what do you think of dog parks

[halliebear]

I don't like dog parks, not only is your dog exposed to dogs who may or not be friendly, may or may not be UTD on vaccinations, and a giant number of variables that you can't control in such a large chaotic space - but it is also a great place to undo all of the training you have done with you dog. How do I know? Because I learned the hard way that you can't teach your dog "no jump" when they are off leash with a bunch of people who say - oh, its okay, I don't mind
I prefer to socialize my dogs in one or 2 dog playdates with knowledgable dog owners in a fenced yard. Another great way to socialize your dog to other dogs is obedience, or places where there are other dogs. Everytime dogs are together, whether they are directly interacting or not, they are socializing. Its up to you whether this will be positive or negative for your dog :)

halliebear

[tilerspop]

Generally, I don't think dog parks are such a hot idea. You are putting yourself and your dog in a situation that can quickly get out of control. The reasons posted by others here are all valid and do not need re-statement. Unfortunately, there are many dog owners out there who are not responsible. These are also the same owners who will holler foul when an incident occurs. I think it best not to put oneself in a risky situation when there is really no need.

Personally I take Tiler to the park early in the morning when there is no one else around. He can run to his hearts content, (not much, he prefers being at my side) and nobody is disturbed.:)

[Jaegergirl]

well, what made me consider the dog park is that just about every time i have maverick in pets supplies plus, people who see him and talk to me about him say "oh, you really need to take him to the dog park so he's well socialized with other dogs". are they rottie owners? no. this is my first rottie and i want to make sure i do everything "right". i realize that there is no one "right" way, but there are so many comments that have been made about dog parks that have brought me to the decision that the dog park is not something i want to take my dog to. i'm taking him to classes so he gets socialize there. plus, if i do want him to interact or "play" with other dogs, i've got a few friends with dogs who are privy to what appropriate dog behavior is so i can take maverick to their house for "puppy play group" if i really feel the need.

[Rottlva]

I would prefer to socialize in a more controlled environment. There is to much risk for bad situations to come up.... A better idea may be to talk to your trainer about a "play session" at your local training center where knowledgeable staff can over look the animals and you can observe body language in a close environment which will help you catch any problems quickly. This way you know all pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and have no tempermental quirks.

But..... I really do think that dogs are happiest being companions to us. A pal or two can be special, but spending time with you will make your girl the happiest !

[Jaegergirl]

But..... I really do think that dogs are happiest being companions to us. A pal or two can be special, but spending time with you will make your girl the happiest !

I guess I never realized that the dogs don't need "dog friends". Very good point! : )

[poohbearsmom]

I think that dog parks are an "accident" waiting to happen...for many of the reasons already stated.

And

I concur that dogs don't need dog friends to be happy - what they need is consistant training and bonding with their humans. Getting a dog desensitized to other dogs, so they don't go nuts when they see one, and actually thinking that Rover needs playmates, or he'll be unhappy are two very different things.


My 2 cents.

Elisabeth

[Rotti_love]

My husband and I used to love the "off leash" parks in town here. We would go everyday and let the dogs socialize and play and run.

However, I took them down to the park by myself a couple of weeks ago. We had finished our walk, and I had them on leash to get them back in the car. My dogs were attacked by a Collie! The owner of this dog could not get any control of it, my dogs could not defend themselves properly because they were on leash (one is a seven month old puppy - really has no idea how to defend himself anyhow). And I was in the middle of this mess. It was the worst experience of my life.

I would never put my dogs into a situation like that again. Now we go to a deserted park when I know there will be no one around. They can run and get all the exercise they need with no danger to themselves.

Out on leashed walks, I will not let them socialize with every dog out there. Half the time it's not the dogs that scare me, it's the owners. I just won't put my dogs in harms way. And if that means a bit of restriction; fine by me.

By the way, when they were attacked by the collie, people walking by did think it was my dogs!!!

Jill

[Muckdogs]

I would rather stab myself in the eye with a pencil than take my dog to a dogpark

[Stubby]

Originally posted by Muckdogs
I would rather stab myself in the eye with a pencil than take my dog to a dogpark

Thats EXTREME Marine ;)

We have a park close to home that I take my two out to every day. HOWEVER, I know EVERY SINGLE dog there, and there are only about 5-8 dogs at any given time. I go early in the morning before anyone else is around except for a few people (and their dogs) I know from the neighbourhood, and at night, there are usually a few others there.

I supervise my dogs VERY well. Others tend to go to dog parks as a personal "social visit", I'm known to just stand there and nod and go "ah-hah" while watching my two chase a ball or whatever. They get good and tired, they see other dogs, and no harm is done this way.

[Muckdogs]

I guess I should qualify a bit, I don't want my dog social with other dogs, period. I want him to tolerate, barely, the existence of other dogs, but that's about it. My personal preference so no need for a heated debate.

[austin]

Something similar you might want to consider is a "doggie day care", just go visit first and make sure they check vaccination records on all dogs and that they have personnel that are knowledgable (introduce new dogs slowly, always have someone watching them, etc.). I take mine to one every once in awhile, it is great for socialization and she is so tired after an afternoon of play she can barely hold her head up on the ride home. It is well worth the $15 to $17 a day charge. I don't really have the option of a dog park near my home, but would be nervous about the health and temperament of the other dogs. The day care is a better controlled atmosphere, and you have to figure the dogs there are all spoiled rotten members of their family. I actually found one that caters mostly to larger dogs, and usually has 2 or 3 rotties in attendance!

[Hudson's Alpha]

Muck,

Out of sheer curiosity, why do you want your dog to only "barely tolerate the existence of other dogs"?

[lblax]

Originally posted by Hudson's Alpha
Muck,

Out of sheer curiosity, why do you want your dog to only "barely tolerate the existence of other dogs"?

not answering for muck but there are several reasons that your dog only needs to be tolerant and non agressive to animals outside of the home but the no 1 imop is they belong to your pack you are the alpha everything he gets comes from you and you alone food love play companionship he learned everything he needed to know about being a dog from his mother!!! they only thing dogs can learn from other dogs are bad habits

[Hudson's Alpha]

Hmmm.....I will accept that as one's own personal ideology, no questions asked.

The only thing I would say is that for those who involve their dogs in sport or conformation, i.e. utility, agility, show, etc., the dog is regularly exposed to many other dogs all the time, and they certainly need to be well-socialized to dogs as well as humans.

I know for my dog, when he was working, he was ALWAYS around other dogs, and I certainly could not have had him poorly socialized to other animals. As far as his respect for me as alpha, it was a non-issue from the time he was finished with boot camp until he went to the Bridge.

Okay, I'm done. I just hopped off my box. All finished. ;)

[Muckdogs]

Originally posted by Hudson's Alpha
Muck,

Out of sheer curiosity, why do you want your dog to only "barely tolerate the existence of other dogs"?

Really just my preference. At my clubs, dogs NEVER socialize. Crate to truck to training field and then back to truck. I fell that there is no need for my dog to be social. All the fun and interaction he gets from me and the helper. Plus, a social dog in Schutzhund can be a recipe for disaster. if your dog thinks that every time he sees another dog, its playtime, then forget the long down or the report in with other dogs. he'd be dismissed before we even started. For me, apathy with an "I take no BS, so don't even try" attitude is what I am striving for. Finally, obedience and attention tends to degrade when playing with other dogs, IMHO. I don't want to play second fiddle to any bitch in the park.