photo: wanderingone
I’ve been going back and forth about dog parks for a while. Little things have been turning me off – aggressive dog owners, toddlers at the park, and difficulty managing our growing pack – but I didn’t want to give up on dog parks.
I gave up on dog parks.
I now think that dog parks are dangerous for our dogs. If you’ve been following you, then you may have read my rants on experiences at the dog park. These experiences aren’t a reflection on the dog park; they’re a reflection of some of the encounters I’ve had at the dog park. And I’m not the only one.
A few dog owners helped me develop this list of 7 reason why the dog park is dangerous for our dogs which explains why we’ve stopped going through the pearly (actually, they’re black) gates to doggy nirvana (sorry, Rodrigo)…
1. Our Pack is Too Big
I never realized how much adding a third dog would impact our lives. I expected more work, more costs, and a change in the dynamic. What I didn’t expect was the juggling act I would have to play at the dog park – which now seems like a “no duhhh” change. Of course it’s going to be more difficult to manage three dogs than it is to manage two.
It’s impossible to keep track of three dogs at the dog park and when I can’t keep up with them, I get stressed, they pick up on my stress, they attribute that stress to other dogs, and it goes downhill from there.
2. I Don’t Trust Other Dog Owners
I get that sometimes it’s hard to decipher between loud (growling and barking) play and actual fighting, especially when you’re new to dogs or unfamiliar with the dogs at the park. This is why it’s important that we’re familiar with our dog’s signals. I can tell when my dog is going to lose his cool, because he feels threatened or challenged and I can intercede if I’m nearby.
My dogs have also been accused of hurting other dogs; blatant lies that were repeated and whispered as I walked on nearby trails. I do understand that aggressive dogs are a concern for dog owners, but take care when repeating gossip.
Which brings me to my next point; the parks are just too big for me to be there should something go wrong. I know that a lot of dog owners are okay with letting dogs “work it out,” but I’m not okay with this. What if one of the dogs get hurt, what if more dogs jump in, what if someone standing nearby gets hurt? I want to be able to allow our dogs to play and have fun, but I always want to be able to intercede if it’s required. I can’t do this at the dog park.
Fellow dog parent, Nicole T, agrees and adds that “it’s unsettling to not know exactly where they are” when you visit a big park or the park is crowded.
4. The Park is Too Crowded
The other day I went to the park and there were at least 15 dogs running around and playing. That was too much for my pack. I like the park when there are fewer than 5 dogs there, because the dogs stay close by, we can manage the play better, and the dog owners can actually interact too.
When there are too many dogs at the dog park, our dogs get over excited. Walking them on a leash becomes a hassle, the dogs become impatient and stressed, and I end up leaving, because it’s just too much for all of us.
Benjamin C shared that he and is dog won’t go in the dog park if there are more than 5 dogs there, because in his experience “whenever the number of dogs approaches seven the dogs begin to establish pecking order. They start by finding the lowest member, usually a sick dog, and they attack it.”
5. People Fail to Pick Up Dog Poop
With the failure to pick up dog poop comes the risk of illness. Dog parks in the Pacific Northwest are managed by nonprofit groups who employ volunteers. They don’t have the manpower to check vaccination records. Going to the dog park does add additional risk to our fur kids, especially if they already have a compromised immune system.
My favorite veterinarian, Dr. Cathy Alinovi, shares “there are studies that humans who spend lots of times at parks are exposed to larval migrans -it’s linked to ADD in children in large cities. The same will happen for dogs in parks. While some private parks insist on annual fecals, many intestinal parasites are hard to detect.”
Update: the person who originally contributed to this article requested that her quote be removed on February 9, 2013, because I didn’t credit her the way she would have liked and instead of correcting the accreditation, the tone of her email made it clear that she didn’t want to be associated with Keep the Tail Wagging and I respect her wishes.
Now on with the blog post…
We unknowingly exposed the dog park to a puppy infected with the canine parvovirus, so we understand how easy it is to make this mistake. I’ve seen people bring puppies to the dog park and at the time didn’t see any harm. The only reason why we didn’t bring our puppies was because our veterinarian was so adament about keeping our puppies home until they were fully vaccinated.
After our experience with Riley and Canine Parvovirus, and hearing about kennel cough and guardia outbreaks from fellow dog lovers, I understand that there can be dangers for dogs.
7. Aggressive Dog Owners
I’ve written about aggressive dog owners and to be honest, I completely understand, because sometimes I get impatient and would love to come unhinged, but it would make the experience even worse for my dogs.
