Even Your “Good Dog” Should Be Leashed at the Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Anne Springs Close Greenway welcomes members and visitors of all ages, even the furry ones. From picnic tables at the Gateway Canteen to our 12-acre dog park, friendly canine companions are welcome at the Greenway.
Dogs need to be securely leashed on our property. When a dog has entered the Mary Warner Mack Dog Park (dog park membership required), the leash should be removed. However, in all other areas of the Greenway, a leash is mandatory.
Many of our most obedient visiting pups demonstrate thorough knowledge of commands, such as heel, place and here. However, even with proper training and socialization, dogs benefit from our mandatory leash rules.
Benefits to the Dog
- Keeping a dog leashed helps the owner protect their beloved pet. Dogs need protection from traffic, and both cars and mountain bikes traverse areas of the Greenway. A leash will also keep a dog safe from overly eager and excitable children who lack experience with animals.
- A leashed dog may feel vulnerable and uncomfortable if approached by a dog off-leash. Restraining a dog will keep him or her safe from other dogs who may not be as friendly or socialized.
- Dogs are susceptible to hazards in the environment. Keeping a dog on a leash can help him or her stay away from danger, such as snakes or bees under logs, poison oak along the ground, or droppings from other animals that dogs often like to ingest.
- Dogs have also been lost on the Greenway, which creates an alarming situation for the owner, the dog and Greenway staff. Keeping a your dog leashed helps deter these incidents.
Benefits to the Greenway
- The Greenway’s 2,100 acres benefit from owners following leash rules. Even quiet dogs that refrain from barking and chasing can disturb wildlife and frighten horses. Most of the Greenway’s resident horses are familiar with dogs, but visiting horses may spook.
- In addition, if a dog defecates when hiking off leash, the owner may not see the excrement. If left, the excrement could not only become a yucky mess for someone’s hiking boot, it will eventually run off into Greenway waterways.
Benefits to the Community
- Leashing a dog shows respect for other visitors and members. No matter how friendly the dog, some guests do not want to be approached by it.
- Be considerate of those who are timid of dogs, especially off-leash ones. Creating positive and calm experiences increases the likelihood of those people having confidence on Greenway trails and in future encounters with dogs.
Even the sweetest “good boy” and happiest “good girl” benefit from responsible owners walking, running, hiking or even kayaking with them on a leash. Friendly, leashed pups whose owners pick up after them are invited to most Greenway events, including Summer Concert Series performances, group campouts and more.
Failure to leash your canine companion may result in revocation of membership.