Why dogs love parks and what their owners think about it

Dogs are socially active animals for whom constant communication is a vital necessity. And in this case, it is not only about people, but also about their own kind.

In this regard, the Study Friends website reports that dog owners believe that their pets lead the same or even more active social lives than they do. And many even claim that their dogs find it easier to make new friends than they do.

Here are some more interesting statistics about the sociability of these pets and the possibilities of creating more comfortable living conditions for them.

Dog parks are the best place to socialize

It seems that most dogs form bonds similar to our own, as 62% of respondents say that their animals have both "friends" and "buddies." At the same time, almost half of the respondents (49%) claim that their dog has a permanent "boyfriend" or "girlfriend".

By the way, a survey conducted by OnePoll showed that special parks are the best place for dogs to socialize. Moreover, it helps their owners to keep in touch with the local community. Thus, 39% of dog owners feel more attached to their neighborhoods thanks to such places. On average, dog owners have made friends with at least three people just because their pets were walking in the park.

Statistics show that people take their pets to parks about four times a week. In this case, 32% of dogs simply enjoy the freedom, 25% use this opportunity to make friends, and another 12% like to swim in the water.

"One of the most enjoyable experiences dogs and their families can have at their local dog park is making new friends," said Carla Attanasio, global brand director for PetSafe, in a statement.

"It's important that every dog park is a place where both people and pets feel safe and comfortable."

For the record, almost half of respondents (48%) have a dog park within walking distance, while 33% do not. While 75% visit the nearest park, 25% are willing to go further for the sake of a sense of belonging and their pet. This is mainly because their dog's "friends" go to a park located further away (66%).

Pet owners are also willing to regularly travel up to 18 miles to get the most out of their park experience.

What are dog parks criticized for?

4 out of 10 dog owners believe that the nearest park is too small for their pet. In addition, 43% believe that it is not properly maintained.

5 out of 10 would like to have more dog parks where they can bring their furry friends. In addition, they hope that others will become more dog-friendly than they are now.

"Dogs are social by nature, and often help people get out of their shells," Attanasio adds.

"That's why maintaining well-equipped dog parks is essential for creating friendly local communities where both people and animals can forge new, lasting relationships."