Inheriting a dog from a beloved family member or friend is a big responsibility. While offering a home to a dog in need is generous, taking on someone else’s pet requires preparation and adjustment for all. Here are key steps to help make the transition smooth when inheriting a new canine companion.

Learn the dog’s routine

The first priority is gathering information about the dog’s current lifestyle and care. Ask the previous parents (if possible) details about the dog’s typical daily schedule including:

• Feeding times and diet
• Potty breaks and walking schedule
• Favorite toys and activities
• Training status and known commands
• Crate training or free roaming
• Regular grooming routines
• Veterinarian and any medications

Follow the existing routine as closely as possible, at least initially, to help provide consistency for the dog.

Prepare your home

Dog-proof your home before bringing home your newly inherited furry friend. Have essentials like food and water bowls, collar and leash, bed, and crate set up and ready to go.

Clean up any hazardous objects and secure cords or toxic materials out of reach. If you have other pets, arrange separate spaces for feeding and acclimate them slowly. Your goal is making your environment safe and welcoming.

Schedule a vet visit

One of the first things to do is schedule the dog for a full wellness check-up with your veterinarian. Transfer medical records from the previous owner. Discuss any questions or concerns about the dog’s health and care needs.

Have the vet do a baseline exam to ensure all is well. They can advise you on diet, exercise needs, and age-appropriate health screening tests to run. Establishing a relationship with your new vet is key.

Learn the dog’s personality

Spend time getting to know your inherited dog’s unique personality traits and quirks. Assess their sociability, activity level, toy preferences, commands known, and behavioral challenges like anxiety.

Observe cues for hunger, needing to potty, desire for playtime or affection. The more insights you gain, the better you can cater to the dog’s needs. Go slowly and let the dog warm up to you in their own time.

Begin bonding

Forming a secure human-canine bond takes effort and patience. Start by keeping interactions relaxed, consistent and positive. Reward desired behaviors with praise, treats or play. Practice basic cues like sit, stay, and name recognition.

Take the dog on sniff walks to explore the neighborhood at their own pace. Engage them in favorite games and quality one-on-one time. Look for activities you both enjoy to find ways to connect.

Introduce gradually to new people/animals

If you have other pets at home, introduce them slowly and safely to the new dog. Keep early interactions separated by gates or crates. Exchange scents first by swapping toys and blankets.

Closely supervise meetings on neutral territory. Be prepared to intervene if there are signs of fear, guarding, or aggression from either animal. Introduce the new dog gradually around new people as well.

Adjust to your routine

Over time, as you and the dog bond, you can begin transitioning them to integrate with your household’s routine. Transition slowly to the type of food, walking schedule, or style of training you prefer.

Be patient as the dog gets used to new ways of doing things. Keep communicating and showing them what you expect. Make the adjustments in small, rewarding steps.

While inheriting a dog takes effort, the payoff of offering a loving home to a canine in need is priceless. Follow these steps to help make the transition smooth for all. With time, care, and training your new furry friend will settle happily into their forever home.

Inheriting a dog may not be best for you or the dog

In some instances, inheriting a dog may not be the ideal situation due to finances or your current living conditions. “Although it is important to honor the wishes of those who pass, it is critical that any arrangement ultimately be good for all the living creatures involved,” Find Law states. “If you have inherited a pet or are considering what arrangements to make for yours, speak to an estate attorney.”

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There are plenty of reasons you might want to copy your dog’s paw prints. Sometimes it’s great for art projects, holiday cards, or mold casts to show members of your family.

You can also use paw prints or molds to create a memorial for a beloved pooch. Some of us like to get tattoos to immortalize our pets, and paw prints are great for that, too.

Whatever your reason, the first step to accomplish this goal is to actually get the paw print. Depending on your dog, this might be the longest leg of your battle (pun intended). That said, what’s the best way to do it? Here’s a quick guide!

Don’t make your pet uncomfortable

Before you proceed, make sure this is something your dog is OK with. Don’t force your pet to do anything they clearly don’t want to do. Not only can it make for a very stressful evening, but you probably won’t get the results you want if you’re fighting your dog over it.

Try to relax your dog with treats. Petting and massaging their paws is a great way to get them more relaxed, as well. If you’ve ever had to ease your dog into getting their nails clipped before, try to perform a similar ritual for this event.

