| Copyright © 2007 Braveheart Dog Training The information on this page may not be reproduced, republished or mirrored on another webpage or website. |
2123 Marina Blvd. San Leandro, Ca 94577 (510) 483-2631 braveheartdogs@sbcglobal.net |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Local Dog Parks and Trails |
| Copyright © 2007 Braveheart Dog Training The information on this page may not be reproduced, republished or mirrored on another webpage or website. |
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.
do have rules that must be followed or you could be cited. Below is a link to the East Bay Regional Park District that lists their parks and rules.
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.
area to the left as you enter the park. It could be mistaken for an undeveloped area. You could get ticketed for having your dog off leash there. 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 dogs are not actually allowed to swim. You can be cited if your dogs coat is wet, even if they haven't seen the dog swimming. 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. You can be cited if your dog chases cattle up there. 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" |