Off Leash Alternative

Seems the idea of a dog park in the City of Martinez is sparking interest as I've virtually ignored this particular blog for over a year but people are still finding it.

Baron and Snoop in fog

When I first began writing on this subject my mother was alive and the owner of two dogs, Snoop and Baron, pictured here. Now they're mine. The larger dog, Baron is a shepherd mix and at ten years old his muscular structure was under-developed. Walking large dogs sporadically, on leash, I've discovered isn't enough.


Thankfully we've found the road that used to join the City of Martinez and Port Costa, Carquinez Scenic Drive, now part of the San Francisco Bay Trail system. The road was closed to thru traffic by Contra Costa County a few years ago due to landslides but is easily walkable for people and dogs. Mine love it!

Both Baron and Snoop love scrambling over the varied terrain, investigating scents and meeting new friends. As a result, Baron's hindquarters are muscular and both dogs' weight is easily maintained.

As with any off-leash setting please consider the temperament of your dog before coming out. Since this part of the trail loop has been joined there are a greater number of cyclists also sharing the road. Many are first time visitors and can be startled by chasing dogs.

Until the City of Martinez can designate space for a dog park, this is a pretty good option. Now that Spring is here and the rain has let up you can expect to see me and my dogs there!