Ann D. L'Heureux Dog Park — Attraction in Carlsbad

We are camping at South Carlsbad State Park and went to this dog park to give my pup a chance to run around. He had a lot of fun running around and chasing tennis balls. The park isn't very big but it is long enough for some good running. The ground is covered in bark dust probably about eight inches deep which is sort of unpleasant to walk on because it is too squishy and I ended up with some pointy bark chips in my shoes.

The park has a water fountain with a bowl right at the ground, six and a half foot tall chain link fences (ruins the view, why are they so high?), and lots of tennis balls to play with. Not very pretty but nice to find a truly off leash dog park.

The only kicker was that when other dogs began arriving they were rather aggressive and didn't play well with my border terrier who likes to chase and wrestle with other dogs. We probably got unlucky but I do wonder if less aggressive dogs tend to go to dog parks that aren't completely enclosed...

My bf and I went here for the first time with our 2 dogs today. One is 6 months old and desperately needs the socialization.

Everyone here was SUPER SUPPORTIVE of the situation and very kind and patient with our puppy. He was very nervous at first - extremely barky, tense, alert; but after a few of the other park guests introduced themselves to him he was able to calm down enough to join everyone in the park. For the first time he was off leash and free to run and play in a large open area with many other dogs and LOVED IT.

Furthermore, the city seems to take very good care of it - the crew was cleaning it up and filling the bowls with fresh water just before opening at 8am. And all of the guests cleaned up after their dogs too.

Highly recommend this park and a HUGE THANKS to all of the other people and pups who were very welcoming to us this morning. We will definitely be visiting this dog park...

Very rude people attend this park, they will blame you for their own dogs actions and try to pick up fights with you for dogs doing natural dog activities such as showing dominance in a nonviolent way. Many dogs, including the dog of an owner who came up to me, were expressing the same behavior. Not even going to mention her dog snapping at other dogs. So unless you want a random stranger cursing you out for nothing, wouldn’t recommend going there. That person handled the situation very immaturely, It doesn’t hurt to ask nicely for me to keep a dog away from another’s dog if you have an issue. Would’ve gladly put him on the leash and left if asked politely and not cursed out immediately without any previous confrontations. Definitely didn’t feel welcome at this public park, my dog is a sweetheart who loves other dogs and it’s a shame it had...