Oakland Dog
Owner's Group
4200 Park Blvd.
Box #129, Oakland, CA
94602
510-530-5030

Off leash, play spaces benefit dogs, humans and the larger community. And yes, there are financial benefits to dog parks, too.

Dog owners are "the eyes and ears" (and noses!) both on the street and in parks. Neighborhoods in other municipalities across America have reported that once a dog exercise area becomes established in a neglected area, street crime such as drug dealing or difficult social problems such as homeless encampments move out of the area.

Our volunteers believe in strong public partnerships.  O'Dog will assist in dog license drives and disseminate information on low-cost neutering services, vaccinations and other dog health matters.  Depending on the size of the exercise area, it could provide a location for canine behavior workshops and classes.

These exercise areas will finally open park recreation spaces for taxpayers who were previously excluded from using park areas with their dogs.

Exercise is good for the body and spirit. People who exercise their animals before and after work add to their levels of physical health, decrease their levels of stress and live longer and healthier lives.

Dog ownership enhances the urban living experience through the companionship and protection that dogs provide.  It's important to make play spaces available where urban dog owners and their companions are welcome.

Off leash areas provide lovely places for busy working people to gather together and establish friendships with other people. Fellowships forged over water bowls and tennis balls can create a special sense of connectedness and community.

Elderly and disabled citizens need easy access within their OWN community to exercise their pets and service dogs.

 
Neighbor, Paul (back), throws a BBQ for the Lagunitas and Euclid Ave. dogs and their Moms.

Pam watches her service dog, Jasmine, crawl out of the surf after a good swim at the dog run at Point Isabel.

Well exercised, happily socialized dogs are less likely to have behavior problems, all of which results in a decrease in the number of dogs given up to city animal shelters.

Unleashed spaces provide opportunities for our pups to become better urban dogs.  Interacting with canine peers and getting belly rubs from other friendly humans are important socialization opportunities.  Any vet will attest to the fact that the more a dog is socialized the less likely it will become a barker or a biter. Socialized dogs who spend time at unleashed dog areas will be more apt to consider a kind stranger coming to its aid as a friend it hasn't met yet.

Sweet Moments in a Multi-Use Park

Laura Rifkin (seated) beckons pup-dog "Pal" over to her for a slurppy kiss while the dog's human companion looks on. (Pt. Isabel, Richmond)

Kiss signed, sealed and
delivered!

Dog owners who are being forced to drive to neighboring communities to recreate with their dogs also spend their shopping dollars there.  Keeping dogs and their owners (who control the purse strings) in Oakland...keeps money in Oakland.

Our assisting in licensing and spay/neuter drives will result in direct savings to the city as fewer unwanted dogs and puppies will end up in shelters.

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