Dog Park Bonding Activities

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Enjoy Meeting New Friends--Canine and Human

If you've spent much time on All Things Dog Blog, you probably know I'm a big lover of the dog park. We know them all in our area and enjoy a variety of Meetup groups and friendly pups and their people at all the local hangouts. There's nothing like a good run to get you and your dog feeling in tune with one another.

If dog parks are a new adventure for you, here are a few tips to make sure you're safe and have an enjoyable first experience:

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Ready for Fetch ?

• Most importantly, do not take your dog to a dog park if he is not both dog and human friendly. Find another place to exercise and work at those skills when your dog is plentifully worked out.
• Even your well-socialized dog may have a bad day, so always go to the dog park with the mindset that you'll leave when and if things are not going well. And further, if you can determine this is not "your day" early, it's always better to leave before trouble breaks out. Your dog needs to view the dog park as a fun place if you're to have more positive experiences there in the future. Watch for troubling pups and behaviors and take your leave early.
• Newbies need to test the waters during slower times. By this I mean choose a time when most owners are not at the park. If your Fido has a calm first experience, he'll enter the park with a great attitude the next time you venture in.
• Watch your dog's back. Stay tuned in to his behavior, responses to other dogs, and the attitudes of those dogs toward yours. If you have an especially submissive or anxious dog, the dog park is probably not the best choice for him. He'll need a one-on-one socialization experience to build his confidence.
• If your pup is trained to play games such as Fetch or Frisbee or simply to HEEL alongside you, this is a great time to practice these skills when there are other distractions. Be prepared to lose a ball or a Frisbee, however. Some dogs may choose not to give it up, and you may opt not to argue with that Big Boy if he appears set on keeping your toy. Just sayin!
• Leave the treats at home, even if you're training. This is not the place to find out which dogs are food aggressive. It won't end well.
• Upon arrival and before you leave the dog park, make it a practice to work on your dog's "Come When Called" command. This one is all-important as it could easily save your dog's life one day. Don't leave that to chance. Practice often and praise vigorously!
• Try to end your visit on a high note, just after a particularly fun run or play session. When Fido has had his fill of exercise, friends and fun, call him to you, leash him up and praise him as he follows you out the gate. You'll enjoy some quiet time this afternoon, while he naps off his fun time with you. This is an awesome way to enjoy some Bowser Bonding.

We hope you enjoyed these tips for your Weekly Wag. Won't you share your own thoughts on dog park interactions and tips for great socialization of your dog. Have questions? Spill them here and I'll be happy to address those I am able to assist with. At the end of each quarter, a drawing occurs from the comments at our Weekly Wag posts. We hope you'll join in the conversation. Happy tails!

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 

The Dog Days of Summer: 10 Tips for Staying Cool Outdoors

by Carrie Boyko

Lazy Summer Days

The walks are already getting scorching hot here in Central Florida. This is the time of year when I wish I lived farther north. I have to take precautions for the heat to assure everyone stays healthy. Here's my plan:

(c) Carrie Boyko

Homemade Cooling Bandannas

have Soft Ice Packs Rolled into the Necktie

• Walk first thing in the morning or after dinner, to avoid the heat of the day. I always adjust their mealtime to eat well before or after. We certainly don't want any chances of Bloat.
• The streets are hot in the afternoon, so on those times when I must take the dogs out during the heat of the day, I take care to walk them on grass or cement sidewalk, which is much cooler than asphalt. Some dog owners even use booties for protection.
• My senior girl, Xena, has a particularly thick, black coat. She doesn't handle the heat so well as her younger housemates, so our summer walks accommodate her by swinging by the house midway and dropping her off. She simply cannot take the 2+ miles that the younger two dogs need, and is generally ready for a cool house and some rest by the halfway point.
• Tanner, my Golden Retriever, has a very short, thin coat for a Golden. This plays out well for him in the summer, as the heat is not much of an issue for him. He'd stay outside all day, if I'd stick around with him. Typical Golden--loves the outdoors. Because Tanner spends a lot of time on the pool deck (by choice) I make sure he gets a swim before or after our walk, to cool him down. Then he gets a good rinse, to wash the chlorine off his fur, and gets a nice rubdown with a towel. 
• Oliver is not as much a fan of the water as Tanner, but even for him, a hose down on a hot day is sometimes welcome. Because he is so small, I am particularly concerned about dehydration, so I quickly whisk him inside for a drink.
• My favorite approach to keeping the pups cool is the ice pack rolled up in their bandannas. I use the soft, pliable, frozen packs and roll them up in a bandanna. Then tie this around their neck to help keep them cool on a hot walk. This is a great tool for summer dog park visits, as well. You can also buy these in various forms. Just hit the link above.
• Besides keeping the water bowl full, ice cubes and other frozen dog treats can be a fun and welcome nibble after a hot walk. Check out your grocer's freezer area for the available frozen dog treats, or try making some of your own. One tip: Be careful where you give them this goodie, to avoid staining carpet or floors. 
• If your dog is not much for eating ice cubes or frozen treats, he may enjoy the cooling effect that the ice cubes have on his water. Dump a handful in his water bowl after a walk and watch him lap up the whole bowl.
• If your dog is an outside dog, the summer heat is of particular concern. You'll want to create a few ways for him to keep well-hydrated: an extra large water bowl--enough to last all day--should be placed in the shade on a raised platform to help keep ants and other ground insects out. Before you leave for the day, drop a pitcherful of icecubes in it to help keep it cool. Also, placing a kiddie pool full of water in a shady area, will provide your pup with a welcome place to cool down, when the temperature rises.
• Finally, all outdoor dogs need plenty of shady spots to get out of the sun. While they may choose a shady area to dig a hole in the dirt for a cooling nap, you can provide a cleaner way for him to stay cool. Depending on your geography and yard layout, you could pick from some of these choices: a dog house with cross ventilation that is placed in the shade, a shade canopy, carport, or even a large shade tree can be the perfect, cooling spot for your dog's heat-of-the-day hideaway. If possible, consider a cooling mat, available from many pet stores or online.

Image courtesy of Amazon

Cooling Mats

 are Great for Outdoor Dogs

One bonus idea before I go. I have a couple of battery-operated 10" fans that will go anywhere. I picked them up at my local discount store; well worth the cost. You can also pick them up at the link above. They have hooks on them to allow for hanging on a dog crate, and include a built-in stand, as well. Using rechargeable batteries, they run for hours without needing a recharge. Perhaps your outdoor Fido might enjoy a cool breeze, if you have an appropriate place to put the fan, out of the risk of rain.

Whatever strategies you employ to keep your pup cool for the summer, you'll be gaining his trust and respect. Every time you offer him your respect and loving care, you'll get it in spades in return. Stay cool!

Visit Adopt a Dog Park

Protect our precious dog parks

© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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

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ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog

(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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