To Dog Park or Not To Dog Park
Is It A Good Idea To Take Your Dog To A Dog Park?
Are Dog Parks Dangerous?
Dog parks are a divisive topic amongst dog owners, advocates, and trainers. Most trainers will tell you that a dog park is just a disaster waiting to happen - not if but when.
Why don’t trainers recommend dog parks?
Dog Parks are not recommended for many reasons. The reasons not to go to a dog park all fall under the umbrella of - “you don’t know what you will encounter at a dog park.” Some of the situations you may not even realize you are facing when you take your dog to a Dallas dog park include:
Untrained Dogs
Untrained People
Unsocialized Dogs
Dogs without Vaccinations
Sick Dogs
Aggressive Dogs
Unfixed Dogs
Dangerous Items left in the Dog Park such as pieces of plastic, purposefully placed poison, or accidental human-dropped items
Does this mean you should not go to a dog park in Dallas?
That is up to you and you should discuss it with your vet and dog trainer.
Here at Dallas Love Bugs, we recognize all of these risks and feel there is still a need for dog parks to exist.
Every dog deserves to run and for dogs who live in large, concrete cities or apartments and condos - a dog park may be the dog's only regular option to stretch their legs and hang out with other pups.
Tips To Use A Dog Park, More Safely:
EARLY AM Go at off times, when it is not crowded
OBSERVE Take a good look around the dog park when you arrive
REACT If anything feels off, leave
PAY ATTENTION Put away your phone, watch your dog, listen to the trees rustle, watch the sunlight flicker
MOVE AROUND Move while you are in the dog park - walk the path or perimeter to herd the dogs. They may not walk with you but this gives all dogs present a guide and keeps an energy of steady, controlled flow in the space. Your dog (and other dogs) will likely check in with you as you cruise around. BONUS: You will be getting those steps in.
REACT Again, if you feel any bad energy at any time, from dogs or people, leave
LISTEN TO YOUR DOG If your dog is giving you clear indication they are uncomfortable, leave
Are Dog Parks Safe?
If you can avoid dog parks because you have ample spots where you dog can run (as in a full-speed zoomies party) and you have frequent opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs (some dogs are always better solo but most need socialization, just like people!) - avoid dog parks.
When a dog park is your dog’s only option to run and play - weigh the risks, be smart, and use at your (and your dog’s) own risk!
Where Are Dog Parks in Dallas?
Click HERE for a City of Dallas List of Dog Parks
There is also a phone number listed which you may call to find out the current status of whether a dog park in Dallas is open, undergoing maintenance, etc!
Dog Park Alternatives
Another option to let your dog run free is to rent a backyard space for just your dog(s) or you could have a few friends with dogs you know play well together - for a dog playdate! A dog backyard rental service for this is SNIFFSPOT and prices range from about $4-25 per hour.
The content on this website is based on personal experience and researched information. Please note no one here is a professional vet, trainer, or behaviorist. Always consult your vet and trainer about what is best for your dog or cat and their mental & physical health!
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