Dog Parks: What You Should Know

  As a loving dog parent, you naturally want your pup to have a fulfilling, social life. The dog park might seem like an easy way to achieve that - but is it really the best choice?

While dog parks are designed for social interaction, and many pet parents enjoy connecting with other pet parents at the local dog park, the reality is that they often pose more risks than benefits to your dog. From unpredictable behavior to health concerns, there are safer and more effective alternatives for socialising your dog and meeting other dog lovers. 

⚠️ Behavioral Challenges

Dog parks are inherently unpredictable. You don’t know the behavioral or health history, temperament, or training of the dogs there, and that makes it impossible to ensure a safe, positive experience.

• Just as with humans, canine social skills are taught by socially skilled aduls, and when all the dogs are unskilled, no one knows what skilled looks like.

• Unfamiliar dogs can escalate into conflict in seconds.

•  Subtle signs of stress or tension leading to aggression often go unnoticed until it’s  too

  late.

•  Mismatched playstyles (e.g., herding vs. wrestling) can result in confusion or stress.

•  Dogs often develop maladaptive coping strategies that to the untrained eye can look like “play”.

• Common “play” styles from dog park dogs can be, over-excited, hectic, rude, bullish or snappy, shy, submissive or avoidant.

• Unless play with dogs is balanced with play and training with humans, dogs can become obsessed with other dogs leading to ignoring pet parents, pulling on leash or becoming reactive toward other dogs.

 🧠 The Individual Dog Factor

Just like humans, dogs exist on a social spectrum. Some dogs are naturally more introverted and prefer quiet, internal moments, while others are extroverted, thriving on social interaction and external stimulation. And just like us, their place on that spectrum can shift from day to day, depending on their mood, environment, and experiences.

Most dogs prefer to build relationships with familiar friends who know them and can adjust their relational style to meet them where they are at. Constant introductions to new dogs can be tiring and overwhelming.

Friendships take time, consistency and trust to build.

 🧬 Health Considerations

Dog parks can also pose health risks:

•  Exposure to unvaccinated or sick dogs

•  Contaminated surfaces and shared water

•  Un picked up feces that transmit parasites and disease

•  Injuries from play that is too rough, or worse, serious injury or death from dog fights

Even if your dog is vaccinated, they could still contract or carry something to others.

 ✅ Safer Alternatives

1. Curated Playgroups:

Create a consistent social group of wellmatched dogs. Start with slow introductions and choose dogs with compatible playstyles and health protocols.  Supervise interactions closely and deescalate if an interaction becomes one sided, over excited, or 

2. Structured Daycare:

Look for daycares that:

•  Keep consistent groups

•  Have staff trained in dog behavior

•  Require vaccinations

  
  

Well structured dog daycare

3. Exercise Without Social Pressure:

Not every dog needs dog to dog play. 

Consider:

Agility for fun an fitness

•  Longline play with you in an empty park

•  Jogging or hiking

• “Excursions”, driving to new and novel locations to explore 

•  Enrichment games

•  Dog sports like agility, nose work and Canicross

•  Group training classes

 🧭 Making an Informed Choice

Your dog’s wellbeing and confidence should always guide your decision. Before choosing a social space, ask:

•  Is this environment supervised and safe?

• Is the supervision provided by someone skilled in reading canine body language?

• Is the behaviour of the dogs able to be influenced by the those in charge?

•  Is it structured to promote mindful, measured interaction?

•  Does this match my dog’s individual needs?

• Do the dogs share a supportive relationship with the staff?

Sometimes the best thing we can do is say “no” to chaos - and “yes” to quality, thoughtful experiences.