I have a yellow lab who looks sweet but can get overwhelmed in large groups. I have another yellow lab that was once attacked by a dog at a dog park. So I'm more cautious than you are, apparently. Luckily for my dogs I have two of them and they have plenty of dog friends we know and trust so they're not hurting for socialization or play.

My Havanese is little (10lbs) and doesn't want to play with other dogs or play with toys, she wants to play with ME.

Anonymous wrote:My two extremely well socialized dogs happily hang with a group of neighbor's dogs in one of our yards on a regular basis. I know the owners, I know the dogs. It's a relaxing and fun situation. But I avoid dog parks entirely. The risk/reward ratio is not on the side of reward.

If you frequent dog parks, it's not a matter of if there will be an incident, it's a matter of when and how bad.

Correct. And when there's an incident in your yard or your neighbors' yard (which can still happen; dogs are gonna dog), you know who to contact, where they live, etc. The rando at the dog park whose dog bites your dog might leave without giving you proper contact information so they can take responsibility for any damages. You have no idea who these random people are, what training their dogs have, if their dogs are current on shots (sure, the signs say they have to be, but that doesn't mean everyone there always follows the rules)...

Dog parks are a liability. Many owners think the risks outweight any potential benefits, most of which can be obtained just fine elsewhere.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
It's funny how OP doesn't realize she's catering to her own social needs, not her dog's, or any other dogs'.

Op here. Huh? My dog adores the park. I like it too, but she adores it. Drags me there when we leave the house. It’s odd to see post after post with dog park haters because my experience is that many of my neighbors dogs like the park. Socializing of dogs is wonderful. My dog loves our family but we can’t run and play tussle with her in a way that real dogs can.

I’ve also never heard a vet say that dog parks are bad. Maybe the people they say this to have aggressive dogs?

Link to a reputable source saying dog parks are to be avoided? I’d like to read the reasoning behind it.

So, OP, can you understand that some dogs are nice and non-aggressive but have no desire to tussle around with other dogs? That is not my dogs' preferred method of socialization and play. They prefer to politely sniff when they meet new dogs and then go chase sticks. They do not want other dogs jumping on them while they chase these sticks. They don't snap at the other jumping, mouthing (very annoying, in their opinion) dogs, they just give them the side-eye and ignore, but I would prefer to mostly isolate my dogs so they can play how they like in peace. Dog parks are fine for some dogs. But there are a number of reasons for other dog owners to avoid them. I have given you one very common reason. Why is this so hard for you to accept?

I see.

I think having a social dog is ideal. It seems the IRL most people where I live have encouraged this and accomplished it, but it seems that some people are not comfortable with it. For some, it’s because they have an older rescue dog set in its ways. That makes sense. But for others, I suspect that the owner psychology contributes to it, judging by the posts on here. Lots of hysteria and anger on here (your post is an example- you seem bristling with anger over a question). Flame away

fwiw my dog has had a few run ins with dogs that weren’t perfect. One bit her, but didn’t harm her because of her fur, little dogs can be barky and snappy (on leash) etc. But we don’t let these isolated incidents stop us, and she adores her time at the park. She drags me there and runs around in a fit of joy when she sees her friends.

You let your dog drag you? You let your dog get bitten, but it didn't harm her (yet) so it's totally fine? Other people are "hysterical"?

You sound clueless to the point of negligence, and are the exact reason many smarter dog owners don't go to the dog park: too many types like you there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
It's funny how OP doesn't realize she's catering to her own social needs, not her dog's, or any other dogs'.

Op here. Huh? My dog adores the park. I like it too, but she adores it. Drags me there when we leave the house. It’s odd to see post after post with dog park haters because my experience is that many of my neighbors dogs like the park. Socializing of dogs is wonderful. My dog loves our family but we can’t run and play tussle with her in a way that real dogs can.

I’ve also never heard a vet say that dog parks are bad. Maybe the people they say this to have aggressive dogs?

Link to a reputable source saying dog parks are to be avoided? I’d like to read the reasoning behind it.

