The Inherent Risks of Dog Parks

tootsie · 03-27-2009, 03:56 PM

People should be aware of the inherent risks they place their dogs in when they attend public dog parks. Puppies less than 4 months of age should never be taken to public dog places. They are still at risk for Parvo virus during this time as they haven’t completed all the necessary shots for full immunization. Along with the risk of disease comes the risk of altercations between dogs. Dogs, that might never have been aggressive can get set off by something as small as a dog looking at them wrong, or one they don’t like the looks of. The heightened excitement that is at dog parks with all the numerous off-leash dogs running about and new ones coming in and others leaving can cause tension in many dogs. How they react when aroused can be different than at home or with other dogs that they know in their neighborhood. It is definitely not a place to take timid and shy dogs, nor the place to take dogs that are re-active or have the potential to be. Owners aren’t able to manage or watch their dogs very closely and have no quick control over things that might happen. It has been too many times that I have personally heard the sad tale of someone’s dog getting attacked by a dog that had never acted that way before. It can be a very hard thing to work your dog through a bad experience after it happens.

If you are taking your dog there for the reason of exercise why not take him out on a nice grassy area at a park and do some nice obedience practice and game playing with him instead? This will have the dual purpose of training, exercise and fun all built in to one for you and your dog. As for socialization find some nice friendly dogs in your neighborhood with willing neighbors and work on introducing your dogs to each other on a one on one basis and practice your socializing that way. Enroll in a group obedience class. These are much better ways to get your dog out and about without putting him at the possible risk that comes with a dog park.

(By Nano / for Boxer Forums)

03-27-2009, 03:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
tootsie BoxerForums Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 7,773	The Inherent Risks of Dog Parks People should be aware of the inherent risks they place their dogs in when they attend public dog parks. Puppies less than 4 months of age should never be taken to public dog places. They are still at risk for Parvo virus during this time as they haven’t completed all the necessary shots for full immunization. Along with the risk of disease comes the risk of altercations between dogs. Dogs, that might never have been aggressive can get set off by something as small as a dog looking at them wrong, or one they don’t like the looks of. The heightened excitement that is at dog parks with all the numerous off-leash dogs running about and new ones coming in and others leaving can cause tension in many dogs. How they react when aroused can be different than at home or with other dogs that they know in their neighborhood. It is definitely not a place to take timid and shy dogs, nor the place to take dogs that are re-active or have the potential to be. Owners aren’t able to manage or watch their dogs very closely and have no quick control over things that might happen. It has been too many times that I have personally heard the sad tale of someone’s dog getting attacked by a dog that had never acted that way before. It can be a very hard thing to work your dog through a bad experience after it happens. If you are taking your dog there for the reason of exercise why not take him out on a nice grassy area at a park and do some nice obedience practice and game playing with him instead? This will have the dual purpose of training, exercise and fun all built in to one for you and your dog. As for socialization find some nice friendly dogs in your neighborhood with willing neighbors and work on introducing your dogs to each other on a one on one basis and practice your socializing that way. Enroll in a group obedience class. These are much better ways to get your dog out and about without putting him at the possible risk that comes with a dog park. (By Nano / for Boxer Forums) __________________ Lisa Owned by Maddie - rescued fff born 3/19/05 Mom and servant to skin kids Brianna and Brandon and 2 evil kitties. Forever in my heart...My sweet angel Buster romping at the bridge. 8/29/99-3/4/06 CafePress Store \| Boxer Forums Clothing