Tails Up Blog

are sticks safe for dogs?

5/1/2018

"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." - Edward Hoagland

If you catch your dog gnawing on a stick, your first thought may be, “better that than my shoe”. But is it really? One of our handlers posed this question to me the other day, so I said, “I'll research it and get back to you.” I'm a woman of my word, and my findings inspired me to write this blog, because, as it turns out, sticks aren't all that safe for dogs. A dog playing with sticks seems like a natural, fun pastime, am I right? But the dangers of playing with and chewing on sticks definitely outweigh the benefits.

Why sticks? Well, like their ancestors, dogs are natural foragers. And, like babies, dogs often explore and discover things by putting them in their mouth (after smelling them, of course). In other words, they're orally fixated. When they're outside, their doggy bowl of chow isn't nearby, so instinctively, they look for something to gnaw on and sticks are always handy. To a dog, a stick looks and feels like a bone, which only enhances its appeal. If your dog is a retriever, then fetching a stick will satisfy that urge as well. For puppies, chewing on sticks also helps with the pain that comes with teething.

The main problem with chewing on a stick is that sticks can and will splinter off, and those shards of wood are a hazard; they can cut your dogs gums or mouth and cause an infection, and splinters can get stuck inside or puncture holes in the gums, mouth, esophagus, or anywhere inside the intestinal track. Moreover, dogs can accidentally poke themselves in the eye or other sensitive areas while playing with sticks. There are even certain trees that are toxic to dogs, including black walnut, black cherry, yew or red maple. So, unless you are an arborist and can identify these trees, beware! Any and all of these can lead to an expensive trip to the vet, can cause your dog a lot of pain, and in severe cases, can even be fatal. Yep, I said fatal. Check out this article for more information on deaths caused by stick play: https://www.dfordog.co.uk/blog/dangers-dogs-playing-with-sticks.html

There are a number of ways that you can “replace” sticks when playing with your dog. For fetching, a ball is definitely the safer option, so bring your Chuck-it instead of picking up a stick. But for those stubborn dogs that prefer the shape and feel of a stick, try a toy like Kong's Safestix, the Ruffdawg “stick”, or the Nature Stick.
You can see these options here:
https://www.kongcompany.com/products/for-dogs/interactive/safestix/safestix/
http://ruffdawg.com/wpcproduct/stick-twig/
https://www.preventivevet.com/the-best-fetch-toy-for-dogs
These toys are safe for chewing, as well, so they're a win all around. Of course, for gnawing, a regular ol' safe dog bone always does the trick.

I don't know about you, but I'm definitely going to discourage stick play with our dogs. Knick-knack, paddy-whack, give the dog a bone....and leave the sticks alone.

https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/why-sticks-are-not-free-toys-for-dogs
https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/dog-chew-sticks/
https://iheartdogs.com/is-it-safe-for-my-dog-to-chew-sticks/

Dogs and Heat

4/25/2018

"A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk." -O.A. Battista

Lately, I can't stop looking up at the sky in absolute awe. It's GORGEOUS outside, y'all. Blue skies, sunshine, the occasional billowy cloud. Flawless. As we move closer to Summer, though, the weather is definitely warming up. As a matter of fact, I just blew the (metaphorical) dust off of my shorts drawer the other day. And while humans can reduce the surface area of our clothing in hot weather, dogs have no such luxury. Thus, it's crucial that we understand how to keep our dogs safe in warmer weather.

Obviously, dogs should be kept hydrated at all times, no matter what the weather may be. Especially in hot weather, a dog's fur coat makes it more difficult to keep cool, so you will notice that they will drink more water than usual. This is why you should always carry water when you are out with your fur baby. If you are outdoorsy and love taking your dog for long walks and hikes, don't forget the water! There are so many travel bowl options available, and along with a water bottle, they can be a saving grace.

As mentioned previously in my blog about dog parks, some have water on site, but if they don't, be sure to bring your own. Here at Tails Up, we reuse empty milk and water jugs to carry water to the parks-- upcycling while hydrating, a double win! Find out more about which local parks have water available in my blog here: http://tailsuppetcare.com/tails-up-blog/my-favorite-dog-parks
Carrying water and a bowl, along with poop bags, a Chuck-it, balls, and treats can be a pain, so do what several of our handlers do: put it all in a backpack (it's a lifesaver). A backpack leaves hands free for petting, poop pick-up, and leashes. You can hook your bag over the fence at the park and have all the necessities handy, or transport everything easily on your hike.

When you have a dog, it's impossible to completely avoid the outdoors, since dogs aren't potty trained and do need exercise. But there are ways to circumvent the worst of the heat. Firstly, avoid the hottest times of the day; exercise in the morning or evening. In the Summer, the day really starts to get warmer at noon, and generally reaches it's peak temperature between 3 and 4:30 p.m. In other words, in some areas, that's when you could fry an egg on the sidewalk! And speaking of sidewalks, their temperature should be tested in hot weather. Paws are sensitive to heat, and if it's too hot for you to keep the back of your hand on it for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your pooch! Choose play areas and trails that have some shade for cooling off; both humans and dogs will be glad. Earlier I mentioned those pesky fur coats, which are awesome in the Winter, but a bear in the Summer. If possible, get your dog a “Summer cut” at the groomer. I know, I know, their full coat, in some cases, may be prettier, but you will notice a difference in your dog's comfort when they have less fur in the heat.

