Wild River Dog Park

Left a rating without review text

I hate to leave a bad review because we have used Wild River for our dog from their puppy socialisation up to now (he’s now 3). Unfortunately today at the golden retriever meet there were some poorer behaved dogs there who seemed caused more fighting than what I have previously experienced at the park. In visits gone by where there has been an issue the dogs are normally put on a lead or time out depending on the number of offences (this may not be factual but just what we’ve witnessed). Either way I feel it is normally very promptly dealt with. However today they were allowed to remain and only seemed to be removed toward the end of our session. I would just be concerned about our dogs safety attending these sessions in the future following today. I absolutely love taking him and love all the staff and we maybe just got a bad experience today! Further dismay unfortunately came when I got home and realised my cake I bought was blue moulded :(. Not our best day but normally we have a great time!

My dog absolutely loved it!

Left a rating without review text

Olive absolutely loved it here today! Staff where so welcoming and helpful. Olive can't wait for her next visit. ❤️

I really wanted to love our visit to Wild River Dog Park, and I don’t want this review to come across as an attack because I genuinely think the staff have good intentions. I’m simply sharing how the experience made me feel. Before booking, I messaged to ask if it would be okay to bring my three children as I’m a single mum and don’t have childcare. I received a lovely, reassuring reply telling me it was absolutely fine, that they understood not everyone has another adult available, and that if I needed a hand during the session, I only had to ask. That message made me feel welcome and gave me the confidence to book. I have a 12-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 2-year-old with developmental delays. Before we even arrived, I’d explained to my older two that they were not to run around the park because the dogs’ safety and comfort come first. They listened brilliantly. When we arrived, the first thing we were told was to make sure the children stayed beside me and didn’t run around, which was absolutely fair enough. The difficult part came when my 2-year-old became unsettled in his pram. I let him out simply to walk beside me and quietly look at the dogs. He wasn’t running, shouting or chasing them. He was just toddling around, curious like any two-year-old. A member of staff then approached me and told me he either had to go back into the pram or be carried in my arms for the remainder of the 50-minute session. I completely appreciate that this may be part of the park’s terms and conditions, and I respect that businesses have rules for safety. My disappointment is that this wasn’t explained before I booked or when I specifically asked if bringing my children was okay. Had I known beforehand, I could have decided whether the session was suitable for us instead of finding out once we were already there. What made it even harder was that I had been encouraged beforehand to ask staff for help if I needed it, and during the session I was advised to walk my four-month-old puppy around the field to help her get used to the other dogs. As a single mum with a puppy on a lead, a pram, and two other children, I honestly don’t know how I was expected to do that while also keeping my toddler either strapped into a pram or carried for almost an hour. I ended up feeling incredibly embarrassed and left the session early. This review isn’t really about the rule itself. It’s about communication and how the situation made me feel. As a single mum rebuilding life after leaving an abusive relationship, it already takes a lot to get out and do things with my children. I left feeling like families in my situation weren’t really considered, despite the warm message I received beforehand. I don’t believe the staff intended to make me feel unwelcome, and I appreciate that dog safety has to come first. I simply think expectations should be made much clearer before people book, especially if they specifically ask about bringing children. That would avoid parents feeling embarrassed or caught off guard on arrival. I genuinely wish Wild River Dog Park all the best, and I hope this feedback is taken in the spirit it’s intended. A little more upfront communication and support could make a huge difference for parents like me.

Sadie loved playing with her fellow cockapoos

Riley had a great time running around in big safe area. Thought he was in the private area I think he's made some friends with the greyhounds and lurchers in the fun park maybe next time he can join them 😂.

Great experience! I hired a private play park as both of my dogs are reactive. I was able to park right at the entrance to the park and walk them straight in. Spacious area and fully enclosed and secure. My dogs had a great time and we will definitely be regulars! 🙂 (there was an empty can on the table when we arrived and a few empty packaging, however that's more of a reflection on other users than the park itself! Plenty of bins supplied within the park for cleaning up after your dogs and yourself!

Excellent facility. Athena, 17 month cocker spaniel,loved it! We're already booked for our next session, this time in the Pink private park