So, OP, can you understand that some dogs are nice and non-aggressive but have no desire to tussle around with other dogs? That is not my dogs' preferred method of socialization and play. They prefer to politely sniff when they meet new dogs and then go chase sticks. They do not want other dogs jumping on them while they chase these sticks. They don't snap at the other jumping, mouthing (very annoying, in their opinion) dogs, they just give them the side-eye and ignore, but I would prefer to mostly isolate my dogs so they can play how they like in peace. Dog parks are fine for some dogs. But there are a number of reasons for other dog owners to avoid them. I have given you one very common reason. Why is this so hard for you to accept?

I see.

I think having a social dog is ideal. It seems the IRL most people where I live have encouraged this and accomplished it, but it seems that some people are not comfortable with it. For some, it’s because they have an older rescue dog set in its ways. That makes sense. But for others, I suspect that the owner psychology contributes to it, judging by the posts on here. Lots of hysteria and anger on here (your post is an example- you seem bristling with anger over a question). Flame away

fwiw my dog has had a few run ins with dogs that weren’t perfect. One bit her, but didn’t harm her because of her fur, little dogs can be barky and snappy (on leash) etc. But we don’t let these isolated incidents stop us, and she adores her time at the park. She drags me there and runs around in a fit of joy when she sees her friends.

Are you a troll or simply obtuse?

Just because you and your dog love going to the park does not mean there is something wrong with people and dogs that don’t. There are multiple ways to socialize dogs and lots of people prefer them to dog parks.

You are strangely defensive

And you are trollishly avoiding the point several pps have raised

-DP

Anonymous wrote:
It's funny how OP doesn't realize she's catering to her own social needs, not her dog's, or any other dogs'.

OP is trolling pretty hard. She hasn't played the "big scary pit bull" card yet. When she does, we'll have BINGO.

MY dog loves it!
YOUR dog is "isolated"
I just don't understand how anyone could do things differently than I do!
Find me a reputable source (using the same internet I'm using to post)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
It's funny how OP doesn't realize she's catering to her own social needs, not her dog's, or any other dogs'.

Op here. Huh? My dog adores the park. I like it too, but she adores it. Drags me there when we leave the house. It’s odd to see post after post with dog park haters because my experience is that many of my neighbors dogs like the park. Socializing of dogs is wonderful. My dog loves our family but we can’t run and play tussle with her in a way that real dogs can.

I’ve also never heard a vet say that dog parks are bad. Maybe the people they say this to have aggressive dogs?

Link to a reputable source saying dog parks are to be avoided? I’d like to read the reasoning behind it.

You won't find this. What you'll find are LOTS of articles written by reputable sources listing the pitfalls of dog parks, and urging caution. Not all dogs/owners "must avoid" dog parks, but they're far from essential. Use at your own risk.

That you don't seem to see or understand the potential risks basically defines the risk. Ignorant people with poorly-trained animals tend to frequent these places.

My dog just wants to chase the ball. She doesnt want to play with other dogs, she doesnt want other dogs to chase her, she doesnt want other dogs to take her ball. Offleash dog parks are the only place we can legally allow her to do this, so we are going for that reason only. We try to avoid other dogs, especially with so many owners not paying attention.

It's funny, because I can see in this thread that there are caring and thoughtful dog owners. And then theres people like OP who are clearly not! Most dogs are not 100% social 24/7. Most dogs fall on a spectrum of friendliness, and knowing where your dog falls and knowing the signs of friendly-fatigue is very important for dog parks. People who think knowing animal behaivour and paying attention to their animal is overkill are the exact worst people who use the dog park, and the reason why many vets and trainers say to avoid them.

Anonymous wrote:OP... here is the real answer:
My dog (and many other dogs) simply do not prefer to play/romp around with other dogs. They are perfectly content and polite, but they do not have any desire to wrestle/run with other dogs. What they desperately want to do, over and over again, is chase a tennis ball. Over and over and over. Until they collapse in a contented heap and watch the world go by.

Mine too! And mine does not want to share that ball with anyone other than the human who is throwing it for him. If your dog takes his ball and you try to just balls on him, he is not going to take that trade no matter how many times you tell him it is the "same" thing. He is going to follow your dog around and politely tilt his head and prick up his years in the hopes that your dog will cough up his ball. And when your dog does not, he's going to make some noises that you don't like.

