After a nearly two year debate members of DOG LIC, a dog owner advocate group founded and based in Long Island City, and the parks department have a reached an agreement that will allow dogs back onto the piers at Gantry State Park in LIC.

Rachel Gorgon, regional director of NYC state parks, established a directive that banned dogs from the piers stating that “The pier was getting wrecked from the acid from the urine and the poop stuck to the boards; it didn’t seem like a very hygienic way to run a park.”

Stephanie Rodousakis, co-founder of DOG LIC, claimed that Ms. Gorgon’s assertion was faulty logic. “I can’t imagine that dog urine is any more hazardous to the wood than the East River is.”

What started with open enmity has ended, with the help of city councilman Jimmy Van Bramer and Assembly woman Cathy Nolan, as a peaceful accord that will allow dog’s a trial period of limited access to Pier 4 within the Gantry State Park seven days a week. Dogs will be allowed on the pier from 7:30AM – 9:30AM and again 6:30PM – 8:30PM daily.

Senator Michael Gianaris was sympathetic to the DOG LIC cause saying “I think what [DOG LIC] is asking is perfectly reasonable,” and he was able, along with Mike Murphy, Ms. Gordon, Mr. Van Bramer and Ms. Nolan to compromise with the trial period.

The State Parks’ Officials will monitor the trial and the group will reconvene in September to decide whether to make Dog access permanent. Stephanie Rodousakis welcomes the concern, “”We are also very protective of that park and we want to keep it clean and safe. If they see how much we care and clean it up, we are hoping this will expand and make the park even more dog-friendly.”

The end goal seems to be a peaceful and clean coexistence between the estimated 1,000 strong canine owners in LIC, brought in during a population surge in the area in 2009, and other members of the community who are concerned that allowing dogs into the waterfront park will invite unsanitary conditions. Plenty of people, Ms. Gordon, pointed out were happy that dog access was cut off. “They [could] let their kids walk barefoot.”

It’s a detail that has not gone unnoticed by DOG LIC as co-founder Jessica Masters appealed to the group’s members via facebook, “To make sure the test period works and that further down the line we can gain access to the rest of Gantry State Park, we have to do our best to keep these piers clean, our dogs on leashes and avoid any issues. We will be photographing the pier in question before the trial period commences today and will keep weekly footage of the area. So please make sure to clean up after your dogs and keep them on the leash.”

Dogs are complex animals and they don’t come with an owner’s manual or a reset button. Animal Behaviorists and Cognitive Scientists spend years trying to understand the behaviors of pack animals like dogs, but a pet owner, the best source of information on your dog is – from your dog. Your dog tells you everything. It tells you when it’s happy, sad, angry, hurt, tired, etc… you just have to learn to speak a little Dog.

If you’ve ever seen a training show on NatGeo or Animal Planet you may have heard terms like “dominant” and “submissive” and “active” or “passive.” Generally, your dog’s posture when it is calm and submissive is a baseline. In this pose, the dog’s ears are up (but not forward) the tail is down (but not curled under), the head is high and the corners of the mouth are relaxed.

Then there’s the alert look. Have you ever seen the posture of two dogs meeting on the street? Their backs are straight, standing tall, they’re very still and their head, shoulders and ears are forward. This is your dog saying “Hmm. What’s this about?!” They have no chosen a submissive or dominant position yet.

The basic dominant/confident position is much like it is in humans; standing tall, ears forward, tail high. Now, there’s a big difference between being dominant and being aggressive. Dominant dogs will lean over other dogs, mount, block or shove. But, this doesn’t mean they will become aggressive.

Aggressive dogs are both angry and confident. They stand tall, lean forward, push their heads, ears, shoulders forward. Look for a wrinkled nose, beared teeth, hackles (the hair along the shoulder blades and upper back) up, tail high & stiff and low growling or barking.

Aggressive dogs are not the only dogs that may bite. Highly fearful dogs will bite because they are afraid. This is defensive aggression. Look for the tail tucked, lowered body, ears back, hackled up, low growling and a wrinkled snout. They may also cower, look away and crouch before they snap.

And remember, if the dog is lowering its body, this may just be submission. A lowered body with a lowered tail – but with an alert head, relaxed face and snout, groveling or licking motions – is a sign of active submission. This is the dog letting you or another dog know they are in charge.

