Ladies,
I think dog parks are fine for Jet, but I do worry about the mix of large and small dogs running loose and the plethora of owners who do not understand doggie body language. Do you use dog parks and recommend them?
Advantages:
o Dog socialisation+
o Dog-oriented people can meet and interact
o Doggy play dates can be arranged
o Physical+ and Mental Stimulation Advantages for dogs
o Educational Advantages such as good opportunity for owners to learn about dogs through observation and provides the opportunity to learn from more experienced owners
o Opportunity for well-mannered-dog advocates to demonstrate how they turned their dog into a well-mannered dog
Disadvantages:
o Potential of danger from aggressive dogs
o Un- desexed dogs ( of both sexes!) may create problems
o Potential for parasites and disease - especially with shared waterbowls and contaminated ground regardless of whether faeces has been collected or not.
o Potential for lack of impulse control and over-excitement
o May not appropriate for small and large dogs at the same time. Many dogparks overseas have separate parks for small and large dogs
o Some people will not be educated enough about dogs to know if a dog park is appropriate for their dog in the first place ( eg aggressive dogs should not go)
o Some people will not recognise inappropriate pack behaviour
o Potential for arguments
o Potential liability issues
Things to consider:
o Some people will not be educated enough about dogs to know if a dog park is appropriate for their dog in the first place
o Must have clear rules ie liability for council versus liability for individuals
