Each day at 8 AM sharp, Benji, a two-year-old Pug, can hardly sit still. His eyes fixate on the corner of a building adjacent to his local dog park. Benji goes into a wild frenzy when he sees Jesse, a six-year-old Golden Retriever outside. The two friends are as close as brothers, and they look forward to their morning meetings at the dog park. It’s the highlight of their, and often their owners’ day.

If you have a local dog park, it is likely filled with dogs and people looking for kindred souls. Bark-parkers all over the world are discovering the simple pleasures of a community meeting place. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your visits.

Keep It Simple At the Dog Park

Your dog needs to play, and dog parks provide an enclosed and welcoming environment for it. Even if you only have a set time each day to spend with your pet, a simple romp off-leash at a dog park will help your dog relieve stress, especially if your dog leads a relatively quiet life. Socializing with other friendly canines allows dogs to enjoy each other while developing manners and respect. A quick 15-20 minute visit is better than no visit at all. It’s a chance for you to get some exercise and fresh air too.

Spay and Neuter Your Dog

Benji and Jesse have been neutered, which helps them to enjoy the park safely. Sheila McCullough, DVM, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says, “In addition to extending a dog’s health, neutering reduces male territorial instinct.” She reminds pet owners that a female dog in heat will inevitably cause confrontation between males who have not been fixed. Even the gentlest male dogs can be uncontrollable if not neutered when a female in heat is nearby.

Offer Suggestions To Improve Your Local Dog Park

Good parks plan for dogs as well as people. If your city cannot provide playground equipment, such as obstacle pits designed for dogs, consider getting together with other park visitors for a fundraiser to purchase such upgrades. Other improvements might include benches, water fountains, and shade-promoting landscaping that both dogs and owners might appreciate.

Avoid Risks At the Dog Park

Although dog parks often provide creature comforts, risks can loom within the gates. Public parks are open to all — so any canine can come in. Protect your pet from strangers, using a leash if necessary.

A significant concern for those who visit dog parks is the issue of infectious diseases. Before even thinking of visiting a dog park, make sure your dog’s vaccines are current. Avoid dogs that appear lethargic or ill. “Dogs that are very sick do not usually feel well enough to run and play at a dog park,” says Dr. McCullough, “so serious infectious illnesses may not be a major concern. Common sense should tell a dog owner to keep a dog at home if it isn’t well.”

Veterinary hospitals regularly treat injuries from dogfights that happen at dog parks. Make sure your dog is well trained and socialized. Keep your dog away from other dogs that lack such social skills. Accidents can also occur at dog parks, especially when an excited dog runs full-speed through unknown territories. Small dogs are at risk of being “run over” by larger dogs, and older dogs can over-exert themselves, causing injuries and illness.

Personal Story – Susan McCullough

I never saw them coming. I was chatting in a park with a friend while his two Boxers played with my Golden Retriever, Allie. The next minute, I felt myself being hit from behind by all three dogs, catapulting me backward and causing me to hit my head on the ground where I landed. Still, I felt alright. After a minute or two of lying on the ground and checking to make sure I hadn’t broken any bones, I stood up without assistance and drove Allie and myself home. 

But six weeks later, I no longer felt OK.

A Dangerous Situation

I began to have excruciating headaches, and frighteningly, I started to lose the use of my right leg. I consulted my doctor, who ordered me to visit the emergency room of my local hospital. A CT scan revealed that I had two subdural hematomas — masses of blood on the surface of my brain that had developed after my tumble in the park — and required immediate surgery. 

As my experience shows, romps in dog parks or other places where dogs congregate can be great fun, but they may also spell danger to dogs and their owners.

Preventing Injuries at the Dog Park

I asked dog trainer Robin Bennett, author of Off-Leash Dog Play (Dreamdog Productions) and a nationally known dog daycare expert, how people can keep themselves out of harm’s way in dog parks and other popular dog play areas. Here’s what she suggested:

Stay Aware at the Dog Park

“Owners should be aware of what’s going on when dogs are racing around,” says Bennett, who works from Woodbridge, Va. I messed up big-time here. My back was to the dogs while they were playing, so I didn’t see them running toward me. I later realized that I had inadvertently stepped out in front of Allie without giving her enough time to swerve and avoid me as the other two dogs followed close behind. The results were my collision with all three dogs, my backward swan dive to the ground, and the events that followed.

Maintain Loose Knees

“When the dogs are running around, keep your knees loose,” says Bennett. Loose knees lessen the likelihood that one or more dogs can knock you off your feet, whether from the front or behind. At the time, I was standing with my knees locked.

Move From the Dog Park Entrance 

“Owners should not stand too close to the main gate of the dog park where all the action is happening,” says Bennett. “I recommend that dogs have a good recall command and that they are called to the owner when a lot is going on at the gate.”  

Head Toward the Dog Park Perimeter 

The middle of the park is also a popular place of activity, exactly where I was standing. To avoid being knocked over, owners should stand near the perimeter. However, they should not stand right against the fence enclosing the park. It’s essential to give your furry pal some space to come and lie down or sit behind you if it wants.

