The Top 5 Dog Parks in St. Louis, Missouri

If you're a dog owner, you know that nothing beats seeing your furry friend happily running around and playing with other dogs. But finding a great dog park can be a challenge, especially if you're new to the area or just looking for a change of scenery. That's why we've put together a list of the top five dog parks to take your dog to. From expansive green spaces to designated off-leash areas, these dog parks offer something for every type of dog and their human companion. So grab your pup's leash, pack some treats, and get ready to explore some of the best dog parks in town!

The best parks to visit with your dog in St. Louis, Missouri

1. Treecourt Unleashed Dog Adventure Park

2. Forest Park

3. Tower Grove Park

4. Purina Farms

5. Creve Coeur Lake

Treecourt Unleashed Dog Adventure Park

Now, this shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone but I typically don’t recommend any dog parks.

Simply because there are no vetting procedures in place for temperament, socialization, health, and most importantly: a supervisor that knows what to look for when things are going sideways. Up until 2023, I hadn’t heard of any park that vets these criteria. At least, that’s until I found Treecourt Unleashed Dog Adventure Park, located at 2499 Marshall Road.

Treecourt Unleashed is run by a gentleman named Wayne. Before entering the park, your dog must be vetted with his personal dogs and you must bring some documentation that your dog is fully vaccinated. The subscription fee is $45 dollars a month and $3 more dollars for every additional dog within your subscription. Having visited this place a few times, I have to say it’s the best dog park I’ve ever seen. I recommend everyone to go check it out.

Ultimately, whether or not you should take your dog to a dog park depends on your individual dog's personality and needs, as well as your own personal preferences and concerns. If you do decide to take your dog to a dog park, it's important to take precautions to ensure your dog's safety and well-being.

Best dog daycares in Saint Louis County

Petropolis Pet Resort: Located in Chesterfield, this dog daycare offers indoor and outdoor play areas, dog training, grooming services, and overnight boarding.

Kennelwood Pet Resorts: With multiple locations throughout the St. Louis area, Kennelwood Pet Resorts provides dog daycare, training, grooming, and overnight boarding.

Four Paws Animal Hospital: This daycare, located in St. Louis, offers supervised indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as grooming and veterinary services.

Again, it's always a good idea to double-check with any dog daycare you plan on using to confirm their policies, pricing, and services.

Socializing your dog is important for their well-being, as it helps them to feel comfortable and confident in different situations and around different people and animals. Here are some tips for socializing your dog:

Start early: It's important to start socializing your dog as early as possible, ideally when they are between 6 and 14 weeks old. This is when they are most receptive to new experiences and less likely to develop fears or phobias.

Introduce your dog to different people and animals: Expose your dog to different people of different ages, genders, and ethnicities, as well as to other dogs and other animals. Be sure to supervise all interactions and keep your dog on a leash if necessary.

Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, toys, and praise for positive behavior during socialization experiences. This will help to reinforce good behavior and make the experiences more enjoyable for your dog.

Gradually increase the level of stimulation: Start with low-stress socialization experiences, such as meeting new people and dogs in a calm, controlled environment. As your dog becomes more comfortable, gradually increase the level of stimulation by introducing them to more challenging situations, such as noisy or crowded environments.

Consider enrolling your dog in a socialization class: A socialization class, similar to treecourt unleashed can provide a structured environment for your dog to meet other dogs and learn appropriate social behavior. Look for a class that uses positive reinforcement techniques and is taught by a qualified trainer.

Remember, socializing your dog takes time and patience, and it's important to go at your dog's pace and not push them too hard too soon. With consistent and positive experiences, your dog can learn to feel comfortable and confident in a variety of social situations.