Spend The Dog Days Of Summer At Prince William County Dog Parks

WOODBRIDGE, VA —They're called the "dog days of summer" for a reason, right? So why not take that pooch to the park to socialize and burn off some energy?

There are two dog parks in Prince William County. The first in the county was opened by Prince William County Animal Control and is located on its grounds at 14807 Bristow Rd in Manassas.

K-9 Gunner Dog Park is a community partnership that relys on volunteers for management.
The 46,000 square feet park is located at 13000 Minnieville Rd. in Woodbridge. Both parks are open from sunrise to sunset.

There are separate play areas for large and small dogs, but all dogs must be kept on leashes until they reached the fenced spaces.

"Some people bring the dogs so they have space to run while other people will arrange playdates and meet at the park," said Prince William County Animal Control Lt. Pauline Shatswell.

Manassas Park opened the city's first and only dog park in 2011 behind the Manassas Park Community Center at 99 Adams St. in Manassas Park. It is also up from sunrise to sunset.

Both county dog parks have been used this summer but no data is kept on how many people—be it two-legged or four—visit the parks.

There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting any dog park.

"Giving dog treats in the dog park is not advised," Shatswell said. "As it may lead to reactions from other dogs."

Owners should pay close attention to their dogs' mood and how it is reacting or acting with other dogs, she said.

Rules for dog parks in the county can be found here.

Manassas Park Dog Park rules are here.

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