Dog Park Pros and Cons

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)