An innovative facility has opened in Stockton-on-Tees, offering dogs and their owners an experience new to the North East.
Dogwood Adventure Play is a secure field like no other where dogs can run free safely and enjoy a sensory garden and parkour equipment.
Dog parkour is a relatively new trend and comes highly recommended for nervous dogs, or those with seemingly endless energy. A mentally tiring activity, dogs are left calmer and can build their confidence as well as bond with their owners.
Katie Guastapaglia, founder of Dogwood Adventure Play, said: “We created Dogwood for our own dog originally. He was nervous and needed somewhere safe to run free, but there was nowhere locally. He loved it so much we knew we needed to share it with others.
“Parkour defies the boundaries of age, breed and ability. It’s low-impact and once you and your dog are confident, you can enjoy it on every day walks.”
Dogwood Adventure Play has been so popular that Katie and her team have begun offering Field Trips. They collect dogs from home and transport them to the enclosed field where they can spend time off-lead; playing, discovering, following scents and building confidence on parkour equipment.
Katie, who is a canine first aider and trained in teaching parkour and scent work, continues: “We don’t just offer a dog walking service. Dogs with unreliable recall, strong dogs that pull on the lead and reactive dogs can enjoy freedom without their owners worrying about them. It’s a really lovely sight.”
Further services will be rolled out throughout 2018 including dog parkour workshops and enrichment breaks. Sessions at Dogwood Adventure Play must be booked in advance.
To book a Field Trip or private field hire, or for more information, see www.dogwoodadventureplay.com