Dating Tips 101: Bring Your Dog with on a Date

                                          

If you want to do something memorable and fun on a date, or with someone special in your life, but don't want to leave your pooch at home, bring him or her with! Taking your dog with you on a date with someone new, or with someone you're in a long-term relationship with, can be a very fun and rewarding experience for both you, and your pet.

A major advantage to bringing your dog with you on a date is that a pet can make a really great ice breaker by taking the focus off of being on a date, and focusing on the silly things your dog does. Bringing your pet also gives you plenty of conversation starters, and many stories to share.

Pet-friendly businesses are becoming more popular than ever, so your options for fun are endless. Some ideas include: dog friendly beaches, indoor and outdoor cafes, and yes, even some bars and nightclubs have set aside "yappy hour" for people to mingle with their dogs.

Finding a place to bring your date and your pooch, which can create a combination of both fun and romance can be found in many outdoor places, and even a few indoor places including: walking through a nature preserve or the woods, going to a local dog park, or visiting a pet friendly restaurant. All of these places can be great ways to bring some adventure and play into your time together, especially if you both have a dog to bring with on the date.

Not only does bringing your dog with you on a date create instant fun and adventure, but it can also create a romantic backdrop when you spend time in a natural outdoor setting. I found this to be true first hand when I spent time with Christian, and we brought our German shorthaired Pointers for an afternoon excursion at Lake Andrea in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. When we walked on the beach and wooded areas with our dogs, it gave me an instant feeling of romance, and closeness with him. We ended up holding hands, and playing with each other just like we were little kids again. The dogs were running and playing in the water, so they inspired us to let loose and have fun too.

Some of my most memorable dates or time spent with someone special have been when we've taken our dogs with us for the day, or even on a vacation, which offered pet-friendly accommodations.

Another interesting advantage to bringing your pooch with on a date is it gives you an opportunity to see how well your date has bonded with his or her pet, and how he parents, so to speak. I saw firsthand how much time my boyfriend had spent with his dog by the way she listened and responded so well to his commands. He walked his dog through the wooded area of Lake Andrea without a leash, and needless to say, I was very impressed by how well she stayed close by him. I could tell very quickly that he shared a special and close bond with his pooch, and the fact that he shared this special bond with her really impressed me.

There is also an advantage for your dog in all of this too! Exposing your dog to other dogs and humans as often as possible teaches them valuable socialization skills. Just like people, dogs need to learn to communicate through experiences. Dogs rely on body language cues from other dogs and humans to communicate, so they can learn how to respond appropriately in many situations.

Bringing your dog out on a date means you should act responsibly by making sure your dog has had at least basic obedience training prior to bringing him or her with on a date, or to any public place allowing dogs to accompany you. That way, you will have some control over your pet's actions, so you are not caught in an embarrassing situation by their behavior on a date.

Another point to cover is to ensure that your dog is current on all vaccinations and state license requirements, especially if your date plans include going to a Dog Park, pet-friendly restaurant, or public place allowing dogs. This also will show your date that you are a responsible dog owner. I personally, find it to be an attractive feature in a potential partner who I may end up sharing my life with, as well as my dog's life too.

Article Source: http://www.kenoshadogpaws.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=167

Being a Responsible

 Dog Owner/Dog Guardian

It is a fact that being a responsible dog owner creates well-behaved dogs.

Cities that already have off-leash dog exercise areas will tell you that having a successful area is based on promoting responsible dog ownership through several key responsibilities of the dog owner and the community.        

While allowing your friendly dog(s) to socialize and exercise off-leash, it is important to remember that the term “off-leash” never means unsupervised or uncontrolled; allowing your dog(s) off-leash means keeping them under voice-control at all times.

Responsible dog owners/caretaker have control of their dogs at all times, using either a leash or voice control. They always pick up after their dogs, and control excessive barking. They do not let their dogs approach strangers, especially children and seniors, without permission.

Dog Owners Responsibilities

• License your dog through your local municipality.  

• Always carry a bag, a spare, and one to share!

• Never leave dogs unattended.

• Leash aggressive dogs. Prevent digging and destructive behavior.Spay/neuter dogs between the age of 10 weeks-6 months for everyone's health and safety. Intact males and in-season females create disturbances and aggressive behaviors. Sterilization is healthier for your pet, minimizes behavioral problems, and addresses pet overpopulation.

