Dogs Will Be Dogs

That’s exactly what they get to be at SCRAPS’ Spokane Dog Park.  They can run around and act like the pack animals they are.  Without confining leashes, dogs act differently.  You’ll notice their owners do too.  People and pets just seem friendlier.

The Spokane Dog Park!

The SCRAPS’ (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services) Spokane Dog Park is located at 26715 E. Spokane Bridge Road.  The park sits just north of I-90 at the Idaho state line.

The park is open year-around, dawn to dusk.  With the mild winter Spokane has had thus far, it’s still a great time to visit the dog park.  When spring comes along, you’ll find activity picking up even more.

The 3 1/2 acre dog park includes an off-leash fenced area ideal for playing fetch and a nice wooded, natural area for walking.  There’s a paved path surrounding the grassy area, making it wheelchair accessible.  Plastic bags and waste receptacles are located throughout the park.

If you live downtown it may seem too great a distance  to travel just for your dog.  It’s worth the trip.  You’ll find dogs and their owners come from all over the Spokane area.  From Airway Heights, Deer Park and Five Mile come people looking to socialize as much as their dogs.  Given the high usage and great success of the park, SCRAPS says it hope to one day have three more off-leash parks in the county.

Spokane Dog Park Petiquette and Etiquette

Meeting and Greeting Petiquette

• Encourage dogs to greet slowly.
• Side glances are good.
• Curving the body away from the other dog is better.
• Smelling the rear end is always best.

Take Control By Managing the Situation

• Have your dog face you.
• Give your dog a treat for facing you.
• Allow the unfamiliar dog to sniff your dog’s beind.
• Have the unfamiliar dog face his owner.
• Allow your dog to sniff the behind of the unfamiliar dog.

Etiquette for Humans!

• Ask first before you give a treat to someone else’s dog.
• If your dog is a first timer, visit the park during quiet times.
• Do not allow your dog to mount other dogs.

Rules from the Spokane Dog Park

• You must maintain control of your dogs at all times.
• No more than three dogs per handler.  Dogs must be attended to at all times.
• Any dog exhibiting dangerous or agressive behavior must be removed immediately.
• You must leash your dog when it is outside the off-leash area.  You must carry the leash with you at all times.
• Dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations.
• You must clean up after your dog and dispose of feces in the proper containers.
• Any children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tips

In addition to the official park rules, here are some things to consider to help make the dog park visit successful for your dog and for you.

• If you are not sure how your dog will react to the conditions of the dog park, don’t put pressure on the dog by forcing it into what it may consider a threatening situation.  Come back another time if your dog seems unsure.
• Move away from the entrance area when you enter.  A group of dogs will likely come over to greet your dog.  Moving away from the fence will help ensure your dog doesn’t feel cornered, threatened, or overwhelmed.
• Always scoop your dog’s poop.  Bags are provided.  Use them!

Now That Your Dog Has Gotten His Exercise…..

While your dog is getting a healthy dose of exercise at the dog park, consider getting into top shape yourself !  Zach Hunt of Physzique is  well known as the best trainer in the area.  In no time you’ll be looking good and ready to meet that special someone at the Spokane Dog Park!   Click here to learn more about what Zach can do for you!

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