This next item is so important, it deserves its own paragraph: don't leave your dog in the car in hot weather. Let me stress that there are no circumstances, short of having the air conditioning blasting, where leaving a dog in a hot car is okay. Not even with the windows down. It may seem that rolling the windows down will cool off your car and provide a breeze, but it won't. This video is the perfect demonstration of that:
http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/how-hot-does-it-get-a-parked-car-ask-dr-ernie-ward
Now I'm not saying that if you forgot something in the house that you can't quickly run back in to get it without unloading the dog. But that's pretty much it, and here's why: it can take just a few minutes for a car to get extremely hot, even deadly. If it's 90 degrees outside, after 10 minutes in your car the temperature will easily be 109 degrees. Now keep in mind that 109 degrees to you and I is just REALLY hot, but imagine with with a fur coat and without the ability to sweat! It's really unimaginable, and truly dangerous for your pet. Check out this chart, it will give you a better idea of how hot your car can get:

If you are concerned that your dog is overheated and/ or dehydrated, here are some signs to look out for:

glassy eyes
frantic panting
discolored gums: Press your finger to his gums until they turn white. If gums don't return to normal color immediately, your dog could be dehydrated.
poor skin elasticity: Gently pull the skin at the back of your dog's neck, and release it. If it doesn't spring back into normal position right away, he could be dehydrated.
sunken eyes
dry mouth
vomiting
diarrhea
convulsing

This is all pretty nasty stuff, so if your dog has these symptoms, spray him down with water and get to the veterinarian.

Summer can be a great time to have a dog, especially for those who get lots of vacation time to enjoy playing with their fur babies. So have fun in the sun.....AND the shade! And keep water at the ready.

http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/dehydration-and-overheating.htmlhttps://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/summer.aspxhttps://sciencing.com/what-is-the-hottest-time-of-the-day-12572821.html

counter surfing

4/18/2018

“It was my pork chop. But that's okay. I ate his dog food.” – Bam Bam Bigelow

“I go out to the kitchen to feed the dog, but that's about as much cooking as I do.” -- Betty White

Does your dog counter surf? If he does, you probably know exactly what I'm talking about. If he doesn't....well, suffice it to say we're not talking “hang 10” here. I'm referring to that frustrating, infuriating, and let's face it-- expensive-- habit that some dogs have of putting their paws up on the counter and helping themselves to whatever they want. Naughty, naughty! I have heard several clients complain about their dogs counter surfing, so of course, I wanted to learn how to curb this mischievous behavior. NOTE: If you didn't read my previous blog on “leave it”, that is the precursor to this one. You can find it here: http://tailsuppetcare.com/tails-up-blog/leave-it

First and foremost, I think it's important that we understand why dogs counter surf. The obvious answer is: they want food. But it really goes deeper than that. It isn't that your dog is trying to misbehave, it's that getting food for a dog is instinctual. Anyone that owns a dog knows that, for most canines, food is THE #1 motivator, the prize of all prizes. Praise is nice, pets are excellent, but food is the ultimate reward. If a dog notices food routinely being left out on the counter, they have no idea that the food is not for them. They know it's going to be there, and their brain tells them to go for it! It's really evolution at work. Additionally, your wrath does not outweigh the satisfaction your dog gets from eating the food. But let's face it, we don't wanna share our steak or birthday cake with our pooch and, quite frankly, it would be so easy for your dog to eat something unsafe from the counter.

Never fear, there are solutions! Prevention is always a great idea. When at all possible, don't leave food out. Now, I personally realize this can be a challenge. Anyone else have a small kitchen? I bet a bunch of you are raising your hands right now. So, do keep food pushed back or off the counters as much as possible. But sometimes you have things cooling, your kids leave something out, your phone rings and you get distracted and forget, or just plain old human error comes into play. Boy, do I get it. Ding, ding, ding, insert the perfect opportunity for theft by canine! So we're not only going to reduce the temptation, we're going to teach your dog that items on the counter are not theirs for the taking.

As a side note, and before we talk about training, it's important that your dog knows that they are not human, and thus have no rights to your food. In other words, don't feed them from the dinner table.

According to my research, the best way to teach your dog not to counter surf is to first teach them to “leave it” (hence my previous blog). Now we're going to apply the “leave it” training and principles to counter surfing. Put a small piece of food on the counter; this is your “teaser”. If your dog goes for it, say “leave it”. When the dog leaves it, give them a treat, but not the one from the counter. Always give your dog a treat from your hand. This is their reward for ignoring the food on the counter, so make it a good one. If the naughty pooch doesn't stop at “leave it”, be sure to cover the teaser with your hand. Not for him! If your dog accidentally gets some food from the counter during training, don't get discouraged. Mistakes happen. You'll need to work with different food items in varied areas of the kitchen, but remember to keep your practices short. Like kids, dogs have short attention spans. After your dog has learned to “leave it” on the counter when you are close by, you're going to up the ante. Start out by putting the teaser on the counter and then turning your back on your dog. Scary, I know! If your dog doesn't jump on the counter, give him a treat and lots of praise. The next step in the training is even more frightening. Put the teaser on the counter and walk away, pretending to look distracted. Read a magazine, file your nails, text your dog handler to brag about your success....but keep one eye on the dog. If your dog ignores the teaser, then a treat and LOTS of praise are definitely in order. If they jump but react to you saying “leave it” (surprised that you are actually paying attention!), you're definitely getting somewhere, right? Remember, that this is all going to take some time and lots and lots of patience. Don't try to go too fast in your training; this is a marathon not a sprint.

