Private dog parks are popping up in people’s backyards across Aurora, thanks to a website called Sniffspot.
The self-proclaimed Airbnb for dog parks started in the U.S. and has begun expanding north of the border, with York Region locations including Aurora, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Georgina and Richmond Hill.
Aurora resident Dan Glinksy, 43, who also runs private dog training lessons out of his backyard, signed up for the service a couple of months ago.
Prices on the app vary, but Glinsky rents his backyard out for $4US an hour per dog.
He said he’s happy to help people who may be struggling to get their dogs enough exercise, or whose dogs are starting to have behavioural problems.
“I’ve seen a couple situations where people brought their dog because they don’t have a proper setup where they’ve got their dog,” he said.
“But that just means they’re being responsible. Just because you don’t have a backyard doesn’t mean you shouldn’t own a dog. Dogs have requirements but if you’re willing to put up the requirement, then it doesn’t matter.”
Glinsky said the phenomenon of COVID pets has proved challenging, when people got animals induring the pandemic when they were restricted to their homes, but have struggled to care for them since as life has returned to normal with attending work and school in person and travelling.
He also offers dog training sessions for dogs with troublesome behaviours, and teaching their owners how to better manage them.
After a car accident three years ago, Glinsky’s mental health took a dip. Struggling with isolation, he got his Bernedoodle dog Goat, who helped him through some challenging times.
During the pandemic, his neighbourhood formed a dog walking group. His neighbours noticed how well-behaved Goat was, and some turned to him to help them with their dogs. He started helping others from there.
“It’s a lot of stress on people to lose their dog. When they’ve got to give up a dog that they love, but they just don’t know what else to do.”
“Dogs can help people very much, emotionally, mentally. So for me, that’s a cause worthy of putting in the effort.”
