Dog parks in Hamilton

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2012-01-14  |  DaveOntario

We just got a dog from the SPCA. We found the park very muddy. There was hardly any grass. There were owners with agressive dogs that should have not have had their dog there. We won't go back any time soon.

2012-01-06  |  Renee

Went to this part when we first moved to Hamilton. Found it to be extremely dirty, with unfriendly people and there is a very large wet area if you walk the trail. My dog developed a really awful skin condition that took many visits to the vet to clear up. Most importantly though, dog owners do not pick up after their dogs at this park. I am appalled that the Humane Society would condone such behaviour as this spreads sickness to otherwise healthy dogs. I won\'t be going back to this dog park again unless there are vast improvements.

2011-11-03  |  henry

Watch it guys , 2 people were given $130 fines for having their dogs off leash in warren park and sanctuary park within this month. I hear Russ powers has made a submission for a new park, with a water feature, in Dundas so lets all keep our fingers crossed!!

2011-08-02  |  RHONDA ALLEN

What happened to the days when you could take your dog out to the beach and let them cool off in the water. Is there any parks out there with a dog water park in hamilton or surrounding areas that dogs can cool off with out being fined. Lets make our dogs happy let them have some fun to

2011-01-26  |  Zoltan (site editor)

Response to "Anonymus" from Jan 25, 2011: I started screening comments in December 2010 so anything before that may have bits of content that may be offending to some - that's why I started the screening, because too many people submitted too much junk. So sorry if there are bad bits from the past, won't happen again.

As for the park, you are right, not everyone is neglectful in the park and it's wrong to jump to conclusions, although, based on the little experience I have with this park (3 or 5 visits only) I have to say it's definitely not a place I'm itching to visit with my dogs. Some dogs were rather territorial last time I was around to drop off stuff at the SPCA. But it's not the dogs' fault at all. Unfortunately Hamilton is not spoiled with many beautiful leash free parks and dog friendly places - especially now that Warren park is not a designated leash-free park anymore:( Anyway, thank you for your comment to let everyone know about the bright side of the SPCA park, I always appreciate feedback like yours.

2011-01-25

I'm also wondering how the comment re: Dartnall Dog Park in Hamilton about welfare bums and fat assess was seen as a useful comment in according to your crtieria - that it did not badmouth other. seriously? I think that one may have slipped through your screening process :)

2011-01-24

The Park next to the Hamilton SPCA isn't that bad, although I half heartedly refer to it as a bit of a tundra wasteland on the upper level. There needs to be trees and greenery and more things for the dogs to run through and jump on to play. But this you will find on the lower level of the park (trees, streams etc) It is no Warren Park -- far from it, but an option none the less. I'm sure there are some dysfunctional dog owners that go there. But for the most part, I have not had a bad experience there. I have to agree that people who go to the park and 'sit' not monitorring their dogs are neglectful to their dog and disrespectful to others-but you will find 'those people' anywhere you go. Not everyone who goes there is like that.

2010-10-18  |  Vaughn

Took my dog (4 month old) to Dartnall for the second time. The first time I went, most of the dogs where very playfully, but still aggressive. I did meet some nice people their who were very helful in some advise and sharing some of their stories and experiences. Unfortunately it appears that for the most part there seems to be a group that are there day in and day out. Their dogs are very aggressive and two of them attacked my dog on my second visit (never again). Needless to say all that the owners did was yell at their dog from a distance while they sat on their fat asses. They neither disaplined nor tried to remove their dog off mine. In summarry if you are a low life, lazy and perhaps a welfare bum that has no regard for others, this is the place for you.

2010-10-13  |  Wendy

After my dog got attacked (this was the second time) by another dog whose owner continued to sit, smoke and throw cigarette butts on the ground with the only comment "Dogs fight, so what" I left and will never return. I know that there are signs asking for people to leave aggressive dogs at home, but reading the sign and being considerate to others is something some people have a problem connecting in the thought process. Until aggressive dogs are out of parks everywhere, places like Dartnell will remain empty.

2010-07-23

I am In Warren park everyday, It is completely empty except for the pathetic neighbours who believe it is there job to patrol it, Where are all the residents who so desperately want to use this space. What a waste. I suggest all dog lovers send the city an email letting them know we want a space where our dogs can get excercise, and social interaction. Perhaps we need to have a day where all dog owners who enjoy the park could meet at the park and show Russ Powers how many votes he will not be getting.

2010-06-27  |  Angel

Great park for our dogs to run free. The only thing when you first enter there our some stones there they should be removed there is really no need for them as there is dirt under them, my dog was so excited when we arrived there he was running around having a great time, but he did hurt his front paw on the stones he cut it open other then the rocks great place to let your dog be himself and have fun!

