Did you know?  Fair Oaks has a great Dog Park!

Many in the Fair Oaks area have heard about the popular annual Fair Oaks Dog Walk, held every October, that starts at the Village Park, but did you know that Fair Oaks has a great Dog Park?

Of course, dogs on leashes are welcome in all of the Fair Oaks parks, but I'm talking about a special fenced placed where your dog can run loose and play with other dogs all year around.

The Fair Oaks Dog Park is in the Southwest portion of Phoenix Park, and is just under 2 acres (see directions below).  There is parking right there and restrooms nearby, so it is very convenient - fun for your dog and easy for you.  There are shade structures, shade trees, benches and even poop bag dispensers.

Much of the information provided here is from the website of the Fair Oaks Responsible Dog Owners Group, who partners with the Fair Oaks Park and Recreation District to maintain the park, and I suggest that you check it out for answers to any questions you may have before taking your dog to the park.

Many dog parks have 2 designated areas:  an area for large dogs and one for small dogs. 
Owners usually have a pretty good idea whether their dog will play well with dogs much larger or smaller, or if they may play too rough.

Fair Oaks Dog Park has those two areas, plus a third area:  This area is reserved for owners with special needs.  For example, they may have a really small dog like a Chihuahua where even a medium sized dog is too big to play with.  Other circumstances might be someone's first visit to the dog park and the owner is not sure how  their pet will socialize with a bunch of new dogs.  Area 3 is a good break-in area.  Older dogs (senior) dogs or dogs that might not be too sociable might also give Area 3 a try.

This is also a good place for small children that are supervised by an adult and their pets to be able to enjoy the activity of the dog park.  There is a rule, however, that children under 5 are strictly prohibited from entering the dog park.  This is an important safety rule!

There is one rule for Area 3 that is different than the other areas.  Anyone who is already using Area 3 has priority.  Other dog owners who wish to use Area 3 must ask for permission to enter.

A "Staging" Area is provided with double gates for entering and exiting the Dog Park!

Suggested Rules of Etiquette:

• Make sure that the Staging Area is empty.
  
  • Allow others to enter or exit before using the Staging Area.
  
  
• Do not open the outside gate if an inside gate is open.
  
  • Be Patient!
  • Pets Escape - Please keep the gates closed!
  
  
• The Staging Area is used to leash or unleash your dog.
  
  • Remove your dog's leash inside the Staging Area.
  • Do not leave a leash on your dog in the dog park.
    
    • This may put your dog at a disadvantage and may actually cause an altercation.
    
    
  
  
• Entering or Exiting the Park, Close all gates behind you!

           Once inside the dog park, move AWAY from the Staging Area!

• • The greatest likelihood for an "altercation" occurs when a dog is entering or exiting the Dog Park and other dogs are congregating at the gate.
  • A dog on a leash may feel threatened and unable to defend itself when entering the dog park if there is a "PACK" of dogs that must be
    negotiated!
  • Dog owners are urged to keep their dogs away from the gates, particularly if they see another owner attempting to enter.   The best way to accomplish this if for owners to stay away from the gates.   Dogs usually stay close to their owners.
  
  

It's a good idea to make your first visit without your dog. Familiarize yourself with how the area works and its posted rules.

Remember that not all dogs like meeting new dogs. If your dog has not regularly interacted with other dogs, find out how he will react before forcing him to meet lots of unfamiliar dogs. If you are concerned about your dog, check for obedience schools that offer socialization classes for adult dogs or enroll in doggie daycare.

Be sure to socialize puppies (8-16 weeks of age) at a puppy kindergarten class. Early socialization is one of the most important things you will ever do for your dog!

The first few times you take your dog to a site, choose a time that is not busy. Weekday evenings are peak times. Weekends and holidays tend to be busy all day long.

The first visit can be a little stressful for both you and your dog, so keep it short and happy. Gradually work your way to longer visits.

Check the website referred to above for more information, and to learn about meetings and other functions for owners of certain breeds.

Directions:  From Hazel Avenue and Sunset Avenue, east on Sunset to the second street, which drives into Phoenix Park.  Follow that road around to the right until you see a gravel road, which takes you to the parking area.  The dog park is right across from that, in the southwest portion of the main park.

HAVE FUN!

******************
Susan Neal
Broker / Realtor

Susan Neal Fine Properties

Century 21 Noel David Realty
Fair Oaks, California

Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 30+ years experience. 
I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction.

"Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916)705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.    

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