I unintentionally broke nearly all of Bennett’s rules the day I took my doggie-induced tumble. But I was lucky: My surgery was successful, and my recovery was steady. I’ve also started taking Allie back to the park, but I’m a lot more careful than I used to be.

No Park, No Problem

If your community does not have a dog park, consider forming a committee with other interested pet owners who may support the idea. Your first line of business should be the park’s desired location. Start with your local park and recreation board since many dog

parks lay within public parks’ jurisdiction. Failing that, consider private land, or land that may be available for lease or sale. Your dog park’s location will help determine its required annual budget, who will have access to the facility, and how it should be run.

Visit several dog parks to get ideas for design, features, and rules for usage. You will also need to plan for maintenance, such as trash removal, drainage, and grass mowing. Like any big project, you will need to write a business plan to cover the basics. Your time and effort will be worth it once the park opens. Just ask Benji and Jesse if they happen to come for a visit.

Article written by Author: Connie Jankowski, and Susan McCullough

Animal shelters often try to adopt out “bonded pairs,” dogs that have been living together or have a secure connection. But the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) in California didn’t quite know how to handle an unusual twosome that ended up in its care recently. Mama, a 7-year-old Shetland Sheepdog mix, and her best buddy Kiki, a 7-year-old short-haired gray and white cat, had grown up together.

“They had been living together for seven years,” says Beth Ward, vice president of animal and customer care at HSSV. “They slept together. They ate together. They played together. They were the perfect odd couple.”

Mama and Kiki had to be separated initially because the shelter houses cats and dogs in different facilities.

But they were eventually reunited when the shelter found a family willing to adopt a pair of pet friends that defies nature.

Do Dogs Like Cats?  

Friendships between dogs and cats — and sometimes between dogs and other animals, such as ducks and birds and bunnies — are seemingly unnatural. Let loose on a playground; a dog will give in to predatory instincts and chase a cat, squirrel, or bird.

Pet owners need to understand the differences in the social order between species. Cats are more elusive and will approach others when they feel the need. Dogs are pack animals and want to be as close to people as possible. But things can change when domestic animals are brought up together, experts say.

“When you think of the domestic dog and cat, you’re talking about socialization,” says Bonnie Beaver, past president of the American Veterinary Medicine Association and a professor of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M University. “If, as a puppy and a kitten, they are around the opposite species, they usually do fine. It has to do with how they’re raised.”

How To Introduce a Dog To a Cat

If you have a 4-year-old dog that has never been around a cat before, the odds are that bringing a cat into the house will be an uphill battle. But nothing is impossible. Laura Fulda, another HSSV vice president, had three large dogs when she brought a stray cat from the shelter home. “Before I knew it, they were all sleeping on the bed together,” Fulda laughs.

Fulda says she followed the guidelines developed by animal behaviorists and published on the shelter’s website. Here are five ways to help your pets feel the love:

• Felines Make the First Move 

Letting a big dog approach a small cat is a recipe for trouble. The cat is going to tolerate only a bit of sniffing before running away. That will only convince Rover to chase. Let the cat make the first move to learn to trust you and that strange, drooling beast.

• Keep Your Dog On a Leash 

During initial encounters, keep your dog on a rope — especially if it isn’t trained to come to a halt when you say, “No.” The HSSV also suggests keeping a squirt bottle handy to spray the dog in the face lest it starts annoying the kitty.

• Provide an Outlet For the “Chase” Instinct 

Make sure your dog fulfills its natural prey instinct and gets to chase something — a ball, Frisbee, or a squirrel in the yard. Exercise can calm your pup and ensure better behavior indoors, especially with your cat.

• Let the Cat Hide If Need Be 

Dogs want to run up and sniff strange new creatures. Felines investigate more gradually. “Keep them separated with a baby gate,” Ward suggests. “Make sure the cat always has an escape route.” Before you know it, the cat may be leaping over voluntarily to spend more time in the canine zone.

• Praise Positive Interactions 

Make sure your dog gets lots of positive feedback for good behavior. A happy, “Good dog,” and a playful scratch might be just the encouragement a dog needs.

Making a Good Match

When teaching a dog a new trick — such as learning to tolerate or even to like a new pet in the household — ask yourself a few questions:

• Is your home big enough for two pet species?
• If you have a dog, was that dog raised with cats?
• What type of temperament does your dog have?

• Has the new cat been around dogs before?

“Not every dog is going to get along with cats, and not every cat is going to get along with dogs,” Ward says.

Sometimes other creatures are in the mix. The HSSV was presented with an even more difficult adoption situation a few years ago. “We had a dog, a cat and a duck that were bonded,” Ward recalls. Unable to find one family willing to take all three, the unusual bedfellows had to be separated. Ward says, “We had to deal with depression in all three of these animals.”

Article written by Author: Elizabeth Wasserman

Coco Chanel’s recent birthday party evoked all the glamour of the famous clothing designer. In an exquisitely decorated party room, guests nibbled on appetizers served by uniformed attendants carrying golden trays. However, only select partygoers enjoyed the signature “Coco Cocktail,” a warmed, low-sodium chicken broth mixed with filtered water. As it turned out, many of Coco’s party invitees were just like her: Maltese dogs.

Handling nearly every aspect of Coco’s canine birthday bash was Dorothy Moore, owner of The Dining Dog Café & Bakery, an Edmonds, Wash. restaurant. It was a cakewalk, or one might say bone walk, for Moore, whose restaurant, with its white tablecloths, soft music, and chandeliers, caters to the needs of her canine customers.

As one of the world’s leading party organizers for dogs, however, she frequently leaves her restaurant to orchestrate perfect pooch parties.

Working with such an expert means the doggie sky, and perhaps your budget, are the only limitations.

From Weddings to Fashion Shows For Your Dog

Moore baked wedding cakes for human couples in the past, but now she prefers to cater to dog weddings. During one recent ceremony, the furry bride and groom stared rapturously into each other’s eyes while the proud owners stood nearby, holding back tears of joy. She says, “Tiny framed pictures of the dogs decorated the top of the canine-edible cake, while guests received toy and treat favor bags.”

She also recently organized a fashion show extravaganza at The Beverly Hills Mutt Club. Humans and dogs modeled spring fashions. Afterward, “owners savored fancy salads and pasta dishes, while all of the dogs gobbled up my special canine quiche, doggie cookies and appetizers.”

For other parties, Moore has brought in massage therapists, spa specialists, and pet psychics. “The massage theme is especially popular,” she says. “Dogs receive their massage first on a soft, warm blanket. While they relax, their owners then get a soothing 10-minute massage.” The key to this event, and many others, she believes, is to make sure food and activities involve both canines and their owners, so no one feels bored or left behind.

What Can I Do For My Dog’s Birthday?

Moore says you can successfully organize such parties yourself. “You might think of them as you would a children’s party, with that level of creativity and extra care needed.” She offers these tips:

• Leash Your Dog During the Party 

“Instruct all guests to bring their dogs on a leash,” she says, adding that adults should also always be in charge of holding the leash. “I’ve been to parties where the owner was having such a good time that he left the dog in the care of his kid. Adults need to stay with their pets.”

• Make a Pit Stop Before the Dog Party 

Be sure to make a bathroom stop before the event. For obvious reasons, it avoids embarrassing “party pooper” problems that might occur later.

• Don’t Bring Antisocial Dogs 

If your dog has a hard time relating to unfamiliar dogs and people, it probably wouldn’t be happy at the party anyway.

• Prep For the Dog Party in Advance 

Many large party supply stores now carry invitations, hats, and other items suitable for a dog fest. Online businesses like Fun Stuff for Dogs even specialize in dog party items.

• Choose a Theme For Your Dog Party

Carry your theme throughout all your party elements. For example, at a St. Patrick’s Day party, the guests received green hats, corned beef treats, and enjoyed Irish music, played softly enough for sensitive canine ears. For tips on a Christmas themed party, see below.

• Keep Guests Occupied 

One of the easiest and least expensive solutions is to use your party’s greatest resource: its canine attendants. Consider holding contests, such as “largest tail,” “best trick,” or “floppiest ears,” with prizes or paper awards going to the winners.

Party Food For Your Dog’s Party

The preparation and serving of food for your dog party might at first seem like your biggest challenge, but it’s one of the most straightforward aspects to consider. Although Moore whips up special food treats, she admits that these are just snacks and that all dogs “should still follow their normal diets.”

Food time doesn’t have to be dullsville for your dog and its friends. Moore often likes to offer dogs their usual food favorites, only all together and in much smaller portions than expected, creating a sort of hors d’oeuvre arrangement. “Present it nicely, with the foods separated on a large tray or plate, so that it looks appetizing and festive to both dogs and their owners,” she advises. As for a business cocktail party, the goal is to enhance the overall experience with the food and not fill up your human and dog guests so that they all want to lie down and take a nap.

Another tip is to avoid serving dogs hard bones, chewy foods, or other hard-to-bite edibles. While these may be fine for everyday home noshing by your pet, the added excitement of a party, or canines eating something they might not be used to, could lead to choking and spit-ups, which could understandably ruin any party.

Parties Are Healthy for Dogs and Humans

Numerous studies show that positive socializing is healthy for you and your dog. Having a party for pets can even help shy people come out of their social shells. The friendly, expressive nature of canines somehow helps break the ice. Moore says, “I’ve had a lot of people show up to my events and tell me they hate parties, but at the end of the evening, they are usually the ones who are most into it and who don’t want to leave because they are enjoying good friends – human and canine – and good times.”

Plan A Holiday Party for Your Dog and Guests This Christmas

The cold weather may have resulted in less time at the dog run, but that’s the perfect excuse to give your pet and its friends their little holiday shindig.

We enlisted the help of Ada Nieves, a pet party planner based in New York City, for some ideas to put together a memorable canine winter gathering.

Location For Your Dog’s Christmas Party

If you’re wary of bringing too many four-legged friends into your own living space, ask local animal organizations about using their facilities as inexpensive alternatives to renting a party spot. Some shelter or rescue groups have locations where owners can have parties; instead of getting gifts for the pets, people bring a donation for the place, a benefit for everyone. Another idea is to check with local pet-friendly bars or coffee shops.

The Guest List For Your Dog’s Christmas Party

“It’s impossible to invite everyone, but you don’t want to hurt feelings,” says Nieves. Nieves’ client Rachel Passaretti experienced this dilemma. “The most important thing was to create a safe and fun environment for the animals, and by hand-selecting each four-legged guest, we were able to accomplish that goal,” recalls Passaretti. “This was often hard, as we had a few people who even tried to snag invites.”

Nieves thinks the key is to invite dogs that you know will be friendly to other dogs and not territorial or protective about food. For friends whose feelings are likely to be hurt, she suggests sending their dog a gift bag of treats and toys to let them know they’re thought of and appreciated.

Dog Christmas Attire

Encourage your guests to dress their dogs in seasonal garb. Inexpensive costumes such as elves and reindeer are easy to find these days, and some guests might get creative with homemade getups. Nieves recommend a red ribbon loosely tied like a bow around the neck or a simple sleigh bell on the collar for dogs that dislike clothing.

Doggy Gift Exchange

Doggy gift exchange is just like a traditional grab-bag-style exchange, but the gifts are for the dogs. Set a price range and have each guest bring a wrapped doggy gift. Then put all the presents in one location. Nieves says that the owners take turns letting their dog sniff around the packages at her parties, and whichever package they seem to like most is the one they “choose” and get from the gift exchange.

Pictures With “Santa Paws”

Have someone dress up as St. Nick and pose for pictures with each dog. “People love using those pictures for next year’s Christmas card to send out to all their friends,” says Nieves. Ambitious hosts can even arrange to have the photos printed on-site and handed out at the party’s end.

Doggy Caroling

Doggy caroling can be a hit-or-miss moment, but, indeed, dogs are instinctively wired to howl. If you get all the dogs together and their owners start to howl, often enough, the dogs will follow suit. Before you know it, the whole room is howling together (think of the dog pound scene in Lady and the Tramp).

Of course, over-scheduling such dogtivities can be cumbersome, and some hosts prefer to mostly let the pups enjoy an unexpected day of “free play” while the humans mingle. Regardless of how many of the above ideas you put to use, the important thing is to make everyone happy.

Article written by Author: Brad Kloza, the Dog Daily Expert

Like a doting parent, Anne Hendrickson recalls when her dog, Riley, was just a puppy and she started taking him to off-leash dog parks in Minneapolis. “It was so much fun,” Hendrickson says. Riley met a group of playmates. There were Dallas, Zuma, and others. “They would meet and run,” Hendrickson says, “and wrestle and chase and play.”

Hendrickson is convinced of the benefits of off-leash play after seeing how happy it makes Riley and her other two dogs and how well behaved the dogs are in the house afterward. She’s started a dog daycare business, Downtown Dogs Minneapolis, where pups play off-leash. She tells clients that off-leash play may help correct many behaviors at home, such as destructive chewing or digging, resulting from boredom or lack of exercise.

Hendrickson is also the health and safety expert of Dog Grounds, a non-profit in Minneapolis that fights for more public land for off-leash play. She’s part of an urban movement that has caught on from New York City to Seattle, in which dog owners have answered leash laws by fighting for more off-leash parks. Dog owners also set up “playgroups” where pets can romp and socialize. Whenever you put two or more animals together, however, there are risks. Here’s how to make sure that off-leash play is a positive experience for your pet:

Are Dog Parks Good For Socialization?

It’s Important to Know Your Dog’s Temperament 

Not all dogs are cut out for dog parks, says Robin Bennett, a dog trainer in Stafford, Va., and author of Off-Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety and Fun (Dogwise). “The best thing to ask yourself is, ‘Does my dog enjoy the company of other dogs?'” Bennett says. “Just as with people, some dogs prefer to have just one or two friends, while others are more like social butterflies.”

When starting at a new playgroup or venturing to a new off-leash park, look for signs of stress in your dog, Bennett advises. “If the dog’s body stiffens up, it may be a bit worried,” Bennett says. Another sign of stress is if the dog was formerly panting with an open mouth and suddenly stops and closes its mouth. “The dog may be holding its breath and saying, ‘I’m not sure of this,'” Bennett says.

Do Dog Parks Make Your Dog Sick?

Just like with humans, there are some health risks you should watch out for when your dog is socializing in a group. Infectious diseases such as Kennel Cough and Canine Influenza are easily spread whenever your dog is socializing with other dogs, and the dog park is no exception. Ensuring that your dog is up to date with his vaccinations gives him the best chance of staying healthy.