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2012-01-26  |  S.

You cannot call a location a \"dog park\" if dogs must be on leash the entire time. that\'s the whole idea of a dog park, to allow the latters to run free and spend their energy. As soon as you decid to put the \"on leash\" policy, you have converted the \"Dog park\" into a pedestrian park.
Certainly you can still go, and walk with your dog, but that is all. Whether you walk around the so called dog park with on leash policy or walk around your block back home, it\'s the same thing!!!
A dog park MUST allow for off leash activities. Hence the necessity to put a fence around the \"dog park\" to control where the dogs may roam, but by all means, for Fido\'s sake, Grover\'s sake and all dogs out there sakes, let there be a park for them to run around and feel the freedom of the wind against their furry coats as they sprint away and back chasing a ball, a frisbee, their companion, or even just walking pleasantly along side their masters.
We, the people, need a \"dog park\" where our canine friends can roam and enjoy the outdoors without being pinned down by our sides on a leash at all times!

You try playing catch with a dog that\'s strapped to a leash!
you\'ll come to find it\'s not easy, not practical and definitely not pleasant!

You need to take everyone\'s concerns into consideration, yes, but you must not forget the initial intent of a dog park.

thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this will make its way to the proper eyes who possess the authority to make some changes!

2011-03-26

We were there last week and a person ( with their dog off leash) reveived a $133 ticket!! It is apparently only leash ON now year round.

2011-01-08  |  lross

Warren Park is now a LEASH ON dog park. 85% of LOCALS , many who have dogs of their own, signed a petition and presented to council proof of vet bills, dogs killing smaller animals such as rabbits and racoons. Something you may not see when you\'re only there for 1/2 hr. Hundreds of piles of \'poop\' left verywhere. It was a misplaced park, blame the locals if you must. It\'s called scapegoating.
yes, there should be more leash free parks - in the right locations. Do you want one beside you?

2010-10-20  |  Zoltan

Bye bye leash free Warren park. My dogs enjoyed swimming in the pond and playing with other dogs there. Sigh. People without animals get bitter and jealous of others who enjoy the company of dogs. So they complain and complain and complain and complain and complain and complain to the City and eventually the City shuts down the park. On the flip side, there are rude and inconsiderate dog owners too. But the solution is to get the a*holes out of the park, not to shut down the park.

2010-06-27  |  Angel

Today I was at this park and it was the worst experiance I have had in a long time, in the add it says leash FREE park. When we found a place in the park we felt in was safe to remove our dogs lease we did. Our dogs ran around and had a great time, we saw a elderly women coming with her small dog so we put ours back on the leads. The elderly women stopped and spoke with us and said it was a beautiful day then we decided to leave. We got up to the exit where a women come out of her house Screaming at us saying it is not a leash free park and she said she had us on Video and was going to turn the video over to the police, she was very rude. This was our first and last time at this park.I think this women should stand there with a sign \"NO DOGS ALLOWED\" It is to bad for animals there are people like her in this world!

2010-06-03  |  Fatcat

Somebody up ^ there (in Hamilton, @ City Hall) really hates animals. The proposed dog legislation that would have limited all pets in a household to 3, no matter what your situation, or yard size failed.
(I would like to find out who authored this legislation.)

The few leash frees are being limited or closed every year. Dundas had 3 L.F's., before amalgamation with Hamilton. Now they will probably loose another one. Re-location huh? 'Believe it when I see it!
Even though there are large areas of Conservation Authority Land available, none of it will likely ever be considered for L.F.'s, & Warren Park is being "relocated" because it is proximity to Conservation lands. People claim to have spoken to Hamilton C.A. in the past. Some members were in favour, until it was discussed with others on the board. Then it was then shot down.

Leash Frees & Dog Parks are a no-go in the Greater Hamilton Area, unless something changes at the next election.

2010-04-28  |  Jane

This park is not open to leash free dogs from May 31 to second tuesday in September. It abuts conservation lands, is not fenced and is within an ESA ( Environmentally Significant Area) - which is against City policy. Will loose it's leash free status and be re-located as of the summer 2010.

2010-04-09  |  Laura

I have walked in Warren Park for several years now, it is a great park for dogs. It is very much needed! It is also far enough away from the road once inside for dogs and owners not to have to worry about dogs running freely! It will be very sad if the city takes it away, as an off leash running zone for dogs!

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It doesn't have to be an "official" off-leash park, any dog friendly area has its place on our website. If you feel comfortable taking your dog there and have good experiences then we want to hear about the place! Thank you all for the updates.