Remember to also be as calm as possible yourself. This will help to assure your pet that nothing is wrong.

How to take your dog’s paw prints

Some manufacturers sell dog paw print kits that can help you get a cast of your dog’s paws. If your dog has recently passed away, some cremation and memorial services will take a paw print for you as a keepsake of your precious pet.

However, taking your dog’s paw prints yourself can be a fun DIY project and bonding experience. There are several ways to do it.

First things first: make sure your dog’s paws are clean. A quick wipe-down with a moist towel should be all that is necessary. Don’t do anything if your dog’s feet are injured or cut. This could exacerbate the issue.

If you’re going to be using paints, make sure the paints are child safe. Anything that is easy to clean will also be helpful down the road. You want to use non-toxic products that are safe for your pooch.

Washable body paints or finger paints

These methods will likely work best and won’t cost too much. Tempera or water-based paints are also good as they tend to be non-toxic. From there, just dip your dog’s paw in the paint, then gently press it onto a sturdy paper for a couple of seconds. Lift the paw straight up and wash it. You may wish to take more than one print to make sure you get a good one.

Dough

This is actually a safe way to get a good imprint of your dog’s paw. Mix 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of salt. Add water until you have enough to knead into a ball. With some wax paper, cover the mold and press your dog’s foot into it. You can then bake the pressing at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three hours. Just be sure to check it regularly, otherwise, the pressing might crack.

Ink

This option is likely to be messier. Remember to always opt for non-toxic ink! Consider archival ink, as it is less likely to fade. Many companies now sell dog-friendly ink kits, as well. If you’re uncertain about using an ink, returning to the aforementioned paints is likely the best solution.

The post How to Safely Take Paw Prints of Your Dog’s Paws appeared first on DogTime.

Some dogs live for winter. As soon as the snow touches the ground, they’re pawing to go outside to make doggy-shaped snow angels. But other pups dread the cold. No way your Chihuahua wants to go out and exercise when you can see your breath in the air. But there are plenty of indoor activities for dogs to enjoy in the chilly winter months. You don’t even have to put on your boots!

Here are a few fun indoor activities for dogs that you can do without setting foot (or paw) outside.

1. Learn a new trick

Dogs of any age can learn new tricks! Challenging your dog helps keeps them stimulated, and training can burn off a lot of the excess energy from being cooped up. Even taking time to do a refresher on the basic commands will help with this. Also, training can strengthen your overall bond with your dog.

2. Play mini-fetch

Before you play fetch indoors, there are a lot of things to consider. How big is your dog? Do you have breakable items around? Is your floor carpeted or slippery?

If you have a nice, open space in your home, consider making it a play area. Make sure your pup has enough traction and won’t be crashing into walls or any of your belongings. A carpeted area or a place with a rug that won’t slide is preferable.

Try throwing the ball gently and only a short distance at first so you can see how it goes before you try going all-out. This game is best for small dogs.

3. Hide-and-seek

There are plenty of ways to play hide-and-seek with your dog. Once your dog understands the rules, it can be a challenging and fun game.

Using treats or a favorite toy will make it very rewarding for your pooch. Show your dog the reward, then take them into another room while you hide it. Once it’s hidden, let your dog loose.

You’ll want to start off easy and put it in an obvious place at first until your dog can get the hang of the game. But this can be a great alternative to fetch that won’t leave your house a mess.

4. Indoor Parkour

Parkour is a physical discipline and movement art that involves efficiently navigating through urban or natural environments by using a combination of running, jumping, climbing, swinging, and other movements.

Using pillows, couches, beds, or anything you have around the home, you can make a fun obstacle course for your pup to demonstrate their parkour skills. Placing treats or rewards around the course will encourage them to jump and climb. It will stimulate your pup both mentally and physically.

5. Follow-the-leader

If your dog is already prone to following you around all day, this task won’t be a problem. If your pup lacks motivation, you can try holding a treat or toy.

From then on, it’s just like the old follow-the-leader game you probably played at recess. Just walk around the house. You can speed it up if you like, but be aware of your surroundings and your dog’s limitations.

This way you’ll get a workout along with your pooch. Going up and down some stairs can be a workout for both of you!

