When it is your first time, it is important to know what to expect when you arrive at the Home Run Dog Park. There are two main parking areas, one at the West end near the intersection of Capital Ave and Roosevelt Ave, and the other is at the East end where Roosevelt Ave curves before it merges with Wagner Drive.
Between your car, and the entry gates to the Home Run Dog Park, it is important to keep your dog(s) on a leash. Roosevelt Ave can have traffic, and there can be a lot of cars, especially if there is an event somewhere else in Bailey Park when you visit. It is also a city ordinance for dogs outside of the dog park to be on a leash, and there are animal control officers that patrol the area.
Once you are across the street, you will find there are three entrances to the dog park. On the East entrance, there is access to the small dog area and the big dog area. There is also a West gate and a center gate closer to the pavilion. Each entrance has a set of two gates. It is a park rule that you should close the first gate after you enter with your dog, and latch it behind you, before you open the second gate into the park. The same should be done when you leave. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Home Run Dog Park rules.
When you enter the gated area with your dog, you might find that there are several dogs that are running to the entrance to greet you. Some dogs make it a point to zoom over to see the new arrivals.
If there are a lot of dogs waiting to see you and your friend, take a moment and pause before entering the second gate. This is a good time to look for wagging tails. If you have concerns of how many dogs there are waiting on the other side, it might be a good idea to exit this gate, and walk over to another one to enter. That will usually result in several of the dogs running off to find something more interesting to look at, and reduce the numbers.
When you are ready to open the second gate, take your dog off their leash. It is never a good idea to enter the main off-leash area with your dog being the only one on a leash. Your own dog can sense your emotions and nervousness through the leash, and may react defensively towards other dogs.
When your dog enters the off-leash area, it may appear that they will get surrounded. Don’t interpret this as them being in danger or your dog being attacked. Dogs are pack animals, and greet each other through thier noses first. The dogs will sniff each other, and some dogs take longer than others in their greetings. When they first meet each other, they do not have the same social barriers as humans. It is not uncommon to see five or six dogs or more sniffing the new arrival. Be patient. Don’t panic.
Once introductions are done, you will usually see your dog or another making a jump in each others direction signifying they want to play or engage in a chase. Some dogs will sniff your dog, and run off to play with others. Other dogs will come up to you and sniff you, or want you to pet them.
The dogs you can expect the most enegy from are typically the younger ones. However, energy levels can vary between breeds as well. A Border Collie for example will often appear to have endless energy chasing balls, and running around with other dogs, whereas a Basset Hound or a St. Bernard may not.
When you first arrive inside the enclosure, it is important to remain calm and observe what is happening around you. Wagging tails, and tails in the air are a good sign. Ears pinned back and tails down is often a sign of trouble. Be patient while your dog introduces themselves to the other dogs, and refrain from calling them until this initial introduction is over. It usually lasts for about 1-2 minutes, but it can take longer if there are a lot of dogs. You will find that most often once the dogs have had their sniff, they will respond with invitations to play, run, or just run off to do something else in the park.
After your dog has been to the dog park a few times, you will find that they get to know the other dogs that frequent the park, and thus introductions happen quicker. You will find that once your dog has visited the park, they will be most energetic and excited when they arrive the next time. They also will be tired, calm and much more manageable when they leave.
