ATTLEBORO - Dog owners panting with anticipation to take their pooches to an off-leash doggy park in the city will have a while to wait.

City councilors said Tuesday that opening a park, which has been on the docket for discussion for about six months, is at least 12 months away.

"We're on step six of about 500," said Councilor Brian Kirby, chairman of the special committee on the dog park. "We want to make sure all the pieces are covered. We want to do it right."

Kirby said it's important to avoid problems now plaguing Foxboro, where abutters to that town's park are complaining about noise and trespassing and allege the park did not get proper approvals.

The chief proponent of Attleboro's park, dog owner Roberta Collins of Charles Street, agreed the city should take its time to make sure the job gets done right. "It's definitely something you don't want to rush," she said. "You can't just open it up and say here it is. That's not the way to go."

Collins has submitted suggestions for a dog park ordinance, regulations and possible locations.

An ordinance written by Councilor Frank Cook has been sent to the city solicitor for review. Once councilors get feedback and make changes, if needed, they could call for a public hearing.

Cook said that could happen within two weeks.

After that, a site would need to be selected, and fundraising would have to be organized, he said. And then construction, which mostly involves fencing, would take place.

At least two sites have been suggested.

One is a five-acre, city-owned parcel bounded by West Street, Old West Street and Tiffany Street.

Some have suggested using property near the wastewater treatment plant off Pond Street for the park.

GEORGE W. RHODES can be reached at 508-236-0432 or at grhodes@thesunchronicle.com.