Dog Park 5.jpg — The Dog Park Escape

By: Corry Matthews, Healthy Lifestyle Expert

There aren’t too many places where you will find a dog park located along a street with one of the most gorgeous views of Catalina Island. Enter - The Rancho Caninos Dog Park located within Point Vicente Park / Civic Center adjacent to the tennis court. The half-acre park is separated into small and large dog areas and has a cedar chip surface. The park has shaded areas, seating, water faucets and bowls for dogs, a portable restroom, hand wash station and adjacent parking. You will also find numerous walking/hiking trails surrounding the park.

You might think the dog park is just for your dog, but if you did, then you would be mistaken. For dog lovers, it’s a little secret piece of heaven off a busy street where their furry best friends can run free and everyone makes new friends.

The dog park is my escape. After a long hard day working, I look forward to grabbing my Nyx (Greek for Goddess of Midnight) and saying “Dog Park?”. She practically leaps into my car. We usually do a quick stop by the Golden Cove shopping center to grab a coffee at Starbucks and off we go. I explain the dog park to my kids as my happy place. I get to decompress, make new friends and watch my dog run and frolic without a care in the world. For an hour or two I can escape the busy work deadlines, the house that needs cleaning and the other endless chores that need to be done. (For those that still need to catch up on a call or answer a text, sit in the shade, use the free wifi and catch up.)

Henry and Brandi (L), Henry, Bruce (Black Lab) and Puppy (R)

Henry Hua, Bruce’s owner says “The Rancho Caninos Dog Park is a great way for my dog, Bruce, to spend some quality time with his furry friends. Watching dogs interact with each other actually teaches me more about how to be human. For example, 99% of the time, the dogs line up at the gate to greet other dogs, whether this is a dog they've known for years or a dog they're meeting for the first time. This has taught me about openness and friendliness when I meet new people! If you come to the dog park regularly, you'll notice that your dog has his or her own group of friends, and you'll soon meet new human friends as well. I've been going to the Rancho Caninos Dog Park for 5 years, and I've met many great friends who I would never otherwise have had the opportunity to meet”.

Henry shares these fun tips:

Bring a jacket. The dog park exists in its own alternate dimension, where it is at least 10 degrees colder than you think it will be.
Bring a fully charged phone with a lot of available memory. Your phone will fill up with dog photos and videos very quickly.
Wear that pair of shoes you’re thinking of throwing out. You’ll thank me when you find out how great some of these dogs can aim.
Good communication between humans is important. When you have a request, such as “Please don’t spoil that new movie,” the people are very accommodating.
Bring a towel. The area around the water bowl is also the mud wrestling zone.
If you make a good faith effort but truly cannot locate your dog’s poop, try to find TWO poops from other dogs (there’s plenty), and pick those up instead.
It’s okay if you forget the humans’ names. We all prioritize the dog’s name.
Enjoy your soon-to-expand social circle. You’ll recognize dog park people everywhere. The bank. Restaurants. Grocery stores. Police officers. Maybe even your children’s teacher goes to the dog park.
Your dog looks to you to emulate your behavior. If your dog seems shy, try walking around, talking to people, and petting other dogs. Your dog will soon copy you.

I promise you, if you come to the dog park in the afternoon/evening you will get to meet Henry and Bruce…they are just the most welcoming duo! And they will forever remember your dog.

Winter (L), Winter and Chopin (R)

Tania Simon, Winter’s owner, and master trainer/founder of Pacific Coast Dog (www.PacificCoastDog.com) says the “dog park is a great way to connect with the community. Not only for your dog, but also for you to connect with other dog lovers.”

Tania offers a couple training / etiquette tips for making your trip the best for you and your pet(s):

Know and lead your dog before you introduce your dog

We love rescues and puppies! But make sure your dog settles into your home and knows recall and basic commands before you bring them along. Feeling comfortable with you will make them feel safe in a new environment and make all the difference in having fun!

Corry and Nyx (L), Corry's daughter and dog Nyx (R)

First impressions matter

Other dogs are sizing up your pup as soon as they get out of the car. Even if you have a super friendly pup, high energy can be alarming to new dogs. Walk calmly to the entrance and have your pup relax before you open the door. Other dogs will be more interested in making friends and will tolerate more intense play if they have a good first impression. Exercising beforehand can help until your dog becomes a park pro.

Take your time moving through the entry box

The entry box is your friend. Move in, unleash, let your dog relax, open the door wide when you’re ready. Other dogs might come in the box but as long as the outside door is closed its ok and less stressful than squeezing them in face to face with a strange group of dogs. Too many dogs at the gate? Relax a bit. It only takes a few calm minutes for the park dogs to lose interest and wander off leaving your dog to enter in a less stressful situation.

Having an unfixed male dog over 6 months, can be dangerous in the park.

Having an unfixed dog is a big responsibility for the owner especially when it comes to interacting with other dogs. The smell of these dogs is a danger signal regardless of their behavior. In combination with high energy or large breed size, it can be a recipe for disaster and lead to a negative or dangerous situation. If you plan to “dog park” AND keep your dog unfixed, socialize them early and continually at the park from a young age and consider seeking advice from a trainer.

You can find out more about the dog park and read the official rules at: https://www.rpvca.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Rancho-Caninos-Dog-Park-15