56 reviews for Alameda Small Dog Park
56 reviews in English
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Review from Annie G.
Oakland, CA
4/5/2012
Not to be a bitch (get it?), but if you go to the Alameda Small Dog Park you most likely sit by yourself and have your small dog on your lap. What's the point? Or alternatively, you chat another small dog owner up while your small dog has an epileptic fit by the fence separating the two parks.
My 15 pound Guatemalan street dog handles herself at the Alameda Big Dog Park. And since there's no Yelp page for the ABDP, I'm going to just unleash my emotions here. This dog park is super rad. It's HUGE and there's like 3 different terrains. I've affectionately named one area "Dog Shit Island." Another area is "Dog Shit Forest." My only issue is that sometimes there's some crazy Alameda ladies there. One time this amazing Golden Retriever ran up to me and my dad so we started petting it, and this fucking lunatic starts screaming "Don't pet him! Don't pet him!" She runs over to us and explains that he's too dominate and has to learn respect. I called her a Nazi and moved on. Another time a lady told me not to let my dog drink from a puddle. A) Dogs do whatever they want; B) My dog is a Guatemalan street dog and she's used to way worse. So fuck off.
But this place is pretty great. From inside the dog park I point to the squirrels and geese and my dog goes nuts. She's a killer. And she shits in the same place each time. It's adorable. -
Review from Natalie W.
Oakland, CA
3/24/2012
I love this dog park! And so does my little puppy Bebe. Everytime I pull into the driveway, she starts going crazy! She wants to jump out of the car and run to the gate. She absolutely loves playing with other dogs. She usually finds a playmate and starts wrestling.
People I usually talk to are friendly, however there is usually a circle of older folks sitting around with their dogs, and they don't pick up after their dogs. I would appreciate it if people actually watched their dogs -_- Most people do, though.
Anyway, I like the location, and I love how she comes home tired and just falls right asleep. It's so cute to watch dogs play. I have yet to see a fight break out..haha -
Review from Grace y.
Alameda, CA
1/12/2012
I love bringing my lil guys here. They love it here too. The dogs here are usually pretty friendly and not aggressive so its perfect for my lil 5 pounder. The people here are responsible and picks up after their dog.
Minus 1 star because as a previous reviewer stated, there are way too many fox tails.
But besides that, its really nice here. -
Review from Kevan M.
4/18/2012
I was underwhelmed after visiting this park. It's a relatively small fenced in area that was packed with small dogs on the day I went. We plopped down on some plastic chairs and chatted with other owners while the boys ran around frantically making lots of friends. Unfortunately, they didn't have the outright freedom they get at other nearby parks (Cesar Chavez & Isabel). I guess if your dog is uncomfortable around larger dogs, it's good to be fenced off from them but that's not usually an issue for us. Also there were some less-than-friendly dogs there that made me slightly uncomfortable. If I'm in the area, I'd return but it's not worth going out of your way to go here.
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Review from Julia P.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2012
We were looking for a small dog park because our new rescue pup is new to socialization and does better with other little guys but the small dog park was empty when we got there around 4 on a weekday.
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Review from Amy V.
Oakland, CA
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
LOCATION: good location, although it's a little irritating when all the softball/baseball people park in our parking lot -__-
plus you can always walk the beach
NOTES: There is fresh water and water balls&toys, plenty of space. There is a small dog park and a large dog park and all of the dog owners are really respectful of that, unlike the Castro valley dog park. I have also tried the dog park in Union City and although there was a little Obstacle Coarse, there isn't much space for the small dogs for my crazy terrier who loves to run. -
Review from Mindy C.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2012
Went on a Saturday afternoon. I love that it's really close to the beach, just wish pups were allowed on the beach. Great place! Chelsea (dog) and I enjoyed!!
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Review from Eva Y.
6/6/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Very nice dog park with combination of sand and grass. I guess it's hard to have grass at this site because of its proximity to the beach. In any case, there are always friendly dog owners at this park and doggies for my dogs to play with. When it's sunny out, this park does get pretty warm though.
There are a couple of water bowls but I would bring my own since I am not familiar with how the water gets replenished. -
Review from Mary P.
