Quality Time

Thea's buddy Rizzo invited her to to check out Dairy Ridge Dog Run and we had so much fun that I took my trio back!

The park has been around for a while, but I had previously avoided this one since their original park, Dog Park #1, runs along the road, very similar to my place. Given Ojai's fence running and wild banshee screaming, I saw no reason to distress another communities' cyclists and pedestrians. Though, shout out to the cyclists who "race" Ojai and call out who won the sprint. Very American Flyers.

Anyhoo, Dog Park #2 at Dairy Ridge is new! This one is set back off the road. At this time of year, the surrounding corn field makes for a wonderful visual block to have a truly stress-free experience with the whole gang.

There is ample open space for Thea to get her long distance sprints on, various obstacles to climb and crawl, multiple seating areas for the humans to take it all in, and an awesome doggy pool/splash pad deck to get refreshed and ready to repeat! I love the security of the entrance. You walk through a shed with the ability to lock the door behind you to ensure that no one would "accidentally" join you (if you're a frequent private dog park goer...it's rare, but it happens!) It's a great 'piece of mind' feature. The shed has toys and a cot to use, too. Walk out the back door of the shed and you're on an adorable porch, overlooking the entire play space. It's perfect for setting up your water bowl and dropping off your unneeded items like leash, keys, etc.

The environment is super clean, country calm, and far from boring. Large flocks of

birds feeding in the fields would occasionally take flight, which could excite some of our pups. It seemed that only Thea noticed the cows. There was someone working (it is an active farm), and the gang definitely exchanged a "do we care?" glance. Taking their lead from Ojai, who, like a retiree on vacation, settled onto the pool deck to take it all in; a signal to the others that we, in fact, do not care at all.

Things to note: It's a functioning farm and a home, so there is real life happening. While there are some gently shaded areas, it's a warm and sunny spot, so gear up appropriately. There are 2 doggy waste stations. The park is on a slight hill, very manicured, nice, even grassy terrain. You cannot see Dog Park #1 from Dog Park #2. And, despite park #1 being active during both of my visits, I didn't hear them, either. According to the rules posted, you can bring up to 5 dogs. When you purchase your visit online, there are packages available, which offer a really nice per visit discount.

So, why a private dog park? Obviously, dogs who aren't candidates for the public dog parks need a place to feel safe and play. However, I urge everyone to expand their view and value of these private havens. Even for dogs who dig the dog park, the intense social interaction can be a lot and a lot-a lot day in and day out. It's a great place to train, in particular for dogs working through some stuff that you just cannot control at a public dog park - like sharing resources, playing ball (I'm sure you've seen how that goes awry at dog parks), jumping on people, recall, etc. It's also a wonderful way to have a playdate with just one special friend, perfect for dogs who are aging or recovering from injury. And, even for dogs like mine, who have their own acreage to enjoy daily. Who wants to play in the same spot day after day? Not me. Not them.

Dairy Ridge Dog Run gets double high paws from me and the gang. I'll definitely be checking out Dog Park #1 sans Ojai. They also have an indoor park that looks like the answer to terrible winter weather, too.

It's safe, super fun, booking is a breeze, it's an economical outing, and quiet time in the country with your dog is good for the soul.

Have you been? Are you planning to go in the near future?