For those who like their PAW-sonal space...
Have you visited PAW-sonal Space?
We'd love to hear how your visit went.
We are monitoring how this park is being used and whether the single-user model is working as intended. If you would like to provide any feedback, please complete our 2 minute online survey.
Show us your fun!
Share a photo on social media, tag @PetsOfCharlesSturt on Facebook, and hashtag #MyPAWsonalSpace to show us how you and your pup enjoyed the space.
The PAW-sonal Space Dog Park at Gordon Reserve is our City's first purpose-built, single-use fenced off-lead area.
This small, fully enclosed space is ideal for dogs who prefer their own company.
It's not designed for play or socialisation, and it's not your traditional dog park. Instead, it's a space where dogs from a single household can sniff and explore to their heart's content, without the risk of another dog imposing on their downtime.
Who is the space for?
This space is ideal for dogs and owners who prefer calm, controlled environments compared to busy shared dog parks.
This may include:
- Vaccinated puppies (who can get overwhelmed quickly in traditional dog parks)
- Shy or timid dogs
- Dogs recovering from injuries where rough play isn't suitable
- Older dogs who may be more vulnerable due to pain, hearing loss or vision loss
- Dogs with vision or hearing impairments who don’t feel safe with rambunctious play in traditional fenced areas
- Dogs who are in training and jump on everyone and anyone
- Dogs who are scared of other dogs
- Owners who are scared of other dogs
- Owners who may be unable to walk far (e.g. unsteady on their feet, using a mobility aid or wheelchair, or recovering from injury or surgery).
- Owners who may have different physical abilities that make traditional dog parks harder to navigate
- Owners and dogs who simply prefer their own personal space
How do I use it? What are the rules?
Single use does not mean it is an exclusive booking area for hire. Entry to PAW-sonal Space is first-come, first-served.
Only one user or household should use the space at a time. If others are waiting, please keep your visit brief, and others may politely ask to join or wait their turn.
- Check if it’s in use
- If occupied, wait outside with your dog. Please give anyone exiting the park or waiting lots of PAW-sonal space – some dogs using this space require more space than others
- If you'd like to join, ask politely (e.g. "Hi, would it be okay if we came in? Happy to wait if your dog needs space"). People already inside have no obligation to invite you in, but should limit their time inside to 20 minutes.
- Use the area respectfully and clean up after your dog
- Finish within 20 minutes if others are waiting
Be mindful that not all dogs inside will be friendly toward other dogs.
There are two exits to the park, so if someone's waiting at one, it might be easiest to leave via the other.
To get the most out of your PAW-sonal Space visit:
- Set a timer so you can keep track of how long you’re spending if people are waiting
- Bring tasty treats so you can reward good choices, like checking in with you or coming back when called
- Call your dog back a few times during the visit so they get to run free again, rather than only calling them at the end to leash up and finish
- Move around the space as you can to encourage your dog to sniff and explore. Sniffing is a key part of good dog welfare: Let's go on a sniffari
- Pick up after your dog
- You're welcome to invite others in if your dog is sociable, but the space is designed for single use
What is the space not for?
This space is still a public space, with shared use access up to the gates. The park is set on a small reserve near a tennis court and playground.
Dogs must remain under effective control within sight of other dogs or people, and on lead (on the walk up to and from the fenced area) where they might come across other people or dogs.
This space is not suitable for dogs that display extreme aggression towards people or other dogs, or for dogs who might scale fences in order to access other people or dogs.
Is this permanent?
Yes, the dog park is intended to be a permanent addition to Gordon Reserve. After it opens, we will monitor how it is being used and whether the single-user model is working as intended. Community feedback will also be considered, and changes may be made if needed.