Dog Parking - Oct. 5

The drop in temperatures has impacted my dogs like a double espresso shot to the brain…causing seriously frenetic freak-outs and putting a bit 'o strain on my patience. 

However, I've seen enough Dog Whisperer episodes to know I need to get these guys out and make available some exercise. They may even be thinking I need time outside, myself. Unfortunately, my guys are big and fast, and thus, a full-on run for me is barely a brisk walk for their legs. 

What we need is an off-leash dog park. 

Thankfully, local dog lovers and the city of Dallas have been doing a good job of communicating and meeting that need. 

There are a number of reasons why a visit to the dog park is so much better than a walk around the block:

- Socializing your pooch. Dogs need to be around other dogs. They need play interaction with one another in order to be socially and mentally healthy. (By the way, if your dog runs up and barks when another dog is entering the fenced area of a park, that's bad behavior. Take control of it. It's not just saying hello!)

- Chilling the dogs out. A visit to the dog park early in the morning or late afternoon equals peace for all mankind. 

- A good way to meet people. I've gained two new Words With Friends opponents as a result of a recent dog park visit. 

So, grab a cup of coffee, put your stir-crazed, cabin-fevered dog in the car and be prepared to make a few friends of your own.

Let's take a tour of area dog parks:

- White Rock Lake D.P. - probably the best known. But heads up: It can get crowded and sometimes the play becomes a little rough. Sorry to have to say it. 

8000 Mockingbird Ln. Dallas, TX

- Addison Dog Park @ Dome Park - note: there is another Addison dog park but you have to be a local resident to use it. This one is open.  

LeGrande Dr. Addison, TX

- Wagging Tail Dog Park - Dallas' best in terms of size & aesthetic. Parking is limited, and the patrons (we) should do a better job of picking up after our pets. I mean, c'mon! But other than the lazy dog parents, it's a great place. 

5841 Keller Springs Rd. Dallas, TX

- Bark Park Central (the Deep Ellum D.P.) - Located under the over pass between downtown & Deep Ellum. Honestly, that's all I know about it. But it looks nice. 

Good Latimer & Commerce, Dallas, TX

- Main Street Garden Urban D.P. - More of a large dog run in the middle of downtown than full-fledged park, this place proves that with enough attention, any location can provide an oasis for people and pets.

1900 Main St. Dallas, TX

For you iPhone and iPod touch users, here's a handy app: Dog Park Finder. 

Check out the advertisers on the right, if you don't mind. Click click click!

See you tomorrow. 

Giveaway:

365 Things Dallas has passed the 100 followers mark on Facebook. I am pretty pleased with that milestone, considering we are little more than a week old. 

To move things to the next level, we will conduct a special giveaway when we reach 365 followers. Help us out by hitting the "Suggest to Friends" button on the 365 Things Dallas Facebook page.

When we reach that number, we'll randomly pick a winner from among the followers.  Simple Enough.

Photo Credit: Median Coffee