Hours: Regular Park hours (7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily) with the following exceptions:

The Bark Park is closed every Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-noon for grass cutting, closed for maintenance and flea prevention the first Wednesday of every month, and may be closed in the case of inclement weather or after long periods or large amounts of rain. Always call the hotline (985-626-1444) before visiting the Park to check for closures.

Location: The Bark Park is located at Pelican Park (63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville, LA 70448). Follow signage in the Park for the Silver Complex, and the Bark Park is located on the left-hand side near the Silver Complex entrance. Parking is located on the right-hand side by the skate park. 

 Bark Park History

The Pelican Park Bark Park opened in May 2010, thanks to a ground roots effort by volunteers who raised money to make it possible. While the District’s Board of Commissioners designated the four-acre tract for the Bark Park and staffing for construction, the funds raised by volunteers paid for fencing, water fountains, benches, signage, a gazebo and pools. Benches were built and donated by Ethan Mayfield as his Eagle Scout project. In the summer of 2012, lighting was installed to allow the public to use the Bark Park in the evenings. Since then we have also installed a second water fountain and a gazebo.

Pretty Acres Dog Park

Location: Pretty Acres is located on Andrew Drive off of Highway 190 in Covington. From Highway 190, turn east onto Park Place Drive (which runs between Pier 1 Imports and Goodwill). Park Place Drive then turns into Andrew Drive and veers right at the entrance of a condo complex. Pretty Acres Dog Park is located on the left side after taking the right turn. 

  Dog Park Guidelines

• Dogs must be healthy, collared with ID tags, and up-to-date on all vaccinations.
• No dogs in heat or puppies under four months of age.
• No more than 2 dogs per adult.
• Dogs must be on a leash while outside the fenced area. Dogs must be off-leash while inside the fenced area.
• Owners must immediately clean up after their dog(s) and properly dispose of waste. Plastic bags and garbage cans are available on the premises.
• Owners must remove any pinch, prong, spiked or choke collar before entering the fenced area.
• Owners must be within visual sight and voice control of their dogs at all times. No dog shall be left unattended by its owner.
• Owners must have possession of a dog leash at all times.
• Owners must be 17 years of age or older.
• Children under 12 years of age must be under strict adult supervision – no running, chasing or petting dogs without the owner’s permission.
• No strollers, bicycles, skateboards, etc., in the off-leash area. Wheelchairs are allowed.
• Professional dog trainers are not permitted to use the dog parks to conduct business.
• All agility equipment is to be used by dogs only. These are not designed for children or adult use.
• No digging. Owner is responsible for filling holes as needed.
• No smoking or alcoholic beverages.
• Aggressive dogs are not permitted. If aggression occurs, the dog must leave the park.
• No food or glass bottles.

 ALL USERS WAIVE LIABILITY TO RECREATION DISTRICT #1 FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGE THAT OCCURS AT THE BARK PARK OR PRETTY ACRES DOG PARK. OWNERS ARE SOLELY LIABLE FOR INJURIES OR DAMAGES CAUSED BY THEIR DOG(S).

 

We want to send a big THANK YOU to our wonderful St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission for these great virtual tours done by Threshold 360! 

 How do I introduce my dog to a dog park?

First time at a dog park? We recommend exercising your dog a little before bringing him or her to one of the dog parks. Dogs that have less pent-up energy are more likely to behave.

• Let your dog off the leash as soon as you enter. Dogs on leash can feel threatened by dogs off leash around them.
• Continue walking when you enter the off-leash area so your dog is less likely to try to establish a “home turf.”
• Expect to get dirty and wet. Most dogs know better than to jump, but some are still learning manners. You may want to bring a towel to dry your dog after using the paw wash.
• Please, please, please supervise your dog at all times and pay attention to your dog. Refrain from talking on the phone, playing games or reading a book while ignoring your dog. If your dog is being aggressive, leave the dog park.
• Don’t confuse playing with fighting. Dogs chase each other, wrestle, and even play-growl. This is normal dog behavior. Don’t try to discipline other dogs. If you think your dog might get hurt, the best thing to do is leave.
• Know your dog. You should be able to tell the difference between play growling and angry growling, happy barking and angry barking, etc. In other words, you should be familiar with your dog’s mannerisms before bringing your dog to a dog park for the first time so that you can recognize if your dog is afraid or unhappy.

• Breaking up a dog fight is dangerous and risky. We researched this question online and found several suggestions:
• Do not grab your dog by the collar, and do not hit a fighting dog. The dog will think it’s being attacked and continue fighting.
• If two people are present: Approach the dogs from the rear, each grabbing a dog by the hind legs and lifting up, like a wheelbarrow. Walk backwards, separating the dogs. As the dog is being pulled backward by its hind legs, circle to one side. This will keep the dog from curling around to bite you.
• If one person is present: loop a leash around one of the dog’s back legs, drag the dog backward and tie it to a tree or fence. Then, grab the other dog by its back legs and lift up like a wheelbarrow. Walk backward, separating the dogs.
• You can also try spraying the dogs with a water hose. Try to hit the dog in the nostrils to force them to stop biting.
• Use an air horn or whistle to distract the dogs.
• If you happen to be walking around a dog park with a fire extinguisher, we’re told spraying the dogs will also break up a fight.

Pelican Park...making a difference in the lives of children and adults!