Dog-ON-It-Parks: World Leader, Dog Park Equipment: Links and Resources

Dog Park Design

“Tips for Building Successful Dog Parks in Your Community” (PDF Brochure):
Created by experts especially for dog-park operators and designers. Addresses the 20 most common issues when considering building a dog park, to help ensure that your off-leash park avoids some of the possible design mistakes.

From the largest considerations to details you may not have thought of — from benefits to the community, location, space, legalities, and accessibility issues; to choosing the best dog playground equipment and dog park supplies; to water fountains, sanitation, surfacing, shade, and signage — it’s all encapsulated here.
CAD files (.dwg file):
Scaled Architectural drawing of dog-park exercise components with their user zones so that designers can arrange components on their plans or blueprints. (AutoCad® or compatible CAD program required.)
Bid Specifications (Word document):
CSI-Format 3-part bid specifications that can be incorporated by an architect right into a construction specification manual.
Sample RFP Bid Specifications (Word document):
Example of a bid-specifications format commonly used by municipalities that need to purchase dog park equipment.
Rendering of Complete System (2.5 MB PDF):
A high-resolution presentation rendering of the 14-component “Complete System” that can be printed from any color printer, or even printed on a large-format plotter up to 24″ x 36″.
Rendering of Small Dog System (2.2 MB PDF):
A high-resolution presentation rendering of the 7 size-appropriate components in the “Small-Dog System” that can be printed from any color printer, or even printed on a large-format plotter up to 24″ x 36″.

Links & Resources

“How to Choose Dog Park Agility Equipment For Off-Leash Areas” (PDF Brochure)
Establishing a Dog Park in Your Community
Indepth article by the American Kennel Club answers the question, “What is a dog park and how does it benefit the community?” You can download it from the AKC website as a 20-page booklet with photos.
Dog Park (Off-Leash, Online™)
Lots of helpful information about dog parks, including where to find them.
DogPlay
Comprehensive site, with a number of articles and case studies of groups successful at creating dog parks.
Exercising with Your Dog
One of many informative articles by Purina® Petcare.
U.S.A. Dog Parks
Extensive state-by-state lists of off-leash dog parks in the USA. More parks are added all the time, and you can submit your favorite one.
Barking Up The Right Tree: Tips & Trends From Today’s Hottest Dog Parks
“To date, an estimated 1,200 dog parks—many created in partnership with community groups and their park districts—are in use with hundreds more on the drawing board.”

Pets Welcome and Go Pet Friendly
Planning to travel with your dog? These websites provide travel tips, and list pet-friendly hotels across the USA and Canada.
10 Steps to Getting Started in Agility: Expert Advice for the Novice Agility Enthusiast
This article by Annette Osterlund appears on Dog Channel, which also offers lots of general information about dogs.
Clean Run
Database of Agility Clubs: If you like your local Dog-ON-It-Parks installation so much that you want to try competing in agility trials or matches, then there is probably a club near you.
Dogwise Publishing
Many books and videos about agility are available, and Dogwise has the best selection.
ICAT
(International Cat Agility Tournaments)
We like cats, too, and yes, there are cat agility contests. However, we strongly recommend that you do not bring your cat to the dog park — for obvious reasons!
The Off Leash Dog Park Locator
An iPhoneSavior Review: For techno types, this cool application for your iPhone will help you find and navigate to the nearest dog park, no matter where you are.