Any recs for a park or open space in the area that is not near a road for my car terrified dog to get some exercise and socialization?

Submitted by mgafvert t3_yrn0ms in philadelphia

We just brought home a 5 month old shelter dog that loves other dogs but is way too terrified of cars to walk more than a block or two from our house in the city. Anyone have any suggestions for a spot she could explore and run around (leashed) without being near car noises? Not looking for a trail or something like that in Wiss or an off leash dog park, just something quiet and open.

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throwawaitnine t1_ivukpor wrote

If you live in the city and your dog is afraid of car noise you need to start desensitizing your dog to car noise.

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throwawaitnine t1_ivun76i wrote

Replying to JBizznass (#494,770)

A 5 month old puppy you may well be able to do that in an afternoon and certainly in a few days. Puppies at that age are extremely impressionable. Absolutely should not be avoiding something now that he won't be able to avoid for his whole life.

OP should be on his stoop with that dog right now watching cars go by and giving him treats.

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hashtag_n0 t1_ivuof1d wrote

The edgely softball fields in fairmount park might work.

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JBizznass t1_ivuyntc wrote

Replying to throwawaitnine (#494,841)

Sitting on a stoop isn’t exercise. Those are two different activities. And exercising before training often can help the training exercises. I’m not sure why you seem to be against these folks exercising their dog in a quiet place WHILE they work on training.

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JBizznass t1_ivuz4u4 wrote

There are lots of parks just outside the city limits with limited car traffic. I live in Haverford TWP (which is just outside of west Philly) and there are tons of parks that are away from streets and cars.

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CulturalNothing t1_ivv7r5l wrote

Timber Creek in NJ is amazing if you don’t mind a 15 minute car drive over there. 9 acres of fenced-in dog park in the woods.

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yugtahtmi t1_ivv83ke wrote

The backhalf of Glendinning Rock Garden off Kelly could work

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Paparddeli t1_ivvpwzz wrote

FDR (during the week especially) and Navy Yard (on the weekend especially) are pretty good spots. I agree with desensitizing though. I'm sure there are good instructions online but lots of training treats when you get anywhere near a car and keep doing it as your dog gets better and you keep getting closer and closer.

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_Celine_Dijon t1_ivvrkso wrote

Lemon Hill is pretty well removed from cars and always has a ton of dogs

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[deleted] t1_ivw1y7v wrote

Pastorius Park in Chestnut Hill was where we'd take our dog for a bit of an escape. Not officially a dog park but de facto yeah, it's a very popular dog park!

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DavidMaspanka t1_ivw3jbw wrote

There’s a really large fenced in off-leash dog park in Jersey I went to last year but of course I can’t figure it out on maps rn. Nice walking trail while your dog disappears with the others. Really fun spot for them.

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_urban_achiever_ t1_ivw8n1v wrote

The navy yard!! Amazing, clean, open, & quiet for a pup

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JBizznass t1_ivys7rl wrote

Replying to mgafvert (#498,991)

I’ve had several shelter pets. You have no idea what happened before they found you or why they are afraid of the things they are. All you can do is love them and work to help them realize they are safe and loved and don’t need to freak out at random everyday things. My one dog was afraid of wine glasses. It took a bit but he got over it.

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CraftyPanda7 t1_ivz3rxs wrote

Blue Bell park in Wissahickon is a spot where a lot of people let their dogs run off leash.

You should also check out SniffSpot! People rent out their backyards (for cheap) so your pup can have a private dog park. It's pretty new so there's only a handful around the Philly area so far, but it's definitely expanding. My dog loves them!

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