Hello Bark Park Member

Here are some helpful hints for getting your dog ready for a new Bark Park season:

CLEAN UP, NO EXCUSES! - Keep the dog parks clean and more importantly our dogs healthy. A dog owner should always have bags with them, even if provided at a dog park

WATER – A dog owner should always have water with them, even if provided at a dog park. The water supply could be turned off or broken.

SOCIALIZATION & BASIC COMMANDS – work on socialization BEFORE going back to the dog park, since your activity may have been limited over the winter months. This is also a good time to work on your dogs’ basic commands since a dog must be under the handlers control at all times when in the dog park.

PAW CARE – Make sure nails are trimmed to prevent tearing. Also, if the paw pads need to toughen up, start walks and runs on soft surfaces like dirt, grass or sand.

CALM YOUR DOG BEFORE ENTERING A DOG PARK – “Spring Fever” can get all of us excited, including our dogs. Hyper dogs in close proximity to each other can create a dangerous situation. Take a walk or have a play session to drain excess energy before going to the dog park.

FIRST VISIT BACK – Schedule your first springtime visit back to the dog park when there are no other dogs or just a few dogs. This will help your dog adjust back to the park and can help with the excitement issue.

BE AWARE OF OVER EXERTION - Our winter exercise may have been limited due to the weather and that includes our dogs. Start with short, slow paced activities and gradually increase to prevent injuries. Be extra careful with brachycephalic dogs and dogs that may still have a winter coat.

FLEAS & TICKS – check with your vet about the best time for flea & tick applications for your dog. Remember, it’s better to prevent the problem then to have to treat it.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY – Wet spring weather and worn grass means mud! You and your dog will get dirty. Wear shoes with good traction and have plenty of towels ready.

ARC First Aid & Pet Safety - We still have some spots left!
Anyone who owns a pet, or is thinking about becoming a pet owner, is invited to attend this valuable pet first aid seminar on April 9, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the WREC. A Red Cross representative will demonstrate how to care for pets and what to do in the event of an emergency using dog and cat mannequins to practice animal choking, rescue breathing and CPR. Participants will receive a pet first aid book, supporting booklet, and pet first aid fanny pack kit. Registration is required, sign up today!

Thank you for your continued support and enjoy the Bark Park.