(I'm a visual learner, and I think this video is very helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYsdozy4fVc )

Call me crazy, but I'm actually chomping at the bit (no pun intended) to start teaching “leave it” to a certain naughty but oh-so-sweet pooch I love. Pass the dog treats.

http://www.training-your-dog-and-you.com/Counter-Surfing.html
http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-training-article-counter-surfing-stealing-food.html
https://bestfriends.org/resources/counter-surfing-dogs-how-keep-dog-kitchen-counter
https://www.thesprucepets.com/stop-dog-from-counter-surfing-1118233

leave it

4/16/2018

“People say I train dogs, but in many ways I train people.” -- Cesar Millan

How annoying is it when your dog picks up something in their mouth that doesn't belong to them, and then proceeds to taunt you with it?! Uugggghhhh! It's aggravating, especially when your pooch decides your favorite shoes are a chew toy. And no one buys the “dog ate my homework” business anymore, although dog owners know that can still be a thing. Whether it be shoes, toys, your report for work, food, or most importantly, something hazardous, it's critical to teach your dog to “leave it”. And if your dog counter surfs for food, well, you're in luck! This is the first in a series of two related blogs that will explore how to curb all of the naughtiness.

We all know that dogs love food, but why do they torment us by grabbing non-food items? These are attention seeking behaviors for dogs and, believe me, they get satisfaction out of it. Your attention, positive or negative, is a reward for them.

Attention seeking behaviors are triggered by boredom, lack of physical activity and mental stimulation, and nervousness. One of our clients has a beautiful husky, but when he gets bored, hasn't had enough exercise, and is left to his own devices for too long, that spells trouble! He counter surfs, gets into the trash, etc. Of course, his owner has found the solution in daily play groups. He once told me, “A tired husky is a good husky.” Truer words have never been spoken. So make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Believe it or not, mental stimulation is good for dogs, so teach them tricks, even if they are simple and just for fun. Occupy those minds so they don't have time to think about being mischievous! You can get started with a few tricks from my blog here: http://tailsuppetcare.com/tails-up-blog/category/dog-tricks

So now, down to the nitty gritty: teaching “leave it”. The first approach is also the most painful one: if you can ignore a dog's bad behavior, then do so. When they stop the behavior, reward them. I know, I know, I'm cringing too. But it's worth a shot, right? Just buy cheap shoes until your dog learns “leave it”.

For us mere mortals without god-like patience, I suggest the following approach: you're going to need a “lure” treat and a “high value” treat. The lure treat can be something that your dog would eat if you dropped it, such as bread, but not as great as a little piece of ham or turkey, which would be an example of a high value treat. Put the lure in your fist, let your dog smell it. Undoubtedly, he will try to lick your hand and get the treat. When he gives up, give him the high value treat with your other hand. And repeat. A lot. It will take time, but once he has the closed fist down, try an open palm. Hold the lure in an open palm and say “leave it”. When your pooch complies, a high value treat from your other hand. For the most difficult scenario, we are going to move the treats to the floor. In the first stage, you can place a treat on the floor in front of them and say “leave it”, covering it with your cupped hand. When the dog stops trying to get the treat, reward him. Finally, put a treat out on the floor without covering it and say, “leave it”. Each step will take some time to achieve, so be patient! Work with your dog for 10-15 minutes a day, be consistent, and you will be successful. When your dog understands “leave it”, you can apply the command to food, household items, and other hazards. Always reward your pup with a treat or praise and love when they “leave it”.

Training your dog can seem daunting, but just take it slow and steady. When you both learn something new, it's really an amazing feeling of pride and accomplishment. Totally worth the time and effort....now go buy that pair of Jimmy Choos!

http://www.training-your-dog-and-you.com/attention-seeking.html
http://www.training-your-dog-and-you.com/leave-it-command.html
http://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/basic-training/teach-leave-it/
https://bestfriends.org/resources/how-teach-dog-leave-it
https://www.thespruce.com/stop-dog-from-counter-surfing-1118233

why dogs roll in the grass

3/28/2018

“Anybody who doesn’t know what soap tastes like, never washed a dog.” — Franklin P. Jones

One look outside, and you know that Spring is finally here! Everything is greener-- or orange-r, purple-r, yellow-er.....you get my drift. Nature is blooming, and it's stunning! Now for a true Spring story: When I was at the dog park the other day, one of our dog handlers was admiring the amount of lush, green grass that was there, rather than the wide expanse of mainly dirt that we usually see. Add into that the blue, cloudless skies, the California sunshine, and it made for some beautiful dog photos and, more importantly, a perfect backdrop for playing outside. Fast forward a few minutes, and I was throwing a ball for a couple of our labradoodles, who expect that you will NOT keep them waiting. Suddenly, we spotted Bella, our sweet, very WHITE mini golden doodle, rolling around in grass. She was having the time of her life, but had found the one spot in the park with a tiny patch of wet grass. Can you guess what I'm going to say next? If you guessed that our Bella was now green, you are correct. Insert panicked dog handler here. A green dog? First, confess to clients with a text and photo: “Dear Mom and Dad-- I was naughty and rolled in the wet grass, so I'm a little green. Sorry! Shawn will try to clean me up.”

