Dog agility track opens in Napier

RUN TIME: Paul Faleono of Napier gives his four-year-old red and white border collie-cross golden retriever Mahli a run at the new training park. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The first of two agility tracks designed for dog owners to give their pooches a training run in the park has been opened near Park Island in Napier.

The purpose-built track will allow owners to run their dogs through some jumping and climbing exercises at the facility off Clyde Jeffery Dr which has been positioned to take advantage of the nearby walking tracks around Park Island.

It was designed by the Napier City Council animal control team who wanted to provide dog owners with a place where they could spend time exercising and training their dogs.

Senior Animal Control officer Liisa Jones said the track could be enjoyed by a wide range of users, from local residents to organised groups and professional trainers.

"We encourage owners to exercise their dogs with regular walks, and Park Island is a great location to do that," she said.

"The new agility track also allows dogs the perfect spot to get the training and stimulation they need."

Hurdles, ramps, bollards and even a grooming table are part of the set-up.

The park is environmentally friendly too. All the fittings were made from recycled plastic

It has a water-station, seating for owners and a dispenser bag unit for "mishaps".

While the facility is suited to well-socialised dogs that have a good recall off the lead, those animals not so suited will soon have their place.

A second agility and exercise track is being planned behind Pettigrew Green Arena in Taradale and it will be fully fenced to provide a secure place for dogs that not so sharp on the recall side of things.

It is due for completion later this year.

The Napier City Council will be running a number of interactive dog agility training sessions at the track next weekend.

Dog owners are being encouraged to take their dogs, with a lead, along to the event.