Dog parks offer wonderful opportunities for you and your best buddy to enjoy off-leash time together in a fun and safe environment. Your pup can romp with you and with other friendly dogs in well-designed parks that allow for multiple activities including investigating new smells, playing with other dog pals and sometimes even taking a swim.
To ensure everyone's good time and safety, there are several key points to consider when choosing a dog park that will benefit you and your pup.
What to look for
Secure fencing
Many people visit dog parks so that their dog can enjoy some off-leash time in a well-fenced area, safe from cars and other hazards. A securely fenced park from which your dog cannot escape will reduce stress and provide greater opportunities for your dog to enjoy a good run.
At least two entry gates
Multiple entrance and exit gates allow new dogs to enter the park without being rushed by other dogs. Additional entrances and exits also help prevent crowding at a single gate, minimizing the potential for a fight due to a newcomer feeling overwhelmed, and reduce the risk of a dog getting loose outside of the park.
Double gates
We often call these double gates "airlock" gates for dog parks. A double gate allows a new dog and his or her guardian to enter the first gate and remove the leash in safely fenced dog-free zone. Once guardians are ready to enter the actual park, they can open
( Nick Oxford )
A separate play yard for small dogs
Small dogs are at an increased risk for injury when playing in a park full of large dogs; therefore, the cost may outweigh the benefits. If you have a small or toy dog, consider a park that allows for separate play areas based on size.
A variety of activities
Dog parks that offer a variety of activities are best for providing enrichment and promoting healthy interactions between dogs. Some dog parks offer walking trails for pets and guardians or even water access for the dogs. These options allow dogs to engage in other activities and take play breaks.
They also provide guardians with opportunities to interact with their pets instead of simply observing their dogs while they play with other dogs. If play between dogs gets a bit too rough-and-tumble, a dog has the option to do something else, relieving stress and maintaining positive interactions. Access to water also allows dogs to cool off during the hot summer months and even older dogs can benefit from the opportunity for lower impact swimming for exercise!
Before you go
Consider some safety measures before taking a new pet to any dog park.
Don't bring dogs younger than 4 months to a dog park. Puppies who have completed their inoculation series can safely interact with other animals.
Visit your veterinarian and make sure your adult dog has all of his/her vaccinations before visiting the park for the first time.
If you have a new dog, wait until you and your dog know each other. A good guideline is your dog responds to his name before you visit an off-leash park. Observe how your dog interacts with other dogs before taking him/her to the park.
First-time visitors should visit the area at non-peak times. Peak times are Monday to Friday, late afternoon until dark. Saturdays and Sundays typically are busy by 9:30 a.m.
The first visit can be a little stressful for both you and your dog. You might choose to keep your first visit short to ensure that the experience is an enjoyable one. Be sensitive to your dog's body language and behaviors that may indicate she feels uncomfortable or stressed. Hiding, trembling and other stress-related behaviors indicate that your dog is ready for a break.
Be aware that dogs have different play styles. Educate yourself on dog behavior and the variety of play styles observed in dogs. Always keep your eye on your dog to ensure that he is enjoying his playtime with other dogs and that the other dogs are enjoying playing with him. Signs of appropriate play include activity shifts (chasing shifts to wrestling which shifts to boxing which then shifts back to chasing) instead of the same activity over and over. If one dog starts to look like a broken record in his play activity, the play can tip into a fight. Role reversals are also a good sign of appropriate play behavior.
Dog park rules
There are a few standard dog park rules to ensure that playtime is fun for everyone:
Guardians must be present within fenced enclosure and are responsible and liable for behavior of their canine companion at all times.
Guardians are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of dog excrement.
All dogs must be current on vaccinations and display a city license.
Guardians must have a leash for each dog.
Aggressive animals are prohibited.
Guardians are responsible for obeying all park rules.
Boulder dog parks
Valmont Park: 5275 Valmont Road on the north side of Valmont Road, just west of Sterling Drive.
East Boulder Community Park: 5660 Sioux Drive, behind the East Boulder Recreation Center at 55th and Sioux.
Foothills Community Park: West of Broadway between Locust Avenue and Lee Hill Road.
Howard Hueston Dog Park: On 34th Street south of Iris Avenue and east of 30th Street.
If you live outside of Boulder, check with your local community for dog parks in your area.
Lindsay Wood is the Director of Animal Training & Behavior for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. The Training Center is located at 2323 55th Street in Boulder and offers public classes every day of the week. Info: boulderhumane.org