Luckily, we have the sweetest and most understanding clients, and they were not worried about their precious fur baby being a little green. As a matter of fact, Bella's dad said that as a child, he'd wanted a green dog, so perhaps it was fate! Well, I'm happy to make a childhood dream come true, but I still took some baby wipes to Miss Bella. They do help, by the way. That bright green faded to pastel green. And with all of the rubbing down, Bella thought she was getting a doggy massage, so it was a win all around. But now on to the bigger question and the actual topic of this blog: Why do dogs like to roll in grass?

There are a number of reasons dogs have an affinity for grass-rolling, not the least of which is to get rid of an itch. Think about it: they have no ability to scratch their own backs, and they can't exactly ask a friend to do it. Grass can be a bit abrasive, so it can serve to give dogs that “aaaaaaahhhhh” moment of relief if they have an itch. So satisfying.

Dogs have a very keen sense of smell. If they are feeling disdain at their own smell, or the grass has a smell that they find especially pleasant, then rolling around in the grass is the solution. Stinky dog? No problem, now I smell like grass! Grass smells amazing? Good news, I now smell like this yummy grass! Makes total sense to a canine. I mean, who needs shampoo, right? Now, if your dog is obsessively rolling in grass, you should probably get him checked out to make sure he doesn't have a skin condition. Otherwise....you know, just keep the wet wipes handy.

Of course, dogs are sometimes just simple creatures-- grass just feels good. So, rolling around in the grass doesn't have to have some cosmic significance, but rather just a soft, cool place to relax in. I mean, how many times have I done that same thing? Well.....I don't roll in the grass. I'm not an animal! But laying back in the grass while soaking up the beautiful weather? Yeah. Love that.

We all came from somewhere, and dogs are descended from wolves, who-- you guessed it-- also roll in grass. Wolves find a new smell in the grass, and roll around in it to get the smell on their body. They can take the scent back to their pack, and can even find the spot again from the smell on their body. If they roll around in the smells of their prey, it can make it easier to get close to the prey and secure dinner. Hey, a wolf's gotta eat, right? Luckily, dogs are happy with kibble.

Although it's a bit messy, rolling in grass makes dogs so happy. I say we let 'em, y'all, because their joy is contagious. That's what wet wipes and shampoo are for, right? Happy Spring!

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-does-my-dog-like-to-roll-in-grass
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/care/why-do-dogs-roll-in-grass

dog tricks

3/20/2018

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen”
--Orhan Pamuk

Sit. Stay. Lay down. Those all-important words for dogs sure do come in handy. Teaching a dog these “tricks”, will surely ingratiate your pet to other humans and make life with them more manageable for you. Heck, your dog can even learn from peers. What do I mean by this? Well, one of our clients recently shared a video of one dog teaching his younger “brother” how to sit for a treat. It was both impressive and hilarious. You can check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myt6bStT2mA&sns=em

I personally think that's a trick in itself-- teaching your dog to train another dog. Take that, Cesar Milan! But I digress....what I really wanted to talk about today was some helpful and amusing tricks you could teach your dog. You know, because we all have so much extra time on our hands...

Let's start with some tricks that are really helpful, the first of which is “heel”. I guess “heel” is more of a command, but we'll call it a trick for this blog. My blog, my rules. I truly wish every dog was born knowing how to heel. I love ALL of our dogs, but the leash “pullers” have definitely given me “dog-walker-syndrome”-- you know, when your dominant arm hurts all the time from non-heelers. It's a thing, I can assure you, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you are a dog walker or a dog owner, having your dog walk into the sunset right next to you, rather than tugging you toward it, is definitely preferred. To learn “heel”, or “with me”, walk 10 steps with your dog on a leash. When they walk with their shoulder by your left leg, give them a treat. When they walk in another direction, do not follow. Stop, make them sit, and then move on. You can actually hold a treat in your hand to lure them. Praise, of course, for a good job is always a good idea. Every 10 steps, give a treat for heeling or correct your wandering or pulling dog with a sit. Practice several times a day for 10-15 minutes. Voila-- you saved your arm!

Another useful trick, is “get in your bed” or “get in your crate”. This is a command that a close friend always teaches her dogs, and it's especially good when you need your pup to calm down for the evening, or if they are being a bit of a nuisance and need a “time out”. First, coax your dog to their bed with a treat, and give it to him when he lays down on the bed (or in the crate, as the case may be). Then, lure the dog away from the bed, and repeat several times. Now try standing next to the bed and see if your dog will come without the offer of a treat, and if he does: 1.) You are lucky to have a very smart, well-behaved, quick learning, not-at-all-stubborn dog!, and 2.) Big reward for that! If you are in the more likely category of not having success the first time, try, try again. Once your dog starts figuring out the trick, then you can add in the name of the place (i.e. bed or crate). Really, don't you wish someone would command YOU to get in bed and take a nap? I know I do.

Now the fun begins: totally unnecessary tricks to teach your dog. One of my personal favorite is “give kisses”. I'm fully aware that this may gross some people out, but I personally find it endearing. Of course, when teaching to give kisses, I DO mean on the cheek. Let's keep your dog's not-so-clean mouth away from yours if you can avoid it. To teach “give kisses”, simply smear a little dab of peanut butter on your cheek, and let your dog lick it off. Then say, “good kisses”. To ensure you have enough peanut butter left for your lunch the next day, move on to small training treats. Put one in your fingers, point to your cheek, and when your dog licks the treat, again say “good kisses”. I think the entire process is made more fun if you make kissy noises. But that's just me. We all love dogs and kisses, right? Combining them just seems like a double win to me.