Gianna M wrote to me recently, sharing an experience she had at the dog park that resulted in her filing assault charges against a dog owner who didn’t appreciate her helping him out on his first visit to the park. I understand bristling a little when a stranger approaches with advice when you’re already feeling stressed, but I also know that it’s important that I shelve my ego if I want to best for my dogs. This guy couldn’t do that and was ultimately banned (by the courts) from the dog park.
It’s silly for any of our interactions at the dog park to reach the level that the authorities need to get involved.
I think that part of being a responsible dog owner is knowing our dogs well – knowing their body language and their mood. It’s just as important to respect another dog owner’s choice not to engage, not to “greet,” or not to play.
Walking 3 dogs isn’t easy and when they’re keyed up (like when we arrive at the park) I don’t like them to greet other dogs, because they want to play immediately after the sniff and dog play on leash rarely works out in my experience. The dogs feel hampered, get stressed, identify the other dog as the source of their stress, and then play quickly turns to fighting.
When I don’t allow my dogs to greet other dogs while on leash, I’m not be snooty, I’m being cautious, because I know my dogs.
So that’s that…
There are plenty of dog parks that are fantastic. There are many people who go to the dog park with buddies to improve their experience – by getting together a group of like-minded dog owners, you can attempt to provide a safer environment for your dog. Dog parks aren’t all bad, but for me – the Fur Mom to 3 – they’re not great.
I miss the park and the dog lovers that I’ve met. But I have one humper, one shy princess, and a puppy who only wants to play with small dogs. Once again I’m faced with the fact that the world doesn’t revolve around me and that includes the dog parks. Since other dogs and dog owners won’t bend to my needs, I will adjust to theirs and excuse myself from this one experience. The beach is much better anyway!
Now it’s Your turn – what are your thoughts on dog parks? Please share your good or not so good experiences. And if you know a great park with great people – give it a shout out!
January 10, 2013 at 7:36 am
We took our dog to a dog park in Las Vegas a few times and then never went back. We saw many of the same things you mentioned. The last straw for us was when an owner came in with a HUGE Rottweiler, took him off leash and then just let him run loose. The owner started having a conversation with someone and was oblivious as to where his dog was. The dog came over to our section of the park, ran up to a woman who was sitting on the ground watching her own dogs, and proceeded to lift his leg and pee all down her back. I felt so bad for the woman. The owner was clueless that it even happened. Dogs are like your kids…you go out in public with them and you keep an eye on them and make them behave.
Twitter: inkbite
January 10, 2013 at 8:48 am
That’s TERRIBLE. OMG I would be horrified if I witness this. I see the same thing all the time. One time I was at the park (and I wasn’t inside, I was walking on a trail outside the park, I noticed a dog owner on the oppositie side of a 5 acre field talking on his cell phone. His dogs were harrassing a family who was trying to leave. They were so frustrated. I go to dog park, or park, or hiking with my dogs to be with my dogs and watch them have fun. If I just want to let them run loose and not pay attention, I’ll put them in our yard. LOL
Thanks for sharing that story. I’m just cringing at the image. Poor woman.
Twitter: thefurmom
January 10, 2013 at 10:47 am
Oh yeah. Absolutely agree on all points! I have a particular problem with dog owners not being attuned to their dog’s body language and attitude in this area – where people mostly still have 19th century attitudes about animals (even their pets). We stopped going when I brought the puppies home because they were too young, but I was considering leaving even before that for ALL the reasons you mentioned. GREAT article, Kimberly!
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Audra recently published..That moment when you realize you have 3 versions of Odie.
Twitter: scarletvirago
January 10, 2013 at 11:06 am
Couldn’t agree with you more. One day when I took my dog to the dogpark (I have a little yorkie), there was only one other dog in the park – larger size breed. Anyway, as soon as we walked in, the dog went straight for my dog, picked him up in his mouth and started shaking him like a little rag doll. The owner of the larger dog just sat on the park bench and WATCHED. I couldn’t get the dog to drop my dog until I threw a venti-sized, scalding cup of Starbucks coffee in its face. I felt horrible doing it, but it was the only think that saved my dogs life.
And I don’t blame the other dog – I blame the OWNER – for what happened. It’s just like you say – I don’t trust other dog owners. Too many come to the park just to socialize, don’t keep an eye on their dogs, or don’t want to take responsibility for their dogs’ actions.