We prefer to play our fetch at home.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
It's funny how OP doesn't realize she's catering to her own social needs, not her dog's, or any other dogs'.

Op here. Huh? My dog adores the park. I like it too, but she adores it. Drags me there when we leave the house. It’s odd to see post after post with dog park haters because my experience is that many of my neighbors dogs like the park. Socializing of dogs is wonderful. My dog loves our family but we can’t run and play tussle with her in a way that real dogs can.

I’ve also never heard a vet say that dog parks are bad. Maybe the people they say this to have aggressive dogs?

Link to a reputable source saying dog parks are to be avoided? I’d like to read the reasoning behind it.

So, OP, can you understand that some dogs are nice and non-aggressive but have no desire to tussle around with other dogs? That is not my dogs' preferred method of socialization and play. They prefer to politely sniff when they meet new dogs and then go chase sticks. They do not want other dogs jumping on them while they chase these sticks. They don't snap at the other jumping, mouthing (very annoying, in their opinion) dogs, they just give them the side-eye and ignore, but I would prefer to mostly isolate my dogs so they can play how they like in peace. Dog parks are fine for some dogs. But there are a number of reasons for other dog owners to avoid them. I have given you one very common reason. Why is this so hard for you to accept?

I see.

I think having a social dog is ideal. It seems the IRL most people where I live have encouraged this and accomplished it, but it seems that some people are not comfortable with it. For some, it’s because they have an older rescue dog set in its ways. That makes sense. But for others, I suspect that the owner psychology contributes to it, judging by the posts on here. Lots of hysteria and anger on here (your post is an example- you seem bristling with anger over a question). Flame away

fwiw my dog has had a few run ins with dogs that weren’t perfect. One bit her, but didn’t harm her because of her fur, little dogs can be barky and snappy (on leash) etc. But we don’t let these isolated incidents stop us, and she adores her time at the park. She drags me there and runs around in a fit of joy when she sees her friends.

That's wonderful that your dog enjoys dog parks and is able to easily access them. I consider my dogs to be happy and well-socialized and always up to meeting new people/pets. They have been perfectly well behaved in every situation we have placed them in. But they are all border collies, and their version of playtime is the agility ring and games of fetch/tug. They simply ignore other dogs due to their nature.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our veterinarian and dog trainer think that dog parks are a terrible idea and we agree.

https://www.courteouscanine.com/say-no-to-dog-parks/

This is a random blog post by a dog trainer who conveniently also happens to be marketing her own (paid) socialization classes for dogs.

Anything else?

There are lots of dog behaviorists and trainers who post on the Internet about their negative views on dog parks. Is there some other expert out there whose advice would be meaningful to you? As far as I know there is no national association of such experts but if there is one I'd be interested to know about it.

In any case, our veterinarian and dog trainer are experts for our purposes and we follow their guidance.

Well here’s one study explaining that overall there is a benefit

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9455081/

No, it doesn't. That study assumes that dog parks exist and suggests design standards (that many/most dog parks do not currents have) that could mitigate the risks.

I often wonder this too. I think sometimes their dogs can be reactive and they are avoiding a challenging situation.

Anonymous wrote:And don’t assume that dogs that dont go to the dog park are “isolated”….many of us have neighbors and friends with well behaved dogs who are friends with our dogs and play regularly.

This. I don't go to dog parks at all and many trainers and vets will recommend to stay away from them. But my dog has play dates with neighbors dogs all the time and occasionally goes to doggy daycare where trained staff are monitoring the interactions. He is very social and gets along with other dogs, but I am not taking him to a dog park to get attacked by an aggressive dog with a clueless owner.

Because some dog owners are idiots.

And by this I mean you, OP, not the other owners you deride.

https://www.nrpa.org/about-national-recreation-and-park-association/press-room/americans-agree-dog-parks-benefit-local-communities/

In this article’s study, 91 percent of Americans agree dog parks are beneficial. It’s interesting to see the response on this thread entirely flipped