dogparks

So many of my students ask me about good dog parks, trails and other places to take their dogs. This list is

intended to give you an idea of cool places in the Bay Area to go with your dogs. I have been to all of these

parks/trails, so my explanation and experience of them is first hand.

Remember that dog parks are as good as the dogs and owners in there. Please don't allow your dog to be

bullied, frightened or made to feel uncomfortable. If your dog seems afraid, he probably is and forcing

him/her to "deal with it" and work it out is probably just going to make it worse. So, try to go to the enclosed

dog parks when it isn't too busy. Taking a dog into an enclosure where 10-12 dogs have already been playing

and interacting is usually not so good for the "new guy". I see lots of dogs made to feel very afraid and

uncomfortable in this way and it breaks my heart.

Consider taking your dogs to trails where they aren't as likely to feel enclosed or trapped, particularly if you

come across dogs that are pushy or lacking in canine manners.

Also, if you are visiting any of the trails, be sure to check your dogs for ticks particularly in the warmer

weather. I have found ticks on my dogs after hiking. I use Frontline to help with that problem.

Point Isabel (Dog Park)

Located in Richmond, just off of Central Avenue, Point Isabel is my favorite dog park. Referring to Point

Isabel as a "dog park" is an understatement. This place is made for dogs. All off leash, it has swimming areas,

picnic tables and Mudpuppies, a dog wash (do it yourself or let them do it), cafe, small dog boutique. Most of

the dogs who frequent Point Isabel are dog park regulars who do well in this type of environment. This park

is not a place to take a dog who has on or off leash issues with others dogs. Dog friendly leashed dogs do fine

here though.

Take 580 towards 80, then take the Central exit and make a left. Go over the freeway and pass Costco.

Follow the road to the very end and there is the parking lot right there.

Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay is a great off leash dog area. Just like with all East Bay Regional Parks the paved areas and

driveways are on leash, but the undeveloped areas are off leash. Head West on Williams Street and take it all

the way to the end where it dead ends. Then take a right and follow it to the end.

Lake Chabot (Trails)

Located in Castro Valley, Lake Chabot park has lots of great areas to take your dogs. You can go right into

the main parking lot and will have your choice of two different cool trails. Keep in mind that these are on

leash trails and while there is water, I believe that dogs are not actually allowed to swim.

Just above the main parking lot there is another small parking lot with leads you up to the ridge. This ridge is

paved and very steep in the beginning. It flattens out at the top and there are lots of grassy areas for your

dog to run and play off leash. Keep in mind that you may see cattle up there, so your dog should have a solid

recall if he is going to run off leash.

If you go below the main parking lot there is a driveway that you can follow all the way up to the top. At the

top you'll find a police station building and a parking lot. There are several trails up there and the dogs are

permitted off leash. During weekdays there is not much traffic up there at all. There are foxtails up in this

area, so you'll want to watch for those. I just check the dogs really well after a run up on this area.

You can also access Lake Chabot from the San Leandro side. Follow Estudillo to the very end (heading east)

and you will head into a little residential area. Veer to the right and you will go into a parking lot. There is a

paved trail and dogs are welcome on leash.

Castro Valley/Earl Warren Dog Park

Located on Center Street in Castro Valley, this dog park has become really popular. There are two sides, but

during the rainy season, one side is typically closed off. It is a nice, fairly roomy dog park though and

regulars love it. It is an enclosed dog park, so keep in mind that not all dogs feel comfortable in an enclosure

where they can't away from the other dogs. At certain times the park can be very busy so keep in mind that if

your dog isn't very easygoing, these times may not be best for your dog.

San Lorenzo Dog Park

Located on Via Buena Vista in San Lorenzo, this little dog park has become a popular spot. There is a large,

geese and duck filled pond that you have to walk around to get to the off leash dog area. You can go into the

dog park area or just walk on leash around the pond. Either way, this is a nice little neighborhood park. I

teach classes in the building at this park on Thursday evenings.

Skyline Blvd. Hiking Trails

Dunn Trail

Off of the Warren Freeways Joaquin Miller Road there are a few great trails to hike with your dog. My

favorite is the Dunn Trail which is the first trail on your right hand side after turning onto Skyline off of

Joaquin Miller. This is a nice, off leash, mostly dirt trail. It is great for well socialized dogs. The trail is

about 10 feet wide, so if you have a reactive dog or a dog with other dog issues, this trail may be too tight.

There are a few incline areas, but a pretty easy trail.

Sycamore Trail

The Sycamore Trail is a little further up on Skyline and on the left hand side. Sycamore is on leash only. Of

course, many people hike with their dogs off leash there, it is not actually allowed, so I don't do it once I

found out it really isn't allowed. If you don't mind hiking on leash, this trail is beautiful. It is very shaded

and mostly flat if you stay on the main trail.

The Serpentine Prarie

If you stay on Joaquin Miller and pass Skyline there is a ranger station/training center on your left hand

side. Make a U-turn and go into that parking area. If you park and walk towards the right side, there is a

large, meadowy area called the Serpentine Prarie. This is a great place for well socialized dogs. I usually go

on weekday mornings and usually there is only one other person (if that) but I have been told that it is

incredibly busy on weekends and on weekday evenings. It is off of the main road, but not actually enclosed,

so only dogs with a reliable recall should visit this area as they could, technically, run off.

San Leandro Marina

If you continue on Marina Blvd. past my shop and follow it to the end you will hit the San Leandro Marina.

There are several great places to take your dog over there. There is a paved walking track that you can

follow around (I believe it is a mile). If you go to the very end and to the left of the parking lot, there is a

long paved shoreline walk that is really nice. It's right along the water. You will come across bikers and

runners. Dogs are supposed to be on leash, but I frequently see dogs off leash. Also, there is a large park

area, with lots of great grassy areas for you to walk your dogs. This whole area is on leash, but a nice on leash

walk by the water.

More to come! Keep checking back!

Braveheart Dog Training
"Dog Training from the Heart"

Dog Parks and Trails

2123 Marina Blvd.
San Leandro, Ca 94577
(510) 483-2631
braveheartdogs@sbcglobal.net