Dog Park Playtime

SDCE is home to three dog parks: Ramona Oaks Dog Park, Gunn Stage Pocket Park, and Bassett Way Dog Park. All are open from dawn to dusk. Shelly Mullin, a San Diego Country Estates resident, veteran, business owner, and dog-lover, visits these parks regularly. She frequents Ramona Oaks dog park the most.

Mullin has lived in the San Diego Country Estates since 2018 and owns Shellz Dezign Photography & Dogs. She does drop-in care for pets, dog-sitting, and dog walking. She also takes care of other animals, including horses, pigs, chickens, cats, and more, depending on clients’ needs. She visits the local dog parks with her brand ambassador and best friend, a 7-year-old yellow lab named Yosemite. “She is my world, and we are a package deal,” says Mullin.

Mullin offers some tips for a safe and effective dog park visit. Before entering the dog park with your dog, it's important to know its history and triggers. Dogs are pack animals and are used to being with other dogs, but it’s good to study your dog’s behavior and start with neutral-ground pack walking, where you walk with other dogs in a neutral space away from its home and territory. She says it will help the dog trust and feel secure around the other dogs before you let them loose in the dog park environment. “I never take my clients to the park with dogs I don’t know,” says Mullin. There is a possibility the dogs may not like each other, and she wants to make sure she knows the other dogs’ behaviors. Mullin also recommends bringing your own water dish to prevent the spread of disease among dogs.

Understanding and practicing proper dog park etiquette is crucial. This includes picking up your dog’s poop and being mindful of your dog in the setting. Sometimes, owners start chatting with other dog owners at the park and can miss the signs that their dog may not be getting along with another dog, which could result in a fight and lead to the dogs getting injured.

It’s always important to close the gates at the dog park. There are two gates that need to be properly secured before unleashing your dog. She adds that it’s important not to keep your dog leashed in the fenced area. It can create tension, and the dog may feel like it cannot get away to defend itself. However, when outside the dog park, Mullin recommends always keeping dogs leashed. This could prevent a fight and protect the dog handlers. She also reminds dog handlers to be mindful of the heat when walking dogs, as the hot asphalt could burn their paws.

Dog parks are not just for our furry friends, they also offer a social aspect for dog owners and handlers. At Ramona Oaks Dog Park and Basset Way Dog Park, about 10-15 people show up every night to let their dogs socialize while they visit with each other. This number may be a little less during the heat of the summer months. "It’s a really good group," says Mullin.

If you have yet to visit one of our SDCE dog parks with your furry pal, follow Mullins' steps for everyone's safety and take your pup for some outdoor fun.

Photos courtesy of Shelly Mullin.