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With the increasing number of serious incidents reported at public and community dog parks, private dog parks such as Royal Paws Dog Park & Dog Day Care are quickly gaining popularity as the only safe and enjoyable choice for dogs and their owners.

The current trend is city and home communities responding to area dog owner demand by setting aside a small plot of their least desirable piece of land and designating it as the area dog park. Unfortunately these unmanaged and unregulated dog parks often turn to that of neighbor confrontation, injury and horror, even with the best of intending groups and dog owners. Let’s face it, without any oversight or enforcement, incidents are going to occur. So with this increasing number of these dog parks follow the increasing number of serious incidents being reported. The well intending community becomes the venue for headlines such as “Dog Killed” or “Child Mauled by Aggressive Dogs”. The only safe alternative is that of a well run, private dog park where it is run as a viable business. A properly designed and managed private dog park is an entirely different experience than public parks because it will include dog screening, grounds maintenance, park rules enforcement and more suitable land parcels.

The benefits to a dog at an off-leash dog park or any open area of land are immense. Unleashed running elevates heart rate, increases metabolism, improves gastrointestinal efficiency, and extends muscles and joints, all of which contributes to general overall fitness. It is known that maintaining such a healthy lifestyle for your loved dog will increase longevity and reduce risk of all associated conditions and diseases that obesity can cause. The experience for a dog in open field run is like no leashed exercise. Benefits of off-leash play beyond fitness include socialization, that is, if experienced without incident. Well exercised and well socialized dogs make better community members as they are much less likely to contribute to neighborhood nuisances like chronic barking or aggression to other dogs.

If public parks could operate as the run private dog parks do, these benefits would be available to all community dogs near any type of dog park. Unfortunately, these community or city dog parks cannot staff, screen or have the resources to manage park operations. Thus, incidents will occur, often causing loss of dog’s developed social skills and development of behavioral issues. Incidents like a dog being intimidated, bullied or even attacked by another dog will occur in parks not privately run. Such negative experiences can cause dog aggression, fear aggression or cause physical injury or death. Physical or emotional recovery of a dog from a traumatic incident requires a positive and secure environment that only a well managed private dog park can provide. The good experiences enjoyed in a well-managed private dog park is the primary reason that many loved dog owners everywhere chose private over potential chaos at a public dog park.

Even with the best of run private dog parks, the dog owners retain a high level of responsibility upon park entrance and must be willing to withstand the occasional park staff directive. They must carefully watch their dog, abide by all park rules, maintain the obedience skills of the dog and know their dog well enough to predict their dog’s behavior. Each dog owner should understand their dog’s postures, expressions and movement to be able to differentiate in off-leash situations when they are comfortable and when they are not and to identify or correct any potential troublesome behaviors. This too is critical to the enjoyment of the park by all.

While private dog parks are gaining popularity because they may be the only choice for safe and enjoyable off-leash fun, still do homework because none of the dog parks are regulated by any government agency. A good rule of thumb for any place intended to visit with a dog, learn your dog’s body language and level of social skills, have good control and be comfortable with the facility layout and staff to lessen the chances of any possible incident with your dog.

According to the Center for Disease Control, pet ownership has a number of significant health benefits. Pet owners experience lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and are often more active than those without pets. A National Institute of Health workshop held in 1987 concluded that pets are especially beneficial for older people and children, albeit for quite different reasons. Older people enjoy the companionship and derive health benefits from the increased level of activity and attention that pets generally require, while children learn responsibility and socialization skills in the safety of a nonjudgmental relationship with the family pet. Additionally, scientific studies have shown that people with pets suffer significantly lower levels of stress during major life changes than those without them.

Certainly, relocation is a major life change. Since pets help their owners to cope with the stress surrounding your move, it’s only fair that you should help your pets in return by shielding them from as much of the stress and bustle surrounding a move as possible. Veterinarians agree that pets can often suffer more stress during a move than their owners, in part because pets cannot understand why their environment is changing so radically and rapidly. While every pet will react to stress differently, here are some helpful suggestions to consider.

Leave your pet’s possessions for last

Packing up your dog’s favorite toys or moving your cat’s litter box may seem like a small matter to you, but it can be very upsetting to your pet. Since you can’t explain to your dog that he’ll get his toys back after the move, it’s better to leave them out until right before the move. You can then move them at the same time you move him. This will also give your dog a familiar object or two to play with on the journey to your new home, which can relieve some stress in itself.

Plan a sleepover for your pet

One way to spare your pet stress if you are moving within the same city is to arrange for her to stay with a friend for a few days. After the move is complete, you can bring your pet to her new home and allow her to adjust to one major change rather than a whole series of upsetting and repeated changes to her environment.

Last packed, first unpacked

It’s a good idea to unpack your pet’s toys, food, and litter box first, before allowing him into the new home. Unfamiliar surroundings can be frightening and disorienting for your pet, so seeing the familiar objects from home can help take the edge off a stressful situation. It may also be helpful to physically show your pet the way to the areas that will be important to him, such as food and water dishes, litter boxes, and the all-important doggie door.

Lots of love and attention

Your pet can’t tell you how she’s feeling, but she often shows it in the way she acts. Make sure your pet gets plenty of cuddles and petting. Praise her for using the doggie door, scratching to be let outside, or finding the litter box; this will reinforce these behaviors and ensure they continue in the new environment. Hugging your pet will make you feel better too, and reduce stress levels for both of you.

Your pet does so much for your family’s health and emotional well-being. These simple steps can help you return the favor and reduce stress for your pet when you relocate, ensuring a smoother move for all the members of your family, including the four-footed variety.

