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Dog Parks are very popular, especially in urban areas where many people don’t have fenced-in backyards. You probably know they offer a place for dogs to run free without a leash, socialize and play with other dogs, and get the exercise they need for their mental and physical health. But did you know dog parks are also a positive thing for owners? You get fresh air, break up your daily routine, enjoy watching your dog play, and socialize with other dog owners. Dog parks give both pups and humans a needed lift!
Winston-Salem residents are fortunate to have many dog parks within the city and the surrounding area. You can find some nearby and a few that may be a car ride away. Those could be a special treat for you and your dog on certain days. A new place to “sniff out.” Look at the list we compiled and see where you and your furry friend would like to visit. While many claim to have water available, it may not be in working order. It is always wise to bring water for your dog to have it for them after the visit.
Dog Park at Washington Park
- 1490 S Broad Street, Winston-Salem
- Hours: Daily, 7am – 8pm
The dog park at Washington Park is conveniently located and has separate areas for large and small dogs. It is shaded and has a water station for the dogs. There are picnic benches and shade for owners to sit at and socialize. Washington Park is the oldest dog park in the city.
Happy Hounds Dog Park At Horizon Park
- 2385 Memorial Industrial School Road, Germanton
- Hours: Daily, 6:30am – 9pm
Happy Hounds is a 2-acre fenced area with a section separated for small dogs and a larger section for big dogs. It is the largest fenced play area in the county. The park offers a water fountain bowl for dogs and dog waste stations. There are also benches and a water fountain for owners. Each adult may have a maximum of two dogs at a time at the park. Puppies less than four months old are not permitted. See the Happy Hounds Dog Park Website for more information.
Socializing Your Dog
Socializing your dog is important if you want to be able to take them to a dog park, but it is also essential for them to live their best life. A socialized dog is less fearful, happier, and more well-adjusted. Starting the process of socialization when your dog is a puppy is easier. You begin between 3 and 16 weeks of age by gradually introducing them to new sounds, sights, and people of all kinds. You eventually add other pets and environments, always rewarding them with praise and treats for accepting the new experiences.
Older dogs can be socialized, too, and it is important that they are. It just requires patience and time. The same method is used but at a much slower pace. You can take your dog to the park on a leash to see other dogs from a distance and reward them for being calm, walk your dog with a friend’s dog with enough space between them, have a one-on-one meet with a friend’s calm dog, and walk your dog around the perimeter of a dog park outside the fence so it can see the other dogs. Rewards are used as positive reinforcement. Dog training can also help to socialize an adult dog.
Hedgecock Dog Park
- 300 West Parris Avenue, High Point
- Hours: Daily, Sunrise – Sunset
Hedgecock Dog Park welcomes small (20 pounds and under) and large (21 pounds and up) to its two grassy off-leash areas featuring pet water fountains and dog waste stations. Shade and benches for owners are also available within this pleasant dog park. You must register with the High Point Parks and Recreation Department for your dog to use this park. Registration is free and requires you to fill out a form and send it in with a copy of your rabies vaccination certificate. You will receive a tag for your dog to wear to use the park. Tags expire every June 30th. Nonresidents can apply. See the City of High Point Website for information and the form.
Jamison Dog Park
- 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem
- Hours: Daily, 6am – 9pm
Jamison Dog Park offers two areas for large and small dogs. However, some reviewers complain about owners of large dogs using the small dog area. This could be because the large dog area gets muddy after wet weather. The park has few trees for shade for the dogs and does not provide a water station. So remember to bring your own water and bowl to hydrate your dog after leaving the dog park.
Photo by Kathy Solarino for MyWinston-Salem.com, © Cover Story Media, Inc 2024
Tanglewoof Dog Park – Tanglewood Park
- Enter through the main park entrance off US Route 158, Clemmons
- Tanglewoof Dog Park status line: 336-703-6405
Tanglewoof Dog Park is an all-turf 2.35-acre park separated into 1.75 acres for large dogs (25 pounds and heavier) and .60 acres for small dogs (25 pounds and lighter). The park is free for the public and is located across from the RV Campground in Tanglewood Park. Dog water fountains and dog waste stations are provided. There are also water fountains, trash receptacles, and benches along the perimeter fencing for owners. Check the status phone number for information. Tanglewoof Dog Park website.
Keeping Your Dog Safe In The Dog Park
Dog Parks can be great for your dog and something they look forward to, but they can also cause them to become afraid, traumatized, and even injured if you do not watch them carefully and have an understanding of dog behavior. These are some recommendations from The Association of Professional Dog Trainers:
• Don’t allow the dog to enter the park if there is a “gang” of dogs at the entrance
• Watch your dog the entire time
• Pay attention to your dog’s play style and interrupt it if you need to calm it down
• Move around the dog park occasionally, so your dog needs to keep an eye on you
• Remove your dog if it appears to be afraid
• Don’t assume another dog is aggressive if it is only communicating discomfort by growling or snapping
• Don’t assume dogs will work it out if there is a fight
• Remove your dog if it is bullying other dogs
• Respect your dog’s wish to leave
• Leave toys at home to avoid guarding problems
Tucker’s Tap Yard
- 1010 N Liberty Street, Winston-Salem
- Hours: Tues-Fri, 4pm – 9pm; Sat, 12pm – 9pm; Sun, 1pm – 8pm
Tucker’s Tap Yard is an indoor/outdoor dog park and a bar! The dog park has over 12,000 square feet of artificial turf-covered space, securely fenced with fun structures to climb on. There is also indoor temperature-controlled space and yard monitors to keep an eye on the dogs, though your dog is still your responsibility. They provide ice water for the pups, and there is a small dog area for those who wish to use it. There are waste stations for you to pick up after your dog. You can enjoy a cold draft or cocktail while you watch your dog play. Registration is required. See our article on Tucker’s Tap Yard for more information.
Vivian F Bennett Dog Park – Fourth Of July Park, Kernersville
The Vivian F. Bennett Dog Park was recently revitalized with new doggie water fountains, fresh mulch, and a new concrete slab. The nicely shaded park has two sections, one for larger dogs and a small dog area. There are waste disposal stations and bags, and benches in the shade are available. The rules for the dog park are on their website.
Dogs Like Long Walks Too!
If your dog does not do well in a dog park or for a nice change of pace, a peaceful walk is a good alternative for exercise and mental stimulation. It is filled with new things to see and smell and lots of fresh air and sunshine. It is beneficial for you as well. You and your pet should take advantage of Winston-Salem’s many great walking trails in our area parks and greenways.
Which dog park is your furry friend’s favorite? Tell us in the comments.
