The dangers of fenced-in dog parks

The dangers of fenced-in dog parks

As the popularity of dog ownership rises, there’s increasing demand for off-leash dog areas, particularly fenced-in spaces. However, recent insights from experts suggest that these areas may not be as beneficial as once thought.

This video explores the challenges associated with fenced off-leash dog parks and presents alternative approaches for councils to consider.

The challenges:

“Most of the time when I’ve attended a dog park, the number of dogs that I see not enjoying themselves is quite high.”

– Dr Petra Edwards, PhD in Dog behaviour and welfare, Project Officer – Public Health and Safety at City of Charles Sturt Council

1. Misunderstanding dog behavior

Contrary to popular belief, many dogs in fenced off-leash areas are not having a good time. Signs of stress and fear in dogs can be subtle and may even be misinterpreted as excitement. Dog park play is often completely unregulated and chaotic. The intense social pressure in these environments can be overwhelming for many dogs, and may be experienced like being “the only sober person in a pub on Grand Final day” (Dr Petra Edwards, 2024).

2. Encouraging poor dog control

Fenced areas can lead to a false sense of security among dog owners. Many use these spaces because they are unable to effectively control their dogs in line with regulations, and the safety of fences provides the opportunity to switch off from supervising or to catch up on mobile calls and messages. This results in poorly supervised dogs in a confined area, increasing the likelihood of incidents.

3. Limited usage and declining popularity

Research suggests that as few as 12% of dog owners regularly use fenced off-leash areas. Furthermore, about 55% of surveyed dog owners said they never or rarely use these areas, while another 25% reported using them less than in the past. (Leslie Humphreys, 2024)

4. Maintenance and resource challenges

Fenced off-leash areas often face significant maintenance issues, such as grass degradation, muddy conditions, and the need for frequent replanting. This can lead to decreased attractiveness and usability of the space, as well as requiring ongoing financial investment from the council managing the space.

5. Potential for increased antisocial behavior

There’s concern that the intense, unregulated play in fenced areas might contribute to the development of antisocial behaviors in dogs, stemming from fear and negative experiences.

“So what happens is when we get those poorly controlled, poorly supervised dogs in a small enclosed area, we are exacerbating the likelihood of there being dog-on-dog or dog-on-human incidents”

– Leslie Humphreys, Open space planner specialising in animal management services, LMH Consulting/Paws4Play

Design alternatives and best practices

1. Prioritise unfenced or partially fenced areas

Unfenced or partially fenced areas can provide many of the benefits of off-leash spaces while encouraging better dog control and more natural play patterns.

2. Design for movement and exploration

Create spaces that encourage owners and dogs to move around rather than congregate in one area. Include circular paths, varied textures, and obstacles such as rockscapes that break up sightlines and provide sensory experiences for dogs.

3. Incorporate sniffing spaces

Dedicated “sniff spaces” with varied plants, textures, and scents can provide mental stimulation and a calming effect on dogs. These areas can be particularly beneficial for older or less sociable dogs, fully vaccinated puppies, or those recovering from injuries.

Check out this video of City of Charles Sturt Council’s pioneering scentsory garden!:

Community education best practices

1. Develop comprehensive education programs covering topics such as:

• Reading dog body language
• Safe and appropriate dog play
• Good dog walking etiquette and polite greetings
• Teaching your dog to “settle”
• Recall training and loose leash walking
• Alternatives to dog park exercise

2. Councils may consider partnering with experts in dog behaviour to deliver workshops and seminars to their residents, including:

• Qualified force-free dog trainers (trainers using positive rewards-based training methods and avoiding aversive methods):
  • Pet Professional Guild of Australia
  • PetRescue has a great article on how to find a positive rewards-based trainer, and can be contacted to help find one in your area: info@petrescue.org.au)
• Veterinarians with further training in behaviour (Veterinary behaviour specialists or ANZCVS behaviour chapter members)
• Qualified animal behaviorists (tertiary qualification in animal behaviour)

3. Rethink signage and information sharing

Use engaging, informative signage in off-leash areas, and information on websites and in blogs to educate owners about dog body language, appropriate play, and park etiquette. The City of Charles Sturt’s animal management kit provides an excellent example of effective communication materials.

Council planning considerations

1. Develop a clear rationale

Before implementing any off-leash area, councils should have a well-defined understanding of the context, including dog behavior, human behavior, and the human-animal bond.

2. Conduct strategic planning

Avoid ad-hoc decision-making by integrating off-leash area planning into broader open space and recreation strategies. This approach helps prevent resource wastage and ensures alignment with overall community needs.

3. Engage multiple departments

To ensure a comprehensive approach, planning for off-leash areas should involve various council departments, including local laws, recreation and open space planning as well as parks maintenance.

4. Consider long-term costs and maintenance

Factor in ongoing maintenance costs, including surface repairs, replanting, and potential upgrades when planning off-leash areas.

5. Prioritise evidence-based decisions

Base decisions on credible research and collaborate with animal behaviorists and other experts in the field to ensure the best outcomes for dogs and the community.

Conclusion:

While fenced off-leash dog areas have been popular, emerging evidence suggests they may not be the best solution for dogs, their owners, councils, or the broader community. By rethinking our approach to off-leash spaces, incorporating more dog behaviour-considerate designs, and focusing on community education, we can create safer and more enjoyable shared spaces for all.

Acknowledgements:

A huge thank you is extended to our incredible experts, Lesley Humphreys (LMH Consulting/Paws4Play) and Dr Petra Edwards (City of Charles Sturt Council) for participating in this interview and sharing their knowledge, extensive experience and insights.