There are so many indoor activities for dogs. Your creativity is the limit. If all else fails, you can always just keep it simple and stick to the classics like tug-of-war. Get creative and come up with some of your own unique games to share with your dog. It can be your special bonding time. Then when it gets warm out again, you’ll have even more fun outside.

The post 5 Fun Indoor Activities For Dogs Who Can’t Stand the Cold and Snow appeared first on DogTime.

Want to catch some waves with your pup? Hoping to hang loose as your dog hangs 20? Beach bums everywhere can delight knowing there are some dogs who love to surf. What’s more, there are pups who are really good at riding on surfboards. We’re talking really, really good! In fact, canines even compete annually in competitions such as the World Dog Surfing Championships. These events showcase the sporting skills of water-loving pups from across the globe. So, get ready to say “cow-a-bark-a” with our list of the best dog breeds for surfing.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers love the water. If you’ve ever had one, you know this all too well. Not only is this pup one of the most popular breeds in America, but it is also a skilled swimmer. In the past, Labs were called “St. John’s Water Dog,” because they were special helpers for Canadian fishermen. The pooch would venture into the chilly water to retrieve everything from ropes to fish fleeing from nets. To this day, Labs are considered excellent hunting dogs who are regularly used to retrieve waterfowl like duck and geese.

Given their desire to please, athleticism, and sporting nature, Labs were practically bred for water activities. However, it’s a Labrador Retriever’s unbridled love of the water that makes their breed best suited for learning to surf.

Portuguese Water Dog

Almost any pup with the word “water” in their name makes for an ideal dog breed for surfing. The Portuguese Water Dog is no exception. Similar to Labs, these pups were working dogs on fishing boats. These pups also helped secure both ropes and nets containing escaping fish. Even this breed’s other moniker — Cao de Agua — means “dog of the water.”

Not only are these pups fond of the sea, but they are built for it. Porties, as they are affectionately known, even have distinctive webbed feet. This biological advantage makes them a natural for hanging loose!

The Newfoundland also has webbed feet and a unique swimming style. However, their size — weighing in around 100 to 150 pounds — makes them a bit large to boogie on a board. With that in mind, the Portuguese Water Dog is a more practical choice for a wave-riding companion.

German Shorthaired Pointer & German Wirehaired Pointer

These two breeds — similar in their athleticism, agility, trainability, and intelligence — earn a spot on our list of best dogs for surfing. Correspondingly, both require ample exercise — as in at least one to two hours a day — and mental stimulation. A few hours swimming would do the trick! While the German Shorthaired Pointer is perhaps the more sociable and friendly, both enjoy human companionship. By comparison, the German Wirehaired Pointer can become a bit possessive over their favorite person or object. The Wirehair is also slightly larger in size.

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a low-maintenance, short, dense coat that not only largely resists shedding, but it is also water resistant. A note of caution, though, is their feet should always be properly toweled off after time in the water. This is the best way to prevent yeast and bacterial growth. While the German Wirehaired Pointer has a double coat with straight, wiry hair, they require a bit more regular grooming to prevent tangles. Be that as it may, these pups are similarly water resistant and require little bathing.

On the plus side, both breeds dry quickly. That’s a plus for your car’s interior if you take your pooch out with you to catch some waves.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Another waterfowl retriever and exceedingly intelligent dog, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever stands ready to make a splash. This focused, highly-athletic pup sports a water-resistant double coat which insulates them from icy water temperatures. Even if you’re surfing in the chilly Pacific, this pooch will be ready to dive right in. He might beat you to the line up to search for the next tubular ride ahead. Furthermore, the breed also has webbed feet, enhancing their agility in the water. So, if your canine companion is unlucky enough to experience a wipeout, he has the skills necessary to quickly swim back to your side.

Golden Retriever

Perhaps the most eager to please their human companions, Golden Retrievers are excited to share in a sport like surfing with their favorite person. And, similar to other breeds on this list, Golden Retrievers — who originated in Scotland — were bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl. Consequently, this breed is known for their love of water.

These dogs notably experience great difficulty when it comes to avoiding a puddle or creek along their path. In truth, parents of Goldens are all too familiar with the need to bathe their pooch after such encounters with muddy hiking trails. Luckily, these pups sport a water-resistant double coat.

