First-of-its-kind Canine Activity Area in Pickering is dog-gone popular with the pups

Pickering has gone to the dogs and the dogs, thanks to a new Canine Activity Area in Dunsmore Park, are lapping it up.

The new canine activity area, located in the park’s leash-free area and sponsored through a $25,000 donation from Pet Valu, is the first of its kind in the GTA, and comprised of ten activity stations that guide owners and their dogs through fun exercises to build both skills and endurance.

The stations were created by canine experts, and designed to be inclusive, meaning dogs of all sizes, ages, and training experience can enjoy them.

Each station has a sign with step-by-step instructions and a QR code that can be scanned to watch demonstration videos, making it easy for both the owners and their dogs to follow along and learn new tricks.

Lindsay Narraway, the Supervisor of Animal Services for the City, said the goal is to “enrich and stimulate” dogs by providing both fun and challenging activities to conquer, and provide a safe space for owners and their dogs to bond and learn together.

“We are proud to be the first municipality within the GTA to offer this one-of-a-kind activity area to our residents and visitors,” said Narraway, who thanked Pet Valu for the sponsorship, allowing the City to provide a safe environment for dogs to run around freely, get exercise, and socialize.

Tanbir Grover, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer for Pet Valu, said the company was “delighted” to sponsor the initiative. “We look forward to the many special moments it will create for pets and their families in Pickering.”

Pickering created the activity area with sustainability in mind, with many of the materials repurposed, including the tires from the ‘Tire Yourself Out’ station, which were donated by a local farmer.

To watch a short highlight video of the park, visit https://youtu.be/LW3zfRE464o