• Never bring female dogs in heat or pre-heat to off-leash or popular dog play area

• Keep your dog up to date on vaccinations (or do annual titers).

• Make sure puppies have sufficient immunity to Parvovirus and Distemper before entering  popular dog play areas.

• Remove choke chains or prong collars before allowing your dog to play with others.

•  Do not bring sick dogs to dog play areas without first consulting with a veterinarian to make sure your dog is not contagious.

• Carry a Leash

Dog Park Liability Issues

Concerns about liability due to lawsuits resulting from injuries occurring on the premises an off-leash dog park is valid, and can be combated as other cities across the U.S. have done effectively.
Some municipalities have created ordinances to reduce their exposure to liability claims by stating that upon any person’s use by entering the off-leash dog park, “The /CityCounty will not be held liable for any claim, injury, or damage arising form or in connection with the Dog Park property, or person who owns, controls, or cares for the dog, or the dog itself.”
 
Another solution to reducing liability is through proper use of signage at the off-leash dog park location. Signs should be physically posted directly by gate entrances of the dog park location, and visibly noticeable. The signs should advise both visitors and dog owners that the park is an off-leash area, and that by entering, they agree to enter at their own risk. The sign also advises dog owners of their assumption and hold harmless agreement.

The Freeplay Organization, who helped establish off-leash dog parks in Venice, California, addressed the issue of signage in their report given to the Venice Parks Department. They stated, “It is important for off-leash dog parks to announce designated off-leash areas, so that the general public can then make an informed decision regarding access. There are three types of signs that may be required: regulatory, advisory and warning signs.

The choice of sign, its location and size is dependent on the information to be presented and the uses for which it is designed. Advisory signs are necessary at every entry point to the area and between one access point and another. Regulatory signs should detail relevant regulations and corresponding fines for non-compliance. The purpose of the signs is to improve relations within the local community by emphasizing positive messages to encourage responsible behavior of dog owners.”  (The Case for Space, Freeplay Organization. Found at: http://www.freeplay.org/caseforspace.pdf).

Off-leash Dog Park Guidelines

When establishing a dog park or a dog run,by the business owners and/or governmental bodies, such as city or county parks systems there are some guidelines that will promote safety and hopefully limit liability:

• There should be adequate fences that dogs cannot dig under or jump over

• There should be adequte parking so that dog owners can drive to the dog park and park their cars in the parking area, as opposed to walking large numbers of dogs on nearby streets, and taking up precious parking spaces required by the residents

• There should be at least one gate that securely latches (consider using two gates, so that a dog rushing through the first cannot get past the second)

• Visible signs should establish rules

• Users should be advised that they will be using the park at their own risk, including but not limited to the risk of being bitten, being knocked down, tripping, etc.

• The number of dogs per person must be limited

• The age of users must be limited

• Professional dog walkers should register (at least)

• Every dog must wear a collar

• Every owner must possess a leash upon the person of the owner (for taking the dog to and from the car or the park)

• Every dog must display its license or registration tag (illegal dogs are denied privileges in the park; important if there are problems in the park)

• Every dog must be current on its vaccinations

• Every person bringing a dog to the park must possess a driver's license or government-issued identification card (important if there are problems)

• No dog shall be left unattended by its owner 

• No dogs allowed if previously adjudicated to be dangerous

• No dogs allowed that previously have bitten or injured a person or another animal

• No dog allowed that is known to initiate fights with other dogs

• Dogs to remain on leash at all times, coming to and from dog run

• All violations will be investigated and one of the possible penalties is revocation of privilege

• There is a prominently posted address for complaints, which will be reviewed in a timely manner

• There will be a board or other body that will make decisions regarding enforcement and application of penalties 
   

                                    
August 16th, 2007               

Dog Paws Organization, Inc., is happy to announce that Petco Foundation has awarded the non-profit organization with a $500 grant for our in support of our efforts for raising money for the future Kenosha Dog Park. Thank you, Petco.

We plan to apply for more grants int he near future in effort to raise the necessary amount to cover the ocnstruction of the fence and sigs, totally $50,000-$60,000.

If we could have someone donate the fencing materials for 1.7 acres for the Dog Park to be built at Petrifying Springs Park, we would be saving a lot of money to raise!                                     

