Community dog runs are popping up all across the country.
Many communities are now coming together to allocate portions of public land to build parks which will provide areas where owners and their pets can come together for much needed exercise and socialization.
Pets are an important part of many people's lives.
They provide companionship and joy to every age group from children to retired adults.
In larger cities where apartments are so small that few can accommodate roommates, pets become invaluable companions.
And when there is no yard it can often be hard to find space for your pet to get the proper physical activity.
Here are some of the many benefits of community based outdoor dog runs.
Perhaps the most obvious recipients of the benefits of building a dog run are the animals that will use them.
Our four-legged friends require activity and play time to expend extra energy and maintain their health.
A good workout helps to alleviate separation anxiety and leads to a happier life for both animal and owner.
A well exercised pooch will be less likely to bark excessively for attention or destroy property when left alone.
While for those that have the room all of these goals can be met by backyard exercise pens, another benefit of a dedicated park is the sense of community that can develop.
Many people who would have never met otherwise have built strong friendships after months of running into each other and chatting at these parks.
All residents of a community can actually benefit from these types of parks.
While healthy, happy canines can certainly mean less hassle for their owners; they also make for better neighbors than animals that do not get enough physical excursion and that look to get attention in any way they can.
Nuisance barking and jumping on neighbors as they pass by can be diminished if these pets get into a regular exercise routine.
Providing an enclosed area for our furry friends to play and run means that their owners are less likely to take them to general public areas for activities where they are more likely to encounter people who would prefer not to interact with animals, such as small children or adults who may be afraid of them.
Backyard or indoor exercise pens are another good option if you have the space and live in an area that does not have dedicated pet parks.
They are readily available at dog supplies stores and can be easily assembled.
These types of pens can prove invaluable, although they certainly cannot provide the social benefits that a public fenced in area provides.
If you are interested in establishing one in your community, start by posing the idea to as many people as you can.
Other animal owners, any local canine-related clubs, grooming shops, and animal hospitals can provide a great starting point to begin rallying awareness toward this need.
A large influx of letters outlining the benefits and public importance of fenced dog runs can prove to local representatives that the residents really want to make this a reality.