Oakland, CA
12/6/2010
Pupcake likes it. She likes to roll in the sand and dig holes. She likes to run in circles. She likes to run next to the fence with the big dogs. She likes to play with the other small dogs. She likes the humans. She actually poops when she is here, thankfully saving my yard from her dog bombs.
I've read that others have a difficult time chatting with other owned humans. I just go up to folks and say, 'Hi, your dog is cute.' Or 'Which pup is yours?'. I am here to have my dog work off some of her prodigious energy not meet my soulmate. I have been fortunate to chat with some very nice people though. Perhaps I don't go often enough to notice any owner cliques.
I know the day is fast approaching my lil' darling outgrows the little dog park and must head over the fence to hang with the big dogs. Until then we will continue to enjoy this nice, big, sandy, mostly dry dog park and its little frequenters. -
Review from Jen S.
Alameda, CA
10/4/2011
We've been coming to the Alameda small dog park for several years. I used to love this park. I am still grateful that it exists, because it's important to have enclosed, off-leash places for dogs to play. However, the foxtails have completely taken over the space, so after a few minutes of playtime, my dog has dozens of foxtails stuck in his legs and paws. Anyone who is familiar with the awful experience of rushing a dog to an emergency vet to have an embedded, inhaled, or ingested foxtail surgically removed knows how hazardous foxtails can be. If I didn't have back problems, I would try to dig up all those foxtails myself.
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Review from Jennifer Y.
San Leandro, CA
9/9/2010
I guess since this is a dog park, humans aren't allowed to speak to each other? And if they do speak to each other, it's done in packs, much like our canine counterparts?
I agree that this place is pretty much hit-or-miss. There are basically four types of people (and dogs) that frequent this dog park:
1) the regulars who sit around in a circle and catch up on the the last 24 hours that they have not seen each other as their dogs run around the enclosed compound like they own the joint
2) the here-and-there-ers who come to the park here and there so their dogs can get some social interaction and exercise
3) the newcomers who are SO EXCITED about this dog park and all the small dogs that they cannot stop chatting it up with the 1's and 2's
4) and the filthy, irresponsible dog owners who drop their dogs off unattended, so they can hump and aggrevate all the other properly trained dogs (like my dear lovely bella)
I like to consider myself a 2 but maybe I can round up some folks (and pups) so I can form my own little 1 group. -
Review from summer r.
San Francisco, CA
10/14/2010 30 Check-ins Here
I have a little american eskimo/chihuahua puppy and I've taken her here just a handful of times, so I'm thankful that this dog park is made for lil doggies like her. she isn't so afraid anymore and goes up to other dogs now.. so that's cool.
other than that, it's really just a caged in dirt pile. you sorta have to be initiated into the usual groups that are here (they're the ones that claimed the big tree with the 20 chairs lined in a circle)...if your dog can handle the hazing from their dog, then you and your dog are in. and you know you're in when they start greeting your dog by it's name.
but i usually end up sitting at the bench by the entrance...
what i don't get sometimes is when some owners bring their dog here knowing that their dog DOESN'T want to socialize. like today. an owner brought her senior citizen shihtzu KNOWING that the shihtzu won't ever get along with other dogs. so my lil puppy came up to her shihtzu just to sniff around and her shihtzu lunged and tried to bite my puppy's ear off, Godfather3, Mike Tyson style. GAHHH.. that was the most terrifying moment for me let alone my pup. she started crying and yelping. man.
as for the silver lining, i thought it was very cute how the other dogs came over and sorta made a circle around my pup.
see... once you're in, they've got your dog's back.
recommendations:
-bring some water and a water bowl for your dog. the water and bowls they provide look infested with bacteria
-wear sneakers
-go during the morning or evening during hot days. there's only the one tree there that provides shade -
Review from JENNY A.
San Leandro, CA
7/13/2011 1 photo
My Teddy really enjoys coming here & I love watching him have so much fun . It's always full of cute dogs & friendly people :-) only reason why their not getting 5 starts is Teddy always leaves so dirty , because its all pretty much sand.
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Review from Linda L.
Fremont, CA
10/27/2008
Kaijuu participated in the 2008 Howl-o-ween parade and costume contest.