Fleas and Ticks are parasites that can be passed on to other dogs during play. Luckily there is a range of preventative and treatment options for you and your dog.

How Do I Find Dog Parks Near Me?

There is a growing variety of off-leash parks and playgrounds in communities around the country. Most city or county governments will have information on their websites about public parks that allow dogs to be off-leash. Also, websites such as “Off-leash meetup” will enable you to search for groups or locations by zip code. If you can’t find an organized playgroup, ask your veterinarian, breeder, or other dog owners that your pup sniffs during its walks. If you have a fenced-in yard, you might even consider starting such a group yourself.

Introduce your dog to off-leash slowly. If your dog has never been to an off-leash park before, avoid peak hours. “The first time you bring your dog, go at a time when it isn’t hectic, usually early in the morning or on a weekday,” suggests Hendrickson. “This way, your dog can sniff and explore on its terms.”

Bennett suggests first introducing your dog to another dog, one on one. “Make sure to introduce your dog to another that is relatively calm and isn’t going to overwhelm your pet,” Bennett says. Look for a positive greeting ritual. Dogs tend to approach each other in an arc and sniff each other’s faces and necks before making a beeline for the behind, Bennett says.

Watch Your Dog For Signs of Stress or Aggression 

Monitor your pup closely for a reaction to other dogs. Healthy play behavior involves exaggerated and repetitive movements, Bennett says. These may include chasing, jumping in the air, moving quickly to the left or right, and bowing down with the front paws.

Be on the alert for dogs that become rough or aggressive. “Any time two dogs are off-leash together, there is a risk of injury,” Hendrickson says. Cuts and scratches are likely. However, bullying is a possibility at dog parks. It can be challenging to spot because dogs bite and wrestle and pin each other in play. Hendrickson recommends the “Bully Test.” Remove the alleged aggressor and watch the “bottom dog’s” reaction to see if it continues to try to play or takes the opportunity to getaway. If your dog wants to flee, it’s time to leave.

Follow Dog Park Etiquette 

A dog trainer or other expert sometimes sponsors dog daycare situations or organized playgroups. At other times, dog owners are on the honor system. You should abide by the following general rules:

• Never let your dog play with other dogs if they have an infectious disease, such as kennel cough, or worms, experts say. Make sure your pet is protected and up to date on its vaccinations.
• Don’t take a dog to an off-leash park if it doesn’t have basic obedience training, such as coming when called, Bennett stresses.
• Bring plastic bags to clean up after your dog, Hendrickson says.
• If your dog shows aggression toward others, take it out of the park, Bennett says.
• Don’t bring food or doggie treats into the dog park, Bennett says. Other dogs may want treats, too. One thing dogs will fight over is food.

Dog Park Etiquette Questions

Like the gym or the workplace, a dog park is a social place with its own set of proper etiquette guidelines. But what that means in a dog park isn’t always obvious. With the help of Charlotte Reed (author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette) and Cheryl Smith (a certified dog behavior consultant and author of Visiting the Dog Park: Having Fun, Staying Safe), we set the record straight on some crucial aspects of dog park etiquette.

Q: I’m very protective of my small dog. I want her to have fun at the park, but I don’t want her to get hurt. Can I keep her on the leash to always be close and pull her out of rough situations?

A: Sorry, but no. A dog park is specifically for off-leash play. “A leash can create different reactions in the leashed dog, who feels constrained and unable to react as he or she may wish,” says Smith. “Leashes can create barrier frustration,” she says. Barrier frustration is a common dog behavior issue, where dogs may lash out because they don’t feel in control. If you’re still concerned about your pet, you might consider trying to establish an event for small dogs only at your local dog park.

Q: My dog gets thirsty after running around in the park. Should I bring his water bowl for drink breaks?

A: Only if you bring him outside the park for the break. It’s too hard to keep the other dogs away from your bowl, and both Reed and Smith point out that a communal water bowl is also a communal germ pool. Nasty bugs like giardia can spread through water.

Q: What about treats? Since I dole those out by hand, they’re something I can control.

A: It’s not a good idea to give your dog food in front of other dogs. Not only might you get mobbed and knocked over by jealous, hungry dogs, but other owners could also become agitated. This tip additionally applies to food you might bring for yourself. “The smell and sight of it will rile up the dogs,” says Reed.

Q: Aside from being a great place to exercise my dog, isn’t the dog park also a perfect place to find love?

A: Perhaps, but keep the former purpose at the forefront. Reed once witnessed a flirty woman become so enamored with a male dog owner that she didn’t notice her terrier escape the dog park and run away. The dog was smart enough to run home, but as Reed points out, “You should love the ones you’re with and not lose them by looking for love at the dog park.”

Q: My dog is always well behaved and can fend for herself. Is it OK for me to leave her in the park for 20 minutes while I run to the store?

A: Absolutely not. You are responsible for your dog’s actions, so you need to be there. “Believe it or not, people do this,” says Smith. “But the park is not to babysit your unattended dog while you go off and run some errands.”