This intelligent — albeit extremely playful — breed is a great fit for teaching how to surf. Your biggest problem will be convincing your Golden Retriever to get out of the water. After a doggone good time nose riding, don’t harsh their vibe!

American Water Spaniel

Just as with our other pups on the list, American Water Spaniels have a specialty in hunting waterfowl. Accordingly, they are strong, avid swimmers who are happy to be in the water. These dogs also have an abundance of energy. As a pet parent, teaching this breed to surf could be the ideal way to burn off some of this active pooch’s excess energy.

Furthermore, American Water Spaniels sport a very dense, curly coat. This trait protects them from suffering the effects of colder water temperatures. So, while you may need a wetsuit, they will likely handle any frigid splashes far better than you do.

This breed needs strong, positive training to minimize their tendency towards stubbornness. On a positive note, though, these dogs are known for staying close to their human companions when sporting. That’s a plus for canine surfing companions, who need to be well-bonded to their pet parent. American Water Spaniels are on the rarer side, frequently found more often in the Great Lakes area. And while that is the case, it doesn’t mean you can’t find one up for adoption in a local rescue.

Irish Water Spaniel

Just like the American Water Spaniel, the Irish Water Spaniel is now considered a rarer breed. Despite that, these pups make our list because of their history as dogs who would rather be in the water than on land. Irish Water Spaniels are skilled swimmers and waterfowl retrievers.

More interestingly though, they have biological advantages which make them ideal surf dogs. These canines have a water-repellent coat, courtesy of natural oils. On the downside, their unique, dense, double coat does require a bit more time spent addressing grooming needs in order to keep it free from mats and debris. By the same token, their pendant earflap can also lead to ear infections if you don’t ensure excess moisture is wiped away after they go for a dip. Even so, their webbed feet make them such a natural fit for time spent in the ocean that it’s easy to look past any extra work that comes with taking on the sport.

Other breeds who make excellent surf dogs

When thinking about the characteristics and traits which make dogs ideal breeds for surfing, a number of qualities spring to mind. Dogs with waterproof and water resistant coats are natural choices. By the same token, there are pups who dry quickly and require little grooming after making a splash. Some breeds even sport distinctive biological advantages like webbed feet. Moreover, many of the canines on our list were bred to hunt waterfowl and specifically work in oceans, lakes, and swamps.

Barbet and Catahoula Leopard Dog

Both Barbets and Catahoula Leopard Dogs are two such breeds with webbed feet, but their rareness means you’re less likely to find these pups in shelters or rescues. The Barbet is a loyal, French water dog with a thick, wooly, waterproof coat which allows the dog to swim in frigid temps. The breed is known for both its intelligence and agility, as well as for having been favored by King Henry IV. On the other hand, Catahoulas need vigorous exercise, watchful human companions, early socialization, and consistent training. Whereas these pups require a lot of attention and effort, they hold excellent promise for becoming proficient in surfing.

Redbone Coonhound

Another pup with webbed feet is the Redbone Coonhound. These dogs weren’t specifically bred for waterfowl hunting, but they love the water all the same. Rebones need lots of exercise, so they will likely enjoy the extreme physicality of surfing. On the negative side, this breed has a tendency to be extremely boisterous and barky.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog — with a weather-resistant outer coat and an absolute need for physical activity — has also collected awards at major dog surfing competitions. This breed does tend to bite and nip though, due to a history of herding cattle, so early socialization and training is imperative before exposure to other beach dwellers.

Surf’s up, pups

Surfing can be the ideal activity to bond over with your pup. While some breeds are more suited to water sports, even French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Goldendoodles have medaled in dog surfing competitions.

The best dogs for surfing not only need to be avid swimmers, but they also should reliably respond to recall commands. Accordingly, athletic, obedient pups who will listen to their humans and adapt in real time fare best out in the deep blue sea. A dog can face a number of dangers out in the ocean — be it strong tides, rip currents, seals and sharks, or even other humans. For that reason, canines need to be well-bonded to their human, because things can transpire and go wrong quickly once there is some distance between you and the shoreline.

As is often the case, proper training and resiliency are fundamental to securing your pup’s career as a wave-riding champ. Breeds who aren’t on this list could make radically awesome surf buds if they have the right temperament and training — accompanied by a devoted pet parent who believes in them. For example, there is an American Pit Bull Terrier named Faith who is an accomplished surfing dog. That’s despite the fact that her breed usually struggles swimming long distances because of a Pit Bull Terrier’s musculature, large head, and short legs.

