Why I don't like dog parks?

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. 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.

I must tell you, that it is NOT a dog park, it is private property that someone has allowed people to use. The other very unfortunate issue I have is that people take their puppies there to socialize with other dogs…dogs that are off leash and whose owners are doing business or texting on the phone not paying attention to whether their dog is harassing, or being a bully especially to young puppies. The consequence of a young, maybe not so confidence puppy is that a bully dog can devastate them for relationships with other dogs for the rest of their lives. Then there is the dog poop everywhere, this is so dangerous for every dog. Any dog that is not wormed regularly is at risk for becoming infected with worms from those dogs just by walking on the soil. The risk of life threatening Parvo is also present in all this dog poop. In general, I think dog parks entice irresponsible dog ownership. All it takes is one event to sour the experience for another dog. Dogs do NOT have to have other dogs to play with, contrary to what humans think. Dogs LOVE their people and want to be the shining star in the life of their human. With all due respect, if you don’t have time for your dog and must talk on your cell during your walk, paying no attention to your dog, you should not have a dog.