The NSW Companion Animals Act requires each Local Government Area (LGA or council) provide at least one full time off-leash area for your dog.

Off-leash parks can be a fantastic place to have fun with your dog. Not only will you and your dog meet a variety of other people in the off-leash area, it provides a great opportunity for ball games, frisbee and generally just hanging about and being a dog in open space!

Just remember that even off-leash, your dog must be under effective control and you remain responsible for the consequences of your dog's behaviour. Most areas designated off-leash are there for the whole community to share, so ensure that your enjoyment at the park doesn't negatively impact on any other park user.

It does take time to develop effective control over your dog in an off-leash environment. If you are unsure of how your dog will behave in an off-leash enviroment, invest some time at your local dog obedicence school to ensure your dog will listen to you even in a highly distracted environment, and for your first off-leash park visit, go at a quiet time of day to one of the fenced dog parks, where you can build up your confidence and control.

So where are these dog friendly parks?

Great Sydney Dog Walks also provides a full listing of every council's stated off-leash areas throughout the Greater Sydney region (including the Blue Mountains, Gosford and Wollongong). You can purchase Great Sydney Dog Walks here.