Arlington’s Off Leash Dog Park: Thorndike Field

Don’t have a backyard? Looking for a spot where your dog can run around? Just want your pup to make some new friends? We mentioned it briefly in our last blog post on off-leash dog hours: Thorndike Field Dog Park is the place! The dog park has been open since 2012 and has quickly become a favorite spot for dogs and owners in Arlington.

The dog park is fully fenced in, right off the bike path, has a parking lot, and is near Alewife Station so close to public transit too. Water, bags, and trash cans are all available at the park, but it’s always good to have extra supplies just in case! There are benches for humans (and pups who believe they are human) to sit on. Portable restrooms are available seasonally.

Open from 6 am - 9 pm daily, the dog park is located at the end of Margaret Street. It can be pretty busy on the weekends and in the evenings, but the park is very large, so there is ample room to run around and provide space for pups that are a little bit shy. There are even separate areas and entrances for large and small dogs.

There are some rules and regulations to be aware of before visiting. The key is to be safe and keep an eye on your pup. Next time you want to have an adventure with your dog, come out to the Thorndike Dog Park! Check out some pictures of furry friends having fun (including a couple from the Blue Sky Dogs Howl-o-ween party!):

Keeping your pup cool in the hot weather

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It's a steamy weekend but your pup can still spend some time outside with the family. Here's a couple of ways to keep your pup safe in the heat. 

1) Lots of water.  Hosing pups down or a kiddie pool are always good!   Some pups hate it but it will help to cool them off.  But you already knew that.

2) Freeze dog treats in water in your ice cube trays.  You can even add a little chicken or beef broth to make it more interesting for your pup.  These are only recommended to be eaten outside, they can be a little messy.

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3) Take water with you on any walk.  They make a variety of water bottles that make it easy to drink out of.

4) It's super easy to make your own doggie frozen treats.  2 cups Yogurt,  1 banana, 1 cup peanut butter, 2 Tbls honey blended together and frozen.  Freeze in disposable plastic cups or ice cube trays.  Doggie Ice Cream in a flash.

5) Make a cool spot for your pup to lie down.  A wet towel will help keep them cool and always pick a spot with plenty of shade.  They may even dig a little to find their own cool spot. 

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If you can't provide relief during your summer adventures, maybe your pup should stay home in the air conditioning and your dog walker can stop by to make sure your pup can get some exercise without overdoing it.  Give us a call if you need some help, that's what we are here for! 

 

Dogwalker dishes on the Top 3 dog harnesses

Dog Harnesses that Prevent Pulling

We see a lot of harnesses, leashes, collars and gismos that people spend lots of money on and they often don't help with pups constantly pulling on the leash.  The worst part of this scenario... the less fun a walk is for the owner, the less likely they will take their pups on long walks.  If your pup doesn't get enough exercise, they will pull even harder when they do get out.  You can see the downward spiral coming.  The #1 full proof way to curb pulling is to leash train your pup.  See our blog about the best trainers in town.  

Second best option to help with pulling, an Easy Walk Harness from Premier Pet Products.  I had one client buy a generic version of the Easy Walk harness and it wasn't the same.  Pay the money for the real thing.  They also have this policy about replacing harnesses if your dog chews through them, just send in the remaining bits and for $5 they will send a new replacement.  Pretty cool.  Check out the video on how it works...

Dog Harnesses for Safety and Comfort

For super small pups or pups with heads smaller than their necks, I love the Puppia Mesh Harnesses.  Sometimes collars can slip off but a dog and his walker would have to work really hard to get them out of a well fitted harness.  Sometimes you don't want to have a lot of pressure on a dogs neck so a harness is a great option.  Plus they come in a million colors and are easy on and off (over the head, one paw in the loop and snap).  They also don't tend to get tangled like nylon strap harnesses.  It's really clear how they go on and off.  Remember you are going to be putting this thing on and off a million times over the life of your pup (or it just feels that way).  I don't love the step in harnesses for little dogs.  I call them bra harnesses, you'll know why when you see one.  You have to line up two moving paws with the static loops that make the harness and then snap them where the leash attaches and they often have two D rings back there too.  Keep it easy, get one that looks like this.

Dog Harnesses for Adventures

Great for adrenaline junkies with dogs that can run for days.  Ruffwear makes a ton of great outdoor gear for your dogs...packs, booties, climbing gear, life jackets you name it!  Amazballs!  Here's their description of their adventure harness Omnijore....

The Omnijore™ Joring System is designed for any dog-pulling activity such as skijoring, mountainboard-joring, skatejoring, bikejoring, or canicross. Enjoy joring all year long in any climate conditions. 

My old dog probably would suggest that I wear the harness and she get pulled along but that's a subject for another day.  So get out there with your dog.  A tired dog is a happy dog.  Let me know what works for you.