Exercise for pets is an important part of their life and helps in keeping them physically fit and active. Whether it is one or four, taking time out of our daily schedules to go enjoy the outdoors with our canine companions, is one of the best ways to bond with them.
The idea of taking our furry friends to the park is widely encouraged by the dog-owning community. Going to a place where all sizes and breeds of dogs are welcome, and can play with one another seems like a great time.
During the plan to visit the dog park, we should take into consideration the safety involved when allowing our dog to interact with others. For the safety and enjoyment of all and to help keep a clean environment, following the rules and regulations is a start.
A dog park is a space, often in a public park and usually enclosed with fencing, where dogs are encouraged to play off-leash with their owners or caregivers and other dogs. While dogs can play well amongst each other, this doesn’t dismiss us from leaving it “up to them.”
Supervision is vital in keeping the dog park a positive experience, especially for young puppies or first time visitors. The first step is first evaluating our own dog – are they suitable for the dog park? Would they enjoy playing with a (usually a large) group of other dogs? If yes, then going to the dog park is something to consider adding into the dog’s lifestyle.
If the dog is learning to recall or may not have a good history of returning, considering a fully enclosed dog park may be the best option, to lessen the risk of losing a beloved pet.
A dog park is a great place to visit with the right dog and with every visiting owner’s contribution in keeping dogs healthy, supervised and safe.
Submitted by Naomi Negrin, Pinetree Pet Care Centre
