Dear Friends,
Arlington County Parks Department has asked us to survey park users to ascertain the level of interest in establishing a separate small-dog area at Madison Community Canine Area. At this time, it has not been determined how a section designated for small dogs would be defined, or even if the park is large enough to support such a feature. Further preliminary discussions will depend on the results of this survey, among other factors.
It can be hard for some people to find a place for small dogs, timid dogs, and puppies to practice social skills and play off-leash. To meet this need, Arlington already provides three such areas within the dog parks at Banneker, Tower, and Shirlington. Woofs, a private business, provides free weekly ‘puppy parties’ for the express purpose of socializing dogs under the age of 6 months. There are also several meet-up groups that arrange playdates for groups of small dogs in fenced backyards and dog parks. Some small dogs are comfortable enough to play with larger dogs; however, it may be helpful in some cases for large dogs and small dogs to be separated. (Of course, puppies who are not yet fully vaccinated are not allowed in the dog park at all.)
With the goal of creating an inclusive community for all dogs while minimizing the impact upon existing users, we are trying to find out if there is enough interest to propose that the County create a separate space for small dogs by carving out an area of the existing Madison CCA. We welcome your participation in this survey and ask that you respond by February 1, 2017.
Madison CCA Sponsor Group
Arlington County Parks Department has asked us to survey park users to ascertain the level of interest in establishing a separate small-dog area at Madison Community Canine Area. At this time, it has not been determined how a section designated for small dogs would be defined, or even if the park is large enough to support such a feature. Further preliminary discussions will depend on the results of this survey, among other factors.
It can be hard for some people to find a place for small dogs, timid dogs, and puppies to practice social skills and play off-leash. To meet this need, Arlington already provides three such areas within the dog parks at Banneker, Tower, and Shirlington. Woofs, a private business, provides free weekly ‘puppy parties’ for the express purpose of socializing dogs under the age of 6 months. There are also several meet-up groups that arrange playdates for groups of small dogs in fenced backyards and dog parks. Some small dogs are comfortable enough to play with larger dogs; however, it may be helpful in some cases for large dogs and small dogs to be separated. (Of course, puppies who are not yet fully vaccinated are not allowed in the dog park at all.)
With the goal of creating an inclusive community for all dogs while minimizing the impact upon existing users, we are trying to find out if there is enough interest to propose that the County create a separate space for small dogs by carving out an area of the existing Madison CCA. We welcome your participation in this survey and ask that you respond by February 1, 2017.
Madison CCA Sponsor Group
