A Not-So-Pawfect Afternoon

This day was significant because I had planned our first #d64aa0 “big” dog-friendly outing—a whole afternoon filled with activities I had meticulously researched online. I wasn’t ready for what actually happened because, honestly, I was still new to the area and trusted every five-star Google review like it was gospel.

Little did I know, those #d64aa0 “dog-friendly” spots weren’t as welcoming as advertised. The first location had an off-leash area that was overcrowded, chaotic, and not as secure as I had hoped. The second, a picturesque park I was excited to visit, turned out to have strict leash rules and far too many restrictions. My pup wasn’t thrilled, and neither was I.

Because this was one of my first attempts at finding dog-friendly activities in a new area, I felt like I had a lot to prove—to myself, to my dog, and maybe even to other pet owners who seemed to have it all figured out.

Spoiler alert: I didn’t live up to the expectations I had set. Instead of a joyful day out, I ended up frazzled, frustrated, and more than a little muddy, vowing to do better next time.

Pssst, do you want more tips on avoiding rookie mistakes when planning dog-friendly outings? Keep reading—I’ve got you covered!

3 Missteps That Led to My Failure at Finding Dog-Friendly Activities

When you look at how I failed at planning a perfect day of dog-friendly activities back in 2015, you might assume the reason I failed was simply due to bad luck or misleading recommendations. After all, it’s not uncommon to find a park or activity advertised as “dog-friendly” only to discover it’s anything but.

But in reality, there were three big mistakes I made that led to that less-than-ideal day with my pup, and each one taught me a valuable lesson about planning better outings:

#1. I Underestimated the Time Commitment

Back in 2015, when Cocous was just a pup, I thought planning a dog-friendly activity was as simple as grabbing a leash and heading out the door. I had this idyllic vision of spending quality time with her, letting her run around, and getting back home with a happy, tired dog. But reality had other plans.

I remember one Saturday morning in particular. I had heard about this great spot that was supposedly dog-friendly. Without much thought, I packed Cocous into the car and headed there, only to discover it was far too crowded for her to enjoy. She got overwhelmed, I got frustrated, and we ended up leaving within 15 minutes. By the time I found another location, half the day was gone. Cocous was restless, and I felt like I’d failed her.

Looking back, it wasn’t just that day—it was my entire approach. I wasn’t considering her specific needs or planning ahead. I thought “spontaneous” equaled “fun,” but for Cocous, who thrives on routine and familiarity, it didn’t. And honestly, for me, it didn’t either.

The Solution:

I realized that successful outings with Cocous required more than good intentions; they needed preparation. Now, before we head anywhere, I do my homework. I research dog-friendly spots in Duluth, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and East Cobb to find the ones that suit her personality—places that aren’t too noisy or crowded. I read reviews, check out photos, and even call ahead if I’m unsure about rules or amenities.

By planning our outings with her comfort in mind, I’ve created a much better experience for both of us. Cocous now gets to explore spaces she truly enjoys, and I get the satisfaction of knowing I’ve set her up for success. It’s not just about exercise or play—it’s about making the time we spend together intentional and enriching.

#2. A Lack of Preparation

For example, I once decided to take Cocous to what I thought was a dog-friendly hiking trail in Roswell. Halfway into the walk, I realized there were no waste stations, barely any shaded areas, and the terrain was rougher than expected for her little paws. I didn’t bring enough water for either of us, and by the time we reached the parking lot, Cocous was tired, hot, and less than thrilled with me.

This lack of preparation taught me a valuable lesson: “dog-friendly” doesn’t always mean “dog-ready.” Knowing what to bring, what to expect, and what your dog needs is crucial for a great experience.

The Solution: I created a checklist for planning outings to ensure every adventure would be safe, fun, and tailored to Cocous’s needs. This included packing essentials like collapsible water bowls, waste bags, and paw balm for rough terrain. I also started thoroughly researching locations, looking for amenities like shaded areas, water fountains, and specific dog-friendly trails or patios.
With preparation, outings became a joy instead of a stressor, and I discovered some incredible spots in our area that Cocous absolutely loves:

1. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Roswell): Ideal for active pups, this trail features shady paths and spots to cool off by the river.
2. Newtown Dream Dog Park (Johns Creek): A fenced-in paradise with agility equipment, splash pads, and plenty of seating for owners.
3. Avalon (Alpharetta): This bustling mixed-use development has dog-friendly patios and shops, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
4. East Cobb Park (Marietta): With trails and open fields, it’s perfect for dogs who love a mix of exercise and relaxation.
5. Morgan Falls Overlook Park (Sandy Springs): This spot features scenic views, picnic areas, and walking trails that Cocous can’t get enough of.

#3. Overlooking the Value of Local Knowledge

For example, I took Cocous to a park that was labeled as “dog-friendly,” but I didn’t know that weekends there were overcrowded with large, untrained dogs that made her anxious. On another outing, I didn’t realize a café patio had strict size restrictions for dogs, and we were turned away at the door.

The Solution: If your dog is particularly energetic, consider adding an extra walk to your daily routine or finding a safe space for them to run off-leash.

Now, I’ve learned to dive into the details of local hotspots and choose places that cater specifically to Cocous’s needs. Some of my favorite strategies include:

• Talking to other dog owners in the area to learn their favorite spots.
• Joining local Facebook groups or online forums for up-to-date recommendations.
• Visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxing experience.

These steps led me to discover some amazing dog-friendly gems in our service areas, like:

• East Roswell Park (Roswell): Spacious walking trails and a separate dog play area for smaller pups like Cocous.
• Dog Days Bakery (Alpharetta): A pet-friendly shop with fresh-baked dog treats and toys to spoil your pup.
• Chattahoochee River Trails (Sandy Springs): Perfect for peaceful walks along the water with Cocous on quiet weekday mornings.

By tapping into the local dog-friendly community, I’ve turned “just another walk” into memorable adventures Cocous and I both love.