As a balanced trainer, I'm always on the lookout for places to walk dogs. Exploring new territory together build your leadership and provides oppurtunities to proof behavior, so don't wait - migrate to these awesome walk areas today! Maybe I'll see you there. :)

1. Main Street in Downtown Norman

Nestled in heart of the city, this iconic area represents the best of what Norman, Oklahoma has to offer active dog owners. If your dog has already completed training, or is nearly done, it's time to celebrate (and proof training!) with a night out on the town. Replete with opportunities for art, shopping, live music and dining, Main Street is a fun and busy place to take your dog for a weekend brunch or date night. We love combining training time and leisure time because it gives us a chance to have quality time with our pups in a way that is fun for the humans too.

Many businesses along Main Street offer dog friendly patios with wide walkways and dog-aware waitstaff. I can be found most Sundays sitting on the patio at the Winston with a pack of dogs, enjoying a pack of mimosas The food truck trend has not missed downtown Norman, so get your tacos on at Toly Park while your dog relaxes under the picnic tables.

During Second Friday Artwalk, many businesses allow dogs in stores too, but it's always polite to call ahead and ask. If your dog is working on reactivity, I would probably keep training limited to outdoor areas - cramped spaces, crowds, and reactive dogs do not a happy scene make. The good thing about Main Street is you can choose your own adventure. You can always back out of iffy situations and get more space for your dog if you need to.

2. The University of Oklahoma

Wide walkways, beautiful landscaping, and large open commons greet you on the OU campus. During the school year, students can be found milling about nearly every corner of campus, but during summer, you and your dog will have the campus all to yourselves.

As a balanced trainer, I am always on the lookout for medium distraction environments where there is bound to be a steady trickle of foot traffic. Kind of like the Goldilocks of training environments - not too big, not too little, but just right. Most people on campus are busy walking to classes, so they don't have time to dive bomb your dog with unsolicited petting - a plus if you're training your dog to ignore other people.

OU is a great place to take your dog to proof the final stages of off leash training.

3. The Field Next to Max Westheimer Airport

Have you ever driven down Robinson between Berry & Flood and wondered what that giant field is all about? Me too. So I decided to stop with my dogs and check it out. Spoiler alert: it's nothing special (at least to human eyes), but it is a much loved place for my pack. It's basically a huge open short grass prairie, with a loop for joggers/walkers mown in. I take my dogs to this field for one reason and one reason only: exercise.

This is where you take your dog for a straightforward, no-nonsense romp. If your dogs are off leash trained and just need to get their daily steps in, stop by here for a quick walk and fetch session. Every time I go, I see a troupe of joggers getting their steps in too. As always, ensure that your dog is polite and respectful to the humans inhabiting a space. Joggers do not want your dog rushing up to them during their exercise routine. Always call your dog back and put him in a heel when you see oncoming pedestrians or other dogs.

If you don't 1000% trust your dog to come back yet, have him drag a 50 ft long line. I've seen rabbits hopping around out there, and the fields are framed on three sides by high speed traffic. Bonus: this actually has a protective effect in regards to strange dogs rushing up to you - most owners with out of control dogs wouldn't dare risk going off-leash near a highway.

Top Three Places to Walk Your Dog in Norman, Oklahoma