Power to the pooches
It’s going to be a barking good summer of dog walks and events for our canine community!
Calling all kurī… Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s ever-popular Wander Dogs Summer Series is kicking off this month. But with some pawsome new features.
Join us on Saturday 19 November at Te Puna Quarry Park for the first walk of the series as we celebrate some super special gems around the District right through to February 2023.
We’re also excited that the much-loved Doggy Day Out will be making a comeback – Saturday 25 February – at the Ōmokoroa Sportsground after a hiatus last summer due to COVID restrictions.
Council’s Compliance Manager Dougal Elvin says the Wander Dogs Summer Series, now into its eighth year, is a fantastic way to connect with our dog community.
“Our Summer Series is all about giving dog owners some events just for them – where they can bring their dogs to socialise safely and have a good time exploring our beautiful walks at the same time.
“All dog breeds are welcome, whether you’ve got a Labrador, German Shepherd, Jack Russell or Miniature Schnauzer, bring the whole whānau along and have some fun! The events are free, and everyone gets a special doggy treat bag to take home.”
This year our walks will also include a cool new feature - ‘power-up education talks’ – where our experienced Animal Services Officer Betty (and her sidekick Alfie) will share her skills and knowledge on a variety of topics, including recall, happy leash walking, defusing dog-on-dog reactiveness, the hyperactive dog and teaching your dog to stay.
“A big part of what our team does is educating the public about dog safety and helping owners with their dog’s behaviour, so the power-up talks are another way to offer that education side of dog ownership,” says Dougal
“Often people don’t know where to turn to find help and information on these topics, so hopefully everyone can learn a thing or two by coming along to these talks and get the most out of summer with their pooches!”
For more information about the Wander Dogs Summer Series, check our website westernbay.govt.nz/wanderdogs.
Check out the line up of pawtastic dog walks and events especially for our furry friends this summer:
Sat 19 Nov 2022 - Te Puna Quarry Park
Power-up education talk – 9am (Happy leash walking)
Walk starts – 10am
Sat 3 Dec 2022 - Puketoki Reserve
Power-up education talk – 9am (How to defuse dog-on-dog reactiveness)
Walk starts – 10am
Sat 17 Dec 2022 - Huharua Park
Power-up education talk – 9am (The recall: how to get your dog to return to you)
Walk starts – 10am
Sat 11 Feb 2023 - Anzac Bay
Power-up education talk – 9am (Teaching your dog to stay)
Walk starts – 10am
Special event – Sat 25 Feb 2023 - Doggy Day Out – Ōmokoroa
10am at the Ōmokoroa Domain
Sat 4 March 2023 - Te Ara Kahikatea Walkway
Power-up education talk – 9am (The hyperactive dog)
Walk starts – 10am
