Walking the Dog in the Brick Works

Walking the Dog in the Brick Works

It is very important for both humans and dogs to exercise daily.  Some of the benefits include burning calories/maintaining weight, balance, fitness, physical health, mental health and sometimes even social connections. My dog Kilo gets 4 or 5 short walks a day, plus games and stairs in the house. For other ideas see 10 Great Ways to Get Active With Your Dog

As the weather has improved, I have been feeling inspired to get out walking the dog further in spite of bad knees. I sometimes find it easier if I have a destination to walk to. I am very lucky to have lots of fun places nearby to explore with little Kilo the Pug. There is a network of beautiful ravines starting from the park right at the end of my street.

The Evergreen Brick Works

At the bottom of the steep hill, nestled in the ravine, there is a beautiful community environmental centre and preservation area called the Brick Works. Old buildings and green spaces have been restored with ponds, bird nesting areas, paths, living walls and educational programs. The belief  is that “Great cities need places of respite, inspiration, beauty and wonder.”

Approximately 16 hectares (roughly 40 acres), the Don Valley Brick Works is made up of two distinct areas:

• Weston Family Quarry Garden (formerly Don Valley Brick Works Park): An 11.5 hectare natural area and city park containing the Weston Quarry Garden, wetlands, wildflower meadows, ravine forests and trails.
• Don Valley Brick Works Industrial Pad: A complex of historical buildings over five hectares which has been revitalized as Evergreen Brick Works.

The area is very popular but not crowded. Lots of people bring their dogs. Dogs have to be kept on leash except in designated areas, to protect the birds and other local wildlife.

 An Anxious start.

Unfortunately, Kilo has become more and more anxious about leaving his domain on foot. He loves walking around the block, and exploring the ravine through an old abandoned house on his long leash (photos from last week), but he panics when we get near the park. I assume he had a bad experience with another dog in a dog park before we got him.

I got my husband and daughter to come with us on our walk and this made Kilo much happier- safety in numbers. He got in between us, right behind my husband. I gave him little rewards when we passed other dogs and he did not react. Once we were through the park and in the ravine he was fine, and loved exploring.

He was even OK by the pond watching fish and sitting on my lap when we stopped for a delicious coffee at the Brickworks cafe (water in his case). He did not lunge at other dogs going by except one large male lab.

We were out for about 2 hours exploring and relaxing in the sunshine. He and I both came back exhausted. We will have more adventures this weekend.

What will you be doing with your dog? Will you be out walking the dog somewhere exciting? Join our Fit Dog Hop and Share Inspiration, Tips and Experiences.