Dog runs: all you need to know

A dog run can be a lot of fun. Dogs need to be both physically stimulated (exercise) and mentally stimulated (getting to see new things and places). A dog that is not getting to run, jump, play, and explore may become lethargic and depressed.

If you live in a city or in a place where taking them for a walk may not be an ideal solution, a dog run may be for you. Take a good look at your pet. Is he lying on the couch right now, with his paw draped over a cushion, looking forlorn? If the answer is yes to this, or if you just enjoy getting to see your dog have a large amount of fun, it may be time to go to the dog run.

A fenced-in area in a state of nationally owned parkland, which has been set aside for owners to take their pooches, is enough to designate an area as a dog run. If you don't know where the one closest to you is, just look up the word dog run, plus the name of your town or city on and Internet search engine. If nothing comes up on the Internet, check with your local parks department to find out where the closest one is. And if your city does not have a dog run, the parks department should be able to let you know what you can do to help get a dog run in your neck of the woods.

Before you set out on your first dog run experience, there are a couple of must-haves to make your experience enjoyable. First, you must have a good leash and dog collar—one, where you have the most control over your animal. Check out The Dog Bowls guide to choosing the right dog collar for your furry friend. Don't hesitate to splurge a bit and get him something stylish. He will, after all, be hob-knobbing with some the most primo pooches of the neighborhood. Check out The Dog Bowl's online selection of leashes and dog collars will help you find one that is perfect for your little pet.

The second most important thing to bring to the dog run is water. Your dog is going to get very thirsty playing with those other dogs. And a word to the wise, do not share! Water can be a place where disease-forming bacteria and other pathogens can be exchanged. Several well-meaning, but misinformed owners will bring a bowl for all of the dogs to share. While this is a very nice gesture in principle, you will not be thanking them if your dog catches a virus from another dog. So bring your own water, water bowl, and do not share.

Another thing you want to bring is a good supply of dog treats. Check out The Dog Bowl for some great-tasting and healthy treats, and unlike water, these you can share. So make sure to pack a bag full for your adventure, and you and your friend are bound to have a great time at the dog run.

You are also going to need to bring some waste bags to the dog run, to pick up any little (or not so little) puppy presents that your dog decides to leave behind. Most dog runs have little cages to encourage owners to bring their extra shopping bags and keep them there, so the dog run will always be well stocked. Remember, the dog run is set up by the state, but it’s the dog owners who are responsible for making sure it stays nice. So clean up after your dog.

Dog runs are great places for dogs to socialize, and to get them used to playing with other dogs. Dog runs are great places for dog owners to socialize with other owners, too. If you are single, it could be a great place to meet someone special. Take your dogs playing well together as a sign. And, if you are married, it is a great way to meet other couples (and singles!) that you might otherwise never get to meet. Nothing relaxes people and brings their guard down more than watching their dogs having fun and enjoying themselves.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack a bag and get to the dog run! Trust me—your dog will thank you for it.