SE Michigan's dog parks await your four-legged friend

Sometimes Duke and Princess need to get out-of-doors and off-the-leash. And so do Mom or Dad! That's why dog parks are popping up all over the country. Many are simple fenced-in areas for dogs to run around unencumbered while others are more like mini-resorts.

As goes most things in this world, Southeast Michigan has parks that feature a range of amenities, from Pleasant Ridge's simple but pleasant fenced-in lot just south of I-96 to Oakland County's Orion Oaks Dog Park, complete with a dog-only swimming area.

There are also a few indoor dog parks that offer a wide-open area for dogs to run around in exchange for a small fee. One of these, at Canine to Five Detroit Dog Daycare, has become a social event—and not just for the dogs. Owner Liz Blondy says, "We've had people become friends from our dog park. It's nice because owners can trade dog-raising tips and trials and tribulations."

She stresses the importance of the social aspect of dog parks for her furry guests: "Socialization with other dogs is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's physical and emotional well-being."

Blondy recommends visiting DetroitDogParks.com  to not only find out where dog parks are located, but to investigate fees and other requirements. Each park is different—some only allow dogs belonging to residents of the host community, others charge fees and still others require proof of vaccination or attendance at a training session.

Blondy has nice things to say about the dog park on Hines Drive just west of Merriman, and she has plans to add an outdoor dog park area to her business in the near future.

Source: Liz Blondy, Canine to Five Detroit Dog Daycare

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh