It’s National Puppy Day today (March 23) and there is no better way to celebrate your puppy than to take it on a long walk. Having a puppy, no matter how cute, can be a lot of work but there are many ways to form a strong bond with your little friend.
For instance, taking your dog out for a walk is one of the best ways to socialise and train it. However, always keep in mind that a puppy that’s not well-trained shouldn’t be taken off the lead.
So, if you are the owner of a young dog and want to enjoy the joys of summer with it, Birmingham has many parks perfect for a walk. These parks are also the best places to train your dog to walk on a lead. The RSPCA has advice on the best practices to train dogs to walk nicely on a lead. For instance, using your voice and treats to encourage your dog to move with you and also practicing in short and regular sessions.
Here are eight parks in and around Birmingham, ideal for spending the day out with your dog:
1. Queens Park, Harborne
Queens Park was laid out in 1898 in celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It’s a 10-acre plot with a garden, benches to sit and wide open spaces for your pup to run around. (Photo - Lynn Ray De). | Lynn Ray De
2. Woodgate Valley Country Park, Bartley Green
Woodgate Valley Country Park is a 450 acre area of countryside in the centre of Bartley Green and Quinton. There are many mixed, mature hedgerows, meadows, and woodland through which you can walk your puppy. (Photo - Phil Champion / Footbridge and ford across the Bourn Brook, Woodgate Valley Country Park / CC BY-SA 2.0) | Phil Champion / Footbridge and ford across the Bourn Brook, Woodgate Valley Country Park / CC BY-SA 2.0
3. Cannon Hill Park, Moseley
Cannon Hill is a wonderful place to get your family, friends and pets for a walk around. With a fantastically maintained green space, you have plenty of space to breathe and wander around for a few minutes or many hours. In addition to the 80 acres of parkland, there is also a further 120 acres of woodland and conservation area for your dog to explore. (Photo - Google Maps) | Google street view
4. Kings Heath Park
This park covers around 35 acres of area and was the first urban park in Birmingham to achieve Green Flag status. The area around the main house and conservatory features high quality seasonal bedding schemes, trees, shrubs and a refurbished pool area. | Phil Champion / Ornamental pond in King's Heath Park / CC BY-SA 2.0