I am a member of MDOGS and I love Merced Dog Park. Ther are forms to fill out if you want to become a member of MDOGS. It's very inexpensive and if you join for 3 years you get a cut rate. If you do join you are welcome to come to all of the meetings and give input in what you think should be done with the park. I saw a comment that a user didn't like the perimeter fence and I agree however that is all the city would approve. Since it is so close to the creek it has to be open so water can flow through if there is a flood. I know it seems silly to me as well. Everyone is supposed to pick up after their pet and we try to keep the dispensers full of bags but sometimes we run out before we get the new shipment. It is expensive to buy the bags but they are biodegradable so worth the extra cost. We hope you have fund raisers in the future, the problem is there is a very small number of people who want to be active in the group. We are hoping to have an event in February, not to raise money but to educate people about the cost and responsibility of dog ownership and the importance of spay and neuter. The City of Merced, Department of Public Works is the agency that is basically in charge of and responsible for the upkeep of the park. Any issues with fencing, gate latches, ground maintence etc. should be directed to them. MDOGS is only required to keep the poop bag dispensers full. My dog Muffin and I welcome one and all to the park. Bring your dogs and have fun. read more

Went to the dog park today with my dog. For clarification sake, my dog is a lab heeler mix, she focuses only on her ball and me and avoids other dogs while she's there. There were two other owners there this morning between 7:15am and 8:15am. One of them was a medium height with two dogs, both huskies, one white and the other a brown and white color. The owner was on his phone the entire time with his dogs not paying attention to his dogs. The brown/tan one went after my dogs rear flank while she was going for her ball. Even after he stayed on the phone the entire time not paying any attention. Be aware if you see this one. The second owner is an older man I'm guessing 50s to 60s. His dog is a brown and black with tons of grey around the face. His dog went after my dog as she ran after her ball. I told him I didn't appreciate his dog going after mine. During each of the subsequent times he walked around the park his dog continued going after my dog. The lack of awareness of his dog and mindfulness of other people in the park from this man was appalling. After we left the park I noticed, once we got home, that there was blood on the blanket my dog lays on for her after park nap. (See pictures below.) Its a deep gash caused by one of these two owner's dogs. I'm avoiding this park after this incident because my dog is a senior and doesn't deserve to be bitten when she is minding her own business. If you see either one of these owners here I would steer clear. read more

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Fenced park, lots of space. Great for off-leash socialization with other dogs and friendly owners. People pick up after their dogs and there are several bag dispensers. My dog is deaf and can only be off-leash in fenced areas, so we are "regulars" at this park and others. There are mature trees for shade, cement benches, and water fountains. read more

I've been taking my dog here for about a year now. Giving this 4/5 since the big dog park has obstacles and not the small dog park. It's fairly clean, people pick up after their dogs and are friendly. It would be nice if there was more lighting towards the night. I get it's not meant for people to stay late, but it's safer. read more

This is nice park, you have your regulars that are awesome people with well behaved and well socialized dog. The negative reviews are from people that do not know how a dog park works, for example keeping you dog on a leash in a dog park is not a good idea, and park etiquette, simply picking up after your dogs. just do your research if you're new to dog parks read more

Merced Dog Park - Some awesome well behaved dogs - Dog Parks Near Me - Merced, California

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Very nice dog park! Small and large areas separated. Next to a river with a bridge and trail to walk. Agressive Homeless man was in the bathroom so be mindful. Well manicures park with water and dog bags. Some trees for shade and benches. Plenty of area for dogs to run. read more

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This is an enclosed dirt patch. I came in the early morning and in the afternoon. There are some kind people that come to the big dog park but there is a man that comes in the morning with this black dog that jumps on people and he refuses to recall his dog. I first wanted to see how the other dogs played so I was just walking abs doing some commands on leash with the dog I was with. I kept shouting every time the black dog jumped on me and scratching me for someone to recall their dog. When I confronted him I asked why to which he just said, "I don't even know what to say." Recall you dog! Don't bring your dog to the dog park if you don't know how to take care of it. My jacket was ruined. I had scratches on my back and upper arm. At least the dog that I brought there was fine. read more

Had a great time my dogs got along with everyone. They had a great time with the agility obstacles it was a good learning experience.

This park is nice because they have separate areas for dogs of different sizes and they have plenty of space for quite a few dogs to run around at once. Each area is fairly well-maintained but the grass areas could use some attention as they have various holes and patchy areas. read more

The park area for 'small dogs' is nice, but too many people who can't or won't control their aggressive dogs take them too the 'all dogs' park and people don't watch their dogs. My dog was attacked by an aggressive pit bull at Merced Dog Park. I didn't see the cut across my dog's neck from the pit bull's teeth until I got home or I would have stayed and called the police on the pit bull's owner. I love dogs and have nothing against pit bulls; dogs are trained by their owners and their owners are responsible for their dog's behavior. Dog owner's need to control their dogs and clean up their dog's poo. read more

The best dog park I have ever been to! Two separated areas, for both big and small dog.Fence gate all around both areas. The fence was so protective, that I let put my five month old puppy to play around without his leash and he was perfectly fine. Definitely coming back soon! read more

Water fountain and drain below both clogged. Dogs can't drink because of stagnant water. Holes in ground around fountain? No problem; just cover them with bread racks. Lazy work, town of Merced. read more

Merced Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Merced, California

Too many aggressive uncontrolled dogs running around unleashed. They approach as soon as you enter and owners won't recall their dogs so your getting jumped on. Little aggressive dog attacked my puppy which was leashed and the owner blamed me. Lady MY DOG IS LEASHED!!! Control your aggressive animal and other dogs won't have to react. read more

I am going to try and review the park itself first, and then include a short section on the types of owners/dogs one is likely to come across, based on my experiences thus far. First, I have been to two other dog parks before, quite often: the one in Turlock, and the one in Woodward Park in Fresno, CA. So, I, like other dog owners in Merced, eagerly awaited the opening of the Merced Dog Park. Initially, very small dogs could get out under the gates in BOTH the "small" dog and "all sizes" gated areas. However, after some phone calls and good luck, they fixed that. So, there's an "all-sizes" area, and then, separated by sidewalks and a small hill, there's the "small dog" section-- (less than 20 inches tall). There are drinking fountains in each section, doggie bag dispensers, garbage cans (normal "city cans"), and occasionally, a rake for picking up dog stuff (though how you're supposed to get that into a doggie bag seems complicated to me). There are no hills inside either of the areas-- they are flat/level. They both have grass in the middle, a few small tress, concrete places to sit, and a dirt track along the outer edge. The all-sizes section also has a mulch area. There is also a public restroom near the parking lot with a drinking fountain. I've never been inside of it, so I don't have any tips there, although it is right next to a fairly busy street, so I would imagine that it would be fairly safe-- moreso than the bathrooms at the Turlock dog park. Here are the types of owners/dogs you will find here: ALL KINDS! All breeds, all styles. Friendly pit bulls, scary chihuahuas, scary pit bulls, friendly chihuahuas. Owners who yell at their dog if they sniff another dog, owners who talk on their cell phone and don't notice/care if their dog is barking excessively or jumping on people or being aggressive. Families with well-behaved children, families with kids who make you want to ban children from public places. It's basically a crap shoot. I will say this-- it is self-policing. There are rarely members of M-Dogs there when I go, so if someone is not following the rules, it is up to me to say something. So, when people open up both gates SIMULTANEOUSLY (which would allow dogs to escape and potentially run into traffic and hence, die), or don't pick up dog %&!@ (which of course you or your dog will step in), or bring in rabid aggressive dogs who bite and snarl because they are on a LEASH in an OFF-LEASH PARK and feel "stuck," it's up to you, Dear Reader, to say something. Speak now, or forever hold your peace (or leave the dog park). For etiquette, check out: http://www.mdogs.org/parkrules.htm Just know that most dog owners will say hi to your dog, ask you your dog's name & breed, and never find out YOUR name. And it's nothing personal. A lot of people at the dog park are Dog People, and not always People People. Also, it's an interesting way to find out what your assumptions/preconceptions/prejudices are towards Breeds and People. A guy in baggy pants with a pit bull might be the Dog Whisperer, and his dog is better behaved than your $1,000 purebred monster. A nice-looking old lady might yell at you because your dog sniffs her dog's &$$, or she might laugh as her $1,000-dog jumps in the mud. read more

