Dogs in Parks

Top Ten Reasons to Leash Up!

1. It’s the law in Bend and first-time citations are $275.
2. Off-leash dogs can easily get in another user’s way on a trail and cause an accident or injuries.
3. Off-leash dogs scare and/or chase off wildlife causing wild animals to avoid parks and natural spaces.
4. For people who are afraid or uncomfortable around dogs, an encounter with an off-leash dog can be downright terrifying.
5. Off-leash dogs can instigate aggression problems or fights with leashed dogs. Each year, BPRD receives numerous reports of problem encounters, several resulting in dog bites or injuries.
6. If your off-leash dog causes a serious issue, you could be held liable and that could equal criminal charges, lawsuits or even loss of your pet.
7. Off-leash dogs can run off and get lost.
8. When off-leash, dogs can quickly eat something that could be bad for them.
9. BPRD offers eight off-leash areas for dogs to run and play freely. View map and details.
10. You love your dog and want to keep him or her safe.

The intent of these rules is to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all park users.

• No aggressive dogs allowed. Immediately remove your dog from the park if it is misbehaving or acting in an aggressive manner.
• Keep dogs on leash outside designated off-leash areas.
• Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste.
• Remain in visual site and voice control of your dog at all times.
• Carry a leash for each dog in your care.
• Closely supervise young children. Children under the age of 12 may not be in the off-leash area unsupervised.
• Accept responsibility for any damage or injury caused by your dog.
• Bring no more than three dogs to the off-leash area at any time.
• Do not bring a dog in heat to a Bend park.
• Do not bring a puppy without a complete cycle of vaccinations to a Bend park.
• Display tags showing proof of current license and rabies vaccinations on all dogs.
• Consider using natural materials like sticks when playing with your dog in the river.
• Please be courteous to neighbors and control excessive barking.

Download a Visitor’s Guide to Dog Parks with tips for having a positive experience at a dog off-leash area.

Kids in Off Leash Areas

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in Bend off-leash areas unsupervised. Here is some guidance for those with children in an off-leash area:

• Not all dogs are child-friendly. Do not allow your child to approach or pet a strange dog without the owner’s presence and approval.
• A running, squealing or screaming child may become a target for many dogs, because the child resembles an injured animal or prey.
• Do not let your child have toys or food in an off-leash area.
• Children are more susceptible to contracting intestinal worms and other infections from touching grass where feces or urine are present. Be sure your children (and you) always wear shoes in an off-leash park area and wash hands after touching dog play toys.

When it comes to off-leash areas, a designated space for small dogs to have a play and activity level that's in their proportion rather than with big dogs can be a great option for small dog owners. Currently, there are fenced small dog areas at Riverbend, Pine Nursery and Ponderosa Parks. The criteria for small dogs is less than 15 inches at the shoulder and under 25 pounds.

• Riverbend Park - 799 SW Columbia St. River access available
• Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park - 3750 NE Purcell Blvd.
• Ponderosa Park - 225 SE 15th St.

If you would like to comment on the small dog parks, email us at info@bendparksandrec.org or call (541) 389-7275.