Hanover County Parks and Recreation runs two dog parks: Pole Green in Mechanicsville and Taylor in Ashland. Both have a feature most local dog parks don't advertise: a time-out pen. This post covers both parks, Hanover's rules, and how to use that pen the way a trainer would.
Pole Green Dog Park (Mechanicsville)
- Where: 8996 Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville, VA
- Official page: Pole Green Dog Park
Taylor Dog Park (Ashland)
- Where: Taylor Park, 13017 Taylor Complex Lane, Ashland, VA
- Official page: Hanover Dog Parks
Taylor Park also has walking trails, and the county calls it a good spot for dog walking, which makes for an easy leashed warm-up.
What both parks have
- 6-foot fence
- Dog agility equipment
- Time-out pen
- Waste stations
- Water stations
- Benches
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
Hanover's rules, and why they help
- Use is at your own risk, and owners are responsible for any injuries their dogs cause.
- Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies, with tags visible.
- No dogs under four months and no females in heat.
- Leash on when entering and leaving.
- Your dog stays in view and under your control.
- Children under 16 need an adult. The county recommends that children under 5 not go in.
- Two dogs per owner, maximum. From a trainer's view, this is one of the smartest rules around. Nobody can really watch three dogs in a busy park.
- No food, treats, alcohol or tobacco.
- Remove your dog at the first sign of aggression. Dogs with a history of aggression are prohibited.
- Pick up waste and fill holes.
- Report bites and serious injuries to Animal Control at (804) 365-6140. Report damage or unsafe conditions to Parks and Recreation at (804) 365-7150.
How to use the time-out pen
A time-out pen isn't a punishment box. Think of it as a place to calm down. Use it when your dog:
- Is getting over-aroused: frantic zoomies, nonstop barking, or mouthing that gets harder
- Keeps pestering a dog who has clearly said no
- Needs a minute before going back in after a tense moment
Walk your dog in calmly, stay with them, and wait until they can sniff, shake off, or sit and look around. Then go back in. If your dog can't settle after a couple of breaks, that's your sign to head home for the day.
Reading the room
Before you go in, watch from the fence. Look for loose, bouncy dogs who take turns and pause on their own. If you see stiff bodies, a dog being chased with no breaks, or owners not watching, come back another time. Hanover's agility equipment is fun, but keep it to one dog at a time on each piece and spot your dog on anything high.
Who should skip the dog park
- Reactive dogs, and dogs with a history of aggression, which Hanover's rules prohibit. For a step-by-step alternative, see reactive dog training in Richmond.
- Puppies under four months, and older pups your vet hasn't cleared yet
- Sick dogs and females in heat
Better options: a leashed walk at Taylor Park, a playdate with one familiar dog, or training that builds calm around other dogs.
Vaccines, licensing and your vet
Hanover asks that license and rabies tags be visible and bars puppies under four months, so confirm with your vet that your dog is cleared and protected before using shared water stations. Agility equipment adds jumping and climbing, so ask your vet about joint limits for young, old, or heavy dogs, and call if your dog seems unwell afterward.
Before you go
- Check the county page for any notices
- License and rabies tags on the collar
- Your vet has okayed dog park play
- No more than two dogs per adult
- Leash for entering and leaving, waste bags
- No treats or food inside
- Plan to use the time-out pen if your dog gets over-excited
- Children under 16 with an adult
Looking south of the Chickahominy? see Henrico County dog parks at Dorey and Short Pump, or our regional guide to dog parks around Richmond.
Getting started
Hanover asks that dogs stay under their owner's control and in view. If your dog's recall falls apart once other dogs show up, in-home dog training in Richmond lets us practice in your own yard and neighborhood until coming when called is reliable.
If your dog's recall falls apart around other dogs, call or text (804) 885-2424, or book a consult.
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