You’ll never know if your four-legged friend is destined to crush a blue wave until you put on their life vest and get them standing on a surfboard. Your dog may even have a future in tandem dog / human surfing with you — their best friend — by their side. So, surf’s up, pups (and the people who love them)!

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This past weekend, dogs and their humans popped up on surfboards to ride the waves at the World Dog Surfing Championships in the San Francisco Bay area. The event, held at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, drew a crowd of hundreds of onlookers. In addition to the sporting aspect, there was also a charity component and the chance for attendees to take home adoptable pups. There was even a dog fashion show, vet checkups, a frisbee competition, and a friendly round of fetch along the shoreline.

Paddling pooches say “cow-a-bark-a”

This year’s competition was stiff but competitors looked to have a doggone good time as they competed in various heats of the tournament. Several pooches were returning champions, hoping to once again secure titles in their category of choice.

Cherie, a French Bulldog, was one such pup. In an interview with CNN, her dog parent Dan Nykolayko said of her technique that she “just likes to kinda hunker down on the board.” Calling her “a big boulder,” Nykolayko illustrated how his pup achieves success, describing how Cherie “gets down in the back, butt goes up, chest goes down.” He added that “as long as it’s a smooth ride, she is smooth sailing all the way in.”

Earlier this summer, the Frenchie retained her title as small dog champion in the Huntington Beach Surfing Competition. In fact, the pooch is known as a “surfing queen” because of all the honors she has racked up over her illustrious career.

The surfing dogs who made a splash

Surfer Magazine reported on the pups who dared attempt a cutback, drop-in, or nose ride. The publication — known for being an authority on all things surfing — even shared the competition’s results:

Dr. Treat Small Dog Category

1. Carson / Delilah (tie)
2. Samson, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Buddy’s Batch Medium Dog Category

1. Cherie, the surfing Frenchie
2. Lil Man
3. Iza, a French Bulldog

Playful Pooch Large Dog Category

1. Faith, an American Pit Bull Terrier
2. Ava
3. Ranger, a Golden Retriever

Bold by Nature Extra Large Dog Category

1. Derby, a Goldendoodle
2. Charlie, a yellow Labrador Retriever
3. Rosie, a Labrador Retriever

Rockaway Ricky Dog / Dog Tandem Category

1. Rosie, Charlie, and Carlson
2. Derby and Teddy
3. Faith and Iza

White Claw Human / Dog Tandem Category

1. Skyler, a Queensland Heeler — or, more commonly, an Australian Cattle Dog — and her human, Homer
2. Derby and his human Kentucky (both of whom sport a blue mohawk)
3. Team Faith

Diggidy Dog Top Dog Final Overall Champs

1. Carson, a Terrier mix
2. Faith
3. Cherie

More on competition rules and categories

The World Dog Surfing Championships judges entrants on several components, including the “length of ride, the size of the wave, [and] certainty on the board.” Judges also examine a dog’s surfing technique, looking to see if the pup can hang 20 — or stand on all fours — while riding the wave. However, a pooch can still collect points for sitting or laying down on their board. Official rules even note that extra points are awarded for tricks, which some pups do manage to pull off while catching a gnarly ride.

Dogs are also rated in size-specific categories of small, medium, large, and extra large. Additionally, there is a tandem dogs surfing round and a tandem dog / human competition. Top dogs take home a “Golden Surfie” and bragging rights.

Safety first

All dogs who enter the competition are required to wear a life vest. Moreover, their human companions who paddle out to sea with the pups are also expected to don life jackets. Organizers prioritize dog — and human — safety to ensure all contestants have an enjoyable experience.

Furthermore, all pups are expected to remain on leash when living out their best beach bum lives. Once they hit the water, however, only humans should be leashed to surfboards. Event organizers warn that attaching a dog to their board can be very dangerous, especially in the event of a wipeout.

The history of the World Dog Surfing Championships

The World Dog Surfing Championships is an annual event occurring on the California coast. This modern version of the tournament began in 2016. However, according to the organization’s website, the first dog surfing competition took place long before that in San Diego.

