SPCA unleashes new dog playground

Dogs at Auckland’s SPCA have adventures waiting for them in the form of a new, speciallydesigned playground.

It’s full of tyres, tunnels and wooden beams, and after two years of planning, it’s now almost ready.

The Canine Confidence Course - or dog playground - will help young and old dogs get confident in their surroundings through a series of levelled obstacles.

SPCA Auckland animal services manager Tracy Dunn says she’s excited to see the playground get off the ground.

‘‘I’m really excited, this is one of the biggest projects we’ve had at the SPCA for years,’’ Dunn says.

As well as the main course, there’s also a separate concrete section for younger dogs to help them with daily sights and sounds.

It’s been fitted with things like colourful flags, aluminum signs, and manhole covers for puppies to get used to things they might encounter on a walk in their neighbourhood.

‘‘Little dogs can get freaked out by things like flags outside shops or plastic bags which make noise.’’

The unfinished space is full of tyres, wooden boardwalks, and tunnels, and will have sensory plants to help dogs relax and make the space more interesting.

There are plans to build things like seesaws and Dunn says they will add more to the playground as they find things.

Dogs are on leash and accompanied by a handler at all times through the course, to help build their trust and maintain confidence.

‘‘It’s all about very controlled work, all the dogs are on a lead with one to two handlers so they’re able to build trust and make sure they’re safe and not going to fall off.’’

Dunn says it can be stressful for dogs and just 10 minutes is enough for them on the playground.

‘‘For dogs that’s amazing - it’s like one hour of exercise. It doesn’t replace taking them for a walk but it does certainly have an impact on their wellbeing.’’

The dog playground costs about $25,000 and SPCA Auckland is fundraising to meet the costs of the build.

It’s raised about $11,500 so far and is encouraging people to donate $25 to help fund it. Go to heroix-nz.everydayhero.com/ event/doggieplayground/donate to donate.