I used to take my dog here all the time! Both of my dogs love it here. The only concern I really have is with the "All Dogs" side of the park. My dog slips out of the fence between she is small enough. She prefers to play with the big dogs but I don't like taking her there because of her safety. She has gotten out of the perimeter at least five times. I haven't been there recently because of this but when I was last there, all the chicken wire that was supposed to keep the smaller dogs in were falling about. I really wish the city would do something about this so that I can continue to bring my dogs. read more

My girls love this park. The only bad thing is not all owners pick up there doggies doody!!! BAD OWNERS! ALSO If you know your dog could be or IS aggressive common sense DO NOT BRING IT! My pit bull got attacked by a mix dog for no reason. read more

Great place for our furbabies go socialize. The large dog part needs better maintenance, better watering and fix the drinking fountain, but its great you have this place. More people need to pick up after their pets, thou. It will be the humans who will ruin it for the dogs if they don't keep picking up. Also, the large dog park should be only for the larger dogs, to protect this end it has smaller dogs, and prevent problems! read more

People think this is a great place because you can take your dogs here and let them run around... in a cage. There is tons of open space near it, and I have seen many people take the dogs there instead. I'd rather take my dog to the field or the floodspace. The parking lot is great starting point for runs or bike rides on the new bike paths and old paths that make up over a dozen miles. Hard to get in and out though. Only one way in and you have to drve a roundabout way to leave. Kind of dumb place. Don't know why this place is so awesome. read more

I am new to Merced, and was thrilled to see that they indeed had a beautiful new dog park. when I got my dog, I made a pack with her that she'd go all the time.. and I've kept it. I believe that most of the owners in Merced that come on a regular basis really care about their dogs and it's like a family almost. We are all excited to come and see that certain dogs are there ..and so are our dogs. I do not think that MDog is actively involved in the park as they should. When the dog poopie bags are empty it can take literally weeks for MDog to get someone to get the key and actually refill the empty dog bag things. It's hard enough to get some owners to "notice" their dog is POOPING.. and thus needs their attention to clean it up.. but when the bags are empty.. it's even harder. Some owners come and spend their time cleaning up @#@# that they should not have too. I will NEVER understand why some owners bring in unneutered or ill behaved dogs. We are trying to keep ours from having problems and they seem to 99 percent of the time the real "issues". How about Rescuing animals. There are rescues of every breed! Also, Keep your babies and young kids at home. Give me a break. Not all dogs are use to children or the noises they make... that goes for the teeny dogs.. we have a small dog park. I agree it's alot to ask that the big dogs ignore the biting etc of ill behaved little dogs.. the big dogs get blamed if one gets hurt. duh. My biggest concern is that owners bring their puppies into the park when they are obviously too young to have had all their shots. I wish there was a better way to ensure that every dog that enters has had all it's shots etc. Parvo is a dreaded disease and I think it should be taken more seriously. Merced dog Park is an outbreak just waiting to happen. I love the park, I go every night or so and my dog loves it. I think it'd be nice if the mdog associatyion would reach out to the owners for help with the park, ie: even the simplest things like refilling the poopie bags.. fundraisers or ideas... which they seem to be fine with only having the halloween thing and nothing else.. Take ideas or have some open meeting and actually let people know when and where and then actually be open to others ideas. Other than that... I love the park, appreciate Merced for having the parks, and my dog LOVES the park. We are so lucky to have the park to come to. I give it 4 big Woofs! Here's just a few photos of Noel and Stella's Friends! read more

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THIS park used to be nice, but the City of Merced has get it go. Mostly dirt now. Whatever grass there is, is dead. Trees are dying. Fountain doesn't work, & the drain is clogged. Very disappointed with the city read more

I was so excited to let my boxer run. Then walking through it I see tons of poop everywhere. Gross. Looking for somewhere clean my puppy can run...definitely not here. SAD. ...People... Clean up after your dogs. Have a little pride read more

This is the first dog park I've ever been to. I wasn't entirely certain what to expect. The first review of this place is extremely accurate as far as the landscape. The area was decently clean. It may have been just this day, but everyone there seemed pretty on top of things as far as keeping track of their dogs. Since it was a Saturday, there were plenty of dogs of all breeds, and all sizes. Owners kept a close eye on their dogs, and if one got a little bit too rough, they'd call them back. Everyone seemed to have respect for everyone else's dog. Easy parking. Lots of space to run. All in all a good experience. I'll be back. read more

