Celebrating National Clean Dog Park Awareness Week: March 21-27

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(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko

 Tanner is Greeted by Park Guests

What can one person do to make a difference? Here's a start:

• Visit Adopt a Dog Park for information, ideas, and to learn how you can officially Adopt your own favorite park.
• Write to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com to name the park you wish to adopt and provide your name, and email. Your privacy will be protected. Your name will be listed on the site, only IF YOU WISH. Feel free to include photos of your dog (no people please) playing at your adopted park. By sending these photos to us at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com, you agree to allow them to be posted on Adopt a Dog Park or All Things Dog Blog.  Don't forget to tell us your furry friend's name!
• Walk your entire dog park every time you visit, picking up trash, broken toys, and doggie landmines for the trash. Our government funding for public parks is dwindling, so we need to step up to make the difference. Other dog owners will notice your efforts and often follow suit, so set the example and your job will get easier.
• Train and socialize your dog properly before taking him to a dog park. For his protection, be sure he is old enough, and has had all his shots before entering. Dog parks are not an appropriate venue for shy or fearful dogs. Your veterinarian can tell you when the time is right.
• Be a vigilant owner. Keep an eye on your dog and his behavior, as well as other dog's attitude toward yours. Be his advocate when needed.
• Remember to check the rules for your park. Most suggest you do not bring in treats or other food. This is for your own protection, as some dogs may be food aggressive.
• If you choose to bring toys to the dog park, be prepared to part with them, or have them destroyed. An entire park full of dogs playing with your rubber duckie will mean certain death, so just be aware of this likelihood.
• Train your dog to "leave it", in order to retrieve another owner's toy from him, when necessary.
• Finally, you can keep you and your dog out of harm's way if you follow two very important dog park rules: (1) Mastering the COME command is essential to bring your dog to your side when a scuffle breaks out. You don't want your dog checking out the argument. (2) Know how to properly break up a dog fight: NEVER try to grasp a dog's collar, as your hand will be in danger of getting nipped. Grab your dog by the hips with one hand on each side. Pull him backwards away from the other dog until you are well clear of the problem. Sit/Stay your dog until he is completely relaxed and not paying attention to the other dog. Maintain a calm,in-control, attitude that will hopefully rub off on your dog. Do not allow yourself to become anxious or fretful. This WILL be soaked up by Fido, and will not help the situation at all. If relaxation does not occur, it is definitely time to go home.
• For more dog park tips, I encourage you to read my article on Guidelines for First Time Dog Park Visits.
• You may also wish to read my 3-part series on GREEN FAMILY FUN: Let's Visit the Dog Park. This series covers child safety as well as expanding on many of the topics included above: Part I, Part II, and Part III.

Are there questions about your dog park experiences that you would like to ask? Whether you wish to ask me, or perhaps our trainer, we would love to help you with any challenges or concerns you may have. Your comments or questions can be posted below, just left of the cute little envelope icon, or send me an email at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Hope to see you at the park!

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Do Dogs Experience Peer Pressure?

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(c) copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Midas

This Dog Park Buddy Shows
 No Signs of Peer Pressure

Today's visit to the dog park brought up a question in my mind. I've never heard this discussed by Cesar Millan or any other dog expert, so I'm tossing YOU a bone. What do you think about this: Do dogs experience peer pressure?

When Tanner peed with his leg up today, right in front of a large group of dogs, I had to wonder out loud if this had something to do with the pack mentality and peer pressure. You see, Tanner was "raised" by an older, female Retriever mix. Xena, my almost 13 year old girl taught Tanner by example, to pee by squatting.

Tanner has always squatted like a girl. Now, after 2 years of dog parking, he has begun to occasionally show off his manhood by using the boy's method, i.e. one leg up.

I find this fascinating and have to assume the he does this at the dog park because the gang is "watching." After all, he doesn't do it that way at home. NEVER!

This curious development begs a question. Should I discourage Tanner from lifting his leg? It appears to be a male habit among most dogs. Tanner has not learned the art of "marking", so I'm thinking he just wants to behave like one of the guys, when the guys are around. Any thoughts? 

So, here's your chance to test out my comment link at the bottom of the post. I'd love to hear from you. Perhaps I should make this a poll.  Hmmm....good idea. Check the sidebar.


Finally, Join me Friday for our first post from our new ASK THE VET columnist, Dr. Jacki. If you have questions for Dr. Jacki, we would love to hear from you. Send your questions to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com/ .

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Dog Park Fun: Wait for Me! I Want that Frisbee too!

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Oliver Races after Tanner

As He Catches the Frisbee Like a Pro

Poor Oliver! The Frisbee is bigger than he is, so there's just no catching it for him. The same goes for fetch with a tennis ball. He can't even pick up a tennis ball with his pint sized mouth.

No matter. He gets his exercise at the dog park by chasing Tanner, while Tanner chases the ball or Frisbee. Sometimes, it is even another dog that Tanner is chasing. It really doesn't matter to Oliver. He simply enjoys chasing Tanner.

At home I have a few really small balls that Oliver can chase. They're a choking hazard for bigger dogs, so I keep them at home for our private playtime. It's a good thing he is small, because I cannot throw very far. At the dog park, I have to use a Chucker to throw the balls for Tanner. That thing works great.


This is an image I almost never see my dogs copying. This fella was simply enjoying the view, while getting a nice head rub. Ahh! The pleasures of a day at the park.


My guys like this attitude a bit more....there's nothing like a good run. I'm surprised Tanner wasn't in this race, as he rarely misses an opportunity to run with the big boys.

Got any dog park pictures to share? I'd love to receive them and show off your "kids". Send them to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com and I'll post them in another dog park post. If you're a dog park enthusiast like Tanner, Oliver and Xena, you can visit Adopt a Dog Park to learn how you can help keep our precious dog parks clean and green. With government budgets shrinking, we're probably going to lose our funding. That means park users will have to step up to keep the parks in good shape. Stop in and see what you can do to help.

And More Dog Park Days

Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of all the dogs at the park yesterday. A few came out such poor quality, I had to leave them out. But you get the idea. We have a nice variety and a beautiful day brings everyone out for some fresh air and exercise for their pups.

If you are a dog park enthusiast, you can get involved in keeping your dog park clean and healthy for you and your dog. Check out Adopt a Dog Park, where you will find ideas and resources for helping to care for your dog's favorite playground.

Oh, and don't forget to bring a ball thrower if you're like me and throw like a girl!