The Ultimate Guide to Happy Tails and Wagging Walks

Barks & Parks:

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! It's Heidi here from Barks & Parks, your friendly neighborhood dog walking service serving the lovely folks of South Mississauga and Etobicoke, Ontario. If you’re reading this, I bet you love your furry companions as much as I do! Whether you’re a proud pup parent or a dog-loving enthusiast, you're in the right place.

As a professional dog walker, I have the unique pleasure (and sometimes, the comic relief) of spending my days in the company of our four-legged friends. I’ve seen it all—from the determined pup who thinks he's training for the Iditarod (but really, just wants to smell every single leaf) to the couch potato who thinks walking is overrated (but still loves to roll around in mud). It's a rewarding job, and let me tell you, no two walks are ever the same.

Today, I want to take you behind the scenes at Barks & Parks. I’ll share some fun facts, a few laugh-worthy stories, and of course, offer some dog walking tips that will help keep your furry friend happy and healthy. So grab a coffee, tea or hot chocolate and let’s take a stroll through the world of dog walking—South Mississauga and Etobicoke style!

Why Dog Walking? The Paw-sitive Impact of Walks for Your Pup

First things first—why walk your dog? I mean, sure, they have those cute little paws that look like they were made for snuggling on the couch, but did you know that regular walks are essential for their physical and mental health?

Here are just a few **paw-sitive reasons to get your pup out and about:

• Physical Exercise: Dogs need physical activity to stay in shape and burn off energy. Whether your pup is a young bundle of energy or a senior who loves a leisurely stroll, daily walks provide that essential exercise they need.

• Mental Stimulation: Dogs are curious creatures. A walk is like a sensory overload for them! They get to sniff around, meet other dogs (or squirrels, if they’re lucky), and take in the sights and sounds of the world around them. This keeps their minds sharp and prevents boredom.

  
  

• Bonding Time: Spending quality time with your dog helps strengthen the bond between the two of you. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate that moment of zen when you’re walking side-by-side, enjoying each other’s company.

  
  

• Healthy Behavior: A tired dog is a good dog. Regular walks help release pent-up energy, which can reduce destructive behavior at home, like chewing on shoes or barking at the neighbor’s cat. It’s like doggy therapy, but with more tail wagging.

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Barks & Parks: The Walking Team You Can Trust

At Barks & Parks, we know that no two dogs are the same. Some need a little extra encouragement to put one paw in front of the other, while others think they’re in the running for the next doggy marathon. That's why we tailor our walks to each individual dog’s needs. Whether it’s a quick 15-minute “bathroom break” for your puppy or an hour-long adventure for your high-energy dog, we’ve got you covered.

Our services include:

Private Walks: For pups who prefer some one-on-one time.

Group Walks: Perfect for social dogs who love to make new friends and enjoy a little pack mentality.

Puppy Visits: Because we all know puppies need a lot of attention (and extra playtime)!

Overnight Care: Even mom and dad need a vacation sometimes!

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Funny Stories from the Dog Walks of Mississauga and Etobicoke

Okay, let’s get to the fun stuff. You might be thinking, “What could possibly be funny about dog walking?” Well, let me tell you: there’s never a dull moment! Here are just a few memorable moments that’ll have you chuckling:

1. The “Let’s Go Back Home” Loop

I had one client, a sweet little dog named Max, who LOVED his walks but had one tiny little quirk—he *hated* going past the local pub on the corner in Port Credit. Every time we reached that part of the walk, Max would plant his little paws and stare at the door like it was a portal to another universe. No amount of treats or encouragement would get him past that spot. Eventually, we had to change our route to avoid the pub altogether.

The Brogue Irish Pub

Dogs have very strong opinions, and Max clearly had strong feelings about pubs. Maybe it was because he knew he was underage to enter?

2. The “Roll in Mud” Incident

I’ll be honest, this one’s on me. There’s a beautiful park in South Mississauga that has a great trail for walks. One day, I let my client, (a super sweet Golden Doodle), off-leash for a bit of freedom. Of course, he immediately decided the mud puddle was the perfect place to roll around in. Picture this: a Golden Doodle, looking absolutely regal in his mud-covered glory, happily prancing back to me like he just won a beauty pageant. Let’s just say that day involved a lot of towel-waving and a bath when we got home!

I hear mud can be good for the skin

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**Dog Walking Tips: How to Be a Better Dog Parent (And Avoid the Muddy Paws)**

As much as I love my walks with your dogs, I’m also here to help you be the best dog parent possible. So, here are a few **dog walking tips** to make your walks more enjoyable—for both you and your dog:

• Hydration is Key: Especially in the warmer months, make sure your dog has access to fresh water before and after your walk. Some dogs won’t drink while on the go, but always carry water just in case!

  
  

• Use a Proper Leash and Harness: Not all leashes are created equal! A well-fitted harness can prevent pulling and make your dog more comfortable, especially if they tend to pull or dart around.

  
  

• Pace Yourself: Not every dog is an athlete. If your dog is a senior or has any mobility issues, take it slow. You don’t need to break any speed records; it’s all about quality, not quantity.

  
  

• Bring Treats for Motivation: Some dogs, especially puppies, can get distracted on walks. Having a few treats on hand for positive reinforcement can help keep them on track.

  
  

• Embrace the Squirrel Chase: Let’s face it—if you’re walking a dog, you’re probably going to encounter squirrels. They’re like tiny, furry speed bumps, and most dogs need to bark at them. Just know that sometimes the walk will turn into a “squirrel chasing marathon,” but it’s all part of the fun.

  
  

Until next time, happy tails and happy trails!

Heidi & Tony

Dog Walker Extraordinaire