The Association of Professional Dog Trainers is an organization that was created to educate its members, the public, and other pet-care related industries in the proper management of pet dogs. Great dog parks in Austin can be an asset or a detriment to a community. The goal of this document is to provide, in outline format, a compilation of the advantages, disadvantages, and things to think about for communities and/or the individuals to consider regarding dog park development.
Advantages:
- Dog Socialization Advantages
- Excellent source of dog-dog social interaction
- Excellent source of dog-people social interaction
- People Socialization Advantages
- Excellent source of people-people social interaction
- Dog-oriented people can meet and interact
- Doggy play dates can be arranged
- Physical and Mental Stimulation Advantages
- Excellent source of off-leash exercise for active dogs
- Dog parks allow dogs to get adequate physical and mental exercise, thereby lessening destructive and annoying behaviors in general which can benefit society as a whole
- Educational Advantages
- Good opportunity for owners to learn about dogs through observation and provides the opportunity to learn from more experienced owners
- Opportunity for well-mannered-dog advocates to demonstrate how they turned their dog into a well-mannered dog
- Community Advantages
- Dog parks which are designed for dogs only, lessen the chance of owners letting their dogs off-leash in on-leash parks
- No cars, rollerbladers, skateboarders, bikes, etc. likely to be encountered
- More likely to encounter people who enjoy dogs
- Could provide location for community dog activities
A dog park can be an asset or a detriment to a community.
Disadvantages:
- For People
- Potential of danger from aggressive dogs
- Potential of danger of physical injury from dog-related hazards
- Potential of lawsuits arising from dog fights
- Potential for parasites
- For Dogs
- Potential of danger from aggressive dogs
- Intact dogs may create problems
- Potential for parasites and disease
- Potential for lack of impulse control and over-excitement
- Not appropriate for small and large dogs at the same time
- Potential for injury
- For the Community
- Some people will not understand the concept and will abuse the park
- Won’t pick up after their dog
- May leave dog unattended
- Allow their dog to indulge in inappropriate behavior
- Some people will not be educated enough about their dogs to know if a dog park is appropriate for their dog
- Potential for noise
- Potential liability issues
Things to consider:
- City, County or Municipality Sponsored Park
- Responsible Pet Ownership – Who will maintain the park?
- Will maintenance cost more than for other community parks?
- Will there be rules and regulations?
- Will there be any type of overseer or park personnel to enforce regulations
- Is there the possibility of a core group of volunteers who will maintain the park and enforce rules & regulations?
- Private Park
- Knowledgeable person/business could charge for admission and establish rules and regulations
- Small Dogs
- Separate hours exclusively for dogs under 20 lbs.
- A separate, fenced area of the park for dogs under 20 lbs
- Costs
- A city, county or municipality sponsored park could have special interest areas dedicated to dogs as is now done with soccer fields, swimming pools or tennis courts
- The park could charge a nominal fee to take care of maintenance costs
- Consider having parks monitored by a core group of park goers to save the city funds
- Physical design also plays a big part. Separating big dogs from little and providing several gathering spots for humans (tables, shelters etc) and visual barriers helps direct the flow of the dogs.
- A written and posted set of rules with an 'if....then you must leave' clause is important
- Bringing treats or toys into a park can result in problems (Some dogs will attempt to protect valued resources. An owner with treats or toys can be a very valuable resource so fights could occur over such objects of desire)
