Barker Field Dog Park
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Reviews
Visitors generally find Barker Field Dog Park to be a large and well-fenced off-leash area, though some note issues with overcrowding, aggressive dogs, and irresponsible owners. They report that while the park offers amenities like water and tennis balls, the maintenance and upkeep can be lacking, and the presence of a small number of problematic dogs and owners detracts from the overall experience.
AI-generated from the text of reviews
- TaylorApr 12, 2022Great for small dogs!
The small breed section is excellent. the dogs and owners are great and everyone gets along just fine! The large breed side can get aggressive (though I’ve seen the same aggression at most dog parks I’ve been too)
- DavidJul 5, 2021A little weird
Within 5 minutes of arriving at the park my dog on his back defending himself against two others. I was told by an older man (who seemed to be ruling the roost) that the problem was my dog, that this was not a good park for us and we should consider Short Pump. He said another dog was killed within the past year and I'm thinking, "Why aren't people keeping on eye on their agressive dogs?!" I took his advice and got out there. Creepy place. Sure enough we went to Short Pump and the owners keep an eye on their dogs and my dog has a great time. THe facilities are really nice and we always have a great time and we meet friendly people there too. So, something odd is going on at Barker field and I don't really want to find out what that is but I'm staying away. I guess they got their wish.
- DeeNov 18, 2019Was great while it lasted
My dog was attacked, unprovoked, at the park and the regulars were not nice about it in the slightest. Will be on the lookout for a safer spot for the doggie.
- MichelleJun 26, 2019The worst
DO NOT BRING YOUR FRIENDLY DOG TO THIS PARK, people with aggressive dogs do. My poor dog was attacked yesterday by a dog in the park right as we where walking in. Now she has been left with an abscess on her neck that is infected, incredibly inflamed and painful. Also, our sweet, friendly, outgoing baby is now scared and anxious, walking around with her tail between her legs. We are left with a huge vet bill and lots of medical care at home.
- SarahJun 14, 2019Our Go To Spot
Moved to Richmond 2 months ago and we frequent Byrd Park at least once a week. Dog owners are friendly and even after a week of rain, there are very few wet areas. Wish the dog poop stations were better maintained, but there is a source of water and city trash services. My doggo loves coming here and I love watching him make friends.
- ChrisDec 16, 2017Crowded and not well maintained
There are always a bunch of dogs and owners don't really take pay attention to them, so they go wild. There is pretty constantly a mud pit and while there are ample bags, a lot of people don't pick up after their dogs.
- JerilynMore than a year agoVICIOUS DOGS
This dog park is run by a crazy man, Scott Fogleman, who has a friend with a vicious dog that attacked my dog. They are hiding the dog owner from us. Do not go here unless you want your dog to be attacked. They do nothing about it.
- HadleyMore than a year agoNot accepting of new dogs
I recently moved to the area and started bringing my dog there, there are people that go there everyday and think they "run the park." They are not accepting of new dogs and have harassed me every time I have been there. My dog is neutered and one guy made me show him my paper cause he did not believe me because his dog attacked mine and said it was only because he was not neutered, which he is. The owners are very judgemental and have harassed me almost every time I go.
- FeliciaMore than a year agoSafety hazard and giant mud pit!
While they do provide a rinse off area, and a nice high fence to a very large area, I do not recommend this park to anyone. In the three times I've been there, there was nothing but insanity there. Owners on their phones, ignoring their dog's bullying others, a female in blatant heat starting fights, and owners getting mad at me for removing their dog from mine when she was clearly being overwhelmed and was scared, NOT playing. Way too much pack mentality, and owners that don't understand dog behavior or to not grab up a dog and kiss them on the head. Not only is it a safety hazard, in which I know none of the other owners are prepared to handle any scuffle that may occur, it is also a big mud pit that never dries out. While I will use the little dog park as a training area, since it is empty, I will not be frequenting this park for socialization.
- LauraMore than a year agoNice, but over-crowded
The fence is really high and secure and there is quite a bit of space. The only drawback is that it is way over-crowded. A lot of owners also don't pay attention to their dog's behaviors and just let them run around unsupervised. There were close to 40 or 50 dogs the time I went and I would not feel comfortable going back if it stays that crowded.
- JohnMore than a year agoToo Crowded!
We have been to this park several times and found it to be way overcrowded. In this situation, the dogs tend to revert to a pack mentality. We actually saw 15 dogs attack one dog. It was a scary situation. Several owners were bitten trying to break it up. Don't go on a weekend!!!!
- KatieMore than a year agoSimple, No Hassle, Thank You
I've seen so many parks with so many rules and drama that it's not worth it. This park is simple, common sense rules, and if you break one unknowingly - like I did - they politely let you know. No drama. They also allow all breeds; no ignorant discrimination.
There is a water source now (Feb 2015). It was below freezing so they were using water jugs instead of the fountain. They have picnic tables, bags to clean up after your dog, and tennis balls.A little hard to find: From Pump House Dr/the James River Bridge, go north on Park Dr and take the first left after Pump House Dr at the sign that says Dogwood Dell Amphitheatre. Turn left into the first parking lot. The fenced in area will be on your right.
- MagMore than a year agoStunned. Thank you , FOBP!
I live here and didn't have a clue...What a gift! Spent 90 minutes...our yellow lab thought he'd died and gone to heaven. Huge park, well kept, water, big bag of new tennis balls and dogs, dogs, dogs with great caring owners...absolute dog nirvana!! 10 bones, not 5...wow! Thanks so much to Friends of Barker Park...donation on the way!
- AmyMore than a year agoAwesome
Lots of room to run in the big dog area...smaller dog area much smaller.
- AmyMore than a year agogreat people
Great location to downtown, with very responsible owners, nice rolling hills and big dog park compared to others I've visited. Plenty of dogs to play with. Would like to see a water element however I found out this park is totally funded by donations which is amazing that it's this good without city support.
- TracyMore than a year agogreat dog park!
Nicely laid out and very popular dog park. Mostly responsible dog owners, some little dogs in the big dog area make for some friction at times. However, good dogs and owners there. New renovations make it enjoyable for the humans too.
Location
Traveler Photos
We dug up 2 pictures of dogs at Barker Field Dog Park.
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