Just 10 years ago, a strip of pitted grass at a highway rest stop was the closest thing to a dog park that canine caretakers would find in Houston. After much cajoling from pet owners envious of wildly successful parks in LA and New York, Harris County finally built the area’s first off-leash play area at George Bush Park in 2002.

“After that first one became so popular, all the different precincts are now getting on board” as well as the city of Houston and most of the suburbs, says Houston Dog Park Association President Tiffany Moore. “Now they are popping up all over the place without us even being involved,” she says.

Today, more than two dozen dog parks provide a playful space where a dog can chase some ball, run with abandon and sniff a few hind quarters without judgment. Dog Fancy magazine dubbed Mille Bush Park as having the best dog pool in the country a last year, and the HDPA hosted a grand opening for the latest new pooch playground at T.C. Jester Park this weekend.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a dog park is simply a fenced-off area where dogs can run around off leash. In Houston, most are well developed, with ponds for swimming, ample dog-waste bags and even a place for owners to hose off their pets before the ride home.

Little dogs are welcome at all the parks but may have more fun in sections set aside for small breeds in places like the Congressman Bill Archer Bark Park in Bear Creek Park or Danny Jackson Dog Park near I-59 and the Loop.

Moore says newcomers should take their first dog park excursion during less crowded times when the parks open or are close to closing time. No need to bring toys — there are plenty inside — and leave the treats in the car unless you enjoys walking through a swarm of hungry pets you’ve never met. Dogs behave differently off leash, Moore says.

You should keep an eye on them, but in general the parks’ atmosphere discourages much of the territorial or protective behavior many dogs display to each other near their home and on walks.

Dog parks are a great way for people to socialize, too. Devotees of pugs, great Danes and just about every breed in between often use the parks as a place to meet and mingle.

The HDPA has its own meet-up group with regular classes and social activities. Additionally, the organization is looking for volunteers for committee positions on the opening of the next new dog park in Market Square downtown.

Even absent a formal event, I’ve never visited a dog park that didn’t feel like a party. I’ve seen groups of friends bring lawn chairs and camp out for an afternoon. Neighborhood regulars stop in on their evening walks, and owners of dogs playing together find themselves commiserating about their pets’ foibles or endless shedding.

Something brings out the best in people when united by a common love of their rambunctious companions. And the dogs have a lot of fun too.