You’ve checked out of the office for the day. You feel the breeze blow through your cardigan as you pedal home over the Burrard Bridge. Your breath is momentarily taken away by the condo-checkered cityscape, floating barges sprinkled over the sparkling inlet, and the white laced tips of the north shore mountain skyline.The sounds of anxious clicking away on a keyboard and the bitter taste of stale coffee have been dissolved into after work plans. 

Perhaps you find yourself breathing in the afternotes of kale and quinoa sweat permeating a spin class. Or peacefully vibrating off the soothing sounds of chant echoing through the walls of your favourite yoga studio. Or maybe you’re enjoying the sweet taste of a refreshing cocktail at your favourite bar as you sit back and unwind after a hard day. 

You’ve been grinding all day, and it’s time for some “me” time, right? Hold up. These scenarios aren’t possible when you’re a dog mom or dog dad, silly! 

Unless you’re heading somewhere dog-friendly after work, that is, like one of Vancouver’s off-leash parks. If you’re so lucky to be the proud owner of a pooch, you know that getting home to your pal is the after-work priority. That wagging, slobbery beast has been missing you like crazy all day and is deserving of some much-needed focus and attention. As dog owners, we’re definitely not complaining about our fur babes taking precedence. Don't get us wrong. Nothing pleases our oxytocin and serotonin levels more than our buddies’ sweet gaze keeping our love and happiness hormones topped up. 

Vancouver has a wealth of amazing outdoor activities, and there are plenty of spots to bring Fido along for the action.From community parks to beaches to mountain trails, there are so many beautiful off-leash dog areas in the Vancouver area that are beaming with feel-good vibes.An excellent place for your dog to let off steam and socialize, they’re also great for their humans because like-minded people congregate to enjoy the positive energy of these dog-oriented locations.

HERE ARE SEVEN OFF-LEASH DOG PARK FAVES FOUND IN AND AROUND VANCOUVER:

Hadden Park (Kits Beach)  

If your dog is as hip as you are, you’re definitely going to want to be seen down at Kits. This beach is great, rain or shine, for play and hanging out.

Charleston park 

This beautiful park has a little bit of everything. Located in False Creek, there are stunning views of downtown and the water.

Pacific Spirit Park 

Located in Point Grey. This park feels like you’ve left the city and entered the wild, without having actually to drive out of town.

North Shore Hikes 

Some of the most beautiful hikes in all of B.C. can be found here. You and your dog will get a great workout and an even better view from taking one of these trails.

McDonald Beach in Richmond 

Close to the airport, McDonald Beach is typically uncrowded, offers a pleasant stroll around the water’s edge and some incredible sunset views.

Nelson Park

This one is fenced, so it is great for recall training with your pup and hanging on in the west end.

Spanish Banks 

Summery picnics and playtime are bountiful here. It’s a great place to catch some sun and hang out at one of Vancouver’s prettiest beaches.

IF YOU’RE WANTING TO HAVE THE BEST EXPERIENCE AT AN OFF-LEASH PARK WITH YOUR PUP, IT’S VITAL TO HAVE TO KEEP THESE GUIDELINES IN MIND BEFORE YOU LEASH UP:

Love, trust, and respect need to be high between you and your dog because animals don’t rationalize. 

First off, what kind of energy are you two bringing to the dog park with you? Your dog feeds off your energy, so it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re not anxious, stressed out or angry. Leave those emotions at the door and exude a calm, relaxed demeanor to put your pet in the same mind frame. Dogs will be more inclined to listen if you’re calm too. 

Make sure you have recall training on lockdown for their own safety, and your dog comes when called. 

Here are some tips on how to correct your dog if they don’t come when called. 

Exercise your dog before bringing them to the park, so you’re not carrying a bunch of amped up, tense energy with you. 

Amped up energy can lead to aggression and someone possibly getting hurt. This would ruin everyone’s fun, so it's essential to try to get them out for a quick walk or run before heading to the off-leash park.

You have to get them settled before bringing them to the park, and if you’re negative or rushed, they’re going to pick up and react to that. 

Learn to read your dog’s energy by tuning in to their body language and signals they’re giving off. 

This can be really helpful in preventing bad behaviours and unfavourable incidents, like a runaway dog fiasco or dog bite from occurring.

Vaccinate and accessorize your dog.  

Never leave your place without dog bags in hand.

Give your dog what a dog needs, exercise their nose. Play hide n’ seek. Dogs love that game! 

Don't check out when you get to the park by going on your phone or just expecting your dog to play with other dogs. Strengthen your bond by engaging and playing with him. 

You are the boss. Be the pack leader your dog wants you to be!

Off-leash dog areas can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We can learn a lot from our dogs by how they play and love.

Think like a dog and become a happier human!