Local Dog Parks your dogs will love

We’re all getting a bit stir crazy and so are the dogs. I thought it would be nice to talk about some great dog parks in our area you might not know about. Keep in mind our pups are on the smaller side and we all know about little dog syndrome, so we stick to parks that have segregation options.

Before I dive in I want to address a few things to consider before going to ANY dog park.

1. If your dog isn’t fully vaccinated don’t take them. This is by far the worst place for a puppy to be. Their little immune systems are too weak.
2. Is your dog reactive? If so, don’t set them up for failure. That puts everyone at risk of being injured.
3. Stay home if you have a female dog in heat. You don’t want an unplanned pregnancy.
4. This should go without saying but you still need to supervise your dog(s).
5. When your dog poops pick it up, so don’t forget the poop bags. Not all dog parks provide them.
6. Bring Water! Exercising is hard work.

Enough about that let’s get into the fun stuff.

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Hondo Dog Park

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The first dog park we ever went to was Hondo Dog Park in Hillsboro, OR. This is a very large dog park that has 3 separate areas. Two areas are maintained grass and the other is pea gravel.

Our old man loved going here so much he began to learn the route to the park and would get excited before we even got there.

*Beware* Parking can be a nightmare*

1. The largest area is best suited for big dogs. This area is the largest area and tends to be the busiest.
2. A small and timid dog area. This space is best for those littles and timid/older dogs.
3. The last space they say is the winter area since there is no grass but sometimes has agility course obstacles. I’d recommend this area for dogs that need to warm up to the idea of a dog park.

You’ll love this dog park

It’s a beautiful park, well maintained, and has a wonderful option for small dogs. 100% fenced in. It’s located right off of Hwy 26 next to The Hops stadium. There’s a water dispenser for freshwater. You just need to bring a bowl.

Cons: It can get super busy, which means close parking is hard to find and a lot more personalities (Humans & Dogs). It’s in full sun and very little shade during the summer months.

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Hazeldale Park/ Dog park

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Our new favorite park is Hazeldale Dog Park. It’s a hidden gem in the middle of a residential area, and a lot less crowded. There are 3 equally sized fully fenced areas. If you have small children there’s a playground, softball fields, and lots of open space. Plus some trails you can walk.

My granddog Norah is reactive to strangers and other dogs so we cautiously take her here to work on training with our two dogs. Many days you can visit and at least one area will be vacant. To watch her run and play without my daughter worrying is an amazing feeling. We just stay facing the entrance so we are aware of new arrivals. If someone comes in we move or leave the park completely.

You’ll love this dog park

A hidden gem so it’s not as crowded. Ample parking. Fully fenced. Lots of shade for those sunny days. Three separate areas to choose from.

Cons: The ground isn’t level so beware of divots in the dirt. If you have seasonal allergies bring tissue. There is lots of pollen in the area. The water isn’t as accessible so be sure to bring water.

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