Benefits of off-leash areas
to the community::
1) PUBLIC SAFETY. Designated
areas for dogs and their owners reduces the likelihood that dogs will be let off-leash in other recreational areas where
they could infringe on the rights of other park users.
2)SOCIAL HUB FOR THE
COMMUNITY : Dogs often help people break the ice, allowing people who share interests to socialize while exercising
their dogs. These interactions help neighbors get to know each other and to build a sense of community.
3) PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE DOG
OWNERSHIP. All users will license their dogs, not only because the threat of a fine is greater in an off-leash area, but also
because there is considerable social pressure for regular off-leash area users to do the right thing. The social aspect enforces
the basic rules of dog ownership such as cleaning up after one's dog and always controlling one's dog's behavior.
4) MAKE DOGS BETTER MEMBERS
OF THEIR COMMUNITY. These areas provide a centralized location for owner training, pet information, and veterinary services.
5) DOG PIT-STOP. People traveling
through will have a safe place to take their dogs. This makes our town more inviting to spend time in.
BENEFITS OF OFF-LEASH AREAS
TO DOG OWNERS::
1) Provide a public space
that allows people to meet and form bonds in the community.
2) Allow people to have the
pleasure of watching their dogs at play.
3) Contributes to the overall
fitness of people by encouraging them to exercise with their dogs.
BENEFITS OF THE OFF-LEASH
PARKS TO DOGS::
1) Studies have shown that
dogs that exercise and are allowed to run freely are not as aggressive towards people as dogs that are under-exercised.
2) Allowing dogs to have an
off-leash area socializes dogs and through experience will learn better communication to be less aggressive in each further
encounter with other dogs.
3) Improves mental state of
dogs. A tired dog is a good dog!
OTHER BENEFITS::
Research shows that dogs are
more than just companions. They provide both physical and mental health benefits to their owners. The importance of
dogs in society has even helped spawn a new field of study, urban animal management, which aims to ensure that animals are
taken care of in the urban environment.
