What is the best design for a dog park?

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. 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. 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. 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, the high being for people and the low for pets. 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.

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.