Q: I appreciate that my dog gets to play, but I also like to use the dog park as a way to relax. It’s not as if my dog is a 2-year-old child, so is it OK to bring a book to read?

A: No! Your dog is like a 2-year-old child, whom you need to pay attention to. Please do this for the sake of his or her safety and the sake of the other dogs. And speaking of 2-year-olds, you might notice that dogs poop whenever and wherever they want, and it’s your responsibility to pick it up. “Piles of poop are the prime reason dog parks are shut down or never open in the first place,” says Smith. Most people are happy to clean up after their dogs, so a poop-filled dog park is likely the result of people who don’t pay attention.

For further reading on dog parks, check out our article ‘Meet You At the Dog Park.’

Article written by Author: Brad Kloza, Elizabeth Wasserman, The Dog Daily Expert

Playgroup sessions provide a fantastic exercise outlet for dogs and improve their social skills. Owners usually enjoy them, too, as the shared interest in dogs provides a wonderful conversation icebreaker. I’ve received some great tips while chatting with other pet owners.

The Humane Society in Minnesota is one of many different places that organize such playgroups. This particular organization offers playgroups for small dogs, puppies, featherweights, micro dogs (canines under 7 pounds), teen puppies, and, my favorite, the “yappy hour,” which is a mixed-age, all-size group. Ensure you bring your dog to the appropriate group; if your pet is small and skittish, larger dogs might intimidate it.

• The society advises that your dog goes to the bathroom before attending these or other playgroups. They recommend toileting your dog before you get in the car and also after you arrive. If your dog marks, it must wear a belly band or sani-panties.
• Arrive early to ensure your dog’s placement in the group. If it’s your first time, most organizers require that you fill out some paperwork and provide proof that your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations. Rabies, distemper/parvo, and bordetella are the usual basics.

All such preparations help to make the experience a safe and enjoyable one for you and your dog.

What Are the Benefits of Dog Playgroups?

Across the country, dog social groups are enabling dog owners and their pets to find common ground. Dog-centric social groups provide both with an outlet for relaxation, shared fun, and a source of information and support. Groups gather in dog parks and pet boutiques or meet for activities (e.g., hikes or days at the beach).

Calendar-Worthy Special Dog Events

Janene Zakrajsek, owner of Pussy & Pooch pet boutiques in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., says her Mutt Mingles is “our version of a ‘Yappy Hour’ for all.” Pussy & Pooch has been holding Mutt Mingles for almost five years, and the store works to make the events memorable for both dog and human participants. Mingles have included a tea party to celebrate International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, an Earth Day Bark for Green party, and an Oktoberfest Dog Beer & Sausage-Fest.

“Minglers enjoy the freedom of letting their little ones run around the store leash-free for some much-needed pup playtime,” explains Zakrajsek. “Naturally, our guests also enjoy the refreshment, raffles, Pawbar tastings (at the store’s pet cafe), and other fun we create for them.”

Regular Dog Playdates, Thanks to Facebook

While attending Mutt Mingles is like having a date night with your dog, other dog-oriented social groups meet on a more casual basis. “I belong to a group of dog owners who meet at the dog park daily,” says Kimberly Gauthier, a Seattle blogger/photographer. “We have a Facebook group and check-in throughout the day to see who’s going to the park and when. What I find hilarious is that we identify each other by our dogs’ names. We know all the dogs and their personalities.”

Using a social networking site strengthens the group’s connections, explains Gauthier. Facebook allows the group to set schedules easily, make plans outside of their dog park encounters, and keep up-to-date on potential issues. “One dog was diagnosed with kennel cough, and we were all informed immediately,” she says.

Ask the Right Questions of Your Dog Playgroup, Do Your Homework

If you plan to join or start a canine social group, it’s important to consider several factors and take a few precautions, say social group coordinators and participants. This checklist should help:

• Ensure the Dog Playgroup is Safe for Your Dog – Can Dogs Get Sick from Dog Playgroup?

“If you’re joining someone else’s group, you want to know if they screen for dogs being up-to-date on shots, aggressive tendencies, and more,” advises Janice Costa. She manages the 145-member The Canine Club Meetup Group in New York City and runs the dog vacation business Canine Camp Getaway. “You want to know if the group leader has any formal experience working with dogs if he or she has ever broken up a dog fight, how they handle behavioral problems.”

• How Is the Dog Playgroup Managed?

Will the group mix dogs of various sizes? Is the event on- or off-leash? How many dogs will attend? Costa limits off-leash events to a manageable 12 to 15 dogs and keeps activities to just a few hours.

• Consider Your Focus for Dog Playgroup

Whether you’re joining a group or starting one, the activities should suit you and your dog. If you and your dog are couch potatoes, then an energetic dog/owner hiking club isn’t for you.

