What’s the Deal with Humping?

Feb 2, 2012 // by Paul // No Comments

Whether it was one of your own dogs being the guilty party or another dog doing it to yours, we’ve all seen two dogs hump each other at some point. Yes, it’s embarrassing and obnoxious, and it’s not something you want to encourage, but what does it all mean?

There are a lot of theories floating around out there about mounting and humping, some think that it’s sexual, humping is dominance, or it’s mainly done by intact males. While some of these and other theories can be correct in some cases, the most common type of humping/mounting that I see on a daily basis is redirected excitement that usually ends up in play.

While mounting and humping may be a way to start a nice game of chase, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t obnoxious or shouldn’t be interrupted out in public. You definitely don’t want to be the owner of that dog that is constantly mounting and going to town on every dog at the park, telling them to come would be an important management skill to have in this case. It’s extra important in situations like these to be able to interrupt it because some dogs will instantly turn and correct a dog for mounting them. But around a group of well-socialized dogs with no behavior issues – why not let them go?

Start to observe your dog a little closer when it comes to their humping. You may see them do it in times of high excitement or as a way to get another dog to play with them. While it isn’t appropriate in all situations, humping is not a sign of a bad dog.

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Veterans Memorial Dog Park in Cedar Park

Jun 8, 2011 // by Paul // 4 Comments

A new dog park has recently opened in Cedar Park, and it looks like a great place for the dogs! The Cedar Bark Park is located within Veterans Memorial Park and is located at 2525 W. New Hope Drive in Cedar Park. The 5 acre dog park offers plenty of room for the dogs to spread out and run and also includes a pier that leads to a dog only pond – how cool is that?!

The Cedar Bark Park is completely fenced dog park with two sections for larger dogs and one section for smaller dogs and also offers showers for dirty dogs and drinking bowls. Dog safety is always an issue in dog parks, so before heading out to the new Cedar Park Dog Park (or any of the other Austin area dog parks), be sure to read up on dog park etiquette and enjoy the day with your dog!

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How to Introduce 2 Dogs on Leash

May 20, 2011 // by Paul // No Comments

Introducing dogs while they are on their leashes can be a potential disaster. Not even getting into the discussion of leash aggression, dogs that are well socialized and friendly can react differently when faced with the spacial limitations and added frustration that leashes sometimes provide, especially when greeting another dog.

In a perfect world all dogs would be introduced to each other with the presence of movement, in a calm state of mind, and without the restraint of a leash. Unfortunately the gap between the perfect world and reality can be enormous at times, so let’s go over some tips for a successful on-leash meet and greet with two dogs.

Control the approach. Having a dog pull their owner towards another dog is not going to make a good first impression. The greeting starts well before the dogs actually meet, so be sure to approach either in a heel or a loose leash walk.
Keep slack in both leashes. Having a tight leash will only add tension and stress to the interaction. Do your best to follow your dog around so that slack remains in the leashes, this is much easier to do when you have cooperation from the other dog owner.
Keep motion in the greeting. Dogs move around when they greet, the smell here, they smell there, and they approach from different angles. Stiffness and stillness are signs of tension and a possible fight in dogs so even if it’s just motion in a small area, keep moving. The motion will also help to dissipate stress, and in order to keep slack in those leashes, you will have to be moving.
Keep it one on one. There is a reason there are two dogs in the picture above and there is a reason why the article refers to introducing two dogs on leash. Keeping the leashes from getting tangled up is hard enough with two dogs, when you add another dog or two it becomes nearly impossible.
Use your head. Just because you see another dog on your walk or at the park, it doesn’t mean you are obligated to stop and introduce the dogs to each other. This is especially the case for a dog who is already lunging and barking on sight of another dog. If you get the feeling that the introduction is not going to go well, don’t do it.

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New Leander Dog Training Facility

Mar 2, 2011 // by Paul // No Comments

As many of our local clients know, we recently relocated our North Austin dog training center to a new location in Leander. The new location is an indoor training center that offers full protection from the weather and brings on a whole new set of training challenges for the dogs!

The brand new dog training facility has plenty of space to continue our traditional curriculum, like distance sits and downs, off-leash recalls, and heeling off-leash with a lot of turns thrown in, but we can also expand on our training drills to include new drills and training scenarios that we couldn’t offer at our old training location. In addition to expanding on our existing curriculum, we will be able to offer fun extra classes like K9 Scent Games, advanced obedience, Trick Training, and some other fun stuff that we have planned! With the new location come new merchandise! Be sure to stop by and check out our new assortment of interactive toys, dog collars, treats, and other cool stuff for your dog!

Although the new location is indoors, we will still be utilizing some of the great Austin dog parks, hiking trails, and other outdoor training opportunities that Austin offers – so don’t put away the sun block just yet! The new location is on Nameless Road (which intersects with 183 and 1431) in Leander (the complete address and directions can be found here.) The training center is an easy drive from Cedar Park, North Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown! We are thrilled with the acquisition of the new Leander dog training center and can’t wait to see everyone up there!

