Know a dog who’s had just enough of his leash?

A canine who just wants to run around, see the sights and smell the smells of some of his four-legged brethren?

Kenosha County this week debuted two locales that can serve this purpose.

Temporary off-leash dog play areas are now in operation in Area 3 of Petrifying Springs Park in Somers and at Old Settlers Park in Paddock Lake.

The snow-fence-encased areas are a prelude to permanent dog parks the county hopes to build at Petrifying Springs and the west-end park, under development near highways KD and F in Randall.

Is that a tail that we see wagging?

“We’ve received calls and e-mails; there is a great deal of excitement,” said Jennie Tunkieicz, administrative assistant to County Executive Jim Kreuser. “They’re more excited than a new puppy.”

Before the permanent areas can be constructed, the county must first raise $25,000 in private donations, as per a provision in the 2010 budget.

The county will then match that with non-levy funds from the Pheasant Run Landfill in Paris.

Checks of any amount may be made payable to Kenosha County Dog Park and mailed to the county treasurer’s office, 1010 56th St., or the Division of Parks and Recreation, P.O. Box 549, Bristol, WI 53104.

Donation boxes are also set up at the temporary play areas at Petrifying Springs and Old Settlers.

The first organized fundraiser for the dog parks is scheduled for today.

An event featuring photos with Santa will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Old Settlers Park play area, 24100 75th St. Visitors are invited to bring dogs, children — and their own cameras — for pictures with Santa Claus. A $5 minimum donation is suggested.

The same event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at Petrifying Springs, 761 Green Bay Road.

Fences and gates for the temporary play areas were erected this week. Tunkieicz said signage is on the way.

The areas are available for use during the parks’ hours of operation, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination and a valid municipal license tag.

Dog owners or handlers must by physically capable of controlling their dogs, and all owners and handelers must remain inside the off-leash area and in view of their dogs at all times. Handlers may only bring two dogs per visit.

Judy Miller, a trainer at the Kenosha Kennel Club, said dog parks can be very valuable for dogs — particularly high-energy breeds — as long as they are well run and visitors follow the rules.

Miller said owners must know their animals and keep a close eye on how they’re interacting with other dogs.

“I hope these (permanent) parks do go through, and I hope that people will be careful with them and use them the way they should,” Miller said. “It would be a wonderful thing for this area.”