ARE DOG PARK ACTUALLY SAFE FOR MY DOG?

As a vet tech at super vusy ER hospital for the past 6 years, NO! Bad idea. Just like he said, it's not if, it's when. Ive had poor dogs brought in on the brink of death because of dog park altercations. Ultimately, it's your choice as an owner….just be prepared for WHEN the altercation happens.

I believe what you say about dog parks

I know this is old, but what IS a good way to socialize your dogs? Just got a 10 month old GSD who was abandoned…twice…and they failed to train her or socialize her. I’m doing my best but she’s really big and her bark is scary which makes others not want her to meet their dogs. She’s not aggressive, but she DOES want to play rough. I’m trying to teach her to tone it down when she plays with our 6 year old dog but she’s a lot smaller so the GSD just doesn’t take the hint most of the time. She’s getting good with basic obedience, but I don’t know how to socialize her with other dogs.

You protect them by being proactive.. and mindful of where you are going to go.

I have used dog parks from WY to Seattle to Alaska to Nebraska to Colorado. And traveling between all those places. I am not saying anyone SHOULD use a dog park and yes, there are risks. I am saying I believe one can use a dog park with some safety by minimizing those risks. So my two cents:

1. Pay attention, put the cell phone in your pocket, watch.

It’s a dog park so any dog can show up: socialized, unsocialized, big, small, old, young, rambunctious, cranky, whatever. Just know what your bottom line is: too many dogs, aggressive dogs, watch and observe a few minutes before you decide go in or leave.

2. Know your dog: what they will put up with or won’t tolerate. The other dude did it doesn’t work. You are responsible for your dog. Period.

3. Read the rules of the park. They’re there for a reason. The ones I’ve seen scream “SAFETY” to me. Not many people read or follow the rules. Those people usually say, “MY dog is OK.” That’s not the point. The point is EVERYbody needs to follow the rules for the rules to work. So for your own safety, read the rules.

4. Leave if situations develop that you’re uncomfortable with.

5. When you have a new dog or puppy—new to you and your family, before going to the dog park, get to know your dog or puppy. Let them get to know you. If a puppy, do an obedience class which is a great way to start a good relationship with your dog or puppy. You learn to work together. Then dog park. Or even take to dog day care for a couple hours for a few sessions before heading to a dog park.

I hate dog parks, im never taking my husky to one of those places.

So never drive a car because other drivers are bad drivers 😬

I would NEVER take my dog to a dog park.

Any suggestions to socialize a dog without dog parks, if one does not have multiple canines or friends who have dogs to socialize your with canine?

Thanks in advance.

Hawk looks so much like my boy, Love, the GSD. 🥰❤️

Thank you for this

Thank you

Very good vid. 🎯💯

I took my lab to a dog park ONCE. This will sound really cold & judgemental, but I looked around at the other dog owners there & it was painfully obvious these dogs had zero discipline or structure. I say that because the owners looked & acted like they had zero discipline or structure in their lives either. The longer I watched, the more I was proved correct. My lab & I went elswhere. I didn't want to take the risk.

People are not responsible enough

Thank you for not putting barking audio in your dog videos. Drives me and my dog nuts so many channels do that.

It seems that all dogs benefit from proper socializing with people and other dogs/animals. If dog parks are not ideal what do you think is the best way to socialize a dog with other dogs? Glad I watched this video, thank you.

Here watching because my 11 month old dog is now reactive to other dogs and people after 1 visit to a dog park. He was so good before. There were some bigger huskies chasing him around a lot at the dog park, and this probably contributed.

THANK YOU for saying this outloud and going into such depth.

NO!!!!!

My dog has been going to dog parks for about 6 months with some minor but without major issues. However, yesterday as soon as we walked in, 5 dogs formed a pack and went right after him. There was snarling, growling, attacking, but no bites. I managed to separate him 3 times but they kept going after him. He weighs 70 lbs and I finally grabbed him by his harness and somehow held him partially in the air and shielded him with my body while snarling dogs were jumping at my back. I had to scream at owners to get their dogs away as they were doing NOTHING to help and their dogs were not respondind to recalls. I think I’ll start jogging with my dog, and that we’re done with the park