America's Favorite Dog Parks . . . Dog-Friendly & Grrreat Fun!
More than 700 animal parks have been built across the nation . . . it's reported that there is at least one dog park in (or near) almost every major city. And if there's not one in your neighborhood yet, just wait, it shouldn't be too long before one is established near you!
With so many wonderful locations for dog owners to take their pets for a day of fun in the sun, its not easy to narrow the list down. Some parks have doggie playgrounds, others had swimming pools for dogs, and yet other locations put on shows and events for dog lovers.
10 Top-Rated Dog Parks
- "Best Dog Park For Small Dogs"
- "Best Dog Park For Hosting Social Events"
- "Best Dog Park With Amazing Exercise Trails"
- "Best 'Artificial Beach' Dog Park"
- "Best Dog Park For Agility Exercise"
- "Best Dog Park With Incredible Dog Owner Workshops"
- "Best Dog Park With Unique Safety Measures"
- "Best Dog Park(s) With Amenities For Dog Owners"
- "America's Best All-Around Dog Park"
- Thirst-Quenchers For Dogs (Dog Water Bottles)
- Dog Park Recommendations In Your Area?
- Other Dog Lenses You Might Enjoy . . .
"Best Dog Park For Small Dogs"
Bear Dog Park | Roseville, California
Many dog parks are loaded with medium to large-sized dogs running at fast speeds, playing with each other, and romping through the dirt. Unfortunately for smaller sized dogs, like Chihuahuas or Miniature Pinscher dogs, these areas can be a bit intimidating and too rough for the little guys. Bear Dog Park was built with these little canines in mind.Bear Park has a special area fenced in for small dogs only. The entire space measures almost 1 acre of land that has a walking trail around the perimeter. There is even lighting fixtures and doggie showers for nighttime fun.
Bear Dog Park | 1575 Pleasant Grove Blvd. | Roseville, California
"Best Dog Park For Hosting Social Events"
Cedar Lane Park | Ossining, New York
It's said that you'll even find dozens of devoted regulars of the dog park enjoying the crisp winter air on a frosty Christmas morning. Now that is what I call devotion!
And there are plenty of other social events which are scheduled throughout each month. There is an annual dog-swimming contest in addition to plenty of games and competitions for all you dog owners to participate in as well.
Cedar Lane Park | 235 Cedar Lane | Ossining, New York
"Best Dog Park With Amazing Exercise Trails"
Warren G. Magnuson Dog Park | Seattle, Washington
There are plenty of open areas for each dog to roam free, but its best features are the winding trails and footpaths that are looped throughout this huge 9-acre dog park. Every trail was created with the rainy weather in mind. They are composed of highly compact gravel which keeps the path from becoming muddy. The trails are even accessible by wheelchair.
Warren G. Magnuson Dog Park | 7400 Sand Point Way NE | Seattle, Washington
"Best 'Artificial Beach' Dog Park"
Alum Creek Dog Park | Lewis Center, Ohio
Located just a few minutes from the capital city of Columbus, Alum Creek Dog Park proves that you do not need to travel to the ocean or live near a big lake for your dog to have fun in the water.Alum Creek Dog Park sits on land that is four acres in size, right alongside a large reservoir from Alum Creek State Park. The outdoor atmosphere is simply serene, with gently rolling fields and forest areas that provide plenty of recreational activities for dogs and their owners.
The dog "beach" itself was built for the sole purpose of entertaining dogs that love water. The area has a rock bed that gradually disappears into the cool, crisp water that just beckons each dog to take a swim.
Alum Creek Dog Park | 3615 S. Old State Road | Lewis Center, Ohio
101 Tricks You Can Teach Your Dog
Easy and Fun!
101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog
Amazon Price: $12.91 (as of 12/22/2009)
101 Dog Tricks is the largest trick book on the market and the only one presenting full-color photos of each trick and its training steps? The step-by-step approach, difficulty rating, and prerequisites, allow readers to start training immediately.
"Best Dog Park For Agility Exercise"
Friends Forever Dog Park | Freeport, Illinois
The facility is located in the northern part of Illinois and even comes complete with a dog pool to keep your pet wet and comfortable during the hot summer months.
The agility equipment and exercise platforms were built specifically for dogs that enjoy the challenge of vigorous play. They consist of dog walks, jumps, weave poles, and an A-frame.
Friends Forever Dog Park | 966 Rudy Road | Freeport, Illinois
"Best Dog Park With Incredible Dog Owner Workshops"
Kenton Paw Park | Covington, Kentucky
What makes Kenton Paw Park so unique amongst the hundreds of other dog parks across the United States of America is the fact that this facility hosts workshops designed to educate dog owners with training and socialization for their pets. In fact, the dog park was built with socialization training at the top of the list.Located in the state of Kentucky, this park has a full schedule of calendar events that teach dog owners everything from basic dog training techniques to fun games to play with your dog. The park even hosts dinner events and pool parties. And all of these popular classes that are taught to dog owners are hosted by three local veterinarians whom donate their time.
