Wander Dogs ready for adventure

This year’s Wander Dogs Summer Series bounds into action next month for a summer of tail-wagging fun.

Now into its seventhyear, Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s annual summer series features scenic walks around the District and a line up of special events.

Council’s Compliance and Monitoring Manager Alison Curtis says the walks give dog owners a chance to get out and about with their dogs in a safe, friendly and social environment. “Our team love hosting these walks and they’ve continued to grow in size. Each year we meet new dogs, and see our old friends and their owners return.”

It’s also a good opportunity for dog owners to get free, friendly advice about dog behaviour. Alison says, “The team are very experienced and can help with dogs pulling on leads, improving dogs’ social manners and answering general concerns like barking, jumping up and aggression.

“It’s amazing the difference a few pointers can make.”

In addition to the ever popular events, this year Council will also be hosting a special event to ask dog-lovers what features they would like to see in the District’s first dog park at Lawrence Oliver Park in Te Puke.

Alison says, “We have an exciting opportunity for Council and the community to create a dedicated area for our furry friends, together. It could include ramps, tunnels, wash down areas or something else completely, but we can’t wait to hear what people want in the park.”

This year there are five Wander Walks scheduled, beginning on 6 November at Te Puna Quarry Park. There are also three special events to take part in.

Key events:

• First Wander Walk, 10am 6 Nov 2021,Te Puna Quarry Park

Get outdoors and come explore some of the Western Bay’s special places. For a full list of the walks on offer visit westernbay.govt.nz/wanderdogs

• Doggy Day Out 10am, 26 February 2022, Ōmokoroa Sportsground, Western Avenue, Ōmokoroa

A fun-filled day with something for every dog and their human. There will be demos, doggy retail stores, plenty of food and drinks, and lots to learn.

• Help create our first dog park 10am, 26 March 2022, Lawrence Oliver Park, Te Puke

We want to know what your furry friends think would be pawsome to have in the new dog park. Come along to chat to us and give us your two cents on the park.

• Dogs in Togs on 23 April 2022, Te Puke Memorial Pool

It’s a pool party! Come and take the plunge for the final hurrah of summer – all dogs welcome with or without their togs.

Council has run the Wander Dogs series since 2015, introducing owners and their dogs to many beautiful dog-friendly spots across the District.

To stay up-to-date with all the latest news visit westernbay.govt.nz/wanderdogs