Dog trainer speaks out about proposed dog park

Roanoke’s hopes for a new public dog park could depend on a public meeting tonight.
That meeting will discuss a proposal to build the dog park in the Star City’s Highland park area.
The meeting started at six ... in Roanoke City council chambers.
Parks and Rec will talk with neighbors who live around the park.
The idea of a dog park isn’t new.
But the push to finally bring one to Roanoke has gathered a surge in momentum.

It’s playtime for these pooches at 6 Wags Dog Park in Salem.
The private park is a place for both pets and their owners to socialize and exercise.
Katie Halsted, the owner of 6 Wags Dog Park, says, “we’ve had friendships formed and we’ve had groups come out here and we’ll sit and talk and let the dogs play it’s overall good for everybody.“
Meet Roo-Roo.
She’s one of the pooches who participate in the park’s “yappie hour”—a time set aside when staffers teach dogs how to socialize with each other.
Roo-roo’s owner says it’s made a big difference to her dog.
Lori Puckett, Roo-roo’s owner says, “they were so friendly and kinda helped Roo-roo come out of his shell.“
Halstead says the biggest difference between a public and private dog park:
Staff members can enforce rules.
Halstead says, “and so that they can go out there comfortably and know that everythings going to be ok.“
Dogs owners also don’t need to worry about diseases…
Dogs are screened for their vaccinations before they walk through the door.
Halstead says she supports public dog parks—when they’re done the right way…and she wishes organizers of Roanoke’s proposed public park the best.
Halstead ssys, “i think its important for a community to have a dog park, whether it’s public or private, it’s for the dogs.“
...And wag-tailing dogs…mean happy owners.
Six wags dog park costs members 250 dollars a year.
Non-members can use the park—and attend one of the three yappie hours—for five dollars.
It’s open during the days and evenings.