Dog Park Tips

• Know each dog park’s rules, and follow them. 
• Keep your dog leashed until you’re inside the park’s fenced area.
• Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date.  Other dogs may not be and your dog could be exposed to disease.
• Never leave your dog unattended, even in an off-leash dog park.
• Maintain voice control over your dog at all times.
• If your dog starts to play rough, correct him and leash him immediately.
• Don’t bring toys unless you want other dogs to play too.
• Socialize your dog before going to dog parks.
• Never bring a female dog in heat to a dog park.
• Always clean up after your dog.
• Bring water because water stations at the park have been used by other dogs and wildlife and could be a source of disease.
• If you bring children, watch them closely.

“It’s important for dog owners to take precautions at dog parks,” says California Veterinary Medical Association President Dean Henricks, D.V.M.  The dog park isn’t right for everyone, but if your pet loves them just take these precautions.

Off Leash Dog Parks

I have a list of Off leash dog parks on my website at http://dogercisela.com/doggy-tid-bits/dog-parks/ and I was browsing around on the internet to see the kinds of lists that were out there and I found a great website that has all dog parks on them too and wanted to include them. www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/

Stop Leash-Biting

1. Why Do Dogs Leash Bite - Boredom

One of the most common reasons for leash biting is boredom. Overexcited dogs and puppies want to go everywhere, smell everything, and meet everyone at top speed. When they are forced to walk for long periods of time in a heel position, they get bored and may start biting or playing with the leash. I would go a little stir crazy too if forced to walk in a fixed relative position, with my head looking forward at all times, and a strict no-exploration rule.
To stop a bored dog from leash biting we simply make the walk more FUN.

• Give our dog a job to do while walking.

Side Note on Barking and e-collars

My last five posts have been on barking because i get questions on it more then anything else.  That is why I started this blog with that subject.  I wanted to ad this final opinion on the subject!

As a side note, I think e-collars have their place-but it should be a last resort and you should get a professional opinion (or two) on your dogs particular case before you even consider using one.  They are often mis-used and unnecessary, leading to more problems or masking the problem instead of fixing the behavioral issue.  I do believe they can be useful and have used them myself, but rarely are they necessary and should only be used for a short period of time before the dog understands its purpose.
Remember-most dogs just need more stimulation physically and mentally.  Exercise is most important-only then can the discipline you set be useful and understood.  After that you give them all the love you can because they deserve it!!!

Practice tips for Excessive Outside Barker

When showing progress inside with excessive barking, take it outside.  Outside there is even more reasons to bark!  Or so the dog thinks.  You must claim these situations by using the same techniques as above except always have a leash on the dog and make sure you practice in controlled situations.  Like asking the neighbor to come by or the neighbor’s dog.  Whatever is the trigger for your dog’s barking.  5 minutes a day.
You can also purchase a Gentle Leader.  This way you can close his mouth and redirect his head.  Make sure the halter is put on the dog properly so he doesn’t fear it.  He must be comfortable with it so be patient and put it on slowly.  Then give him a treat.  Then take it off and put it on again…treat.  You get it!  It’s just until he is comfortable with it.  Of course if he is comfortable from the get-go then no need for this.  When Fido barks at someone you lift the leash up so his mouth closes and he will sit.  Then move again, forward or just elsewhere so you stop him from focusing on what made him bark and we get his attention on us.  Make sure the leash becomes