New dog park in Dublin 15

A couple of weeks ago I suddenly found a new enclosed area in Harstown Park




It is quite big and there is a big population of dog owners in the area so I believe it will have a lot of dogs in there soon!
Jago and Buddy are not really interested in playing with other dogs, but Jago will join if there is a group of crazy running dogs!
Otherwise they will keep asking me for the tennisball.

So it won't be great for socialization for my dogs, but it's great for owners socialization!

What is your opinion about dog parks?

Read More...

Canicross event in Monaghan

Have you ever run with your dog?
Have you ever tried CaniCross?

Last weekend I went with Jago to a Canicross event in Monaghan.

Canicross can be defined as "running with your dog attached to a belt".

But it is much more than that. At the event there was bikejoring (dog attached to the bike) and also scooter.

I was supposed to run as Jago and I went for a bit of training in the last few months, but unfortunately I am injured at the moment.. so we went only to check the event!

I have to admit that usually I prefer to run with Jago off lead... well he prefers that way.
There is a lot of polemic about off lead dogs and less places where it is possible to let your dog run free.. but I am not entering in that discussion now.

So we got used also to run together with a belt.. I don't have serious harness and belt but just a cheap one bought on ZooPlus.

When we arrived at the event Jago was seriously scared and stressed. He could hear dogs barking and howling in the vans (a lot of huskies, so a lot of talking there :D ). He felt the excitement I guess and didn't really understand what was going on.
But he has been a great dog.. on the lead for hours, just being around, watching other dogs+people running and being friendly with everyone.
Unfortunately he wanted to play with some dogs and he couldn't, because they were "working".

I posted some pictures of the weekend on the other blog but you will find more info about CaniCross on their website

Read More...

Canine Campers Ireland First Meeting!

After not long time from the creation of the facebook group and the newborn blog, Canine Campers Ireland had their First Meetup!

We went to Kilbroney Forest in a beautiful and well organized caravan park!

You will see from the photos we were not many people... but you know, end of September, new group.. I'd say it has been a success anyway!

You can read a quick report here http://caninecampersireland.com/1st-canine-campers-ireland-meetup-kilbroney-forest-park/
and if you are interested in joining the group let us know!!

Read More...

Dog Day Trips around Dublin

Hi everyone,

maybe it is the same as dog walks, but actually I will be posting about day-trips around Dublin with dogs.

What I personally need is a place where I can park my car-van-carcamper (not sure how to call it), stay inside a write my thesis and let the dogs have fun!

I posted about Bettystown Beach few days ago.
The weather was terrible, but maybe that's why it has been a success for me: not many people!

I will put another post soon for another place where I have been last Sunday... and I guess I will write many others..

If you know of other spots Please Do let me know! Here or on caninecampersireland !

Thanks!

Read More...

Canine Campers Ireland

It is a long time since my last update!

I now started a new page, canine campers ireland

Yes I finally started camping in Ireland with my dogs!

Jago and Buddy really love it, but I am a newbie to canine camping and, as we know, Ireland is not always dog friendly.

I decided once again to create a blog and try to share my experience plus hopefully the experience of other fellow canine campers!

Get in touch if you have any suggestion for us!

Thanks!

Read More...

Easy Ways to Help the RSPCA

UK charities rely solely on the generosity of the British public to enable them to do their work. The RSPCA, for instance, receives no government funding but thanks to donations from the public they can rescue, heal and care for many, many animals.

People donate to the RSPCA in a number of different ways. Some give £2.00 a month or more by direct debit, which allows the RSPCA to plan future spending commitments. Other people donate generously at fundraising events or following a televised appeal for help. A number of people leave a gift of money or even a percentage of their estate to UK charities like the RSPCA in their Will.

Perhaps one of the most challenging ways to help the RSPCA is by hosting a fundraising event. There is plenty of information on the RSPCA Choices’ website on how to fundraise (how to promote your event, how to create a promotional webpage or print useful documents like sponsorship forms etc.). RSPCA Choices is the charity’s new approach to funding, allowing people to select from several suggested projects one that they would most like to support. For instance, you might click on their site and decide that you want to support a project that helps cats: you could choose the project called ‘Rehome a Cat’ and work towards raising some money towards the target amount set. Each project has a target figure but each person who contributes towards that target will be kept regularly informed of how their money has helped.

