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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

Read More...

What to do if you find a lost dog?

For the second time I found a dog in Dublin and I found the owner as well, so I am becoming expert? :) Please feel free to add in the comments if you know more resources or if you have any tip or experience to share. So what to do if you find a dog? First of all thanks for trying to help him! - Usually I walk in the area and I try to ask people if they recognize him or can give me some information. - Keep the dog safe at home and don't...

Read More...

Bark in the Park - phoenix park - saturday 7th september

Next Saturday there will be the 4th and last Bark in the Park 2013. Bark in the Park is a sponsored dog walk to raise funds in aid of the work of The Irish Blue Cross animal welfare charity. There will be a walk (dog on leash) and a raffle, music, goody bags (sponsored by Maxi Zoo) and prizes for the dog with the Best Bark, Shiniest Coat, Happiest Smile and Waggiest Tail.  I have been at the 1st Bark in the Park in St....

Read More...

National chipping month + competition!!!

I wrote few days ago an article about the compulsory microchipping in Ireland. September is the Ireland's National chipping month That means that there will be initiatives all around the country and there will be more opportunities to have your dog microchipped at reduced price or free of charge! There are many sponsors and associations involved and you can find updated information here: http://www.ncm.ie/ and here on the...

Read More...

Another dog friendly pub in Dublin

Another place to add to the list of dog friendly pubs Tonight I've been in Schoolhouse pub / hotel in Ballsbridge Dublin 4 for the leaving party of a friend. I brought Jago as I knew they have a big outdoor space. There are tables and chairs and nobody was complaining that I was there with Jago. So another dog friendly pub found! Finally in Dublin city! He even met a dog, off leash, I suppose coming from the houses in the nearby...

Read More...

Dog walks: Tolka valley park

I found that there are so many dog walks near Dublin! Enjoying the nice Irish summer I brought my dog to many different places in the last couple of months. Tolka valley park is one of them. It has been quite difficult to find where it was and where to park my car! Actually I parked at the Blanchardstown shopping center and I had to walk toward the N3/M50 entrance to find the gate for Tolka Valley Park. I am sure there will be other accesses...

Read More...

Compulsory microchipping in Ireland

I just read that it will be compulsory in Ireland to microchip your dog. I had Jago microchipped few months ago and I believe that it's very important! It's not an expensive procedure and not painful for the dog. Unfortunately many dogs are microchipped but not registered to the actual owner. Just beware that many vet will not register the dog to your name, so you must do it usually online. And also remember to change online your contact...

Read More...

Games to play with your dog: HIDE AND SEEK

Another way to play and train your dog! It's a very nice game and it is a great mental exercise! I've seen that Jago not only needs to release his energies, but also to feel engaged in something more "mental". And Hide and seek it's also good fun!! Your dog should already know the command "stay". 1. Show a treat to your dog or his favorite toy 2. Ask him to "stay". 3. Go to another room and hide somewhere. 4. Call your dog and wait until he finds you! 5. When he finally finds you praise him a lot and give him the treat / toy. My...

Read More...

Dog Walks - St. Catherine's Park

*** UPDATE *** Now there is an enclosed area in the park!Finally also dogs with no recall can run free and socialize with their friends!*************** Another beautiful dog walk where I bring Jago often is St. Catherine's Park. It is a very nice and big park between Lucan and Leixlip. In the main entrance there is a public car park with enough spaces and toilette. The park is 200 acres and has many different areas. In the southern...

Read More...

Dog friendly pubs / bar in Dublin

I need your help! I am trying to find where I can go to drink something with friends, without leaving Jago at home.   Obviously I am not talking about going to Pub on Friday night, but maybe an afternoon tea / drink in a quiet place. I am quite sure that there aren't places that would allow dogs inside. But I found difficult also to sit at the tables outside! So I am starting my research! I've been eating a couple of times in Malahide,...

Read More...