DOG PARKS—WHY THEY ARE A BAD IDEA

Taking your bud to the dog park seems like a terrific idea—yes? Well, not really. If every owner was savvy and not lazy, then yes. However, statistically speaking, most dog fights occur at that doggie heaven we call a dog park.

Why are dog parks dangerous places? The main reason is that most owners don't understand dog behavior. They believe it's the perfect spot for their pups to socialize or get some much needed exercise. Simply not true. In fact, if you really feel you need to take your buddy to the dog park, you should ensure that he or she has been properly exercised first. I realize this sounds counterintuitive, but the reasoning is 100% solid. Why? A dog that has been inside or alone for hours has pent-up energy, and bringing this dog into an extremely stimulating environment, such as a park with other dogs, is like holding a match really close to a stick of dynamite and hoping the fuse doesn't catch fire. Also, when dogs play they are practice fighting. Practice fighting can amp up to a real fight, extremely quickly—especially when the owners are not monitoring the play level. What about socializing you ask? Don't even get me started on this topic. How can this chaotic fury of energy be the place for you to work on good doggy manners? IT'S NOT!  Even if you do understand dog behavior, it's still not a good idea for you to partake. Other owners that show up will be more involved on their cell phones than safety. Also, there are a lot of diseases and parasites living in dog parks that other dogs can contract when they touch, roll in, or eat it. Not worth the hassle.

So, what should you do? After properly walking your dog, then you can introduce them to the play or exercise section of their day. Maybe some fetch or tug of war, but with some rules. This is called "social play". If you are worried about socializing, get involved with your friends or neighbors who have dogs and get on a routine with them. Get involved with your dog and learn basic dog behavior. Dog parks are mostly for lazy people. Are you lazy? I did not thinks so.

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