Does your dog park feel more stressful than fun? Even the happiest pups can run into situations that make visits less enjoyable (or even worrisome) for their owners.
My dog, Henry, adores the smells, the other dogs, and the social energy of a dog park. But there have definitely been moments where I left feeling uneasy, and that’s usually a sign that something needs to change.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time to find a new dog park (or rethink the whole routine), this guide is for you. Let’s dig into the top 10 signs it’s time to switch parks or find an alternative your pup will love just as much.
Budget tip:
It may seem like you can't save any money just by switching from a questionable dog park to a new dog park. But you can actually save a lot of potential money. Especially if the dog park is unsafe or the dogs (or even people) aren’t well behaved. A questionable dog park isn’t a gamble I’m willing to make with Henry. I’ll opt for alternative dog park methods. That’s definitely a winner for my budget and for Henry and me!
1. Park isn’t well-lit or has good access
Safety is always key for me. So, if a dog park isn’t well-lit or has good accessibility, then it may be time for a new park.
2. Park rules aren’t clearly posted at the entrance to the park
The park should have a posting at the entrance stating that it’s dog-friendly and the rules for dogs and dog parents. If there is no posting, the rules are hidden behind overgrown bushes, or the posting is simply confusing, then it may be time for a new dog park.
3. Dog parents aren’t following the rules
Maybe your public dog park has the rules clearly posted, yet none of the dog owners are following the rules. This could end in disaster. For example, it’s an on-leash dog park and the clearly posted rules state that all dogs must be leashed, vaccinated, and under the control of owners, but you see dogs roaming freely unleashed.
Maybe it’s a mix of non-dog park yet separated areas for an off-leash dog park. Or it’s a park with areas separated for off-leash dogs and on-leash dogs. However, dogs are running in the non-dog area or open space areas, and few rules are being followed by dog owners. The problem with this scenario is that you don’t know if these dogs are vaccinated or where the dogs’ parents are if there is an incident. While we are all dog lovers, this could be a glaring red flag that it’s time to look for a new dog park.
4. Park isn’t well-maintained or clean
Yep, a dirty park is definitely a neon red sign that says you need a new dog park. This could be in the parking lot, park, or the surrounding area. If you look around the dog park and see that it’s unclean or not well-maintained, then don’t enter. You could even see overflowing garbage cans or spilled garbage. Do you have to step over mounds of dog poop just for your dog to poop? This can be a major health issue. Many illnesses are transmitted in dog feces.
For example, one of Henry’s favorite parks, which was a lovely park, I had to stop taking him because it was not just unclean, but gross! We pulled up in the parking lot one day, and there were used condoms and syringes. That’s not a clean or safe place for Henry or me. However, Henry would’ve been happy to continue exploring that park. I have to say my standards are higher than his.
Remember, dogs can be extremely quick. So, something on the ground can be gobbled up in a second and get stuck in your dog’s throat even quicker. That means rushing to the vet and a pricey vet bill, not to mention the stress and anxiety for you.
A poorly maintained or dirty dog park is a HUGE red flag that you need a new dog park or an alternative for your dog.
5. Dog parents are aggressive
This one I admit took me completely by surprise. However, I think you’ll agree it’s an in-your-face red flag. In fact, I haven’t been back to the dog park where Henry and I experienced this warning sign. Okay, I really should clarify that I do live in a small western town. But weird things happen everywhere. This sign means the dog’s parents are your cue to exit.
Let me explain in this example. Unfortunately, it happens more than I’d like to think. This particular situation occurred the day after I adopted Henry. My boss at the time told me to take Henry to his neighborhood dog park. He thought it a very friendly dog park. I was lucky that Henry could go with me to work. So, once the work day was over, we headed to this park.
As we entered the park, there was a big commotion. People were rushing out of the entrance. A man stopped to tell me what was going on at the other end of the park. Apparently, a man didn’t like that a woman showed up with a leashed pitbull. He was so upset that he took out a loaded gun and pointed at the poor dog. While he threatened to shoot the dog simply for his breed, he ultimately shot the ground. That’s when people and dogs scattered out of the park.
Hopefully, you won’t encounter any person this aggressive. But if you do, leave immediately and call 9-1-1. Of course, don’t return to the dog park either. You will want to look for a new dog park or an alternative for your dog.
Want to take your dog to work? Learn how to do it in this article.
6. Aggressive dogs (or seem that way)
Unfortunately, you may not see an aggressive dog until it’s running at you, often off-leash. This happened with Henry and me at his old neighborhood park. There was a knoll, and as we came around it, a loose, large dog came running at Henry. I quickly picked Henry up and held him close to me. That’s a benefit of a small dog.
The off-leash dog at this on-leash dog park was barking, growling, and trying to bite Henry. About 30 seconds or so later, a woman appeared and nonchalantly gathered her dog. I hadn’t seen this dog hiding when we were walking, or the woman, for that matter. However, if you encounter such an incident, try to get the person’s information and report it to the city or county. At the very least, consider not returning to the park. You may want to look for a new dog park or an alternative park.
7. Bad behaviors being written off
No bad behavior should simply be written off as “Oh, my dog is just being a dog” or “Isn’t that cute?” Bad behavior is bad behavior. So, if a dog comes up to your leashed or unleashed (depending on the park rules) and begins to hump your dog, that’s not ok. If a dog makes your dog submissive by rolling your dog over and biting his/her neck, that’s not ok. This is alpha behavior and could turn very aggressive.