Everyone likes a friendly dog, so how about teaching them to “high five” or “shake”? It's simple, fun, and will impress your friends. Have your dog sit, and hold a treat in your open hand. Inevitably, your dog will paw at your hand when you don't just hand over the goods, and BOOM!-- the dog gets the treat for pawing at you. When they get the treat, add the “high five” command. If you prefer “shake”, take your dog's paw and shake it, then add the “shake” command. Repeat until Fido gets it. Be sure he knows that a firm handshake or a solid high five is the best way to be taken seriously!

If you want your dog to have some fancy moves, you can teach him to “spin”. This is obviously a totally useless trick, and is really for your own amusement! Hold a treat in your hand, and spin your hand in a circle. Of course, your dog will turn in a circle, because he is gonna follow that treat! At the end of the “spin”, the dog gets a treat. Try doing multiple directions, switching directions, and multiple turns. Maybe your dog could become a ballerina. Or a figure skater. Or a back-up dancer! Or maybe he will just become dizzy. Whatever happens, it's bound to be a hoot.

In my search for dog tricks, I came across some that I'm going to put in the “you have got to be kidding me” category. Now, by that I don't mean that it's too silly, because far be it from me to rain on anyone's parade (and there definitely were some silly ones out there). No, these are in the, “why in the world would you WANT to teach your dog to do these terrible things?” category. Let me give you some examples. One web site suggested that you can teach your dog to “talk”. You guys, there are days I wish that my kids couldn't even talk! But seriously, there's enough barking with dogs already. Teaching them to do more? No thanks. Another that falls into this category for me is “open the door”. I guess this really makes no sense to me. I can see where it might be convenient if your hands are full, but think about this: if your dog can open a door, they can wander the neighborhood at will, and get into trouble inside the house. Nothing will be sacred in your house, people! And dogs don't have in and out privileges, am I right? Finally-- and this takes the cake-- “carry the groceries”. I don't even have words for this one. As someone who plays with dogs all the time, I do not ever want a dog to touch my groceries! I LOVE dogs, but they get very dirty, and put strange and gross things in their mouths. The thought of my dog carrying grocery bags in his mouth is definitely high on my ick-o-meter.

So, are you inspired now to teach your fur baby some new things? One the one hand, you'll be the envy of all the other dog owners at the park. Plus, there's definitely the amusement factor to consider. I'd definitely enjoy seeing a good dog “spin” now and then. But then again, you could just forget about the tricks, cuddle up on the couch with your pooch, the remote, and a nice cup of hot cocoa. Oh, decisions, decisions, decisions......

http://www.trickstoteachdogs.com/30-uncommon-tricks-to-teach-your-dog/
https://www.sitstay.com/blogs/good-dog-blog/teach-dog-to-heel
http://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/basic-training/teaching-your-dog-to-go-to-his-bed/
https://doggiebuddy.com/topics/Trainingtopics/traintopic3.html

beach days with your dog

3/14/2018

“The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment.” -- Robert Falcon Scott

What did you do this weekend? You know I asked because I really wanna tell you what I did! I was lucky enough to visit an off-leash dog beach in Santa Cruz. I had business down there, and took my doggy friend, Lucie, with me for the drive. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: we live in an amazingly gorgeous place, and we are also within easy driving distance of beautiful beaches. Lucie and I had such a good time that I was inspired to put aside the other blog I was writing (don't worry, it will come later), and share the best places to enjoy beach life with your pooch. You're welcome!

Lucie and I went to Mitchell's Cove Beach in Santa Cruz. Located on West Cliff Drive, it's just a few minutes drive from the wharf and the boardwalk, but civilization is the furthest thing from your mind when you are there. There is a set of tall stairs that leads down to a perfect little area of dog paradise. Surrounded by boulders, rock walls, and water, there's a natural “fence”, if you will. Lucie couldn't get off her leash fast enough! She was thrilled to find other dog friends to chase. She climbed boulders, dug in the sand and laid in it, chased dog friends, and chased my kids. Epic fun. I was happily surprised that she didn't get in the water, but there were certainly pups that decided getting wet was a good idea! By the time we left an hour later, I had one happy, tired dog, and a big smile on my face. One thing to remember about Mitchell's Cove is that there are specific off-leash hours for dogs; before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. I confess that 10 o'clock came and went, and dogs were still romping off their leashes. The dog owners were the only ones on that stretch of beach, and no one was being disturbed. That being said, I am not condoning breaking the rules. Let it be known that I am a law-abiding citizen! My research on Mitchell's Cove also revealed that the off leash hours are not always followed by visitors. My suggestion? Get there during the off leash hours, and use your best judgment and consideration during your visit. But definitely visit Mitchell's Cove Beach.

One of the most well-known hiking and off-leash beaches in the area is at Fort Funston in San Francisco. This natural gem is located on Fort Funston Road, with parking on Skyline Boulevard. They have a 12 acre off-leash area for dogs, a long trail that requires a leash, and the best part.....an off-leash dog beach! Because of the 200-foot sandy cliffs, you will also see hang gliders, and the trails and beaches attract horseback riders. If you go to Fort Funston, be sure to bring your energy, because it's a long, strenuous hike down to the beach. Of course, on the upside, after you are done playing and taking in the scenery at this gorgeous place, you will surely have a tired dog! .

