Are you a dog owner in Victoria who has been loving the outdoors since COVID-19 lockdown? This new normal hasn’t just tipped the world on its head for us humans but it’s initiated a whole new way of life for our four-legged friends as well. (And one we’re pretty sure they’ve loved!)
For many household dogs, it’s meant 24-7 company, attention and entertainment for months on end while whole family units have bunkered down at home to work and learn remotely.
Regular brain breaks from home schooling for the kids (and zoom meetings for the adults) have meant lots of extra pats, cuddles and play time in the backyard.
And what about those walks! If you’re a dog owner who hasn’t walked your pooch more than three times a day during isolation, you’re in the minority. (Seriously, how fit have Aussie household dogs become since corona!)
And while all this has ultimately equated to a period of doggy heaven for our canine friends, where does that leave them moving forward? As we slowly emerge from this time in isolation, and they’re once again left all alone in the backyard, how can we continue to satisfy their increased appetite for exercise and play, and prove to them that they’re still loved?
Well, if you’re a dog owner on the mighty Murray at Echuca Moama you’re in luck!
A brand new off-leash dog park has just opened at the Moama Recreation Reserve.
It’s a fully-fenced, landscaped reserve that provides pet owners with a safe place for their dogs to run freely, exercise, play, have fun and learn new skills – all without being on a lead.
The dog park has been on the community’s wish list (and that of their pups no doubt) for many years now - and boy does it tick all the boxes.
Just check out how happy this golden girl is playing there this week with her little humans!
It’s no secret that we’re big animal lovers at Coolabah Turf, and so we jumped at the chance to work with Murray River Council (MRC) to provide the turf for this wonderful urban space project. The Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu was installed by Troy Griffiths through the line planting machine and the establishment was managed by the MRC parks team.
We place huge importance on producing dog-friendly lawns on our turf farm because we think Aussie backyards and dogs go together like snags and bread.
The reality though, is that dogs can be rough on lawns. They can dig holes, cause urine burns and tear around wildly on the grass.
One of the benefits of Coolabah Turf lawn is its ability to self-repair, so even if you do have dead spots, holes or visible stains from urine, it will regenerate in time.
If you’re in the market for a dog-proof turf that will survive the inevitable wear and tear, it’s important that your lawn has the following characteristics:
Rapid Growth Rate
All lawn varieties will suffer some damage when your dog runs, jumps and plays on it, so select a grass that grows quickly to help it recover from the damage rapidly.
Deep Root Development
Choose grasses with deep root systems because they are able to weather damage better and recover more quickly.
Sir Walter DNA Certified Instant Turf is the perfect variety for residential yards and high traffic spaces frequented by dogs or kids. It’s drought, shade, insect, weed and pet resistant, making it very tough, durable and easy to care for. It has a fast, creeping growth habit, and is self-repairing against damage caused by pets, kids or high amounts of traffic over the lawn.
Given the growing trend in Australia for small-ish backyards, the need for community open space facilities like dog parks is increasing. We can’t emphasise enough how important it is for government investment in public assets like these – and we’re thrilled to see dog parks springing up all over Oz.
In Bendigo there are three fully-fenced, off leash parks where dogs can meet other dogs, and their owners can make new friends too.
You’ll find them at:
- Allingham Reserve Dog Park, Kangaroo Flat, (Jenny's Garden), Cnr Allingham St and Chapel St
- Harcourt Dog Park, Strathdale, Crook Street
- Truscott Reserve Dog Park, California Gully, Turner Street
Need help choosing the best dog-friendly turf for your open space project or backyard? Or maybe you’ve got a dog-related problem with your lawn that we can help fix?
Call our friendly Coolabah Turf team on 1800 055 515. Or contact us via the website.
