Exercising Your Pet – Is it a walk in the park?
Dogs really are ‘Mans Best Friend’, and in Australia dog ownership is hugely popular. Of the 7.5 million households that own pets in this country, a good deal of these are home to a pampered pooch or two. For the most part, we consider the relationship with our canine companions a fairly simple one- we provide food, water, shelter, exercise and attention in exchange for companionship and perhaps the opportunity to teach our children a sense of responsibility of caring for another living being. Few of us really consider how profound some of the benefits of owning a dog can be.
Studies have revealed that pet owners visit the doctor less and use less medication, have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, recover more quickly from illness and surgery and deal better with stressful situations. Results of a study conducted by the International Social Science Survey Australia estimated pet ownership actually saved 3.86 billion dollars a year on our national health budget. Through dog ownership especially, people receiving more exercise due to daily walks was one of the main contributors to better health outcomes.
The simple act of taking a dog for a walk gives us the opportunity to sustain both our physical and mental wellbeing, through helping to manage our body weight and cardiovascular health with exercise and encouraging social interaction and strengthening communities. In her recent studies, town planner, Virginia Jackson found that dogs are a conversation starter for 94% of people who take their dogs for a walk, and that 38% of people who meet at dog parks have become more than just passing acquaintances.
Having the opportunity to go for a walk, exercise and explore the surroundings is important for the welfare of your dog, too. The RSPCA is taking the requirements of a dog to be walked so seriously that they have lobbied to introduce fines and even the option of a jail sentence to those owners who fail to provide their dog with the opportunity to exercise.
Brilliant dog walking locations….
With so much open space and a vast, beautiful coastline, Australia is blessed with an abundance of dog friendly parks and beaches. Check out the web site
www.petnet.com.au for a comprehensive Australia wide list. Here are a few of my picks of the bunch….
Pioneers Memorial Park Leichhardt: There is a regular group of dog walkers who meet up at this inner city dog park and have turned this place into a social networking hub for both canines and their dog loving owners. There are regular after work “wine downs” , and the park has just hosted it’s 12th annual canine Christmas celebration. This doggy social scene is so popular, many of the dog-less locals have joined in as regulars.
Tarthra Beach, NSW . Tarthra Beach has been voted the cleanest Beach in NSW and is also pet friendly. Couple that with the dog friendly cafes and caravan park nearby, and you have pet owners heaven!
Tedder Reserve (Linear Park) South Australia: A popular park with a water fountain and jumps and equipment for dogs to play on.
Sirius Cove Reserve, Mosman NSW: Child friendly and dog friendly, this beautiful Sydney Harbour Beach is a popular swimming and romping location for the local canine crowd. Dogs are permitted all day Mon-Fri and from 4pm-9am on weekends.
Sunshine Beach Queensland: A 10 minute drive from Noosa this beach offers miles of sandy white paradise for the whole family to enjoy.
Scarborough Beach, Perth: Almost 2 kilometres long and boasting an expanse of lovely golden sand, this beach has space for your pooch to run like the wind -and in it, since this beach can be a little gusty-but fun!
The Mosman area is also blessed with some fabulous on and off leash dog parks - Rawson Park, Reid Park and Spit Reserve are 3 of the most popular off lead parks in the area. Mosman Council offer a comprehensive list of dog parks with a detailed map of the area which can be found at
http://www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/mosman/recreation/dogs, they offer some great tips on parks in the area and detail restrictions for each area. Hopefully this will help give you some ideas for fun new places that you and your 4 legged friend can explore this weekend!
Dog walking etiquette:
As dog owners, we need to respect those around us.
*Never allow your dog to urinate on anyone’s garden- make sure your dog sticks to the nature strip only, or designated areas for this.
*Always carry a poo bag and USE IT. If you’re one of those sly types who get the poo bag out when they see someone walking past as Fido does the deed, then stashes it back in your pocket once you think everyone is out of view beware-if you’re caught, the council can issue you with a nasty fine.
*Always have your dog under control. Remember, not everyone is a dog lover, and some people might not enjoy an exuberant, loosely restrained mutt excitedly bounding up to them as they enjoy a quiet Sunday walk. Similarly, not all dogs enjoy the random approaches of other dogs. There is no excuse for not having your dog under control.
Holding a dog park party….Tips:
Dog parties are a great way to catch up with friends and neighbors and meet new people. They also help to build a real sense of community. The Pet Information and Advisory Centre has some great tips for making a dog park party fail-safe!
- Plan the party in an off-leash area and double check with the council.
- Make sure you encourage owners to bring along everything they need for the day, and make sure you have spare water bowls, poo bags and leads.
- Plan the party in a shaded area.
- Make a sign to let other park users know there is a pet party in progress.
- If you are going to have dress-ups, make sure your pet is comfortable, can move freely, and is cool.
- Make sure treats are healthy, and check with other dog owners if any dogs have special dietary requirements.
- A party needs some party games and competitions- organize enough to keep everyone busy. Egg and Spoon races, owner pet look-a-like, best dressed, waggiest tail and frisbie chasing comps are some popular examples.
- Leave the venue as you found it. A good clean up is vital if you’re going to be invited back!
Article contributed by Dr Rachele Lowe, Mosman Veterinary Hospital. 2012.