Melissa McCue-McGrath, CPDT-KA is a Boston dog trainer with 15 years experience in sports, manners & behavior. She wrote Considerations for the City Dog and contributes to NPR's Car Talk FIDO blog and Maine Dog Magazine. She's the co-Training Director of NEDTC, the oldest AKC obedience club in the US.
Yesterday I met Emily Cassel, the managing editor of Somerville Scout.
This little guy was roaming the streets of Somerville at Porchfest earlier this year. Photo by Emily Cassel.
We had a lovely chat about dogs, the book, and life in an urban environment with pups while we were sipping on iced coffee. All while my toddler slept! Life is good. Here is our interview about the book, #HandsOnFirst and everything #CityDog!
(I admit - though it's a very sweet interview, I teared up because she included my girl, Sadie at the very end :) )
-M3
I'm so excited for this. If my brother wasn't getting married this weekend, I'd drop everything else and go to this event.
On Friday, July 10th & Saturday, July 11th, the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge will make its first visit to Boston, taking place at Joe Moakley Park from 11a.m. – 4p.m.This event brings together top canine athletes from Boston and the surrounding Northeast region, to compete in a kind-of canine "Olympics” and features a variety of events---dog diving, freestyle flying disc, head-to-head weave poles, Jack Russell hurdle racing and agility.
This is the Eastern Regional event, so the competition will be elite, will be fun, and will wow the crowd!
This event is totally free! This is a one-of-a-kind event that is perfect for dog lovers, families or people who are just looking for something fun to do that is off the beaten path.
You know how much I love and support canine sports, particularly for urban dogs who need outlets. Let this event inspire you to do something fun with your dog. If you can't make this event (or want to try what you see!) come to the Pet Palooza at Assembly Square on August 1st & 2nd! Maybe what you practice at Pet Palooza can get you ready for Purina Dog Challenge 2016! Get involved, get inspired, and play with your dog!
Hey everyone! SomDog is throwing the biggest family friendly / pet friendly party in town just in time for the apex of summer!
On August 2-3rd, we'll have PET Palooza, featuring the Dock Dogs competing over two days at Assembly Square, right on the Mystic River! They have a 25,000 gallon pool. Bring a bathing suit as they do have a "splash zone" where you will get soaked if you are anywhere in that range. There will also be seating this year because the pool is in the new Amphitheater on the Mystic River, so don't worry about getting wet if you don't want to!
Additionally, there will be Agility demonstrations all day on Saturday, August 2nd (run by two of the best friends of MuttStuff, Leah Tremble and Donna Culbert).
I'll be helping out on Sunday, August 3rd with Robin Moxley and Beantown Disc Dogs run the first leg of the Cricket Classic - a USDDN format toss and fetch competition where anyone can register (find Beantown Disc Dogs on Facebook for the registration!). It's a free event and we encourage anyone who wants to try to come out and play! We'll also run Freestyle demonstrations after each round so you can watch these dogs really fly, jump and catch discs as part of a routine set to music!
There will be vendors, opportunity auctions, and of course (the best for last!). If you bring a new leash or collar to be donated to the Somerville Animal Control (for pets to wear as they are adopted out of the kennels), than you can get a ticket towards an opportunity drawing worth $200.00+ (free homemade leash, a free class at Cooperative Dog, a discount on a pet portrait, 2 competition style canine discs, tennis balls, and 2 bags of beer biscuits -treats made out of beer grains from home-brew! There are no hops in this treat, so it's safe for Fido, and delicious! These are always a huge hit). You get to help dogs and cats in need, and we get to give you beer....for your dog.
Come out, have fun, and if you see me in my "Toss, Fetch, Repeat" shirt, come say hi! I'll be running Ollie, a Boston Terrier in the Disc demonstrations on Sunday, but will be around with the family on Saturday. I'd love to see you!
Hi Faithful Readers - and those who just popped by!
For those who don't know, I'm getting married in a couple of weeks
"Hoooooooray!"
For those who have been married before, you understand that there is a TON to do between now and then! So, as not to leave you high and dry, here are a couple of things to note before I take off for few weeks. I'll be back in October, hopefully with lots of photos from working Border Collies in Ireland!
