Tag: dog walks

Winter & Holiday Preparations for Families that Include Dogs
When you think about preparing for winter, your first thoughts might be about snow tires or weatherproofing windows, but there are some dog related items you might want to add to your winter preparation list.

Maxie looks great in her winter sweater!

Before all the de-icing supplies for your building are purchased, you might ask that pet safe de-icer be used rather than salt or other toxic chemicals. This will not only benefit your dog, but also all the dogs who pass your home. It may even help some inside kitties since the people in the family won’t track in potential poisons.

Poppy loves winter more than we do. This is her response when we say she's been out too long.

If your winter gear is in storage, it’s time for a switch. Put away the beach gear, life jackets, and sun shades. If you haven’t taken a good look at your dog’s winter supplies, such as jackets, boots, sweaters, and your own cold weather walk equipment, now is a good time to assess and resupply before a sudden storm calls for full winter gear.

If you have a car and your dog travels with you, winter requires protection for seats from snowy, muddy paws. If you use car services, be sure to bring a towel or waterproof pad when your dog shares your ride. We always contact the driver to say we’re bringing a dog and something to protect your car seat.

Zipcar requires that members use a travel crate or bag when they take a pet along. In addition to the crate, we cover the back seat with waterproof pads so that Poppy can walk to her crate without leaving behind paw prints, sand, mud, or salt.

Here are a few more of our winter tips for dog families:
Marley is a well-traveled dog and a perfect guest in any home.

Travel Plans

The holiday season often requires special arrangements if you plan to travel or spend time with nearby family or friends.

Even with hotels and other lodgings you have visited with your pets in the past, confirming current policies and fees can prevent a nasty surprise when you arrive. We find that some fees are unreasonable. For example, Disney recently decided to allow pets in some of their hotels. However, they are charging a $50 per night cleaning fee.

Should you plan to have your favorite pet sitter, boarding kennel, friend, or family member take care of your critter while you are away, it’s a good idea to discuss this now before all spots are filled or other plans are made.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
November 12, 2017
Let Your Sunday Dog Take the Lead

Regular readers know that Ed and I are both big proponents of leash laws and keeping your dog under your control. However, this doesn’t mean that you never let your dog do what he or she wants to do within your circle of guidance.

Off leash on a dog-friendly beach like this one in Provincetown Harbor is just one way you can let your dog lead the way. But only if your dog plays well with others and will reliably return to you when called.

Some days our Poppy doesn’t want to walk along our usual route. She wants to see and smell something new. Even as a young pup, she loved to follow her nose. Sometimes we let her lead the way. She has a change of scene, and so do we.

Ed is an extremely patient person and is much better at this than I am. Our dogs have all enjoyed long, leisurely walks where he has allowed them to decide which way to turn at every corner or which direction to take at the start of a beach walk.

Once, in Provincetown, he was following along as our first Westie Sassy took him down the beach to Truro because she just wanted to keep going. When he walks Poppy alone, I’ll often get a report of where she wanted to go and what they saw along the way.

Paying attention to what your dog is trying to communicate can be smart. As summer temperatures rise, your dog may try to turn for home as a way of telling you he’s hot, tired, and doesn’t want to be outside any longer. Or, he might pull to reach a puddle or water supply as a way of telling you he’s thirsty. Paying attention and occasionally letting the dog lead can be a good thing for both of you.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino (adapted from one of her City Paws newspaper columns)
Photos: ©2015 Penny Cherubino

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July 12, 2015
3 Warm Tips for Frigid Dog Walks!

Br-r-r-r! Dog Walker Dan Hazelwood with Cleo (left) and Cooper

While wrapping your pup for a cold winter walk, remember to turn-up your own heat. If you’re warm, you’re pup will have more fun!

Let’s be honest, once all the important “business” is done, it’s very tempting to quickly head back inside.

But, you both need time to stretch your legs, greet some friends, and sniff (at least one of you does). So, in the interest of doing right by our furry friends, we asked veteran dog walker Dan Hazelwood of Boston Pet Sitters how he conquers the winter chill.

Play Time! Duddly (foreground) with Cleo and Cooper…

3 Warm Tips for Frigid Dog Walks

Layering is Key- “I always start off with a heavy hooded sweatshirt, a fleece scarf, and my Patagonia parka,” Dan said.

“When the temperature is above freezing, I can get away with wearing jeans with extra shorts underneath, but sub-freezing calls for my EMS rain pants over sweat pants. The rain pants are great insulators, and I wear this combination down to zero degrees.”

Shoes Made for Winter Walking- “I have a few different pairs of shoes or boots I wear in the winter, from North Face Hedgehog walking shoes for everyday use to the Sorel Caribou, the most heavy-duty snow boots you can find.”

“The key with any footwear is to start with polyester sock liners under wool or synthetic hiking socks.”

Warm Hands- “I have found the best leather gloves at Army/Navy surplus stores, and I often have 10-hour hand warmers, too.”

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Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

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February 12, 2012