Dog Park Etiquette

Here are some basic guidelines when bringing your rambunctious canine to the dog park.

*If your dog is under 4 months of age do not bring them for safety and health reasons.

*Make sure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations so not to spread disease.

*If your dog seems uncomfortable take your pet somewhere else they might enjoy. Don't 
stress your dog out by forcing socialization especially if your pet has anxieties.

*Do not bring any female dog that is in heat. As for intact male dogs or even female dogs, that's a hit or miss. If you have a well-socialized, non-aggressive, submissive for the most part pup it should not be a problem as long as they do not show any behavior problems i.e. aggressive tendencies, constant mounting, etc.

*Supervise your dog at all times. This is not the time to ignore your pup and expect them to play nice or other dogs to play nice.

*Do not bring or use treats and toys from your home with other dogs around.

*Don't allow dogs to form loose packs or to bully other dogs.

*If a dog park is overcrowded consider going somewhere else. Even at a dog park, dogs need space.

*Avoid taking advice from fellow dog owners or giving advice yourself, whom are not dog professionals.

*Clean up after your dog please!

*Make sure your dog is not being bullied, learning bad manners or participating in rough play with other dogs. If so be willing to leave for your dog's safety.

Otherwise have fun!

Play Outside or Cuddle Inside

If it's a nice day in your area of residence take your dog outside and play!

Take your dog to the dog park.

Go for a hike.

Go for a run/walk.

Play with your dog in the backyard/front yard.

Go to the beach with your pet.

Go to the lake with your canine.

Go fishing your pup.

Go swimming with your pet.

Exercise with your pet.

Stay inside and cuddle if the weather is not so good.

Take a nap with your pet.

Cook for your pet.

Watch T.V with your pet.

Wrestle with your pet.

Read a book to your pet.

Exercise with your pet.

Not just today but spend time with your pet everyday ^_^

A well-exercised dog is a happy and calm dog.

Unconditional love~



Best Places to Socialize Your Pet

It is very important to socialize your pet. Do it as early as possible!  There are so many ways to socialize and mold your pet into a safe and productive member of society. Just make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and in good health. Here are some great ideas:

-Dog Parks (these are a hit or miss due to irresponsible owners or untrained dogs so be careful!)

-Pet Stores

-Grooming Parlors

-Veterinarian

-Puppy Play Groups

-Doggy Daycare

-Obedience Classes

-Public Park/Playgrounds

-Take Your Dog To a Farm Or Country Setting

-Take Your Dog To Suburbs

-Take Your Dog To The City

-Walk Around The Neighborhood

-Invite Family And Friends Over To Your Home

-Introduce Your Dog To Different Types Of People Of All Sizes, Shapes, Looks and Ages

-Introduce Your Dog To a Variety Of "Scary" Objects Like Umbrellas, Vacuum Cleaners, Etc.

-Have A Doggy Party 

-Introduce Your Dog To Extra-Large, Large, Medium, Small, Extra-Small Dogs

-Introduce Your Dog To Small Animals Like Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Etc.

-Introduce Your Dog To Farm Animals Like Cows, Horses, Sheep, Goats, Chickens, Etc.

-Introduce Your Dog To Loud Noises Like Firearms/Guns, Fireworks, Etc.

There are so many places to go and things to do to socialize you dog. So go do it! Your pet and your fellow humans will thank you =) However don't just do nothing and keep your pup isolated from society. This will only create a very unhappy, shy, nervous animal with constant behavior problems. So have a heart and introduce your pet to the world =)

Responsible and Courteous Dog Owner Behavior

1. Clean up after your dog if he poo's in a public place. Yes even at the dog park! That is why they provide poop baggies otherwise bring your own for the sake of the people who like walking in the grass without stepping in yucky dog doo 0_o

2. Don't let your dog jump on strangers. It's dangerous for the elderly and children getting knocked over.

3. Pay attention to your dog at the dog park. If your pup is misbehaving or being overly aggressive in any way remove your dog immediately. Safer for you, your dog and everyone else around.  Nobody likes a dog fight =(

4. Don't let your dog bark constantly especially late at night -_- In which case usually this happens if a dog is left outside for hours on end without getting any attention or just maybe you have a talkative dog. Either way be courteous and respect your neighbors. Train your dog not to bark or bring your pet inside please. There is no excuse for a noisy, obnoxious pet!

5. Never hit your dog in the face or body period. This will just create a fearful dog and it is also animal abuse. If you must scold your dog do it in a fashion where your dog actually understands. If he has a accident in the house take him outside immediately. If you don't want your dog to get into something put it up or doggy proof it.  Use the word "No!" in a firm voice. Please don't yell at your dog he won't understand why your being loud.

6. Don't let your dog run lose in public areas excluding dog parks. A lose dog is a accident waiting to happen. Not to mention there are leash laws and you can get ticketed.

7. If your dog is sick take him/her to the veterinarian. No one likes seeing a animal suffer. If you can't afford it you should not have a pet. Sorry but that is the harsh reality. A animal is a commitment and so are the expenses that come with them. If you love animal so much you would care for them properly. Improper care for a animal is animal abuse Nuff' said.

8. Spay and neuter you pets please! There are to many shelter animals in need of homes. Why add to the overpopulation explosion? Not to mention do you really want issues with a roaming male dog  or a female in heat attracting every un-neutered male dog in a 5-10 mile radius?

9. If your going to breed your pet please breed responsibly. Breed only registered, full-blooded, healthy animals. Have good breeding practices i.e. please breed and produce a litter maybe once every other year if not just only a one time affair would be even better and make sure both parents get a full health checkup to make sure there will be no hereditary health issues. Always have good homes pre-planned before you even produce a litter! There is no such thing as a "designer" dog breed. These dogs are mutts plain and simple. I don't care if both parents are registered, purebred whatever once you mix to different breeds they are just that mixed breeds...mutts.

10. License and keep your dog's shots up to date. In other words keep your dog legal. Microchip, ear tattoo or name tag on the collar are important in case your pet ever gets lost or stolen.