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 :)

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Tennis balls and other toys are a great idea! Thanks Suzanne.

Wooded area is also a great idea, but not sure if we have enough space for that.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Here is a link to a Park we have in Jacksonville, FL.. http://www.jaxdogs.com/about.html 

They do have per day rates of $11.00 for the 1st dog + 1.25 each additional dog if you do not have a membership. They do have a hose to rinse off your dog for free but they also have elevated self service washing stations inside where they provide you with shampoo and an apron to cover your clothes, and the use of dryers but that is all for a fee. They have a small gift shop that sells t-shirts, mugs, and items for dogs like antlers and wet wipes.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Thais are not so good with self-service things. They don't even fill-up their own gas! Petrol stations have attendants to fill-up and collect payment for you.

I'm worried that most dog owners will not be able to or not willing to wash their own dogs. Might have to charge small fee for proper wash/blowdry by DP staff

Thanks Lori

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I have always wanted to open an indoor/outdoor park like that here in Denver. We don't have anything like that. Just regular dog parks maintained by municipalities or then paid daycares that are small. Good luck with your project. Once you get it done in Thailand, come over to Colorado and we can open one here together. :-)

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Thanks Jarka. International expansion sounds very ambitious. See you in Colorado in say... 2020? LOL

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I'll join you! That gives me 7 years to prepare!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I think Colorado rules for doggie daycare are 15 dogs per one person for supervision. I'm not sure everyone enforces that.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Here's the picture of the site as it is right now. As you can see it's the land is pretty big, so in first phase, i'm only going to use part of it...to save cost on rent and fences. 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

it's huge. Good for you! I hope there's plenty of parking ;-)

[Kimmy & Chewie]

yes, there's plenty of parking :)

[Jen and Annie]

Very cool! It looks like an awesome place. I can think of a few ameneties. Bi-weekly flea/tick treatment of the land to kill off any eggs/bugs that might be landing in the sand/grass. Even better if you can do it 'green' or with less chemicals.

You could also sell a few dog items in your coffee shop, like bandanas, flashy collars, towel "rentals" (if owner forgets their own for the 'wash station), doggy ice cream, dog treats (for on the way out - treats inside a dog park are bad idea!).

Keep us posted, this is a cool idea!~

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Thanks for all the great idea, Jen. 

Question about the treats in dog parks. What if you want to train your dog inside the park and want to give treats? 

I have no experience with DP etiquette, is that also not allowed?