Dog Parks

Dog Parks covers the parks and fenced runs where dogs can move freely, many of them enclosed, with a double gate at the entrance, water, bins and, sometimes, simple agility obstacles. They are spaces designed for running, sniffing and interaction between dogs, a useful complement to the daily on-lead walk, especially for active breeds that need intense exercise.

An owner goes to a dog park when the animal has energy to burn and a fenced space is safer than an open area, when they want a sociable dog to play with other dogs, or when they are working on recall and commands in the presence of distractions. Not every dog is comfortable in a busy park: some prefer quieter spaces or walks outside peak hours, and that is perfectly fine.

When you choose a park, check whether it is fully fenced and whether the gate closes by itself, how large it is, whether it has separate areas for large and small dogs, what condition the fence and the ground are in, whether there is shade and water in summer, and how busy it is at the time you want to go. Watch for a few minutes before letting your dog off the lead, and avoid going in if the mood among the dogs already there seems tense.

Do not take a not-fully-vaccinated puppy, a bitch in season or an unwell dog into a dog park, avoid peak hours if your animal is shy, and keep the dog on the lead only until you are past the second gate, then release it calmly. Go with water, bags and a toy, supervise actively, and call your dog back at the first sign of conflict.

Use this directory to find dog parks and runs in your city, compare facilities and reviews, and open each park's page for its location on the map before going. If you have a small or shy dog, pick a park with separate areas for large and small dogs.