These Topeka sites lets dogs run free with supervision. Here are the do's and don'ts.

Evert Nelson, Topeka Capital-Journal
·4 min read

The weather is warm and the grass is greening up, which means it's a good time to take your dog on a long walk or head to the local dog park.

For Don Beatty and his 1-year-old German shepherd mix named Lulu, it's all about throwing the frisbee from their North Topeka yard.

"We do it in the snow, in the rain, no matter," he said. "She loves to do it. And it just gets me excited to do it."

Before Don Beatty can pull back the frisbee, Lulu, his 1-year-old German Shepherd mix is off and running as they play catch in the backyard of their North Topeka home Monday.
Before Don Beatty can pull back the frisbee, Lulu, his 1-year-old German Shepherd mix is off and running as they play catch in the backyard of their North Topeka home Monday.

Beatty, who is a longtime dog owner, said just having a pet around has brought joy to his life. Besides the occasional distraction from a squirrel, Lulu stays within eyesight and has learned to follow Beatty's commands.

"Some people think they're just a stupid animal, but they're very, very intelligent," Beatty said

He says he rescued Lulu after his previous two dogs died from cancer. Beatty said having a dog is a great companion and connection to have as an older person.

Don Beatty hugs his 1-year-old German Shepherd mix Lulu on Monday between frisbee throws in North Topeka. "We're just like we're just like a pair," Beatty said. "When I'm feeling down she'll come over, lay her head on me and you know, it just brings tears to your eyes sometimes."
Don Beatty hugs his 1-year-old German Shepherd mix Lulu on Monday between frisbee throws in North Topeka. "We're just like we're just like a pair," Beatty said. "When I'm feeling down she'll come over, lay her head on me and you know, it just brings tears to your eyes sometimes."

Catching the ball on local ordinances

It's worth noting the rules of dog ownership in Topeka and Shawnee County if you want to be a responsible owner.

A full list of ordnances are listed under Title 6.15 of the municipal code regarding dogs, cats and pot-belly pigs.

The first step in getting your pet up to code is making sure it's licensed with the city. Between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., owners can walk up to the Animal Control window at the Law Enforcement Center, 320 S. Kansas Ave. Pricing depends on whether the animal is fixed, has proper vaccines and will require proof of ownership.

Topeka police senior animal control officer Jessica Bowers, a dog owner herself, on Monday discussed with The Capital-Journal some of the most important codes she gets called to.

Topeka police senior animal control officer Jessica Bowers discusses some of the most important municipal codes she sees violated in regard to dog ownership in Topeka.
Topeka police senior animal control officer Jessica Bowers discusses some of the most important municipal codes she sees violated in regard to dog ownership in Topeka.

"I know a lot of what we get is maybe they don't understand the tethering," Bowers said.

Ordinances require owners to watch their dog every 15 minutes if they have an enclosed space, like fencing around their yard, or are tethering their dog because they have no fence.

"Just check on the dog every 15 minutes," Bowers said. "If you don't, you have to continuously be out with your dog."

For leashes, the code is strict and requires owners to have dogs on a leash unless it's private property and the property owners say it's OK to be off leash.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes run free in the confines of the Lake Shawnee off-leash dog park Monday evening. City ordinances require leashes on dogs at all times unless it's on private property with the owner's permission.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes run free in the confines of the Lake Shawnee off-leash dog park Monday evening. City ordinances require leashes on dogs at all times unless it's on private property with the owner's permission.

A common call Bowers receives is about dogs left in cars.

"Just don't do it," she said. "You have five minutes to leave your dog in a car when the temperature is below 40 degrees and above 80 degrees."

One of the biggest issues she sees in irresponsible dog ownership is what Bowers refers to as "running at large."

"Like not having a leash, just letting their dog out to go to the bathroom, you know, thinking Fido will come back, and they don't," she said.

She said dogs that are running at large generally lead to bigger issues, including aggressive behavior.

Bowers said there are plenty of resources available to owners. She said she helps where she can by handing out collars, leashes and connecting owners with such organizations as the Helping Hands Humane Shelter.

The Hill's Bark Park at Gage Park is separated into an area for small dogs and one for large dogs. It is closed 7-8 a.m. Thursdays for maintenance.
The Hill's Bark Park at Gage Park is separated into an area for small dogs and one for large dogs. It is closed 7-8 a.m. Thursdays for maintenance.

Local dog parks offer off-leash opportunities

In Shawnee County, there are two designated dog parks where owners can take their dogs off-leash.

Hill's Bark Park, at the southeast corner of Gage Park, recently benefited from a $175,000 donation from Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. to Parks for All Foundation that nearly doubled the space of the park in 2022.

Bark Park includes a small dog area and a large dog area. Amenities include updated LED lighting, fencing, tables, benches and turf to help prevent muddy paws and shoes.

Small dogs enjoy each other's company Wednesday at Hill's Bark Park in Gage Park.
Small dogs enjoy each other's company Wednesday at Hill's Bark Park in Gage Park.

The second dog park is across town on the west side of Shawnee Lake by the tennis courts off West Edge Road.

Both parks clearly state you can take your dog off-leash as long as you follow the general rules and keep an eye on your pet.

Irene Barrager and Joyce Marsh brought their dogs out Monday to enjoy the nice weather and let their dogs loose in the fenced-in area.

"We don't get to work from home on Mondays and Tuesdays, so they're kind of pent up," Marsh said. "So we come home from work and take them out. Let them run."

Jester, a 4-year-old Shiba Inu, wanders around the Lake Shawnee dog park Monday next to her owner Joyce Marsh.
Jester, a 4-year-old Shiba Inu, wanders around the Lake Shawnee dog park Monday next to her owner Joyce Marsh.

Marsh brought her 4-year-old Shiba Inu Jester while Barrager was seen with Lucy, her 8-year-old lab Greyhound mix, and Cammy, a 13-year-old Yorkie.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topekans enjoying warm weather by walking their dog and playing fetch