As you have noticed, I have been reminding people often about being careful to not leave their dogs in their cars on warm days, but also to not walk your dog on hot pavement. Please continue to spread the word and protect your own dogs as the Summer begins to wind down.
DOG OF THE MONTH
Charlotte is a sweet, adorable and loving 10 month old Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Charlotte has been a Braveheart student since she was a little puppy and just graduated from our Three's Company class. She is shown here, being trained by her 6 year old owner, Sophie.
UPCOMING CLASSES
Real World, San Leandro, Thursday, 8/8, 6-6:50pm, 4 weeks, $125
Small Dog Beginning, Castro Valley, 9/16, 6-7pm, 6 weeks, $150
Beginning Obedience, Castro Valley, 9/21, 9-10am, 6 weeks, $150
Puppy Preschool, Castro Valley, 9/21, 10-10:50am, 6 weeks, $150
Intermediate Obedience, Thursday, 10/10, 6-6:50pm, 4 weeks, $125
CLASS CHANGES
Many of you may have noticed that I have started to cut back on some of my classes. I have even had to drop some classes. The reason for this change is that I have been suffering with back problems for a long time and my back can no longer handle me standing for more than an hour or so at a time. This makes doing multiple classes very difficult and causes me pain for days afterwards most of the time. While I am still working on different ways to take care of my back and avoid further injury and pain, I also now realize, partly due to conversations with my doctors and physical therapist, that I have to start removing things from my life that cause me to stress my back. I will continue to offer both group classes and private instruction, but will be cutting back on classes. So, if you don't see a particular class on the schedule that you are used to seeing, this is why. It is a difficult change for me to make, but it is necessary. Thank you all for your understanding and support.
CAMPING WITH YOUR DOG
This past weekend, I went on a quick, overnight camping trip with my dog, Jenny. This particular trip was a group trip hosted by the Golden Gate Basset Rescue group, for which I am a volunteer. Jenny loves going and hanging out with all of her Basset buddies and all the hounds seem to have a wonderful time. Our trip inspired me to share some tips for camping with your dog.
- Be sure to make sure that wherever you are going to camp allows dogs! Believe it or not, there are many campgrounds that don't allow dogs. This is critical to know before heading off on your trip!
- As unfair as it is, some campgrounds have a "not allowed breed list". I have been to campgrounds that did not allow certain breeds, but did allow others. Be sure your dog's breed isn't on the list.
- Some campgrounds allow dogs, but only in certain areas. For instance, at the lake that I went to, dogs are welcome at the campgrounds, but not in the swimming areas. So, if you are going to be swimming, you would need to have someone to stay at camp to sit with the dog.
- Some dogs are defensive or uncomfortable about being tethered or leashed, as it allows other animals or people to wander up. Figure out the best way to contain your dog at camp. I usually bring a short leash, a longer line (not a flexi) and at least one exercise pen.
- Never leave your dog unattended at camp. Whether on a tie down, tether or in a pen, someone should be with your dog at all times.
- Never leave your dog "out" at night.
- Consider that you may need to be extra careful about parasite protection as many camping areas have ticks, mosquitos and other creepy crawlers.
- If it's hot out, do not leave your dog in direct sun without shade, in the car or in the tent, where temperatures will rise.
- Be sure to watch your dog carefully around a campfire.
- Be sure that your dog is secure in your tent. I have been to events where dogs have let themselves out of tents during the night!
- Don't forget to bring your dog's food, treats and even your own water if your dog has a sensitive gut.
- Be sure to keep the garbage up so your dog doesn't get into it!
Some pictures of Jenny from our recent trip:
Some Bassets playing. Notice the ex pens up to create a "yard". The hounds were only in this area with people and completely supervised.
Jenny enjoys hanging out at our campsite.
Jenny is a happy camper!
For the first time, we camped in our car! I borrowed the cabana tent for my Honda Element from a friend and Jenny and I slept in there. It was surprisingly comfortable! I thought that if Jenny REALLY tried, she may be able to somehow get out of the tent, so I tethered her during the night inside my car.
