Is the dog park enough exercise?

Nils Weimann
2025-07-23 11:11:14
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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. Especially for urban dogs that don’t have backyards to exercise in, dog parks can sound like a great idea. The socialization myth is that dog parks provide benefits to dogs by allowing them to socialize, but that's not entirely accurate. 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. However, Nick Hof, a certified professional dog trainer, explained that in terms of canine behavior, the term “socialization” isn’t just dogs interacting or “socializing” with other dogs, but rather, “the process of exposing young puppies under 20 weeks to new experiences.” 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.