I love having friends with dogs, because it means my finance and I can borrow their pet for trips to our local dog park. On a Saturday afternoon you can find a colorful display of dogs running around having a blast, and it's good times chatting it up with fellow dog lovers. I'm serious when I say time flies at the dog park....

A lot of pet owners are anti-dog parks though, and for all the right reasons! What if your dog gets attacked by some beastly unsocialized, un-neutered male dog? What if one of the dogs is carrying a disease or parasite and your animal gets it? What if your dog becomes territorial or aggressive and you can't do anything about it (see, should I get a dog for this one)? These are all legitimate thoughts but I find dog parks are pretty neutral territory. Dogs are social creatures – we don't keep ourselves on leashes and hide in backyards for fear we might have a squabble with someone do we? No, we socialize and that's what your dog needs too – a well socialized dog is a happy dog.

Dog parks are only as dangerous, as the most inexperienced dog owner

Dogs don't fight to the death, they don't kill each other and they don't want to unless they are unsocialized and have irresponsible owners who haven't socialized them when they were young. Owners that, if their dog has a little squabble will start screaming and flailing their arms around like a maniac (I've seen one woman throw herself on the ground to protect her dog who wasn't in any immediate danger...) If you have an un-neutered male who you know is dominant and aggressive don't bring him to the dog park! If you see an un-neutered male at a dog park don't assume he's going to attack your dog because I've met plenty of neutral males that haven't been fixed, that mind their own business.

Most dog parks have rules, and those rules are followed by the people who go there. Once you become a regular at a park you will meet others who are as well and you will get to know the behaviors of their pets. A dog park in an inner city slum might have a lot of unsocialized Pit-bulls but when you're in the suburbs you'll see a lot more laid back Golden Retrievers...location can play a role so pick a dog park you feel most comfortable with. If you have a toy breed, go to a park that caters towards smaller dogs – you will probably feel more comfortable...follow the rules, bring a poop bag, make sure your animal is up to date on it's shots and if you do that, assume many other people do. If YOUR dog is healthy and has his shots the risk of him getting ill from another dog goes down.

Know dogs behaviors – understand that if they are snarling at each other it doesn't mean they want to kill each other most of the time they are playing. If your dog wanders up to an dog who wants to be left alone that dog will let your pet know, and if your pet is well trained and socialized he will back off. In most cases when a dog fight erupts it's the behavior of the owner of that animal who can control the outcome. Dog play is physical, they jump on each other they nip at each others ears, they bark and taunt...if a dog is overly-physical and someone gets an injury it's not always malicious...

I think dog parks offer more advantages to disadvantages:

Your dog is provided with dog-dog social interaction (which they need as social creatures)

Your dog can meet other people

It's an excellent source of off-leash romping around

YOU can meet other experienced owners and get tips

Use your brain when going to a dog park though, and peruse them before you choose one to go to. Go on a weekend without your dog to meet other regulars who bring their pooches. If you have a small breed, go to small breed park! Don't bring your dogs toys to a dog park, and don't bring treats..you'll only cause commotion (do however, bring lots of water for your dog and other dogs who get thirsty) Be a responsible pet owner and read up on dog behavior if you haven't already...but mostly know that bringing your dog to the park is a CHOICE.