Dog parks in Oakville
Overview
You might be interested in visiting a local dog park for all sorts of reasons. For example, you might want to make new friends in your area who also own dogs, or you might want to give your dog some socialization practice. Regardless of why you're interested in finding a local dog park, Oakville has a number of them. Here are some great Oakville dog parks to try out.
Connect with an online vet in OakvilleLocals love this park, and it's one of the most widely used dog parks in all of Oakville. Not only is there parking available on both sides of the park, but you'll also find a local children's play area, so it's a great family outing. The park also offers two sections, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, as well as a water dispenser so that dogs and humans alike can stay hydrated.
2. Shell Dog Park
The Shell Dog Park was originally planned as a baseball field, but when those plans didn't materialize, it became the starting point for a local dog park that your furry friends can use throughout the year. There are waste bags and water fountains available at the park, and it's even separated into a larger dog park and a smaller area where small or timid dogs are able to play. Plus, during the summer, you can also find a small splash pool for your dog to play in.
3. Sixteen Mile Off-Leash Dog Park
While this is a fairly small dog park, it's a great option for dog owners who live nearby, whether you have larger or smaller dogs. As there's only one large area for dogs of all sizes, it's common to see both small and large dogs playing in the park. Visitors should note that there isn't any shade in the dog park, so you might want to bring your own sunscreen during particularly warm summer days and make sure to keep your dog hydrated.
4. Kingsford Gardens Dog Park
Located on the side of a hill and within the Kingsford Gardens Park, this dog park is a great spot to check out if you're in the area. The park utilizes a combination of grass and wood chips, making it dog-friendly while also less likely that mud will fill the park. During summertime, you'll usually find a hose with dog bowls available, and there are also plenty of trees for shade, as well as a few picnic benches for humans.
5. Glenashton Dog Park
A fairly small local dog park, the Glenashton Dog Park is built in Glenashton Park, surrounding the Iroquois Ridge Community Center. It's quite a popular local park and offers picnic tables and a windscreen for particularly windy days. While it isn't an especially large park, it is right next to a variety of parks, such as Morrison Valley, Pondview Pond, and Dalebrook Park, where on-leash dogs are welcome. You can walk around these if you're interested after your dog finishes running around the off-leash area.
Spend time outdoors with your dog
Dog parks are a great spot for those with small backyards, those who are looking to meet up with other local dog owners, or those who want their dogs to socialize with other dogs. However, some amount of socialization is important for dogs who are new to dog parks. The ability to socialize well with other dogs isn't innate, and you need to train your dog to be able to do it. If you're having a hard time, consider booking a virtual vet appointment with Vetster to get assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Not all of them. It's common for dog parks to offer two separate areas for dogs to play: one area for small dogs, which may commonly be defined as dogs that are under 20-30 pounds, and one area for all dogs, or occasionally just for large dogs. However, some dog parks just offer one large area for all dogs to play, regardless of their size. No matter which park you're looking at, always remember to keep an eye on your dog while they play to avoid issues with dogs fighting at the park.
- Parks should have signage posted indicating whether or not dogs are allowed. You should look for signs that may indicate whether dogs are allowed and whether they should be leashed. Off-leash, fenced dog parks will also usually have a sign at the front listing the rules of the dog park. If you're looking for more information about the park's options before you visit, you can always check the Oakville Parks & Recreation website to get that information.
- It's common for local dog parks to just have local residents helping to maintain the park. So if you're interested in helping to manage a local dog park, it's a good idea to get in touch with the current management team to learn about how you can become part of it. However, not everyone has the time and energy to officially help out with managing a dog park. If you're not interested in helping in an official capacity, just pick up after your dog and pick up any other waste you see. Everything helps to keep the dog park friendly and fun for everyone.