Dog Parks

ASR believes that dog parks can be dangerous...especially for a newly adopted rescue.  Please take a few minutes to read why we dislike dog parks.

Why We Dislike Dog Parks 

The hazards and risks of dog parks, in almost all cases, outweigh the benefits.

1.) Health: No one checks whether the dogs at dog parks are healthy or have had their vaccinations.

2.) Dog Park Fighting:  The most extreme risk is also the most common at dog parks...that of other dogs hurting (either physically or by intimidation) or even killing your dog.  When aroused, play becomes aggressive, dogs have been bitten, badly injured, or have died from injuries suffered at dog parks.

3) Long-Term Effects:  If something happens at the dog park... your dog is scared, bitten, or a fight breaks out nearby... your dog’s behavior can be affected from then on. Even one bad experience can have long-term effects on your dog.

4.) Human Inattention & Lack of Understanding: Humans often do not pay attention, are defensive about their own dogs, and do not recognize the signals that dogs give to each other and to us.

5.) Play Styles: Different dogs have different play styles (chasing, wrestling, body slamming, biting) that are incompatible. So, growing tension among dogs is inevitable.

6.) Reactivity/Arousal: Many dogs become reactive after going to dog parks... either because they are now afraid of other dogs and act aggressively to keep them away or because it is difficult for them to stay calm when they see another dog. Dogs at dog parks are in a high state of arousal that can quickly turn to aggression. When aroused, chemicals are released into a dog’s bloodstream that were once useful for a dog's survival but now only serve to amp up our dogs. These do not dissipate right away, leading to dogs that are on alert even when they are away from the dog park.

What You Can Do Instead --

Arrange play dates with dogs that you know are compatible and healthy. Remember, though, that even best friends can become overly aroused, leading to aggression in an instant. Breaking up play every few minutes helps keep the arousal level low and teaches the dogs that they do not always have to be manic in the company of other dogs. There are a lot of ways for you to safely exercise your dog.  And many do not realize that when our dogs use their brains, it tires them out and is just as important. Practice training cues or teaching your dog tricks. Enroll in a class that is fun for you both.

Have fun but keep your dog safe!