By: Tom Stankard
Many dogs have tons and tons of energy and usually no way to use it. With so much free time on their paws, most dogs turn to un-stuffing the couch, or raiding the trash. Keep your dog happy and healthy by finding ways to get him to exercise. It’s proven, dogs who exercise regularly are happier and healthier, and out of the trashcan.
You could take him for a walk, or if he enjoys company, take him to the local dog park and let him/her run around for a while. Your dog will love it, and you’ll get some exercise too. It’s a win-win situation!
What do the dogs have to say about it? “Bark bark bark bark bark bark bark bark bark bark bark bark bark bark bark,” said Sparkey. “Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff.”
Did you know that there are over 1,100 dog parks in the United States and Canada and counting!
Dog parks have lots of fun things for your dog to do. Lyon Oaks dog park in Wixom has all the modern amenities dogs love, complete with a little training area, benches to sit down, picnic tables and a water fountain. All inside a 13 acre fenced proximity. Doggie bags are included courtesy of our friends at the Pet Supply.
Dog parks provide a safe and convenient place where your dog can romp around and play under owner supervision. Some dog parks schedule educational events for you and your dog including: vaccine clinics, obedience shows, training classes, dog birthday parties etc.
Dog parks are a great place for dogs to interact with other dogs and make new friends. If your dog is overweight, a trip to the old dog park will help him shed off those unwanted pounds.
According to Dan Emerson of Dog Channel.com, “Dog parks promote responsible pet ownership and the enforcement of dog-control laws and provide seniors and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions; and provide an area for community-building socializing.”
Video on Detroit Dog Parks
Here is a link providing a list of all the dog parks in the Detroit area. It also provides the park’s contact information and address http://www.detroitdogparks.com/.
Attached is another link to the dog parks in Oakland County. http://www.destinationoakland.com/parksandtrails/dogparks/Pages/default.aspx.
(Thomas Stankard is a student at the University of Dayton with an academic major in communications and journalism. Brought up in Birmingham, Tom has an interest and concern for Metro Detroit and the LookUpDetroit project.)
