July/August 2010 - Dogs Naturally Magazine

Victor neumann
DOGS, PARKS AND POLITICS
by: Julie Walsh
The verdict is in. Off-leash play is not only good for dogs, but
for their people too! Off-leash advocates have successfully made
this case over and over again, prompting cities and towns all
across the country to establish “dog parks” or off-leash areas.
These parks are not only found in heavily populated places such
as Virginia and New York City, but also in rural states such as
Montana, Wyoming and Iowa. Indeed, Eco-Animal now lists
over 1,500 places nationally in its online “Dog Park Directory.”
A Sampling of Benefits
Given the social nature of dogs, it is not too surprising that the
opportunity to play and interact with others benefits them. Dogs
are pack animals, who delight in the company of canine friends.
Off-leash areas additionally provide room for dogs to exercise
vigorously, an essential need for many breeds and almost all
young dogs. Studies show that well-exercised and properly socialized
dogs are less likely to be aggressive and/or destructive. Humans
certainly benefit from that fact alone, but there is more!
It is not just the dogs who have fun at these parks. Humans enjoy
watching their dogs play and often bond with the other human
observers. They build friendships and communities. At our
local park, the humans threw a baby shower for a father-to-be,
who walks his golden retriever regularly, and his wife. They also
had a party for a long-time walker who decided to move away
after his dog had died the previous year. At both events, several
people spoke about how meaningful these friendships were in
their lives. When people have had to confront their dogs’ deaths,
the outpouring of love and support has been extraordinary and
perhaps the surest indication of the strength of this particular
community. Clearly, via the creation of these human connections,
these spaces contribute to psychological health, which, according
to more and more studies, yields physical benefits as well. Indeed,
the mere act of walking provides beneficial exercise for the
humans.
Dog Parks or Dogs at the Park
Typically, off-leash areas are fenced, single-use spaces set aside
from the rest of the park. In many cases, they have been established
because dog walkers, shut out of common areas via the
enforcement of leash laws, have battled for some space to exercise
their dogs. Multiple factors account for this dynamic, including
suburban sprawl, increases in population, and a general decline
in community. These factors and others have led to greater
competition for less park space, with dogs finding themselves on
the short end of the stick. Dog parks compensate for this loss
and are thus a positive development that helps to fulfill a need.
However, they are not enough!
It is also necessary to retain some access to multi-use areas for off
-leash dogs. For example, a multi-use area might be a hiking trail
or a wide open field or a beach, all of which are used by non-dog
walkers. Given the growing demand for off-leash areas, singleuse,
fenced spaces cannot possibly accommodate it on their own.
Indeed, the more outlets for off-leash recreation, the less likely
that there will be problems at any one location. Overcrowding or
“too many dogs” is the oft-cited complaint of other users, one
Dogs...Naturally! July/August 2010