Are you a professional pet sitter? Take a look at a few companies that offer you specialized liability insurance. Also, if you transport animals in your car, be sure that either your cheap car insurance or the sitter insurance will cover any accidents with your or someone else’s vehicle. Similar to the free auto insurance quotes that you can get online, you can request a custom quote for your pet business insurance.

It is not the norm in any average community to plan for off-leash spaces when considering a new park. Just as much as it is almost always the case that any new park entirely dedicated to dogs is created in response to some sort of public outcry or as a result of some individual or groups overwhelming generosity. Let’s face it… it costs more money to allow for dogs in any park because of the fencing, permits, EPA regulations, plumbing, planning, hardware and maintenance. We as dog owners must request, if not demand that our pets have the freedom to be true to their species and be allowed some part of public space to simply be themselves. There is much that we can do but we have to be willing to make our request and allow for the financing in the way of taxes for public spaces. It is our responsibility to ensure that our local government knows that we want dog parks and off-leash spaces for our pets and that we’re willing to pay for it. Just as it is up to us to be responsible dog owners with well balanced dogs and train our pets well so that we may overcome any stigma that may exist as a result of bad dog owners before us…

It’s not usually too hard to find dog parks in your area… you can pretty much ask any person you see with a dog. Every other one should be able to tell you about all the dog parks within a 50-mile radius. You can try checking with your local park service but they don’t often have very well informed or up to date information on their websites. If you are going to contact them I would recommend just calling. Once you know what parks there are you should stop by and check it out. Try going on a Sunday afternoon if you want to be around other people and dogs – if not than try any weekday before 4pm. What do you think? Is it everything you thought it would be? Was there even any park to go to? Did you have very high hopes? From my experience a great dog park is a rare gem. We are lucky enough to have 2 in our area. Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, Washington (just outside of Tacoma) has a huge amount of acreage dedicate to dogs. And Magnuson Park in Seattle has an enormous dog run with lots of little areas and an opening to the Lake Washington. We are truly blessed with these parks but they took some serious doing to bring them to fruition. The off-leash area at Fort Steilacoom Park was over 5 years in conception and I’m not sure about Magnuson but I would assume about the same.

From my understanding the process for opening a new dog park or developing any space in an existing park goes something like this… first you have to find the motivation. Maybe enough local residents band together a make a big stink and manage to motivate the local officials. Or maybe enough motivated people get a petition together and propose it formerly to their local government. Either way the motivation has to be found to begin the process and once you have that you’re formerly involved in the great bureaucracy! I attribute this point of the process to “hurry up and STOP!” Now the idea is formerly proposed and on the agenda. This is usually committed to for something like six months to a year. The idea is to confirm that the park is something worth pursuing and more importantly… is there funding available? The answer is more often than not going to be no. Parks are usually only created or updated when either the city or county is going through a rejuvenation process or the money for the idea is gathered by an outside organization or donated by a philanthropist. That’s not to say that it can’t be done. The good part is that at this point you only need enough money to propose a study.

This is when it helps to have a plan B – Make a BiG stink! Send e-mail after e-mail. Mail letters. Call any and all local officials that will take your calls. The idea is to make sure that any one individual or individuals knows personally that the need exists. If it’s in the politician best interest to accomplish a task than it will get done… and if that means no more letter or phone calls from you and all your puppy lovin’ buddies – so be it. Let’s just assume at this point that we have at least some of the money or we’ve managed to motivate a few local politicians. Now we get to perform a study. The parks service gets to call all their buddies in for surveys and testing to see if the EPA is going to allow the park and how much more money it would take to bring the park to fruition. From the fence posts to the water lines there is a specific figure it will take and the local government needs to know what that is.

During the study it’s important to remember to call your local bureaucrats and ask politely if there are any updates. Of course they won’t have any info for you and will most likely refer you to the parks service website but we can’t forget that persistence is key. Once the study is completed – which usually takes from six months to a year – and the it looks likely the EPA will approve the park we can be hopeful the park will be brought for a formal vote by the powers that be. This is where it helps to know who is who in your area. Make the calls and send those letters. All the same rules apply. There is power in numbers. The will and the money have to come from somewhere… and there is no reason that it can’t be inspired by you.

