Sunnybrook Off-Leash Dog Park: The Safest and Happiest Spot for our Pack
- Chantel Fyvie
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
Lucky Penny Pet Care Blog | Midtown Dog Walker
As a professional dog walker and pet care provider, one of the questions I get asked most often is:“Why don’t you take the dogs to a different parks?”
I get it, variety sounds fun! But when it comes to off-leash pack play; safety, structure, and community matter more than novelty. That’s why our pack chooses to stick with Sunnybrook Off-Leash Dog Park as our daily stomping grounds. Here’s why this decision isn’t just about convenience, it’s about what’s best for the dogs in my care.
1. Less Time in the Car, More Time to Play at Sunnybrook Off-leash Dog Park
My clients live in the Midtown, Davisville Village, Lawrence Park, and Leaside areas, so Sunnybrook is perfectly located. It means shorter car rides for the dogs, which translates into:
Less stress for pups who aren’t fans of car travel
More time actually running, sniffing, and socializing
A smoother routine that fits beautifully into everyone’s day
2. Routine = Safety and Confidence
Dogs thrive on predictability. By going to the same park each day:
The dogs quickly learn the layout, reducing stress and uncertainty
I get to know the regulars, both two- and four-legged, so I can anticipate potential issues before they arise.
It builds confidence, especially for newer or more timid dogs who benefit from a familiar environment
Dogs in my care follow clear rules and structure. A familiar environment supports; recall training, group walking etiquette, positive reinforcement habits.
A consistent location helps me maintain a calm, structured atmosphere where dogs can just be dogs and let loose at the park!
3. Community with Other Walkers
Sunnybrook Off Leash Park has a great network of responsible dog walkers, and over time we’ve built a community of mutual respect. We share updates, watch out for each other’s dogs, and keep each other informed about:
Trail conditions
Wildlife sightings
Any park changes that might affect safety
We keep the park clean and safe
Having this network gives an extra layer of trust and communication that’s hard to replicate if you’re constantly hopping from park to park.
4. Visibility = Peace of Mind
Sunnybrook’s wide and open layout is one of my favourite things about it. I can always see:
Where every dog in my group is
Who they’re interacting with
If a distraction or potential risk is approaching
This visibility is a huge factor in preventing runaways, scuffles, and helps me keep a close eye on group dynamics as they play.
5. Amenities That Just Make Sense
Another reason Sunnybrook stands out? The smart, dog-friendly amenities that make every visit smoother for both dogs and humans.
A centralized water source available during the warmer months means everyone stays hydrated and cool without having to carry extra supplies.
Multiple entrances and exits make it easy to redirect or exit quickly if needed—especially helpful for reactive dogs or pack management.
Close parking means less walking on-leash just to get to the fun. That equals more time playing and less time waiting.
With plenty of space to roam, it’s easy to move away from other groups if a dog needs a break or more breathing room.
These thoughtful features help me provide a low-stress, high-enrichment experience for every pup in the pack.
6. It’s the Right Place to Be Off-Leash
For insurance and liability reasons, I only walk dogs off-leash in designated off-leash areas. It’s simply not worth the risk (to the dogs or my business) to let them off in undesignated spaces, even if they seem quiet or empty. Sunnybrook is an off-leash designated area, well-maintained, and respected by local walkers, which means we can let loose responsibly.
As a pet parent, you want to know:
Where your dog is each time
That they’re safe, happy, and with dogs they know
That they’re not being exposed to unpredictable or risky situations
Sunnybrook allows me to provide that peace of mind, because I know the lay of the land, and I know how to manage it responsibly. Because I walk in the same park daily with a regular group, your dog isn't just getting socialization, they're building real friendships.
At the end of the day, my top priority is the safety, happiness, and well being of the dogs I care for. Sunnybrook checks every box: proximity, safety, community, structure, and visibility. It may not be “new” every day, but for the dogs, that’s part of what makes it so great. Familiar ground, friendly faces, and plenty of room to run. That’s a win in my book, and in theirs too.
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