Category Archives: Dog Fun

Behavior and Psychology, Dog Fun

Pooch Plunge

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There’s nothing like a big, cold swimming pool on a hot September day.  Especially if you’re a dog!  The Lawrence (KS) Outdoor Aquatic Center recognizes that many dogs just can’t get enough pool time.  Before draining the pool at the end of each summer, they allow dog owners to bring their dogs in for a swim.

 

September 2, 2008 was the date for the sixth annual Pooch Plunge, a fundraiser for the Aquatic Center.  The pool charges $5 admission for each dog, and raises about $1,500 to pay for pool maintenance, which we would imagine involves cleaning lots of fur out of the filters!

 

Observers are allowed in for free to watch the dogs playing in the water.  Apparently, it’s just a hoot!  The three hour event draws as many as 400 dogs, and an untold number of their 2-legged friends.  People are not allowed in the pool during the pooch plunge, but as one lifeguard notes, “I really don’t want to get in the water because it’s pretty filthy by now.”  Lifeguard Vinny Gonzalez of McLouth states he and his fellow guards are there simply to prevent human participation in the event, not to rescue any dogs whose swimming skills are rusty.  He notes, “I haven’t quite had that course.”

 

Pet-related vendors are also on hand, serving dog treats and displaying their wares to the participating dogs and their guardians.

 

This event sounds like a lot of fun!  Wish the pools in my area would follow suit.

 

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

 

 

Dog Fun, Health

Dog Yoga

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Dog daycare and dog massage, I’ve heard of, but dog yoga?  I guess it’s all the rage on the east coast, after being developed by Suzi Teitelman, who calls it doga.  Teitelman, who is a human yoga instructor, noticed that her dog seemed interested in being close to her when she did her own yoga poses.  From these humble beginnings, doga has grown to where classes are now offered in at least 100 locations domestically, as well as in Europe.

Continue reading Dog Yoga →

Dog Fun

The Continuing Saga of Kayla’s DNA

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If you’ve been following along, you know that I sent away my “mutt”, Kayla’s DNA to try to find out what breed(s) she is.  Unfortunately, I apparently didn’t get a good enough sample the first time, so I have had to re-do the sample.  Just mailed it back in today, so there’s still time to get your votes in.  What’s your guess as to what she is?  See her picture here and post your guess below.  No prizes, just good clean fun.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

Dog Fun

Boating with Bonzo

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Riding in the bow of the boat, wind whipping up all kinds of good smells, hair blowing in the breeze…no wonder dogs like to go out boating with you! Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

1. Regardless of whether or not you bring the dog, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. It’s just as dangerous in a boat as it is in a car, and your dog needs you to come home tonight.

2. Keep an eye on your dog, especially while the boat is moving. If he falls overboard, he had a good chance of getting nipped by the propeller.

3. Try a short trip first, to see if your dog enjoys it. If he’s scared, plan to leave him home next time.

4. Use a personal flotation device, even if your dog is a good swimmer. He may not know his limitations and may become tired before he makes it back to the boat. Try to find a PFD that has a handle on the back, allowing you to lift the dog out of the water.

5. Provide shade so the dog does not get overheated. If you have a hairless dog, use sunscreen.

6. Provide stable footing for the dog by laying a piece of carpet or a rubber mat over a fiberglass deck.

7. Make sure your dog has a legible ID tag and / or a microchip, in case you get separated from him.

Enjoy the lake!

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

Dog Fun, Human or Doggy Nature

Poll: Your relationship to your pets

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I saw an interesting poll on my local news website yesterday and wondered how Doggies.com people would respond.  Please use the comments section below:

 

How would you describe your relationship to your pets:

Owner

Guardian

Parent

Locally, people were overwhelmingly picking the last choice (72%), with the remaining 28% split evenly between owner and guardian.  The bad part about polls the way this one was presented is that you can only select a choice, but not give an explanation.  Please tell us your choice and tell us why you chose it in the comments section below.  (Hey, we’re low tech here – no fancy calculations to give instant results!)

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!