A FaceBook comment and idea byKristen Tilly Foster, in the North/South Families FB page got me thinking about organizing a group to put a dog park together.Maybe it‘s time for us dog lovers to band together and form an organization to build a dog park.Just like the Wall Of Honor, our community can do it!If interested in helping contact me at 910-685-0320.
I’ve noticed more and more four-legged neighbors in our community, running their dogs on golf carts so we would like to create a brand-new dog park for small and large pups.
This new amenity is sure to be the bark of the town because more communities than ever are focused on creating pet-friendly atmospheres.
It brings the community closer. A 2014 study published in Leisure Sciences: likened pets to avatars in interactive online games. The dogs help their owners navigate familiar conversations, participate in outdoor group activities, and meet new people.
The biggest beneficiary from a dog park would be the SevenLakes community.While dogs and their owners love playing in them, dog parks can create a safer, more active, pet-friendly community. Dog parks make your community safer by offering a secure area for dogs to play and socialize, without getting in the way of others.
Fenced off from other public areas, dog parks help ensure off-leash dogs cannot go after or annoy patrons outside of the park. Also, socialization between pets typically makes for calmer, less aggressive animals, which means they are less likely to attack. While not true for all dog parks, many cities have reported a drop in crime in parks that also had a dog park. And don’t forget, parks give dogs access to more exercise lessening the amount behavioral issues, such as barking, that may cause neighbors to call Animal Control.
Behavior problems are the number one reason pets are brought to shelters or abandoned. Having access to a dog park means your pal can get the vital exercise he needs, while becoming socialized. These things combined with training can drastically reduce the amount of behavioral issues, such as barking and digging, that lead many to give away their pet. Because of this, overcrowding of shelters can be reduced.
Pooch parks allow those with a common interest in maintaining their pooch’s health (also known as pet parents) to discuss the best options for man’s best friend, including pet stores, organic food, and dog sitters, without interrupting uninterested folks
It gives dogs a bit of freedom. Leash laws in cities are becoming increasingly more strict due to the potential for property damage and attacks, so dog parks give puppies the opportunity to roam and roll around without any tugging. Puppy parks also keep four-legged friends safe from cars and busy sidewalks while allowing them to get adequate off-leash exercise and social activity.
A dog park reduces troublesome behavior from canines. Without physical and mental stimulation, dogs can develop nuisance behavior like excessive barking, constant rough play, restlessness, anxiety, leash pulling, and destructive habits (eating shoes, pulling the couch apart, or knocking food off counters and the table).
Homeowners are happier and healthier. Offering a puppy park to our list of amenities will hopefully convince a few neighbors to take home furry friends from the shelter.
According to Amy Morin, a psychotherapist, You’ll exercise more often with daily dog walks — or visits to the puppy park.
Dogs help you feel less stressed and improve your mental health by fighting depression and anxiety.
Your social life improves as you build a community of dog owners.
Your dog can detect cancerous spots on your body before you can.
Your kids are less likely to develop allergies.
Dogs lower your heart rate.
Dog owners tend to have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels compared to non-dog owners, which means you’re more immune to general sickness.
Dogs offer a home security system.
Getting the proper amount of exercise is vital for your pet’s wellness. For people with more active breeds, taking him on a quick walk up and down the street may not be enough to release his pent up energy. Since dog parks are fenced in, your pal is given the opportunity to run faster and play hard with other pets in the park. But how do these things lead to a better behaved pet?
Studies have shown that one of the main reasons dogs display behavioral problems is because they are not getting enough exercise. It may be easier to understand if you think of your dog as a hyper little kid stuck inside on a raining day. He’ll run around in circles, jump on his bed, yell and shout until he is exhausted. Like that little kid, your dog is a ball of energy waiting to be released. If that energy is not released through exercise, he’ll find another way to do it.
Dog parks aren’t just fun and exercise for your pet. They can offer the same for you! Since your dog is working off some of his pent up energy, you get to reap the benefits or his new and improved behavior. Plus, running around and playing fetch with your pal is a great way to get the exercise you need each day.
Many dog parks even offer areas where you can train your dog, improving his behavior even more. Dog parks also give you a way to become more involved in your community. You’ll be surrounded by dog lovers like yourself. You can ask questions, get training tips and swap information about dog food, toys, medicines and more. Plus, dog parks are a great place to learn about pet friendly organizations, activities and events happening in your town
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve.
“Dog parks are among the fastest growing amenities park and recreation agencies offer,” said Barbara Tulipane, CAE, NRPA president and CEO.