Should I Take My Dog To A Dog Park?

LA’s new off-leash canine social club, Dog PPL, looks like an amazing place, doesn’t it? I have to be honest with you, I would absolutely love to go myself!

A park, café, bar, and lounge all in one, what more could you want?!

But I won’t go…

And here’s why.

While these fenced-in fun zones seem like canine paradise, they might not be the tail-wagging wonderlands we believe them to be. Let’s dig into why dog parks could actually be doing more harm than good.

The Lure of the Leash-Free Life

Dog parks promise a dream come true for most: vast spaces for your dog to frolic freely, social butterflies fluttering from one dog to another, all while getting in some good ol' exercise. For those cramped in city living, these parks are a breath of fresh air, literally.

Having said that, though, it might come as a surprise, but your dog doesn’t need to be off leash that much. Think about it, they are off leash throughout the day, right? So, when you go out for walks they are absolutely fine to stay leashed up. The benefits are:

• It prevents potential accidents involving vehicles, wildlife, or other hazards (in urban or busy areas)

• It gives you more control

• Not everyone is fond of dogs. It therefore respects the comfort and personal space of others in public settings.

• By keeping dogs leashed, particularly in sensitive ecological areas, we minimize their environmental footprint and protect local flora and fauna. Think about breeding season, for instance. You wouldn’t want your dog running after a cute baby deer.

• Regularly walking a dog on a leash can reinforce training and discipline.

• Structured leash walks can strengthen the bond between a dog and its owner, ensure exercise needs are met, and bring more control during social interactions.

Back to the dog park. While socializing your dog sounds like it's all about playdates and park meet-ups, it's really about teaching them the golden rules of canine conduct. Let’s unpack why proper behavior trumps play when it comes to truly sociable pups.

The Myth of Magical Doggie Meetings

It’s easy to think that letting dogs "just be dogs" together at the park is the best way to help them learn social cues. However, without understanding the finer points of dog etiquette, these free-for-alls can turn into a free-for-none.

Here’s why proper behavior is the real MVP: quality over quantity in social encounters

1. It’s Not Just About Play - While watching dogs play can be heartwarming and hilarious, it’s not necessarily the best way for them to learn social skills. What's crucial is teaching your pup how to exist calmly and confidently around other dogs — not just how to wrestle them.

2. Teaching the Art of Chill - The goal isn't to make your dog the life of the party but to ensure they know how to calm down as well. This means learning to read cues from other dogs and reacting appropriately when their owner asks them to calm down rather than escalating play into something more serious.

Studies have shown that dog parks can be stressful environments for some dogs, leading to heightened levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Hidden Risks at Dog Parks