Koirapuisto vai koirametsä – mitä eroa niillä on?

Dog park or dog forest – what’s the difference?

13.10.2024

There are two popular options for walking your dog off-leash in Finland: the dog park and the dog forest. Both offer opportunities for dogs to exercise and play, but there are clear differences between them. In this article, we explore these differences and explain why dog forests have grown in popularity in recent years.

Dog park – a playground for city dogs

Dog parks are centrally located, fenced areas where dogs can run freely. Most dog parks are maintained by municipalities and offer services like waste management and lighting. Some gas stations have small enclosures for dogs to stretch their legs, and in some cities, dog parks are built by dog enthusiasts or associations.

Dog parks are excellent places for dogs to socialize and burn off energy in a fenced area. Many parks have separate sections for small and large dogs, which increases safety. Dog parks are especially convenient in cities, as they are easily accessible, and you can let your dog off-leash without worrying about traffic or other dangers. Another significant advantage is that dog parks are free of charge.

The downsides of dog parks often relate to space constraints and the fact that they can get crowded during peak hours. If there are many dogs in the park at the same time, stress levels can rise, especially if the dogs don’t get along. Additionally, small areas don’t meet a dog’s natural need to explore larger environments.

Dog forest – a blend of freedom and nature

A dog forest, like Someron Koirametsä, offers a different environment than a traditional dog park. A dog forest is a large, fenced area situated in the middle of nature, allowing dogs to roam freely and explore their surroundings. Dog forests are designed to support a dog’s natural behavior. At Someron Koirametsä, dogs can enjoy running along trails, sniffing the forest scents, and experiencing different terrains safely within a fenced area. Unlike dog parks, dog forests are often larger and more peaceful, offering both dogs and their owners a relaxing and enriching outdoor experience.

Visits to dog forests are usually subject to a fee, and time slots are reserved for private use, so you don’t have to encounter unfamiliar dogs. In some dog forests, pricing is based on the number of dogs, but at Someron Koirametsä, the fee remains the same regardless of how many dogs you bring.

Östersundom’s dog forest – the exception to the rule

Most dog forests are fenced areas, but Östersundom’s dog forest in Helsinki is a well-known exception. This vast, 50-hectare forest area is not fenced, but it is bordered by roads. Östersundom’s dog forest is free of charge, and dogs are allowed off-leash, except during the legally mandated leash period from the beginning of March to the end of August. Unlike paid dog forests, Östersundom does not provide waste management, and the area cannot be reserved for private use, so you are likely to encounter other dogs there.

Key differences between dog parks and dog forests

  • Space: Dog parks are usually small and centrally located, while dog forests offer larger nature areas where dogs can move more freely. Both areas are typically fenced and have waste management services.
  • Nature experience: Dog forests provide dogs with a closer connection to nature compared to urban dog parks. The peace and diversity of the forest make the dog forest unique.
  • Privacy: Dog forests are reserved for private time slots, so you don’t have to worry about the presence of unfamiliar dogs. Dog parks are public and open to everyone, and only rarely available for private use.
  • Socialization: In dog parks, dogs often meet other dogs, which is a great opportunity for socialization. In dog forests, outings are usually enjoyed with your own group.

Which is better for you – dog park or dog forest?

Choosing between a dog park and a dog forest depends on what kind of outdoor experience you want to offer your dog. Dog parks are convenient and free places where dogs can play with others. Dog forests, on the other hand, provide a peaceful and nature-filled environment where dogs can roam freely during a private time slot. Location plays a big role in determining which you visit more often. Here in Somero, there isn’t a dog park of its own, but the nearest dog parks are Urheilupuisto dog park, Iltaruskonpuisto dog park, and Halikon Ratapuisto dog park in Salo, as well as Viksberg neighborhood dog park in Forssa.

Someron Koirametsä is a great alternative if you want to offer your dog a nature-filled and peaceful outdoor space with a private reservation. Welcome to Someron Koirametsä – where your dog can enjoy nature to the fullest!

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