I'm very cautious when I take my dog to a dog park, because of all the reasons listed above. She's about 25 lbs, so on the smaller side.

But I've found that it's been wonderful taking my adopted/rescue American Eskimo dog to a dog park for interaction with other dogs (and I originally took her when there were only a few other dogs there). It has helped her become a lot more comfortable and more social - she started out being scared and quite aggressive toward other dogs.

Before we go in, I size up who is already there and what the level of dog activity is. If it doesn't seem controlled and safe, then we got elsewhere. I've heard of people like the moron woman with the dog who attacked everyone else, but luckily I haven't come across it.

It does seem a lot like parents and children at a playground - and if there's anything that might be unfomfortable or out of line, talk to the other dog moms or dads & ask if they're OK with it. I certainly appreciate it when somebody asks me if it's OK for their dog to whatever with or around mine!

I think, just because you're asking, that you probably rate a few notches above most the other folks out there!!