Dog parks are becoming increasingly widespread in cities, and they are intended to provide entertainment for our pets. They do, however, have some drawbacks in that they are not suitable for all breeds of dogs. Furthermore, the proprietors do not always adhere to the specified cleanliness standards.

Advantages and disadvantages of dog parks

This is the main purpose of dog parks, although some of them have certain disadvantages that we must take into account, most of them are caused by the irresponsibility of the owners. For example, we may find poorly socialized dogs in these parks, which can lead to problems such as fights. The same happens if the owner distributes food among the animals, as this can cause conflicts.

In addition, females in heat mustn’t enter the enclosure, as this could lead to fights between the males. On the other hand, we must keep the space clean, collecting our pet’s excrement whenever necessary. Not everyone respects these rules.

A very common mistake is to ignore the dog while he is playing in the park, something that can harm not only him but also the other dogs. It is not enough to let it run free inside the area; We must watch him at all times. Unfortunately, some people do not make this commitment.

If we want to take our pet to a park like this, we should opt for one where the regulations are followed and the sanitary standards are appropriate. Combine this activity with daily walks and games at home, of course.

15 Things Humans Do Wrong at Dog Parks

Dog parks. Aren’t they a playground paradise for our four-legged friends? No, not really. Dog parks are one of those places that appear to be a fantastic idea—and they would be if everyone knew how to behave. But that is not the case.

Many trainers have informed me that taking your dog to dog parks might potentially damage him. A single mishap might escalate into an attack or brawl, resulting in your dog’s lifetime fear, reactivity, or aggression. I’ve even spoken with folks whose dogs were gravely harmed (one lost a leg) because what appeared to be a game escalated into an attack, which might have been avoided if everyone involved had read the dogs’ body language and followed some simple norms of behavior. The truth is that dog parks are not the playground that many people believe they are. They can, however, be.

1. Do not pick up the dog’s remains.

Begin with something as simple as hygiene. To begin with, picking up after your dog is relieved is just good manners. It’s terrible to stroll into a park with excrement everywhere, and it’s even worse for your dog. Many diseases and parasites exist in dog feces and can be transmitted to other dogs by touching, rolling in, or eating it. In every way, it’s repulsive. So, let us follow this simple rule of etiquette to prevent the spread of sickness. You’ll also get bonus points for transporting additional poop bags for other owners.

2. Not exercising the dog before taking it to the park

This may appear to be contradictory. We go to dog parks to exercise them, after all. This is not the case. Dog parks are meant to augment a dog’s everyday activities, not to provide exercise or sociability for the soul. A dog who has been indoors or alone for hours has pent-up energy, and exposing him to a very stimulating setting, such as a park with other dogs, is equivalent to lighting a match and hoping the fuse doesn’t catch fire. Your dog may mean well, but be overly enthusiastic with a dog who does not respect him (which can lead to a fight). Well, your dog may have good intentions, but he may be so eager to run around that other dogs begin chasing him, and he becomes the prey item for the other dogs (resulting in a fight). Is it clear where I’m going with this? Dogs that exercise are well-behaved. Get your dog out of those situations before taking her to the park.

3. Using unpleasant greeting skills to lead the dogs

We’ve all met someone who gets too near when we don’t even know who they are. Meeting someone who is loud and makes derogatory comments within the first 30 seconds of a presentation. Meeting someone who holds your hand for much too long, to the point of becoming creepy and awkward. We look at them with disdain, calling them disrespectful, and count the seconds until we can flee.

This is also true for dogs. Introductions are crucial because they affect how dogs get along. Allowing your dog to approach a newcomer to the park is impolite. The new dog may be on alert, checking his surroundings and security level, therefore sprinting full speed towards that new dog may result in an instant conflict. Allowing your dog to mount another in a dominance display is likewise impolite. Allowing your dog to continue sniffing another dog who does not want to be smelled is, once again, impolite. It is our responsibility as humans to assist dogs in properly introducing themselves. Understand what is and is not acceptable in the canine world.

4. Playing with dogs while wearing spiked collars and harnesses

While it may appear sensible to leave a spiked collar, choke chain, soft leader, or harness on a dog – after all, that’s where the leash attaches, right? – this is not the case. Is this a bad idea? During play, most dogs bite at the neck and shoulders. Having metal gadgets where another dog may shove its mouth around invites broken teeth, jaws, paws, and legs, as well as the possibility of a large dogfight if another scared dog can’t get off your dog’s neck. When visiting dog parks, never leave special training gadgets on. A basic nylon or leather collar that can be simply removed is safe. (I would add that you should never use spiked collars or choking chains, but that’s for another post.)

5. Keep dogs on a leash in off-leash areas.

To begin with, bringing dogs on any form of a leash to an off-leash dog park is a horrible idea. New owners frequently believe that putting their dog on a leash will make it simpler to control a dog whose quirks and behaviors they haven’t completely grasped yet. A dog on a leash, on the other hand, is effectively a tripping hazard, especially if the dog on a leash begins to play. A hard tug on a coiled leash could signify a fearful dog whose first experience with a dog park is one of fear and worry. Leashed dogs may also feel more uncomfortable since they know they can’t escape if they need to, which can lead to fights that might not have occurred otherwise. People who use retractable leashes at dog parks are also asking for them. If it spreads, other dogs on the loose could be wounded if they come into contact with the tiny rope. Or the tethered dog may decide to chase another dog, believing he has complete freedom until he collides with the end of the rope and is hurled back by the collar. Retractable leashes are a bad idea in general, but they are especially dangerous at a dog park. until it comes into contact with the rope’s end and is returned by the neck Retractable leashes are a bad idea in general, but they are especially dangerous at a dog park. until it comes into contact with the rope’s end and is returned by the neck Retractable leashes are a bad idea in general, but they are especially dangerous at a dog park.