All beaches in Pacifica, California require a leash except for Esplanade Beach. Never been to Pacifica? That makes 2 of us, but it's southwest of San Francisco, and directly south of Daly City. The beach is located at 100 Esplanade Avenue, right near an apartment complex. I researched Esplanade Beach online and it is reminiscent of Mitchell's Cove where I took Lucie, with a staircase, boulders, and natural rock “walls”. Esplanade Beach would be a great place to go in the Spring and Summer months. During the Winter, it suffers from storms, apparently. The undertow is too strong for swimming, so if your dog is a swimmer, this is a beach to skip. However, if your dog likes to run and play on the sand and is happy with just dipping his feet in the water, Esplanade would be of great interest. Before you go, check to make sure it's not high tide, because then the entire beach will be under water or at least wet. I don't know about you, but cold water? Not for me! I'd like to sit on a blanket in the warm sand and soak up all the beauty that is California.

If your dog is not good off-leash or you are not comfortable with letting your fur baby run around untethered, there are plenty of beaches that allow on-leash dogs. I'll list just a few, but you can check out the first link below for a full list. One of my favorite getaway cities in the area is Half Moon Bay, and there are several dog friendly beaches there, including Montara Beach and Poplar Beach. Reviews on Montara Beach boast of its beauty, but complain about the lack of trash cans for poop bags. That's a faux pas in my book. Poplar Beach is also beautiful, but if you don't like crowds, may not be for you. It's quite the happening place! If you're in Santa Cruz like I was, you can always hit up Twin Lakes State Beach with your dog on-leash. This is one of my favorite places to take the kids, and it's dog-friendly. Although popular, it's big enough to not be too crowded on the sand, although parking might be an issue. Getting there in the morning is a good idea. If you're up for a little longer drive, you can head out to Del Monte Beach in Monterey. This lovely beach features a boardwalk trail through the dunes, and a picnic area if you'd like to take lunch for you and your dog. New Brighton State Beach in Capitola not only allows on-leash dogs, but is a great place to go camping, picnicking, swimming, and fishing. Something for everyone! Like I said, you can't really throw a rock without it landing on a great California beach to take your dog.

After reading this, I'm sure you're planning your next day trip to the beach to include your dog, right? Tails Up Pet Care has been known to offer dog play groups to the beach during the warm season, as well. I mean, how could we resist? Maybe we'll see you there sometime...

https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/beaches/state/california/
http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/fort-funston.html
https://dogtrekker.com/yp/fort-funston-san-francisco-94101
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/esplanade-beach/
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/del-monte-beach/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542

year of the dog

2/20/2018

“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. “
-- Roger Caras

Happy Chinese New Year! I know, weird way to start a blog about dogs, but it's the Year of the DOG, y'all! It's really perfect timing for me, since dogs have become such a big part of my life. Am I a lucky girl, or what? To be honest, I had no idea what the different zodiac animals meant, other than what I read on Chinese restaurant place mats as a kid, which told me I'm a rabbit. A whole year of celebrating the dog is pretty awesome, so let's find out the how and why of it all.

So, if you were born this year or in the years 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006, then this will be a year of good fortune for you, according to the zodiac. One legend states that the Jade Emperor was having a party, and the zodiac animals were named in the order they arrived to the party. The dog, which is the 11th member of the zodiac, was obviously fashionably late, huh? Actually, the story goes that the dog, monkey, and rooster were off in another country helping fight evil spirits, and that's how they ended up at the end of the zodiac. That's a pretty good excuse for bein' late to the party, if you ask me. According to astrologer Laura Lau, the dog is “a true companion, associated with loyalty, honesty, intelligence, and a strong sense of right and wrong. The dog does his best to protect high-integrity people and support their cause.”. I think any dog lover can attest to that, right? So what the Year of the Dog translates to, according to Lau, is that it's a great time to fight for a good cause, volunteer, and just generally devote yourself to random acts of kindness. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that EVERY year should be Year of the Dog.

Let's compare humans born in the Year of the Dog to their zodiac and live dog counterparts. One of the first things I noticed is that my husband is a dog-- in the zodiac sense, of course! So what is a “dog”? Well, “dog” men are straightforward, pessimistic, and always ready to correct others. Sorry, honey, but the zodiac has confirmed it! Hahaha. But seriously, the male “dogs” are also deeply rooted in family, which seems to dampen some of their stubbornness to make way for compromise and a good family life. Hubs, you're officially off the hook (that, and the fact that he's compatible with a rabbit)! But really, several of those characteristics remind me of dogs: Straightforward? Check. Family-oriented? Check. Ready to correct others? If you've ever heard a dog bark at you, then you know this is a GIANT check! Women “dogs” are cautious, but once you earn their trust, you have it for life. Like male “dogs”, they are very protective of family and friends. Women “dogs” are also hard workers, but love being outdoors. So many similar qualities to dogs: Trust? Check. Protective? Check. Love being outdoors? Check. Hard working? Uh.....some dogs? Let's call it a check minus!