But if you feel that you do not have spare money to donate, or worry that you lack the confidence to organise a fundraising event, perhaps you could think of other ways to help the RSPCA. They are always keen to welcome people who can spare some time to volunteer at their shelters, in their offices or at their shops. Plus there are practical things that you can do to help animals that are being cared for in shelters: if you are a knitter, perhaps you could knit some blankets for the animals, or could you perhaps donate any old blankets or towels ?

You can also help animals through the RSPCA by calling them to report any abuse or neglect that you know about or suspect. Their Inspectors are there to investigate concerns about cruelty and the charity has the authority to take owners to court. You can call anonymously if you have any concerns about giving your details. The Inspectors know how difficult it can sometimes be to report abuse, especially as the Inspectors themselves often face abuse and even violence by animal owners. Indeed the RSPCA Choices’ winter campaign is called ‘Everyday Heroes’ to reflect the difficult and often thankless jobs that their Inspectors have, and the fact that Inspectors make a huge difference to the lives of animals in the UK. If you would like to support those Everyday Heroes then you can select the Sponsor an Inspector project from those listed on the RSPCA Choices site.

Read More...

Wicklow Pound petition

I've been always reading the update from "Chance" facebook webpage during the last few months.
What I understood is that the dogs in Wicklow Pound have a very difficult life and high rates to be put to sleep.  In 2010 the rate of dogs killed was 44%.
The association was formed in 2012 by volunteers that wanted to enter the pound to take photos of the dogs and create a profile to help rehoming them.
They have been denied it and can access only the "public gallery".
There are layers of wire that divide the dogs from the public in the gallery and the chance volunteers are going twice a week to take photos, with no collaboration from the warden.

You can learn more from this youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UNAhA1XP4w

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Chance.Wicklow?fref=ts

Website:
http://www.chance.ie/

There is an important petition at the moment that could give an opportunity to the dogs entering the pound.
Please sign it and share!!!

Wicklow County Council and the ISPCA: Provide improved public records, accountability and service at Wicklow Pound 

All dogs entering the pound should be photograhed and given the opportunity to be reunited with their owners, rehomed or offered rescue help. Currently only dogs deemed fit for rehoming by the wardens are allowed to be photographed and dogs are regularly withheld from volunteer’s sight at Wicklow Pound. There should be no hidden dogs.
Stray and surrender information is information in the public domain and can help reunite a dog with an owner (specific areas can be targeted via social media and poster campaigns) and in the case of surrenders ensure that a dog appears on our page as an urgent case. This is vital to saving lives and positive outcomes for the dogs.
Confirmation of availability date is also vital to ensuring a dog is effectively promoted and profiled for rehoming.
Currently opening hours are not conducive to reclamation and rehoming and there is no service to leave a message when you telephone as recommended during opening hours.

https://www.change.org/petitions/wicklow-county-council-and-the-ispca-provide-improved-public-records-accountability-and-service-at-wicklow-pound#

Read More...

Another dog lost!

Again I found a dog lost!
People start making fun of me, telling I am stealing dogs or I have a magnet that attracts dog lost.
To be honest I see that in those situation I am the only one "doing something".

The first time I found a dog, the wee small was crossing the road at a traffic light in a dangerous situation and was shaking scared. People watching and laughing. I stopped the car and took her and after 24 hours he has been reunited with the owner.

The second time coming back from a park another small dog was running literally in the middle of a road.
Cars were slowing down, no people walking and nobody stopping.
I stopped the car again and run after the dog and been able to catch him after 10 minutes.
Again after 24 hours dog reunited with his owner that was looking for him!

Few days ago I was in Tesco in Dublin 11 when a big labrador came in and started wandering around all happy in the fruit sector.
People laughing and security just pushed him out.
He went into other two shops and same thing.
Outside the shopping center he started to jump wagging his tail inside customers' cars.

Again I took the dog with me, thanks to few treats I just bought for my dogs, and ran to a vet.
He was microchipped but not registered and had a tag.

A big happy dog, but not easy for me to manage as I have two dogs at home.
Anyway we spent a nice crazy afternoon all together and thanks to facebook again I found the owner after just few hours.

