It’s a dog’s life
As the days are getting longer and warmer, most people need no excuse to spend more time in the outdoors. Dog owners have all the more reason for doing so – and your dog will love going to Paws & Boots Country Dog Park in Midrand.
Heather Whitfield’s interactive dog park offers a nifty obstacle course on which dogs can safely satisfy their curiosity and develop confidence in their abilities. You won’t find another playground like this one, Heather says.
Where did the inspiration for a park like Paws & Boots come from?
The idea came to me in 2019 when I saw the need to promote the wellbeing of dogs and families out of doors. There is a growing demand for animal-friendly outdoor spaces that stimulate dogs mentally and physically – we saw this as an opportunity to create a one-of-a kind, fulfilling experience. With the impact of Covid-19 on people’s mental and emotional wellbeing, we also wanted to provide a safe and beautiful environment where one can enjoy nature. People yearn for the outdoors and open spaces.
What are some of the things you do at Paws & Boots?
Our services are designed to provide a simple but exceptional experience for pets and their owners. When you visit our park, you can walk along lovely trails and have fun with your dogs. We also have an obstacle course with challenges for dogs of all ages and sizes – it’s designed to build their confidence. And we offer opportunities for fundraisers and other functions, organise trail runs with dogs over weekends, and host competitions on the obstacle course for dogs and their handlers.
In addition, we offer Puppy Life Skills classes at the park to introduce puppies to a typical farm environment with cattle, sheep and horses. We are currently developing a puppy boot camp as a holiday programme for children.
Why is an interactive playground like Paws & Boots necessary?
As dog lovers, we understand the joy we get when we see our dogs running and playing outside. Our park provides a great environment for dogs to socialise and exercise safely.
Interactive courses are excellent for dogs. The equipment on the obstacle course encourages them to try new things they cannot do at home. It promotes human interaction, because dog owners are encouraged to play and learn together. The topography of the course includes various surfaces, such as gravel, sand and grass, which creates further variety.
Our park’s nature trails and outdoor obstacle course are well designed to offer stimulation in a safe environment. On the trails the dogs need to be on a leash, but on the obstacle course they can run freely.
Can I just drop in?
We are open from Thursday to Sunday, 08:00 to 17:00, at 15 Douglas Road, Glen Austin, Midrand. Phone ahead, send an email, or book online at pawlife.co.za.
Day visitors pay R60 per person; admission is free for dogs. We also offer an annual pass (R1 200 single, or R1 800 for a family of four).
Contact info@pawsandboots.co.za Paws & Boots Country Dog Park @pawsandbootscountrydogpark 083 566 7009 >