ASSINIBOIA - The town of Assiniboia holds many attraction factors for residents and visitors alike. A dog-gone good idea came to reality in 2019, when an off-leash dog park was opened at the Assiniboia Exhibition Grounds.
Dogs and pet owners alike have a ball, making friends fur-ever during their experience at this venue. The recreation space has been positively enhanced through the tireless commitment of volunteers like Krista Liidbert, Wanita Kayle and Megan Eberle.
Ashley Burnay said, “This venue is community funded. We held steak nights and got corporate sponsorship to help fund the space.” This allows users to enjoy the space at no cost.
The passion project provides a place for four-legged friends to have a safe and fun place to play off-leash. There is a list of rules on the Town of Assiniboia website, some of which include dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting the park, and dog waste must be cleaned up by the owners. Other rules for Assiniboia’s Dog Park, such as what is prohibited, are included in detail on the town’s website.
Burnay added, “There are more and more people using the park every year. People have meet-up times so their dogs can play and they can walk the path and visit. Although, one of our biggest challenges is gophers.”
Community dog parks offer many benefits that include the promotion of outdoor physical activity year-round. This in turn, encourages a health and active lifestyle for both owner and pet. Social opportunities are present for both dog owner and dogs themselves.
Dog parks can be a great place to connect with fellow dog owners to learn about other breeds, get training tips, receive dog advice on food, toys and vet care. The possibilities are endless.
Dog parks allow your pooch the chance to release pent up energy, regardless of size or breed. Venues like these can allow you to observe your dog’s behavior in different situations, seeing how they interact with other dogs and people, and you may discover new things about your dog that can impact how you interact with them.
Dog parks can often lead to better-behaved dogs as releasing built-up energy can contribute to them being less likely to engage in destructive behavior, such as tearing up their indoor space, or excessive barking.
Having a community dog park can help attract new residents as newcomers may look for venues that will enhance living for both newcomers and their four-legged friends.
