I strongly urge people to make sure your dog has a strong recall and proper socialization if you intend to take your pup to the dog park. You can't always be sure what other dogs are going to do so anytime a new dog comes along to "play", I always use caution and check the newcomer out before letting my guys run around freely. I've seen one too many unprovoked dog fights at the dog park.

The problem is dogs are already in an aroused state getting to go off leash and run. Put that together with dominant dogs, aggressive dogs and unsocilized dogs and it has all the ingredients for disaster. I do not advocate NOT taking your dog to the park unless you know your dog is a problem child around other dogs. I do advocate always being on guard. I have a friend who prefers to not go to the park just because she always has to be on guard and really doesn't enjoy herself even though the dogs do. Myself.... I love going to the park because my dogs enjoy it so much. I do not like always being on guard but it's worth it to see them both having such a enjoyable time. I actually meet a lot of nice people at the dog park.