The small dog park itself is very BIG and spacious. there isn't much shade in the park itself, a lot of benches for owners.
however, i wasn't very happy with all the sand/dirt that covered the park! i wish there was some astroturf or some real grass. but at the end i realize it didn't get kaijuu dirty though he was in it rubbing, sitting, and laying down in it. it was just his paws that were extremely black and dirty .. haha
the contest was pretty fun, except standing about 2.5 hours until the awards were given. there were lots of awesome costumes and very cute dogs all around. the obnoxious pugs were chasing and running around like no other .. which was kinda scary ...
otherwise a lot of the owners are courteous and clean up the doog poops for the most part. just don't wear flip flops and drag your feet on the ground because your feet can pick up wet sand .. from the mixture of sand/dirt/dog pee.. yes all nice and chunky. -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2011
Yeah, someone tried to shame us out of here which didn't surprise me after I read the reviews. My 27 pound, dog obsessed, full of energy new rescue and I headed down to get a little dog attention and exercise. Alas, most of the little dogs are interested only in cowering under the owners, growling, snapping, or trying to dominate or bite my dog. Very few wanted to run, which is what my girl wants to do. It confuses her when people pick up their dogs where she can't say hello properly. She hops up on her back feet to get a good sniff. This got her accused of being too aggressive, though she was showing zero signs of aggression. I thanked the rude woman for her concern and reassured her we were fine, since my dog had just had her nosy butt handed to her by a 3 pound teacup chihuahua for coming too close.
A woman I had been speaking to earlier reassured me that my dog was just fine, which I appreciated. The circle of middle aged dog owners enjoying wine on plastic chairs while their dogs sat under them and did nothing was not what I expected, but seems like a great way to spend a Friday afternoon if you're friendly with most of the folks in the park. Luckily we decided to try our hand at the big dog park and had a blast. I guess it's all about attitude.Listed in: Island Living
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Review from KAI S.
Oakland, CA
11/12/2009 1 photo
Pretty cool dog park... I kinda wish it was a little "nicer" (better maintained perhaps) but its large and well gated/fenced.
TONS of fleas here, inevitably.
Still, we're fans.
Our little Shih-Tzu loves socializing w/ the other doggies here! -
Review from Van E.
CA
3/9/2009
Loads of foxtails. I've been working with dogs since 1998 however it makes him happy so we go when our friend who lives in Alameda wants to meet there, even she dreads it being in the business but its for the dogs. I have been there numerous times. I have had many bad experiences here but its mainly human related. The dogs have a good time.
1st visit with my fully vaccinated 5month old puppy was given a lecture by a regular about how I am risking my dog by bringing him here since he looks very small. He was already in dog training at 3 months old working on socialization. I stay quiet and smile knowing all about parvo, KC, etc.
2nd visit, my dog was wrestling and I was told to watch it cause he looks aggressive. He goes to a training facility two times a week where no aggressive behavior is tolerated. Keeping my thoughts to myself since I work with30- 40 dogs a week, 8 hrs a day. Smile and walk in silence
3rd visit
A regular starts with you must be new here and a lecture about all the health problems that bulldogs have and how I got myself into something I might regret. Unknown to her, I researched the breed for three years before the investment.
4th visit, Halloween Contest 2008
My prior work donated a gift certificate for the costume contest. The person who stop by for prize donations for the park's contest was one of the winners and won our prize. I didn't enter since I didn't think it was fair but I was wrong when I saw that.
Today, a nice lady warned me about an aggressive shih tzu/Lhasa with aggressive asian elderly woman with a fur coat vest with brown shoulder length hair. My social dog OF COURSE goes to them and sits next to the aggressive dog on the bench, as I go to get him she harshly states for me to come get my dog, her dog doesn't like dogs. I stated I knew this due to the advice that I had received.
We got into it and her friend told me to leave because I was rude, that they have been going there for a long time (clique-ish). I like to refer to them as the dog park nazi's. They dictate who should leave and stays.
I was livid and so was my volume in my voice, "you don't bring a dog, who doesn't like other dogs, to a park with dogs". Very selfish to put other friendly pets in harms way with an aggressive dog. Not to care about others, just yourself. The owner stated that she goes there because she's tired and they like sit on the bench but her dog doesn't like other dogs.
I just want to be left alone and let the dogs play with other responsible owners. -
Review from Melissa L.
