Don’t Fence Us In!

I love taking my dog to off leash dog parks in the Denver metro area, including Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks. It provides my dog with freedom and socialization with other dogs. Recently, there has been discussion about reducing the size and placing fences around these two off leash dog parks.

Kalee enjoying the Elk Mountain dog park in Evergreen, Co.

These areas are designed for multi-use, and are funded by everyone in the state, with additional funding by park users. Dog owners, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, boaters, among others must learn to share this space. What does this mean for dog owners???

To keep these valuable spaces open to dogs, we must take action:

1. Train your dog to come when called, a.k.a. a really reliable recall even around people, other dogs, and wildlife. Dogs running up to horses, hikers, and bikes may cause inconvenience, fear, or injury. Just because your dog is friendly doesn’t mean other on-leash dogs are – and they need time out too. I also know people who have been thrown off of horses due to dogs barking or running towards their horse. And some hikers may be afraid of dogs even though yours is friendly and wonderful!
2. Pick up after your dog. It is very unpleasant to step around other dog’s poop. The excrement can also spread disease to other dogs – your dog may be carrying something even if he doesn’t have symptoms yet.
3. Know who has the right of way on trails. Hikers and their dogs yield to horses. Bikes yield to hikers and horses. Place your dog in a sit-stay off of the trail when horses are passing. If on bike, stop and dismount. Everyone should smile and say “hi.”

Finally, be friendly to everyone! Practice random acts of kindness, be a role model of the dog community so that all people – including those who don’t like dogs – enjoy our presence, invites our dogs to stay, and don’t fence us in!

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We have everything from tricks, to agility, to manners. View a complete list of dog training lessons or choose a dog training class set of video lessons organized by sport. We have…

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Mushrooms can be poisonous to dogs

April showers are finally past, the flowers are blooming, and your yard is sprouting wild mushrooms?

While not all wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs, it is prudent to treat all mushrooms as toxic.  Toxic mushrooms are divisible into eight groups with varying symptoms and associated treatments (Toxicology Brief, Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs, Vetrinary Medicine 2007). If you suspect your dog has consumed wild mushrooms, it is important that you take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible including a sample of the wild mushroom (preferably in a moist paper towel rather than a plastic bag).

Suzy's dog Kalee helps inspect the yard for toxic mushrooms

Tips for preventing and recognizing exposure to wild mushrooms:

• Perform a daily inspection of your yard for mushrooms (perhaps while you are mowing and inspecting for sharp objects).
• Keep close tabs on your dog when hiking, at the dog park, or a friend’s house to be sure he or she is not indulging in an unknown treat.
• Know the common signs of wild mushroom poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and abnormal drooling.

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You know how much you adore dogs. Share your passion for canine friends by sharing a good read, a helpful article, or time.

Books are a great way to promote empathy and responsible pet care. Check with your school or church about reading books to children or give young adult or adult readers a book  on dogs. Find books for children, young adults, and adults at the Doris Day Animal League ‘Book Bag,’ Humane Society Youth Best Books List, and Bark Notable Reads,

Find an interesting article or newsletter? Forward helpful dog training and health information to your friends. Make sure the information is correct by checking with experts in the field like American Veterinary Medical Association or local humane society fact sheets, and urban myth/internet rumor checkers like Snopes. Rest assured, any information you find at Online Dog Coach has been verified with trusted sources before we post it.

Volunteer for a local shelter. You can do anything from walking dogs and answering phones at the shelter, to doing laundry and helping run fund raising events from home.

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There are a multitude of ways to spend quality time with your dogs. You can have fun training, going somewhere special, and playing games with him or her. If you are living in a multiple dog family, find a little time to spend with each dog individually.

 Training

Spend a few minutes each day working with your dog. It doesn’t matter which dog training lesson you work on as long as you keep it fun with positive dog training methods. Work on a quick sit-stay before feeding your dog breakfast or shake before dinner. Not only does your dog have fun, but you’ll start seeing results in a matter of days.

Go Someplace Special

Have you ever been confined to your house for several days in a row? Did you get stir crazy? Your dog can get cabin fever too! Take your dog out once in awhile.

Take your dog for a walk or hike. Please obey the rules, pick up after your dog, and keep him on a leash everywhere you go. Even remote places are negatively impacted by things your dog does or leaves behind.

Many cities now have off-leash dog parks – see our list of off-leash dog parks in Metro-Denver, Co. Please follow the rules and read tips on off leash dog park etiquette.

Your dog even enjoys a car ride when you run quick errands. But don’t leave your dog in the car on mild or warm days – studies show even a 72 degree day can turn a car lethal. Go to MyDogIsCool.com to learn how quickly cars heat up even with windows cracked.

Games

There are many tricks and games you can play with your dog. Play “hide and seek” by moving from room to room in your house and calling your dog to you, rewarding with lots of treats, play, or love. Rotate your dog’s toys, pulling a different one out each week, so toys remain new and interesting.

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