My dog has had plenty of successful playdates with his pup friends one-on-one, but I like the idea (and the flexibility) of bringing him to a dog park. I've seen so many negative comments online recently about dog parks being dangerous, whether it be the risk of parasites or fights between dogs. Are dog parks really that terrible? Are there any tricks I should follow before giving it a try? Or, should I continue to avoid them entirely?
Should I bring my dog to the dog park?
- Thread starter lizbeth
- Start date
Hi @lizbeth. Dog parks can be great fun, but there is always a risk of negative interactions or picking up germs. While dog parks have rules about this, not all have people to enforce them. So, it is always a little bit of a risk. As a long-time dog owner with reactive dogs, I can understand your apprehension. I have a few tips to help you make the dog park experience fun. The first is to look for parks that are smaller and less busy. These are a great place to start. You can also try one of my personal favorites: private dog parks through Sniffspot. These allow you to take your pup out, explore a new park, and be free of the fear of other dogs or picking up an illness. You can learn more in my firsthand Sniffspot review. Before you head out to any park, be sure your pup is vaccinated and has a handle on basic commands. This is very important for off-leash areas.
Along with that, we cover dog park etiquette in detail, which can help you learn what to expect and get your pup ready for his first dog park adventure. Not everyone will uphold these, but it helps to set a good example. Another tip is to join a dog meetup group so you are always at the park with the same group of dogs. This has been very helpful for me with my smaller dog, who is socially anxious. It is also ok to decide the dog park just isn't for you. Despite our best efforts, there will always be those who break the rules and make the park uncomfortable. So, it often depends on the specific park, and it may take a few tries to find the one that feels right for your dog. I hope this helps!
@Danielle DeGroot THANK YOU! So many great ideas! I have never heard of Sniffspot, but after reading your comment, I took a look and found some options in my area!
That's great to hear @lizbeth! I'm glad you found some good spots. I hope your pup has fun at the dog park. Let us know how it goes!