Shout out to Park Maintenance

Let’s give a shout out to Oscar Gomez , the Parks and Recreation worker assigned to maintain Grape Street Park. He goes above and beyond in keeping this place looking great. Touch base with him the next time you are here and let him know he is appreciated.

Notable Volunteers Who Help Make our Park Better

Herb Patuf for many years brought his dogs to Grape Street park and when they passed he continued to come. His wonderful contribution to our park is missed. Herb would visit both Morley Field and Grape Street twice a day and pick up dog droppings. For long time users of the park, you probably saw a stout fellow shirtless and barefooted walking around with a large plastic shopping bag and a stick. That was Herb. Herb was honored by the United Karate Federation with 9th Degree Black Belt in 2018.

John Cash Thank John for the wonderful log benches he donated to the park One, in particular, Pete's bench and Maya & Oliver's bench.

Why Dogs Roll in the Grass

According to an article in the San Diego Union, 25 May 2019, the instinct comes from dogs remaining connection to their ancestry. Domestic dogs’ ancestors were wolves. Joan Morris is a pets and wildlife columnist for the Bay Area news Group. She says “when a wolf comes across an unusual or different smell, it often will roll in it. The reason is two-fold. One, by mixing a little of their scent on top of the new one, they’re putting their mark on the spot. Secondly, they like to share the scent, so by rubbing it all over themselves, they can share it with the pack.”

So, as owners of dogs and, ideally as pack leaders, we are the recipient of those unusual smells whether we like them or can even smell them or not.

Are They Playing or Fighting?

[from American Kennel Club web site, 9 May 2019]

If two dogs are wrestling and it seems too rough to you, with all that growling and snarling, body-slamming, and biting of each other’s necks, should you intervene? How can you tell if dogs are playing or fighting?

This is normal dog play. Puppies play with their littermates constantly. From around two weeks, when their eyes open, until they go to their own homes, they spend almost all their waking hours wrestling with each other. It’s a critical time for social development because that is when they learn bite inhibition and good dog manners. It is good exercise and socialization for them and fun for us to watch. But you should learn how to tell the difference between playing and a real fight when adult dogs are involved.

Behaviors that say it’s all good fun

The play bow – front end down, back end in the air. Sometimes the dog trying to initiate play will slap his front legs down on the ground repeatedly.
A big, silly open-mouthed grin.
Exaggerated, bouncy movement. The dogs are acting silly.
Loud, continuous growling and snarling; again, exaggerated. Play-growling may sound scarier than serious fighting.
The dogs voluntarily make themselves vulnerable by “falling” down and exposing their bellies and allowing themselves to be caught when playing chase. They take turns chasing each other.
They keep going back for more. Even the dog that ends up on his back doesn’t want to stop playing. They will probably take turns with most play-fighting behaviors.

Behaviors that tell you this is not a game

The dogs’ bodies get very stiff. Hackles (the hair on a dog’s upper back) are raised. You may not be able to see this if the dog has long hair.
Closed mouth, curled lip, low warning growl.
Movements will be quick and efficient – no bouncing around, no taking turns.
Ears will be pinned flat and lips curled back and snarling. No big silly smiles.
If the dogs get into actual combat, hopefully, it will be a short encounter, and the “loser” will try to leave the area. There won’t be going back for more play.
The dog is trying to get away from the other one, and her body language is not happy and bouncy. The tail is tucked. She isn’t having fun.

Tips to ensure safe dog-wrestling

Not every dog is meant for the dog park, and that’s OK. Some breeds are just quick to take offense. They may be better off playing at home with you or with a dog buddy they know well.
Don’t allow a puppy or dog to be ganged up on by other dogs. Even if she doesn’t get hurt, a bad experience with other dogs can traumatize her and cause fearfulness that will be hard to overcome.
Keep food and toys out of the picture. Most dogs are possessive of their food and their stuff. To them, it’s worth fighting for.

Training

Drop It

You must be able to get dangerous items out of your dog’s mouth quickly and safely. You don’t want the chocolates you placed on the coffee table to cause a trip to the emergency vet. Other items like decorations and ribbons pose a choking hazard. Chasing your dog will only encourage them to gulp faster, while teaching them to drop items on cue makes for a fast intervention.

One of the best ways to teach “drop it” is with a game of tug-of-war. Offer your dog a toy and encourage them to pick it up in their mouth. It helps to start with a relatively boring toy so your dog will be more likely to give it up when asked. After a few seconds, ask your dog to “drop it” and then hold a treat to their nose or offer them an even more exciting toy. Chances are they will drop the current toy in exchange for what you’re offering. Praise and give the reward when they do.

Once your dog understands, increase the challenge by using a more exciting tug toy and rewarding the drop with another game of tug. You can also teach this cue during a game of fetch. Simply say “drop it” right before your dog is about to drop their ball. Finally, you can practice exchanging toys for special treats. But be sure to return the toy after your dog has finished eating so they see it as a game, not a ploy to steal their stuff.

Outside Magazine Sept/Oct 2021 Best Dog Friendly Cities