A dog park is an area set aside where dogs can run and play off-leash with other dogs. Socialization is important for a well-rounded canine companion. Dogs that are consistently socialized with other dogs are less apt to be aggressive towards other dogs, are well-exercised and happier.

According to statistics published by the US Census Bureau and the US Pet Ownership and and Demongraphics Sourcebook, approximately 42% of American households are home to one or more dogs.

A Dog Park:

• Provides a tool for realistic enforcement of dog control laws. All dogs entering the park must be licensed, and all licensed dogs must be vaccinated.
• Promotes responsible pet ownership. The social aspect of a dog park also tends to enforce the basic rules of dog ownership such as cleaning up after one's dog and always controlling one's dog's behavior.
• Promotes public health and safety. Designated spaces for dogs and their owners reduce the likelihood that dogs will infringe on the rights of other community residents and park users such as joggers, small children, and those who may be fearful of dogs.
• Provides elderly and disabled individuals with a safe, accessible place to exercise their companions.
• Promotes a Safer Surrounding Area. Dog owners have an interest in the safety of their community and can act as a neighborhood watch. By their mere presence, groups of dog owners (and their dogs) help deter crime and frequently act as the eyes and ears for the police in the area around the dog park.
• A well-exercised dog is a happier and healthier dog. An exercised dog makes a better next door neighbor. Puppies and dogs that get enough exercise are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively, destroy property, jump on passers-by, etc.
• Socializes and exercises dogs in a safe environment. Research has shown that dogs that are socialized with other dogs are more well-rounded and are less likely to be aggressive towards people and other dogs.
• Creates A Social Hub For Communities. In an era where people are often reluctant or afraid to approach or converse with a complete stranger, dog parks bring people together and create a greater sense of community. People's love for dogs often creates an important common ground, which as if by magic, serves to break down otherwise impenetrable social and economic barriers. Dogs (and dog parks) are in fact responsible for many a lasting friendship between those who might never otherwise have met. These interactions help neighbors to get to know each other and to build a sense of community.

Why should dog owners be considered?Pet ownership is a positive aspect of our society. Many studies have shown the benefits of pet ownership to the mental and physical health of people of all ages. Taking a dog into a social situation provides a means for social interaction between people that otherwise may not be possible - it is easy to start up conversations when a pet is present and many friendships begin in this way. For many elderly people, an outing with their dog may provide the only contact with other people in their day. For people with mobility problems, a dog park allows exercising of their dog without walking any distance. For most dog owners, the opportunity to meet other dog lovers is a happy and rewarding experience, just as it is for their dogs to meet other dogs. Dog owners are taxpayers. It is unfair to ban them from public parks paid for by their taxes only because they wish to be accompanied by their dogs.

Why do dogs need exercise and socialization?Dogs are social animals. Families and single people own them because they provide affection and companionship - indeed, many people without children in their homes view their dogs as their children.

Dogs need exercise. They need to run and play with their owners to work off energy and satisfy their need for challenge and stimulation. In addition, they are by nature pack animals, and should not be isolated from other dogs.

It is a reality that in our society many dogs must be left alone for long hours while their owners go to work. Dogs that are deprived of exercise, stimulation, and socialization may become problems for their owners, their neighbors, and for other dogs because they are bored and because good behavior is learned through interaction with people and other animals. Badly behaved dogs may bark incessantly, dig holes, destroy property, escape constantly, and become overly timid or aggressive and generally difficult to handle. Extreme cases result in animals being given up to the Humane Society or other shelters where, if they are not fortunate enough to find another home, they will usually be euthanized due to lack of space and resources. In order to learn good behavior, dogs need to be brought out of isolation into social situations, but such situations are increasingly few and far between in today's world.

Won't dogs fight if they run free together?Since dogs are pack animals, they usually get along well together on neutral territory. Occasionally a dog shows aggressive behavior, but park rules prohibit aggressive dogs and such a dog must be removed immediately.