Dog parks may be okay for a small number
of dogs that are easy going and don’t choose to bother other dogs but that
requires that all the dogs in the park fit the same profile.
Some owners bring aggressive, pushy, or
simply unruly dogs to the dog park without regard to the effect they have on the
park dynamics. Others bring under-socialized dogs to the park
thinking that this will help socialize their dogs. The reality is the dog park is not the place
for these dogs to be with their current behavior.
A common problem with many dog parks is
that the park is too small. The size is not practical in regards to the size of
the population that they are expected to serve. If even half the dogs in a
community tried to use the local dog park during its hours of operation it
would be more then overcrowded. It would look more like a crowded holding pen.
Communities create a small dog park that
is to serve thousands of dogs in a geographic area. This park is expected to accommodate
all types of dogs and play styles and levels of maturity.
The humans often have the unrealistic
expectations that all the dogs will get along. This is not a realistic expectation
of humans but many expect it of dogs.
Dogs like humans have differing personalities
and likes and dislikes, not to mention play styles.
Some dogs welcome the opportunity in a
dog park to just be a dog and take in all the scents they find in the environment.
Others enjoy retrieving a ball or toy, some a game of tug with another dog, and
still others just want to run or engage in chase games.
Problems arise when dogs that like to
roughhouse attempt to engage in that type of play with another dog that does
not enjoy the heavy contact. If you prefer to just throw free throws with a basketball,
you do not appreciate being tackled.
When recreation activities are organized
for humans we set up these activities and match the participants according to
their abilities, age, weight, and preferences. We have designated areas for no contact sports
such as golf, or running. We have flag
football for those who don’t wish to play tackle football. We have limited
contact sports like baseball and basketball. When we invite people to get
together we base it on compatibilities. We should do the same for our dogs.
Just having a large and small dog area does not qualify.
The challenge for many dog owners is
finding a place they can legally and safely let their dog off leash. Sadly many
dogs never get to enjoy this freedom.
“What
about a system that will allow an owner access to a local recreation area with
their dog only if they pass an annual test? Maybe instead of thinking of more
ways that dogs can be eliminated from areas and owners who allow their dogs to
misbehave punished, we should use a system of rewarding the best and most
responsible owners who have taken the time and trouble to train their dogs.” The Dog Vinci Code by John Rogerson