Possible Risks at Dog Parks Dog parks are a popular way to exercise your canine friend. However, Dr. Deborah Greco who works for the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University warns that while running your dog off the leash sounds attractive, there are drawbacks to consider. Behavior problems can also surface in an off-leash environment.
Dogs exhibit pack behavior and normally regard the head of the household as the leader of the pack.
But behavior can change depending on the environment, Greco said. When they re placed in a new situation where they have to re-establish dominance or their place within a pack, it s almost inevitable that these animals will start to fight. The risk of injury in dog parks is not limited to animals. Dr. Susan LaRue, also a veterinarian at Colorado State, says that good obedience training allows an owner to better communicate with their dog and greater control of any situation that may come up.