📍 Mary Moore Searight Metro Park – Trainer’s Review
Are Austin’s off-leash areas really worth it? Join us to find out!
Austin is packed with off-leash dog areas (DOLAs), but are they actually safe, enjoyable, and good for training? To help local dog owners make the most of these spaces, we’re reviewing every park on Austin Parks & Recreation’s DOLA list.
At Body and Mind K9 (BAMK9), we specialize in balanced training that helps owners create real-world reliability with their dogs—so when we review a park, we’re looking at more than just a fun spot to let your dog run wild. We’re breaking down what to expect, how we recommend using the area, and whether it’s the right fit for you and your dog.
First up: Mary Moore Searight Metro Park (DOLA)! Is this tree-covered trail a dream for off-leash adventures, or will you leave with a muddy, stressed-out pup? Let’s find out.
🐕 First Impressions: A Mixed Bag of Freedom & Chaos
Pulling into the parking lot, we immediately saw the good, the bad, and the muddy side of Mary Moore Searight. Two off-leash dogs rushed out of a car and surrounded another dog who was just getting toweled off to go home. The owner scrambled to collect their dog while the loose dogs circled excitedly.
Not the best start.
But once we hit the trails, everything changed. The shade from the trees, the winding dirt paths, and the freedom to let our dogs run and explore made this spot a solid choice for off-leash adventures.
Dogs were sniffing, running, and happily checking in with their owners. We even saw a few owners jogging with their dogs off-leash, casually keeping pace as their pups trotted alongside them. This park clearly isn’t just for dog play—it’s a place where owners and dogs come to exercise together.
🏆 The Good: A Solid Training Ground with a Relaxed Vibe
✅ Rad Path to Train
The fenced-in trails provide a rare opportunity for off-leash training without the chaos of a dog park. The narrow paths naturally encourage dogs to stay near their owners, making it a great place to practice recall, engagement, and leash-to-off-leash transitions.
✅ Shaded & Relaxed
The tree-covered paths make this a comfortable and peaceful space, even on hot Texas afternoons. Whether you’re walking, running, or just letting your dog sniff around, the shade adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
✅ Sniffing Wonderland
If your dog loves to explore with their nose, they’ll be in heaven. The mix of natural terrain, fallen logs, and scattered foliage makes it an ideal environment for scent work and mental stimulation.
⚠️ Heads Up: What to Watch For
❌ Uncontrolled Parking Lot
While the trails feel structured and safe, the parking lot is a free-for-all. Some owners release their dogs the second they open the car door, allowing them to rush up to unsuspecting dogs. If your dog isn’t comfortable with sudden greetings, this could be a stressful start to your visit.
❌ Limited Amenities
There are no water stations, so be sure to bring your own! While there are a few waste bins, we noticed some dog poop on the trail—more waste stations would definitely help keep the park cleaner.
❌ Muddy Fun
Let’s talk about the “swimming hole.” Calling it a pond is generous—it’s more of a smelly, muddy pit that dogs absolutely LOVE. If your dog enjoys water, expect them to go all in. Bring dog wipes and a towel unless you want a muddy mutt in your backseat!
🎯 Trainer’s Tip: Mastering the On-Leash to Off-Leash Transition
One of the biggest mistakes owners make at off-leash areas is immediately unclipping the leash and letting their dog explode into zoomies. This leads to poor impulse control, chaotic greetings, and dogs ignoring their owners the rest of the walk.
Instead, try this structured release:
1️⃣ Start with a focused leash walk from the parking lot to the trailhead. Keep your dog engaged and checking in with you.
2️⃣ Use a release command (like “Okay, go sniff!”) before letting them explore. This helps them understand the difference between structured time and free time.
3️⃣ Practice recall throughout the walk—don’t just let them roam without checking in!
This simple approach makes off-leash time more structured and enjoyable—for both you and your dog.
⭐ Trainer’s Rating: 4/5
🐾 Best For: Social dogs that enjoy sniffing, running, and engaging with their owner.
🚫 Not Ideal For: Dogs that are startled by sudden off-leash greetings.
Final Thoughts: A Great Spot for Real-World Training
Walking back to the car, I watched a few owners clipping their leashes back on, dogs panting happily after a solid adventure. One dog, still damp from his trip to the swimming hole, shook off next to his owner, sending mud flying everywhere.
Mary Moore Searight Metro Park isn’t just a place for dogs to run—it’s a place where they can explore, problem-solve, and engage with their owners in a natural way. The partially fenced-in trail system makes it a great spot to build off-leash reliability, practice engagement, and let your dog enjoy some freedom.
If you’re looking for a place to take your dog somewhere secluded to escape the city, this is not it. This park is active and social, filled with other dogs and their owners out for a run or hike. But if you and your dog love a mix of running, sniffing, and real-world training in a peaceful, shaded setting, we highly recommend checking it out.
💬 Have You Been Here? Let’s Talk!
What’s your experience at Mary Moore Searight? Do you have a favorite Austin off-leash spot? Drop a comment below and let me know where I should review next!
Want to improve your dog’s recall and off-leash skills? BAMK9 can help! Check out our training services and let’s turn your dog into a reliable adventure buddy. 🐾
📌 Stay tuned for the next park review in this series! #AustinDogs #DOLAreview
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