large terrier sitting in park with coat and leash on

Dogs In Parks And On Trails:

Dogs are a part of many Bendites’ lives and involved with their owners in many recreational adventures. In Bend, there’s so much to do with your four-legged friend including:

  • Walk and run on the trails and paths
  • Swim in the Deschutes River
  • Play, walk and run off-leash at nine off-leash areas.

No matter the activity or adventure, it’s important that dog owners manage their dog responsibly so that everyone can enjoy the parks and trails.

City of Bend law and Bend Park & Recreation District rules require that:

  • Dogs are to be leashed up in public except in official off-leash areas.
  • Dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.

Google Dog Park Icon.jpgBend has nine dog off-leash areas in local parks. Dogs are required by city ordinance to be on leash in any public area in the city of Bend except in designated off-leash areas.

Click on the links below for maps of each park:

Small Dog Areas: Small dog areas are listed above as an additional amenity at dog parks. There are fenced small dog areas at the Alpenglow, Riverbend, Pine Nursery and Ponderosa Park off-leash areas. The criteria for small dogs is less than 15 inches at the shoulder and under 25 pounds.

For a full listing of off-leash areas and opportunities in the region, go to www.dogpac.org

Top Ten Reasons to Leash Up!

  1. It’s the law in Bend and first-time citations are $275.
  2. Off-leash dogs can easily get in another user’s way on a trail and cause an accident or injuries.
  3. Off-leash dogs scare and/or chase off wildlife causing wild animals to avoid parks and natural spaces.
  4. For people who are afraid or uncomfortable around dogs, an encounter with an off-leash dog can be downright terrifying.
  5. Off-leash dogs can instigate aggression problems or fights with leashed dogs. Each year, BPRD receives numerous reports of problem encounters, several resulting in dog bites or injuries.
  6. If your off-leash dog causes a serious issue, you could be held liable and that could equal criminal charges, lawsuits or even loss of your pet.
  7. Off-leash dogs can run off and get lost.
  8. When off-leash, dogs can quickly eat something that could be bad for them.
  9. BPRD offers nine off-leash areas for dogs to run and play freely. View map and details.
  10. You love your dog and want to keep him or her safe.

Off-Leash Areas in Bend ParksThe intent of these rules is to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all park users.

  • No aggressive dogs allowed. Immediately remove your dog from the park if it is misbehaving or acting in an aggressive manner.
  • Keep dogs on leash outside designated off-leash areas.
  • Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste.
  • Remain in visual sight and voice control of your dog at all times.
  • Carry a leash for each dog in your care.
  • Closely supervise young children. Children under the age of 12 may not be in the off-leash area unsupervised.
  • Accept responsibility for any damage or injury caused by your dog.
  • Bring no more than three dogs to the off-leash area at any time.
  • Do not bring a dog in heat to a Bend park.
  • Do not bring a puppy without a complete cycle of vaccinations to a Bend park.
  • Display tags showing proof of current license and rabies vaccinations on all dogs.
  • Consider using natural materials like sticks when playing with your dog in the river.
  • Please be courteous to neighbors and control excessive barking.
Download a Visitor’s Guide to Dog Parks with tips for having a positive experience at a dog off-leash area.

Kids in Off Leash Areas

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in Bend off-leash areas unsupervised. Here is some guidance for those with children in an off-leash area:
  • Not all dogs are child-friendly. Do not allow your child to approach or pet a strange dog without the owner’s presence and approval.
  • A running, squealing or screaming child may become a target for many dogs, because the child resembles an injured animal or prey.
  • Do not let your child have toys or food in an off-leash area.
  • Children are more susceptible to contracting intestinal worms and other infections from touching grass where feces or urine are present. Be sure your children (and you) always wear shoes in an off-leash park area and wash hands after touching dog play toys.
Ponderosa Small Dog Area entranceWhen it comes to off-leash areas, a designated space for small dogs to have a play and activity level that's in their proportion rather than with big dogs can be a great option for small dog owners. Currently, there are fenced small dog areas at Alpenglow, Riverbend, Pine Nursery and Ponderosa Parks. The criteria for small dogs is less than 15 inches at the shoulder and under 25 pounds. If you would like to comment on the small dog parks, email us at info@bendparksandrec.org or call (541) 389-7275.