Opinions about dog parks - Page 1

I wouldnt take my dog to a dog park. Dogs are going to establish a pack hierarchy around other dogs and it is just asking too much of a dog to expect it to behave, and they wont. Even if yours does, other peoples will not.

Its likely that some dog is going to get hurt, and it will negatively affect any kind of training pretty much. This is not even mentioning the disease factor. 

Socialization with other dogs is great in a controlled enviornment: like a schutzhund club or other organization, but a dog park is just about the farthest thing from controlled.

 I believe it is an all around very very bad idea. I feel that the idea of the dog park has nothing to do with a dog's needs but rather with people slapping human needs onto an animal.

I don't even want to get started on dog parks.

Disease, loose dogs running together, dog fights, etc. What is there even to think about?

No thanks and thank goodness I don't have the need for one.  But folks that live in a city environment don't have it easy.  The ONLY way I'd consider it is if there were a members only club available.  Rules are strict and people can't just wander in off the street.  Here's an example of a members only club:  http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Bark_Park

Trust your Vet Policmom,  Dog Parks are filled with unvaccinated, never wormed, parasite carrying, dogs that people think they are doing a favor...  dogs in dog parks get sick because the GP (general public) does not have a clue for the most part.  At least around here it is that way.

Ask people when they bring they're dog to the shelter,  are they current on vaccines,  the dog is 9 years old,  Oh ya we gave her a puppy shot when she was little !!  (They proudly proclaim)  I'm surprised my eyesballs are still in my head at all these days.

 There is a dog park near work that is privately owned, that you have to pay to be a member and have a key to enter.  There's a small dog area, large dog area with a pond, and a puppy area  .The dogs are screened before being allowed and must show proof of vaccination and a clean stool sample and I think she even wants proof of heartworm, etc. etc.  Any dogs that are considered problem dogs are not allowed anymore.  So, in the case of this dog park it is a very well controlled situation.  So, for all these crazy house dogs that do not get enough exercise it is a great place.  We also have  few doggie day cares that people will take their dogs to where they are also screened and proof of vaccination is required.  There's also a client that has a service where she will actually pick up a few dogs who belong to the pay dog park and take them to the park during the day.  Again, these are all controlled situations and the dogs are getting the exercise that they need. 

 There's a much larger dog park where we've seen very few problems, ie: dog fights, but for the most part not too much trouble and maybe some increase in intestinal parasites, mostly whipworms.  But, some dogs that we see have that have whipworms have never even been to the dog park in their lives.  They just live in an area where it's in the soil. 

I never knew dog parks were a bad idea until reading peoples commets and experiences about this. I very glad i;ve brought this up and i wont be going back any time soon.

Alot of people just don't know what is good and bad.  I can't believe people don't keep up with their dogs vaccinations, is'nt $40 a year of good and protection worth it and also other people and there pets.