Dog Park FAQ's

 

What is a dog park?

A dog park can take one of several different forms:

  • A fenced area within a park

  • A "dog-zone" within a park created by natural barriers, instead of fences

  • An entire park that is designated for off-leash use

  • Any combination of the above

Are dog parks a new concept?

No.  In fact, dog parks have been open on the East and West Coasts for nearly three decades.  San Francisco and New York City each boast having America’s oldest off-leash park.  And today, there are more than 1300 off-leash parks in America that have been registered on the www.ecoanimal.com website.

Are there lots of dog fights in off-leash areas?

Since off-leash areas are neutral territories for visiting dogs, it is highly unlikely that they will try to protect their turf. And, animal behaviorists have known for years that dogs are less likely to be aggressive with each other when off-leash than when they are on leash!  Dogs known to be aggressive are not permitted to use the off-leash park. 

What about the City’s liability, if there is a dog fight?

The City’s liability is no different than it would be at a City swimming pool, recreation center, pond, lake or any other city-owned park.  Other cities have addressed liability concerns by posting signs that warn park users that they are entering an off-leash area at their own risk, and that dog owners remain liable for their pet’s behavior.  In September 2007, we surveyed several cities with dog parks in the DFW area to see if any have been sued -- none had.

Do off-leash areas spread disease?

The risks of spreading disease are no different than in any other location where dogs congregate, such as veterinary offices, Groomers, PetsMart, PetCo, Doggy Daycare or other City-owned parks.  All dogs must be current on all required vaccinations and the kennel cough vaccine is strongly recommended.  Puppies under the age of four months are not allowed in the park, since they haven’t had all vaccinations, or had a chance to build up their immune systems.

Will the park smell bad?

A strict feces "pick up" policy will be in effect at the off-leash park and it is everyone's responsibility to keep the areas clean. The experience of other cities shows that once there are legal off-leash areas, there is stronger peer pressure to pick up dog waste and trash and these areas tend to be far cleaner than other public areas of the city.

Will the barking noise be overwhelming?

The cities we consulted reported that nuisance barking was not a problem in their off-leash areas.  Well-exercised and well-socialized dogs are much quieter in public areas and at home. So the more running and playing a dog does, the less likely that it will play-bark or engage in nuisance barking.