Busy Morning....

Got up early to meet Patti & Paul at the dog park this morning with Finn, Polly and Milly with my three. But when I got there, the road was closed for another stupid bike race. "Share the road" my ass. Grrr! So a quick text and phone call and we made another plan to meet up at North Beach dog park. They beat me there and called to remind me that the small dog part was closed. Dang it! So off to 5th ave park. Never been there. But the kids were getting anxious and didn't know WHAT was going on, so we gave it a try. It was an okay park. Noisy, just because it's under the overpass. Didn't like the short fence, but mine have never been fence jumpers. After that, we went to PetSmart to pick up some dog food, and a couple new squeaky toys just to make it a good experience. Then home to more coffee. That's a lot of activity on a Saturday morning before 10AM. 

The best part is that Patti made these AWESOME banana muffins! YUM! Thanks Patti!!

Chandler? Chandler Bing?

I took the dogs to the park again this morning - our usual weekend ritual. We left a little later than usual this morning. It was starting to get busy, but not too bad. There were a lot of Yellow Labs, an Irish Setter, a few mixed breeds, and the Australian Cattle Dogs. We've met the Aussies a few times. They are pretty friendly dogs. Every now and then, there's another male dog that gets a little too "interested" in Jackson, one of my male dogs.

Now, Jackson is about the most docile dog on the planet. He doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body (unless you happen to be a 'possum, raccoon or cat). Several months ago there was a Standard Poodle that wouldn't leave him alone. I finally gave up because the owners were pretty useless and couldn't control their dog, so I decided to leave. While trying to get Jackson to leash him, he turned on the Poodle and I think he turned into a bear. So I was happy to see him stick up for himself.

So this morning he had an admirer in one of the Australian Cattle Dogs. Why this visit and not any of the other times we've seen them is a mystery to me. So I think it must be his hair. He has gay hair. He's the Chandler Bing of the Fort De Soto Paw Playground.

Dog Park Ettiquette

Those of you who know me, are aware that I have a weekend ritual that plays out every Saturday and Sunday morning. I have three whippets that are a part of my family and a huge part of my life. Each weekend morning is spent at the local dog park. Over the past five years, I’ve learned a lot about dog park behavior. Some of it is etiquette, some of it is behavior, and some are just lessons that others really need to learn.

• Always, always, always clean up after your dog. You brought it in, you are responsible for it. And I don’t want to step in it. It can also spread disease. Be responsible.
• Don’t be afraid to ask someone for a bag if you don’t have one.
• CLOSE THE GATE BEHIND YOU! There is a reason for the gate. It’s not for your sake, it’s to keep the other dogs in.
• If you’ve never used a gate fork latch, the way to use it is pull UP then DOWN to the right. It’s not rocket science. You’re just lazy.
• Watch your dog. Do not sit and read a book. Do not get tied up on a phone call.
• Learn to read your dog and others in the park. Are tails wagging? Or are hackles up?
• Do not let your dog run with others when on a retractable leash. These leashes are dangerous. Especially when they are playing with other dogs.
• Friendly dogs hurt too. Sometimes dogs can play rough. Even though they may not be aggressive, they can still hurt other dogs or people.
• Just because your small dog is comfortable around big dogs does not mean it’s safe. See bullet above.
• Just because your child is comfortable around big dogs does not mean it’s safe. See second bullet above.
• Good dog owners go in the morning. Okay - so I’m not saying that if you go in the afternoon that your a bad owner. I’m saying that the regulars who make the effort to get up early and go tend to pay more attention. The afternoon crowd are usually just on their way to the beach or park and decide to take their dog. They are there for a different reason.
• Talk to the other dog owners. Most people LOVE to talk about their dogs. It will help put them at ease about your dog if they feel you are a good dog owner.
• Don’t forget to ask about their dog. A simple, “what’s his name,” or “how old is she” goes a long way. Other people’s dogs are just as important to them as yours are to you. Keep this in mind when you are talking to other dog owners.
• In addition to cleaning up after your dog, clean up after yourself. Do not leave your water bottles, worn out dog toys, food wrappers or trash in the park. Save your trash so you can litter in your own front yard.

While you have a lot of responsibility during your visit, your dogs are there to have fun. Enjoy your trip to the park. This is the time you get to spend with your best friends.

Fort De Soto Paw Playground