Our good friend Lorraine Wilson is having an Anniversary Open House and is inviting all to come by!  Only one catch…you have to let her know you’ll be coming by Nov 23!  See you there 

SUNDAY NOV. 29th 2009  Noon – 3:00 p.m.

BRING YOUR DOG FOR…

• K-9 Games, & Agility Play
• Training Tips
• Grooming Tips
• Health/wellness tips Dr. Danny DeRose DVM
• Cake & Refreshments
• Anniversary Specials

PLEASE RSVP  to (905) 780-7900 by Mon. Nov. 23rd confirming the # of people and dogs that will attend!

4 PAWS Training & Pet Services
588 Edward Avenue – Unit 53, Richmond Hill

There was much discussion about this and there were pros and cons to water being available at the park. 

The pros are obvious – dogs get thirsty and having water ready and waiting would be awesome. Owners also wouldn’t have to lug water, bowl, etc. every time they came to the park.

There were a few cons, including expense, but what it really came down to was safety.  Despite the fact that we would like to think that nobody would ever harm our dogs, reality is that there are always a few individuals who do bad things to innocent animals. Toronto has had several instances of poisoned food and antifreeze in water bowls in their leash free areas and families have incurred huge veterinary expenses or lost their pets because of it.  For this reason we will not supply water, nor will we allow bowls, cans, buckets, etc. to be left at the park.  If you wish to bring water for all the dogs to enjoy while you are there, by all means bring a bucket and a jug of water – just be sure to take it with you when you leave.

The cleaner the park is kept, the easier to spot when something is wrong or out of place and the safer the environment for our precious pooches

• Dogs that enjoy rough and tumble play may growl and snap as part of that play. Dogs may also snarl and/or snap to “set their limits” with other dogs for example, to let the other dog know they are being too rough or too pushy.

• Dogs have various ways by which they communicate their dominance to other dogs. This may include a stiff-legged posture with the head held up and back; raising the hackles on the back; raising the tail; or laying the head across another dog’s shoulders or back.

• It’s also important to be sensitive to the other dogs with which your dog is playing. You should always watch your dog carefully and be prepared to intervene if the interaction seems to be going down the wrong road.

• If your dog seems to be pestering or annoying another dog, divert his/her attention immediately. This means moving to another part of the park.

• Utilize the park during non-peak hours to work with dogs that exhibit shyness, fear or aggressive behaviour when they are in a larger dog group.

• Don’t be discouraged or disappointed if your dog doesn’t jump right in and begin playing. Dogs that are not socialized at an early age sometimes are uneasy or just shy around other dogs. It may take a couple of tries, or even a few weeks of visits, before your dog comes out of his/her shell. Give your dog a little time and you will have a healthier, friendlier and more playful dog.

Yes, believe or not this is the most asked question for the week the park has been open.  Well folks, here is your answer: ALL waste – garbage, recycle and yes, poop bags – should be tossed into the big bin at the bottom of the entrance stairs (pictured below).

I know that separating our garbage has been drilled into us over the past few years, but after much research, this is the solution the Town came up with for all the nasty waste the dogs and humans alike create while visiting the Leash Free Area.  The design is such that it holds more, needs emptied less frequently, cuts down on the odor and is certainly more attractive than numerous garbage cans and green bins lining the entrance. SO, for this instance only break the recycling instinct and throw everything into the one bin.  If it really bothers you to do this, then take your trash home with you and recycle accordingly. DON’T leave your poop bags hanging on the fence!

As for getting bins inside the park – it’s never going to happen, so please walk the few steps to the bin outside the gates!