There are a total of twenty dog \u200b\u200bforests in Finland, two of which are located in Central Finland.
Rentable dog forests are becoming more common as an alternative to urban dog parks.
Dog forests are fenced forest areas that customers can reserve for their private use for keeping dogs free.
There are already two private dog forests in Central Finland. Half a hectare dog forest in Muurame and Rallatus in Jyväskylä’s Leppälahti.
– I had a German shepherd who was afraid of strange dogs. At that time, I was hoping for a place where I could let the dog free without worry, says Halonen.
According to Halonen, Koirametsä is especially intended for dogs that are challenging to keep free.
– For example, rescue dogs are usually timid, and you can’t go to the dog park with them. Hunting dogs also often have to be kept on a leash so that they don’t go after the animal, says Halonen.
The delimited forest area makes it easier to keep dogs free. In an ordinary forest, a dog may only be released with the permission of the land owner or hunting right holder.
The forest is made to meet the needs of the dog walker
Halonen’s dream of a dog forest started with forest stores. After finding a suitable site, the area was fenced and a local contractor made the forest floor suitable for walking dogs.
– The forest was thinned so that there is room to run in the area. We also collected debris and made passageways, says Halonen.
Rallatus has a lean-to that serves as a resting place. Customers wanted it after opening in the area.
– When we opened in July, it was very hot. Reservations started coming in as soon as the weather cooled down and there has been enough demand.
The customer base of the Leppälahti dog forest is established, but new dog walkers continue to come to the forest.
– Word travels fast in dog circles. Some come at regular intervals and others even more often – several times a week, says Halonen.