Dog parks and their users: A study of four dog parks in the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area

Humans have had a unique relationship with dogs for thousands of years. In the last three decades, this relationship has shifted and dogs have begun to be more widely recognized as family members by the wider American public. This shift in the relationship has allowed for the creation of a new type of public space: the dog park. These parks are the first time we as a society have dedicated public space for the enjoyment, social, and emotional, well-being of another species. This research explores users of dog park and what types of communities support dog parks. The results show that groups identified by previous research as most likely to form close relationships with their dogs are using the dog park at higher rates than other groups. Respondents cited the ability to exercise their animals, and the freedom and ability to socialize and play with other dogs as the main motivations for using the dog park. Although respondents consistently reported that the dog park was a friendly place, with friendly people and dogs, they failed to report the formation of friendships that continued outside the fence of the dog park.