Although obviously rooted in legend and myth, the zodiac is fun and fascinating. So thank you to the Chinese culture for being so colorful, spirited, and thoughtful....and for including dogs in your astrology. Dogs are definitely worth celebrating! Special shout out to my boss, Lucy, for inspiring the idea for today's blog. Her love and appreciation of dogs is what started it all. Happy Lunar New Year, and Tails UP!

https://chinesenewyear2018.com/zodiac/dog
/http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5399119/What-year-dog-bring-you.html
https://www.refinery29.com/2018/02/190941/year-of-the-dog-chinese-zodiac-2018

dining with dogs

2/16/2018

“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.”
― Dean Koontz, A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog

When I was out at the dog park the other day, I took a moment, looked up at the beautiful, cloudless blue sky, and said a silent “thank you” for the privilege of living in such an amazing place. The ability to enjoy the outdoors almost all year round is truly a gift. As I looked at the adorable pooches running around the park, I decided my next blog HAD to be about where I could enjoy a meal outside in the lovely weather with these sweet fur babies right beside me. I set about asking some long-time residents and doing some online searches, and came up with some great options. Hope you're hungry!

Ladera Shopping Center
3130 Alpine Road, Portola Valley
   Ladera Shopping Center is located right near Highway 280, but you wouldn't know it from the quaint appearance and serenity of the place. It's a bit rustic, with cute little shops, a beautiful market, several great restaurants and a coffee shop. On any given day, you will see people sitting outside on the various patios, enjoying a meal with friends, family, and, of course, their dogs. I vow to try all of the eateries there, and my boss says you can't go wrong with any of them. Seafood, Mexican, Italian, they've got it. I wanna try them all, but for now I have only been to Portola Kitchen. It's yummy, y'all. They always bring you out some amazing crusty bread to gnaw on while you contemplate your main dish options. Their menu boasts pastas, pizzas, salads, sandwiches, burgers....in other words, all the good stuff. Portola Kitchen has a number of patio tables in the shade, underneath an awning, with a fun view of passers-by....perfect for people and dog watching. If you go, see if you can get Marco to wait on you; a genuine Italian server who goes out of his way to accommodate, Marco never disappoints. When we were there last, he even brought water for the dog. She was more interested in begging for food, of course, but at least she wasn't thirsty!

Left Bank Brasserie
635 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park
   If you are into fancy French fare without needing a fancy outfit, then the Left Bank is for you. Open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and most importantly, Happy Hour, the Left Bank has all the French cuisine you can handle-- and YES, that includes escargot! Hey, don't knock it till you try it. Anything covered in that much butter and garlic has to be good, right? I ordered the Croque Poulet on my visit, which is really just a fancy chicken sandwich, but it was very nice. Now I'm going back and counting the number of times I've said “fancy” (there's one more), but seriously, French= fancy, am I right? The great thing about the Left Bank is that they have outdoor seating so you can enjoy your fancy meal with your fur baby by your side (and it doesn't have to be a fancy French poodle either...see what I did there? We're owning the fancy!). Being in the heart of downtown Menlo Park, the Left Bank's outdoor patio will provide plenty of people watching entertainment. It's also a great area to walk off all that butter with your dog after your meal is over. Bon appetit!

Bagel Street Cafe
746 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park
   Bagel Street Cafe is a cute little bagel and sandwich place in downtown Menlo Park. Each and every time I have been there, the staff has been very friendly and welcoming. They have great bagels and bagel sandwiches that are LOADED with goodies. You will definitely not be hungry after indulging in one of their sammies! Bagel Street also has a few paninis, salads, and lots of great coffee options. It's a perfect place for a casual breakfast or lunch when you just want to order at the counter and not fuss with waitstaff and tipping. There are a couple of little tables outside where you and your dog can sit and enjoy California life. Carb it up!

Cafe Borrone
1010 El Camino, Menlo Park
   I have not yet visited Cafe Borrone, but after reading the menu, it's on my to do list. I DO, however, have it on good authority that they have great coffee and food. Cafe Borrone, per their web site, strives to use local, organic, ingredients and sustainable seafood. Sounds good to me. Cafe Borrone is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has an extensive coffee selection, and offers beer and wine, as well. Although you have to wait in line to order your food, they do have a sizable patio bearing numerous tables with umbrellas for al fresco dining. This would be a fantastic place to hang out with your dog and enjoy some good eats. My stomach is actually growling now!

Max's Opera Cafe
711 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
   I have it on good authority from a long-time Palo Alto resident that Max's is a fantastic place to eat, drink wine, and be merry with your dog. Great food, wine, and your fur baby? Does it get better than that? I doubt it. When I went to look at their menus, I was overwhelmed and amazed at how many choices there were. Soups, salads, hot sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steak.....someone take me to Max's, quick! Their outdoor seating area is shaded by awnings and umbrellas, and is furnished with upscale outdoor tables and chairs. No hard iron seats for your tushy....no, you'll be comfy in their nice wicker chairs. Winner, winner, all-the-things-for-dinner!

Joanie's Cafe
405 South California Avenue, Palo Alto
   If you're looking for a good breakfast or brunch, Joanie's could very well be the place, since they were voted “Best Breakfast in Palo Alto” from 2012-2015. Not too shabby. They've got the usual breakfast fare of egg and pancake dishes, plus crepes and eggs Benedict, as well. Oooh, la la! Not a breakfast person? Joanie's also serves lunch, including hot entrees, hot sandwiches, and salads. My source says that not only is the food great, but that if you are sitting outside with your pup, they have outdoor heaters for our cooler Cali weather. I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy about Joanie's right about now. Oh, and I'm really craving some brunch.....

