Tails wag at Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park in Leander

“We pride ourselves on being the community dog park that happens to have a really cool bar,” said Jodie Hooks, owner of Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park. “Our unofficial slogan is ‘Where everyone knows your dog’s name.’ We really focus on the dogs first and the humans second.”

Situated at 3800 County Road 175 in Leander just west of Georgetown, Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park offers two fenced in off-leash areas and plenty of outdoor seating for pet owners, with both umbrellas and outdoor heaters available to account for weather.

“We’ve got big oak trees for shade out there,” Ms. Hooks said. “We’ve got crushed granite so the ground isn’t muddy.”

The business has dog park attendants, who oversee the park for cleanliness and intervene if they see any dog — or human — aggression that wouldn’t make them a good fit for the area.

For the human guests, the park offers a bar inside of a converted garage, where dog owners can register their dogs and grab a beer or glass of wine. The bar also offers light snacks and sodas, as well as treats and ice cream for dogs.

In the courtyard, there’s a game area for kids that includes ping-pong, corn hole, a basketball hoop and a ladder game.

“There is a clear line of sight between the off-leash area and the courtyard,” Ms. Hooks said. “If the parents want to be in the off-leash area with the dog and the kid wants to play in the courtyard, they can do that.”

Ms. Hooks gained ownership of the property in late 2017. She and her dog, Peanut, had become park regulars because they loved the community the spot had built up over the years. When she got the chance, Ms. Hooks purchased the 2.5 acre property from the original owners.

“I really like how we humans have really taken more of an active role in our dogs’ lives,” she said. “Back when I was young in the 1980s, dogs were put outside. It’s really neat to see the progression to now, how dogs are really an integral part of our family. They’re in the house, we keep them safe— we love them.”

Ms. Hooks said she loves to watch a dog’s personality transform overtime as they get socialized at the park.

“The first time they come in, the owners kinda draggin’ them into the park — their tale may be tucked, they’re not sure where they’re at or what’s going on,” she explained. “Then after [the dog] has had this adventure in the park, he comes out and his ears are up and his tail is wagging.”

Ms. Hooks tries to host fundraiser events for nonprofits each month, and doesn’t charge the organizations a fee for using the space. Last month, they had a fundraiser for the Pflugerville Animal Shelter, and had a band, vendors, raffle prizes and adoptable dogs. The business also hosts the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s annual Splash Party, where dogs enjoy playing in pools. Other past efforts have included supporting nonprofits Central Texas Ruffugees and TakeMe Home: Advocates for Transport, organizations that take dogs from overcrowded shelters to shelters in rural areas that don’t have enough dogs.

Texas Beer Company’s K9 Lager is on tap, and it supports an organization that trains dogs to help veterans with PTSD, called K9s for Warriors.

“There is a very strong dog community in Austin and the surrounding areas,” Ms. Hooks said. “If you’re a dog, you’re in the right place because people around here will rally around you and make sure you’re supported.”

Dog House & Drinkery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 3-9 p.m., Friday from 3-10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.. On Mondays, the park is closed for maintenance, including treatments for fleas and ticks. Outside dog toys are not allowed in the park, and the business’ tennis balls are properly sanitized and are available for use.