Davis Park Dog Run

2 separated parks with ponds for the dogs to swim. Cleaning station across the street.

There’s a gator in the big pond sometimes. Both runs are very well maintained and partially shaded. It’s worth the drive to let him play and cool down.

Great place for the pups to run around!!! All fenced in and very big! The only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the pond in the middle. Definitely a chance for gators. Be cautious!!!

It was Moose and I’s first visit to this dog park. It was also close to the beach so we wanted to check it out since we were already in the area. He had fun running around off-leash and playing with SOME dogs, but there isn’t a huge variety of things to do other than there being a bunch of tennis balls laying around and the large pond in the center.

And maybe we just came on a bad day, but it seems like a few owners don’t have a good grasp of their dogs’ temperaments but still choose to bring them in.

My dog is a mixed pitbull breed and I know there is a huge stigma around them that makes people feel nervous or cautious, but I’m confident in my dog’s behavior and I know he will listen to me when given a command. I also know he is well-socialized and is very loving and kind so I know he would not try to bring harm to anyone or anyone’s dog and I make sure other owners feel comfortable in our presence as I know he still LOOKS intimidating. That being said, he’s still a dog and even if chances are slim, they are not impossible. It is my responsibility as his human to keep him under my control especially in an open area where he can roam freely, and I know that I have that.

We witnessed an encounter between a retriever puppy and a different pitbull that was definitely not a playful interaction, but despite the signs, some owners will still wander into the fenced area with their dogs. The owner of the other pit originally tried to ensure me that his dog was just loud but then also mentioned she usually preferred the company of humans over dogs, and that posed as a red flag for me. Not to mention the dog was already reactive upon us arriving in the vehicle, and was not being entirely too welcoming to my dog’s invitations for play so we tried to stay further from them. Dogs normally mirror their owners as well, so you can tell when something’s shady… Shortly after, the previous scenario had taken place. Thankfully, the puppy was unharmed and found comfort with my dog and was able to at least have some play time after the scare.

There’s a reason why dog parks are meant to be off-leash destinations, and if you cannot respect the rules of the park or have control of your dog and take the initiative to relocate them after an incident, you should not be in there in the first place. In fact, if you already know your dog is reactive and not well-socialized, you should not be there.

Owners visiting need to be more responsible and understand their dog’s behaviors instead of trying to make an excuse for it. It’s obviously unfair to blame the breed, so if you are already aware that your dog displays reactive and territorial behaviors, that’s enough for you to know you shouldn’t be there.

Owners and dogs should not have to feel that their safety is at risk especially in a place where they are meant to have free and spirited fun. The location would have been much nicer otherwise. So, if you’re thinking of coming here or ANY dog friendly location, please make sure you have full control and full understanding of your dog.

– Happy travels! 🐾

Was initially nervous of alligators, but it is quite secure and there were many local owners who were not concerned and throwing balls in the water. Very handy to have a small fenced dog wash/rinse area in the parking lot.