Best Dog-Friendly Places in Twin Falls

Living in a two-bedroom house with an English Mastiff is challenging for him and me: corralling all his energy in such a small space is enough to drive us both mad. There are no dog parks or places to legally take a dog off-leash in Twin Falls. The Magic Valley Canine Social Club is working with the Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Department to turn part of the Oregon Trail Youth Complex into a dog park, but it's going to take time to raise the money and receive the city's approval (for more information on how you can be involved in these efforts, join the Magic Valley Canine Social Club's Group on Facebook). In the meantime, however, there are plenty of places for Indy to play on-leash. Most of the parks in Twin Falls allow dogs as long as they are under control and you clean up after them, but here are some of Indy's favorites along with a public business or two that are willing to help him get the exercise and training he needs.

D&B Supply

As soon as we walk through the front doors, Indy takes off down the aisle to the left towards the dog food aisle. Not because he wants to go shopping, but because he knows where the treats are stashed! We've been taking Indy there since he was 4 months old, and he sniffed those bones out our very first trip there. His head may be too big to reach in the basket anymore, but he still gets plenty from the store's friendly employees. I think the record for treats he received in one trip from the basket and the cashiers up front was between 12 and 15. Of course we have to go for a walk after our walk at the D&B to work off all those extra calories, but to him, it's so worth it!

D&B Supply
2964 Addison Ave. E., Twin Falls

Thomsen Park

This beautiful park is a lovely place to take Indy for a nice stroll. Green rolling lawns, trees dotting the landscape, a paved walkway, and benches lining the path make for a great evening with your best friend. Indy loves to run across the grass as long as I can keep up with him. The park provides some doggy bags, so please be considerate of others and scoop the poop.

Carriage Ln., Twin Falls

Canyon Rim Trail/Shoshone Park/Dierkes Lake

This trail will one day stretch from Shoshone Falls to Washington Ave., but until then, it can be hiked along three segments: from Shoshone Park to the site of Evel Knievel's jump; behind the Outback Steakhouse, under the Perrine Bridge, and in front of the Canyon Park shopping complex; and from the end of Washington Ave. to the east side of Perrine Coulee Falls. The parking lot at the end of Washington has a doggy water fountain, and I've seen boxes for doggy bags in front of Canyon Park. Indy loves the great views and watching BASE jumpers on the bridge. Shoshone Park and Dierkes are also dog-friendly as long as they stay on-leash and away from the playground/picnic area/swimming hole at the lake--keep them on the trail. The north side of the lake has a great hiking trail, and Indy and I usually have the run of the place except for a few rock climbers.

Petsmart

For us, Petsmart's not just for grooming but for Indy's social training, too. The interaction with people and other animals teaches him manners which is especially important for him since he's such a big, intimidating animal. So he most always comes with me when I go shopping for his food and toys. Plus, he would prefer to pick out his own toys--the snake he chose when he was just a baby lasted for almost a year before it became indistinguishable and we threw it away. And the treats at the counter are so good he'll stand with his front paws up on the table so the cashiers know he's ready for one. Petsmart also offers classes and day camps if you feel your buddy needs a little more formal training. As always, be sure to vaccinate your dogs before bringing them around other animals.

Petsmart
1505 Blue Lakes Blvd. N., Twin Falls

The Magic Valley Canine Social Club

The Social Club holds weekly meetings for dogs-in-training and for well-socialized dogs. For those who are just being introduced to the dog community or who need help playing nicely with others, the Club meets on Wednesday evenings at the ponds on the north side of CSI's campus (where the Farmer's Market is held). Indy likes to get together with his best friends (Spot, Bentley, and Frodo among them) and meet new ones. And he loves the water, so being able to get his feet wet is a welcome relief on a hot summer's day. On Sunday mornings, the club gets together with those who are already good around other dogs at the BLM lands north of the canyon. Indy hasn't yet joined them on one of their excursions, but they sound like a lot of fun. For more information and to check meeting times from week to week, please join the Club's Group on Facebook.

Other businesses that allow you to bring your leashed, vaccinated pets for training purposes are Sportsman's Warehouse and The Home Depot. Banks, including First Federal and Bank of America, have been known to give out treats when you use the drive-thru teller, and Dairy Queen makes puppy cones for free.