Do you often take your dog to play in Dog Parks?
It is common for every city or neighborhood to have an official or unofficial dog park, often formed by a group of people who want their pups to play and socialize with other dogs.
These spaces are getting increasingly crowded. After all, dogs need a place to run freely and do “dog things”. In large cities, like NYC, many owners do not have adequate outdoor space for activities and have to resort to parks.
If you have a dog and you usually take them to play in dog parks, check out some advantages and disadvantages below, as well as tips on what to do and what not to do for a successful Dog Park visit.
The Benefits of Dog Parks
The main advantage is clear. Dog Parks provide a “safe” space for dogs to exercise and play.
Unfortunately, our culture is increasingly less tolerant of dogs, so having places where our pups can have fun is very important.
Parks can facilitate socialization between different breeds and types of dogs. In addition, they can be a great space for dogs that have lots of energy and don’t have a place to expend it.
Disadvantages of Dog Parks
Many owners unwittingly contribute to some of the main problems of Dog Parks, as they do not correctly recognize or interpret what their dogs are doing or learning, particularly when interacting with other dogs.
So that you can understand better, we have listed below some of the main problems that your dog may experience when going to a Dog Park:
Defensive Aggression
Dogs need time to get comfortable in the presence of other dogs and humans. At the dog park, there may not be time for that. Even friendly dogs can feel uncomfortable here.
Learned Disobedience
Dog park play can teach the dog that the owner has no control over them.
A very common scene to see is an owner following and calling their dog, while the pup totally ignores them. You can also see dogs running off leash or pulling their owner to go somewhere else.
These are two examples of disobedient behavior that you definitely don’t want to reinforce at the Dog Park.
Problematic Play Styles
Some games at the dog park can cause misunderstandings or even fights between owners and animals.
Some dogs tend to be more agitated when playing, and as a result, they can end up overwhelming other dogs. In this case, the right attitude of the owner of the agitated dog would be to calm him down. However, this does not always happen. Some owners just say “don’t worry, he’s just playing”.
If a dog often bullies weaker dogs, they learn that they can dominate other dogs and tend to repeat the behavior.
Resource Guarding
In a dog park, a dispute over a resource can easily turn into a nasty fight. Resource guarding can happen over a ball or toy that an owner brings to the Dog Park, or even a stick.
Read More: How to Socialize an Aggressive Dog
Leash Frustration
Leash frustration is a problem that can occur in dogs that go to Dog Parks. This can happen when the dog is overly excited to go to the Dog Park, and excessively pulls the leash all the way to the Dog Park. Sometimes the dog even barks and lunges the entire walk there as well. The owner may then pull the leash in response, or even yell at the dog, which further increases the dog’s state of arousal. This is especially problematic because by the time the dog arrives at the Dog Park, he is highly aroused. This heightened state of arousal can make him easily susceptible to a fight.
Owner Facilitated Aggression
Dogs that are very attached to their owners may stay close to protect them, growling or baring their teeth to other dogs and humans. Many owners facilitate this behavior by staying close to the dog, who interprets the owner’s presence as help in a possible fight. If this behavior is frequent, your dog may adopt it for the rest of his life.
Read more: Is It Too Late to Socialize My Dog?
Trauma
Your dog may go through a traumatic experience at the Dog Park that will never be erased, especially if attacked by another dog. Even minor events can cause trauma to a dog.
Tips for a Successful Dog Park Visit
What To Do:
- Ensure your dog has good recall before visiting a Dog Park.
- Choose less busy hours to bring your pup.
- Walk around to observe the interactions between owners and dogs before entering. You don’t have to enter if you or your dog feel uncertain.
- Pay attention to the way your dog plays with other dogs. Interrupt the play if necessary.
- Leave the Dog Park if your pup seems scared or is bullying others.
- Look for signs of discomfort in your pup. If you notice that your dog wants to leave, take him home.
What NOT To Do:
- Do not take your dog’s toys to the park as they can cause resource guarding issues.
- If you notice a large group of dogs at the entrance to the park, do not allow your dog to enter.
- Do not scroll through social media instead of watching after your pup.
- Do not allow your dog to remain frightened. Remove him if necessary.
- Don’t listen to bad advice from other people in the park who don’t understand your dog’s needs.
Read More: Social Anxiety in Dogs: What Is It?
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram.