6. Carry a pregnant female or in heat

I don’t believe it is necessary to go into further depth on this. It happens, even though it should never happen. If you want to see all hell break loose among a group of dogs, just add a female dog in heat to the mix.

7. Bringing unvaccinated dogs or puppies less than 12 weeks old 

To begin with, there are so many diseases and parasites at a dog park that it gives you the chills. Older puppies and adult dogs that have been vaccinated can handle most of the nasties and may only catch Giardia or roundworms, which can readily survive with treatment as adults with a strong immune system. Puppies that haven’t been vaccinated, on the other hand, are not only susceptible to everything from parvo to distemper, but they may also contract Giardia or worms that their small bodies can’t handle. Puppies under 12 weeks old or those who have not been fully vaccinated against common diseases should be kept away from dog parks.

8. Large dogs in the same play area as small dogs

Some dog parks do not have separate play areas; if this is the case in your region, be cautious about taking your tiny dog to such a park. Large dogs frequently perceive little dogs as prey. It’s not unusual for a Rottweiler to treat a Yorkshire terrier like a squirrel. A startled small dog’s shrieking barks and fast movements may be enough to stimulate the predatory drive in a large dog and spell tragedy. I’ve seen it several times: it never ends well, and sometimes results in significant injury to the small dog and the large dog being labeled “vicious” for simply being a regular dog who was over-stimulated. If you bring a little dog to a park where big dogs play, it is your responsibility if something bad occurs to that small dog. Is the risk worth it? Most likely not.

9. Pick up and carry a small dog

This takes us to another typical blunder made by little dog owners. It’s reasonable to want to pick up your small dog if things get out of hand. It is something so ingrained in us that resisting it is nearly difficult. We take things to protect them. But, from a dog’s perspective, when things go up quickly, it’s because something is fleeing, which implies “pursuit!” Picking up little dogs stimulates many dogs’ treeing instincts, which leads directly to the prey drive and motivates them to leap on you to get to the small dog. Picking up a little, fearful puppy at a dog park, when all the dogs are especially agitated and enthusiastic, can have you knocked down or even bitten.

10. Bringing a dog with a low level of resilience

Recovery entails more than simply teaching your dog to come when called. It’s also about having a dog who is continually tuned in to you and willing to obey no matter what, even while playing tag. Recovery is the ability to remove your dog from an intensifying activity and return him to you until things calm down. Withdrawal abilities are essential not just for your dog’s safety, but also for the protection of all the canines with whom he interacts. There is no pullout capability and no dog park.

11. Allowing dogs to bully other dogs

Your dog may be pounced on another, but it is not. Learn when play gestures are cute and engaging – and hence socially appropriate for dogs – and when they are obnoxious and disrespectful. A gaming bow looks nice from a distance. It’s good to be asked to play catch and run. But pinching another dog’s neck and lunging at him to start a fighting game is disgusting. Especially if the receiving dog is not used to it. If your dog is being too harsh or nasty to another dog, it’s time to call him and tell him to leave him alone. If you don’t, you’re inviting a dog fight or being shouted at by the owner of the poor harassed dog.

12. Letting the dogs “groom themselves”

That does not work. Many people in dog parks believe that if they leave the dogs alone, they will overcome any social drama that is taking place. Perros can help resolve problems, but those who encounter them for the first time in a stimulating environment are not in the best position to do so. If a dog bites another dog or there are signs of aggression between two dogs, humans must intervene to keep everyone calm and happy. A classic example of this is when a dog attempts to mount another in a dominance demonstration and is thwarted because they are “figuring out the chain of command.” No, that dog is simply becoming bigger, both for humans and for other dogs. If your dog needs to mount other dogs to figure out where he fits in the hierarchy, dog parks are not the best place for him to do so, and he must be trained. If another dog in the park is doing this to your dog, separate the dogs and leave the park. Being near a dog is not worth the risk of potential problems. Being near owners who believe that leaving dogs alone is necessary for them to “arreglen” is not worth it.

13. Bringing dogs with resource guarding difficulties

Dogs who do not like to share toys, or who steal and hoard items, will not enjoy themselves at a dog park. Not only that, but that type of dog poses a risk to other dogs who want to play with the toys but refuse to obey their commands to leave. This extends beyond toys. Dog treats are frequent at dog parks, and a resource guard dog who detects the scent will protect that food resource from other dogs with varying levels of aggression (even if the treats are still in the human’s pocket!) Some canines take resource monitoring to a new level by keeping an eye on the dog with whom they are playing or even on their owner. If your dog struggles with resource management.

14. Talking to other humans instead of supervising dogs

The dog is a person’s top priority at a dog park, not conversing with other humans. He compares it to taking children to a playground, placing them in the jungle gym with other children, and then turning their backs on them to converse with other parents. Isn’t that frowned upon? You do not indicate whether there is a fight, if someone is flinging sand, or if a child is ready to jump 10 feet from the monkey bars. The same is true for dogs. Too many individuals believe they can let their dog run free in a fenced-in park and then socialize with other dog owners. But if you’re chatting, you’re not paying attention. Dog parks are for dogs, whereas coffee shops are for people.

15. Spending more time looking at the smartphone screen than dogs

Just as speaking with other humans should not take precedence over monitoring dogs, so should using a smartphone. Unfortunately, I’ve seen folks stroll into the dog park and gaze at their phones the entire time while their dog runs about, or, even worse, the dog glances at the human, wondering if they’ll ever play. Dogs recognize when you’re mentally ill and frequently take advantage of it, disobeying the rules because they know they can. Don’t make other dog owners look after your dog because you’re texting, tweeting, or uploading a picture of your adorable dog on Instagram. Consider texting and driving.