A walk in the park on a sunny summer day can be good for more than just the two-legged visitor. Taking along your best friend for fresh air and exercise is a special treat for everyone. Yet occasionally, you may desire to release your dog from the leash to give them the freedom to run and explore on their own. That is why the attraction of off-leash dog parks and their rise in popularity is sweeping the nation.

So why go to a dog park when you’ve got this big fenced yard at home for them to play in? According to Joy Freedman, animal behaviorist and trainer, “Dogs are a migratory species, just as their human counterparts, and they want to go out and explore. Think about how you’d feel if you never left your house. Taking your dog away from the normal confines of your property (which is only a big kennel in their eyes) stimulates all of their senses while creating a special bond with you.” Giving your canine various sights and smells keeps them engaged and interested.

Dog parks are the ideal location for dog owners and their dogs to get together for some outdoor fun while socializing with other dogs. For the dog owner, not only do you spend time with your dog, but the dog park also serves as a meeting place for locals within your community.

Establishing an off-leash dog park and making it work is a true labor of love. The idea seems simple, but it’s more than the proverbial “Build It and They Will Come.” Not just a grassy area with a fence, but dedication, endless hours of volunteer service, running water, monthly cleanup, grass mowing, law enforcement and fundraising efforts require a big commitment for all concerned. Gina Schwind, President of the Friends of Canton Dog Park says, “Everyone who uses the dog park has to be involved, even those who do not own dogs, because an off-leash dog park benefits everyone in the community. Having a designated area for dogs allows children to play freely, joggers to run without interference and gives non-dog owners time to enjoy the wide open spaces free of roaming dogs.”
Depending on locale, off-leash dog parks are instituted and maintained by either community groups or county agencies. The only official off-leash dog park in Baltimore city is the Friends of Canton Dog Park at Clinton and Toone Streets Field, run by the Canton Community Association. According to Schwind, more and more groups are going through the lengthy process, trying to increase the number of off-leash dog parks in the city.

In the city, there are many other so-called unofficial dog parks. For instance, Patterson Park, Federal Hill and Wyman Park Dell (adjacent to Johns Hopkins University) all serve in this unauthorized capacity. Plus, there are plenty
of neighborhood favorites, like median strips, ball fields, and plain old vacant lots. While these serve as perfectly fine places for dogs, they also serve as backdrops for clashes with neighbors, community groups and the dog-less who just don’t feel safe.  Contrary to popular belief, Robert E. Lee Park off Falls Road at Lakeside Drive is not an official off-leash dog park but many dog owners use it as such, and more times than not, don’t pick up after their dogs. But be warned: leashes are required at this park and officers patrol the park to enforce this law, issuing citations along with a fine for offenders.

Baltimore County has plans underway to open a three-acre, fenced, off-leash dog park with individual areas for both small and large dogs at the Hannah More Park in Reisterstown. According to Robert Barrett, Director of Baltimore County Recreation and Parks, “The target for opening Hannah More is this summer and we’re doing all we can to meet that date. Currently, we are working diligently with neighbors, community groups, an advisory panel, volunteers and leadership committees.” Barrett went on to point out that the success of Hannah More is critical for opening other off-leash dog parks in Baltimore County. He concluded, “Our main focus is to do it right. We are also looking at two other locations. The demand is there and Baltimore County Rec and Parks is looking to fill that void.”

For dog owners looking for more than a romp in the park, a unique attraction can be found at both Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis and Downs State Park in Pasadena. Along with their scenic location on the water, dogs are able to frolic along the beach and swim in the bay. A dog rinsing station has been installed at Quiet Waters Park for the convenience of getting the sand off your dog and keeping it out of your car. At either park, you are required to pay a $5 fee to park your car or you may purchase an annual sticker for $25, which can be used at both parks.
If you live in an area that is dog friendly, you may be close to an off-leash park or know of dog owners who frequent these areas. There are also many breed specific “Meet & Greet” groups that you can find on the web. It’s a good idea to frequently check the website of your local dog park as many parks periodically sponsor special “Doggie Days” or fundraising events.

 The common denominator in any dog park is there are dogs and there are dog lovers. Unfortunately, not every dog lover is a responsible owner. The small percentage that does not abide by the rules can dampen the experience for everyone. Man’s best friend can have a great time if you follow the basic rules of dog park etiquette.