Pooches and parks are a perfect match, and every owner dreams of living near a dog park so their fur-baby can run amok with its canine friends.

No matter the time of year, Australians love to be outdoors and as a result, governments and developers are looking to provide enhanced liveability by offering new parks and open spaces for local residents to explore.

This is good news for first home owners, who no longer have the struggles of renting with their pets and are looking to settle down somewhere long term with their fur babies.

There are a number of reasons every suburb needs at least one dog park. Picture: Stockland’s community in Brabham, Whiteman Edge

Here are five reasons why we need more dog parks.

1. Residents will know each other

When walking your four-legged friend to a dog park, you inevitably end up chatting with other dog owners. Researchers from the University of Western Australia found that pet owners are 60% more likely to get to know their neighbours, and owning a pet is a significant factor in promoting friendships and social support.

Stockland’s Vale community at Aveley in WA has an enclosed dog park with a dedicated area for pooches, plus it also offers free puppy classes.

The park also features a range of equipment for agility training, allowing residents to exercise their pets while mingling with other like-minded people in the community.

You’ll inevitably end up chatting to other dog owners at the park. Picture: Supplied

2. Locals will be more active

A Deakin University analysis found dog owners are likely to visit parks more often than those without dogs.

The study found 72% of adults and 56% of children with dogs, who go to the park, visit at least once a week. This compares to 49% of those without a dog.

72% of adults with dogs and who go to the park, visit at least once a week. Picture: Supplied

Residents and their four-legged friends can stretch their legs at the 25ha open space at Willowdale, located in Sydney’s south west.

Dogwood Park is an off-leash dog park providing an amazing opportunity for residents, families and their pooches to have some healthy fun in the great outdoors.

3. Local dogs will be better trained

In Western Australia, Stockland has partnered with RSPCA to offer free six-week puppy training classes at a number of their communities.

Not only does this promote positive puppy behaviour, but the initiative allows like-minded people to connect with others living in their community, and encourages quality time between puppies and their new paw-rents. 

Puppy training is important for all new owners. Picture: Supplied

A dog park is also a great place to train your dog. Naturally, your dog will want to roam free and meet as many other dogs as possible. However, it’s important to teach your dog proper manners.

4. Everyone can reconnect with nature

Areas with a wealth of green and open spaces are appealing to home buyers and their four-legged friends, as these ‘hoods allow locals to spend more time in the great outdoors.

Being outside more often means you’ll absorb more vitamin D and get to enjoy your neighbourhood. Picture: Supplied

In addition to soaking up vitamin D from the sun, regular visits to the dog park often allow city residents to spend more time in well-designed green spaces. The more time you spend outside, the healthier and happier you will feel.

The Pallara District dog park in Queensland is a great place for locals who want to head outdoors more often.

5. Everyone will feel safer

As leash laws continue to become increasingly restrictive, many committees are seeing dog parks as a way to let dogs run free without penalty to pet owners or risking damage to private property.

Off-leash dog parks can provide a secure environment where dog owners can exercise their dogs without encountering cars, bikes and other obstacles.

In Melbourne’s south east, Edgebrook has a carefully designed plan for a future dog park to bring both residents and their furry friends together.

Let’s be honest, dogs make the world a better place. Picture: Supplied

Round up your dog, grab the lead and stretch those legs in one of the many dog parks around Australia.

You’ll have healthier pets and people, which will improve the quality of life in your neighbourhood — and who doesn’t want that?