After hearing about recent dogs attacks around Noosa, a local dog trainer had a light-bulb moment that’s “going crazy” with popularity since coming to fruition.
What Dogs Want owner Julie Vella runs a doggy daycare three days a week in the Noosa hinterland and recently realised that a private dog park did not exist in the region.
So, two weeks ago she opened one at her already established facility.
“There are many people who are anxious to take their dogs to dog parks or for walks after all the recent attacks,” she said.
“Dog attacks are frightening for everyone involved, I hear about them through my clients.
“I opened this space for those people that are anxious when walking their dogs or if their dog is anxious or reactive.”
She said her clients had told her about rumoured cases of baiting around the Coast.
“This space is just for people and their dog, so owners can have peace of mind while out with their dog … that will never happen to them here,” she said.
“They can be let off the lead, play and just be a dog without threats and in a calm and controlled environment.”
A Noosa Council spokesperson said 60 dog attacks were reported in the shire in 2022. Of that number, 27 of those were attacks on people.
“So far this year, there have been 77 reported attacks, including 18 attacks on people,” the spokesperson said.
“Council reminds all dog owners that they may be legally and financially liable for their dogs’ actions and that it’s every dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their dogs do not attack people or other animals, nor cause fear.
“Anyone who keeps an animal must maintain a proper enclosure that prevents it from wandering or escaping their property.
“Dogs must always be under effective control in public, typically by way of a leash. Even in designated off-leash areas, it is still mandatory for owners to maintain effective control over their dogs.
“Noosa Council is committed to promoting responsible dog ownership and working to protect our community from dangerous dogs.”
The What Dogs Want private dog park offers a fully fenced large area for playing and sniffing, a sandpit, two pools with a slide, a giant ball pit, tunnels, a trampoline and toy boxes.
There are bench seats and umbrellas for the humans too.
Owners book their 45-minute session online and once they’ve paid the address of the dog park is released to them.
Ms Vella said since opening two weeks ago business had been “going crazy”.
“There is nothing around like it. I know there’s one down near Brisbane but there is none here on the Sunshine Coast, so there’s definitely a need for it,” she said.
“We are on two acres, surrounded by hundreds of acres and up on a hill that looks out over Noosa. The views are amazing, it’s so beautiful.”
She said the visitor feedback since opening had been amazing.
“They love it and everyone is saying it great idea,” she said.
“It has taken the weight of their shoulders and for a pretty fair price too. It has all been super positive.”
The What Dogs Want private dog park is available for hire Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
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