Dog Park Debate

There is no shortage of things in the 'dog world' that provoke disagreement and debate. One of which is the dog park.

I have heard and read some very strong and well-considered opinions from both sides of the dog park debate - this includes dog owners, professionals within the dog training community, city park officials, etc. - but ultimately it's up to you to decide whether the dog park is right for you and your dog.

Two common reasons for having and using dog parks:

1. A place for dogs to socialize and play with each other.
2. Many urban/suburban dwellers do not have adequate space to exercise their dog, so the dog park becomes a replacement for their lack of a back yard.

Two common concerns about dog parks:

1. Inter-canine aggression which could lead to injury or the death of a dog (as well as injury to an owner trying to separate fighting dogs).
2. Health issues passed from one dog to another, and from feces on the ground.

My personal opinion is that a dog park is only as good as the people who utilize it. While that's a very neat and tidy little statement to say, you have to keep the following in mind: A dog park is a dynamic setting - it's in a constant state of change depending on the people utilizing the park at any given point in time. So based on that, the suitability of the park can change day-by-day, hour-by-hour, or even by the minute-by-minute. It's all dependant on who is using it.

As mentioned previously, it's up to you to decide whether the dog park is right for you and your dog, so here are some things to consider:

Dog Park Precautions

► All it takes is one dog with too much pent-up energy to create a chain reaction of anxiety amongst other dogs. Even if your purpose for going to the park is for exercise, the less pent-up energy or anxiety your dog has the better, so take your dog for a walk around the block before entering the park. Anxiety in your dog can make it a target for other dogs so, again, the more relaxed your dog is the better.

► If you're nervous or unsure about going to a dog park it's probably best that you don't go. Your anxiousness can transfer to your dog which can, in turn, create problems with other dogs in the park.

► The dog park is not a place for aggressive or fearful dogs. Before you enter the park take a few minutes to observe who is in the park and what is taking place within it. Observe the dogs and observe the owners, then decide whether you think the environment is suitable for you and your dog. If you're not comfortable with the environment... leave.

► Stay on the move within the park and guide your dog to areas where you witness appropriate inter-canine behaviour and where you see owners being vigilant and responsible for their dogs. Dogs will generally settle squabbles amongst themselves but, as your dog's leader, you should still maintain a relaxed but vigilant presence and intervene if you see your dog acting in an inappropriate manner or if your dog is under threat.

► Many dog parks do not permit dogs to be on-leash within the park because a restrained dog may become anxious or feel threatened when approached by other dogs. Regardless, you should always carry your leash with you in case you need it in an emergency.

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Children And Dog Bites

Having a dog as a pet can be one of the cornerstones of a happy childhood. The joy and friendship of a dog can positively shape a child's world - the benefits of which can be carried forward throughout his or her entire life.

Unfortunately the majority of reported dog bite victims are children. As an example of this, here is a snapshot of statistical data compiled by CHIRPP (Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program) for 1996. Based on percentages from the statistical data, the most common 'event' was:

► A boy between 5 and 9 years old.

► Bitten in the head/face/neck region.

► By the dog of a friend, acquaintance, neighbour or relative.

► When no interaction (such as play) with the dog was taking place.

► On his own property.

► Inside his own home.

► Between 4pm and 8pm.

► On a weekend.

► During summer.

► If taken to Emergency, advice or treatment received would not require a follow-up visit.

Click here to review this data within the context of the full statistical picture. Note: Of the 118,717 records on file 1,237 related to injuries caused by a dog bite or attack.

Why Are Children More At Risk To Be Bitten By Dogs?

Outside of the most outward and obvious vocal cues by a dog such as barking or growling, a child may not know how to recognize the warning signs a dog will provide. Due to this, and quite unwittingly, a child may escalate a dog's stimulation, anxiety, fear, etc., which may cause it to bite.

Think of a child from the dog's point of view - a small or unimposing 'animal' with sudden bursts of energy, noise and emotion. Energetic, erratic or emotional behaviour by a child can put a dog into a stimulated state where it wants to chase, or even an uncertain state which could lead to a bite caused anxiety or fear.

Dog Bite Prevention for Children

Dog aggression is a complex subject but, when it comes to kids, studies have found that the best dog bite prevention is education. Your child is less likely to be bitten if he or she has been taught (a) how to be introduced to dogs, (b) when to leave them alone, (c) how to act around them, and (d) how to play with them.

Whose responsibility is it to provide your child with this education? Obiously, as a parent or guardian, the responsibility is yours. Children (and plenty of adults too) should be taught: 

► Never bother dogs that are playing with or guarding toys, bones and other 'possessions'.

► Never bother dogs when they are eating or sleeping.

► Never approach a dog you don't know... especially if it is tied up, behind a fence or in a car. If an introduction is to take place it should be closely supervised by an adult.

► Be calm around dogs. If you are calm, the dog will likely be calm too.

Introductions

Introducing a child to a dog should always be done with close supervision by an adult.

It is better to let the dog approach the child so the dog can investigate the child through scent - just make sure the dog is in a calm and relaxed state before doing so. The child should not touch or make eye contact with the dog, and the child should remain calm and speak in a quiet voice.

If the dog is pleasant and interested in the child, offering the dog a treat or perhaps a little scratch under his chin (not over his head) would be a polite way to say "Nice to meet you!"

Supervision doesn't end here, because it's important to make sure the dog and child continue to interact appropriately.

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