Twitter: thephillydog
January 10, 2013 at 12:48 pm
OMG, Rebecca – that’s awful. I hope your little pup recovered. The damage that does both physically and mentally to a dog is terrible.
I had a dog attack one of my dogs (she’s shy) and I was trying to protect her and ask if the owner could help. His dog eventually knocked me down as I was trying to guard my Sydney, my other dog was about to attack when he finally came and lifted his dog off of me – yes, the dog was on me.
Then he put the dog right back down and he came back at us again. I managed to calmly ask him to hold his dog until we were out of the park and he did. I so wanted to scream at him, but didn’t want to stress the dogs out more than I needed to.
Yikes!
Thanks for sharing that story!
Twitter: thefurmom
January 10, 2013 at 11:28 am
I’m am so glad I’m not the only one who feels this way. Thanks for the sanity check! I live in a townhouse with my two dogs, so we do not have a yard. Dog parks are so popular here in the DC area, and as much as I’m tempted to go back (especially in the winter months where energy is running high and our long nightly walks are just a little shorter), I always resist for many of the same reasons you list. My top two are: 1) My beagle likes to scan the inner perimeter of the entire dog park and other owners are not always mindful of the gate being quickly closed entering or exiting the park, taking their sweet time and stressing me out in fear that a dog will escape and 2) I love to meet other enthusiastic dog owners, but I do not appreciate advice while I am paying attention, such as “it’s fine they will work it out” as I move towards parting a scuffle between my dog and theirs or another. Thanks!
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Cara recently published..Joint Treats
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January 10, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Thank you so much for your comment, Cara
I feel like a dog park nag, because I complain so much about them, but I know that others feel the same thing. My dog, Rodrigo, was injured badly (pain and antibiotics) when a dog jumped on him. Dog fights are no joke. I would love to “let them work it out,” but I can’t afford the vet bill. I also always wonder if people would feel that way if their dog started bleeding. I think they’re thoughts on the situation would flip flop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
January 10, 2013 at 9:10 pm
All very good points… I took my dog to the dog park a long time ago. It was never crowded when I went but I still didn’t really care for it much. She will play with other dogs occasionally, but will get tired and agitated with them after a while.
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January 11, 2013 at 7:38 am
Our Sydney is the same. She only likes to be there a short time.
Twitter: thefurmom
January 11, 2013 at 12:15 am
Wow, your dog parks are too big? We have the other problem, they are way too small. But I agree with the rest. Dog parks aren’t what they used to be.
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Jana Rade recently published..Antifreeze Poisoning: What Happens in the Dog’s Body
Twitter: DawgBlogger
January 11, 2013 at 7:38 am
LOL – I’m starting to think the same. There’s one that is crazy huge. I love the idea of it, but if I can’t see my dog, then I can’t go there.
Twitter: thefurmom
January 11, 2013 at 5:56 am
First, I will super ashemedly admit that my puppy has been guilty of lifting his leg on more than one person at the dog park. But, because I was paying attention and have been working tirelessly to teach him not to lift his leg indiscriminately, no moisture made contact. And I apologized profusely… and still do if any of those poor people are reading.
Next, thank you, for so eloquently describing what’s going on at dog parks these days. I feel like it didn’t used to be this way. When I adopted my first dog in 2001, the off-leash park was part of a responsible dog owners excercise and socialization routine. Just a part. Now it is ALL of the irresponsible dog owners exercise and socialization routine. Usually, these peoples dogs exercise happens while they talk on the phone or read the paper on a bench. I too deeply miss the wonderful people I have met and the great conversations I have had with people over the years at off-leash parks all over the Northwest. But, there have been fewer and fewer of both these last few years anyways. Maybe because I too have a very large pack of 3 to try to keep track of or maybe because the people who used to walk to the off-leash park after obedience class have been replaced by people bringing their dog through after finishing their 10 hour work day during which the dog was all alone. Anyone heard the “oh, he’s just gotta work off some steam since he’s alone all day” excuse from the owner of a poorly socialized (hence shouldn’t be at the off-leash park) dog?
Finally, as dog parks become more and more disease ridden and dangerous due to neglectful owners, I have observed an alarming increase in illegally off-leash dogs in all other parks and spaces. They are dogs without training or social skills and without observant owners just like in the dog parks yet they are leaving disease bearing messes and setting loose their dangerous animals all over our neighborhoods. People who did not enter a gate with a sign about risks and responsibilities like at a dog park are at risk more and more as our dog parks decline. But the true responsible owners who once lobbied for and loved the dog parks seek out new creative ways to exercise and socialize (dog sports, play groups, etc.) without risking their dogs health at a dangerous dog park or illegally unleashing everywhere else.
