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Could Dog Parks Be Dangerous?
Dog parks have quickly gained popularity over the past few years.
In the beginning, the standard dog park might have consisted of an open field, a walking path, and a pool/lake/pond.
Oh, how things have changed…
Don’t be surprised to see a full blown swimming pond, jungle gyms, and even doggy showers nowadays!
Dog parks should be places where dogs can run wild, get dirty, and make new friends. However, you might find some cause for concern—not with the elaborate play structures, but with the dogs themselves.
Bad things can happen in parks crowded with potentially dangerous dogs.
That being said — when you take appropriate safety measures, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
Take note of the following tips:
- Supervise Their Playtime
Watch your dog closely when they’re at play. You should always be able to spot your dog. Accidents often happen with your back turned. Feel free to socialize with other dog owners—just be mindful of your dog’s location in the park.
- Interact With Your Dog
Play tends to be the best form of bonding time, so be part of the action. When you’re an active part of your dog’s life, both of you will benefit.
My sister Ash with a Foster Basset at a Dog Park/Event...
- Stick to Weight Classes
Put simply, Great Danes shouldn’t play with Chihuahuas unless they have the same owner. Many dog parks have designated areas for different sized dogs. Use your best judgment if your dog could be in danger.
- Leave Your Puppy at Home
This is one point that I may disagree with the author on…
According to him, puppies often have a difficult time acclimating to new situations – which is true. They’re also vulnerable to attack and to disease – also true. But when properly vaccinated and vetted, they are just fine and need stimulation, outside play, and to meet other dogs to become properly socialized. The author, however, recommends playing it safe and having your puppy “socialize in more controlled settings until they reach six months of age.”
- Watch for Signs of Stress
If your dog appears stressed, you may want to throw a leash on them and call it a day. Excessive panting, barking, and shaking are all sure signs of stress.
Pet Dog Trainers also says to watch for these signs:
Signs of Anxiety/Stress to Monitor:
- Fast wagging low tail
- Whining or whimpering
- Ears may be back
- Hiding behind objects or people
Signs of Fear:
- Dog will try to look small
- Tail tucked
- Hunched over, head down
- Tense
- May urinate submissively
Red Flags that Require Intervention:
- Excessive mounting
- Pinning (holding another dog down and standing stiffly over them)
- Shadowing another dog (following) incessantly
- Bullying: repeatedly bothering another dog that does not want to interact
- Fast non-stop running with a group – high arousal situation
- Full-speed body slams
- Putting head repeatedly onto another dog’s neck or back
- Staring with a fixed gaze directly at another dog
- Snarling or raised lips
- Showing teeth
- Hackles up at the shoulders
* The (intro and first five) points of this blog post were provided by HowToPayMyVet.com, a website dedicated to vet bill assistance. Whether you need help with vet bills for a dog, cat, or other pet, howtopaymyvet.com can provide the assistance you need to pay your bills on time. *
Very interesting. We don’t have any doggy parks near us and even if we did we don’t think grandma Faye would take our woofie cousin, Bandit.
Truffle and Brulee
Studies have also found that nursing home patients who have pets use fewer prescription drugs and have fewer complaints than their pet-less counterparts.
I do believe that some do parks could be dangerous. But on the other hand it is a great place for your dog to socialize. You will just need to keep an eye on your dog and when needed put a leash on him/her. It is best to play with your dog to have some bonding time.