Newark, CA
7/20/2006 1 photo
Alameda Small Dog Park
Lots of shade, a large area to run and play, water for the dogs to drink, lawn chairs people have donated.
Their website has more info about it, along with pictures & links with directions on how to get to the park.
It's a great park. Hope to see you there too. -
Review from Kathy C.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2008
I would have given this 4 stars until I went to the dog park in Pleasant Hill (or was it Walnut Creek? Can't recall). That dog park makes the Alameda Small Dog Park look like shit!
I mean, don't get me wrong - I take my little Maltese, Cody here once in awhile when the weather is beautiful and parking is available. But the park itself, although immensely spacious and plenty of room for the dogs to play, is hardly pretty. There's not that much grass - it's more like...fields? Dirty fields? I don't know.
And I'm not sure how often they clean those chairs. My dog has peed on most of the legs of those chairs multiple times each time we've been there. My bad to those who didn't pay attention and got your pants wet. Oops!
But anyway, all in all, I would say an average park that is okay if you have nowhere else to take your dog. -
Review from Kate L.
Oakland, CA
7/11/2010
We live nearby, and probably visit 2-3 times a week, different days, different time of day. We've been bringing our Boston Terrier here since she was 4 months old (and fully vaccinated, as you will undoubtedly be asked several times). She's 7 months now, and goes freaking nuts when she realizes where we are headed. This is why I continue to go.
Overall, I find it hit or miss. Sometimes there's some cool people there with cool dogs that want to play and we stay for a long time. Sometimes it's a bunch of tiny dogs who want to be territorial and my Bo T desperately wanders around looking for a friend that won't snarl at her.
There's balls laying around, so sometimes if it's really boring, we'll go down in the grassy area and play fetch.
Don't bring your dog here if you don't have good flea treatment. Don't bring your dog here if you don't want it covered in dust and dirt and slobber and maybe some pee.
I teach kids. The worst thing about teaching the kids is the parents that come with them. Same thing here.
Keep an eye out for other dogs and their owners. People bring nasty, territorial, aggressive, horny dogs here. Usually their owners are similar in nature.
The clumsy puppy? It's owners are probably cool because they haven't joined the creepy group of "regulars". Hang out near them. -
Review from Will A.
11/2/2007
For people of Alameda with small dogs, this is a nice place. It can get a bit dusty and or muddy, but the regulars here love their dog park. The place for big dogs is just on the other side of fencing and it seems to be in a wee bit better shape. Is this the off-leash dog recreation that the good people from San Francisco want to see... probably not. Is this a place for small dogs and their guardians to hang out.... yes.
And they hold events (like the howl-een contest), which is nice.
Parking can be a pain, though. -
Review from Joshua C.
3/8/2010 10 Check-ins Here
My little guy BoomBox loves it here. Plenty of room for him to run around, butts to sniff and places to pee. What more can a dog ask for?
From my perspective, I think the Alameda Small Dog Park is a great idea. I wish Oakland had more dog parks.
I won't comment on the people that take their dogs here, because it's not about them, it's about the dogs. Most of the dogs here seem well adjusted and friendly and BoomBox loves it.Listed in: Me and my Dogs
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Review from Michele M.
San Rafael, CA
4/22/2008
This place is pretty darn awesome. Great dog and people watching, pooper scoopers and trash bins on site, lawn furniture to hang out on and make new friends! If you don't have the energy after work to run your own down, just let him loose here. I find when I have a bad day at work watching 10 little dogs play and try to hump each other, pretty much cancels it out. So funny!
Not sure what type of dog you want to get? Come here and check out the different breeds and tempers... you will learn fast!Listed in: My Neighborhood, Bored with a Dog
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Review from Kira S.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2009
I like Alameda small dog park. ...for the most part. I give it 4 out of 5 stars because it is mostly dirt and there places where there ARE grass there is a bunch of poop and weeds and foxtails.
Overall though, the park is a nice place for small dogs, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing place to be, however for the happiness of your dog, they'd probably rather be in there playing with other dogs than walking alone with you somewhere nicer (the other side of the fence). I always end up having to give my dog a bath after we play at this park since so much dust gets kicked around, he ends up filthy, but I know he always has a great time... so it's worth it.