I don't think I am special, but please, microchip and put a tag on your dog collar, everything would be easier!!

See my previous article for some tips.
http://adogpaw.blogspot.ie/2013/09/what-to-do-if-you-find-lost-dog.html

Read More...

Working from home - knee injury

It's long time that I am not writing on the blog.. but unfortunately I had a knee injury, so crutches and no new walks for us :( :(

But I am working from home and I want to introduce you my new work colleagues

Read More...

Dog walks: enniskerry - woodland walk

Maybe is the best walk of the last few months!

I went there with two friends and three dogs on a saturday morning.
On the M50 it took us less than 30 minutes to get there.
There are many walks in Enniskerry and we did the Woodland Walk.

Some problems to find a parking space, as we were not familiar with the area, we parked in the town, but we discovered after that there is a parking space at the entrance of the walk.

It is a beautiful walk in the forest, a lot of plants and a river (Glencullen river) for the doggies to swim and cool down.

The three doggies have been running in the forest for few hours, as the place is quite big and you will not be bored to discover new paths.
The walk that we did was circular, with two bridges on the river.
We met few people there and we stopped for a while in a beautiful area to drink and give the dogs something to eat.

You can find on these websites more information about the place, I am not very familiar, but I hope to go there soon!

http://wicklowcountywalks.com/knocksink.html

http://www.wicklowtourism.ie/village-guide/enniskerry-wicklow.html

http://enniskerry.ie/

Read More...

dog training: sit

***Please note that I am NOT a dog trainer, so I am just sharing my experience with my own dogs.. 
I may be doing wrong things and I am open to suggestions :) ***

 Let's start the training series with a basic command: SIT

With Jago has been very easy to teach him sit, but maybe not for all the dogs is so easy.

First thing to remember is that the dog should have fun during the training and should be able to concentrate.
So it's easier to start in a quiet environment, if he is a puppy maybe not when he is hyper excited.
Slowly you can trying moving to more busy places trying to capture his attention.

Sit was the first command we learnt at the puppy classes.
We have been taught to give the command sit as verbal command without body signals.
He should be able to "understand the word" even if we are giving our back to him.

How to begin?
The easiest thing is to use the natural moments when your dog are going to sit down to tell him the word and praise him.
He will start the association and you are not forcing him but gently using his natural movements to teach something.
Then you can start with the training.

Stand up and show to your dog a treat.
Move the treat near his nose.
If the dog sit give him the command "sit" straight away and praise him.
The timing is very important.

Why we shouldn't give the command before?

When we start with a new command the dog wouldn't understand the word.
So it's better to say the command at the same time with his action.
When the association between movement and word will be better you can give the command in advance and expect a reaction.
You should avoid giving 100 times the command expecting a reaction.
If he doesn't get it he will not understand better if you repeat and the command will loose intensity.

When he will be able to execute the sit following your hand with the treat you can start to training him to only follow your command and giving the treat as praise later.

To reinforce the command you can ask him to sit before opening the door, or before letting him play or before giving him his meal.

Training is an important part of the relationship with your dog, will keep him entertained and you will feel more confident if you are able to control him!

Let me know if you have any issues, advice or experiences to share.

I am not a dog trainer and I am only sharing my experience with my dogs.

Read More...

Dog walks: Bull Island

Another beautiful place for a nice walk near Dublin is Bull Island, just 4 miles from the city center.
The sandy beach is called Dollymount Strand and it's long approx 5 km!!!


The island is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere reserve and is also classified as a Wetland of International importance under the Ramsar Convention.


The island is connected to the mainland by the Bull Bridge at the southern (Clontarf/Dollymount) end, and by a broad causeway at Raheny.
Usually I drive from Clontarf road heading to the Golf club / visitor centre.
There is parking space and there you have the chance to walk through the dunes or on the beautiful beach!

There is plenty of space to let you dog running and have fun, please respect the wildlife and the environment!

The first time I went there I have been walking on the beach.. for hours! You can see in the photos Jago running and jumping down from the dunes just behind the beach.

Last Sunday we have been walking with a friend and her 2 dogs on the dunes and was beautiful as well, I think that Jago enjoyed even more!
And you can see a fantastic double rainbow to create a nice atmosphere!

