Dog Parks - Yes Or No?

[Dame Aussie]

I agree, but a dog that is generally fine with other dogs won't necessarily be fine with being mounted.

[Simply Grand]

I agree, but a dog that is generally fine with other dogs won't necessarily be fine with being mounted.

Oh yes, definitely! Mounting is definitely not something I'd expect to be tolerated.

ETA same with nipping and shoulder charging. Those things may be ok between dogs that know each other really well and both enjoy that play style but definitely not in a park with dogs that don't know each other well.

Edited September 11, 2015 by Simply Grand

[corvus]

If your dog enjoys it and can be safe doing it, yes. If your dog doesn't enjoy it and probably never will, no. It really is that simple.

There are two sides to the human-dog relationship. Dogs are not just our little mini-me's to mould after our own image to enjoy only the things we enjoy and hang with only the types we like to hang with. They should be given the opportunity to develop good social skills if they live in suburbia and are going to meet lots of dogs wherever they go, and if you know what you're doing, dog parks are a pretty good place to do that. Also play is important for both brain development and welfare and about the only thing that is reliably associated with positive emotional states. If they like doing it, I would give them every opportunity.