Does your dog love to have a good romp in the park or do you just want to enjoy a relaxing hike without having to worry about holding your dog’s leash? Well, the answers to your prayers lie in the dozens of leash free parks in and around Toronto.

A 'leash free' area within a park is a place where dogs can socialize and run off-leash in a safe, secure environment. Dog parks are becoming an increasingly popular opportunity for people and dogs to relax, exercise and socialize.

Some important guidelines to keep in mind while visiting a leash free park:

Puppies and dogs must be properly inoculated, be healthy (have no contagious conditions or diseases), and be parasite-free (both internally and externally). To help prevent dog fights, owners are encouraged to inquire about any dogs already in the run which are unfamiliar to them, prior to entering the run. Observing dogs' body language is also recommended.

	No dogs known to be aggressive towards other dogs or people (or exhibiting any threatening behavior) may enter the run.
	No bitches in heat may enter the run at any time.
	Owners must clean up after their dogs.
	Owners are asked to closely supervise their dogs, and at no time should an owner leave the run without their dog(s).
	If the dog run is located near local residences, hospitals, schools or libraries, owners should discourage their dogs from barking excessively.
	Parents must refrain from bringing toddlers and small children into the run. Parents are strongly discouraged from bringing children under 12 years of age. Children should at no time be allowed to run with or chase after dogs in the dog run.
	Do not bring rawhide or food into the dog run as dogfights may result.
	For safety reasons, please remove pinch (prong) and spike collars from your dog prior to entering the dog run. Many dogs and puppies have been injured by playing with another dog who was wearing a pinch collar. A basic flat buckle collar (with city licenses, Rabies and identification tags) is recommended.
	Dogs should be kept leashed until the off-leash area has been entered.
	Dogs should be under voice control and are not allowed to disturb or chase people, or to destroy, dig up, or disturb flower beds, lawns, bushes or trees.
	Use the dog parks at your own risk.

Feel that there is not enough leash free parks in Toronto or none that are in your areas? Find out more about the process of establishing a leash free park in Toronto and maybe Petopia can work with you to get the ball rolling.