If you’re thinking about getting away from it all and going on vacation with your pup, there are some amazing dog parks you should check out! Many cities have considered the needs of pet parents and have worked with volunteers in order to create safe and fun environments for your pup. If you happen to be in the area, check out these great parks!
Cherry Creek State Park – Off Leash Dog Area (DOLA) – Cherry Creek, CO
Cherry Creek is perhaps the largest dog park in the United States coming in at a whopping 107 acres. It features a huge area of prairie with the Cherry Creek running through the property for your pup to play and splash in. Originally intended to train hunting dogs, the park has seen many dog owners over the years allowing them to expand and flourish.
Like any off-leash dog area, it’s vital that your pup has excellent recall before attending the park. There are lots of wildlife, cyclists, and horse back riders in the area that could distract and entertain your pup if you’re not careful. There is a parking fee as well as a nominal fee for entering the dog park. For more information, you can visit their official website, Colorado Parks and Wildlife .
Cosmo Dog Park – Gilbert, AZ
If you happen to find yourself in the sunny Arizona desert with your canine friend, you should check out Cosmo Dog Park. Named in honor of the first K9 police dog in Gilbert, Cosmo Dog Park features 4 acres of three separate fenced areas for your pup to have a howling good time. There’s an area for more timid pups, an agility course, and a lake for your dog to cool off in the desert heat.
When visiting, make sure to keep your dog leashed until you enter a fenced in area. There are plenty of ramadas to enjoy with barbecues, a lighted basketball court, and two washing areas to clean up your pup for the ride home. The park is free for all and maintained by the city of Gilbert. You can learn more information on their website.
Hugh Rogers Wag Dog Park – Whitefish, MT
If you love a beautiful view of the mountains, maybe you should check out Hugh Rogers Wag Dog Park. The five-acre fenced in park features beautiful grass, trees, and a pond for your pup to enjoy. When the park opened on June 20, 2009, the city of Whitefish wanted to promote and celebrate responsible dog ownership. They wanted an area safe for off-leash romping while protecting the wildlife and making it easier and accessible for people to exercise their pooch.
The park also contains a small dog area, a canine drinking fountain, a community pavilion, and a washing station. For more information and directions, you can visit their website, Whitefish Dog Park.
Newtown Dream Dog Park- Johns Creek, GA
Probably the most creative and interesting dog park on the list, Newtown Dream Dog Park is a dog haven you should definitely check out if you’re in Georgia. This dog park was the first creation from the Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest. It features an acre of artificial turf, water fountains, and a separate area for big and little dogs. You’ll also find a bright red fire hydrant and bone shaped bridge along with its brightly colored agility course. Your dog can have oodles of fun off-leash and meet many canine buddies.
Newtown Dream Dog Park came into being thanks to the dream of Pat McNeely and his Siberian Husky, Koda. They offered their idea along with a picture to the contest and won the prize of $500,000 going towards building this beautiful park. For more information you can visit their site.
Southbury Dog Park – Southbury, CT
The last park on our list is 14 acres of paradise for your pup. Southbury Dog Park features two wooded trails and a river with lots of room for your dog to explore and have a ball. A separate area for small and large dogs also means more fun for everyone. Keep in mind, the park only has natural barriers in the large dog area with no fences.
Southbury Dog Park exists purely on donations and is maintained by a group of non-profit volunteers who work hard to keep up the facilities. You can learn more at Southbury Dog Park.
Common Courtesy When Visiting A Dog Park
When visiting a dog park, it’s important to know all of the rules before attending. You don’t want to be that one person that ruins the fun for everyone. Most dog parks don’t allow food of any sort into their facilities (not even treats) and expect your pup to be well-mannered. This means they should have excellent recall and be able to obey despite any kind of distraction. You should also be aware if your pup is at risk of aggression and take the proper precautions.
Other Common Courtesies/Rules Include:
- Don’t bring a dog in heat. This can and will create a lot of conflicts/fights as the males vie for her attention and affection.
- Don’t bring a puppy younger than 4 months. Puppies that young haven’t received all of their vaccinations and are at risk of getting seriously ill. The longer you wait, the better.
- Do clean up after your dog. It’s common courtesy. Also, it’s unsanitary to leave your dog’s waste lying around where other dogs can step in or devour. Bring extra waste bags and clean up.
- Don’t bring a contagious dog. Dog owners don’t want their pups getting sick just as much as you want your pup healthy. Keep your sick pup home until they’ve fully recovered.
- Do pay attention. The dog park isn’t for your cell phone. Anything can happen when a bunch of strange dogs come together for the first time. Stay attentive and frequently call your dog to come to you to check in. Prevention is the best antidote for dog fights and bites.
- Do stay current on immunizations. Your pup will be surrounded by all sorts of dogs at the park and you want to make sure they stay healthy and happy while playing. Another trick is to bring your own water bowl so you don’t have to worry about the bacteria in the communal water fountains.
Knowing the rules and following common courtesy will ensure that you and those around you can have a wonderful time at the dog park and enjoy some doggie fun.
In Conclusion
There are a lot of great dog parks in the United States you can visit. Taking your dog for a romp at the park can be an excellent source of socialization for your pup. It’s a great opportunity to work off some steam and have some fun. You and your dog can meet all sorts of friends, human and otherwise, while enjoying your time off together.
We hope you found this list helpful! What are some fun things you like to do at the dog park?