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5 Great Austin Dog Walks and Hikes

Jan 11, 2011 // by Paul // 2 Comments

While there are several spots in the area that we enjoy taking our dogs, here is a list of 5 of our favorite spots in and around Austin to take your dog hiking and walking.

Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail is a very popular trail for bikers, runner, and dog owners. The trail system covers more then 10 miles and mostly lies on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. This too is an on-leash trail and you can expect to wander right next to the downtown areas, as well as quiet secluded areas of the city.

Brushy Creek Trail is right at the tip of North Austin, Round Rock, and Cedar Park. You can expect to enjoy 6+ miles of hike and bike trails with views of a reservoir and even a golf course in certain places. This is an on-leash trail and there are poop bag dispensers and trash cans throughout the trail.

Walnut Creek has several trails (totaling 12+ miles) that wind and weave around the shallow creek in several spots (giving your dog a great place to cool off). The main trails are wide enough to walk shoulder to shoulder with a few people, but some of the other paths that branch off can be a bit narrow. Walnut Creek is an off-leash hiking trail, but keep an eye on your dogs and keep them out of the way of the mountain bikers and trail runners.

Lake Pflugerville Park includes an on-leash 3 mile trail that is great for walking, jogging, and biking. The circular trail surrounds a 180 acre reservoir and has a boat launch, beach area, and rest rooms. Rules state that dogs must be on-leash, but it’s not uncommon to see some well-behaved dogs taking a quick dip in a secluded spot on the reservoir.

Turkey Creek is part of the Emma Long Park system and is a fantastic hiking trail that also crosses a small stream in several places. This is an off-leash trail and is about 3.5 miles long, taking you into the heart of the wooded Hill Country. The Turkey Creek trails can be a bit narrow in certain places but it’s still an easy to moderate hike, the dogs love it here!

*BONUS* The Goodwater Trail at Lake Georgetown consists of over 25 miles of trails. The trail system is zoned for on-leash dogs, but it’s not uncommon to see well-behaved dogs running the trails as well. The trail runs around the shoreline of the lake and has trailheads at all five parks.

What about you, what are some of your favorite hiking and walking trails that your dog enjoys?

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Would You Pay to Use a Dog Park?

Jul 12, 2010 // by Paul // 3 Comments

More and more dog parks are popping up in Austin and other communities across the country, many are publicly funded while others are privately owned. My questions is, Would you pay for some type of membership in order to have access to the dog park?

The whole topic of paid memberships for dog parks was originally brought up by a general posting from the Kong Company on their facebook page, and I thought it sparked an interesting debate. Out of the feedback from the post, many people had a hard time justifying paying money for something that they think should be free, while others state that they are currently paying a fee to use these parks.

If you were to pay a membership fee to use a dog park, what types of benefits would you need to experience in order to justify your payment? Would you want increased maintenance or lights? Would you need to see additional features like running water or agility equipment? Would you expect a membership cap to avoid overcrowding or some type of screening process to ensure that the parks are filled with the well balanced and socialized dogs? What are your thoughts?

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Dog Parks and Fences

Aug 11, 2009 // by Paul // 2 Comments

Austin Dog Parks

I realize most dog parks have fences and are designed that way to allow all dog owners to to be able to take their dogs to exercise safely. I have heard many dog owners state that they go to a specific dog park simply because it has a fence, and I understand the importance of fences and most people’s views on fenced in dog parks, but here is my take on dog parks and fences.

Dog Parks with Fences:

Tend to be smaller and sometimes not large enough for dogs to socialize without feeling confined and can eliminate escape routes if needed (during proper social protocols).
Tend to be filled with dog owners who do not pay attention to their dogs because there is a fence and the chances of escaping are relatively low.
Tend to be occupied with dogs who have zero training and no control.

Dog Parks without Fences:

Tend to be large enough for everyone to spread out and have their own space to run, play, and socialize.
Tend to be filled with dog owners who closely monitor and watch their dogs.
Tend to be occupied with dogs with enough training and control to come back when called.

My Point about Dog Parks and Fences:

Not every dog is socially stable and belongs at a dog park. Having enough space to spread out can help allow dogs to exist without conflict, and of course, Dog Park Etiquette still needs to be practiced.
Fence or no fence, you must keep an eye on your dog while at the park. Surrounding yourself with others who are practicing this will help to avoid resource guarding, bullying, pinning, and other similar behaviors.
Obedience provides us with functional control over our dogs, and the dog park is a perfect place to use your functional control. What I mean is, if your dog is being pestered by another dog, tell him to come; if your dog is near a water bowl that is being guarded by another dog, tell him to come; if your dog is jumping on people, tell him to sit; and if your dog is getting too close to the road, tell him to come! These are all things that need to be practiced in parks, fenced or not.

I am only sharing this info because there are so many great Dog Parks in Austin and throughout the country, and I hope all trips to the dog park are filled with good times – not emergency vet visits.

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