Pros and Cons of Taking your Dog to the Park

Unless they’re in bad shape, dogs love to go for walks. And, if that walk includes some open green space where he can run around, even better. This is especially true if you live in an apartment. In this article we’ll be talking about everything you should take into account if you take your dog to the park.

Good reasons your dog should go to the park

Since nothing in life is perfect, you might have to face some obstacles when it comes to taking your dog to the park. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, but it’s always good to be prepared for certain situations.

Let’s start by naming the good things about taking your dog to the park:

• Socializing. It’s important for your dog, especially when he’s a puppy, to socialize with people and other dogs in different situations.
• Exercise. A dog needs to exercise every day to stay in shape. The park can be a great place to do so.
• Being able to explore. Dogs love exploring new places, especially with their noses. Let him sniff long and hard, even if it’s something you think is gross.
• Playing. A big green field is great place to play with your dog. Play with him as much as you can and let him play with other dogs.

Cons that might come up when at the park

Here are some things to put in the cons section when taking your dog to the park:

• Getting infected with internal and external parasites and other illnesses
• He might hurt or get hurt by other dogs
• Your dog could run away
• He might get in an accident
• He might get stolen

You can, of course, prevent all of these things if you’re prepared for them.

So, if you’re taking your dog to the park, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Make sure his vaccines up to date
• Make sure he doesn’t have any parasites
• If you’re going to take off his collar, make sure you’re in a designated area for dogs
• Don’t get distracted, so make sure to keep an eye on your dog at all times.
• Make sure you’ve taught him basic obedience rules

When the dog owners are the problem

Other dog owners are usually the biggest obstacle when taking your dog to the park. 

Not every dog owner is great about picking up after their dog. Also, some dog owners aren’t responsible and don’t know how to handle a pet.

This may cause some tense situations to arise, not only between pets, but also between people. That’s why it’s important to be alert and try to avoid awkward situations that will get you nowhere.

Advice for when you take your dog to the park

A trip to the park with your dog should be gratifying for both you and your pet.

• Choose the times when it’s emptier, when there are fewer people and dogs
• Respect the designated rules of public areas when it comes to pets
• If your dog does his business, don’t forget to pick up after him
• If you see an aggressive dog, it’s possible that the owner is aggressive too; it’s best to take your dog to a more relaxed area
• Don’t forget to bring a ball so you can play with your dog. Also, bring treats to reward him for his good behavior and plenty of water to keep him hydrated.