The topic of dog parks can be controversial. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not you should take your dog to a dog park. The most critical thing to know and to acknowledge is that the decision to go to a dog park comes with some unavoidable risk factors. The following are some important safety precautions to consider before going to a dog park, and to keep in mind if you do decide to go to a dog park.
In the future I will follow up with an article that will focus specifically on dog parks and high prey drive dogs. For those of you who don’t share your lives with such dogs — that info will be equally valuable — as you are bound to encounter a few of these wild dogs.
Very useful and insightful information. My last Welsh loved the dog park. She could often be found leading a pack of the local Weimeraners and Goldens on wild chases. My Kerry, not so much. It all came down to their very different temperaments: the Welsh was bold and confident, the Kerry is much softer and easily intimidated, even frightened. Know your dog is sound advice!
Excellent article, especially 1) the part about introducing your dog to the park, as we have discovered that there are "regulars" that like to rush over to meet the newbie, and that can sometimes be problematic, and 2) it goes without saying, but you have to be observant at all times of your dog in the park. I compare it to the days when I did "recess duty" in school:) and of course the potential health hazards to exposing your dog to these parks, which should be off limits to puppies who have not completed all their vaccinations. We find our Welsh does best in the small dog park!
Awesome graphics and super information!!! Dog parks can be very fun for Oliver, but I find I have to constantly evaluate as dogs come and go and who he has decided to play with at each instant. I try to learn the best times to go, when I like the dogs and owners and I know we will have a successful play time.