What exactly is a Dog Park?
Per Wikipedia, a Dog Park is a facility set aside for dogs to exercise and play off-leash in a controlled environment under the supervision of their owners. Parks vary in accoutrements, although a typical dog park offers a 4' to 6' fence; separate, double-gated entry and exit points; adequate drainage; benches for humans; shade for hot days; parking close to the site; water; tools to pick up and dispose of animal waste in covered trash cans; and regular maintenance and cleaning of the grounds. Dog parks may also feature a separate enclosure for small dogs. In the U.S. the first official dog park opened in 1979 in Berkeley, California's Ohlone Park. Today, more than 600 city- or county-sanctioned off-leash areas in the U.S. exist, and more than 1,100 exist in the U.S. and Canada combined (Dogpark.com, 2002).
Off-leash dog areas, or dog parks, provide a community setting in which people can gather and socialize and where they can observe the interaction of groups of dogs at play. Dog parks the world over allow owners and their dogs to spend time together while the dog satisfies its cravings for canine play and companionship.
Respected organizations like the ASPCA believe that dog parks are beneficial to both dogs and their guardians. According to Dan Emerson of Dog Channel.com, proponents of dog parks cite the following benefits: "They promote responsible pet ownership and the enforcement of dog-control laws; give dogs a place to exercise safely, thus reducing barking and other problem behaviors; provide seniors and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions; and provide an area for community-building socializing."
Off-leash dog areas, or dog parks, provide a community setting in which people can gather and socialize and where they can observe the interaction of groups of dogs at play. Dog parks the world over allow owners and their dogs to spend time together while the dog satisfies its cravings for canine play and companionship.
Respected organizations like the ASPCA believe that dog parks are beneficial to both dogs and their guardians. According to Dan Emerson of Dog Channel.com, proponents of dog parks cite the following benefits: "They promote responsible pet ownership and the enforcement of dog-control laws; give dogs a place to exercise safely, thus reducing barking and other problem behaviors; provide seniors and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions; and provide an area for community-building socializing."