In 2006, the Loews Coronado Hotel played host to the inaugural competition of surf dogs. The idea for the tournament was conceived by Kevin Reed, the author of “The Dog’s Guide to Surfing: Hanging Ten with Man’s Best Friend.”

Dog surfing and your pup

Surfing can be a great activity to share with your dog. Some breeds — such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Golden Retrievers — are more suited to water sports. By the same token, so are most pups who have “water” in their name. Portuguese Water Dogs, Spanish Water Dogs, as well as both Irish and American Water Spaniels, would all make excellent surf buds. Be that as it may, your pup may still excel at the sport even if their breed isn’t on the list of the best dog breeds for surfing.

Athletic dogs who are strong swimmers and reliably respond to recall commands are excellent candidates for the sport. Once out in the ocean, there are a number of dangers a pup could face — from rip currents to sharks to other humans. Accordingly, canines need to be well-bonded to their human, because things can transpire and go wrong quickly in the deep blue sea.

As with most things, proper training and resiliency are key in ensuring your dog’s career as a wave-riding pup. You’ll never know if your rescue pooch is destined to crush a future World Dog Surfing Championships until you put fido’s life vest on and get him in the water. So, surf’s up, dawgs!

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Yoga is a timeless practice that originated in India. Its exact era of origin is so steeped in history that it’s hard to pinpoint, but the practice has been considered sacred by yogis everywhere since time immemorial. However, some forms of yoga, like doga, are a little bit newer.

Yoga’s growing popularity has led to some rather interesting trends and variations in the practice. Goat yoga is one of these recent evolutions. Another is drunk yoga. We here at DogTime cannot attest to the mental and physical effectiveness of these methods, especially the latter. Although, they certainly seem to provide their own level of entertainment and challenges.

One of the more popular and probably more accessible iterations of this new wave of yoga is dog yoga, or doga. This is the practice of yoga in the presence of dogs. Sometimes they may be the practitioners’ own dogs. In other instances, they may be dogs available for adoption.

Here’s what you should know about doga.

How doga works

While experiences and practices may vary, doga is ultimately a form of yoga in which the practitioner, or yogi, does most of the work. The participating pup is usually only a presence. Sometimes they may act as a weight, a block, or a prop.

Your dog isn’t actually doing yoga with you. Although, if your dog is capable of mimicking some of the poses with you, that could make for a fun yoga experience!

The comraderie of doga might take time to develop. Mahny Djahanguiri, author of DOGA: Yoga For You and Your Dog, says that it could take three to six months for your dog to get used to the idea of participating in yoga with you.

They might also never really adjust — or want to participate at all. Be sure you don’t force your pup into doing something they’re not comfortable with!

How to decide if doga is right for you

Naturally, the most important aspect of doga is the mindful time you spend with your dog. The idea is that your mindfulness and calmness will affect your dog the same way it does you, giving you both a semblance of calm and relaxation as you practice.

Yoga means “union.” As dog lovers, we think few things are more important than time spent uniting and better understanding your dog. Doga might not be for you. However, the exercise and calmness that the practice offers might be worth looking into, anyway.

The post Doga: What Is Dog Yoga? Can Your Dog Do It? appeared first on DogTime.

Dogs — or their parents — behaving badly? Fear not. We’re here to guide you through every dog park pickle. We laid the foundation for dog park etiquette in part one of this series, then got deeper into your dog park dilemmas in part two. Now, we’re going to take one final look at how to handle bad manners at the dog park!

Someone Brings a Small Child Into the Dog Park

Warn the parents. Let them know the dogs at the park are friendly but high-energy. Perhaps even add that you once saw an unsuspecting kid get steamrolled by a clumsy but well-meaning Collie. Consider pointing out a bench, grassy area, or playground outside of the park’s parameters where their tots might be able to play more safely. The tone you’re going for is informative and thoughtful. You know, as opposed to bossy and controlling.

Your Dog Gets Into a Fight

So, your dog got into a fight at the dog park. You disciplined your pup, but the other dog’s parent completely disregarded the situation. Unfortunately, there’s nothing left to do. It’s not your place to correct another dog, and giving unsolicited dog-parenting advice to the human is hardly ever appreciated. Best case scenario, the owner ignores you. Worst case, the confrontation turns ugly, and everyone — including the canines — loses. If you notice a pattern with this pair, and you’re able to establish a rapport with the dog parent, a well-timed offer could do the trick: “Let me know if you want the name of my behaviorist — she’s terrific!”