I've had only good experiences in the small dog park. Most people are very courteous and nice, and most dogs are friendly.
Tonight I had a BAD experience in the big dog park though... I dont usually bring my dog over there unless I see other small dogs (usually in off hours when the small dog park is empty)... so I took my dog over tonight since we were alone for a whlie on the small side (he's a boston terrier). He loves playing with big dogs and isn't shy or afraid like most small dogs. When I got there he ran right towards a group of dogs and started sniffin around. The owner of one of the dogs got really aggressive and defensive and started yelling at me for bringing him into the big section - since there's a small section. Not cool. Then she proceeded to actively remove herself from the area where my dog was playing (with someone else's dog) loudly saying "I'm trying to get away from you" and then accusing my dog of stealing one of the very public tennis balls that are laying around.
UGH! So if you have a small dog are are thinking about taking it over there, beware... it might be a better idea to ride it out solo on the small dog side!! -
Review from Nicole M.
Oakland, CA
8/17/2011
This park is hit or miss and would be greatly improved if they removed the chairs since many of the people here seem really put out if they have to get up to get help me get their snarling dog away from my overzealous puppy.
If I go there and people are engaging with their dogs we have a GREAT time, but the last few times we have gone there have been a lot of people who are socializing or talking on their phones and not monitoring their dogs.
My Bostons are sometimes big doofuses. They like to wrestle and side check. Sometimes this results in other dogs getting pretty annoyed, which is why I am always close by. If your dog doesn't like to play, and tends to snap at dogs who do, why don't you try being near your dog also instead of shaming my dog from your seat?This isn't social hour for humans people!!! I would pay more taxes to have someone refereeing the park "hey you in the white chair, your dog is being an a-hole- get up
and deal with him or get out!"
The park itself is a good size, pretty dusty in the summer and muddy when it rains, but my dog's don't seem to notice. Bring a bowl of water, they have some but it can get a little funky. -
Review from craig c.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/22/2008
An East Bay gem...this place is nice.
dual fenced runs for large and small breeds.
friendly crowd and lots of pups.
can get alittle muddy because the grass has gotten worn down.
nearby sandy beach trail along estuary. -
Review from Butchpoodle B.
El Sobrante, CA
9/8/2009
I drive a long way to the Alameda Small Dog Park. I've been going since the first year it opened and have seen it grow and change. I live much closer to Pt Isabel, but have had the unfortunate experience of having my small dogs mauled by larger dogs (not in a dog park), so I prefer the small dog park. Hopefully, there will be a small dog park in Pt Isabel at some time in the future.
The grass used to get watered and mowed regularly. Not sure what's changed - probably the economy - because I hadn't been in about 2 years and our visit this week was less pleasant than in the past. The grass is pretty much dead and there is sand in the park, which gets kicked up into the air and into the eyes! Bummer.
It's nice and cool in Alameda, the neighborhood is good, the park is bigger than others I've visited, there's a big dog park adjacent to the small one. All in all, I think this park remains a major asset. -
Review from Morgan W.
Bozeman, MT
7/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great for those little guys and their owners. Also just a nice walk.
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Review from Sam T.
9/7/2009
Let your dog be a dog and sniff everyones butts! This park is excellent especially for the more protective small dog owners who don't want their tiny chihuahuas eaten alive by the 80 pound pitbulls. I heard this place was open because a small dog was attacked in the general dog park area. They spent some time sectioning this part out just for smaller dogs.
Its a great place to socialize. I occasionally come here alone with my pug and call my friends over while I'm here. There's a huge park/beach area to walk your dogs before/after too! Not to forget coffee shops around that have outdoor seating to cater to dog owners. This place is a great place to rewind and calm down while playing with your pooch (along with 20 others). -
Review from Alicia A.
El Sobrante, CA
9/7/2009 3 photos
The Alameda Small Dog Park is A - OK.
I have been going on and off to the park for years. The park is essentially a dust bowl during summer and a mud hole in the rainy season because the park has such a high volume of use any turf or grass never gets a chance to truly grow.
The same with the trees.. I noted today they had removed one of the larger old growth trees from the small dog park.. replacing it with small saplings - which within the week will be eaten, pooped and urinated on to death. If these trees survive I will be surprised.
