably heard the saying “a tired dog is a good dog,” and nothing tuckers a dog out more than sprinting laps with fellow furballs in an enclosed space. This can curb poor behaviors at home, like chewing up furniture or excessive barking out the window.

Of course, exercise is also important for your canine companion’s health. Dogs with sedentary lifestyles run the risk of obesity and heart problems. And, while too much exercise can be damaging to a dog’s joints, too little exercise will deprive them of the muscle mass they need to strengthen their joints. This is especially important in dogs with hip dysplasia or luxating patella.

Dog parks also offer a chance for you to get to know your dog a little better when it comes to their manners and temperament. Do you have an introverted dog that sticks to your side or an extroverted dog that gives chase to other pups in the park? 

Maybe your dog prefers cuddling up to all the humans and ignores dogs completely, or they’ll run with dogs for a bit and then stand by the gate ready to leave. It’s hard to know how your dog is around others if they never get to be around others!

While some city and state parks have off-leash hours, they are not fully fenced-in like dog runs. This means there’s a greater risk of your furry friend taking off and getting hit by a car or biker. Dogs can also get scared by sudden loud noises and run away.

There’s also a lot of litter and foreign objects in parks and sidewalks that your dog can ingest, not to mention dead animals. And while some litter can still find its way into a dog park (especially if owners aren’t respectful), it’s less than the amount of waste you’d find in an area where people regularly have picnics or barbecues.

Your local neighborhood dog run can be a communal space for your pup to make friends and run with a pack. It’s where all the local pups and their humans can congregate without worrying about disturbing those who may not be as dog-friendly. 

It’s also a great place for dog owners to meet other dog owners to arrange more private playdates or find trainers who can help them work on their social skills.

The last thing an owner wants is for their dog to be seen as aggressive. But the truth is, just because a dog commits an act of aggression does not mean they’re a “bad dog.” More often than not, this is simply a miscommunication between pups (and owners, for that matter). 

Let’s take a look at the three types of dog aggression:

• Defensive aggression. Dogs have “fight or flight” instincts just like humans. When a pooch perceives something or someone as a threat, they’ll either retreat or, in the case of defensive aggression, they’ll bark, growl, or even bite.
• Frustration aggression. Does your dog excitedly pull on the leash the whole way to the dog park? The tighter the leash, the more restrained a dog feels, leading to frustration. They can then carry this frustrated energy into the dog park and act aggressively.
• Facilitated aggression. If your dog lingers close to you at the dog park, then they consider you part of your pack and thus feel the need to protect you (and expect protection in return). This causes dogs to snap at approaching humans or pups.

Dog parks can be overwhelming for pups traumatized from past abuse, neglect, or incidents with other animals. This is especially prevalent in rescue dogs, as the loud barking and running around at a dog run can trigger memories of their time in the shelter system.

If your dog is acting shy with their tail tucked between their legs, they may be anxious with all the commotion and need to be eased into the experience rather than thrown into a crowded dog park. Try organizing one-on-one playdates with other dogs and then gradually working your way up to a public dog run.

One of the potential risks at dog parks is your pup getting into a scuffle with another dog, which can sometimes lead to injuries. There have been instances where pets have been seriously hurt by another dog they get into a fight with. It’s important to be vigilant and take precautions to keep your furry friend safe.

1. Break up the fight —  If your dog gets into a tussle with another dog, break it up immediately by picking up their back legs like a wheelbarrow and walking them backward (ideally, the other dog’s owner will do the same). An air horn can also deter dogs from fighting and bring attention to other owners to come help.
2. Examine your dog — After the situation has de-escalated, check your dog for bite marks and exchange vaccination information with the other owner if any open wounds are present.
3. Leave the dog park — Even if your dog has not sustained any injuries, it is important to leave the dog park as soon as a fight occurs. Your dog will be overstimulated and in “survival mode,” which could lead to more squabbles.
4. Seek veterinary care — Dogs injured in a fight should be brought to the vet for a check-up. Depending on the severity of the injury, they may require emergency care.

Owners who take their dogs to the dog park without proper training also run the risk of reinforcing bad behavior in their pooch. For instance, if your pup is digging up holes at the dog park, they may think it’s okay to do the same in your garden back at home. 

You’ll also want to work on recall training so your dog knows to come to you when called, even if they’re distracted by other fur babies. Negative experiences like a fight can also set your dog up for bad behavior back home with other household pets or your neighbor’s dogs.

Bringing toys to the dog park can also be risky, as it may lead to resource guarding. This is a possessive behavior where dogs feel the need to “guard” their treasured belongings, whether it be their favorite ball, a stick they picked up on the way, or even their humans.

Dogs may even try to steal toys from other dogs and claim them as their own, leading to aggression when the toy’s rightful owner tries to get it back. Signs of resource guarding include hyper-fixation on an object, growling when others approach, and body stiffness.

While most dog parks will have a sign saying all dogs must be vaccinated, typically, no one is at the entrance checking every dog’s vaccination status. Some owners may not know the rules of the park, or some may not care.

And even if a dog is up to date on their shots, it doesn’t mean they’re not carrying a contagious disease like influenza or external parasites that could infect other dogs. If your pup is showing any signs of illness, it’s best to keep them away from other pets until they’ve been checked out by a veterinarian.