At first glance, dog parks seem like a canine paradise — open spaces where dogs can run freely, meet new friends, and burn off energy. But while the idea sounds idyllic, the reality often paints a different picture.
Shelby Thorn, Animal Aid Animal Behaviourist, says dog parks come with risks.
“These spaces can quickly become chaotic, leading to high-arousal behaviours, inappropriate interactions, and long-term social challenges for some dogs.”
Chaos Over Control
Dog parks are intended as off-leash spaces for exercise and training, but in practice, they often become unregulated social hubs. Dogs may engage in overly aroused behaviours, like rushing or chasing, which can escalate into conflict or undesirable habits like leash reactivity and pulling.
“Not all dogs play or communicate in the same way,” says Shelby. “Without supervision or matching dogs with similar play styles, interactions can leave both dogs and owners stressed.”
Unreliable Recall
Dog parks can undermine recall training. The abundance of distractions — unfamiliar dogs, people, and enticing smells — makes it hard for your dog to focus on your cues.
“Dogs often associate parks with unbridled freedom,” Shelby explains. “This makes them less likely to respond to recalls, even in other situations. It’s like practicing bad habits on repeat.”
Impact on Bonding
Allowing your dog to run freely in a chaotic environment might seem like a bonding experience, but it can have the opposite effect. Overstimulation takes their focus away from you, reducing opportunities to reinforce positive behaviours.
For shy or anxious dogs, the unpredictability of a dog park can be overwhelming, potentially leading to social or general anxiety disorders.
A Better Approach to Socialisation
Rather than relying on dog parks, consider controlled environments like training classes or structured meetups.
“In supervised settings, dogs learn how to interact and disengage appropriately, at their own pace,” Shelby advises. “It’s not just about the dogs — these classes also teach owners how to manage situations confidently, strengthening their bond with their pets.”
The Bottom Line
Dog parks aren’t inherently bad, but they require thoughtful use and supervision to be beneficial. For most dogs, structured socialisation and positive training are safer, more effective ways to build social skills and maintain a trusting bond.
By investing in controlled experiences, you’re setting your dog up for a lifetime of confident, positive interactions — and that’s worth skipping the chaos of the dog park.
