If entering or leaving the off-leash area, do not enter the double-gated transition area if there is already someone in that area. This will eliminate the possibility of both gates being open at the same time.

Place your dog off leash in the transition area before entering the unleashed area. Some dogs can feel threatened if they are leashed in the presence of unleashed dogs.

Quickly move away from the entrance area as you enter. That will help disperse the group of dogs that will come over to welcome your dog to the park. Move away from the fence so that your dog will not feel cornered or threatened. This will lessen the problem caused when several off leash dogs, already in the park, come running over to greet the new arrival, perhaps overwhelming the arriving dog.

One of our primary goals is to socialize our dogs to have good manners. We should practice what we preach and always be considerate of others and your dog park will be an enjoyable, healthy, educational experience for handlers and dogs.

If any dog becomes aggressive or disruptive, the responsible handler will remove the dog from the fenced area until socialization measures can be undertaken.

Keep your dog leashed at all times while outside the fenced dog park area. Even if your pet is under perfect voice control, many non-dog people have fears and any dog off-leash outside the fenced area violates the County’s Leash Law.

All dog handlers must provide proof of current vaccinations. Your dog must have a collar or harness that includes a rabies tag and a county Dog License.. It is also an excellent idea to have an ID tag on the collar or harness as well. If your animal does not have proof of a rabies vaccination and license, you may be asked to leave the park.

Be a responsible dog handler. If your pet has a contagious condition, stay away until a Vet has said that there is no danger to other dogs. The “Golden Rule” applies here! Legally, only a rabies vaccination is required to enter the dog park; however, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian to get advice on other vaccinations such as Bordatella (Kennel Cough), Distemper, Parvo, etc. Don’t forget heartworm protection!

• Aggressive dogs are pretty much never welcome in a dog park.
• Dogs in heat are not welcome to bark parks.
• Your dog should be under voice control.
• Dogs should have current vaccinations. Most parks require that your dog even show proof of their current vaccinations records before entering the dog park.
• Don’t bring more dogs than you can handle.
• Always clean up after your dog. Many dog parks provide plastic bags but you shoudl always carry your own.
• Fill any holes your dog digs.
• Don’t bring young children. These are not playgrounds for humans. Most dog parks require children to be 16 years or older to enter the bark park area.
• Keep your pet on a leash until you are into the fenced area.
• Watch your dog while in the fenced area.
• Offer your dog water. Although most dog parks have places to get water for your dog some smaller dog parks do not so make sure you bring plenty of water.
• Make sure your dog has a collar on.
• Abide by any local park rules.

Fiesta Island Dog Park, Mission Bay – San Diego, CA (1628 Fiesta Island Dr) – A large off-leash dog area in the middle of Mission Bay.

Rancho Bernardo Community Park OLDA – San Diego, CA (18164 W Bernardo Dr) – Rancho Bernardo Community Park OLDA is located on the south end of the Rancho Bernardo Community Park, this is a great place to take your dog.

Kearny Mesa Dog Park – San Diego, CA (3170 Armstrong St) – Kearny Mesa Dog Park is approximately one acre (310 X 110 feet)and is located at the end of Armstrong street, off Mesa College drive, adjacent to the Baseball fields.

Cadman Dog Park – San Diego, CA (4280 Avati Dr) – Cadman Park in Clairemont is located at 4280 Avati Drive. This park is unfenced and its off leash use is continuing. Signs in the park will be updated to reflect the current rules/regulations.

Doyle Community Dog Park – San Diego, CA (8175 Regents Rd) – Doyle Community Dog Park is located at 8175 Regents Road, this park is situated behind Doyle Recreation Center and offers two fenced turfed areas, one for small dogs and one for large or all dogs.

Nate’s Point Dog Park – San Diego, CA (El Prado & Balboa Dr) – A fenced off-leash dog park in Balboa Park, San Diego, California.

Hoyt Park – San Diego, CA (Meanley Dr & Hoyt Park Dr) – Hoyt Park is perfect for dogs: wide, flat, and obstruction-free.

Dusty Rhodes Dog Park – San Diego, CA (Nimitz Blvd & Sunset Clfs Blvd) – Dusty Rhodes Dog Park is an enclosed leash-free dog area in a Dusty Rhodes Park.

Dog Park at Capehart Park – San Diego, CA (Soledad Mtn Rd & Felspar St) – Dog Park at Capehart Park is located at the corner of Felspar and Soledad Mountain Road, this one acre park offers the following amenities: two fenced pens, on turfed areas: one for small dogs and one for large or all dogs, areas to provide water for dogs, a drinking fountain, picnic tables and benches, and a parking area. It is open 24 hours.

Ocean Beach Dog Leash Free Area – San Diego, CA (W Pt Loma Blvd & Spray St) – A leash-free dog beach in San Diego, California. There is a plaque here which makes the claim that this is the First leash-free beach in the United States. Free parking, restrooms nearby.

Shop – Dog friendly stores in Los Angeles

DOG Pet Boutique – Los Angeles, CA (346 N La Cienega Blvd) – Paris Hiltons and Nicole Ritchies, rejoice! Now there is a fashionable and chic place to accessorize and pamper your pooch. Located across from the Beverly Center, this fun store offers extravagant clothes, rhinestone collars, plush bedding, designer carrying purses, pink chew toys, organic dog food and baked doggie treats. The knowledgeable staff, large selection and one-of-a-kind items make the spot the perfect place to over-indulge man’s best friend.

