The Howard County Dog Owners Group, also known as HoCoDOG, was formed to actively pursue the establishment of an off-leash dog park in Howard County.

HoCoDOG worked with the Department of Recreation and Parks to open the county's first dog park and is actively involved in its operation. Volunteers serve as informal park monitors and assist in making the park a safe and enjoyable place for dogs and their owners to play. HoCoDOG also raises funds for park amenities.

In addition to being the catalyst for Howard County's first dog park, HoCoDOG also advocates responsible dog ownership and believes that the two work hand-in-hand. 

A community-supported dog park provides many benefits. It offers a wonderful and safe place for dogs to engage in the vigorous exercise so important for their physical and emotional well-being. For many dogs it may provide their only opportunity to interact with other dogs and people other than their owners. Countless animal behavioral studies show that dogs that are well socialized are healthier and are far less likely to develop behavior problems.

For dog owners the off-leash area provides an opportunity to exercise and socialize, too, strengthening the bonds they share with their pets and with their fellow citizens. Visitors can share information relevant to dog ownership as well as news about events in the wider community. In short, the dog park fosters community spirit.

Since the park opened in July 2002, HoCoDOG's emphasis has shifted away from handling operational issues and more toward acting as a liaison between the dogpark community and the Department of Recreation and Parks. There is an ongoing need for gate volunteer and Paws Patrol members, which HoCoDOG will continue to recruit and train.

In addition, a six-member advisory panel has been established. Its members are volunteers from the dogpark community, and its purpose is to facilitate the flow of information between the park users and the Parks department and to assist with occasional special projects.

You may contact us by email at info@hocodog.org.

HoCoDOG welcomes you to its community! Please join us!