I have mixed reactions to dog parks, mainly because of the owners not really understanding dog behavior very well. Before I owned my own home, it was great for Leo because it allowed him to run and play and socialize when I didn't really have space for him to do that. I did, however, always take him during non peak times so that I could control his environment better.

I do think that you need to be just as aware of how people are feeling as well as reading the dogs body language. If a dog owner is uncomfortable with how the two dogs are playing together, it is your job to remove your dog to another part of the park. If a dog owner understands the two dogs are playing, then leave them be. That being said though - there are a great many times that rough play escalates into fighting. Dogs are very subtle creatures - and some breeds are more subtle than others.

Penny Lane will do a low throaty growl when she is trying to communicate that she is anxious and then she will try to attack. Leo will just try to turn and walk away from the other dog several times and then will turn suddenly and attack if they continue to annoy him. To someone who is not aware of dog behavior might say that Leo attacked for no reason - but he actually gave signal after signal after signal.

Now that I have my own home, I much prefer play dates to keep him socialized. My sister brings her GSD Hutch over all the time and him and Leo play pretty rough and growly. We are both very aware of when we need to call the dogs away from each other and stop rough housing.

I have to agree with Twisterdog, that unless you have a dog park that maintains policies of vaccinations, seperate areas for small and large dogs, and will regulate the area when there are dogs that are aggressive (i.e. dobie under control - Okay; chow mix running loose and attacking - banned), you are better off with playdates and doggie day care with experienced dog people.

JMHO