Visit us at us to learn more about how we are helping to promote the love of animals and responsible pet ownership through the design and creation of our unique pet products.

http://animallovepets.com/pet-articles.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kendra_McCord

http://EzineArticles.com/?Support-Your-Local-Dog-Park—Dog-Parks-Offer-a-Sense-of-Community-For-Us-and-Our-Pets&id=1405112

Dogs of all ages need exercise. Nothing can replace a good walk with a human companion, but all dogs really want a chance to run and really stretch their legs. If they can enjoy the camaraderie of other canines at the same time, that’s even better. And that’s why dog parks are such a great place for your pets.

Let’s look at some of the good reasons to use your local dog park, as well as a few precautions you should be taking, too.

Socialization Galore

If you’re fortunate enough to have a popular dog park in your community, this can be a great source of socialization for your dog. Dogs need to have as many interactions as possible with other dogs and with humans so they will feel comfortable in lots of different situations. A well-socialized dog is less likely to be anxious, nervous, or aggressive. Because a dog park is full of people and pets, socialization is almost guaranteed.

Fun for Dogs of All Types

Dogs love to walk and explore their environment, but they may not always like having to be leashed in the process. Even if you have a big fenced in yard where your dog can run safely unleashed, if he or she doesn’t have a buddy to chase around the fun may be limited. At the dog park, dogs can do their own thing off-leash. Older dogs might just want to find a shady spot under a tree. Active dogs may want to play as a pack. Some dogs may want to play fetch with their human companions.

If you’ve never seen the pure look of happiness on the face of a dog running off-leash, you need to head to the nearest dog park and see it for yourself.

Healthy Exercise

Another benefit is the exercise for your dog. Dogs who don’t get enough exercise are prone to obesity, arthritis, and other serious health problems. Plus, they are more difficult to live with because all of the pent up energy is going to emerge as destructive, unwanted behavior in your home.

While walking your dog is good exercise for both of you, the dog park is going to give your dog a chance to really get a workout and drain that energy. Regular visits to the dog park will make a huge difference in even the feistiest dog.

A Few Precautions

Dog parks clearly have a lot of benefits, but you do need to take some precautions for your pet’s protection and your own.

1. Separate Small and Large Dogs – Most dog parks have separate areas so small dogs can enjoy themselves safely. Large dogs, even the friendly ones, can accidentally injure a small dog. Obey the rules on separation by size, and if your particular park does not offer that option, start campaigning in order to have the city establish it.

2. Look Around – Always keep an eye out for dog fights, which will undoubtedly happen once in a while. If you know the park well, be aware of new dogs coming into the park and their general demeanor.

3. Keep Your Dog Under Vocal Control – Even though the dog park is a place where humans can mingle, too, you don’t want to become so distracted in your conversation that you can’t pay attention to what your dog is doing. Most dog parks do have rules requiring you to have vocal control over your dog at all times.

4. Keep Your Eyes Open – The dog park will give you a chance to socialize with other dog owners, however, always keep your dog in sight. Be aware of other dogs getting aggressive, or even of what he get’s into his mouth. One of the ways to keep the parks pleasant, is for the owners to always pick up after their dogs. Don’t be so distracted that you don’t see when your dog does its business.

5. Bring Water – Although some dog parks do have the ability to provide water for the dogs through a fountain, most do not. Always bring along water for your dogs because the can easily get overheated when they’re playing in the warm sunshine. In the summer, you might find the best times to play are in the morning and in the evening before sunset.

6. Protect Yourself – Getting to know your fellow dog lovers is a great idea but you have to be careful. Just because someone owns a dog that doesn’t mean they are a wonderful person. Be careful about how much personal information you reveal about yourself. Do not leave your purse or wallet visible in the car while you are inside the park. Would be thief knows you’ll be distracted and will take advantage of the fact.

Most importantly, use this play time to bond with your dog. Don’t just get there and ignore him or her the rest of the time. Nothing will make your dog happier, than having the chance to play with you.

If you want to read more stories and find very useful information about your cats and dogs, please visit me at http://www.yourpetsuniverse.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebeca_Rambal

http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Using-a-Dog-Park&id=2402799

You have a month, before you should bring your puppy to the dog park. Most puppies are not fully immunized until they are 4 months old.

