07/30/2026
Here are the reasons I, as a professional dog trainer, will never go to the dog park:
1. I don't know the other dogs
2. I don't know if the other dog owners have control over their dogs
3. Most people can't read their dogs body language
4. Health & safety of my dogs
Most dogs in the dog parks get over stimulated which then turns them into an anxious, possibly aggressive or reactive dog. Most dogs come back with bad behavior or learn bad behavior there because they get over stimulated. It does not socialize dogs to other dogs and people, it puts them in an uncomfortable over stimulated position where they have to fend for themselves.
If you want to socialize your dog, take them to a slightly busy walking path or park and sit on a bench and watch people and dogs go by. Have them sit or lay down around other dogs that are on leash with people you know and allow the dogs to exist together instead of letting them invade each other's personal space immediately.
