Local authorities need to be aware that restricting access to public parks may disadvantage people, particularly the elderly who are less able to travel longer distances to use parks further afield. The second reason for providing dogs with access to public open space has to do with its links with promoting acceptable behaviour from dogs. This not only benefits the dog and its owner but also neighbours who are affected by unacceptable behaviour by dogs at home, other park and street users and authorities responsible for urban animal management. Some behavioural problems in dogs such as severe owner dependence, some types of aggression and barking can be traced back to lack of socialisation and a barren home environment. Dogs need to learn acceptable behaviour in the public realm and need to be socialised properly to prevent overt aggression.
Public parks are important contexts in which such socialisation occurs.
All these measures may help to overcome some of the behavioural problems mentioned above. Access to a public park close to home is the safest and most effective way to ensure owners socialise their dogs and provide them with on-going experiences in the outside world. The third reason why dogs need access to public open space is for the positive effects it can have for their owners. In an era when people feel increasingly threatened in public areas, being accompanied by a dog can also improve actual and perceived safety. Taking a dog out has been found to stimulate social interaction with other humans.