Anytime you see a posture which communicates a behavior you or your trainer does not like, correct it. Be wary of how quickly the situation can change from a stressed dog to a dog that can bite. Basic signs of stress in dogs include:

S I G N S O F S T R E S S

· licking lips

· scratching

· excessive blinking

· dilated pupils

· panting and salivating

· increased activity or pacing, restlessness,

distraction, agitation

· whining, excessive vocalizing

· shaking

· hiding behind owner

· loss of appetite (will not eat treats ordinarily

loves)

· “shutting down” by turning away or avoiding

eye contact or freezing in place

This is by no means a comprehensive post. So follow these links to the ASPCA and humane society to learn more about your dog’s body language. And Remember, no amount of research can take the place of a training session with a certified trainer.

http://www.hssv.org/docs/behavior/dog_body_language.pdf

http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/50/Canine-Body-Language.aspx

Dog owners take their dogs seriously. We make sure we have every leash, collar, bed, treat, toy, blanket that our dog could want. Our pets are part of our family so it’s no surprise that family outings often include Fido. If you’re in the market for a new car and considering your dog when buying, great! Here are the top 10 dog-friendly cars, and as a plus, I’ve included a range of models, makes, prices and environments.

1.) The Honda Odyssey or the Honda Element

The Honda Odyssey is a spacious mini-van that is excellent in the city and comfortable on the highway. It is great for four or more person families with single or multiple pets. Converting the third row of seats into cargo space is quick and simple which will get you and yours on the road faster. If you’re an active person or couple with no more than two kids, you might consider the Honda Element. The Element is a wild, boxy four passenger hatchback with great mileage, excellent for city driving and comfortable on a highway and perfect for pets with its built in kennel, stow-able ramp and a spill proof water bowl!

2.) Kia Sol, I

Unsurprisingly, given its bold lines, this hatchback is set to compete with youth-oriented cars such as the Scion xB, and Honda Element. The Soul comes in four different trims (Soul, Soul+, Soul!, and Soul sport) with the top three boasting a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and optional four-speed automatic transmission. There are 50 ways to personalize this cool automobile, with options ranging from a long list of accessories to eleven exterior colors and three interior schemes, one of which shows off glow-in-the-dark seat logos. The comfortable cargo space is perfect for smaller to medium size breeds who can spread out or sit up in this boxy space.

3.)Toyota Sienna,

The Toyota Sienna, winner of motor trends minivan comparison test is perfect for transporting your whole family to the beach or mountains for a day of swimming or hiking. With its power sliding doors, conversion space and roomy interior the sienna is not only easy to operate, but feels like luxury for half the price.

4.) The Jeep Grand Cherokee

A dog-lover classic. The Rugged jeep grand Cherokee is made for big breed dog-lovers who need the the kind of huge interior that a Kia Sol or Scion XB can’t offer. It’s also fantastic for varying terrains or off-roading. If you’re the kind of person or family who will be heading off the beaten path to reach that campsite, this is an excellent option.

5.) Chevy traverse or the Chevy Equinox.

Awarded an overall 5-star(19) safety rating, the stylish, fuel-efficient Chevrolet Traverse helps protect you and your loved ones while adapting to your needs. With 24 MPG highway, Traverse FWD offers better fuel economy than any eight-passenger crossover.  And the attractive 2nd-generation Equinox offers great gas mileage and smart styling at an affordable price. While it won’t be winning any street races stylish, this easy-to-drive  provides for a comfortable, quiet ride, thanks to its acoustic laminated glass windows and roomy, well thought-out interior.

6.) kia sportage,

The Kia sportage is a young, active little car with amenities that are great even if you’re leaving Fido home for the day. Drivers can make phone calls, select music and play from a digital jukebox, and safely park with the help of a rear back-up camera with the car’s infotainment command module, and the roomy, skid-proof cargo space is perfect for any pooch party tagging along!
Although the Sportage’s small size makes it ideal for city driving, this capable CUV is versatile enough to handle any setting. Country-dwellers will appreciate the increased cargo space, sharp handling, and the the help of Kia’s advanced projection headlights, which follow the car’s movement around turns, providing light where you need it most.

7.) Nissan Cube

Nissan’s Cube, now in its third-generation incarnation, is a utilitarian five-door compact that stands out among the run-of-the-mill lineup of economy cars.  With its creative, compact design, this cool and quick hatch would make an excellent city car. True to its functional form, the competitively priced automobile comes with plenty of storage spaces and standard safety features. On the road, it is nimble-driving, showing off good visibility and a decent fuel economy.

