Warning that this blog may cause some triggers.
My first reaction when owners tell me that they take their dog to a dog park is to cringe. Dog parks are dirty and dangerous places. I can think of many dog fight cases that have come to me from a dog park or an off leash dog beach. There are parasites and contagious disease and viruses that can spread like wildfire at a dog park. However, my opinions are not going to stop most people from going to a dog park. Also if you have very high energy dog, it may be a great place for your dog to get their energy out without forcing you to go for a 10 mile jog. So if you are going to take your dog to a dog park or any off leashed area with other dogs, please listen to these few recommendations and warnings.
Is your dog a good candidate for a dog park?
If your dog is not neutered or spayed then this answer is a straight up NO. Please do not take your dog to the park if there is a chance they are going to get pregnant or cause another dog to get pregnant.
Is your dog a puppy? Do not take your new puppy to a dog park. Any dog going to a dog park should be fully vaccinate. Even if your dog is fully vaccinated, their immune system is still building its strength. Dog parks are full of bacteria and viruses that could make your dog sick as a puppy, but if they are adults have probably been exposed to before and have immunity. If your puppy is on the nervous side, dog parks can be very scary and intimidating and could cause your puppy to be scared of other dogs.
Is your dog vaccinated? Your dog should be vaccinated against all the core vaccines (ie Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus), but also the respiratory pathogens before considering going to a dog park. This means Parainfluenza, Influenza, and Bordetella.
Does your dog's temperament and training support a happy dog park experience? If your dog is fearful, anxious, or aggressive, do not take them to a dog park. A dog park visit in a fearful and stressed dog will often lead them to become aggressive. If they are nervous and you are hoping to desensitize them, a dog park is too busy to help and may worsen their anxieties.
Are they on flea and tick and heartworm prevention? There is a good chance the dog that is owned by the person you are talking to at park does not believe in preventatives and their dog may have fleas. Ticks are present in fields which are where most dog parks exist. Intestinal parasites tend to be in high numbers at dog parks, most heartworm preventatives will also help protect your dog against common intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms.
If all the answers to the above questions suggest that your dog is a good candidate for a dog park, then enter at your own risk. Even the best dogs may not get along with one particular dog. So when you enter the park, if it seems like there is a dog that your dog just does not get along with, it is best to leave and try again another day. Dogs can run themselves to the ground and over heat if not stopped, so make sure to provide them with lots of water and force them to take rests if needed. Accidents like sprains and broken bones can happen when dogs are running full speed, so making sure you have a veterinarian you can contact in case of an emergency is always a good idea.
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