Traditional dog parks are inherently dangerous. Dogs of all different temperaments and ages are released into the same area where there is no unbiased central party to regulate the behavior of the dogs, prevent issues and stop dog fights before they begin. Puppies often times do not read the threatening body language of adult dogs and do not know when to back off which can lead to serious injury or worse for the puppy. Since dog parks have become popular, we have seen more and more young dogs coming in with defensive dog aggression that is developing at an abnormally young age. Even if your puppy has not been injured at a dog park, upon entering the park a pack of dogs will often times jump onto the puppy and frighten the puppy. This alone is enough to create defensive dog aggression in the puppy if it happens enough times.
Secondly, there is no proof of vaccinations or anyone there to remove dogs that are exhibiting signs of illness. No matter where you go, if there is a large number of dogs then there is a risk of communicable disease. Certain precautions can however be taken to reduce the risk to your puppy. Dog parks have no precautions of any sort and are a high risk environment for diseases such as Parvo virus, Giardia, Intestinal Worms, Kennel Cough etc…
What to do about socializing your dog? Puppies do need to play with other dogs for socialization and to expend excess energy but there are good ways to socialize and bad ways. Dog parks are not a good way to socialize your puppy. A “puppies only” environment that requires proof of vaccinations is the best way to socialize your puppy. Doggy day cares are also a good option or if you have a friend/neighbor with a puppy that is similar in size, age and temperament, that is an ideal option for good socialization. Adult dogs often times no longer need heavy socialization with other dogs and elderly dogs generally don’t want to have anything to do with playing with others.