for the dogs
Shelby Farms Park is a popular place for pups! Dogs must be on-leash, leash in hand at all times in the Park and on the Greenline, including unpaved forest trails. Local leash laws apply. However, The Outback features more than 100 acres that are designated for off-leash fun for you and your pup!
The Outback Off-Leash Dog Park was named one of the Top 10 dog parks in the country in the USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Poll. Learn more here.
The Outback: FUn unleashed
The Outback is generously sponsored by
The Outback is a multi-use area that offers more than 100 acres of open fields, ponds and unpaved trails for off-leash fun! You will encounter cyclists, hikers, horses, runners, anglers and other off-leash dogs while you're there. Gates 11, 12 + 13 are located on Trinity Road and Raleigh-Lagrange Road on the northeastern side of the Park.
The Outback is open daily from sunrise to sunset and features a water fountain with a doggie bowl and a dog wash station.
TIPS TO ENJOY THE OUTBACK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK
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Keep a ratio of one dog per person
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Make sure your dog is responsive to your verbal commands
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Pick up and dispose of solid pet waste
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Don’t let your dog disturb or interfere with wildlife or other Park users
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Recognize that your dog may not get along with all other dogs
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Supervise your pup at all times and interrupt any rough play
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Think carefully about bringing treats to the park and use them only when other dogs aren’t around
Looking FOR ways to celebrate your pup?
Paws for Shade
Paws for Shade is a tree-planting enhancement project in Shelby Farms Park’s Outback Off-Leash Dog Park. Dog lovers and other Park visitors can sponsor the planting of 6-7 foot red maple trees in and around the trails and various places throughout the dog park to create areas of shade and beauty. Learn more here
Dog Tags in the Outback Off-Leash Dog Park
Honor or remember a favorite pet with a personalized dog tag that hangs on a special sign in the Outback Off-Leash Dog Park. They come in a variety of shapes and colors! Find out more here.
Paver Stone on the Legacy Walk
Honor or remember a favorite pet with a paver stone. These special stones are located the Outback Off-Leash Dog Park. Find out more here.
Support the Space
Give a gift that gives back to your pup’s favorite play space. The Outback operates on donor support and a gift from you will make a paw-sitive impact! Click here to make a gift.
Looking for info about algae in the Park? Check out the video below, download this poster, or head to one of the kiosks at the main entrances to The Outback for on-the-ground info!