Parks & Recreation Department

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

 

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Canine Recreation

Contact: Lorita Dudus (919) 560-4355, ext. 27220, 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!

Durham Opens New Dog Park

Pre event: August 20 | Official Opening: September 14

Pre-Dog Park Opening

Pet Vaccination event
Saturday, August 20
10 a.m. – noon
Location: Gravel lot at the corner of Elliott and Roxboro streets

Dog Park Grand Opening

Downtown Durham Dog Park
Wednesday, September 14
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Corner of Elliott and Roxboro streets

Dogs must be registered with Durham Parks and Recreation to play in the dog park.


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:

  • Small dog area: For dogs 15 inches and smaller, 30 pounds and under
  • Large dog area: For dogs 15 inches and taller, 30 pounds and over
  • Program area: This area is open to all, but also can be used for special playgroups or an organized activity. For information, call 560-4355, ext 27220
  • Lagniappe (Cajun for something extra): A smaller version of the program area where a dog(s) can be taken if they need a ‘time out’ or one on one time is needed with him/her. This area is open to all.

Amenities:

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

Downtown Durham Dog Park


A ‘paw-ket’ park located at Roxboro and Elliott streets.

Amenities:

  • Separate areas for small and large dogs
  • Benches
  • Waste Bag Dispenser

*Please note, this park is maintained by the local neighborhood. All trash, including dog waste must be removed when leaving the park

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 inches and taller, 30 pounds and over
  • "PUP Pen": A fenced in area specifically for small dogs, 15 inches and smaller, 30 pounds and under

Amenities:

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

Canine Obedience Classes

Registration Form

DPR offers a series of obedience classes that benefit the relationship between people and their four-legged companions.

Information for all classes:
Classes are held at the Durham Armory, 212 Foster St.
Classes are on Wednesdays.
Class dates may be subject to change.
Registration and payment must be completed one week prior to the first class.
There is a limit of eight dogs per class, a minimum of four registrations are required for classes not to be canceled.
Dogs with aggression issues are not accepted. Call (919) 560-4355, ext 27220 for consult.

Please bring the following to class:

  • 6 ft nylon or leather leash
  • Buckle/snap collar or gentle leader
  • 8 oz pea size moist treats
  • Favorite toy

Puppy Class

Age: puppies 12 weeks to six months
Vaccination requirements: Distemper/Parvo (2); bordetella (kennel cough)

Enrolling your puppy early in obedience training helps establish proper behavior and possibly avoiding future unwanted issues.

Get your puppy off on the right paw with classes that encourage good behavior while helping you establish a strong bond with your new best friend.

Key topics include: introduction to simple cues (sit, come, and stay); basic manners; socialization with people and other dogs; and tips on puppy health, grooming and nutrition.

Class Sessions

  • Fall 2011: September 7, 2011 – October 12, 2011; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Spring 2012: March 14, 2012 – April 25, 2012 (no class April 11); 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Beginner

Age: Dogs 6 months and older
Vaccination requirements: Rabies, Distempter/Parvo and Bordetella (kennel cough)

Basic obedience training provides the proper foundation of learning which builds confidence and helps correct problems in the home.

Key topics include: reinforcement of common on-leash commands such as heel, sit, down, stay and come.

Class Sessions

  • Summer 2011: July 13, 2011 - August 24, 2011 (no class Aug 10); 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Fall 2011: September 7, 2011 - October 12, 2011; 7:30 p.m. – 8: 30 p.m.
  • Winter 2012: January 11, 2012 - February 15 2012; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Spring 2012: March 14, 2012 – April 25, 2012 (no class April 11); 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Summer 2012: May 9, 2012 – June 13, 2012; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Introduction to Canine Good Citizen

Age: dogs 6 months and older
Vaccination requirements: Rabies, Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella (kennel cough)

In this class, you and your dog will build upon the 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 you and your dog for the test.

Obedience requirements: Your dog should reliably sit, stay, heel and come. Training treats can be used during class. At the end of the session, if you believe that your dog is prepared to take the CGC test, that option will be offered. Treats may not be used during the test.

Please note: The CGC test is performed by an outside source. There is a separate fee of $10 that is paid directly to the evaluator.

Class Sessions

  • Summer 2011: July 13, 2011 - August 24, 2011 (no class Aug 10); 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Winter 2012: January 11, 2012 - February 15 2012; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Summer 2012: May 9, 2012 – June 13, 2012; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Fees

Registration and payment must be completed one week prior to the first class.

City Residents:
    Play More Card holder:  $70
    Non Play More Card holder:  $77

Non City Residents:
    Play More Card holder:  $80
    Non Play More Card holder:  $92

Registration Options
Mail-in: Completed form, vaccination history and payment to:
    City of Durham
    Department of Parks and Recreation
    Attention: Canine Obedience
    101 City Hall Plaza
    Durham, NC 27701