Exercise and Socialization are two extremely important variables that your dog will get on any walk. It is very important for dogs to get exercise because each pound overweight a dog carries is worth weeks, months or years off their lifespan. How do you know if your dog is overweight? To be most precise it is best to speak with your companion’s veterinarian. But you could just look at or feel your dog and be able to tell if they are overweight, if not to what degree.  You should be able to feel your puppy’s ribs with little pressure. You should be able to look at your companion from above and see a definite waist. Most websites will tell you the same (Dogs in Canada). A regular walk with the Pitter Patter family will help provide that regular exercise routine that your companion needs. And remember, you don’t need to give your companion treats to show them love. Attention, a cuddle, a little play time with mommy or daddy will do the trick.

The more things that your dog is able to experience is the more well adjusted your companion will be. The ultimate goal of socialization is to be able to take your dog any place, any situation, and have him stay calm, relaxed and confident. Dogs have a sensitive period for socialization between the ages of 3 and 12 weeks. There are the stories of dogs that attack other dogs or people. How many of them have been sentenced to a life in a yard or the very same walk routine 2 times a day?

For the above reasons, the Pitter Patter family travels to many different parks. This allows your companions wide running spaces for great amounts of exercise and also the opportunity to meet many different types of dogs, smell many different and new smells and just generally allow their minds to be unrestrained with guarding you or your home.

There are a few parks/conservation areas that I enjoy taking your companions to. The parks that we go to may even be around the corner from your home. If you are looking for a good park to go to in your area, check out the dog parks in Ontario website. If you are in the Oshawa area, there is Harmony Valley. A great conservation area that has woods, trails and open fields with prescribed off leash areas. In Scarborough, there is the U of T Scarborough campus/Colonel Danforth combination. While it is not officially an off leash area there are lots of great dogs that frequent these parks. If you are inclined for a long walk, you could walk from Kingston rd. to the beach. In Pickering, the Seaton Hiking Trails. I can’t say enough about the trails you will find there. You could walk for hours. Give me a call. Magellan and I will come with you!! Finally there is the Miller Ave. Leash Free Area in Markham. This is a completely fenced in area with park benches, an area for agility, water provided and lots of great dogs and people. You will be able to let your dog go with no worries that they will run off and never come back.

If you don’t have the time to devote to these necessary walks, don’t hesitate to join the Pitter Patter family. You or your companion will never regret it.