Are off-leash dog parks safe?

Have you ever taken your dog to an off-leash park?  The moment you unclip that leash from their harness or collar, they’re already bolting off into the sunset. Dog parks can offer a much-needed outlet for mental, physical and social stimulation. It can also be a great way to make new friends, both canine and human!

Off-leash dog parks are not all sunshine and rainbows though. They can spell trouble for all dogs, regardless of size, gender, or temperament. You should be aware of the safety concerns and how to manage them if you frequent or intend to visit an off-leash park.

Wherever you are in Australia, there's a good chance you know (or have seen) the old bloke who doesn't use a leash to walk his dog. They both walk at a snail's pace, and the pooch doesn't dare leave his side. If your dog is obedient enough to heed every word that comes out of your mouth, you don't have much to worry about in the way of recall.

'Sit' and 'stay' are useful tricks, but they pale in comparison to recall. If you're letting your dog off-leash, you need to be confident they'll return to you when they're called. If they're stubborn and refuse to come back, consider if an off-leash park is for you. However, even if your dog has perfect recall, you’ll still encounter owners who cannot control or call back their dogs. This can spell trouble if your dog is an anxious one, or doesn’t like dogs that run up and invade their space.

Like kids, dogs can be bullies! In an attempt to reinforce what they believe is their territory, they might try to intimidate your dog. Think barking, humping, and standing over your dog. More aggressive intimidation tactics include raised hackles, bared teeth, and direct eye contact. The more they practice this without negative reinforcement, the better they get at it. 

Rough play, although it may seem harmless, can quickly become aggressive. Even if your dog isn’t the instigator, you should be ready to pull your dog out of a negative situation at any moment. When a dog fight breaks out, it's common for other dogs nearby to join in. Even if your dog doesn't start the fight, they could still end up caught in an all-out brawl. 

It's reasonable to expect all dog owners to microchip and vaccinate their pets before bringing them to the park. Unfortunately, one of the biggest issues with off-leash parks is that they're a central hub for disease.

While some dog parks have rules stating that all dogs must be vaccinated and desexed to enter, other dog parks do not. If the park doesn't record visitors, you won't be able to check the vaccination and worming status of every dog there. A visit to the dog park could result in your pooch getting sick, especially if you don't know all the dogs there (and let's be real, who does?).

It’s common knowledge that you shouldn’t bring a dog in heat to a dog park. If there is a dog in heat at the park, it can cause fights to break out and pregnancy from other intact dogs.  It could also be a major distraction to your dog.

If you know your dog has a strong attachment to a certain toy or they’re heavily food-driven, avoid bringing toys or food to the park. If you throw your dog’s favourite ball and another pooch jumps in and runs off with it, it could cause a dog fight. While it's perfectly fine to bring your dog’s comfort toy while no one’s around, think twice if it’s a busy time of day or there are other dogs out and about. 

For the safety of your dog and other dogs, make sure your pooch is microchipped, vaccinated, wormed, and desexed. Do not bring them to the dog park if they’re pregnant, in heat, or have aggressive tendencies.  

Before you let your dog bolt off into the sunset, you should be confident in your dog’s recall. Not only is it embarrassing to chase after your dog when they’re stubborn, but there are plenty of spaces for dogs that aren’t labelled as off-leash. It's no use bringing your dog to an off-leash park if you can’t get them back onto their leash. 

Abiding by dog park etiquette also means familiarising yourself with the rules. Each dog park might vary in their rules, but in most cases, they're printed on a sign by the entrance. Alternatively, you can search your local council’s website. 

Most parks will expect you to pick up after your pooch, supervise them at all times, and have reliable recall before letting them roam free.

The key to avoiding dog fights is advocating for your dog. You know your dog best. Are they playful and willing to meet new dogs? Are they timid, reserved and prefer the company of people over other dogs?

Survey the temperament of the other dogs before letting your pooch roam free. How many dogs are there? Are they boisterous? If your dog is anxious or fearful and you know they won’t be comfortable in the presence of so many playful dogs, do a lap and come back later. 

Monitoring your dog means paying attention to their body language. Are they biting, humping, or trying to assert dominance? Don’t let your dog be a bully. Do they have their tail tucked in between their legs? Are they hiding or cowering behind you? They might feel uncomfortable interacting with other dogs. If you know your dog doesn't mesh well with big dogs, don’t try to force them into getting along with that Great Dane. 

Be aware of your surroundings, and be ready to pull them away from a situation before it gets ugly. 

Hot weather isn't fun for anyone. If you know it's going to be a scorcher, try going after dinner or early in the morning when the pavement is still cool. If your dog gets stressed around too many dogs, try to visit at a time when you know there won’t be too many dogs around, like late in the evening or early in the morning. 

Think about what you want your dog to get from the dog park. Do you want them to socialise and make new friends? Think about enrolling them in a doggy daycare or setting up a playdate with a dog that has a similar temperament. Alternatively, try a quieter off-leash park. Do you want to introduce them to new smells? Prioritise a quick 5-10 minute sniff before it gets too busy, then continue with the rest of your walk. 

You don’t have to go to the dog park. If your dog is anxious, fearful, or aggressive, there are plenty of ways they can make new friends, feel the wind in their fur, and get the same enrichment elsewhere. Visit a lake or a beach, go on a hike, or contact your local vet to see if they offer puppy school or training classes for older dogs.

Off-leash dog parks are not all bad. However, you should respect and abide by the etiquette that comes with them. Advocate for your dog, ensure you’re confident in their recall, and be ready to pull them away from negative situations that could result in a dog fight.