4 minute read
Barks & Recreation Dog Parks
Pets are our pals in Prescott, welcome just about everywhere.
But dogs still love the places where they can run free, whether it’s a space designed specifically for them or an undeveloped mountain meadow or canyon.
Here’s just a few of the places where you can have a blast watching them frolic!
Prescott Valley Dog Park. Photo courtesy of Town of Prescott Valley.
Willow Creek Dog Park
3181 Willow Creek Road, Prescott www.prescott-az.gov/recreationarea/willow-creek-park-dog-park
Prescott has only one off-leash dog park, but it’s a doozy. The Willow Creek Beneful Dream Dog Park at is a $500,000 firehouse-themed canine wonderland complete with engine, hydrants, hose-shaped misters and tunnels, tires and other agility equipment and separate areas for small and large dogs. There’s also a lot of human seating underneath a fire station-styled canopy.
The renovated park, won in a Purina Beneful-sponsored contest by resident Linda Nichols, draws an average of 550,000 people and dogs every year. It is free and open to the public, but users can support the park as a volunteer or by participating in its sponsorship program.
Prescott Valley Dog Park
8600 E. Nace Lane, Prescott Valley www.pvaz.net/Facilities/Facility/ Details/Mountain-Valley-Park-10
Prescott Valley’s dog park is no small shakes either. It’s a 2-acre slice of Mountain Valley Park with small and large dog areas, agility equipment, water fountains, picnic tables and shade from trees and gazebos.
It is a great place for pets and their people to recharge together. Mountain Valley Park, the Town’s largest, also has an aquatic center and skate park.
Prescott National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/prescott
Dogs are allowed off-leash in many U.S. Forest Service-administered areas, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet in any developed recreation areas and on interpretive trails. They are not allowed in any swimming areas.
The added risks from wildlife, changing weather conditions and unfenced areas that come with going off-leash in other areas mean more responsibility for owners, but the adventures of climbing hills, diving into leaves, finding your own sticks and trailing ahead or behind your owners can be a blast for everyone watching.
And of course, clean up after your pets, wherever you happen to be. Willow Creek Dog Park Photo courtesy of City of Prescott
For more details on Forest Service regulations concerning pets, call 928.443.8000 or email dmaneely@fs.fed.us.
Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography
Hiking with Dogs
The Greater Prescott area’s natural beauty is what’s drawn so many of us here. Whether we’re in the Granite Dells, by Goldwater Lake or atop Glassford Hill, we marvel at the vistas and fresh air as we share them with everyone in our family, including our BFFs — best furry friends.
We all want hiking to be at least as enjoyable for our dogs as it is for us, and in most cases they way outpace us in that regard.
But there are a few things we should keep in mind to ensure our pups will be bobbing happily along the trail.
Are they ready? In some ways dogs seem inherently better suited for hiking than we are, being closer to the ground and on four feet for balance, but don’t assume that’s the case.
Don’t take them uphill or over long distances straight out of the gate. Puppies less than a year old don’t have fully developed bones and joints so you should hold off on hiking. Make sure your dog isn’t easily worn out by a regular walk before you hike — when you do hike, take plenty of breaks for rest and “Scooby snacks.”
Low-level hazards We need to remember that no matter how big their bodies and personalities are, dogs stand about 10 to 30 inches high, on average, and are more vulnerable to aggressive or venomous wildlife, bugs and ticks, poisonous plants, deep puddles and other dangers that might not register as strongly for us.
Look at the surroundings from your pet’s perspective and use their leash to steer them away from such threats.
Hydrate safely Keeping dogs well-hydrated during hikes is just as important as it is with humans, so don’t forget to bring a collapsible bowl and enough water to keep them going. Their needs will vary with size and physical condition but the American Hiking Society recommends carrying at least 8 ounces per dog per hour.
Be wary about them drinking from lakes, streams and other water sources — even if they’ve done so in the past with no issues.
Gear up for pup Make room for the supplies you’ll need to make sure your trip through the happy hiking grounds goes off without a hitch — besides water, a bowl and treats, you’ll need bags for poop, pet-safe insect repellent, weather-appropriate gear and anything else your dog’s specific needs call for.
If you have your hands or backpack full carrying stuff for you and your family you can even strap some of it onto your dog, but don’t go any heavier than 25% of their body weight.
Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography
Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography
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Sage at Watson Woods Riparian Preserve Photo by Martha Nall Court
