Question: Are Dog Parks safe for my dog? B.T. Houston, TX
Answer: Here’s a nice vague answer – it depends.
When I trained my dogs, I enlisted the help of a local dog behavior expert. She was against dog parks…and here’s why. As a dog owner, you know the training and socialization you have provided your pet – however, you don’t know the training and socialization that the other person in the dog park has provided their dog. Remember, dogs are territorial animals – not children. Dogs will sometimes attack an intruder in their territory with frightening consequences – yes, in a dog park that is not often the case, however, are you willing to risk your pet?
Dog Parks have gained popularity in the last few years and I really think they are more for socialization of the dog owner’s than for the dogs.
My suggestion is this – if you like to take your dog to a dog park, select a few “playmates” for your pet that are about the same size and temperament. The group of owners should work together to properly introduce the dogs (when leashed) and then slowly allow them more socialization time. If and only if the play area is completely enclosed and there are no outside dogs present – you may let your dog have supervised free play with his new friends. There are no guarantees that dog fights will not occur, however, with proper introduction and socialization you can reduce the risk.
If someone outside of your group wants to attend your playdate, you and the other dog owner’s will need to assess the risk and always keep your dog on a leash when acclimating to a new playmate. Letting new friends attend off leash without a proper introduction is just asking for problems. As the adults of the playgroup, you will need to strictly police your pets, including proper dog park etiquette and cleanup activities. Only you can assess the risk imposed by introducing a new friend to the playgroup.
So to answer your question – Are dog parks safe? As the owner, you need to assess the risk. For me, knowing that my dogs could be attacked or injured by another dog who is off leash and has not been socialized is enough for me to say….yeah, I’m not willing to take that risk. That’s why I have invested in a fenced backyard. 
