Are dog parks good or bad for dogs?

Dog parks may seem like great additions to the community, but they’re rife with problems — for you, and for your dog. Especially for urban dogs that don’t have backyards to exercise in, dog parks can sound like a great idea. There is nothing natural, however, about dogs that aren’t familiar with one another to be put in large groups and expected to play together. Many of us just accept the assumption that dog parks are good places to socialize a dog, but that may not be the case. Though socialization is critical for the healthy development of puppies, the dog park is not where you want to bring your puppy to learn about appropriate interactions with other dogs, Mr. Hof added. The socialization myth arises from the idea that dogs interacting with other dogs is beneficial, but in reality, it's more complex than that. Canine behavior experts aren’t so sure if dog parks are actually good for dogs. According to a 2018 survey conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, 60 percent thought that dog parks gave dogs a safe space to exercise and roam freely, and 48 percent felt that dog parks were important because they allowed dogs to socialize.