Dog park vs Private dog park- why we recommend private dog parks
With the warmer weather approaching, a lot of owners are looking for ways to get their dog outside and socializing with other dogs. A common way that many families try is by taking a trip to the public dog park.
The problem with public dog parks is that anyone can use them at any time. This brings a ton of unpredictability to the environment and can often end in a traumatic experience for everyone. It’s impossible to know if your dog will get along with every new dog they meet, and most dogs simply do not like every dog they meet at the dog park. Just like we as people aren’t best friends with everyone we meet, the majority of dogs are the same way.
This can cause a lot of problems at places like public dog parks where all dogs are off leash and not under control. Dog fights happen so fast in these situations and can negatively impact you and your dog for the rest of your life. In some cases, a dog is incredibly resilient and bounces back just fine after a bad encounter with another dog. But far too often, it can create fear, anxiety, reactivity, and potentially aggression as a way to defend itself from unsafe situations in the future. And we don’t want that for your dog. Or you.
Almost everyone in the professional dog industry has heard horror stories from owners about how their pets have been attacked by unfriendly dogs at the park. We have even experienced this for ourselves.
That is why we always suggest our clients take their dogs to a private dog park instead. Not only do these parks still offer your dog the off-leash freedom to explore, but they are also a much safer and predictable environment for the entire family. The Madison area has quite a few private dog parks. They are very similar to a public dog park, however you sign up to use them for a chunk of time for a small fee. Most of these parks also have options for friends to bring along their dogs, as well. This way your dog can still socialize with other dogs, but it’s with dogs that you all know and trust.
These dog parks also have lots of other things for your dog to enjoy that most public dog parks do not. A lot of them offer fun play structures for your dog to explore, doggy pools in the summer to cool off in, as well as fun toys for your dog to try out. They are also a great place to build your dog’s confidence up and practice those off leash obedience skills. We have taken our program dogs to a few of them in the area and have really enjoyed them. The ones we have used and recommend are Fly Dogs Park, My Dog and Me Park, and Good Dog Unleashed.
Next time you’re thinking of taking your dog to a public dog park, consider checking out one of the many private dog parks instead. Not only will it give your dog a safe space to be off leash, but it will be in an environment you can control and the whole family can enjoy.