Leash rules for Purgatory Park
The City of Minnetonka website states that dogs must be leashed on maintained park trails, but dogs are allowed off-leash on informal (unmaintained) trails. It can be difficult to interpret these guidelines and rumors of conflicts with off-leash dogs are increasing.
After speaking with Minnetonka Police, we learned the dogs causing problems in parks are not aggressive, but rather overly excited and friendly. They run up to people or leashed dogs and cause conflict.
Please respect other park users by following the below guidelines. If you can’t follow the below guidelines – try a fully fenced in dog park, like Minnewashta. If complaints become more frequent, we risk loosing off-leash access.
ALWAYS LEASH YOUR DOG:
In the parking lot
When walking on any gravel or paved trail
When crossing a paved or gravel trail
If your dog is not under voice command or doesn’t come when called (even if they are friendly)
If your dog ignores you when tempted by people or other dogs
Your dog is aggressive or reactive around other dogs or people
LEASH DOG
LEASH DOG
LEASH DOG
YOUR DOG MAY BE OFF-LEASH:
ONLY if they come when called
ONLY on informal trails (dirt or sand)
Off-leash dog must not run up to people, bikes, or other leashed-dogs on the maintained trails
You must pick-up your pet’s poop, even if they go far off the path
Be aware of trail crossings and leash your dog when you encounter a paved or gravel trail
