The Bark Park was built on a closed landfill, making good use of land that would otherwise be unused. The landfill used to hold ash from Montgomery County’s waste incinerators. Now, it’s a grassy hill—perfect for dogs to run and play.
Following the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” theme, most of the park’s features—like the agility course, tables, chairs, gazebo, and trash cans—are made from recycled plastic.
Supervise and pay attention – This is not the time to be chatting with friends, playing on your phone, or reading a book. When you’re at the dog park, you should supervise your dog every second. Ensure your dog is both safe and behaving appropriately.
Don’t let your dog be a bully – Just because your dog “wants to play” doesn’t mean their behavior is appropriate. If another dog doesn’t want to engage and your dog persists, a fight could break out. Teach manners before visiting, and supervise constantly.
Make sure you have good recall – It’s vital that your dog comes when called. Good verbal control helps prevent incidents before they happen.
Look for signs your dog doesn’t want to be there – If your dog seems nervous or is avoiding others, they may prefer solo time. Visit during less busy times if needed.
Look for signs your dog should leave – If your dog is tense, staring down another dog, has a raised tail or hair raised on their back, these may be signs of aggression. If your dog plays rough, ensure all dogs involved are enjoying the interaction. Warning signs include lip licking, yawning, unnecessary panting, one dog trying to turn away or trying to leave the play altogether.
Check out our Dog Park Etiquette Poster and Before You Go to the Dog Park resources for more guidance!