                                                     

Join the Most Patriotic Dog Contest at Harbor Marketplace in Kenosha                      

HarborMarket is a weekly Community Event, organized by a group of volunteers. This contest is the idea of Jane Powers @ Pampered Pup, a dog biscuit vendor that has been part of HarborMarket for many years.

Contest date: May 26, 2007            

Time: anytime between 9am and 1pm

Dress-up your Pooch in the most Patriotic Outfit to participate and come to HarborMarket. The fee is collected at Pampered Pup's stall and a digital picture of your dog (or other contestant) is taken for judging by a panel of experts.

Judging will occur after 1pm - you don't need to be present at that time. Entry Fee: $3Judging will occur for the four categories

• Small dog

• Mid-size

• Large and tall

other four-legged (birds, cats, hamsters and racoons)

                                                     

Dog Paws Volunteers and Community Members who are interested in helping us move forward with the Kenosha Dog Park at Petrifying Springs Park. Dog Paws needs your help with volunteering a little time to help on one of our projects. So, if you have a little extra time this month, we really need your help!!!!!

1) We need one or more people to find and contact local printing companies who will donate services to help Dog Paws create our Kenosha Dog Paws Photo Calendar, featuring local pooches.
As you recall, we have held monthly contests on the Dog Paws website, www.kenoshadogpaws.org where people have been entering photos of their dog. Each month, we tally the votes, and a dog has been chosen for all 12 months.
At this point, we need to have the calendars printed on good quality paper to create descent or high quality calendars, which we will sell in the Kenosha area at stores and businesses to raise money for the Dog Park fence and signs.
If you know of anyone who owns a print shop, or would like to help us out by finding a business in the area who will be willing to help us out by donating their time and services to create our calendars, that would be wonderful!.

2) We need a volunteer or two to help us fill out applications for grants, so that we can apply for as many as possible. Grants are available for non profit organizations like Dog Paws to apply for, and receive money to help us pay for the fence and signs for the Pet’s Dog Park.
We have one application for a $500 Petco Grant, which is near completion, will be sent out for approval very soon. We need to apply for several grants to reach our goal of raising $60,000 for the Dog Park.We need help from volunteers with searching for various grants on the Internet and library, and then having people fill out the applications for the grants, and then submit them prior to their deadlines.

Please call or email Lisa Saliture if you are interested in one of these projects. Contact info: 262-358-0811 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Dog Parks to Bark About

Top 10 Dog Parks in the United States

                                                   

Ever wonder what dogs are dreaming about when their tails start thumping and their toes twitch in the middle of a deep sleep? Catching Frisbees, dog-paddling, and making friends at the dog park, of course!

Dog parks offer much more than just doggie diversion. Romping with other dogs, maneuvering through agility courses, and fetching far-flung tennis balls help dogs to stay in shape and burn off the pent-up energy that comes from sleeping on the couch all afternoon. Playing with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages hones dogs' "social skills" and provides much-needed canine companionship, which can help reduce aggression and make dogs calmer, happier family members. 

Helpinganimals.com polled hundreds of visitors to HelpingAnimals.com in our quest to find the best dog parks in North America. Their canine critics give all these doggie destinations "two paws up."

View Top 10 Dog Parks

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America's Top 10 Dogs

                                                       

                                           America's Top 10 Dogs, The Daily Pulse List, 2007

Find out which breeds made the top 10

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Let Your Creative Side Out

                                                  

Show off your pooch or create a personalized gift for friends and family with Kleenex! Yes, you heard me right. Kleenex has come up with a cute way to make even your tissue box dog inspired!

MyKleenex.com is the official Kleenex website where you can create your own personalized photo Kleenex boxe. You have the option of uploading your own photos of your pets, add pet clip art, and even choose the color and style of the Kleenex box with templates on their website. And, for only $4.99 plus shipping, the result is well worth the money spent.

The ideas are endless with what you can come up with for your tissue box. They are a great idea for celebrating a special day, honoring your favorite pet, or sharing a funny moment with anyone who sees your Kleenex box at home or in your office.

Visit the Kleenex website to design one.

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Missing Dog-Have you seen this dog? Large Reward for his Safe Return

 

On 10/20/2006, this German Shorthaired Pointer dog decided to scale over his backyard fence, and run away. Sheridan Road and 67th Street is where he was last seen, not far from Allendale and the marina area. If you have seen this dog, please report the siting immediately to (262) 344-2003 or to Safe Harbor Humane Society.
We think he may be scared and hiding in a garage or enclosed area. He is very shy.

