How to design a pet park?

Dog parks need to replicate an animal’s natural habitat. They should be able to enjoy a stimulating, wide open wild. There Must Be Room to Roam. A tiny, cramped dog park with narrow entries can lead to dog dynamics that aren't easy to control. As such, dogs need to be given a broader terrain when mixing with other dogs. Setting aside small areas is important so that smaller dogs won't feel intimated by larger pets. Dogs need exercise to both physically and the mind. In dog parks, this translates to giving dogs with different surfaces from gentle hills, level fields and clumps of rocks that they can jump on and play. Just like people, dogs like variety and challenge so putting tunnels and boulders for them to explore are great. The Water Should Be Kept Flowing. Water is important in dog parks for drinking as well as for dogs who like to play on water. Get Rid of Dangerous Plants and Sustain Helpful Ones. There are plants that can bring harm to dogs and you need to put great care in eliminating them in the park. The park should also be kept clean for human visitors. It should have baggies and waste stations though proper use of them falls into human’s responsibilities.

The Unleashed guidebook educates professionals, individuals, and communities on how they can advocate for off-leash dog parks. The guidebook provides information on the value and benefits of these spaces, the design considerations associated with dog parks, and planning and implementation strategies. To ensure these benefits, a variety of considerations should be taken into account. Unleashed helps identify these considerations, and offers a framework to implementation, including case studies of successful projects. Successful off-leash dog park case studies are also presented to help inspire advocates to take action in their community.

To design a pet park, a step-by-step guide to dog park design will make it easy for you to bring a new play area for pets to your community. It is important to keep these key steps in mind as you begin your dog park project. Take a look at the things every good dog park needs. To build the perfect obstacle course for dogs, you will need to have the right products. Check out our blog to learn about the 5 must-have products for building a dog obstacle course. PlayCore's Unleashed guidebook is an extremely helpful tool that takes a deep dive into each of the topics discussed here and more.

Location is the first and most important consideration to take into account when planning a dog park. Ideally, you want to identify an area situated off to the side and preferably towards the back of the community. Likewise, the proposed park should be easily accessible to all residents. Keep in mind also that dog parks do not necessarily have to be located on perfectly flat areas. Is there a piece of land in your community that is not suitable for other uses due to a slope or rough terrain? Consider utilizing this area for a dog park. 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. This area will give everyone some much appreciated breathing room as they enter and exit with their pet. Gate placement is also an important consideration. Corners of the dog park are not advisable, as this allows new dogs entering the park to easily be cornered by the other dogs as they rush to greet each other. Contrary to popular belief, grass should be avoided as a surface for dog parks. Decomposed granite, for instance, is extremely durable, requires minimal upkeep and is more environmentally friendly. There are also specially designed artificial turfs for dog parks available on the market today. Many dog parks have two separate sections of the park, one side is for small dogs and another for the big boys, these areas are completely separate enclosures so the dogs cannot mix at all. Clearly display and enforce the rules for your dog park, like all parks, your dog park should have set rules and regulations, as well as contact information for authorities and management clearly posted on a permanent sign on the entry gate to the park. An available running water supply for dogs in the park is very important, a high-low water fountain is ideal for dog parks. Have benches or available seating, a dog park can be a great place to meet fellow residents and socialize, so try to group seating together.

Designing a dog park involves creating a safe and engaging space with dog agility obstacles for physical activity, durable and pet-friendly materials for longevity & easy maintenance, ample shade and water features, seating for comfort and separate areas for small and large dogs to ensure a harmonious environment. Incorporating elements like pet grooming stations and dog park site furnishings can also enhance the park's appeal to its users. From the largest considerations to details you may not have thought of — including benefits to the community, location, space, legalities, and accessibility issues; to choosing the best dog park agility equipment and dog park supplies; to water fountains, sanitation, surfacing, shade, signage, and more — it’s all encapsulated here. What to look for in dog park agility equipment includes safe, customizable and rust-proof options. You can also consider surfacing options such as Turf, Turf Pods or Woof Fiber when designing a dog park. Establishing a dog park in your community can benefit the community, and resources such as the American Kennel Club's 20-page booklet can provide guidance on how to do so.