Local parks go to the dogs

Michael and his dog Murphy enjoy the outdoors at their local dog park, taking all the necessary precautions to avoid the rays of the sun of course.

Dog has been known as man's best friend ever since the emotive closing statements in the case of Burden v Hornsby in 1870 when Senator George Vest remarked "The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world... is his dog" while awarding Mr Burden damages for the murder of his dog.

In these modern times, where animal libertarians are a valid part of the political debate and the recent recognition of the 'fur kid' family, some dogs are now pampered and fed better than humans. While the dog couture culture is a questionable fad, the increasing number of dog parks around Sydney is a common sense community facility for all dog-loving citizens.

"They are an essential part of the area," says Bronwyn Walker, a vet from Ku-ring-gai Veterinary Hospital. "It is essential for animals to get out and socialise amongst other animals, they need time to exercise off the lead."

Ku-ring-gai Council has 19 sanctioned off leash areas with almost every suburb having at least one area for dogs to enjoy the open spaces offered. Warrimoo Avenue Oval is also currently under trial to become the 19th official off leash dog park in Ku-ring-gai, demonstrating the council's appreciation of dog parks for the community.

"The social benefits of dog off-leash areas, both for the animals and their owners is evident in the growing number of local residents who visit these sites but don't own dogs," says Carol Harper, Ku-ring-gai Council's Sport and Recreation Planner. "They enjoy the opportunity to get outside and have a chat with other people who live nearby."

While off-leash areas are seen as a great place for dogs to run uninhibited, Walker also points out that it is equally important for dogs to socialise with other dogs, adding that dogs that are enrolled in puppy pre-school have and added social advantage.

"When dogs are eight to 16 weeks old they go through an important imprinting stage where they learn the correct behaviour," says Walker. "So they learn to be submissive when they need to be and dominate when it is required. Those skills are used later in life and are invaluable at a dog park where they are interacting with a variety of different dogs. It can prevent a lot of fights at the dog park."

Harper points out that, "it is the responsibility of owners to ensure their dog is under control at all times in an off leash area," in reference to the danger of dogs fighting. She also adds that "there is currently no move to segregate smaller dogs from larger dogs at the off leash areas."

While Ku-ring-gai dogs are now able to enjoy the parkland that surrounds them, the canine population of the inner-west is now fully-fledged members of the café set with Bonez café, which offers their four legged customers treats like the puppacino.

As for gourmet dogs in Ku-ring-gai, Walker is quick to point out that most dogs are lactose intolerant and suggests, "A bowl of water would be a better idea."