It’s fun to be a dog in and around Weatherford, TX.  There are plenty of fun activities for your dog and you to do whether you’re living in Weatherford or cities around Weatherford like Hudson Oaks, Willow Park, Aledo, Brock, Annetta, or Peaster.  

If you just moved to North Texas and you’re looking for a dog park for your pooch to burn off excess energy, here are Russell Feed’s favorite spots: 

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks near Weatherford, TX

We found Patsy Hooks Dog Park at Heritage Park to not only be the best dog park in the Weatherford, TX area but one of the best dog parks in all of the  Fort Worth area. 

A couple other things to note about Patsy Hooks Dog Park:

- It's closed on Wednesdays for maintenance.

- Dog park hours are from sunrise to sundown.

See Photos of Patsy Hooks Dog Park at Heritage Park:

 On-Leash Parks near Weatherford, TX:

To be on the safe side when you take your dog to the park, you need to:

Scoop the Poop

Dog waste left in the parks is no bueno. It can also carry parasites which could hurt other dogs. 

Clean up after your dog and properly dispose of their waste to avoid any issues. 

Aggressive Dogs at the Park

If your pet has behavioral and aggression issues around other dogs or other people, seek assistance from a professional dog trainer before exploring the off-leash dog park. The last thing an owner wants is to be on the hook for an unwarranted bite coming from your pet. 

Get Rabies-Vaccinated

Dogs can transmit rabies through biting. A bite from a dog with rabies can be incredibly dangerous. Having your dog vaccinated for rabies prevents the transmission of the deadly virus to dogs and humans. 

State law requires that all dogs be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age.

Leave Dogs in Heat at Home

Male dogs can smell pheromones produced by a female dog in heat from miles away. Male dogs -- especially in groups -- can fight over female dogs that are in heat leading to nasty conflicts at the dog park. 

In addition, you do not want your canine to get pregnant from a stranger dog at the dog park. Love is love but we always like to prioritize family planning if at all possible. 

It's best to neuter and spay your pets to reduce the risks of pregnancy and other health complications. 

Stay Safe

Leave the Puppies at Home

Your puppy’s immune system is not yet fully developed, and they could collect infectious diseases from the dog park, like the ‘puppy killer,’ parvovirus. 

Vets recommend taking puppies to the park only after they’ve had their first round of shots, usually around 16 weeks.

Be Careful with Kids 

Dog parks are for dogs to run, play, burn off excess energy, and just be dogs. An overly energetic and out of control dog may knock down and injure your child or other children at the park. 

While your kid may be good with pets at home, new dogs may misinterpret your kid’s enthusiasm and react with aggression. It’s important to keep your kids close and be very careful around new dogs. 

 Keep Your Leash in Hand

Keep your dog on a leash until you enter the off-leash area.

Don’t Bring Food to the Park

Most dog parks prohibit food inside the off-leash area. Even if the rules aren’t explicit, it’s wise to keep food away from the dogs. 

Dogs may become excited at the smell of human food and gang up on each other to fight over the helpings. Bringing food to a dog park can lead to conflict, fighting, and biting, and it’s best, if possible, to avoid.

Ask for Permission Before Interacting

No matter how friendly a dog seems to be, always get the okay from the pet owner before petting the animal. A dog owner will warn you if their dog is aggressive or does not like to be touched by strangers. 

Also, if you’d like your pet to play and be friends with another dog at the park, make sure it’s ok with the owner. Some dog owners are not comfortable with bigger dogs playing with their dogs and vice-versa. It’s always a good idea to ask first. 

Your Weatherford Dog Park Checklist 

You and Buddy are now ready to have a ball at Weatherford’s parks and dirt trails.

What should you pack?

We have everything ready for you at Russell Feed and Supply to make your dog’s park experience smooth.

Here’s your checklist:

• Leash
• Collar with ID Tag
• Poo Bags (for on leash parks)
• Water bottle and bowls (for on leash parks)
• Finally, bring your best attitude, ready to experience the fun of Weatherford’s on and off-leash areas.