Fifi & Romeo Boutique – Los Angeles, CA (7282 Beverly Blvd, (323) 857-7214) – Big dog fans beware: This froufrou boutique is strictly tiny canine territory. Lavishly decorated with pink-striped walls, a chandelier and Pucci mannequins, Fifi & Romeo is–in the words of co-owners Penelope Francis and Yana Syrkan–”Audrey meets Eloise.” Cashmere sweaters and faux fur-trimmed wool coats are just a few of the decadent goods made for pint-sized pooches. There are also blankets, raincoats and stylish doggie totes for critters on the go. But pampered pets aren’t the only concern at this shop. It has extended its collection of luxurious accessories to include items for women, infants and the home.

Healthy Spot – Santa Monica, CA – Providing the utmost in care for canines with their selection of quality products, this Westside doggie destination prides itself on offering the finest in food, toys and treats. Organic, vegetarian and grain-free dog food brands are available for eco-conscious owners as well as nutritional supplements disguised as treats. They supply several lines of plush pet toys and carry the Wetnoz brand of stainless steel, ergonomically correct bowls. Complete with puppy preschool, small dog day care and lush spa treatments, furry friends and their fond families get the pick of the litter when it comes to puppy products and services.

Bark N Bitches – Los Angeles, CA (505 N Fairfax Ave, (323) 655-0155) – Brimming with treats for everyone’s favorite beast, this spacious, well-appointed store maintains a holistic collection of wares suitable for the kookiest of dogowners (which, in L.A., is everyone). From koi fish-printed dog beds and painting kits for four-legged friends to stuffed toys, biodegradable bags and chic doggie license tags, the stock is inventive, organic and practical. With fashionable personalized water bowls, cosmetic bags and even cute doggie literature, the owner’s passion for her furry clients makes for an inspired shopping experience.

Eat – Dog friendly restaurants in Los Angeles

Cat N’ Fiddle Pub & Restaurant – Los Angeles, CA – Eat, drink and be merry at this dog-friendly British pub, where servers gladly provide a water bowl for the pooch. A quaint outdoor patio lets patrons enjoy a cool evening breeze or warm summer nights while having a drink. Sundays feature free live jazz near the fountain for a soothing end to the week. Inside, the bar is flanked by a dartboard at one end and a banquet room with large tables and TV screens at the other. The jukebox offers plenty of rock, from classic Cars and Pretenders to progressive Pixies and Jeff Buckley.

Cliffs Edge – Los Angeles, CA – Concealed from the street by greenery-covered walls, urban eclectics covet tables on the tree-shaded, two-level garden patio. Inside, a low-ceilinged, dimly lit dining room is appointed in minimalist decor, with throw pillows and Cirque du Soleil-inspired patterns. A Mediterranean-accented menu begins with plates of fritto misto and honey-sauteed figs over toasted brioche. Pastas include pumpkin or veal ravioli and linguine with clams, and entrees range from pecan-crusted trout to sirloin steak. Brunch options include omelettes, eggs and crepes.

Fred’s 62 – Los Angeles, CA – Bowling-alley fashion sense, classic Hollywood charm and a chrome toaster on every table make Fred 62 the hippest place in town to get your chow on. Expect creative riffs on comfort foods served up with funny names. Witness the golden, velvet Mac Daddy and Cheese, the towering ham and swiss of the Charles Bukowski, and the fluffy pancake, crisp-tender hash browns, ultra-crisp bacon and filling eggs of the Dime Bag.

Play – Dog friendly parks in Los Angeles

William S. Hart Off-Leash Dog Park – Los Angeles, CA – The dog park includes a trail with an off-leash dog area that’s available at specific hours for dogs of varying sizes.

The Boneyard Culver City Dog Park – Culver City, CA – The Culver City Dog park, also known as ‘The Boneyard’ is always very busy park. Two separate large areas make this a great park to bring small/timid dogs to. The park features a few benches, but is a little lacking in shade and is mostly dirt, so can be hot and dusty in Summer.

Hermon Dog Park at Arroyo Seco – Los Angeles, CA – Open daily from dusk to dawn, the Hermon Park Dog Park features 1 1/3 acres of off-leash exercise area with a separate area for small dogs. The larger park features barbecue pits, picnic tables, a children’s play area and lighted tennis courts.

Laurel Canyon Off-Leash Dog Park – Los Angeles, CA – Laurel Canyon Park is a picturesque hillside park with picnic benches, a fenced children’s area and a three-acre off-leash dog park.

Whitnall Highway Dog Park – Los Angeles, CA – Located at Whitnall Highway and Cahuenga Blvd, this dog friendly park is all grass and has two separate fenced areas both with double entrance gates. The dog park also has dog drinking fountains, trees, picnic benches, pickup scoops, trash cans covering three acres, open dawn to dusk.

Silverlake Dog Park – Los Angeles, CA – Silverlake Dog Park has a ton of grass, dirt and an arce and a half of room for your dog to run around. The neighborhood dog park is a local favorite for all dogs. The old playground has been replaced by new grass, giving a little more running room to the doggies. A melting pot of dog owners spend their afternoons here, from slinky vixens with their well-pampered Pomeranians to yuppies with yapping Jack Russell terriers.

Runyon Canyon Dog Park – Los Angeles, CA – Nestled in the Hollywood foothills, this 160-acre park finds bicyclists, runners, hikers, casual walkers and dogs peacefully coexisting on the moderately steep trails. For dog owners, this place is a bonanza, with 90 acres of off-leash area, running water, drinking bowls, trash cans and poop bags. The downside is that Runyon is by far the stinkiest of all the area dog parks. Don’t take dogs that are old or have bad hips up the path unless they’re small enough to carry back down. And for dogs that have dark fur or get easily overheated, avoid coming in the middle of the day during the summer months as there’s not much shade.