Many cities have off leash dog parks where urban dwellers can take their pet-dogs to play. There are usually small dog and big dog areas so that little dogs don't get stomped by big ones. In DC you need to have a Dog Park Tag on your dog to enter the park. The Dog Park Tag is free and can be requested when you renew your dog license at the end of June.
Make sure you have your dog vaccinated before you go to the park. Puppies under 4 months of age are usually not allowed in dog parks. This is to protect their little immune systems from the assault of germs and bacteria. Older dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems should also avoid dog parks. Dogs with injuries should also be kept from the dog park until they are healed. Dogs can have a pack mentality in a dog park and can prey on weak or injured dogs. Essentially, your happy fun dog becomes a dog-bully.
Human children and babies in strollers have no place inside dog parks. Bring your spouse along to sit with the kids outside the fence. There are too many things that can go wrong with kids inside the park. Keep in mind that even though your dog accepts your children someone else's dog might not.
In Washington D.C. the SW Dog Park Group, PAWS of SW, is currently in the final stages of getting a design and build contract for a 10,000 square foot dog park. Volunteers are always needed for events and community involvement is encouraged. They meet on the 1st Monday of each month at different locations around the SW community. The best way to ensure you have a great dog park is to be part of the dog park group!
Tip for the day:
Join your local dog park group! Help make your neighborhood dog park a great inside the fence and outside!
New York Dog Parks: http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas
DC Dog Parks: http://dc.gov/DC/DPR/Facilities+and+Permits/Dog+Parks
Berlin: http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=dog_parks&find_loc=Kreuzberg%2C+Berlin
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