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:
5. Sandwell Valley Country Park
It’s a massive park of 270 hectares or 667 acres including many heritage features. It includes a farm and large open spaces to explore with your furry friends. It is ideal for long walks which would also burn the excess energy off of a puppy. (Photo - Shutterstock) | Shutterstock
6. Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield
Sutton Park is one of the biggest parks in Europe as it is a 2,400 acre National Nature Reserve. It includes open heathland, woodlands, seven lakes, wetlands, and marshes. You can also find cattle and wild ponies graze here. So, not only is it a great place to go on walks with your dog but also a place your four-legged friend can make friends of different species. (Photo - Stephen McKay/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license) | Stephen McKay/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license
7. Lickey Hills, Rednal
Lickey Hills covers 524 acres and is located just 10 miles south west of Birmingham. The park includes a variety of landscapes like woodlands, heathland and grassland - all of which will be fun to wander around with your dog. (Photo - Birmingham City Council) | Birmingham City Council
8. Handsworth Park
This park is a Victorian gem and now covers over 63 acres of landscaped grass slopes, with flower beds, mature trees, shrubs and plenty of wildlife. It is a great place to hang out with your canine friend. (Photo - Flickr/Elliott Brown) | Flickr/Elliott Brown