From another website "Bull Island is a A 300 hectare island in Dublin Bay formed after the construction of the Bull Wall in the 1820's. It is now a Nature Reserve and Bird Sanctuary of international importance with up to 25.000 wading birds using the area in Winter"


How to Get There by bus:
30, 31 from Lower Abbey Street.

Visitors Centre is open 7 days a week, 10.00am-4.30pm.


 
View Larger Map

Read More...

Walk for Greyhounds

Saturday 21st September in Merrion Square there will be the 3d walk for Greyhound.

It is a walks organized to promote greyounds as pets and raise awareness of greyhound welfare issues.

The meeting is at 12 in Merrion Square Park and the walk will begin at 1.15 and will take 1 and half hours.

More information on the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/grai.ie

I will go with Jago and Buddy!!

Read More...

Dog walks: Portmarnock beach

Another beach where we started to go often is Portmarnock beach.
Portmarnock is on the coast between Malahide and Baldoyle, approx 15 km from Dublin city centre.
There is a big public car park and the town is served by the No. 32B and No. 42 bus service from Dublin City Centre, with a bus stop right at the beach!

The beach is very big as  you can see on the map so if it's a sunny day and there are too many people it's not difficult to find a spot where you can let the dog off leash and don't annoy children or people walking there.

The Velvet Strand is a long sandy beach, approximately 5 km in length, consisting of a large sandy dune area.
It would be better to let the dog play on the beach and not on the dunes as I read we should protect the dunes from erosion.

Here the photos of yesterday walk with Buddy and Jago.
They met few friendly dogs and they had a lot of fun running in the water and playing with the ball!

Here the rules of dogs on Fingal beaches:

Dogs On Beaches - http://www.fingalcoco.ie/Environment/BeachesinFingal/DogsOnBeaches/
During the period 1st June to 31st August in any year persons shall be allowed bring a dog onto, or allow a dog under his or her control to remain on the beach/foreshore

(i) under adequate personal control, before the hours of 11.00am and after the hours of 6.00pm
(ii) to be on a leash in all Reserved Bathing Areas (as defined in Schedule 2) between the hours of 11.00am and 6.00pm.

Persons in charge of a dog on the beach shall ensure the following:
- It is on a leash or under adequate control
- It is not causing annoyance to any person using the beach or worrying, chasing, injuring or disturbing any animals, birds or other creatures on the beach
- Removal of its faeces and depositing it in a litter bin or other receptacle which may be designated for this purpose. (Guide dogs for the blind are exempt from this bye-law as also are dogs kept by An Garda Siochana and wholly used by a member of An Garda Siochana in the execution of his/her duty).
-  Every person bringing a dog onto the beach area shall be responsible and liable for any damage or injury to property or persons which may be caused by it.


View Larger Map

Read More...

Photo competition with prize!

The first photo contest is Live now on the facebook page!

I have decided to run this photo contest to give you the opportunity to share your dog's photos and to win a small prize that I will buy from a dog charity.
If the contest will be successful I will run the contest regularly so we can give a small help to other charities / rescues!

You will find all the info here:
http://www.facebook.com/adogpaw

"1st A dog's Paw Photo Contest - Bow Wow Beef Dog Treats DSPCA

A great way to win treats to train your dog and support DSPCA!!

RULES:
Upload an original photo of your dog / dogs / friend's dog on the facebook page.
Wait to see the photo in the Contest Folder.
Share the photo if you want to have more opportunities to get a like.
The photo with more likes will win!
The prize is a pack of Bow Wow Beef Dog Treats from DSPCA shop. (200g - 100% Irish Beef - just cured and seasoned. Made in Wicklow)
Only for residents in the Republic of Ireland.

CONTEST CLOSES next Sunday September 15th at 22:00

Let me know for any question or issues."

Read More...

is it possible to train two dogs together?

***Please note that I am NOT a dog trainer, so I am just sharing my experience with my own dogs.. 
I may be doing wrong things and I am open to suggestions :) ***


Well I am trying, just for fun :D
I've read that is not possible because they are too distracted or for other reasons.
I am not really trying to train them, but yesterday when they started to be bored / too much tennisball obsessed I started with Sit - Down command and it works really good!