Dog Parks and Starting One in your Community

Dog Parks are becoming more and more popular. They are not only fun for our dogs but , are also a great place for humans to interact. They provide a place for dogs to run off leash and socialize with other dogs, as well as allowing for owners to socialize at the same time.

Unfortunately not all communities have Dog Parks available for our canine friends. If your community does not have a Dog Park available to you here are some guidelines on getting a park started.

First off do some research.

Is anyone else developing a Dog Park in your area. Find out about rules and regulations that pertain to your community. Can local parks or recreation departments be of any help. Talk to people in your community and get some feedback about opening a park in your area. When planning park keep in mind traffic patterns, neighborhoods, noise, etc Set up a liaison with city, neighborhood, and dog owners Assign someone to monitor use Set up times that park will be available for use. Rules for using the Dog Park

Present you Community with the benefits of having a Dog Park.

Dogs can socialize and exercise in a safe environment. Helps to promote responsible pet ownership Will help to promote public health and safety Provides a meeting place for dog owners to socialize. Provides access for people with disabilities to exercise their pets.

Dog Park should include:

At least 1 acre or more of ground and be surrounded with a 4′ to 6′ fence. The entry should be gated Regular maintenance should be performed (cut grass, waste clean up, etc.) Wheelchair access Plenty of shade and water A separate parking area Station to dispose of waste Benches, tables, trash cans, etc Complete set of rules for using the Dog Park

With this general guideline you will be well on you way to developing a Dog Park in your area. We hope to see your Dog Park up and running soon.

Article written by Kevin Gawricki

Kevin is owner of Dog Gone Good Stuff which he founded because of the need for a place that caters specifically to dogs and their owners specific needs. Please feel free to visit Dog Gone Good Stuff for all your dogs needs. Web address www.doggonegoodstuff.com

Having a sick dog on your hands is never a pleasant experience.  It can be an emotional roller coaster as well as a time consuming task. A dog is man’s best friend.  And no one wants to see their best friend suffer. So, how about a dog that never gets sick; do they exist?  Unfortunately, they don’t.  Dogs are prone to many of the same diseases as humans: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and even depression and anxiety.  Of course, this is rather depressing in itself to think about when you look at your rambunctious pup.  But, there is one simple remedy that can greatly reduce the risk of these diseases: walking your dog.

Dog walking and dog ownership should go hand-in-hand, but as we all know, the hustle and bustle of New York City can catch up to us.  By the time you get home, you want to plop down on that couch, have your tail-wagging friend pounce on you, and smack a wet kiss on your cheek.  But, if you want that friendly welcome to continue, you should consider the health benefits of taking your pup for a stroll.

There’s a lot of beauty in New York City that you might miss between hopping subway cars and hailing cabs.  So, at the end of the day, a walk can be relaxing and healthy for you and your pet.  A leisurely walk can greatly reduce your dog’s stress level as well as your own.  Walking through Central Park as the sun sets and the cooling autumn air brushes against your face just sounds relaxing, doesn’t it?  And, while we’re on relaxing, if you’re dog is a bit too rambunctious—past the point of cuteness—a daily walk can calm him/her down.  Walks will also dissuade chewing and other destructive habits.  As for the other benefits, well, you and your pet need exercise.  A daily 30 minute walk will help keep you and your pup in shape.

Of course, committing to a daily 30 minute walk might not always be possible.  Schedules change, things happen, and you might find yourself unable to walk your dog.  Well, no need to worry.  Even if it’s only a few days a week, you can rely on a Manhattan dog walker.  When you seek out a dog walking service, you’ll find people who genuinely care about your pet’s health and would be more than happy to take them on a walk when you’re unable to.  Utilizing dog walking services in New York is a reliable way to make sure your puppy will be greeting you after a hard day’s work for a long time to come.

There are many different types of parrot breeders available and all offer different breeds of parrots. Like everything you have the chance to purchase parrots from online breeders or offline breeders, depending on where you live. This article will endeavor to explain every question there is about parrot breeding and parrot breeders as well.

Online Parrot Breeders

How do I find parrot breeders online? How do I know if they are reputable or not? These are some of the questions I get asked a lot. Basically it’s extremely easy to find a parrot breeder online. All you have to do is run a search on one of the search engines, using the following information corresponding to your search, “parrot breeders “town or city of choice””. This information will bring up a list of the top breeders online. Now all you have to do is sift through the list and find the most appropriate one for you. Basically most breeders online are going to be reputable, but just to be sure, make sure you are able to give them a phone call and I would recommend talking to them in person before you decide to make a purchase.

Essentially you are looking for a parrot breeder in your area that will allow you to come and check out the parrots he or she has available. Also many breeders will actually deliver the parrots to your doorstep but I wouldn’t recommend doing this. It’s best if you go in person to check out the parrots they have available first and then make your decision from there.

Offline Parrot Breeders

Basically offline parrot breeders are just breeders that don’t advertise online so you won’t be able to find them by running a search on the internet. The best way to find one of these breeders is to contact the local national wildlife center and ask them if they know of any parrots breeders in the area. In many cases there are small time breeders who believe it or not generally have the best parrots available, due to the fact they are so passionate about what they do. Also you should be able to purchase a parrot for much cheaper then if you went through a more commercial breeder.

Things To Be Wary Of

Some of the things you have to be careful of include, making sure the parrot breeder is 100% reputable. You have to make sure you know where the parrots are coming from because in many cases, people have been sold a parrot that has come from the black market. This is just one of the things that is turning people away from purchasing parrots and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The only type of parrot that should be kept in captivity is a parrot that was born in captivity and doesn’t have the ability to make it in the wild. Black market parrot trading is wrong and should be condemned.