So now that I've blogged about all of these fantastic dog friendly restaurants, I'm thinking that all of our Tails Up outings should include a meal out! Anyone else famished now? Off to scrounge up some grub...

my favorite dog parks

2/6/2018

“In times of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag.”
― W.H. Auden

So this blog is really a follow-up of my last one, if you will (Dog Park 101). If you haven't read that, it is a good introduction to dog park etiquette. After discussing some of the ins and outs of dog parks, I decided to reveal some of my favorite dog parks in the Tails Up Pet Care area. If you wanna see some of the best dog handlers and sweetest pooches around, these are the places to go:

Hoover Park, 2901 Cowper Street, Palo Alto
Parking: Street
Rating: 4.5 paws
Hoover Park is in the heart of Palo Alto, right off Oregon Expressway. You wouldn't know it though, because it's a beautiful place. There are playscapes for kids, a baseball field, a shaded area with cool sculptures to climb and trees to lay under....and, of course, a dog park. Hoover dog park is a favorite for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that they have a built-in water bowl and faucet for the dogs. WINNING! If you've ever hauled water (necessary at most parks), then you'll appreciate this all the more. Dakota, along with several of his friends, can't wait for the water from the spigot to hit the bowl, and he just slurps it happily as it comes out of the faucet. Wet, drippy dog face equals dog joy! The park is quite large, which is perfect for running off all that energy, fetching balls thrown by Chuck-its, and finding the perfect place to do your business. There are several shady areas compliments of some mature trees, which is not all that common in a dog park. There are benches for humans to sit, and pooper scoopers for the inevitable messes. The ground is made up of some kind of sandy dirt, so when it's dry outside-- an let's face it, it usually is-- it's pretty easy to brush off your dog. The down side of this park is that the water bowl area tends to get muddy; all that joyful dog splashing makes a mess! As I've said before, at Tails Up we play in the rain, and Hoover definitely gets large puddles and “lakes” in rainy weather. But overall, this park has it all, including friendly dogs and humans.

Greer Park, 1098 Amarillo Ave, Palo Alto
Parking: Lot, near the dog park
Rating: 3 paws
   Greer Dog Park is nestled right next to 101 in Palo Alto, but is luckily blocked from the freeway noise by lots of trees. Gotta love California! As a whole, Greer Park is large and quite spread out, but does boast all the usual things: sports fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic tables, and even a skateboarding bowl. The dog park itself has similar ground covering to Hoover, with little bits of grass along the sides. Greer dog park is essentially a long rectangular dog run, great for sprinting to get balls, or just running to your heart's content. There is a bench inside for the humans. The inside scoop from some of our handlers is that a doggy play group company brings large groups of dogs there on weekday mornings, and it can be a bit crowded. Having said that, after noon on a weekday the dog park is generally quiet....so you can take your pick! Speaking of a scoop, Greer has one of those for picking up the poop. But do bring your own water, as there is none in this dog park. Greer is a nice in a tucked-in-the-corner kinda way. And there's a walkway that runs right by the dog area, perfect for people to admire your pooch!

Willow Oaks Dog Park, 490 Willow Road, Menlo Park
Parking: Lot (limited spaces)
Rating: 4 paws
   Willow Oaks Dog park is one of my personal favorites, just for the sheer size alone....it's BIG! The park itself has a playground area, tennis courts, a large grassy area for soccer or frolicking, and water fountains. Willow Oaks is a combination of grass and dirt, which makes for some oh-so-happy dogs. So many of our dogs LOVE to dig in that dirt! Remy the Golden Retriever is quite fond of digging a shallow hole and laying in the cool dirt after chasing his ball. Some of our other furry friends just find it fun to make a dirty mess. In dry weather, this is pretty easy to brush off, but in the rain, Zoey the white cockapoo will become black here, so watch out! Because the dog area is so large, there is plenty of room for lots of dogs to play, run, and especially fetch. There is no way your dog can come home from Willow Oaks and not be tired! If your dog does his business, there are bags and scoops to help you clean up. There is no water at this park, so you do have to bring your own. But hey, you can fill your jug in that water fountain, conveniently located by the parking lot. And when you're at Willow, you're almost assured to have friendly dogs and humans to play with. It's a win for sure.

BONUS: Mary Avenue Dog Park, 10309 Mary Ave., Cupertino
Parking: Lot directly in front of park
Rating: 5 paws
   So this dog park is outside of the Tails Up Pet Care area, but it is in MY 'hood, and let me tell you-- I love this place! First and foremost, it has something that a lot of dog owners love, but not a lot of parks have: a small dog area and a large dog area. Both sections are quite sizable, with trees and plenty of open space to run around. The fence is very high, so dogs have no shot at jumping it. Inside the leash removal area, there are several water fountains;: one for humans, one low one for dogs, and a spigot for filling up water bowls. This watering hole is the bomb, y'all! There's always a large bucket in the big dog area that someone has left there as a large water bowl. There are bags and scoops for dog waste, a table with bench seats, and 2 regular benches. But MY favorite thing about this park are the patrons. My first time there, several of the regulars introduced themselves to me. They all hang out together at the park daily (the best times to come are 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.), know about each other's lives, dogs, ailments, and triumphs. This dog park is like the “Mayberry” of dog parks; it's “Cheers”, where everybody knows your name, your dog's name, and....they're always glad you came. For real.

   Of course, there are more dog parks in the area that I haven't discussed, but as I said, these are my favorites, and the ones that Tails Up Pet Care frequents the most. Over the years, through trial, error, and visits, these parks are the ones that have proven, in our minds, and in the hearts of our dogs, to be the best. Happy dogs, happy humans, happy life! Play on, friends. Play on.

<<Previous