Some people say that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, but for us, there is just something about a dog park. Watching a bunch of dogs running free, doing their thing, always puts a big dumb grin on our faces.

Aside from the immense happiness it will surely bring to both you and your dog, going to the dog park has many other benefits as well.

• No Leash
  For many of us living in cities or without a yard, going to a dog park is an opportunity to give your dog a little freedom to safely run, sniff, and play unleashed.
  
• Fresh Air
  We all know that fresh air is good for us in so many ways. It only makes sense that fresh air is good for your dog too.
  
• Exercise
  Dogs need exercise just like we do. Exercising keeps your dog’s body and mind healthy while reducing behavior issues such as excessive barking or other anxiety-related behaviors.
  
• Socialization
  Socializing teaches your dog how to react to the world in a healthy way, without unnecessary fear or aggression.

There are however a few instances to keep in mind where you may NOT want to take your dog to a dog park. Some include:

• Young puppies and/or dogs not up-to-date on their vaccinations
• Dogs that are not able to respond to basic commands such as come, sit, or stay
• Reactive or aggressive dogs

Why does watching a dog be a dog fill one with such happiness?

Jonathan Safran Foe

Our Top 5 Favorite Dog Parks in the Reno-Sparks Area

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5. Biggest Little Dog Park

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Having lived in downtown Reno with a dog, we know first hand just how challenging it can be to find a safe place to let your furry pal run around and do their business. This little gem of a dog park, which opened its gates in 2018, was established through a partnership between the Biggest Little Dog Park Coalition, Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, and the City of Reno in order to improve this area of downtown. 

According to the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, this dog park benefits our city in several ways including:

1. providing an essential area where citizens can meet and celebrate their love of dogs and Reno
2. providing a venue for people and dogs to exercise
3. creating a positive atmosphere in downtown that will encourage economic growth

Pro-Tip: Don’t forget to snap a cool pic in front of the Biggest Little Dog Park Mural!

4. Virginia Lake Dog Park

Take your dog on a leashed walked along the path around the lake, or visit the fenced in dog park for some off-leash fun. The paved trail around Virginia Lake is approximately one mile and is great for training your dog around lots of distractions like joggers, geese, and families.

Meanwhile, the actual Virginia Lake Dog Park is a great place to let your dog socialize and get some exercise free of the leash. The park is completely fenced in and even has a separate area for smaller dogs. The ground is made of sand which is good for easy poop pick up, and there is a water spigot available if your pooch gets thirsty. This park also comes equipped with a handful of agility equipment to keep your dog entertained and test their skills.

3. Sparks Marina

Similar to Virginia Lake, this park gives you the option to walk your dog along the paved path, or to let them off-leash in the designated dog park area.

The path is a nicely paved asphalt walking trail that is 2 miles all the way around. It’s great for joggers and leisurely walkers who want to checkout the newest shops and restaurants.

The dog park is fenced in on three sides with the fourth side adjacent to the marina itself so the dogs can access the water. It’s great for dogs that like to swim or splash around in the water in the warmer months.

Pro-Tip: Park in the Outlets at Legends parking lot near Grimaldi’s Pizzeria for quickest access to the dog park which is on the side of the lake nearest the highway.

2. Hidden Valley Regional Park’s Link Piazzo Dog Park

We’d call Link Piazzo the most luxury dog park in town. This park offers two separately fenced areas: one for large dogs, and one just for small dogs 30 pounds and under. There is also a double gated entrance so dogs cannot easily escape, water fountains, park benches, shade structures, waste receptacles, and a restroom facility nearby.

Pro tip: Head up into the hills above the park at sunset for spectacular city views.

1. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park – Dog Park

We may be biased but Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is our absolute favorite dog park in Reno. With it’s huge open pasture, the park has the most wide open space for your furry friend to run free and burn off all that energy.

Pro Tip: Head through the tunnel at the North Entrance to the park, and you might just be lucky enough to spot this amazing mural of our very own June, painted by the talented Edwin Martinez Esco.