Moreover, if you see a dog fight being written off, that’s really not ok. It could be very dangerous or even fatal. You and your dog should feel safe at the dog park. Definitely leave the dog park since it’s not safe. Additionally, you can report such behavior to the city or county. It’s not acceptable behavior. Regardless of what other dog owners say.
In fact, this is a flaming red sign that you need a new dog park or an alternative park.
8. Your dog is fearful or wants to leave
Always listen to your dog. If your dog is showing signs of being scared or fearful at the park, then it’s time to leave and probably time for a new dog park. You’ll want to look for cues from your dog of being fearful, such as shaking, ears pinned back, tail tucked, or overall body hunched, trying to make him/herself as small as possible. Remember, a fearful dog can also be defensive.
Thus, if someone should passby and try to pet your dog innocently without asking, then they have a higher risk of being bitten. Therefore, if your dog is showing any of these behaviors, then it’s definitely time to leave this dog park, and it most likely is time to find a new dog park or an alternative.
9. You don’t know if other dogs are vaccinated – make sure yours is
The problem with dogs you don’t know is not knowing their history. If they’re vaccinated or not. Or if they have an illness that could make your dog sick. I always try to size up a dog before I allow Henry to get close to a dog I don’t know. Does it look healthy? But even then, it’s a “WAG” so to speak because I have to trust the other dog owner. I certainly don’t let Henry smell another dog’s poop that could carry parasites or illnesses, which could make him sick.
Keep in mind that a dog or pet can easily get fleas from an infected dog. Those fleas can then be transmitted to your home, and that can be a complete nightmare!
While I haven’t witnessed this often, I have seen it on occasion when a new dog parent will take a very small, unvaccinated puppy to a dog park. YIKES!!!! Poor puppy. While the dog parent probably (or hopefully doesn’t know) that it’s not safe for the puppy, it also tells me that the dog parent is a bit free-willing with their puppy. Additionally, I’ve seen dog parents very vocal about vaccines. Honestly, that’s fine. But the dogs need to play with their family pack because transmission of disease goes up.
If you experience these situations, then it may be time to find a new dog park or an alternative that’s safer for your pup.
10. Your internal bells are ringing
Have you ever been someplace and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up? Or do you just know that’s not the best place to be at that moment? That’s your intuition. Trust it! When it talks or screams, listen. If you hear it say, this isn’t a good park, then turn around and leave. Simple and no questions asked. It’s definitely a time when you will want to get a new park or new equivalent for your dog.
NOTE: Sometimes a dog park will just have a bad experience with a not-so-nice visitor. I’d like to think most dog parks are great. So, you may want to give a dog park more than one strike and out. Especially, if you see something out of the ordinary. However, if you are simply uncomfortable, then it’s probably time to find a new park. Never put yourself or your dog in an unsafe place.
Is there anything I can do to improve my dog park?
If your dog park fits into any of these 10 categories, definitely call your local county or city parks department. Also, call your local animal control and express your concerns. However, honestly, if you have issues with your dog park, I highly recommend finding an alternative. You can check out your regular dog park in a few months and see if it’s improved. Perhaps simply drive by and get an overall impression. I’ve done this with the dog park closest to me. Unfortunately, it still has work to do before I will return with Henry. But I do have alternatives that Henry loves.
What alternatives are there to my local dog park?
If you or your dog has decided that your dog park isn’t a good fit, then you need to look for another way to exercise your dog. Here are a few great ways to keep your dog fit:
- Walk around the neighborhood
- Hike a local trail
- Backyard play more
- Friend’s backyard to play
- Walk around a well-lit parking lot
- sniffspot.com (this is where you can rent a dog park, and it’s cheap!)
Is there really a savings to my budget for leaving a questionable dog park?
You might be surprised to know that you can save on your dog’s budget simply by not going to a questionable dog park. Here’s how:
| A dog attacked by another dog | $1,000-10,000+ |
| Foreign items stuck in a dog’s throat or instances requiring surgery | $3,000 – $4,000+ |
| Contracting parasites from other dogs requiring treatment | $400-1,000 |
| Kennel cough or dog flu | $200 – 500 |
| Your dog bites someone (+ possible euthanasia of your dog) | up to $64,000+ |
| Savings of a new dog park (if needed) | HUGE!!! |
Related articles:
- Keeping A Dog Safe With Off-Leash Dogs
- Hack Lets You Easily Open Dog Poo Bags
- Tips To Bring Your Dog To Work Daily
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
- The Keys To An Aggressive Dog
- How To Find Vet Approved Low Cost Dog Vaccines
- Happy Dog Hiking Trails Without Back Pain
- Easy Hack To Remove Sap From Dog’s Fur
- Dirty Water Risks To Avoid With Your Dog
- Best Advice When Dogs Attack Your Dog
10 signs you need a new dog park
Henry thoroughly loves the dog park. It honestly doesn’t matter which dog park. He just loves being social with people and other critters. Actually, if there was a park of just deer, birds, cats, heck, you name it, he’d be all in on it.
He’s really not picky. That means I have to be picky. So, when his neighborhood park became unclean (well, honestly, gross) and unsafe, we stopped going to it. That doesn’t mean dog parks are bad. Not at all.
In fact, there’s a wonderful dog park near my brother’s house, which is several hundred acres with a nice walking path and lots of green grass. The dogs and people (including dog owners) are well-behaved. That seems weird to write, but it’s true.
Also, it’s clean and well-maintained. The only problem is that it’s seven hours away. So, it’s not a daily dog park. On a daily basis, Henry enjoys running around our two-acre property and going for hikes. He’s well-exercised, and it’s safer.
