Parks & Recreation Department

·Canine Recreation
·Obedience Classes
·Canine Good Citizen
·Park Fees and Registration
·Park Rules and Regulations
·Petiquette
Jake Coates enjoys the Durham Dog Park

Canine Recreation

Contact: Lorita Dudus (919) 560-4355, ext. 220, durhamdogpark@durhamnc.gov

Dog Parks

Check out what every dog's been barking about!

Dog owners represent a large (and growing!) segment of the community. And while regular leash walks provide a level of exercise that promotes good dog health, access to open space for off-leash play and socialization is equally important. The Durham Dog Parks are multifunctional facilities designed to offer a safe and controlled environment for dogs and their owners.

Enjoy the parks!

Pineywood Park:

One Park, four separate fenced in areas!

Pineywood Park is located at the intersection of Woodcroft Parkway and Woodlake Drive. The park consists of more than three acres of land.

The four enclosed areas are:

  • Large dog area: For dogs 15" and taller, 30 lbs and over
  • Program area: This area is open to all, but also can be used for special playgroups or an organized activity. For information, please call 560-4355 ext 220.
  • Lagniappe (Cajun for something extra): A smaller version of the program area where if your dog(s) needs a 'time out' or if you would like to work one on one with him/her. This area is open to all.

Amenities:

  • Water fountains
  • Mutt mitt dispensers/waste receptacles
  • Benches
  • Kiosk

Northgate Park:

Northgate Park is located off of Lavender Ave. (the old Jaycee ball field)

Two enclosed areas:

  • "BIG Dog Field": The original ball field: Fenced in area for big dogs 15" and taller, 30 lbs and over
  • "PUP Pen": A fenced in area specifically for small dogs, 15" and smaller, 30 lbs and under

Amenities:

  • Water fountains
  • Mutt mitt dispensers/waste receptacles
  • Benches
  • Kiosk
The DPR Ambassador

Canine Obedience Classes

Puppy Class - Age(s): 12 weeks - 6 months

6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Class limit of six for fall session
Class limit of eight for winter, spring and summer sessions

This class will introduce your pet to basic skills and the importance of house training, socialization and an introduction to basic commands.
Immunization requirements: two Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella

Basic Beginner - Age(s): 6 months and older

7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Class limit of six for fall session
Class limit of eight for winter, spring and summer sessions

This class will reinforce your pet to controlled walking and basic commands such as "Sit," "Down," "Stay," "Come," and "Don’t jump."
Immunization requirements: two Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella and Rabies

Dogs with aggression problems are not accepted (Call 560-4355, ext. 220 for consultation).

Please note the first class is a combined lecture course. The lecture will review techniques and answer questions pertaining to both Puppy and Basic Obedience classes. The lecture is approximately two hours in duration. Please do not bring your dog to this class.

Advanced Obedience Class (fall and spring sessions only)

8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Class limit of six for fall session
Class limit of eight for spring session

In this class, you'll build upon basic obedience skills to learn more solid staying, heeling and recalls in a distracting environment. Although the focus will not be on the Canine Good Citizen test, some of the class exercises, activities and games will help prepare dogs and handlers for that test.

Prerequisites: Your dog should be able to reliably perform the sit, down, stay, heel and come commands in a non-distracting environment. Training collars and treats can be used during class.

Canine Good Citizen (winter and summer sessions only)

8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Class limit of six for winter and summer sessions

The CGC is a certification program administered by the American Kennel Club. It is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test receive a certificate from the AKC. Prerequisite: This is an advanced obedience class so your dog should be able to reliably perform the sit, down, stay, heel and come commands before you attend the first class. Training collars and treats can be used during class but are not allowed during the CGC test. Please note: The CGC test is performed by an outside source. There is a separate $10 fee that will need to be paid directly to the evaluator. Please do not add this amount to the course fee. The first class is a lecture class - no dogs. The class will review techniques and answer questions. The lecture is approximately one hour.

Please note that class dates subject to change.

 

Class Schedule

Fall 2008

Wednesdays - Sept. 10 - Oct. 29
Location: Forest Hills Recreation Center
1639 University Drive

Winter 2009

Wednesdays - Jan. 14 - Mar. 4
Location: Durham Armory
220 Foster Street

Spring 2009

Wednesdays - Mar. 18 - May 6
Location: Durham Armory
220 Foster St

Summer 2009

Wednesdays - May 27 - July 15
Location: Durham Armory
220 Foster St

Class Fees:

$70 City Residents - $87.50 Non-City Residents

Registration must be completed prior to the first class. Registration may be done in person or by mail.

 

Canine Obedience Registration Form

Dogs with aggression problems are not accepted. (Call 560-4355, ext. 220 for consultation.)