Off-leash parks are a great way to get your dog some exercise, but not every canine is well suited to being around other people and dogs.
Now, every dog can have his day, thanks to a new Halton Hills business.
Country Canines Play Park recently opened its doors on 10 Sideroad, offering an opportunity for owners to book private outdoor play time for their four-legged friends.
“For dogs that are anxious or don’t get along with other dogs, we provide an alternative to regular dog parks,” says business owner Bobbiann Geller. “It’s two acres, very securely fenced. It’s a pretty country setting.”
Geller, who grew up in Campbellville, completed courses in dog training and kennel management and used to run her own in-home boarding and day care for dogs. When she started looking for a new venture, she thought of her clients who were bringing their dogs to her.
“I was turning away a lot of people because their dogs didn’t have the right social skills,” she said. “Those people struggled to find a place to take their dogs.”
That’s when Geller came up with the idea of a leash-free dog park where owners could bring their pets for a private play time.
She opened her first park seven years ago, and now has six across Ontario, with four in the Ottawa area and another in London.
While the idea originated with dogs that might not do well in a public leash-free park, she said her clients have a variety of reasons for using a private park.
“It’s a safe, controlled environment for training. It helps to build focus and there’s a lot more one-on-one connection,” Geller said. “Some people use it for private play dates.”
The spaces have also been booked for family outings, doggie birthday parties, litter reunions, rescue and foster/adoption meetings.
The park offers a double gate entry, agility-style obstacles, picnic tables, a shaded area and drinking water for the dogs, poop bags and disposal, umbrellas, flashlights and motion sensor perimeter lights.
Visitors to the park can book anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. A half hour session is $17, or if you have dogs that get along, a friend can join you for an additional $5. An hour is $27 and Country Canines offers discounts on pre-paid packages for regular visitors. Visits are by appointment only and bookings can be made online.
Country Canines Play Park is located at 9602 10 Sideroad. For more information, visit Country Canines Play Park's website.