Kenton Paw Park | 3950 Madison Pike | Covington, Kentucky
"Best Dog Park With Unique Safety Measures"
Bark Park (inside Snyder Park) | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Dogs will be dogs, and scuffles are bound to break out in any park area between two or more dominant canines. It happens when you least expect it. The owners rush to the fight scene and do their best to tear their dogs away. Unfortunately, not only do scuffles like this mark the end of the day's playtime activities for the dogs, someone could also get hurt.
But what if there was a dog park that had on-site attendants whose only job was to monitor each dog and be on alert for bad behavior? Such a service has been created and can be found at the Bark Park, insideof Snyder Park, in the state of Florida.
The costs for such a safety measure is paid for by a small annual fee that each owner pays.
Bark Park (inside Snyder Park) | 3299 S.W. 4th Avenue | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
"Best Dog Park(s) With Amenities For Dog Owners"
This category includes two dog parks with great acomodations for dog owners!
Most dog parks are built exclusively with dogs in mind. Of course this is a wonderful thing, but for those of you who are traveling through Indiana and would like to stop at a dog park that provides a comparable setting for its human visitors, look no further than the Robert L. Nelson Dog Park.
This facility is located in the northern part of Indiana. There is a huge pavilion built with an A-line roof that shades its guests from the hot sun or rainy weather.
There are plenty of comfortable chairs and tables to relax in while you watch your dog play outside in safety, protected by a fenced-in area.
Robert L. Nelson Dog Park | 60376 C.R. 13 | Goshen, Indiana
. . . . . . .
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park | Richmond, California
If you are ever traveling through California with your dog, be sure to take a day and head to the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park. This amazing facility is not only prestigious for its dog attractions, but also noted as having the best amenities for dog owners of all of the parks throughout the nation.
After a day of romping through the mud and getting wet in the water, your dog can be taken to the local dog washing center to clean off, which is located on the grounds area. Looking to buy some new dog equipment or treats? Why not visit the doggie store and retail shop which is also located inside the park area.
Need a snack after being outside all day, watching your dog have fun? Point Isabel also has plenty of food and drink for your enjoyment at the Mudpuppy's Sit & Stay Cafe. And don't worry about your dog, the cafe also caters to making dishes that your pet can gobble up which is both satisfying and healthy.
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park | 1 Isabel Street | Richmond, California
"America's Best All-Around Dog Park"
Cosmo Dog Park | 2502 E. Ray Road | Gilbert, Arizona
Cosmo Dog Park has been in existence for just over 1 year and is the most inviting location for pet owners to bring their dogs due to its outstanding park features.The facility is built on 4 acres of land just outside the city of Phoenix. According to a poll taken by Money Magazine, the city of Gilbert itself was recently voted as one of America's finest places to live. Therefore, it didn't surprise us that the dog park which was chosen to be created here would match the city's fine reputation.
Equipped with dog-friendly water fountains that come in interesting shapes (like a fire hydrant for example), climbing structures for the dogs, a man-made swimming pool that allows dogs to jump into it, tubes for fun and racing, and plenty of patios, benches, and tables for the guests, it is no wonder that Cosmo is America's favorite dog park. They even have a dog beach for the animals.
If the desert sun gets too hot for you or your dogs, there is plenty of shaded area with relaxing amenities to help you escape the heat. There are four patios that are completely covered and provide cool shade with comfortable chairs and tables.
Tidbit: Before the opening of the park, the people of Gilbert were so excited about the development of the new dog area that many were caught climbing over the fences just to get an early peak. Who could blame them? The park was built completely with dogs in mind.
Cosmo Dog Park | 2502 E. Ray Road | Gilbert, Arizona
Frisbee Fun
Frisbee Flying Fun For Your Dog . . . and You!
Hyperflite K-10 Jawz Dog Disc
The Jawz flying disc is the toughest and best-flying puncture-resistant disc ever made. The Jawz disc stands up to gnashing canine teeth better than any others.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Ruff Dawg K9 Junior Flyer Dog Toy, Assorted Colors
Rubber retrieving disc, gentle on the teeth and gums, easy to pick up, flies great, rolls up for easy storage
Amazon Price: $8.13 (as of 12/22/2009)
Dogobie Dog Disc - Yellow
The Aerobie Dogobie flying disc's flexible but tear and puncture resistant material is gentle on your dog's mouth and teeth but sturdy enough to endure fetch after fetch. With its patented spoiler rim design, the Dogobie disc is made for long, stable flights even when thrown by a beginner. Floats in water. Size: 8 inch diameter.
Amazon Price: $8.49 (as of 12/22/2009)
Disc Dogs! The Complete Guide
Disc Dogs! The Complete Guide, gives disc dog enthusiasts a proper foundation in the fundamentals and then shows you how to excel in competition or at the local park.
