Depending on what area, state or country you are traveling, vacationing or living, dog parks may go by a variety of different names. By far the most common name for these canine friendly places are dog parks, but they can also be called off-leash areas or parks or even dog run parks. Regardless of the name, dog parks are areas were dogs are permitted, but just how free the dogs can be will vary from location to location.
One of the biggest issues to look for in a dog park is whether it is truly dog friendly or just dog tolerant. Many locations that are called dog parks really just allow dogs on a leash and are not true off leash areas where pets are allowed to run without any type of leash or lead. There are also parks that allow dogs on designated trails within the facility but not on other trails. It is the responsibility of each dog owner to clearly understand any restrictions or requirements that the park has with regards to dogs. Most are fairly clearly marked either with a picture of a dog on a leash various locations on the trail or specific wording that indicates dogs can be off-leash. If there is no signs indicating dogs are allowed or under what conditions, check online through the local, state or federal Parks Department to determine what areas are dog friendly. Being caught without your dog leashed or with a dog in a "people only" part of a park can result in some fairly hefty fines in some areas, so it is always a good idea to spend some time researching the park before visiting with your pooch.
Some parks allow cycling, rollerblading and even horseback riding along the same paths as designated dog routes. If you dog is not familiar with horses or people on bikes or rollerblades you may wish to reconsider if this is the best park for you until the dog is socialized and desensitized to these issues. Remember that humans typically have the right of way on these combination paths so you will need to keep your dog on a leash or heeling beside you both for your dog's safety as well as for the safety of others on the pathway.
If you are looking for a true off-leash park there are some things that you need to consider. The most important is how controllable your dog is in an off-leash setting. He or she should be consistent in returning to your call no matter how active they are in playing with other dogs or simply roaming and exploring. This is important both for your dog's safety as well as for the comfort of other dog owners. No one enjoys listening to a dog owner that is frantically and increasingly loudly trying to get their dog to return.
Another consideration is the size and use of the off-leash area. Typically these areas are cleaned only when the area is closed or on a regular schedule, so if dog owners don't clean up after their pets the area may be messy and dirty, posing a real health risk to your dog. Dog parks and off-leash areas that are used less will be naturally cleaner, which may be healthier for your dog and worth a bit of a longer drive to get to the park. Dog park off-leash areas should also be safely fenced with either a chain link or privacy type fence that will prevent your dog from getting outside of the enclosure. Since some off-leash areas are huge, even acres in size, and you may not always have full view of your pet as he or she runs and explores. If you know the fence is secure and maintained around the area it is much more relaxing.
It is very important to also consider the type of dog owner that comes to the area and how considerate they are of other owners and their dogs in the park. There may be specific times for different sizes of dogs in the off-leash area to avoid having giant and large breeds running around with toy and small breeds. However, keep in mind that some of the smaller dogs are more dog-aggressive and much more likely to assert their place in the park than many of the larger breeds.
Many larger parks that have a dog area or that are fully dog friendly are managed or monitored by park employees. This can be a real benefit in choosing a park since these employees keep the area clean as well as remove dogs and their owners that are not following the rules and guidelines for use of the park. Thankfully there are very few dog owners that don't voluntarily follow common sense guidelines for having their dogs in an off-leash or on-leash area, making this much less of a problem than you may encounter in an area that is not patrolled or monitored.
Dog friendly parks and off-leash areas should have both open areas as well as shady spaces to spend the time on hot days. In addition some parks may even have ponds or lakes for dogs to swim in, but be aware that there are bacterial diseases that can be present in water, especially water where there are a lot of dogs using the space. Consult with your vet to see if any bacterial concerns are common in your area and what you should do to minimize your dog's risk of becoming infected.
Bringing a water dish and your own water to the park is the best option. If you don't want to carry water still bring a dish and look for parks that have running spigots or taps where you can obtain clean, fresh water for your dog. It is never a good idea to let your dog drink out of common watering dishes or fountains that recirculate water since contamination is so easy. Other dog's saliva or even small amounts of fecal material can easily contaminate these community type water supplies, leading to anything from a minor issue such as diarrhea to a major viral condition that is very costly to treat and a serious illness for you dog to go through.
A dog park or off-leash area is a great way to give your dog a bit of freedom while also giving you peace of mind. Getting a group together to walk your dogs and allow them to play together is also a terrific idea and a great way to get exercise and have fun at the same time.
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