He is 40 pounds, neutured, and wearing a collar with tags. He is also micro-chipped.
Contact me at (262) 358-0811
Reward is being offered

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Sign up for the Dog Paws Newsletter to receive updates on our current events and progress with the Kenosha Dog Park

                                                                         

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Watch & Learn

Watch a video of a Real Public Pool Splash Dog Fundraiser Event

       

     Watch the Video

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Dog Paws Calendar Contest

Thanks to everyone who entered a photo of their dog's photo for a chance to be featured in our upcoming calendar!Proceeds from the calendar sales will be donated to the construction costs of the off-leash Dog Park to be built at Petrifying Springs Park, Kenosha.

Winners who will be in the Dog Paws Calendar

                 

          

          

       

 

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Yankee Candles and Gifts Fund-raiser Results

   

Dog Paws Organization held our Yankee Candle and Gifts Fundraiser Event from September 1st -16th, and raised $450.00 for the Dog Park!

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help sell the candles: Sue Meier, Mark Modory, Ashley and Pam Gerstner, Phyllis Saliture, and Jim Lee.

All proceeds from the sales of the Yankee candles will go directly for the expense of the fence we need at the Dog Park , which will be located at Petrifying Springs. Witout a fence, Kenosha County Parks Department will not open the Dog Park. So, please help us out and buy, buy, buy!

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June 23rd, 2006                 

            

Supervalu Book Fair Proceeds Donated to Dog Paws Organization

Thank you to Supervalu Distribution Center and Books Are Fun Organization, who graciously donated a percentage of all book sales to Dog Paws Organization, which was held June 21st. Also, a big THANKS to Jim Lee at Supervalu Midwest Region for all of your support!!! $204 was donated.

Dog Paws has committed to raising the necessary money to cover all construction costs of the upcoming off-leash Dog Park to be located at Petrifying Springs Park. All donations will bring us one step closer to our goal, which is to build a Dog Park for

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Dog PAWS Dog Treat Fundraiser Kick-Off

Dog PAWS Organization just started our first fund-raising effort to raise the money needed for construction costs of the upcoming Pet's off-leash Dog Park. the dog treats are really a great seller!

I ordered these adorable and yummy looking gourmet dog treats from Pawsitively Gourmet to sell as fundraiser items. They are all-natural, and I plan to sell them for $5 per treat. If you are interested in giving selling the dog treats for the fund-raiser, or know someone who would like to bring them to work, or school, etc., please let me know.

Email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

We need your help! Kenosha Dog PAWS NonProfit Organization is now starting fundraising efforts to raise money for the Kenosha County Dog Park planned for Petrifying Springs Park.

We are looking for people to become part of the Dog PAWS Organization through memberships. Your membership will allow you to help us make decisions regarding the construction of the dog park, and fulfill our need for help in such areas as: fundraising, media relations, and promoting through word of mouth, our organization in the community.

Join Kenosha Dog PAWS Organization by purchasing an annual membership. A Dog PAWS membership will support dog-related education, public relations, and Dog PAWS fundraising events.
Our group is supported entirely by membership dues and contributions. We appreciate your generosity.

Dog PAWS is dedicated to making our community a more dog-friendly place.  Through sponsorship of a Kenosha dog park, advocacy, and special events, Dog PAWS is working successfully towards this mission.

Please support us by joining today.  Annual membership dues are only $20 for individuals and families and $125 for Corporate/business members.

If interested in joining our organization and helping out with the dog park process,or even just helping support Dog PAWS, please complete the membership application through the following link.

Dog Paws Membership Application

The Kenosha Dog PAWS Organization would like to say thank you to the volunteers who have promoted the Dog Paws Organization in order to help us raise money for the construction of the Kenosha Dog Park. 

Your help is needed and greatly appreciated.

We also want to thank the community members who have donated towards the Dog Park construction costs. We have a goal of $60,000.00, and we have a long way to go, but every amount brings us one step closer to our goal!

June Krahn (Member)

Sue Meier (member)

Leigh Erin Poltrock (member)

3 Sister's Catering (member)

Phyllis Saliture - $200 Donation

Kazmieriez Kozlarski - $100 Donation

Ralph and Sylvia Nudi - $100 Donation

Melissa and Steve Marovich - $200 Donation