Your Dog Jumps Up On Someone at the Dog Park and Stains Their Clothes

Your dog couldn’t contain their excitement, jumped up on another dog parent, and soiled their white pantsuit. Should you offer to pay for the dry cleaning? Nah. That’s ridiculous, like expecting Disney World to refund your lunch after you toss your cookies on Space Mountain. Don’t bring your Golden Retriever to the glass miniatures exhibit. Don’t hire the aquarium guy to fix your plumbing. And don’t wear white clothing to the dog park. A simple apology should suffice.

You Step in Dog Poop — And You Know Which Parent Failed to Scoop!

Your best bet is to simply walk away (after vigorously wiping said shoe on the grass). Even if you’re 100 percent confident it was Tinkerbell who laid the log, actually proving it is difficult at best. And let’s face it: no one wants to be standing around arguing about whose poop it is when your shoe smells like it just blew in from an outhouse. Face it, solid waste happens. At least you weren’t wearing sandals…right? Right?!

Now that you know all about dog park etiquette, read up on off-leash etiquette and trail etiquette when hiking with dogs!

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Dog parks are one of the best places for your pup to run, play, and socialize. As a devoted dog parent, you know the sheer joy and excitement that fills the air when you unleash your furry friend in these open spaces. However, to ensure a truly “pawsitive” experience for all, it’s crucial to navigate the unspoken rules of dog park etiquette.

We covered the basics of dog park etiquette in part one of this series. Now, we’re going deeper into your dog park dilemmas and canine quandaries. By keeping manners in mind when you visit the dog park, you’ll ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your best friend and all the other pups in your proximity.

Someone Lets Their Dog Run Off-Leash in an On-Leash Area

While we are advocates of always leashing your dog where legally required to do so, this isn’t junior high school and you’re not the hall monitor. If the dog isn’t antagonizing you or your pup, let it go. It’s your responsibility to follow the rules, not enforce them. If the dog is truly a menace, a friendly, “FYI, I’ve seen people get tickets for unleashed dogs here…” should do the trick.

There’s a Dog Running So Wild, They’ve Almost Knocked You Down

What should you do? Move out of the dog’s way! And if there’s not time for that, bend your knees and brace for impact. After all, this is what the dog park was meant to be: a place where dogs who’ve been cooped up in the house all day can run wild, wrestle, chase each other, and just generally get their ya-yas out. Unless the dog is dangerously out of control, let them have their day.

A Dog Tries Mount You or Your Dog

Ah, the dog who “loves” too much. Though the behavior is neither uncommon nor unnatural, humpers often become the pariahs of the park. If your dog’s a humper, get this under control (with a dog trainer or behaviorist, if necessary). Get help sooner rather than later — or you’ll find humans and canines alike heading for the hills at the first glimpse of either one of you. Catch Fido in the act? Call him to you as quickly as possible. If that fails, lead your pup by the collar away from whomever they’ve set their sights on.

If you are the humper’s victim, or the victim’s parent, do what it takes to extricate your dog from the humper. Running interference between the dogs or physically removing the dog from your leg is perfectly acceptable.

Little Dogs Charge or Bark at Big Dogs

Yep, we know the one: the Chihuahua who thinks she’s a mountain lion and inevitably stalks the Great Dane who thinks he’s a cat. Assuming it’s highly unlikely that anyone will be harmed during this display, let the dogs work it out (usually they do, quite gracefully). It might not be fair — little dogs always get away with more — but that’s life in the dog park. Most of the time, this is not worth getting other dog parents involved. Exception: if one dog is ganged up on, no matter the size, a human needs to intervene.

Your Dog Has an Embarrassing Potty Break in the Middle of Your Conversation

You finally mustered the courage to approach another dog parent. You’ve barely made it through introductions when your dog pops a squat. It might not seem like it, but you just hit the jackpot! Nothing bonds people together like embarrassment. “Excuse me, could I get your advice on this one? Bag it or bare hand?” is the perfect ice-breaker. If that’s not exactly your style, now worries. This is still your chance to show off what a responsible dog parent you are. Smile sweetly, grab your eco-friendly poop bag, and carry on as if nothing happened.

