Dog Park Days: Finding the Best Dog Park for Your Pooch

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by guest writer Greg Holsclaw

As a dog owner, you’re already familiar with most of the advantages of taking your dog to the local dog park. By going to the dog park,

Your Dog:                           

- socializes with other dogs                                                         

-gets much-needed exercise                                                     

-is let off his leash                                                                           

-is less likely to bark, be aggressive, or be destructive

-is safe from cars and other neighborhood hazards

               

You:

-socialize with other dog owners

-can get exercise by playing with your dog

-avoid hefty leash-law violation fines

-allow your dog to exercise if you’re elderly, disabled, or otherwise unable to be active with him.

With all of the benefits a dog park provides you and your best, four-legged friend, it’s no surprise that many dog owners take their dogs to a local dog park up to four times a week and regularly drive up to 30 miles to find a good off-leash area. Do you know every dog park within a 30-mile radius of your home? Chances are you don’t.

Dog and Dog Park Facts

According to the Humane Society, there are 77.5 million pet dogs in the United States. That’s up from 68 million in 2000 (USA Today) – a growth rate of nearly 1 million owned dogs each year. All of these dogs, especially those in urban areas, need a place to exercise, socialize, and be safe off-leash. Enter the dog park.  The first dog park was established in California in 1979. Mirroring the growth in dog ownership, the number of dog parks has ballooned rapidly since then. There are currently thousands of dog parks spanning across every state in the U.S.

Find the Best Dog Parks

Dog Park USA and the Dog Park Finder iPhone App have teamed up to index and map all the dog parks in the U.S. and, most importantly, make them accessible to you online and via your mobile device. Dog Park Finder has leveraged the information that Dog Park USA has compiled and vetted since it began in 2007. Together Dog Park USA and Dog Park Finder bring users detailed, accurate information on over 2,000 dog parks and over 3,000 reviews and pictures of individual dog parks across the country.

The Dog Park Finder application features:

•  hand placed map markers that give the exact locations of each dog park
• finds local dog parks near your current location
• lets you read user ratings, reviews, and comments on the dog parks you find
• allows you to search dog parks by city, state, and zip code
• provides detailed information about each park, including park fees, hours of operation, fencing information, doggy amenities (such as swimming areas), and other important notes about the park.

Once you’ve used Dog Park Finder to locate and visit all the dog parks in your area, you can rave about your favorite dog parks on DogParkUSA.com. Rate your local dog parks, write a glowing review or critique, upload pictures, and email the dog park information to a friend. These features are also available--or will be soon--on Dog Park Finder.

On the Road with your Dog

Don’t limit yourself to dog parks in your neighborhood. Use Dog Park USA to find dog-friendly hotels around the country and take a vacation with your dog! 


Keep in mind that “dog-friendly” doesn’t mean “off-leash”. Your pooch will still need to run around at a local dog park for exercise. The Airline Transportation Association estimates that more than 500,000 animals travel by plane each year, which means that far more travel by car. Since dogs are the most common pet to take on a vacation, bringing Dog Park Finder on the road is a great option. Instead of pulling in at a truck stop on your road trip, use Dog Park Finder to get directions to the closest dog park and let your dog stretch her legs too.

Whether you’re on a road trip across the country, a weekend drive, or a stroll through your neighborhood, your dog needs to run off-leash. Let Dog Park Finder and Dog Park USA help you find the best dog park near you…wherever you are!

Resources:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dog-park-finder/id362002678?mt=8

http://www.dogparkusa.com/iphone/dog-park-finder  


Watch for More, Coming Soon:
Herding up Help: On the Road with Your Dog and Your iPhone

Be sure to visit Adopt a Dog Park to learn
what you can do to help protect our precious dog parks.

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Frisbee Training Begins...

Part IV in a Series of V

by Chris Engel

Team-Bandit

(c) photo copyright Kristie Moser

Kota Demonstrates his Talent 

Welcome back to Frisbee Dog 101. This is Part IV in my series of V. If you have missed the first 3, you might want to go back and catch up at these links:

Part I

Part II

Part III 

From here training becomes much more specialized, depending on your dog. If your dog has no interest whatsoever, or does not know what a Frisbee is, try this. Start with a Frisbee upside down on the ground and move it back and forth in an effort  to get your dog to chase it. If he does chase, then by all means let him catch it and praise him when he does. Continue this until you feel comfortable your dog knows his job is to go after the disc when it comes out. He must also learn to release it when asked. I use the command "drop it" with both of my dogs.

Bandit used to want to keep the disc and play tug-of-war, which I refused to do, especially if I asked him to drop. I would turn my back and wait for him to drop. Once he did drop, I would praise him profusely; then we would resume play. Every once in a while he tests my resolve and refuses to relinquish the disc; however, once I show him my back, it's aways at my feet in just a matter of seconds.

Kota, on the other hand, didn't care if I turned my back. She would simply walk around front. We went in circles for about a week till I figured out all I had to do was show her another disc and she would drop the one she had in a second. I adopted a method of saying drop then producing a second disc, which got her to drop, and then I would praise with food. After about 2 days she was dropping anything and everything from as far away as she could hear!

Next step for me was short tosses, first just a foot or two. When Bandit caught it I went berserk ! It kinda freaked him out, so I scaled back my animation and within a week he was catching 50% of the throws I was putting up in the air .... till he hit a telephone pole and I felt TERRIBLE (although it didn't seem to phase him one bit).

This was when I learned I had to really pick and choose where I throw. I also needed to have complete control over my discs and know where they were going to go when they left my hand. Remember, not every throw has to be a touchdown. You can make a LOT more points in a competition if you are consistent, rather than connecting on a few big throws.

Be sure to watch for part V of my series, when I will help you out with choosing Frisbees. Even if you’re just in this for some backyard fun, you need a Frisbee that is safe and works well for your dog. It’s not as simple as a trip to Petsmart, but I’ll give you all the tricks of the trade. Hope to see you then.

Chris Engel

Team-Bandit

Watch for All Things Dog Blog's next post, 

when I will air video of Kota's very first public event.

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ASK THE TRAINER: Why Crate Train Your Dog?

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ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog

(c) photo copyright Judith Joseph

Isn't Nap Time Grande?

Dear Judy:

My husband and I are planning to adopt a dog soon, partly for our son, and also for me to run with. We have decided to get a puppy, so we can bond with it from a young age, and raise it with proper house manners. He is worried about house training.

I have read about crate training and understand why it is good for the dog and the family. What I need is help for my husband to understand the reasoning, the long term benefits of using a crate, and the how tos in the beginning. Can you give us a crash course to supplement what I have read?

Thanks, Amy

-----------------------------------------

Dear Amy:

Though crate training is not as controversial today, there is still a stigma attached.  Some owners aren’t sure whether crating is good, or if it’s “inhumane”.   It is inhumane to leave a dog crated for long hours every day. However, proper crate training and usage provides dogs a safe, warm, and comfortable space.

At first I was opposed to crating, but my observations when working with dogs routinely crated was that they loved their crate, their “space”, and they felt safe from the unknown within it.  My experiences with crate training dogs of all types revealed a recipe for success.  The key ingredient of that recipe is The Introduction.  Your dog should form a positive association with the crate from the very beginning. Developing a negative association with it could result in a barking, scratching, yelping nightmare.

Good Reasons to Crate Train Now:

• If used properly, crates are a quick and effective way to potty train pups and older dogs, as they prefer not to toilet in their bed.
• Young pups need training before having run of the house. As hard as you and I try, we can't keep our eyes on them 60 seconds of every minute.
• A crate is a safe play area for an hour or so when he needs to be out of the way so you can see about a baby, or your children, work your home business, do household chores or gardening, prepare dinner, shower--you get the idea.
• You won't have to "unteach" bad behaviors learned while you were not looking, like eating household plants.
• When you must leave him, crating protects your home from doggie damage. No coming home to torn pillows and chewed table legs. He will learn house manners easier with no bad chewing habits to break.
• Dogs develop a "den" lifestyle, choosing to retreat to their crate when they are tired or want to relax.
• Crates provide a secure spot in the car when traveling, preventing your dog from jumping around while you drive.
• Crating him while entertaining at home allows your dog to be present, but not in the way. No wagging tail knocking over drinks or wet nose sniffing chips and dip.
• Crate trained dogs are especially appreciated by pet professionals. They don't usually bark, scratch, or yelp when crated at the veterinarian's office, doggie daycare center, or dog salon.
  
  
  

  

  
  

  (C) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

  Oliver Enjoys the Safety of His Crate

  In short, crate trained dogs learn to appreciate down time in their own private space, out of mischief and the activity of the household.

  
  

  For tips on crate training and answers to common questions such as “what type and size crate to purchase”; “how to use crate for potty training”, “when not to crate”; “how to cure a crate barker”; and “where to put the crate”, visit Total Control Dog Owner Assistance .

  
  

  Good luck,

  
  

  Judy

  ASK THE TRAINER Columnist

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  Judith Joseph, D.O.I.

  
  

  
  

  ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog

  Send your questions to:

  LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com

  For more information on Judith Joseph and her training, you may find her at TCDOA Dog Training. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.

  
  

  Alternatives to Crate Training Your Puppy

  by Judith W. Joseph, DOI, Professional Dog Trainer

  
  

  

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ASK THE VET: Dog Parks and Puppies

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ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko

When Can I Go to the Dog Park?

Dear Dr. Jacki:

My new labradoodle is going to be a big, energetic dog in no time, I am sure. I want to be able to take him places and know he will be friendly with people and dogs. I want to have him visit a dog park to learn to play like a real dog should. When will he be old enough to go to the park safely? Should I start him out in the small dog park? Do you have any suggestions on keeping him healthy if we visit the park a lot? I do not want him to get sick, but I do want him to get plenty of playtime and exercise. Can you give me some advice on the health issues that might be a problem with regular dog park visits.

Sincerely,

K

----------------------------------------------------

 Dear K:

Ideally he would not go to a dog park, pet store or grooming facility before having all of his puppy vaccinations. Obviously he will be exposed to more diseases at these locations because there are more animals. I do think that it is very important for him to get plenty of exercise, so a dog park is a great place to go.

I would choose to go to a dog park in the 'off hours.' Find a time when it is not so crowded, like maybe between 9-5 on a weekday, and avoid the weekends initially. See how he does.

It is a must to be on heartworm preventive and flea preventive once a month in Florida. By giving these, it will greatly reduce the chances of getting heartworm disease and becoming infested with fleas. If you notice fleas in his stool, be sure to take a sample to your veterinarian for a stool check.

I hope that gives you a good place to start!


Dr. Jacki

Dr. Jacki, D.V.M.
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog

LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com 

>

For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at  4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions.

You can find more of Dr. Jacki's articles at her archives page

Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian. 

Related Reading:

Guidelines for First Time Dog Park Visitors

Biking with Your Dog: Fun and Fitness for Both of You

Backpacks are Not Just for Students Any Longer

The Importance of Exercising Your Dog--Mentally and Physically

Thanks to reader C.F. for allowing me to photograph Ziggy, our spokes model for today!

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Getting Your Dog Ready to become a 'Disc Dog'

Frisbee Dog 101:  Beginner Training

by Chris Engel

Team-Bandit

(c) photo copyright Kristie Moser

Bandit is Catching on Quickly

Thanks for joining us today for Part III of Frisbee Dog 101, by guest writer Chris Engel. You can read Parts I and II at these links.

The absolute best foundation you can build on a great Frisbee dog has absolutely nothing to do with Frisbees at all. I went to a puppy pre-school with Bandit where I learned about socialization, proper methods to train and handle dogs, and this was where I learned probably the most important thing which I had no clue I even needed to learn. It was all about how to communicate with my dog.

You will build a very strong bond between you and your dog as you go through this process.  You must learn how to give your dog the tools it needs to succeed. There are millions of ways to get there and you must figure that out with your dog.

How? You could hire a pro for a while if you feel you are not progressing at a level you need to be at. Maybe join a message board of like-minded trainers or enthusiasts where you can bounce ideas around and get tips and pointers. Also, find people locally who have the same interest so you can train together. Sometimes it's best to have another set of eyes looking at a sequence or routine. Your training partner may be able to shed light on why an expected behavior is not happening.

Training sessions should be kept short and you should always end on a positive behavior and reward. If you train too long your dog may become bored, and if your dog is never rewarded, he may lose desire to train altogether.

Find that special item that your dog will go nuts for and then use that as a reward for performing proper behaviors. My dog, Kota, will take a bullet for a food treat where Bandit could care less about food, but might just take that same bullet for a chance to chase a Frisbee and catch it.

Whatever that reward is, make sure it remains special and do not over stimulate and make it become just another item. If it's Frisbee training you are after, you can also get the dog used to it by using your disc as a food bowl or water dish. Never leave them out so they become a chew toy. By only bringing them out when it's time to play (or train) they will begin to know exactly what is going on and training will then become the reward.

At my next post, I will help you begin the process of training your dog to chase and catch a Frisbee. In the meantime, you can visit me at Team-Bandit or check us out at Youtube.

Chris Engel

Team-Bandit

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