Have you ever taken your dog to a dog park? If so, chances are good you've encountered a situation that was less than desirable. Perhaps your dog picked a fight, or maybe another dog became fixated on yours and interfered with his ability to play freely.
Cheryl S. Smith, the author of the book "Visiting the Dog Park: Having Fun, Staying Safe," has a lot to say on the subject. She took a few minutes to chat with Paw Nation.
Did a specific experience lead you to write this book?
Two things led to this book. First, having a new dog park nearby and watching (from outside the fence) the interactions there, it was obvious that people just didn't understand what was going on with the dogs. Second, the increasing push for more dog parks. If this is going to become a common feature of parks, then people really need to understand the pros and cons.
What is the most common mistake people make when taking their dog to the dog park?
The most common mistake is assuming that everything will be fine, that all dogs just naturally get along with each other. We don't assume that every human will play well with every other human, and we shouldn't put that expectation on our dogs.
Could you share some of your favorite pieces of advice for a successful dog park visit?
For a successful dog park visit, people should know their own dog first. If he or she is a bit insecure, plan to visit the park when it isn't too crowded. Always keep an eye on your dog to be sure things are going well, and be willing to change your plans accordingly. If your dog is running away from other dogs and isn't having fun, then leave the park and go for a walk instead. On the other hand, if your dog is having a blast, stay longer.
What is your favorite thing about visiting the dog park? How about least?
My favorite thing about visiting the dog park is watching the dogs interact without human restraint. Dog play is so uninhibited and such pure joy that it makes you feel good.
My least favorite thing is people who don't obey the rules or observe their dogs. Our dog park bans small children (a common safety precaution), yet I often see toddlers running among the dogs. Some dogs bully other dogs, but their owners insist, "It's okay, they'll work it out." Or people are all clustered together having a great social time but not even glancing at their dogs.
Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know about the book?
The book helps people know what they need to know to make a dog-park visit fun and safe, and even points people to resources for approaching their local government about developing a dog park.
Cheryl S. Smith, the author of the book "Visiting the Dog Park: Having Fun, Staying Safe," has a lot to say on the subject. She took a few minutes to chat with Paw Nation.
Did a specific experience lead you to write this book?
Two things led to this book. First, having a new dog park nearby and watching (from outside the fence) the interactions there, it was obvious that people just didn't understand what was going on with the dogs. Second, the increasing push for more dog parks. If this is going to become a common feature of parks, then people really need to understand the pros and cons.
What is the most common mistake people make when taking their dog to the dog park?
The most common mistake is assuming that everything will be fine, that all dogs just naturally get along with each other. We don't assume that every human will play well with every other human, and we shouldn't put that expectation on our dogs.
Could you share some of your favorite pieces of advice for a successful dog park visit?
For a successful dog park visit, people should know their own dog first. If he or she is a bit insecure, plan to visit the park when it isn't too crowded. Always keep an eye on your dog to be sure things are going well, and be willing to change your plans accordingly. If your dog is running away from other dogs and isn't having fun, then leave the park and go for a walk instead. On the other hand, if your dog is having a blast, stay longer.
What is your favorite thing about visiting the dog park? How about least?
My favorite thing about visiting the dog park is watching the dogs interact without human restraint. Dog play is so uninhibited and such pure joy that it makes you feel good.
My least favorite thing is people who don't obey the rules or observe their dogs. Our dog park bans small children (a common safety precaution), yet I often see toddlers running among the dogs. Some dogs bully other dogs, but their owners insist, "It's okay, they'll work it out." Or people are all clustered together having a great social time but not even glancing at their dogs.
Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know about the book?
The book helps people know what they need to know to make a dog-park visit fun and safe, and even points people to resources for approaching their local government about developing a dog park.
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Why Vets Can't Always Smell What You Smell
Today was time for my guys to see the vet and have their shots. Now they have the canine influenza shots out at alot of vets world wide. Thought this would be a help to some. My vet stated if they go to the park he suggested since they were going to be around other dogs, it was a good and safe idea to get them their shot for the flu. Some dogs that have it, show no signs of it but yet they care carrier's of the flu. There is an out break of it and it is no joking matter. Many vet office's have seen the sick dogs and it is very hard to acknowlege weather it is the influenza flu or a cold, it can take weeks to get the test back I am told. If your dogs are not around other dogs they are safer. KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN and wash them alot when playing with your pets aswell as wearing clean out fits. The flu is similar to the human flu, protect yourself and your pet.