Dogs and their owners can now enjoy a leash-free area of Dunmoore Park in Pickering.
Officials say the Canine Activity Area, which opened in recent months, is quickly gaining popularity with the city’s furry friends.
It is a large, fenced-in area that is split into two main sections. “We’ve heard over the years that sometimes small dogs don’t play great with big dogs and vice versa,” said Lindsey Narraway, supervisor of animal services at the City of Pickering.
There are ten activity stations, where dogs of all shapes and sizes can learn new tricks. Owners can bond with their pets through a number of skills and endurance exercises.
“I like to think of it as a playground for dogs,” said Narraway.
One of the stations is a custom dog tunnel, constructed by a company in Whitby. “We sat with them for months and months in order to figure out the proper size, the colour and right down to the paw prints and even the big bone that we have at the very, very top,” said Narraway.
“It’s just a way to really work on your recalls,” she noted. “We ask people to have their dog sit; the owner runs around to the other side and you ask them to come. […] The dog is having a good time but they’re also learning their ‘sits’ and ‘comes’ at the exact same time.”
The park also has a balance beam for the dogs to walk over, as well as rubber tires for the dogs to run through. Some of the stations were made with repurposed materials.
“Instead of going into landfill, the farmer was able to donate [the tires] to us,” said Narraway.
The stations are sponsored by Pet Valu, who donated $25,000.
“At every single station, we have a sign,” said Narraway. “The sign has step-by-step instructions, so that whoever the dog owner is, whether it’s their first time coming or their second time coming, they can safely learn how to do everything.”
You can also scan QR codes to watch step-by-step videos for each station.
You will want to dress for the winter weather, and bring your own water for your dog.
As well, be alert. “Your dog might be great with other dogs, but you have to always be looking at your surroundings,” said Narraway.
“If there is an issue and if your dog isn’t getting along with another dog, just sort of take a step away and maybe have a little time-out,” she added. “Just like with people, not all dogs are will be friendly with each other and get along right away. […] Every single dog has their own personalities.”
As well, the off-leash areas are fenced in for a reason.
“We want dogs to get out,” said Narraway. “We want them to be connected with their people. We want them to be able to connect with other dogs, but we want it in a safe environment.”
“If you’re taking your dogs off-leash, take them to the leash-free areas that you have available to you,” she added. “There are many that are all across the region. […] Don’t have them running around in areas where they shouldn’t be, because you have no control at that moment and you don’t know where your dog might run off to.”
To learn more about the Canine Activity Area at Dunmoore Park, click here.
To learn more about Pickering’s leash-free areas, click here.
Photos courtesy of the City of Pickering