January 11, 2013 at 6:15 am
I did want to add shout outs/RIPs to some dog parks I have enjoyed: Bend, OR, love the terrain and the no more than 3 dogs per person law. Ashland, OR, always so nice, clean and fun. And, missed most of all Grand View in WA.
January 11, 2013 at 7:41 am
Shout out to a fellow PNW Dog Lover!!! I grew up in Portland, OR and now live in Marysville, WA
Twitter: thefurmom
January 11, 2013 at 7:41 am
OMG, Bethany – you nailed it way better than I ever could. That’s the key. The dog parks have become the only socializing and exercise people provide their dog instead of part of the menu. Thank you so very much. I feel like a light bulb is beaming bright over my head.
Our dog, Rodrigo, lifted his leg in Petco. Freaked me out, but I kept cool and the entire store made way (we were at an adoption event) for me to get him outside for a bush. Whew!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Beautifully written!
Twitter: thefurmom
January 11, 2013 at 8:22 am
I’ve had mixed feelings about dog parks for years…Most down here are nothing more than an open fenced area, no trees, no benches and some torn up turf…not much of a draw, and when you add in the irresponsible owners who both refuse to monitor their dogs and refuse to pick up the poop I find no reason to visit…Late I will say that our doggie social club is meeting at a local dog park and those meetups are ok…it’s a small group of dogs that know each other and play well together and we go early enough that we’re usually the only ones there…but that is the only time we visit a dog park
I’ll give a shout out to the dogparks in Madison, WI…big, natural and always fun … they are sorely missed
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Gizmo ( recently published..A KITCHEN SINKFUL OF HAPPY
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January 12, 2013 at 11:51 am
I used to belong to a meetup group, but then one of the dogs kept picking fights with Rodrigo, which encouraged an aggressive streak in him that it took a while to curb. He felt the need to defend himself and us whenever we went. We’re finally at a point where we can go to the dog park again, but I have no desire to be there – it’s not safe and I can’t watch 3 dogs and watch out for other dogs (who are’t being watched).
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
January 11, 2013 at 9:27 am
Yeah, I’m not a fan of dog parks for all the reasons you listed above. Also, my dog is very large and once he gets worked up and starts running at top speed, he aims right for me. Oddly enough, it’s the only time he does it. After the second time he knocked me down–in play–I never returned to the park. Instead we limit our doggie playtime to my daughter’s dog and a dog daycare that we trust.
Twitter: loyloyturns60
January 12, 2013 at 11:47 am
LOL – one of our dogs does this. Sydney. She’ll start running like crazy and if any other dog notices and thinks “yayyy, play time” she runs at top speed right for my legs for safety. Sucks! LOL
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom
January 11, 2013 at 9:37 am
I’ve never had good experiences at dog parks. Most owners use a dog park as an opportunity to catch up on gossip instead of paying attention to what their dogs are doing.I’ve been jumped on, barked at and stepped in poo so many times that I just don’t go anymore
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January 12, 2013 at 11:45 am
Hi Karen
I’m hearing this story so many times. You should see our dog park. There are a handful of dogs in the park, and loads outside the park – these are all the people who are tired of what we’re seeing in the park. I think the days of the dog parks are numbered if people don’t start taking care of their dogs (and picking up poo).
Twitter: thefurmom
February 20, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Always worth saying again!!
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May 7, 2013 at 5:48 am
Agree with all your points 110%. I’ve gone off dog parks too and only use them very rarely, when I’m sure there’s no-one around, and even then, I’m hypervigilant. Had a bad experience at the park when Hannah got bitten, and I have been very anxious at the park since. I do miss the good old days when I didn’t know of all the evils of the dog park, and used to just have a blast there, but it’s just not worth the risks to me anymore.
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May 7, 2013 at 6:16 am
Now that we have three dogs, I just can’t risk the dog park any longer. I think it can be a great place for some dog owners, but I’ve been turned off by the cattiness of some (a few blatantly told lies about me and our dogs, threatening to call the police, only to back off when they realized my partner is a cop), the dog owners who don’t pay attention to their dogs, and dogs getting hurt. Plus it drives me nuts that so many people don’t pick up after their dogs. LOL
I miss the dog park from a few years ago, today, it’s just not the same. I agree, it’s just not worth the risks.
Twitter: thefurmom