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 12/22/2009)
white GUMABONE FRISBEE LG - Large
The Gumabone Frisbee Flying Disc is made especially for fetching. It's soft, yet tough, safe nylon is scented to make it easier to find if thrown in grass, growth or wooded areas. Includes instruction booklet. ASPCA seal of approval.
Amazon Price: $9.01 (as of 12/22/2009)
Thirst-Quenchers For Dogs (Dog Water Bottles)
All That Play At the Dog Park Can Work Up A Thirst
Thirsty Dog Portable Pet Water Bowl - 20 ounces
For walks, camping, hiking or traveling. Easy to use. Water returns to bottle. Wide mouth bottle easy for adding ice on hot days. Hands free, no squeezing or holding required.
Amazon Price: $3.55 (as of 12/22/2009)
Dog Water Bottle "Handi" Drink Travel System Water Travel System 17 oz
Brand New Product -Unique, all-in-one, instant use! No spills, no hassles! -No water tray filling time - dogs instantly lap up the freshly running stream! -100% free of any "backwash" into the water bottle! Now, in seconds, you can safely give your dog a fresh, clean, sanitary drink in your car, at the park, or anywhere else when you and your dogs are out on the go.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
How's Your Dog "Fold-N-Go" Designer's Collapsible Dog Travel Bowl - Sage/Orange
Offer your pet food or water anytime, anywhere with this fashion-forward and functional bowl made of tough polyester canvas. Durable construction with super strong seams. Quick-dry Fabric resists tears and abrasions. Retains shape whether full or empty and easily folds down for storage. Features Strap and Snap for carrying on belt, leash, water bottle - Perfect for hiking, camping, travel, or everyday outings.
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
Dog Park Recommendations In Your Area?
List Them Here
Dog parks are sprouting up almost everywhere. . . perhaps you've discovered a great place in YOUR area. Tell us about it here . . . Simply list the NAME of the park, the LOCATION and a brief blurb.
Bark Central Dog Park
Is located in Inverness FL. It is 15 acres of fully fenced in shady property that has a seperate are for little dogs and big dogs. Each section has it's on naturally filtered man made swimming ponds as well as walking trails, toys, and other dogs to play with!!!
They require vaccinations and a temperment screening of all dogs before they are allowed to use the park to ensure everyones safety. Their website is www.barkcentraldogpark.com.
They also have a ton of training classes available...1 point
Other Dog Lenses You Might Enjoy . . .
If You Liked "Dog Parks" . . . You Also Enjoy These . . .
-
Adopting A Dog - Part 1: The First Things You Need To Know
-
A great many dog owners say that adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group was the best thing they ever did . . . and that the adopted dog was one of the best pets they ever had If you're thinking about adopting a dog, you are smart to seek out...
-
The Perfect Dog Gift: What Dogs REALLY Want!
-
Looking for some unique dog gifts? Scratching your head because you can't think of something different? Instead of settling for the same-old-same-old dog presents . . . think outside the box for a moment and opt to get something your dog will truly l...
-
Dog Allergy FAQs
-
Any human that has an allergy will tell you how uncomfortable it can be. Now, just imagine how much worse it is for your pooch suffering from a dog allergy . . . unable to adequately voice his or her discomfort and unable to get relief. Therefore it'...
-
How To Take Care of a Dog...the Right Way!
-
If you're sniffing out information on "how to take care of a dog", you've just barked up the RIGHT tree! While a dog doesn't need as much care as a small child, she does need attention and regular care to keep her happy, healthy and well-balanc...
Highly Recommended Dog Care Resource . . .
Tons of dog care articles
- The Dog Care Digest
- Top Tips for Taking Care of Your Top Dog!
Did You Enjoy This Lens?
-
Reply
- WellnessWiseGuy WellnessWiseGuy Sep 2, 2008 @ 8:50 am
- Very informative and very well done!
-
Reply
- JohannTheDog JohannTheDog Jul 22, 2008 @ 8:48 pm
- Great info! Not a big fan of dog parks, but I really like this idea - "Best Dog Park With Unique Safety Measures" - Bark Park | Fort Lauderdale, Florida; nice job!
by nDee
The kids are grown . . . my husband is still a cool dude and . . . I get to share my interests, expertise and curiosities right here on Squidoo! For a...
(more)Explore related pages
How To Take Care of a Dog...the Right Way!- If you're sniffing out information on "how to take care of a dog", you've just b...
How To Take Care of Dogs- Do have a dog? You are like many around the world that love to take care o...
What to do When Your Dog Has Had A Stroke- Helping Your Dog When It Has Had A Stroke It may come as a shock to you to find...
Older Dog : Aging Dog : Loving Care for Your Elderly Friend- Whether you're adopting an "older dog" or you're concerned about your pet who's...
Dogs and Cats
- Hi, my name is Jasmine and my Dad is great. Daddy says that it's important for m...
- How To Take Care of a Dog...the Right Way!
- If you're sniffing out information on "how to take care of a dog", you've just b...
