I agree that I am somewhat in the middle with dog parks. I've loved them for years and I find the small dog sections to be easier to manage than the big dogs. I used to allow Jackson in the big dog side because I would usually go with a friend or family member who had a bigger dog. It makes me too nervous now after seeing certain incidents and I don't want to risk it anymore with big dogs that are unknown to me. Many bully breeds and Boxers etc make me nervous for one - Jackson does not appreciate their boisterous play style. So he becomes on the defense and I worry that's a fight he would lose.
But on the flip side, it provided sooo many hours of entertainment for Jax, especially when he was younger. He's 8 now and still enjoys a good play with some dogs but he's not as 'into it' so we really go for Lola's sake more so now (2 year old cockapoo). There is nothing better than seeing them run around, free, playing with other dogs and just purely enjoying themselves.
I say just be smart about it, be aware of your surroundings, what your dog likes/doesn't like. Pay attention to who is coming in and going out. Many times you get newbies to dog parks who just release their excited dogs into the park and then sit down on the phone the whole time and do not pay attention. |