Now, Buddy doesn't give paw and I saw he doesn't like to be touched on the paws.

I will progress with some "stay" maybe in the following days and then let's see :D
It's just because I don't want to stop Jago training and these first days I don't want to exclude Buddy from our activities.

Aren't they cute???

Read More...

Puppy classes - video :)

I found this "old" video today of Jago puppy classes last January.
They were all less than 5 months old and this was the play and recall training

Read More...

Fostering experience - Buddy - day 2

The fostering experience is continuing and still great!
Yesterday evening Buddy was tired after playing for hours with a 4 years old girl!
He is so gentle!

Today we went to Bark in the Park, a walk in aid for the Irish Blue Cross.
Buddy had the chance to meet many other dogs, big and small, crazy and quiet, and he never had any problem! He didn't mind the confusion, all the people there, the kids approaching and he enjoyed the walk!
The only thing that still scares him are the cars.
He is very stressed when he hears a car, he tend to stop and lay down.
But we are working on that, and being together with other dogs is helping.

At home he is much more quiet than my hyperactive Jago, but he loves his walks and playing with the tennis ball!
He is really affectionate and loves cuddles a lot!

Here a photo of the two doggies tired after Bark in the Park!

20:00 Update!!
My main concern was Separation Anxiety.
Both friday morning and saturday evening when I left even for a while the flatmates told me that Buddy was crying a lot!!!
Today I left the two guys together and alone for a couple of hours and video recorded with my PC
No crying, no barking, no fighting, everything perfect!!
Ok that they were tired from the walk, but I am super happy!!!
Well done Buddy & Jago!

Read More...

Fostering experience - Buddy - day 1!

Everything is happening quickly these days.
Two days ago I found a dog and in 12 hours I found the owner thanks to the facebook page Lors Lost dogs.

In the afternoon I saw on Dog in Distress webpage that there were few dogs in the pound that would need urgent fostering.
I applied months ago for fostering, but I never had the real chance to take a dog.

So I called and yesterday Buddy came at home with me!
He is an 8 years old border collie, that has been surrendered by the owner because he couldn't take care of him due to an illness.
When I first took him he was scared and stressed and he didn't want to go out from the car.
He is not aggressive at all, and he let me pet him and bring him out.

I took my dog Jago and we went all three for a first walk outside!
Jago and him are not playing a lot at the moment, but they are fine together!

Buddy is a very sweet dog, he ate food and slept quiet last night.
Today I had to go to work, so I brought Jago to daycare as I didn't want to leave them unsupervised for the first day.
Unfortunately my flatmate just called me to let me know that Buddy started crying as soon as I left home.
:(
I will go home in a hour during my lunch time to check him, I have toys and a very nice bone.
Hopefully he will settle down a bit.
With me he was very nice and quiet yesterday, but I can understand that he is stressed and needs to adapt to the new situation.
I will be home all these evenings and weekend and I really hope that next week the company of Jago will help him to not feel alone!


You can see here some photos..
As you can see my rule of "no dogs on my bed" had some problems last night :P

Read More...

Petition: Wicklow County Council and the ISPCA

I am sharing this petition found online because I heard that the situation in Wicklow Pound is a bit difficult.

All dogs entering the pound should be photograhed and given the opportunity to be reunited with their owners, rehomed or offered rescue help. Currently only dogs deemed fit for rehoming by the wardens are allowed to be photographed and dogs are regularly withheld from volunteer’s sight at Wicklow Pound. There should be no hidden dogs.

Stray and surrender information is information in the public domain and can help reunite a dog with an owner (specific areas can be targeted via social media and poster campaigns) and in the case of surrenders ensure that a dog appears on our page as an urgent case. This is vital to saving lives and positive outcomes for the dogs.

Confirmation of availability date is also vital to ensuring a dog is effectively promoted and profiled for rehoming.

Currently opening hours are not conducive to reclamation and rehoming and there is no service to leave a message when you telephone as recommended during opening hours.

https://www.change.org/petitions/wicklow-county-council-and-the-ispca-provide-improved-public-records-accountability-and-service-at-wicklow-pound

Read More...