• Think About Supporting a Dog Charity

Often, canine-focused social groups enjoy supporting dog-related causes. Kate Singleton, who founded the San Francisco Chihuahua Meetup, and her fellow Chihuahua owners use their meetup to address the problem of homeless dogs. “We 

have had lots of dogs adopted via the meetup, and many of the members, including me, have started fostering,” she says. “We often will have raffles to raise dollars for rescue groups or to help our group with Meetup.com fees.”

• Manage the Dog Playgroup Consistently

“Our group works because the people like the consistency,” says Singleton.

Most important of all, you and your dog should enjoy the experience. “The exercise and socialization in a safe and pleasant atmosphere is the key,” says Zakrajsek.

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman, and The Dog Daily Expert

For small dogs like these and their discriminating owners, only the most specialized care will do. Several daycare and boarding facilities exclusive to tiny dogs have emerged in recent years to meet their needs. They’ve proven to be a triple-win for these businesses, their clients, and small dogs everywhere.

Dog Daycare – Small-Dog Specialist

Carolyn Vinci had to board her 9-pound Maltese/Yorkie mix, Cleo. Although she researched before placing Cleo in a local kennel, Vinci was horrified when the little dog came home thin and scared. “I could not find an appropriate place to board her, so I decided to create my own business,” said Vinci, who now runs Tiny Dog Daycare and Overnight Boarding out of her home in Bohemia, N.Y.

Lori Davis of Tiny Dog Boarding in New York City started her business several years ago after a similar problem. “I called a commercial boarding place in the city that supposedly has luxury suites for dogs and asked them if they could provide appropriate care for my three dogs: Taylee, Teangee, and Teaka,” says Davis. “I mentioned their eyes must be cleaned; one needs allergy shots, another will lick her feet all of the time if she doesn’t have her booties, and so on. I was fully expecting the facility to say, ‘Yes, we can do that, but it will cost you extra money.’ Instead, they told me I should board my dogs with a veterinarian.” It wasn’t long afterward that Davis created her business.

Dog Daycare – Significant Benefits for Small Dogs

Specialized care at small-dog boarding places may include:

• Cage-Free Surroundings

“Nobody is caged here,” Vinci says. “Our dogs lounge on comfy beds and couches in our home. They can play in our fenced-in yard.”

• Controlled Feedings and Medication

Most small-dog experts ask that owners bring the pet’s regular food and medication. Consistency is key to comfort.

• Extra Security

Tiny dogs can squeeze through chain-link fences and other barriers that can hold back larger dogs. Small-dog boarders take precautions to ensure their charges stay safe and secure.

• Luxury Additions

Julie Clemen, who runs Little Paws Boarding in Olympia, Wash., has heated floors in her facility. “Chihuahuas often get cold feet,” she explains.

Dog Daycare – Questions to Ask

Before you take your dog to any daycare or boarding facility, do your research. Word-of-mouth recommendations are always best, but consider asking these questions:

1. What Size Dogs Do You Take?

Depending on the facility, caregivers may limit their services to dogs weighing 8 to 20 pounds. Exceptions sometimes are made, contingent upon the breed, behavior, and requirements of the dog.

2. How Many Years Have You Been in Business, and What Other Experience with Small Dogs Do You Have?

Davis, Vinci, and Clemen each have decades of experience with small dogs. Be sure you get the background of the individual running the daycare or boarding facility.

3. Do You Train Dogs Too?

Some borders, like Davis, offer training and housebreaking instruction.

4. Do You Own Small Dogs?

“Ask how the person’s dogs are cared for, in terms of feeding, grooming, medical 

care, and other essentials,” advises Davis. “How the owner treats his or her dogs can indicate how your dog will be cared for.”

4. What If There’s An Emergency?

Davis and all of the other experts have established relationships with their local veterinarians and pet hospitals. They may also be able to take your dog to its regular vet.

Finally, listen for the passion in the person’s voice. Most went into this line of work because they genuinely adore dogs, especially tiny breeds.

Article written by Author: the Dog Daily Expert

Does your dog have what it takes to become a certified Dog Scout? Nearly 600 dogs have passed their certification tests for the Dog Scouts of America, an organization similar to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Members are part of local troops and earn merit badges by proving proficiency in specific learned skills. Below, President Chris Puls of Dog Scouts of America (DSA) and founder Lonnie Olson explain scouting for dogs.

What Do Dogs Do at Dog Scouts?

Just like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, Dog Scouts Earn Badges. Puls says there are badges for backpacking, water rescue, herding, search and rescue, obedience, Frisbee, and much more.

Don’t think it’s all just for show; the certification and badge testing is serious and demanding.

“The badges are not easy, and they aren’t supposed to be,” says Puls. “Yes, it does take some time to get to that level, but when considered throughout the dog’s life, it’s a short amount of time to get years of benefit. Visitors to your home and people you meet in public with your dog will appreciate the training time you have put in. Plus, you’ll have a better understanding of your dog and a deeper bond.” For a dog to be certified, its human companion must pass a written test that proves he or she is an educated and responsible dog owner.

