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Health & Fitness

A Different Kind of Exercise Facility for Fido

HAWS notes that humans aren't the only ones with options when it comes to exercise facilities!

Are you all about "the Y"? Loving the ladies-only gym? A die-hard health-clubber? Maybe you prefer using home equipment and have a co-dependent relationship with your treadmill or Soloflex? And there's always the old school jog on the track or walk around the neighborhood. Having the right option to suit your needs and comfort level is key to maintaining healthy behaviors.

Taking your dog for a walk is ubiquitous. Households even have mini-skirmishes over who's turn it is because walking the dog is a daily chore. Many entrepreneurs have capitalized on this need - and are available for hire to exercise Fido for you as needed.

Now coming into vogue is the private dog park. These members-only facilities have strict rules and guidelines for usage, requiring both vaccination records and behavior evaluations prior to granting a (paid) membership. These membership fees keep the park in operation as they don't receive tax funding or regular donations like a non-profit group.

Newly-opened Lucky Dog Park, at 1270 Mineral Springs Drive in Port Washington, explains it this way: "All dogs wanting to obtain entry to the park will have to meet with our staff, fill out the membership form and provide proof of vaccinations.... To gain membership, you'll need to make an appointment ahead of wanting to use the park. Entry will not be granted to non-members or dogs who do not pass our personality profile. This helps to ensure that any dogs entering the park are appropriate for a multi-dog setting."

The owners of LDP took action after hearing from many fellow dog owners who have had negative experiences at public parks.  Bob and Ellen note the positives of Lucky Dog Park are controlled use by members only, onsite supervision at all open park hours and 24-hour webcame surveillance to ensure safety.

This type of park isn't for everyone, and isn't everyone's "thing." But if you are looking for a controlled alternative to a general public park session, the private dog park may be just the thing for you and your pup!

By the way - have you set aside August 17th for HAWS?!! Between our 6th Annual Pet Fair and our 4th Annual Ride for Rover (motorcycle AND car rally), we've got you covered!

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