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It'S FALL!
Celebrate my favorite season by taking your furry friend someplace outdoors. How about a hike? Or dinner at a nice outdoor cafe? The weather is perfect for outdoor activities with your trained pooch.
It's also a great time to think about taking the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test! I'll be doing this testing on Saturday, November 12th at the Atlanta Humane Society from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Please call (404) 974-2899 or email me to make an appointment.
Is your dog ready to be a Canine Good Citizen? Having this certification from the AKC may give you and your pooch a leg up when looking for pet-friendly housing. Have you thought about trying to get your dog involved in therapy work? The CGC is a good first step. The CGC test is a ten-item pass/fail test that is administered by a certified AKC Evaluator. It takes about 20 minutes in most cases, and if your pooch passes, the AKC sends you a certificate.
To see if your Fido is ready for the test, go here to look at the test items.
Think Fido needs more work first? Many trainers around town offer classes specifically designed to prepare you and your dog for the test. This link may be of help. Most dogs who have passed a decent Basic Obedience Class will have most of the skills to pass; you may just need a bit more work in some areas. I can assess your dog for you and tell you if I think he's ready.
A Hike in the Woods is a great way to spend an autumn day.
I love to hike, but I admit I don't make enough time for it. Fall is my favorite season, so I try to take advantage of the crisp weather and the gorgeous palette of nature while I can. Even a short half-day hike with your dog can reinvigorate you, and I know very few dogs who don't enjoy the heck out of a nature walk.
Maybe you don't live near the woods and don't have time to get there, but want to enjoy the weather in a local park, or just go for a long winding street walk that culminates in dinner at an outdoor cafe. This is a great way to spend an autumn day, too. And there are also fall festivals to consider, some of which may allow dogs. Always check first.
If you take your dog hiking in wooded areas, be sure to
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| Dogs love autumn. |
- make sure dogs are allowed at your designated hiking spot, and obey the leash laws (make sure he is off-leash reliable if you are thinking of taking him off, and leash him up immediately if anyone asks you to--please don't ruin it for everyone)
- pick up your dog's waste, even if he doesn't "doo" it on or near the trail
- keep your dog from disturbing wildlife or other hikers
- always wear proper footwear while hiking. Flip-flops do NOT count.
While walking in the city:
- Keep your dog leashed (NOT a retractable leash, either)! It's too dangerous to allow even a well-trained dog off leash on busy roadways. Why take a chance?
- Be mindful of runners, bicycles, strollers, and other "hazards" that can spook your dog or get in your path
- Use sidewalks, but give others plenty of room, since they may not be comfortable around dogs (another reason to keep your dog leashed)
- Never allow your dog to get in someone's personal space unless they specifically request it, and always make sure when your dog greets people, he keeps "4-on-the-floor"
- Use stop signs, traffic lights, intersections, and open space to work on your training
- be in control always, but allow your dog chances to sniff, eliminate (please pick it up!), and enjoy the walk too
If you stop at a cafe:
 Keep your dog leashed! Attach the leash to your chair or the table, and don't give your dog more than 2 feet. Do not use a retractable leash!!! - Make sure your dog has practiced this at home, so he can lie down under the table and not disturb anyone
- Make sure animals are allowed at the restaurant first. Your pet is not a service dog, so restaurants are not required to allow you access. Do not be a jerk about it. And DO NOT, I MEAN IT, make or buy a fake "service dog vest" for your pet so that you can "sneak" him into places only service dogs are allowed. THIS MAKES ME VERY ANGRY. IT'S ILLEGAL, IT'S RUDE, AND IT CAUSES MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR REAL SERVICE DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS. They need their dog with them. You don't. Sorry for "yelling." But it's a major pet peeve.
- Don't take your dog to a restaurant and tie him outside while you have a meal inside. He could be stolen, or be stressed by cars, or passing strangers. Even if he's super-friendly, without you there to supervise, problems can definitely happen.
- Take a collapsible water bowl for your dog; don't expect the restaurant to accommodate this need
- Be aware that other patrons might want to pet your dog, or may be nervous around it. The best scenario is for someone to see your dog as they are leaving, turn to their friends, and say, "What a well-behaved dog! I didn't even notice it was here."
Regardless of venue, take lots of water for you and your dog.
Dehydration is more prevalent in colder weather because we don't always feel thirsty like in summer, but we are constantly losing precious fluids with exercise.
Have a great Fall with your best friend!
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