Looking for more guidance on canine (and human) manners? Check out dog park etiquette, part three!

The post Dog Park Etiquette: Part 2 appeared first on DogTime.

When the weather is nice, dogs of all breeds and their parents drop by the dog park. But judging by the manners of some of those pups at these awesome outdoor recreational facilities, you’d think they (and their humans) were raised by wolves. So what’s a conscientious dog lover to do if they see something amiss at the dog park? We have some dog park etiquette and advice for navigating your thorniest dog park dilemmas.

You See Someone Fail to Scoop

If the offending dog parent blatantly shirks their poop-scooping duty, keep your cool. Fight the urge to smack your gums indignantly and demand, “You gonna get that?” Instead, kindly let the dog parent know there’s been an incident. Keep your tone light, even helpful, like you’re doing them a favor: “Oh! I think your dog just went!” Use the same approach if the parent is genuinely oblivious to the deposit.

You See Someone Harshly Reprimand Their Dog

While “harsh” may be in the eye of the beholder, you know bad dog parenting when you see it. However, interfering can get downright ugly. Most dog parents will not be receptive to your parenting critique, no matter how delicately your phrase it. But for the pup’s sake, it’s worth a try: “I couldn’t help but notice you’re dealing with a jumper, just like my Oscar. I had the best luck with [insert suitable training technique here]…”

If the dog is clearly going to be better off removed from the situation (i.e. they’re in danger of physical harm or psychological trauma), this switches from a question of etiquette to a moral obligation. You must alert the authorities.

Someone Reprimands Your Dog

If the reprimand is warranted, consider the issue closed. For example, your Chow receives a stern “Ginger, no!” when she runs over to help herself to someone else’s stash of treats. Not only is the mild scolding appropriate, but the other dog parent has also reinforced that the rule “Baconettes are for good dogs who sit” applies everywhere. However, if the reprimand is too harsh, or simply uncalled for, step in right away. Offer a cordial, “Thanks, I’ll handle it,” and walk Ginger to another area of the park.

You’re Left Out of the Dog Park Coffee Klatch

Chances are, this invite-only meet-and-greet looks way more interesting from the outside. The bulk of the conversation probably revolves around whose dog failed obedience class and where Coco was caught pooping. Count your blessings. If you seriously still want in, invite one or two of the park-goers to your place for happy hour. Tell them you’ve been wanting to discuss Vixen’s off-color greeting habits.

Looking for more guidance on canine (and human) manners? Check out dog park etiquette, part two!

The post Dog Park Etiquette: Part 1 appeared first on DogTime.

Question:

My dog seems bored most of the time. How can I add some excitement to their life?

Answer:

Bored dog? Play every day

It only takes 30 minutes a day of play to keep your dog engaged and happy. Set aside time to connect with your dog through fun activities. You’ll both feel energized when you’re done. If you’re pressed for time, make room for five minutes here, 10 minutes there. Your efforts will yield a positive cumulative effect.

Take your dog on a date

Too many dogs endure the same boring routine: get up, eat, sleep, play a little, eat some more, and go back to sleep. Where’s the excitement in that? Make a resolution to take your pet on a “date” or special outing at least once every three months. That’s only four times a year. You can do that. Go to a dog park, the beach, visit a pet-friendly park or garden — the possibilities are endless. Pack a special “doggy bag,” load everyone in the car, and seek adventure! Be sure to pack a camera because you’ll want to treasure these memories forever.

Take your pet’s portrait

Sadly, we have relatively little time with our pups — only 10 to 17 years, if we’re lucky. Make a resolution to take time and capture special images of your pets throughout the year. Be sure to include family and loved ones in some of the photographs. Play “model for a day,” dress up in feather boas and crazy hats, or simply “vogue” at the beach. Another keepsake alternative? Commission a custom pet portrait of your pup.

Throw a pet party

Everyone loves a party. But how often do you throw your dog a party? Pick a date to celebrate anything with your pets and your friends. Bake a pet-friendly (and healthy) cake or “pupcakes,” prepare a bowl of “pooch punch,” and create pet-themed games and activities. Who knows? You may just start a family tradition.

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