Dog parks sound great in theory—a big, open space where dogs can run, play, and socialize. But as a balanced trainer who is focused on dog psychology, relationships, peaceful coexistence and improving the mental health of dogs, I choose not to take my dogs to dog parks, and I’m happy to share why!
If you’re on the fence about whether the dog park is the right place for your pup, this post is for you. I’ll break down the five biggest reasons I avoid them and three ways I make sure my dogs stay fulfilled, happy, and social in a much healthier way.
5 Reasons I Avoid Dog Parks
1. Unpredictable Dogs (and Owners!)
At the dog park, you have no control over the dogs (or owners) that show up. Some dogs have poor social skills, aggression issues, or pent-up frustration that can turn into fights. Even worse, some owners don’t step in when things get out of hand. As a trainer, I know that one bad experience can leave a lasting impact on a dog’s confidence and/or behavior.
2. Poorly Managed Play
Healthy dog play is balanced—there’s give and take, appropriate pauses, and mutual respect. At the dog park, play often escalates into rough, uncontrolled behavior, leading to stress, anxiety, or even fights. Many dogs practice bad habits at dog parks, like bullying, resource guarding, or ignoring recall. Many of these behaviors go unnoticed by the untrained eye.
3. The Risk of Illness and Injury
Dog parks are a breeding ground for contagious illnesses like kennel cough, parasites, and even parvo (especially for puppies). Beyond sickness, physical injuries are common—whether from an aggressive dog, a rough tumble, or a careless owner throwing a ball into a crowded space.
4. Reinforcing Bad Behaviors
If a dog learns that ignoring commands, chasing other dogs, or acting rudely gets rewarded with more play, those behaviors become stronger. Many owners struggle with behavior, reactivity and lack of obedience outside the park because their dog has learned to tune them out when excited. Balanced training focuses on calm, engaged behavior—something that’s nearly impossible in a chaotic dog park. Once you have a foundation of communication and relationship, you can use the area outside of the dog park for an added challenge to your training sessions! (More on that below)
5. It’s Not Actually Necessary
Contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t need a dog park to be happy or well-socialized. Structured socialization—where dogs learn to exist calmly around each other without chaos—is much healthier than free-for-all play. We offer pack walks to all our training graduates to ensure you have access to consistent healthy socialization opportunities.
Contact us today if you are interested in joining our pack!
What I Do Instead to Fulfill My Dogs
1. Pack Walks with Trusted Dogs
Instead of chaotic off-leash play, I set up structured pack walks with well-mannered dogs. Walking together builds confidence, reinforces calm socialization, and strengthens the bond between dogs in a much healthier way than rough play. This is a great outlet to fulfill the migration instinctual to dogs. We offer these at little to no cost to our graduates!
2. Training-Based Play Activities
I channel my dogs’ energy into teaching my dog new skills or engaging with structured play like tug with rules. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, and it helps dogs feel fulfilled when we give them a job in a playful way.
3. Off-Leash Adventures in Controlled Spaces
Instead of a dog park, I find safe, controlled areas for off-leash fun—like quiet hiking trails, or fenced-in playdates with dogs that my dog has been appropriately introduced to and owners who respect my routine with my dog.
Once my dogs are properly trained for off-leash freedom, they can run, explore, and play without the stress of being unable to handle unpredictable situations. We incorporate thoughtful e-collar training, using it as a "Bluetooth leash" or "walkie-talkie" to communicate and guide them, ensuring their safety at all times.
Final Thoughts
Dog parks aren’t the only way to give your dog a fun and fulfilling life! As a balanced trainer, I prioritize structure, safety, confidence-building and my relationship with my dog, and I’ve found that the best socialization happens in calm, controlled environments—not in an unpredictable dog park.
If you’re looking for ways to enrich your dog’s life outside of the dog park, give pack walks, training-based activities, or off-leash adventures (once appropriately trained) a try! Your dog will thank you.
What’s your favorite way to exercise and socialize your dog? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear!
Looking for a pack to join to help meet your dogs needs?
Reach out today to join our pack!
Stay Pawsitive,
Alexandria 🐾
MSK9 Pack Leader
Comments