The Pro’s and Con’s of Dog Parks

Dog parks are becoming increasingly popular across the nation. The large outdoor areas can be a great tool in keeping your dog happy and healthy.

The open areas allow your dog to enjoy off-leash activity and socialization. Unfortunately, these parks don’t fit every dog’s needs. As you read about the advantages and disadvantages of dog parks, you can decide if it’s a good fit for you and your pet.

Some advantages of dog parks is that they encourage physical exercise, they allow your dog to get out and be active. Ilana Haik, 8th grader at OMS of Greenlawn, says, “My dog Ollie has a hard time running because of his back legs, so it is important that we take him for long walks at the dog park.”  Exercise is important in a dog’s health, and each dog has different needs depending on their breed and personality. 

Kelly Fahey, the owner of the dog training facility, The DogSmith of Hunterdon, in Pittstown, New Jersey, says, “I love the concept of dog parks. You get to take your dogs to run and play. They get to meet and make dog friends. What a wonderful way to obtain much needed exercise.” 

They also create mental stimulation. New scenery and smells allow your dog to get a mental workout in addition to physical activity. Allowing them to explore dog parks can benefit them mentally, and you might notice a decline in disruptive behavior. 

Dog parks also encourage socialization and to meet new friends. Dogs are social animals, and they enjoy playing in groups with other dogs. Dog parks are also a nice way for you to meet fellow dog owners, and socialize with people who share similar interests.  

They can be very educational. In addition to being a great way to socialize with other dog owners, dog parks open the opportunity to learn new things about dogs, whether it be from observing them, or chatting with other dog owners.

Lisa Marino, a licensed trainer at Head of the Class Dog Training LLC, Winchester, Virginia adds, “I do have some clients who use dog parks successfully. Some use the park before anyone else comes. As soon as someone else pulls into the parking area, they leash up their dogs and leave.”

In contrast, there is always a chance that your dog could contract a disease. Whenever dogs congregate, there is always a risk of them spreading diseases such as kennel cough or canine influenza.

This year there has been an outbreak of canine influenza across the Midwest, making dog owners cautious about visiting dog parks. Some of them can provide poor socialization. While socialization is a great benefit of dog parks, if you know your dog doesn’t interact well with other dogs, it’s probably best to leave him at home.

Susan Kaminsky, a licensed dog trainer of The Country Dog, LLC, Norwalk, Connecticut, says, “Dog parks are sometimes good but often ugly. My Collie Zig Zag loved socializing with every human in the park. My Collie Maddie would happily run and play and fetch sticks, but was once attacked by two small dogs.” 

You should also keep a close watch on your dog at the dog park. Some dog owners don’t understand that dog parks don’t meet every dog’s needs.

Cindy Mauro, a dog training expert in West Milford, New Jersey said, “I don’t recommend that people go to dog parks. I have witnessed fights and no one knew what to do. I’ve also observed people on their phones and not paying attention to their dogs...you have to pay attention to the surroundings and act as your dog’s advocate.”

Also, Jackie Moyano, a certified dog trainer at Coventry School for Dogs, in Columbia, Maryland, declares, “I encourage clients to create small neighborhood dog play dates, like the one we call Lunch Bunch in my neighborhood. We rotate to different backyards with the same group of dogs throughout the week.”

There is also risk of heatstroke. Overheating can occur anytime during the summer months, but the dog park is a great place for your dog to run and play. Therefore making it a higher risk for them to suffer heat stroke. There is also a possibility of getting fleas/ticks.

Anytime a large group of dogs get together, their chance of coming home with fleas and/or ticks is increased. Brooke Buda, a 12th grader, added, “We rescued my dog Lexi from Ollies Angels Dog Rescue. They warned us about going to dog parks so that he would not get fleas, ticks or kennel cough from another dog or the woods.” 

There is no doubt that dog parks are beneficial and necessary. They provide a great outlet for dogs and owners alike. However, there are always associated risks when bringing a group of dogs together for the first time.

Hopefully you can now make an informed decision about whether the dog park is a good place for you and your dog. Jack Dorsam, a sophomore at Harborfields HS, says, “my dog Milo loves to play and socialize at Coindre Hall in Huntington. He gets great exercise which keeps him healthy.”