Is the dog park "bad" for my dog?

I recently asked the exact same question on an agility forum. And from the answers I got (which was a lot, about 50 people had something to say), I can tell you that about 90% of agility handlers are strongly against dog parks, but most of them not for training reasons. Here's the reasons I got: they don't trust that other dogs have had their shots, they don't trust that other dogs are non aggressive, they don't like impolite dogs that may jump on them, their dog doesn't like impolite dogs that may jump on them, there's poop everywhere, the facilities aren't clean, the water is unsanitary, and sadly several people said it's because dog parks are full of dog breeds or mixes they don't find respectable or trust. One person actually said "I would never go to a dog park because I live near a college where young kids will get unrespectable breeds like pit bulls or mutts just to make a statement, and I don't want my dog associating with dogs like that." Sorry if you agree with that person, but I think that's very rude and closed minded.

Anyway, my point is that there were very few people that actually said they didn't like to go for training reasons. BTW, I was asking in the first place because my trainer had also said we shouldn't go to the dog park. As a frequenter of the dog park, I didn't agree and wanted a second opinion. The few people that said it was for training reasons said it's okay to go to the dog park if your dog fully understands that when you're asking for their attention, they give it to you. Until their dog could do that (eg play fetch with them the whole time in the park rather than running around with other dogs), they didn't go to the park. My trainer said that I should not go to the dog park because my dog finds other dogs more interesting than me. The thing is that my dog will always LOVE other dogs, and I think telling him to pay attention to me and not other dogs is mean and isn't really productive. He would just go crazy. So, we're still going to the dog park, I'm just working on training him to come when called in the park and then I release him to play some more.

So, keep going to the park, but work on teaching him that he has to earn his play time with other dogs. Every few minutes or so, call him to you, make him sit or down and then release him to play with the dogs some more as his reward. That way he learns that YOU are letting him play with other dogs because he did what you asked first. Also, let him know that you're fun too, tug or play fetch with him and then give him a break for play with the dogs. It's important for agility that your dog finds you fun, but unlike what other people think, I don't think it's always necessary for you to be the ONLY fun thing to your dog.

1) A small mutt. Mixed with two or extra small breeds. 2) given that you're paying a lot of money for a mutt from a breeder. These "breeders" have no inspiration what they are doing, do not care about their dog's well being, and are most effective including to the overpopulation main issue. You could quite simply get a cute dog from a refuge with out paying some huge cash and saving a existence. 3) by means of going and checking them out. Are their dogs happy? Is the situation clean? Do they be aware of about the breed? Are they looking to higher the breed? Do they exhibit their puppies? Did they get all of the genetic wellbeing tests finished on the pups and parents? Are they AKC (or different) registered? Can they support you choose a puppy out of the litter that would be good for you? Can they teach you on easy methods to maintain the breed? All these questions must be answered accurately.

i think there is some truth to what your trainer has told you ... you don't have a dog, you have a puppy ... the trainer is right that the puppy will learn from the other dogs ... i personally think dog parks can wreck puppies and a puppy that can run around with random dogs is not the definition of a socialized dog ... this is the time you want to work on obedience and recall, a dog that likes other dogs will most often always like other dogs so there is plenty of time once the puppy is trained for the dog park ... and obedience training wears them out in a good way ... my last two dogs went through obedience classes and after class they would always be tired, not from physical stimulation but mental stimulation ... which is more ideal for a puppy ... and while it may tire the puppy out, it is out of control play that has provided that, and that does not make for a good dog ... when your dog is an adult and has 100% recall and no matter what the dog is doing, it will come when you call, then a dog park is acceptable ... but all it takes is for one dog not to appreciate your puppy's boisterous play (no matter how diligent you watch for aggressive dogs), and you will then be the one trying to fix the puppy's new fear ... and i am pro-dog park but i am not pro-puppy in a dog park ...

First I'm not a fan of dog parks. The biggest reason it that dogs are being forced into a situation that involves a lot of different dogs and personalities. Plus that are the health issues involved. I've seen dogs that have become dog aggressive because of a bad experience in a dog park.

Dog parks can be bad for training performance dogs. People with performance dogs want the dog's focus on them. Dog parks teach dogs (especially puppies) to focus on other dogs. This can make training difficult when other dogs are used as distractions. So in agility if your dog sees another dog, can you call him off and then focus his mind on the rest of the course? Likewise can you call your puppy from a group of dogs in the dog park? If you can do these things then the dog park is working for you. I can tell you that the majority of owners cannot do this.

The dog park might work better if you can meet some friends there that have friendly dogs. You can also meet at someones house and have a puppy play time. It's fine that you want your dog to play with other dogs. It's best if you have some control of the environment. This includes the dogs that are in that environment.

A dog park is not a "bad" place for a dog. If your dog gets along well with other dogs and enjoys the interaction it is great for him! Dogs need a lot of exercise and most people just can't keep up with the amount of energy they have. Running with other dogs lets your dog exercise at his speed, and the way he wants, rough and tumble, chase, wrestling, keep away, dog games. As long as all the owners present are responsible and step in when or if things get too rough, all should be fine.

I take my two dog to dog parks and to Doggy Daycare and they both still listen to me. Even at the park they come when called.

The dog park is also a great way to socialize your dog. It helps them get used to different dogs and people which is very important if you want to be able to take your dog anywhere and have him be welcomed. They have a great time and are more relaxed at home afterward because they are tired. I used to walk them every night and no matter far I walked they were never as relaxed as they are after a couple hours at the dog park!

The most dangerous thing at the dog park is probably dog feces (poop). It can carry disease if a dog has certain kinds of worms for example, so all owners should pick up their dog's poo immediately and dispose of it properly.

Dog parks don't teach dogs bad habits, what a ridiculously stupid notion.

BAD TRAINING teaches a dog bad habits. Unfortunately badly trained dogs are ever present in dog parks, as well as owners of questionable competence. Sometimes aggressive dogs are brought in. Sometimes unruly dogs are brought in. Often the owners of these dogs are offended if you point out that the posted rules stating their dog should not be here if they cannot handle it.

However badly trained dogs should not interfere with your ability to train and handle your own dog. A properly trained dog will come when called and all that jazz.

While there is a perfectly valid argument for avoiding dog parks, to say that they teach your dog bad habits or are bad for your dog is just stupid. The only thing that will teach your dog bad habits is you if you don't train him and correct him. The downsides to dog parks is the fact that despite posted rules you are exposing your dog to unvaccinated dogs, or aggressive, even dangerous dogs. You'd be amazed how many stupid people think they have some God-given right to take their vicious animals there.

I take my dog to the dog park to keep her socialized and exercised. She get to meet people, dogs and experience all sorts of sights and sounds. He will not be influenced by other dogs if you are supervising at all times.

Your trainer is a quack!

Since he's rescued, you don't know his history. He might be afraid of the other dogs or he may encounter a vicious one. Wait until he's older and well socialized before you introduce the dog park.

Dog parks are bad in General just stay away .