8.) Ford Fiesta

For the price of a subcompact, you can settle into a more economical family transportation vehicle, while expecting superior features. The fiesta is a five-door hatchback sedan and it ‘s one of the few that still offers a manual transmission for those of you liking stick shifts. Stick or Automatic it gets excellent mileage, handles wonderfully in the city and provides a smooth, quiet ride once you hit the highway leaving your dog a chance to catch a nap in the cargo space before the adventure begins.

9.) Mitsubishi Outlander

The small SUV offers a luxury feel at affordable prices, and it’s perfect for families in the city who want to transport their dogs to the park or to the vet, but who won’t spend too much time driving up the Hudson line. The super All-Wheel control system allows fur superior handling and steering in all weather conditions and with plenty of comfortable conversion space, everyone should enjoy the ride.

10.) Ford Edge

This sleek crossover SUV is perfect for anyone trip-takers looking to enjoy the journey and the destination! With easy fold seats operated by remote and a towing capability of 3,500 lbs you can take your family, your dog, and maybe even an RV with you, and the Ford Edge Vista view sky light provides a paranoramic picture of the scenery along the way.

If you’re looking to find a car that’s friendly to pets and to the environment you can checkout http://www.greencar.com for a list of eco-cars with cargo space.

New Year’s isn’t just about the future. Yes, it is a time to plan for the betterment of yourself in the coming year, but it is also a time to consider the successes and not-so-successes of the previous year. Take some time now to consider how you might better not only yourself, but your pet as well. Here are some thoughts on remembering your four-legged friends when you make and keep your New Year’s resolutions.

Remember, your pet is part of the family. When you’re thinking about what you resolve to do in 2011 as a family whether it be see more of your kids’ school plays, eat dinner at the table at least once a week, or just watch more movies together – remember that your dog counts. Consider going to the park more often and everyone can come along!

Resolve to get fitter: How many people resolve to diet, exercise, get ship or simply walk more when the new year rolls around? Including your dog in your fitness resolutions may help you keep them! Knowing you’ve made a commitment to someone (or in this case, some dog) else means you’re less likely to flake. Add an extra 30 minute walk a week. Instead of cheese, meat, or peanut butter treats offer your dog carrots or un-buttered popcorn and have some yourself! Vowing to take-up jogging at least once a week? Bring your pooch along for the run*

Resolve to make a plan: Did you know that, just like with people, most veterinary ER visits are related to preventable accidents. While you can’t sanitize, quarantine, dust, vacuum, spray and seal every corner of your home, you can take a few simply steps to keep hazards at a minimum. Where are all your cleaning supplies? Can your dog get to them and how easily? Do you have anything dog fatal within reach like anti-freeze, rat poison, copious amounts of chocolate or coffee grinds? Don’t worry if the answer is “yes” or “easily, but I have no where else to put it!” Do a little research now to find out what you should do if you ever catch your dog getting into a toxic plant, food or chemical or any other possible troublemakers.

Resolve to spend wisely: January is a great time to evaluate your pets’ health care. Are you one of those lucky folks who got a raise or an end-of-year bonus? Consider creating a savings account for your pets’ expenses or an emergency fund for unforeseen medical expenses. If you’re feeling strapped after splurging on gifts and your pets’ bills are cringe worthy talk to your vet about financing, insurance or organizations that might assist you with care & supplies.

Resolve to get educated: If 2011 is the year for you to finally get that puppy you’ve always wanted, do your homework! What kind of pet would go best with your lifestyle, your home, your landscape? Are you going to be able to give it lots of exercise or do you want a more sedentary animal? Will you have the patience, time and energy to properly train a dog? Do you want an affectionate, snuggle follow-you-around the house dog or an aloof and independent dog? Making an informed decision about what kind of pet and breed will best match your personality and lifestyle will make your ownership that much more rewarding.

If and when you take the plunge, create a solid easy-to-follow training and BE CONSISTENT.

The Holiday Season is upon us. For most of us that means check lists of what we’ve gotten for others, what we still need to get, and of course what we secretly (or not so secretly) want for ourselves. For many New Yorkers, pet products make an appearance on the list. Apparel, toys, books, training aides, grooming tools, etc… are all excellent options, but with so many things to choose from, decisions can be tough to reach. Here’s my “To-Get” list for pet related products!

