Every dog park includes at least two basic structures: fencing around the perimeter and a staged entrance area.
Fences should be five feet or higher to prevent a dog from jumping over it.
Entrances should serve as an effective buffer to your park.
If possible, consider a double gate system..
The Ideal Dog Park Should Include:
One acre or more of land surrounded by a four-to six-foot high chain-link fence.
Preferably, the fence should be equipped with a double-gated entry to keep dogs from escaping and to facilitate wheelchair access.
Cleaning supplies, including dog waste stations and dog waste bags..
A “dog park” is a special park made for dogs.
Sometimes these parks are called “bark parks,” or “canine parks.” They also are called “off-leash” parks, because dogs can run inside the park without a leash.
In urban areas, dogs are usually required by law to wear a leash.
It is attached to a dog's collar..
It can be a dangerous place at times: you may witness fights between dogs, or your dog may be preyed upon by more aggressive dogs.
Your dog can pick up bad habits like fear, aggression, rough play, and he may begin to ignore his commands.
Illnesses can be passed from dog to dog..
When dogs have a place to run and play, it can help keep them healthy, reduce anxiety or boredom, improve social skills with other dogs and stimulate their minds..
The first dog park in the United States was the Ohlone Dog Park, which was founded by Martha Scott Benedict and Doris Richards in 1979 in Berkeley, Calif.
Since then, dog parks have become standard amenities in developing city and suburban neighborhoods across the country, but are they actually good for dogs?.
Exceptional dog parks have an en- closed area specifically for small dogs.
This keeps them safe, yet still allows them to socialize which is especially important for smaller dogs.
Fun stuff (agility equipment, etc.) — A park that provides equipment for dogs to practice their natural skills is an ex- ceptional park..
The dog park contains way too many unknowns to be certain your dog will have a safe, confidence-building experience there.
At the dog park, there are no assurances that these are safe, appropriate, vaccinated dogs.
You won't know if their owners have off-leash control until it's too late..
There are two separately fenced areas, with no clear signage which one should be used by smaller dogs, although it’s probably the smaller, northern area.
There’s also a handy gate in between both areas.
Shaded seats, water fountains, bags and bins are also provided.
At Grant Park in Enfield, next to the Enfield Aquatic Centre, there are two fenced dog parks.
Generally, one park is used by big dogs, while the other park is used by smaller dogs.
Both parks are securely fenced, plus there’s water bowls, seats and plenty of nearby parking.
If you’re heading west of Sydney with your dog, whether to the Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains or inland NSW, check out these great fenced dog parks in country NSW.
Heading north of Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle regions are home to some great off-leash dog parks, whether you live locally, are visiting the areas, or passing through on a road trip.
Heading north along the North Coast, the majority of the off-leash dog exercise areas are beaches.
Only a few towns offer fenced dog parks, with these the best options to visit with your dog.
The South Coast is also home to only a handful of fenced dog parks, mainly around the Wollongong and Shellharbour areas, with most off-leash areas located at beaches.
Check out these fenced dog parks on the South Coast of NSW…
The number of off-leash dog exercise areas in Sydney varies between different council areas.
Unfortunately, many of the areas are unfenced, with only a few newer fenced dog parks scattered around Sydney.
It’s worth a drive to some of these fenced dog parks in Sydney…
However, there’s parking on the surrounding streets, double gates, seats, a water fountain and bins and bags provided, even a worm farm dog poo recycling trial.
One of the few fenced dog parks in the east of Sydney (and borderline east at that…) is at Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany.
One of the best fenced dogs parks in the Blue Mountains can be found at South Lawson Park in Lawson.
Formerly a golf course, this large park has been redeveloped in recent years.
The park is now home to a large fenced dog park in the middle of the park, with multiple double-gate entrances around it.
Protected area in Victoria, Australia
Park of Nymphenburg Palace in Munich
Historic site in Queensland, Australia