Some dog parents are very on top of things- watching to make sure they pick up after their dog and that their dog isn't being to mean or aggressive towards other dogs.
Other dog parents fall into the other column- allowing their dogs to be aggressive, not following the leave no trace philosophy etc. So beware there is a full gambit of dog parents out there.
The dog park provides pooper scoopers and trash bins for the poop as well as hoses and water bowls so dogs can get cleaned up and then taken home.
Human bathrooms leave much to be desired so make sure to take care of your business at home before you come out for a day at the dog park.
I will definitely be back just not as frequently as Point Isabel. -
Review from Joey S.
2/5/2011 11 Check-ins Here
It's a bathhouse for dogs, don't bring your innocent children. #goodboy
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Review from megan t.
Oakland, CA
1/22/2009
The only reason I gave this 4 instead of 5 stars is just because it's mostly dirt, so when we get home I have to give our small dog a big bath.
Always so cute to see all of the little dogs play together, but what's even more adorable is watching them chase the bigger dogs playing on the other side of the fence. -
Review from Michelly S.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2009
The pup and I are heading back to the East Coast for a bit, and I think this spot is what she'll miss most! It's not the most glamorous East Bay dog park, but it was the most convenient to Berkeley for small pups. I have a 10 pounder who thinks she's a 60 pounder, so after a few close calls at mixed-sized parks, I was thrilled to find this spot.
Pros-
- park size (much bigger than the Walnut Creek small dog spots)
- crowd (I know a few other reviewers weren't big on the "regulars", but I'd say to think of it like your local dive bar. Some people are going to be there every day, but it's still fun to show up on the weekend.)
- safety... I always felt comfortable having my dog there, and knowing that if there was a problem the other park-goers would step in to help out
Cons-
- the sand. it's just icky! -
Review from Naomi Salazar S.
San Leandro, CA
1/6/2010
Within Washington Park are two dog parks; one for the big dogs and another for the small ones. My dog and I frequent the small dog park cause we LOVE it! You can always find fun furry friends to play with and nice people to chat with too. It's a fairly big park with plenty of room for the dogs to run and play. There's running water, some seating and some shade.
Something i really like is that many of the regulars bring their recycled plastic bags to stock the park. A very nice gesture for their fellow park goers. -
Review from Amy L.
Oakland, CA
2/12/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Great place to take your small dog. Friendly visitors, both dog and dog owners. Has plenty or benches and chairs for you to sit and enjoy the sight of your dog chasing and sniffing other dogs. Perfect spot because it's right next to Alameda beach/park. You can take your dog out for a walk if you get bored of the dog park. Doesn't have all the fancy tunnels and loops that your dog can jump over but I rarely see my dog or any other dogs using those anyway..they are more into chasing other dogs. Nice breeze from the bay...very lovely on a nice sunny day.
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Review from Trixie J.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2007
Sad, sad, tiny "park." This is hardly a park. This is more like someone's crappy chainlink-fenced backyard. All that's missing from this picture is a trailer, some inbred offsprings running around, and a slack-jawed yokel with a mullet. Wiener dog was bored. Take your dog to Fort Funston or Point Isabel instead.
Listed in: Wiener Dog, It takes a village to raise a…
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Review from Meia M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/27/2011
My review is for the large portion of this dog park.
Dog parks are always hit or miss as you never know what random surprise you might be in for. That being said, I haven't found a better dog park in the Bay Area. Its huge. But more importantly, I haven't seen too many horrible owners or dogs out of control. For that matter, the park is so big its easy to avoid anyone you'd rather not make contact with. I've heard of dogs being attacked and horrible events but I never saw anything aside from the occasional scuffle that was stopped. By occasional I mean once a week not every day as I've seen other places.
I think my favorite thing about the landscape of this park is an overgrown tree on its side. Its huge and provides this neat landscape for dogs to climb under and around. The sideways tree is tall enough for humans to stand under as well.
One thing I will say is that people do not keep this park clean enough. Pick up your dogs poop already :)2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/13/2010
I have been going to the Alameda dog park for two months.
It is the most beautiful dog park if you… Read more »
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Review from Dawna Y.