I love these Crunchkins Edible Dog Greeting Cards. They’re Holiday themed greeting cards, but unlike stuffed candy canes or red & green plush penguins, dogs are  meant to destroy and enjoy these 100% natural, dog-safe, veterinarian developed raw hides.
L.L Bean makes a great, affordable line of Pet Products for the Holidays. Check out this treat tote here.  I’ve definitely gotten the leather collar and leash for guy friends.  It’s a strong, well made leash that’s perfect for a gentleman and his dog.
If you’re looking for a very unique present consider personalized dog and cat bowls from somewhere like Trendy Puppy, a gift certificate for a grooming or pet spa service in the area, or check out phoDOGraphy, Manhattan’s original dog photographer and commission a doggie portrait!
The environmental movement doesn’t just apply to dogs and I love to support vendors who use recycled, biodegradable and organic products for their pet beds, blankets and treats. I like Simply Fido, West Paw Design and Planet Dog.

I also love books for Dog Owners and Dog Lovers. Suellen Dainty’s 50 Games to Play with your Dog is perfect as an interactive book for Dog Owners.  Terra-Nova publishes breed specific books with tons of information about a given breed and it’s standards. For Dog Lovers, I highly recommend the book INSIDE OF A DOG, by Alexandra Horowitz, in which the author examines the behavioral, emotional, mental and sensory perceptions of dogs; a fascinating study in what it’s like to be a dog.

I also look for presents for pet owners who travel with their pets. Fleece Cuddle Blankets, Collapsible Water Bottles, and Portable Food Storage all make excellent pet gifts for people who travel with their pets, and they’re easy and affordable from retailers like PETCO.

Last, but certainly not least, Toys! Let’s be honest: it’s all about the toys. You can’t go wrong with a new dog toy for your dog. I love BIG MEAN KITTY from the folks over at FatCat.  FatCat toys are safe, pliable, very durable and hysterical! THE ALMOST INDESTRUCTIBLE BALL from petsmart seems too simple, but for the big guys with the tough bites this chewable, gnawable, and pawable ball is a great (and cheap!) investment – dogs love it. TUG OF WAR ROPE TOYS and GREENIES are excellent chew toys that offer the added benefit of dental care. And of course, the ever popular KONG toy.

Having a busy holiday party? Stuff your dog’s KONG with peanut butter, freeze over night and give it to your dog just before the guests arrive. Let your dog worry about the KONG so you and your guests can worry about the egg-nog and mistletoe!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

There’s a moment in every dog lovers’ life when the constant pining “I want a dog!” turns into “I’m getting a dog!” You finally have the time, money, life, boyfriend, girlfriend, patience, energy or what-have-you to be a pet parent. The next step is deciding what dog to get. You may already know what sort of breed you love, but there’s plenty more to consider, especially when you’re an apartment dweller as so many of us New Yorkers are! Here are some tips on deciding which dogs are well suited for city living.

First, size matters… but less than you may think. Walk around New York and you’ll see all sorts of dogs. There is no “small size fits all” rule for apartment dwelling pets and remember that just because a dog is small it doesn’t mean it can’t do some pretty big damage if left untrained and unexercised.

The best way to select a breed that works for your apartment, your lifestyle and your personality is to consider the following elements:

Size, energy level, grooming requirements, exercise requirements, travel, and barking tendencies.

Beyond asking your landlord if there are any breed or size restrictions, ask yourself how much you are willing to walk and run with your dog? Will you be home to groom it often? How will your get your dog around? How thin are your apartment walls in case the dog barks?

For example, beagles and welsh corgis are small dogs that are easy to groom with moderate to high energy levels, but can you imagine waking up to a neighbor’s beagle screeching at 3a.m or hearing the near constant bark of the corgi any time someone enters or leaves the apartment?  Not fun.

If you are looking for a small dog, or your landlord requires that any pet be under 25 lbs, you might consider a Bichon Frise, Basenji, dachshund, Yorkshire terrier (yorkie) or a king Charles cavalier spaniel. If you’re looking for a smaller dog with a bit more energy, consider a boarder terrier, French bulldog, Pekingese, pug or shih tzu.

If you’ve always loved big dogs, but thought you couldn’t have one in the city you might be wrong. It’s true that certain large breeds with high energy levels and demanding exercise requirements (think herding dogs like air dales, collies, Siberian huskies) may not be the best for an apartment, but plenty of larger dogs are excellent as long as you can meet their needs.

For example, if your landlord allows it, Mastiffs, Great Pyranese, Weimeriners, Poodles Golden Retrievers and Newfoundlands can be wonderful apartment dogs.

