Ideas needed for a new Dog Park

[Kimmy & Chewie]

I'm thinking of opening a new dog park in Thailand. Found a great space in a good location around 2 acres (8000 sqm) in size. The space was formerly a driving range so it has grass and sand bunkers as a starting base. This will be one of the first dog park in center of Bangkok.

I'd like to get your ideas and wish list to make it the best dog park.

Here're some of the things I've thought of so far...

• ›2-3 separated fenced areas for small and large dogs
• ›Multiple play area (e.g. grass, water and sand pit)
• ›Agility equipment (e.g. jumps, tunnels)
• ›Grooming/Dog wash station
• ›Free poop bags
• ›Waiting area/refreshments for owners (e.g. coffee shop on 2nd floor)

Revenue source

• ›Annual membership
• ›Monthly/Daily passes also available
• ›Income from coffee shop (food and drinks)

Thank you in advance for your great idea :)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Oh my goodness this is a dream come true!

You should have a place for owners to hang their leashes, and a doggie water fountain. I would also post signage about the rules, and have a doggie poop bag dispenser and a special disposal bin.

Good luck! If it works out, it will be just another reason why I should move to Thailand. :)

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Great ideas. Thanks Sherri. 

I hope it'll work out too. Looking forward to seeing you in Thailand :) 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Here is a link to a dog park in Cincinnati that sounds a little along the lines of the one you are thinking about.  Just thought it might give you some ideas.  We personally have not gone because of the lake/water feature.     For people with short haired dogs I guess that isn't really a problem, but for us it would mean two baths afterwards and I just don't always have the energy for two baths and comb outs in one day.  Well that and it is an hour from our house. They also hold dog rescue fundraisers and things of that nature at the park.  They also do temperment testing before you are allowed to join!  Good luck.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Lucy, I think you forgot to add the link :)

Thanks for the sharing your concerns about the water feature. Think I will put fence around water feature in area to address it. 

Temperament testing is a great idea.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

http://www.wagspark.com/

Sorry about that.  Here you go.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Wow the place looks amazing. Thanks for the link, Lucy.

[Diana Erhart]

One thing our dog park (which also has day care, boarding and grooming) does is that even if you only want to use the dog park you must provide proof of vaccinations. And they are very strict about it. It takes alot of the worry about whether or not your dog is going to contract something from other dogs. Alot of people I know (me included) only go to this dog park because of that one item.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Thanks Diana. I hope to do this too, but not sure how Thai dog owners will handle this. But will try to be strict.

[Christine & Shelby]

What a neat idea....

I thin Lucy and Sophie's concern about the water is valid... If I am not up for all the clean up - I take Shelby to the park without water. However, I would suggest leaving some grass around the water area.... Maybe a run for the fetch loving dogs who love to run and leap into the water.

For the doggie wash stations... I suggest they be elevated and use actual hoses. The doggy showers I have seen/used never have enough pressure to get the sand/dirt out of A longer coat.

So fun... Love the idea of concessions, but food and dogs concerns me. I know I always stop to get a big soda before we hit the dog park. :)

Let us know if you get this project off the ground.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Thanks for the great idea Christine. Especially about the washing station.

About the food, I don't think we'll allow food inside off-leash are of the park, but probably put the coffee shop outside (leashed area)

[Adina P]

Since it is membership only it is easier to enforce rules I think.  And screen dogs, provide ID cards for entrance or at least some kind of 'key' card or regular key so that not everyone can enter.  That's so cool!  I have an acquaintance in Thailand, though not in Bangkok.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Totally agree that member-only rule would help, but also want to allow people to try the park for shorter periods (e.g. daily/monthly basis). Especially when dog park in Thailand is still a very new concept.

In the US, do they screen dogs everytime dogs enter the park? Or is it just first time?