28,502 spaces ½ acre or more, 6,371 dog water parks, 2.234 dog hiking trails, 9,123 dog fields, and 2,818 dog agility parks.
Many sites have water features on the property, including creeks, streams, even beaches and sometimes pools. For those with natural water features, just be aware during the warmer summer months to look for the tale-tell signs of blue-green algae, which can be toxic to dogs. Signs of an algal bloom containing cyanobacteria include a shimmery paint-like or slime on the water’ s surface, although it may be harder to tell with lakes and larger ponds.
A lot of sites also provide toys, fresh bowls of water, poop bags and trash cans. I’ ve even been to some that have agility equipment or parkour-type obstacles set up. Most do not have restrooms to use, but I have seen a handful that have portable toilets.
Users can search within any geographical area, and Sniffspot locations are easily found in and near most suburban areas in most states. When I was living in Michigan’ s Upper Peninsula, I did have to drive for more than an hour and a half to find one, but for me we enjoyed the nice drive and for my dogs to have fun for an hour was worth it. Now where I live in Missouri, I only travel about 10 or 15 minutes to a Sniffspot.
Typically, I look for at least an acre or more. I found a real gem in North Central Illinois that has five fenced acres. My reactive dog, Apache, had never seen that much space to explore off leash! We’ re heading to Fayetteville, Arkansas( about 2 hours from us) soon where I found one that is 4 acres. Sniffspots are fun( for me and my dog) and where we now live in Springfield, Missouri, there are several to go to in the evenings after work or on weekends. I enjoy finding new ones to go to, and planning day trips exploring and stopping at several spots throughout the day.
We also make regular use of Sniffspots when on the road traveling with my dog. Their app is user-friendly, convenient, and booking is easy and availability is usually a non-issue, even at last-minute. We prefer to stop at a Sniffspot for him and a rest area for me for our respective potty breaks. It’ s little extra planning, gas and two stops instead of one, but he enjoys the off-leash time in a new space with new sights and smells after being in the car for any length of time. I love seeing him off leash, especially since he’ d spent nearly 3 years in shelter. It’ s wonderful to see him so happy.
Regardless of a dog’ s breed, size, age or temperament, Sniffspot provides a way for all dogs to enjoy private off leash time. I have recommended several clients, especially those without fencedin yards, to check out Sniffspots in their respective areas as part of our training plans. These areas are also perfect for practicing learned behaviors and generalizing. And don’ t just take my word for it: Sniffspot is publicly endorsed by well-respected colleagues Kim Brophey, Grisha Stewart and Michael Shikashio, among other experts in our industry.
All dogs need off leash time. Independent exploration provides agency and enrichment, affords opportunities for exploration and builds confidence. However, a lot of dogs don’ t have access to safe areas to be off leash, especially reactive dogs. And even those dogs who are lucky enough to have their own fenced-in yards at home, they can benefit from exploring new areas with unfamiliar smells, textures, and sights to see. And if you’ re interested in passive income and have a property you’ d be willing to offer to other canine enthusiasts, you might investigate their process for becoming a host. As far as we’ re concerned there can never be too many Sniffspots. Happy sniffing!
Rachel Brix is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine- Knowledge Assessed and Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers and has been working with humans and their dogs over 15 years. She has both managed and volunteered at shelters and is an advocate for animals at both the local and state levels. Rachel has also been nominated for several Dog Writers Association of America Awards and this year won the Maxwell Medallion for her article on trauma in dogs. She lives in Missouri with her goofy, adorable, resilient rescue, Apache.
16 Better Training Through Education Photos: Rachel Brix