No definitive TOP 10 BEST APARTMENT DOG list exists. You’ll find that every list has different breeds on it! That’s because selecting a dog to share your apartment is about considering your needs, the dog’s needs, and how you can meet both. Every dog needs a chance to get out in the air and work his/her mind and body. If you or your living situation impede the dog’s ability to do that it can develop destructive behavioral problems.

If you want help keeping track of your list of DO WANTS and DON’T WANTS in a dog, try using the online breed selecting tools at the website for animal planet, Purina, dogbreedinfo, and puppyfinder!

A Sci-tech company based in Boise Idaho has donated a set of internet operated robotic arms to some tough customers – kittens at the Idaho and Oregon Humane Society shelters.

Apriori Control, the Boise based company, developed the robotic arms  to further bridge the gap between online gaming and live action play. But, while the company is making some software improvements after some 2,300 beta tests, Scott Harris, president of Apriori Control, donated spare parts to the Idaho Humane Society and the Oregon Humane Society.

The robotic arms are controlled by web surfers through a downloaded plug-in. Users access the internet, log-in to the adoption sites, download the plug-in and press command keys on the keyboard to control the movements of the robotic arms.

The arms, in this case, are attached to kitten toys  in the cat playroom of the Idaho and Oregon Humane Society Shelters. Visitors to the websites can wait their turn to access the robotic arms and remotely play with the prospective adoptees through a robotic flick and switch of the cat toys.

Though the technology isn’t entirely perfected yet, its development illustrates the way that technology and new media will aide animal adoptions going forward. Web-cams installed inside shelter premises could demonstrate behavior, feeding, walking and play patterns while the new online accessed robotic toy play allows prospective owners a glimpse of the animals’ temperament and socialization before meeting the animals in person. In addition, people brought to adoption sites by the sheer appeal and novelty of playing with kittens via internet operated robotic arms will be exposed to  information about the plight of animals in shelters, educated about the mission of shelters across the country, and invited to learn and explore various ways they can help.

A day club, night club, hotel, spa, fitness center, screening room, room service and more… Wouldn’t you love a stay a FETCH CLUB? I know I would, but much to my disappointment, it’s members only. And all their members are dogs! FETCH CLUB is the premier dog hotel-spa-lounge-club facility newly opened in Manhattans financial/south street seaport district. It is as state of the art as the pet product and care industry get and if you’re looking for the best of the best to spoil and pamper your pooch look no further. Here is a Q&A before you check it out!

Question: What’s this I hear about a “doggie disco?”

Answer: It’s not a doggie disco per se. No house music or strobe lights, but we do have a “nightclub” service for VIP members here between the hours of 7p.m to 12a.m.  We offer dinner, music, movies and a lounge. Our clients can even enjoy a complimentary glass of Bark Vineyards’® Barkundy, Sauvignon Bark, Pinot Leasheo, or White Sniff-n-Tail.

Q: Ahhh, I see. So what about the dogs in your care before 7p.m and after Midnight?

A: We offer a day club for guests between 7-7 on weekdays and 10-5 on weekends, and a hotel for overnight dogs.

Q: So, you’re facility is “state of the art” what kind of amenities can guests expect at the day club?

A: We have an indoor dog park for socializing, running, playing etc… a lounge area for down time; we offer natural sun light through a sky light to simulate the outdoors. We also have a fitness center where the staff specializes in outdoor exercise, weight management, and treadmill use. All our staff members are certified pet technicians and the staff is there 24 hours a day to meet any needs. And, the indoor park has 3,000 square feet of running space, entirely lined in artificial grass, Interactive environment including water element and Safety features including temperament testing & health check of all canine entrants

Q: Okay, so what happens if I’m late to get my dog and I can’t make it by 7p.m?

A: Any guest leaving after Day Club hours will be subject to a $10 per hour after-hours fee, and after 10:00pm (7:00pm on weekends) will be either chauffeured home or checked into the Club Hotel.

Q What’s the hotel?

A: As our website says, the hotel is “The ultimate nurturing!” We offer oversized accommodations for each dog, turndown service, gourmet treats and a scratch on your head. Plus, the overnight accommodation includes dinner, breakfast, full use of the Club’s facilities, and an evening walk.

Q: What if I can’t make it drop off my dog or pick it up?

A: Fetch Club is able to provide safe travel for all Day Club guests at great rates, so please inquire about our Pet Chauffer services when you stop by.

