Dog Parks

Dog Parks
We are lucky enough to have 8 off leash areas here in Bellingham. They all have their good and bad points, here are just a few things worth mentioning.

Blodel Donavan: Nice group of dogs who go regularly. The group is maintained well by some regulars (two legged) that will keep dogs and people in line. Good for well behaved dogs, but expect to be “called out” if your dog is not a good pup! Note the off leash times: During daylight hours from October 1 to April 30 and until 10:00 am from May 1 to September 30.

Lake Padden: Only fully fenced area in Bellingham. Because of that you are going to get dogs that can’t be trusted in an open area without a fence. If they have poor boundary manners there is a good chance they have other issues as well. Dogs tend to be over ruley there and people tend to “check out” while chatting on their cell phones or socializing with people more than their dogs. Area does have a fenced small dog area, which is rare. This park has 4 entrances. If you are new use the entrance in the back near the horse trails. Never enter near the bathrooms if there is a big crowd of people and dogs.

Fairhaven: Two main areas, the large field and area near the water. This is inside the sewage treatment plant. Wonderful area, but a bit too close to the railroad track for me (if near the water) Due to its proximity to the college, it tends to get a lot of young people. Not a bad thing, but be aware of young college kids and out of control dogs.

Arroyo Park: All Trails are off leash, for dogs and horses… we aware of lots of horse poop and lots of hills. A favorite for mountain biking too.

Sunset Pond: All trails plus the water are designated for water exercise and training area. This too is a bit too close to the road for my liking, but great water area for doggie swimmers.
Sehome Hill Arboretum: All secondary trails are off leash, Dogs must be on leashes on all paved trails plus the Jersey Street and Arboretum Walkway which are the two trails at the bottom of the Arboretum abutting the University campus. Nice area, some trails can get pretty narrow so make sure your dog is good at passing other dogs off leash. Sometimes there is no room to move off to the side of the trail.

Little Squalicum Park: All Trails are off leash (Note - Little Squalicum Creek may contain hazardous chemical which may be harmful to animals- so I never recommend this area.
Whatcom Falls: A great area. The Waterline Trail (south of Whatcom Creek) west of the Water Treatment Plant to Bayview Cemetery and the trail from the Waterline Trail south to Lakeway- is all off leash. Nice secondary trail to the right after the Bayview Cemetery junction. Careful of the drop off to the right, near the Falls.

Although we are advocates for good dogs at dog parks, we never recommend a pup attend a dog park until after 7 months of age. Dogs are far too impressionable and its too risky who they may run into at the dog park, so it’s important to make sure your dog is behaviorally sound before attending. Think of it this way: if your puppy hangs out with other good puppies and dogs then they will be a good dog, but if they hang out with a bunch of juvenile delinquents ( just who you might run into at the dog park) they too will become little stinkers too.
Only you are your dogs advocate, its up to you to set them up to succeed.