I gave this place a 5 star because it's as good as it gets for Merced lol! The reason I said this is because there are two cages for our dogs to run around and meet their 4 legged friends. One is for bigger dogs like Labs and one is or small dogs like my shih tzu. This is nice because one time I took Rascal to a dog park in Fresno and he almost got sat on by a human size dog! So that pretty much scared the poor little guy. The dog park offers a water fountain for your dog to cool off and they even supply bags for you to pick up your dog's poop. I went at 5pm and this is still pretty hot for summer in Merced. The park was empty and that was nice for him to run around. However, I did step on a few dry dog poop from owners who did not pick up their dogs poop. This place is not monitored so be careful when bringing your dog here because I did witness some owners big dog being growled at by a small dog. read more

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I'm really disappointed, the last time I was there all the grass was dead. My dog was devastated. -100 stars

As eagerly as I awaited the opening of this park, I'm pretty disappointed about how the money was spent. Coming from the Bay Area, my dog has been to the Alameda dog park and the San Mateo dog park. Both have large open spaces and Alameda has a sort of wild licorice "island" where the dogs can hide out. It also has a small dog area and big dog area rather than a small dog area and an all dog area. I don't like that very small dogs are allowed in the all dog area in Merced. Some of them are very aggressive toward large dogs, and some of the large dogs are aggressive toward them. When I was there two nights ago about 7pm, a small poodle shadowed me and my dog the entire time, trying to nip at my dog's face and paws as we left. Not OK. The owner was not in evidence. As to how the money was spent, dogs don't care about lovely wrought-iron-ish fencing. All the other dog parks have cyclone fence. The gate fasteners work well, but not at Merced. The parking is OK as long as you're not trying to back out at the same time as someone behind you; the drainage swail looks like a swamp and is cordoned off right now. Next time, I hope they'll get a bigger area, use less fancy materials, and get it opened sooner. Not bad for a first try, but could be better. PS - I would NOT bring my little kids here. Dogs do poop, and it isn't always picked up. read more

My dog enjoyed making friends here and it provided us a space for her roam. I wish the park had better maintenance, the grass needed to be cut. read more

I've literally never been able to find this place. People tell me where it is and give me directions, but I just can't find it. The whole park is miles long. I even tried using the yelp pictures to find the place, while driving for 10 minutes & walking for 20, still couldn't find it. We just gave up. read more

Please train your dogs not to jump on people. I like the park; however, not the surplus of poorly trained dogs.

A little dirty, but a wonderful size with separate accommodations for large and small dogs.

I brought three large dogs here while I was waiting for two more dogs to complete treatment at the vet. I enjoyed walking in the perimeter path, then running back and forth so my dogs could get some exercise. Plenty of waste bag dispensers, nice parking lot. I travel a lot so I know me some dog parks. This is a nice one. read more

I love the doggie park. I have only been to the small animal area. I take my little guy there several times a week. We have met some of the nicest, most responsible pet owners there. Sometimes myself and my roommate and our dogs are the only ones there. We let the "kids" run while we walk the track, or patrol for poop, or pull weeds along the fence. We all look out for each other's pets while we are there. Sometimes if there is a group of us there, we get involved in conversation and don't notice if our pet goes poop but one of us is always at the "ready" to pick up the mess. It is a safe, clean, friendly area. We all expect that those of us who use it will respect it and do our part to keep it a safe and clean environment for our pets. It is a nice place to spend some time with your pet and an opportunity for young and old to "meet and greet". Pets seem to unite us all...regardless of age. read more

I haven't took my german shepherd to the big dog park yet because I'm a little scared on how she will react so I leave her to play with my husband while my mom and I take our 3 chihuahuas to the small dog park area. It's really nice and alot of nice people. Our dogs have a really good time. They just need to maybe fix the gate area on the left because a toy chihuahua could get out. Other than that it's nice. read more

Spark and I frequent this place. Love the open play and meeting new people on a nice afternoon. See you there. - Franklin