Summary: Dog parks are often full of unhealthy and untrained dogs. Learn how to take care of a dog by using caution with dog parks in this free pet care video.
Mark Siebel has owned Doggie Steps Dog Training for four years and has worked with over 4,000 dogs. He teaches about health and nutrition for a new dog, general obedience, and...read more
"Dog parks. It is true that dogs are derivative from gray wolves and are pack animals. In my opinion, dogs need four to ten playmates, not forty. Oftentimes, customers call me and will try to talk to me for an hour of why they think every dog should be taken to a dog park. I politely let them know that from my experience and the reason I started my company was because I witnessed time and time again unhealthy, untrained dogs in dog parks. I also find that for cleanliness and health, dog parks more times than not are not kept up to a cleanliness standard that I uphold with my pets. Even if your dog has had shots and is healthy, there's a chance at a dog park they could pick up a disease, or get in an altercation with a dog, resulting in a negative experience that could effect the training and all the time you've put into your dog. So, my opinion, if you go to a dog park, be very aware what other dogs are there, what other people are there and keep a close eye on the dog interaction to make sure it's a positive experience. My recommendation, like I said, is having friends and family with just three to five dogs that your dogs can have play dates with weekly to still get them properly socialized. "
eHow Article: Dog Park Benefits & Drawbacks
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