Q: You also have a spa and a boutique right? Can you tell me about those?

A: We offer the many Spa & Salon services at Fetch Club. Treatments are carefully created to ensure you achieve your personal goals; Dogs can recline in the relaxation room and contemplate spa treatments such as a luxurious bath, aromatherapy, massage, infrared sauna or stop in for an amazing fur cut & style with one of our canine stylists. The boutique offers many locally and nationally source pet products from food and toys to apparel, training, care and safety.

Q:  What are the membership requirements?

A: The safety and care of all our clients are of the utmost importance to us. For example, we use a state of the art air filtration system to minimize air pollutants, we have the Tensui WATER Purification System, all harmful chemicals are removed while enhancing the water with calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, vanadium, negative ions, et cetera. And we installed an Aqua Air Wet/Dry central vacuum purification system to eliminate most, if not all, bacteria. To tackle this problem even further, hidden under our beautiful lawn is a controlled irrigation/drainage/flush system. So, we have strict policy regarding the requirements, which are in place to ensure the safety of our guests. All dogs must complete an interview and temperament test with a staff member, be spayed and/or neutered over the age of 6 months and have proof of current vaccinations for Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Bordatella.

A big thanks to the FETCH CLUB, and check out their website for more details!

http://www.fetchclub.com/index.php

The fall is a great time of year to be out and about in the New York City area. The weather is crisp; the foliage is lovely, the temperature is just right. With many New Yorkers taking advantage of these next few weeks before the cold truly sets it, I’ve noticed an increase in the number of dogs out for walks, in the park, and at the dog run.

In New York, a dog’s owner is financially (and personally) responsible for any damages his/her dog causes another person, animal or property so now is a good time to brush up on safety tips when you and your pooch are out socializing.

Unless you are in a park, run, or enclosure with specified off-leash policy, ALWAYS leash your dog. Not only is it illegal (and punishable in fines up to 2,000 dollars!) to walk your dog without a leash in New York City, it is very unsafe. Leashing your pet ensures that it can’t dart into traffic, take off down the sidewalk after a squirrel, or furtively eat discarded food scraps from the ground. Plus, no matter how well behaved or friendly your dog may be, others’ might not be so nice. Leashing prevents your mild mannered pup from running, literally, into an aggressive dog.

Beyond leasing, the single most effective safety precaution you can take is to BE ATTENTIVE. When entering a gated park or run, make sure only one gate is open at one time, that the doors are fully closed before unleashing your dog, and that no one else’s dog escapes while your enter or exit the park.

STAY AWARE of your dog and the environment. Watch out for safety risks and signs of aggression. Dogs at play will bark, nip, mouth and wrestle, but will do so with inhibition and will often play bow (putting their weight on their front forearms, dipping their head and shoulders while keeping their hind quarters up and wagging their tail). If you notice your dog or another dog becoming over-stimulated, stop it before it escalates. If you notice your dog or another dog harassing, intimidating, shoving, or mounting, please correct the behavior and leave the park if it cannot be controlled.

Many people carry whistles or horns as an aversion device to stop a fight if it breaks out. If a fight does break out the most important thing to remember is that you must do your best to break it up, but NEVER PUT A BODY PART BETWEEN FIGHTING DOGS. The experienced guardian might try to step in by grabbing the dog’s hind legs just below the rump and lifting up (like you would a wheelbarrow). SDO NOT ATTEMPT this unless you’re a skilled dog handler. You might try whistles, loud sounds, or other aversion techniques. Stay calm. Once the fight has ended, separate the dogs and check them out for cuts, punctures etc… and exchange information if anyone feels a veterinary examination will be needed.

Here are some other basic DOs & DON’Ts that will help keep you and your dog safe and healthy while playing:

1.)      No pronged or spiky collars. They can easily turn inside out and cause injury, even during light play

2.)      Don’t bring toys, treats or rawhides to the park. Some dogs are very possessive of toys and/or food which can easily lead to a dispute.

3.)      Avoid drinking beverages from glass bottles because one broken bottle can cause injury for several dogs.

4.)      If you suspect your dog is sick, don’t bring them to the run.

5.)      Bring a water bowl for your dog. Communal bowls are helpful, but they can spread giardia and kennel cough if they’re not cleaned and changed regularly.

Employing these tips and paying attention to your dog at play is the best way to ensure that all the dogs and dog owners socializing will have a safe happy play time.  And for more information check out dog park etiquette post here.