Why on earth are you opposed to leash free doggie parks?
We have a very nice one in our little town, and I think it’s the high point of the day for my two dogs. We actually don’t have a yard for them, so they are taken on a long walk in the morning, and have their afternoon workout running with their “friends” in the leash free doggie park.
Dog Parks
Why They Are A Bad Idea
by Ed Frawley
“I want to go on record as saying that the concept of “Dog Parks” was well intended but a bad idea, especially when dogs are allowed to run off-leash. The main problems all stem from people who don’t understand and have not established pack structure with their dogs. This means their dogs are out of control. “
http://leerburg.com/dogparks.htm
My dog loves the dog park. He has friends there and gets to say hi to a lot of humans.
"Dogs do NOT need to be 'free'! What dogs need is love and respect in the form of attention, training and social companionship within their family 'pack'! Letting them roam does NOT provide them with physical or mental exercise but, rather, contributes to boredom. If you let a dog loose on a large acreage, chances are that after five minutes, the dog will settle in a 10 square foot area and start digging, or sleep or just lay there. Without proper interest and stimulation they will NOT get the exercise they need and deserve."
And, of course, you can never count on that 'other dog' being trained in a leash-free environment. Your dogs may be fine in such a circumstance but you never know about the other guy's, and it's a real risk especially if the other dog is aggressive.
I totally agree with the trainer.
They are disasters waiting to happen. Especially since no one insists on serious discipline of their dogs in this society.