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Dog Parks: The Good, the Bad, and the Reality Rachel Brix looks into the pros and cons of dog parks, and sets out recommendations to ensure optimal safe and enjoyable use for all parties, as well as highlighting potential red flags
© Susan Nilson
© Rachel Brix
Not all dogs are dog park dogs: dog parks should be avoided by shy or fearful dogs, dogselective, dogreactive dogs and dogaggressive dogs [sign translates from Finnish as “Large Dogs”]
Truly dogsocial dogs are usually the best fit for dog parks and it is important for owners to objectively assess and make decisions based on what type of dogs they have whether or not they would be successful in that type of environment
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steadily increasing in larger cities, many suburban and rural areas are still in need of safe spaces for dogs to run and play although those num bers are increasing as well. Also according to TPL’s report (2019), the cities with the most dog parks include New York with a whopping 125! Portland and San Fran cisco are tied for second at 35 in each city, and Las Vegas and Chicago round out the top five cities with 25 each. Although the number of dog parks is consistently increasing due to need and popularity, not everyone thinks dog parks are a good idea. Un fortunately many of the horror stories about dog parks get the most press, and the smaller success stories often go unnoticed. For example, KGTV Channel 10 News (ABC) in San Diego ran a story with the headline, Beloved Family Dog Attacked and Killed at Santee Dog Park in 2019. Although clearly tragic, there was no separation in de sign of the park between the larger 70pound shepherd mix and the muchsmaller victim. Separation of small and large dogs is key in dog park design. Also troublesome was the presence of a 3yearold girl who bore witness to the attack on her family’s dog. Most dog park rules prohibit small children from entering dog parks.
he Experimental Dog Park at Ohlone Park in Berkley, California, which is generally acknowledged as the first leashfree American dog park, was created in 1979. Since then dogs parks have grown exponentially in popularity. According to the most recent report issued by the Trust for Public Land (TPL) (2019), dog parks “are among the fastest growing park amenities in the combined parks systems of the 100 largest US cities. There are currently 810 dedicated dog parks in the 100 largest cities, an increase of 37 over last year [2018].” TPL (2019) also reports a 74% in crease in dog parks in from 2009 to 2019. While the numbers are
Not all dogs are “dog park dogs” so it’s important not only to know if your dog is a good fit, but also if the other dogs there are good fits for the park – and for your dog. Dog parks are most definitely not the place to teach a dog about socialization, or attempt to socialize a dog who is not socialized to other dogs or people.
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BARKS from the Guild/November 2021
