How I choose my off leash exercise spots wisely

I believe dogs deserve access to free moving, off leash (or on a long line, especially while learning!) exercise on a regular basis. They were not designed to be marched around urban streets on short leashes their entire lives, and many behavioural challenges can be greatly improved when they have access to just being a dog in natural spaces. But equally as a dog trainer I deal with a LOT of dogs with significant behavioural challenges as a result of an unfortunate dog park or off leash incident.

In a world where our dogs are becoming increasingly limited in where they can go and jammed into less and less space, it’s always going to be a balance between reducing the risks of other people’s poorly controlled dogs vs our dog’s needs to access appropriate free moving exercise in natural spaces.

Here’s how I choose appropriate off leash spaces for my own dogs - avoiding the inside of fenced parks (less of these please!) or high traffic spaces known primarily as “the dog park” like the plague (looking at you Day’s Park 👀). Locations should be chosen with our dogs temperament and training level in mind, utilising management such as long lines and muzzles (as a back up - not the first line of defence) to support everyone. When utilising these spaces you should also take time to learn about dog body language, what healthy vs unhealthy play looks like and how to advocate for your dog and others to keep them safe & intervene in cases of conflict.

It’s great to see more private, bookable options becoming available for dogs and owners preferring their own space. @waikatocanineadventurepark is a great option in the Waikato for the safest off leash exercise.