Where can I let my dogs run off leash? In NW DC, not a dog park

[Anonymous]

I have two dogs and a small kid. Dogs are antisocial at the dog park, but need off leash time once a week to get their energy out. We used to go to Glencarlyn dog park in Arlington because the dogs aren't all on top of each other, but have moved into NW DC, Petworth specifically. Any hole in the wall places or other dog friendly spots I can take them (and preferably the kid, though that's not essential)?

[Anonymous]

Sorry, op but I don't know anywhere legally you can do this. Personally, if your dogs are antisocial why would you trust that they wouldn't attack another dog or person? Find a friend with a big back yard and ask them!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, op but I don't know anywhere legally you can do this. Personally, if your dogs are antisocial why would you trust that they wouldn't attack another dog or person? Find a friend with a big back yard and ask them!

OP here - antisocial as in shy, they cling to us and don't run around. Perfectly friendly city dogs otherwise! We don't have anyone with a big back yard unfortunately, hence the post. I'm willing to drive 20-30 minutes, but probably not further.

[Anonymous]

You'll have to do better than that, OP. You can exercise dogs perfectly well on leash.

These dogs do not appear to have been properly socialized as puppies, hence the anxiety around strangers you see now.

You need to train them to come reliably, sit, stay, down, etc. This is because if their fear makes them aggressive in the future, you need to have the most control you possibly can over the situation.

So daily training.

I've seen unleashed dogs in Rock Creek Park, and basically every other park and trail out there. Prepare yourself to get nasty looks from some, and if your dogs run away, it will be your fault.

[Anonymous]

My dog runs loose everyday...in my big backyard in the burbs!

[Anonymous]

Take up running OP. Child is in the running stroller and dogs are on the lease next to you. That's what I do at least

[Anonymous]

Not legal, but we (and many others) would let our dogs run off leash in the area of the Klingle valley access road that is now a trail. There is a field up by the Washington international school off the trail (but that isn't owned by the school) that is a good place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not legal, but we (and many others) would let our dogs run off leash in the area of the Klingle valley access road that is now a trail. There is a field up by the Washington international school off the trail (but that isn't owned by the school) that is a good place.

Perfect, thank you!

Agree about the jogging, but I have an old injury that running aggravates. Good solution otherwise though

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not legal, but we (and many others) would let our dogs run off leash in the area of the Klingle valley access road that is now a trail. There is a field up by the Washington international school off the trail (but that isn't owned by the school) that is a good place.

Perfect, thank you!

Agree about the jogging, but I have an old injury that running aggravates. Good solution otherwise though

Meyer Elementary on Sherman. Or one of Howard's fenced fields--probably the softball diamond.

You're risking enforcement, though. You're really better off driving to one of Arlington's fenced fields, probably in Crystal City.

[Anonymous]

If you lived in NYC, Central Park or Prospect Park before 9 a.m. More enlightened leadership up there.

[Anonymous]

not in NW, but Congressional Cemetery. I think there's a wait list though.

[Anonymous]

Hire a dog walker or just take frequent leash walks with your kid.

Keep training your dogs for socialization b/c they can still get into scraps with other dog who are on a leash or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
You'll have to do better than that, OP. You can exercise dogs perfectly well on leash.

I've seen unleashed dogs in Rock Creek Park, and basically every other park and trail out there. Prepare yourself to get nasty looks from some, and if your dogs run away, it will be your fault.

Please do not do this. There is a public stable in RCP and off leash dogs can scare horses on the trail easily. A friend was seriously injured when her horse was spooked by an off leash dog. You and your dog could also be injured (even killed) by a flighty horse.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for the additional suggestions, all. They are not aggressive and do fine at the dog park, just don't like to socialize and cling to their humans. Somewhere with other dogs is fine, just not the rowdy dynamic of the dog park.

Wouldn't do Rock Creek Park, especially with two dogs, because I wouldn't feel certain about handling a worst case scenario (like encountering an aggressive dog).

Would love any other suggestions about hole in the wall spots. We used to take them to an elementary school and I would help the maintenance guys pick up trash while the dogs romped (DCPS employees knew the dogs' names, so I think it was okay) but they've locked all of the DCPS school gates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for the additional suggestions, all. They are not aggressive and do fine at the dog park, just don't like to socialize and cling to their humans. Somewhere with other dogs is fine, just not the rowdy dynamic of the dog park.

Wouldn't do Rock Creek Park, especially with two dogs, because I wouldn't feel certain about handling a worst case scenario (like encountering an aggressive dog).

Would love any other suggestions about hole in the wall spots. We used to take them to an elementary school and I would help the maintenance guys pick up trash while the dogs romped (DCPS employees knew the dogs' names, so I think it was okay) but they've locked all of the DCPS school gates.

No, it's not.