Educational Mission of Dog Scouts

The Dog Scouts of America was founded in 1999 as a nonprofit by Olson, who got her inspiration from an encounter with an insurance salesman. “The guy asked why all the photos of my dogs were on the wall, winning at sports competitions,” she recalls. “I said, ‘Well, didn’t your kids participate in cheerleading, band, Boy Scouts and other activities?’ I told him that my dog likes to play flyball and Frisbee and be active in the community, just like his kids. The difference was that my ‘kids’ were dogs.”

 After this conversation, Olson formally organized all the activities and educational outreach she was already involved in and created the DSA. Like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, DSA’s mission is about more than giving its members fun activities. Puls and Olson say the broader purpose is education that fosters better relationships between dogs and humans, which ultimately saves the lives of dogs.

“The No. 1 reason why people surrender their dogs to the shelter is ‘behavior problems,’ so we decided that we could change all of that by getting our message out to more people,” says Olson. “We try to show the owners how they can enrich the lives of their dogs, themselves, and the community by learning new things and doing things together.”

Puls says that DSA also encourages troops and members to perform community service. “They often hold fundraisers to help local shelters, provide bulletproof vests to police K-9s, or provide pet oxygen masks to their local fire departments”. DSA dogs are trained to ring the iconic Salvation Army bell and accept dollar bills from people and drop them into the donation bucket. The trick has helped DSA raise almost $40,000 for The Salvation Army.

How Does My Dog Join Dog Scouts of America?

Interested dog owners should check out DogScouts.org to find the nearest troop. If not, the site is filled with the information you’d need to participate in or even start your troop. It’s also worth noting that you do not need to pass the certification test to be a DSA member. You can join and do the testing at your own pace, or not at all. If you want an even less committed way to get involved and support the group, the entire month of May is their annual National Hike-a-Thon, in which anyone can participate.

Article written by Author: Elijah Merrill

Housekeepers and other service professionals who may visit your home are at first strangers to your dog. Depending on how well-socialized your pet is, the meetings could be disastrous for both your dog and the housekeeper. Keep in mind that not everyone loves animals, and most professionals want to do their job effectively and quickly before moving on to the next client.

Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire, co-authors of Dog Lover’s Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Living a Rich Life With Your Dog offer some great tips to ensure safe and comfortable dealings with housekeepers and other workers. Based on their advice, try doing the following:

• Be at home during the first few visits. You want to be there to introduce your dog and so that you can step in should there be a problem. 
• If need be, place your dog in its crate, offering a treat and praise. Having your dog in its crate is a courtesy to your worker. Stay near your dog so that it knows everything is OK. 
• Request that your housekeeper use dog-friendly cleaning products, and provide them if necessary. 
• Give your housekeeper some of your dog’s favorite treats during the first visits. Having your dog’s favorite treats at hand will help him, or her win over your pet from the start. 
• Vacuum cleaners and other noisy appliances can often scare pets. Keep your dog preoccupied during such moments first, which will help it realize that nothing scary or problematic is going on in your house. 

• Provide your housekeeper with any special instructions about your dog’s play, feeding, and sleeping areas. 
• When dogs bark and become anxious, they are often busy guarding you. If you are at ease, your dog will probably be too.

If your housekeeper is at all troubled by your dog, or if your dog doesn’t get used to this individual’s presence after the first few appointments, you probably will need to crate or otherwise contain your dog on cleaning days. Consider having a neighbor, friend, or other helpmate do this if you need to be gone for long periods during the day.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert 

Shy dogs can be like shy people: They are fine in familiar circumstances and with familiar people but may become anxious and even defensive when exposed to strange dogs and situations.

Scientists believe there is a genetic component to an individual’s behaviors and emotions, so it’s true that some dogs are just born shyer than others. But often, the behavior sets in when the dog is a puppy. The disposition to be nervous can affect interactions with littermates. Shyness could also emerge if the puppy is removed from its mother too early or if the dog is not properly socialized.

In the extreme, shy dogs may run from people, other dogs, and certain places or things.

They could even snarl, growl, or bite because they feel threatened and become defensive. It’s imperative to address such issues in breeds with a history of being aggressive since shyness; a defensive reaction could prove to be a deadly combination for both the dog and others.

Jennifer Bridwell, author of the book The Everything Dog Obedience Book: From Bad Dog to Good Dog — A Step-By-Step Guide to Curbing Misbehavior, advises that you first have your dog checked out by a veterinarian. Sometimes underlying health issues, such as thyroid problems, can cause your pet to be more anxious and jumpy.

Socializing Dogs

It’s then essential to take steps to socialize your dog. Slowly introduce your pet to new people and places, offering verbal praise and small food rewards for good behavior. If you have a purebred, contact local clubs for the breed to get advice from others who have experienced similar problems with their dogs. Reinforcing training commands can also be a comfort for your pet. You are essentially giving it a toolkit on how to react under different circumstances. It will always be more challenging to work with a dog that wasn’t adequately socialized as a puppy, but the result — a happier, calmer, better-behaved dog– is worth the extra effort.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert