I just finished writing this, and saw AHA has posed the question of what people think is proper. The way I see it, now you have two resources to draw from.
Now that the weather is really changing, the dog parks are hopping. I thought it would be a good timely topic. In essence, you should be sure your dog is healthy (up to date on shots, etc.), happy (plays well with other and is not intimidated or anxious around other dogs), and remember the park is for everyone (just because you don't mind doesn't mean someone else doesn't mind).
My best example is one of our dogs. He was abused before we got him and as a result he tends to be very anxious, is fearful of and barks at people. For whatever reason, he loves the dog park and doesn't bark at people while we're there... to a point. While we have him there, we stay close to him and are hyper-aware of any cues that he may be getting stressed or reaching his threshold, or the other visitors are reaching theirs. Before that point, we leash him and keep him away from other people and, if necessary, dogs. If he doesn't calm down some, we just cut our trip to the park short. (I should mention that he has never bitten anyone or we wouldn't bring him to the park at all.) We do our best to infringe on our dogs, ourselves, and the other visitors to the park having the best possible time.
The Whole Dog Journal has a good article on the subject that's a bit more in depth.
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/sample/a_bark_in_the_park.html
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Dog Park Etiquette
Now that the weather is really changing, the dog parks are hopping. I thought it would be a good timely topic. In essence, you should be sure your dog is healthy (up to date on shots, etc.), happy (plays well with other and is not intimidated or anxious around other dogs), and remember the park is for everyone (just because you don't mind doesn't mean someone else doesn't mind).
My best example is one of our dogs. He was abused before we got him and as a result he tends to be very anxious, is fearful of and barks at people. For whatever reason, he loves the dog park and doesn't bark at people while we're there... to a point. While we have him there, we stay close to him and are hyper-aware of any cues that he may be getting stressed or reaching his threshold. Before that point, we leash him and keep him away from other people and, if necessary, dogs. If he doesn't calm down some, we just cut our trip to the park short. (I should mention that he has never bitten anyone or we wouldn't bring him to the park at all.) We do our best to infringe on our dogs, ourselves, and the other vistors to the park having the best possible time.
The Whole Dog Journal has a good article on the subject that's a bit more in depth.
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/sample/a_bark_in_the_park.html
My best example is one of our dogs. He was abused before we got him and as a result he tends to be very anxious, is fearful of and barks at people. For whatever reason, he loves the dog park and doesn't bark at people while we're there... to a point. While we have him there, we stay close to him and are hyper-aware of any cues that he may be getting stressed or reaching his threshold. Before that point, we leash him and keep him away from other people and, if necessary, dogs. If he doesn't calm down some, we just cut our trip to the park short. (I should mention that he has never bitten anyone or we wouldn't bring him to the park at all.) We do our best to infringe on our dogs, ourselves, and the other vistors to the park having the best possible time.
The Whole Dog Journal has a good article on the subject that's a bit more in depth.
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/sample/a_bark_in_the_park.html
Monday, April 5, 2010
"The D Word"
Dr. Patricia McConnell recently wrote a great blog entry about what dominance is and what it isn't. Worth checking out.
http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/the-concept-formerly-described-as-dominance/
http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/the-concept-formerly-described-as-dominance/
Friday, April 2, 2010
Another Mark Your Calendar
Columbia Second Chance is having an open house at their new location on April 10.
"Come see our beautiful new place and our progress on the Kitty Kondo construction. Lots of cool events this day:
12-2pm hot dogs, chips, & drink served
1pm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
12:30-2pm BUDWEISER CLYDESDALE!
MoKan Dock Diving Dogs demonstrations
plus adoptable animals, tours, and more!"
Visit their website for more information and directions.
"Come see our beautiful new place and our progress on the Kitty Kondo construction. Lots of cool events this day:
12-2pm hot dogs, chips, & drink served
1pm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
12:30-2pm BUDWEISER CLYDESDALE!
MoKan Dock Diving Dogs demonstrations
plus adoptable animals, tours, and more!"
Visit their website for more information and directions.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Signature gathering events
There are two signature gathering events coming up for the Missourians for the Protection of Dogs. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to sign the petition at one of these locations.
One of the events takes place on April 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Underground Club Cafe.
The other takes place during the weekend of April 24 at the Earth Day Festival downtown.
Visit http://www.missourifordogs.com for more information on these events and events around the state.
And while on the subject, I've heard a lot of the arguments and discussions in opposition to the proposed statute. What it seems that most people don't understand, is that this only effects breeders of dogs with 50 dogs or more. To read the proposed statute, visit http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2010petitions/2010-085.asp.
One of the events takes place on April 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Underground Club Cafe.
The other takes place during the weekend of April 24 at the Earth Day Festival downtown.
Visit http://www.missourifordogs.com for more information on these events and events around the state.
And while on the subject, I've heard a lot of the arguments and discussions in opposition to the proposed statute. What it seems that most people don't understand, is that this only effects breeders of dogs with 50 dogs or more. To read the proposed statute, visit http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2010petitions/2010-085.asp.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Dogs and Cars
As we get into the season of spring breaks and summer is just around the corner, it seemed a good time to mention some things to be aware of when your dog is in the car, with or without you.
First of all, dogs love to stick their heads out the window when traveling. The bouquet of scents must be extacy to a dog. However, some dogs are able to squeeze through the smallest of cracks. Also, the possibility of being hit by debris at 70 miles an hour could cause serious damage to the eye, ear, nose, or any exposed area. I've also heard (although I've not seen much to substantiate it) that the wind can dry out the sinuses and thereby cause respiratory problems.
I'm also an advocate of restricting the movement of dogs in the car. They should be in an appropriate sized kennel, behind a gate, or wearing a seat belt (**shameless plug** all of which we carry or can order). Not only can a dog be a distraction while you're driving, but they can also be severely injured if you happen to be in an accident. Something else to remember is if the dog is ejected from the car, because of the amount of anxiety and/or shock, the dog not only runs the risk of being hit by another car, but can be difficult to catch. I've heard of at least one incident where a dog was shot because he had become so aggressive while rescue workers were trying to extricate the driver and passengers.
And of course, a dog should never be left alone in a car. Even on mild days, the temperature in a car can rise to 120 degrees within mere minutes, even with a cracked window. Even leaving the car running and air conditioner on may not be a good idea. I've heard of (unconfirmed) instances where dogs have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Why risk it? If your dog can't come in with you, it's better just to leave him at home than to risk heat stroke or the death. Not to mention thousands of dogs are stolen from cars every year.
The guys at Car Talk have put together a pretty good little article with links to more information at http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/fido/dog-safe.html.
First of all, dogs love to stick their heads out the window when traveling. The bouquet of scents must be extacy to a dog. However, some dogs are able to squeeze through the smallest of cracks. Also, the possibility of being hit by debris at 70 miles an hour could cause serious damage to the eye, ear, nose, or any exposed area. I've also heard (although I've not seen much to substantiate it) that the wind can dry out the sinuses and thereby cause respiratory problems.
I'm also an advocate of restricting the movement of dogs in the car. They should be in an appropriate sized kennel, behind a gate, or wearing a seat belt (**shameless plug** all of which we carry or can order). Not only can a dog be a distraction while you're driving, but they can also be severely injured if you happen to be in an accident. Something else to remember is if the dog is ejected from the car, because of the amount of anxiety and/or shock, the dog not only runs the risk of being hit by another car, but can be difficult to catch. I've heard of at least one incident where a dog was shot because he had become so aggressive while rescue workers were trying to extricate the driver and passengers.
And of course, a dog should never be left alone in a car. Even on mild days, the temperature in a car can rise to 120 degrees within mere minutes, even with a cracked window. Even leaving the car running and air conditioner on may not be a good idea. I've heard of (unconfirmed) instances where dogs have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Why risk it? If your dog can't come in with you, it's better just to leave him at home than to risk heat stroke or the death. Not to mention thousands of dogs are stolen from cars every year.
The guys at Car Talk have put together a pretty good little article with links to more information at http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/fido/dog-safe.html.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Mark your calendar
There are a couple of events coming up in the next few weeks.
April 8: Dining Out for Animals at participating locations. Lunch from 11 - 1 and Dinner form 5 - 10. Visit the Central Missouri Humane Society's website for more information.
May 8: Movie Night, presenting E.T. There will be live music, a silent auuction, and snacks. Doors open at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts at 5:30. The movie starts at 7:00. Visit Columbia Second Chance's website or The Missouri Theatre's website for more information.
April 8: Dining Out for Animals at participating locations. Lunch from 11 - 1 and Dinner form 5 - 10. Visit the Central Missouri Humane Society's website for more information.
May 8: Movie Night, presenting E.T. There will be live music, a silent auuction, and snacks. Doors open at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts at 5:30. The movie starts at 7:00. Visit Columbia Second Chance's website or The Missouri Theatre's website for more information.
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