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There's no question that dog parks promote the health and happiness of dogs and make life easier and more fun for their humans. But to gain approval for your run, you'll need to sell the idea, not just to dog owners, but to the general community (including people who dislike or fear dogs). So, throughout the entire process, it's essential to remind people of the benefits of dog runs. Here are just a few talking points you'll want to use:
1) A well-socialized, well-exercised dog is a better-behaved dog. Giving dogs a place to run and play with other dogs (and with people) lessens their fear and anxiety about strangers and makes them calmer and less likely to bark while their owners are at work.
2) A place for dogs keeps dogs in their place. Providing adequate, well-designed space for off-leash dog play means dogs are less likely to disturb users in other areas of the park.
3) Dog runs create community. When people gather in the park with their dogs, they get to know each other and share information that makes them better, more responsible dog owners. Unlike other recreational activities, off-leash dog walking brings together all sorts of people—regardless of age, physical ability level, language skills or income-so the community of the dog park lessens loneliness and isolation, making the big city feel more like a small town.
4) A well-used park is a safe park. Encouraging dogs and their owners to visit the park regularly, as dog runs do, helps deter crime in and around parks. Peak dog walking hours (early morning and late afternoon through evening) are times when parks would otherwise be under-utilized.
For more talking points on the benefits of dog parks, reprinted from a 1998 article that ran in the Humane Society's Animal Sheltering magazine, visit this page of the Delta Society website. Other helpful national resources are the American Kennel Club's online guide to establishing a dog park and the latest edition of So, You Want to Build a Dog Park?, a manual put out by DogParks USA.
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