One way to make the most out of your trips to your local dog park or off-leash area is to take the initiative to start a dog walking group or a dog play day program. Since the location is already there it really doesn't require a lot of research or advanced scouting for a suitable area, all it really takes is someone to put up some flyers and get a group together.
A huge benefit to a dog group or a dog play day is that you can set up your event for different sizes of dogs, perhaps a toy and small dog walk and then a large dog walk. This may help some owners of small dogs that are worried about taking their petite pooches out into an off-leash area or a dog park because of problems with larger dogs in the past. In reality some of the smaller dogs are just as aggressive or even more aggressive than larger dogs, however a small dog is much more likely to be injured if there is aggression between a small dog and a larger sized dog.
It will also be important to consider issues such as water supply for the dogs as well as restroom facilities for the people. Since many dog parks are within larger parks these issues may not be a problem as there may already be restrooms and water fountains or taps in the park. If they aren't you should clearly indicated in your advertising that owners need to bring their own water and dog dish. Indicating if restrooms are or are not on the property is also helpful for the participants to know.
Before getting started on setting up your dog group or dog play day it is important to check with the park managers, often the city or municipality Parks Department, to see if there are any restrictions or problems with using the park for an activity. Most parks are open to any type of event as long as it is not a paid activity on public property. Some parks may even have a private use option where part of the park or even the off-leash area could be reserved for your use between specific times. This is a nice opportunity to have a space and time just for the dog group, however it also may restrict the number of people that join the activity. Many dog owners will come to the park and join in if they have the opportunity.
Once you have secured the location the next step is to decide what time your dog group or activity should meet. Meeting in the day provides a more restricted group since working people and their pets won't be able to attend. Meetings in the evenings may be difficult in the shorter days of the fall and winter seasons, but some parks may have lighted areas for night walking and activities. Meeting on the weekend is the most common option, typically a moderately early time on Saturday or Sunday allows for a good time for exercise and socialization before off to enjoy the rest of the day. Afternoon meetings may also be an option, perhaps this is something that the group itself could decide after the initial meeting or activity happens.
In some communities week day dog walks or dog groups may include special walks for Moms and tots with dogs or even senior citizens and their pets. These types of play days or walks can be structured in areas where there are maintained walking paths and appropriate access for both the people and their pets.
Advertising is important. If you plan to organize a specific type of dog activity or dog play day it is essential to clearly outline that in the information. You may also want to clearly indicate that the dogs are to be well socialized and friendly and that they do have to be kept under owner control at all times. While you don't want to be too restrictive about the type of dog's that can attend the activity you also have to be careful to inform owners about what they will be required to do. Some owners may not understand that this is a people-dog interaction as much as it is a time for the dog's to interact.
In some communities dog walks or dog groups participate in a variety of charity types of walks or community service walks. If you are planning on collecting for a charity or hosting some type of charity walk be sure to have all the necessary paperwork to allow you to represent the charity or to collect donations on their behalf. You will also have to be very clear in explaining to donors where the money is going and how it is being used for a charity.
Besides charity walks there are a number of activities or dog play days you can organize with little effort. A group could easily put together a simple dog agility or obstacle course ranging from a kiddies swimming pool to walk through, some poles to weave through, a couple of small jumps and even a plastic tunnel to run through. In the sense of fun rather than competition you could give out a variety of certificates or awards or even just host the event for fun. If you are hosting this type of event you may need to have permission to set up the course prior to hosting the event.
Advertising can be done in the local community events part of the paper, through posters at vets, groomers and pet supply stores as well as through local breeders and breed associations. If you are planning a large event contact your local paper and they may even send a reporter over for an interview or to attend the event.
Once you have the first dog walk or play day at the location you may want to ask for a committee that will help plan future activities. This is a wonderful way to include the whole dog park community as well as preventing one person from having to do all the organization and planning for the group.
Other articles under "What to know about Dog Parks"
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