Oakland, CA
5/30/2010
This small dog park is a large litter box...sand, dirt and a two patches of grass. And on a hot day, there's one tree for shade, but it wreaks of pee. The dogs are mostly friendly, it's some of the owners that scared me. Territorial of the few dirty chairs and unfriendly to us newbies. Don't get me wrong, we visited this park weekly despite all of the above so our baby could run around and play. We have since moved to a building with a dog park of it's own!! ONE STAR only because it's required :)
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Review from Renee N.
Alameda, CA
10/28/2007 3 photos
Hey, other people, come on! Just because you drove all the way out from San Francisco and were disappointed when you got here doesn't mean you should harp all over what is otherwise a sweet little place that completely serves its purpose.
In order to really appreciate the dog park you have to know what an ordeal it was to get the city to give the go-ahead that allowed the park's establishment in the first place. I'm no city insider or anything but I remember hearing how many hurdles the dog park proponents had to jump over to make it happen, and I remember how long it took before the start of the project and the time the park finally opened, so maybe that's why I (and so many other Alameda natives) like it so much--a small grass-less park is better than no park at all.
In addition, I take issue with the problem of grasslessness. Since when do dogs need a soft bed of green shoots beneath their paws? My dogs love to run around whatever the conditions (and, by the way, there are places where the grass is thick, there are patches of dirt, there's shade, there's sun...) and have never indicated that they were displeased with the experience; they don't think about it, so why should I? And I don't know about other dogs but (unless it's raining, in which case we don't go to the park in the first place...) excess dirt on the paws post-park trip has never been a problem.
The number of dogs in the park varies from morning to afternoon to early evening and I never really know what to expect but my dogs (okay, my parents' dogs who I hang out with) are happy both with the big crowds of teeny dogs that will haul ass around the edges of the park chasing one small toy in the mouth of an exceptionally fast Boston Terrier, or when they get to be alone and wander peacefully by themselves to find the same toy and tug it back and forth between them.
Still, this is not a place you should go out of your way to visit. This park is like the neighborhood dive bar (without the gloss of hipster chic...) or corner burger joint: you go to it not because the service is especially great or the food is delicious, but because it's like a home away from home. Trixie J. likened it to someone's backyard and yes, that's pretty much what it is: a community backyard especially good for those of us whose homes don't have copious amounts of running space for animals.
The regulars are all sweet, quirky Alamedans who are happy to chat or let you sit on your own. Yes some of them have than den-mother aura, but again its because the park is a community center and Alameda is a very tightly knit community that they feel protective of. I prefer that to creepy aloofness, especially since I know that if an argument breaks out between my dog and a stranger dog and I'm not near enough to intervene, someone will jump in and sweep the warring parties apart before anyone gets hurt. And the dog park regulars aren't just mindful of the dogs, either--my mother had a fall at the park one afternoon last spring when she tore her hamstring and cracked a few ribs and it took .02 seconds for the entire park population to rally around her, calling ambulances and emergency contacts and continuously asking if she was okay.
I also have to say that I love having the small space for the little dogs. There's a much larger section of park space adjoining this park which is reserved for the much larger dogs; before the establishment of the small dogs section my pups (the late greats Lily and Virginia) were constantly being bumped and nearly run down by speeding great danes and labradors. Now we can take the new dogs (Minnie and Louie) and not worry about them getting smashed under paw. And unlike Point Isobel, which is a place where you go primarily to walk, our park has this great playground feel. The fact that most people who bring their dogs to the park do so on a regular basis allows the animals to develop longstanding friendships. Our dogs have several play pals that they only see at the ASDP and they are always thrilled to run into them. They get to socialize here in a way that's not possible at larger parks.
So I love this park. It's small, it's townie, it's totally Alameda. It's everything a townie doggie needs.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Michele F.
New Haven, CT
7/31/2008
Nico is a chi-wienie who is antisocial. She kind of takes after me, now that I think about it. Anyways, I brought her to this park. She did all right, but I just don't think she likes to be forced to be friendly with other dogs. I seemed to have more fun watching all the other dogs than she did being there. Even though Nico didn't like it, I definitely recommend it to anyone that has a small dog. It is right next to the giant fenced in big dog park, which is right next to a beach side park. Nico preferred to walk, with her leash, on the paths in the park and watch birds.