Getting a puppy into a positive reinforcement, punishment-free Puppy Kindergarten is a responsible first step and a wonderful way for a puppy to learn socialization skills. Another way is to make “play-dates” for him or her, with puppies or dogs your puppy makes friends with in their Puppy Kindergarten class.

Play dates can be anywhere as long as the animals are having fun and enjoying each other’s company. Your dog’s backyard, the other dog’s backyard, the beach, a hike, swimming, or even a local doggie park is terrific places for dogs to cut loose and have fun.

Most well run, well-maintained dog parks are fantastic places for dogs to meet, burn up excess energy and make new friends. On the other hand, unfortunately, some dog parks are dangerous, due mostly to irresponsible dog owners. There are a few self-centered individuals, who pride themselves on their dog’s inappropriate behaviors. As a rule, they are the same people who do not clean up after their animals…and find it humorous!

Before you decide on which park, public or private you plan to patronize, do your homework. Make sure your dog has all their inoculations, especially rabies, distemper, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza Vaccine (CIV) for the H3N8 virus. The last two are highly contagious viruses. If you board your dog in a kennel, take your dog to a doggie day care, or groomer or dog park, make sure they are protected.

Visit the different parks. The one nearest you may not be the best one for your or your dog.

There are good and bad times to visit most dog parks. The majority of them are busiest during the cooler hours of the day. That means early in the day, and after most people get out of work in the evening.

Talk to the dog owners there. Ask why they have chosen that particular park. Watch how their dogs interact.

What you should look for in a dog park are:

First and foremost, do responsible dog owners patronize that particular park?

Do patrons follow dog park etiquette?

Is there owner supervision? Watch for inappropriate behavior… canine and human.

What is the dog-human ratio? One person for every 2-3 dogs is a workable ratio.

Is the park clean?

Is food being brought into the park? That could lead to trouble!

Are owners cleaning up after their dogs?

Is there water?

How are the dogs interacting? Don’t fret if you see a dog or two off by themselves. Some dogs benefit physically and emotionally from going to the park; but don’t necessarily like to mingle with the “pack.”

If there are dog confrontations are the owners acting responsibly?

Are gates and fences well maintained?

Is there a double gate entrance; so the dogs cannot “escape?”

Are poop bags provided…and used?

Are there trash barrels? Are they overflowing?

Are shady areas provided for the dogs and owners?

Is there water?

Before actually taking your puppy or dog into a “new” park, walk the parameter. Let them sniff the other dogs through the fence. Watch how your dog and the other dogs react.

When you go into the park, immediately remove your dog’s leash. Dogs have two primal survival instincts…fight or flight. If they cannot flee, several will fight! It is amazing! There are dogs that are uncontrollably leash aggressive; yet, when off their leash, they are the sweethearts of the park!

Follow the park rules…if they say “NO CHILDREN!” keep your kids out! Dog parks are not playgrounds! There are very good reasons for that rule. Dogs are predators…to some, especially those with high prey drive; running children are nothing more than prey!

If your dog is not neutered or spayed, do it! Or be extra vigilant! There are too many irresponsible dog owners, who bring their intact pets to the park! Watching a pair before or in the middle of their heat of passion urge to pass on those genes can be unnerving for some!

If you are uncomfortable, leave! Follow your protective instincts.

Once you get the hang of dog park life, you and your dog will become addicted! You will meet other interesting dog owners, your dog will make lots of new friends, they will burn off mind-boggling amounts energy and the best part is; they will go home happy and tired!

Bottom line: A tired dog is a GOOD DOG!

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN & S.T.A.R PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Soukiasian

http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Make-Sure-Your-Dogs-Dog-Park-Experience-is-a-Positive-One&id=3006870

“Woof!”

Hopefully that translates into something close to, “Welcome to the Scotts Valley “Bark Park” website. As this site is new we hope that you’ll help us in deciding what it should contain. The easiest way to do this is to use the Community Forum. In the weeks to come we’ll start filling in the “Photo Gallery” pages with pictures taken at the park, and add items to the “News & Events” section. This is your site so please use it.