Dog parks offer exercise, socialization
Dogs watch a pedestrian walk by on the path alongside the off-leash area in Mingo Creek County Park.
Signs at the dog park at Fairview Park in Bridgeville
Mary Hoffman of Clairton throws a toy for her German shepherd, Mambo, in the off-leash area at Mingo Creek County Park.
The off-leash area of Mingo Creek County Park
Mingo Creek County Park’s off-leash area offers a spot where dog owners and their dogs can interact with each other. Jeanne Henny of McMurray throws a stick for not only her dogs, Kimber, a red heeler, and Diesel, a toy fox terrier, but also Alvin, a border collie/lab mix owned by John Noe of Dravosburg, who watches the fun. Jeanne’s daughter, Rachel, sits on a bench near her dog, Mika, a husky/poodle mix who is a bit shy compared to the others.
Alvin, left, a border collie and lab mix owned by John Noe of Dravosburg, plays with Mika, a husky and poodle mix owned by Rachel Henney of McMurray, in the off-leash area of Mingo Creek County Park.
On a recent sunny Friday afternoon, Jeanne Henney of McMurray brought her three dogs to Mingo Creek County Park’s off-leash dog park, where the trio romped around the field with a border collie/Labrador retriever named Alvin, whose owner had driven from Dravosburg, Allegheny County, to visit the dog park.
“It’s a nice, open space for them, and it’s not packed,” said Henney, who used to live near Philadelphia, where the dog parks were crowded.
Henney now owns a small farm, but she likes to take her dogs – Diesel, a toy fox terrier, Kimber, a red heeler, and Mika, a husky/poodle puppy – to the Mingo dog park for a change of scenery.
“It’s kind of like the best-kept secret,” she said.
Lisa Higie of Cecil Township treks to Fairview Park in South Fayette Township to let her 7-year-old Samoyed, Kali, roam around the off-leash dog zone.
“She’s a big dog, and it’s nice to let her run off-leash,” said Higie. “She loves it. She’s all about running around. She’s very social. She loves all people and all dogs, and most of the time it’s not crowded and there’s no mayhem. And for the most part, the dogs there are easy to get along with.”
Off-leash dog parks have become popular, and more municipalities are creating areas for pet owners to let their dogs roam and play.
In the Mon Valley, a fenced dog park, which will include areas for small dogs and large dogs, is slated to open in the spring of 2018 in Cedar Creek Park in Rostraver Township.
South Park Dog Park in Allegheny County offers an off-leash, fenced-in area, with separate areas for small dogs and large dogs, and drinking water.
But while off-leash hangouts offer dogs a chance to exercise and socialize, animal experts note there are potential risks that owners must be aware of and protect against to ensure a good dog park experience for their four-legged friends.
Case in point: the dog park at Fairview Park was closed for about 10 months following a dog-on-dog attack in September 2016 that resulted in $7,000 in medical bills for the injured dog.
The park reopened in July, with stricter rules, including a requirement that dog owners obtain a permit to use the dog park.
“The concept behind dog parks is a wonderful thing,” said Dr. Brad Carmichael, a veterinarian with Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic in McMurray. “When handled properly by the township managing it and the humans using it, it can be a good thing. But it requires precautions. People do need to know they do need to be careful.”
Carmichael said dogs should have all core vaccinations, along with flu and bordetella vaccinations, before visiting a dog park.
“Your pet is being exposed to a large number of pets, so I’d never go to a dog park without having vaccinations up to date,” he said.
Choose your dog park wisely. Like regular parks, dog parks are not all the same. Look for a park with sufficient space, cleanliness and responsible dog owners.
Angela Rice, a dog trainer and Labrador retriever breeder who operates Bella Notte Labradors in Hickory, encourages dog owners to “scope out” the dog park by driving there on the day of the week and time they plan to take their dogs.
“See what kind of dogs are there, what kind of crowd is there,” said Rice. “Are there large dogs or small dogs? If you take a young puppy to a dog park and you know it’s going to be crazy there, it could be detrimental to your dog.”
Once you decide to take your dog to the dog park, Rice recommends walking around the perimeter of the park with your dog on a leash to give the dog a chance to decide if he wants to go in.
“If his tail’s wagging and he seems eager, then go in. But if the tail is down and he’s not looking up, don’t go. Dog parks aren’t the answer for every dog,” said Rice.
Don’t let your dog off-leash until you are confident all animals in the dog park are being supervised and behaving appropriately.
“You can’t promise that every dog is going to play nice all the time. I’m pretty sure that when I was a kid on the playground with 10 other kids, there was one kid who didn’t play nice. It’s the same with dogs,” said Carmichael.
That’s why it’s important to watch your dog closely and observe other dogs’ body language while your dog is inside the dog park.
Make sure your dog is wearing a properly fitted collar, and bring an adequate leash. For smaller dogs, Dr. Carmichael recommends a harness so that an owner can quickly lift the dog, if necessary.
Consider leaving toys at home.
“I wouldn’t take a toy. Any toy is a bad idea because it creates the idea of possession. You don’t know what the line in the sand will be for a dog,” said Carmichael.
Rice also advises leaving children at home.
Make sure that your dog is a good dog at the park, too. In truth, not every dog should go to the park.
“You need to get the sense your own dog will play nice,” said Carmichael. “There are dogs who are wonderful with their owner and other humans, but who aren’t good with other dogs.”
Keep in mind, Carmichael said, that water can be a source of contamination and can harbor diseases, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
And, of course, pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste.
Visits to the dog park can be pleasant and positive, Rice said, as long as people prepare properly.
“Dog parks can be a great opportunity for social interaction with other dogs, and great exercise,” said Rice. “However, you have to do your homework before you go, to make sure it’s a good fit for you and your dog.”