I'm hoping to actually see these guys - even though they're technically in Wales.
So to keep you busy for the next few weeks, here are some important things to look at, or things for fun. Also, a couple of training links in case you need some brush ups.
Smashing little number for a chill dog in a wedding
Dogs and Weddings - Do They Mix? : A few months ago, when we got engaged, I wrote this little number. I found out there weren't a lot of points of view from a trainers perspective on having dogs in a ceremony or at a reception. If you're considering having your dog as part of your special day, please read! It was a lot of fun to write!
The 2nd Annual Somerville Dog Festival will be coming to Conway Park on September 18th! It's free, it's fun, and we'll be bigger/better than last year! I'll be manning the Frisbee area with some friends of mine. Come on by, say hi - even if you're not from Somerville! Bring your friendly dog, your kids, and your family to the festival and say goodbye to the Dog Days of Summer in style!
Come! It's Free and FUN!
Do you have a hard time getting your dog in the bathtub or handling your dog? There will be a Body Handling Seminar at Magical Mutt / City Dog on September 16th. If you have a dog that is sensitive to touch, or has a hard time being handled, cutting nails, checking ears, or just getting a leash on your dog, this is a great one day class for you. Doreen is an amazing instructor, and it will be a very informative session.
There is also a Stop Jumping Class being offered on October 9th. I love teaching this class! It's all about impulse control, finding appropriate outlets for jumping, and it's only 3 weeks long.
This is our outlet. It doesn't have to be yours. We'll find something for your Mexican Jumping Bean of a dog!
If you have ideas for posts that you'd like to see, or things that will be helpful for you or the community, we can take this opportunity to have your voice be heard! Put your suggestions in the comments section below. If you have a favorite place to take your dog, favorite groomer in the area, favorite new trick to teach, or free event with your pooch, let me know about it! Leave a comment or email me (muttstuff AT gmail DOT com!) I love mail!
So have a GREAT September, and I'll see you all back in October!
I have a heads up on a few dog friendly events as we leave this rainy weather behind and head into Summer (which, in my opinion, can't come soon enough!)
Sunday, May 29th: The Memorial Day Parade/March with Som|Dog
If you're interested in walking in the parade with (or without) your pup, here are some details from the Som|Dog website: Leashed and licensed dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccinations and enjoy the company of other dogs are welcome! If you have more than one dog, bring a friend! One dog per person, please! We also need people who are walking without dogs to help carry our banner and to help pull the waggin' wagon with extra water for the dogs. The parade route is 2.25 miles. It starts at City Hall on Highland Avenue and proceeds through Davis Square, along Holland Street, through Teele Square and along Broadway to Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Clarendon Hill. It's a leisurely walk: We pause frequently along the way as the marching bands ahead of us perform songs for the spectators. If your dog knows any tricks this can be a good opportunity for him or her to work the crowd!
If you want more information, please visit the Som|Dog Page!
Saturday, June 11: SomerFUN!
SomerFUN is going to take place on Saturday, June 11th - it's a city wide, family friendly event. There will be a SomerMUTT event, where local mutts get to strut their stuff across the main stage. Prizes will be given to the dogs that impress the judges in a variety of categories. There will also be a "Guess the Breed" event, a dog show, local pet adoption agencies, tables for shopping, and lots of other family/pet friendly events through the day.
I'm so happy that this is happening again this year. I know this will be a mark that the end of summer is near, but it's definitely the best way I can think of to say fare-thee-well to great weather, and prep for winter. We'll have Agility, Nosework, and Frisbee try-its, the best trick showcase, and demos of all sorts of sports. It's a great day for seeing what dogs are capable of doing (just ask Max, Somerville's only K9). There will also be vendors, best trick showcases, and lots of things to keep people & dogs busy! It's such a big deal, it was one of 5 Dog Fests nationwide to be highlighted in Dog Fancy Magazine.
If you know of any other events that are dog friendly, please let me know! I want to make sure we can all go out with our dogs in the 6 months that we can actually enjoy being outside!
I've been working with City Dog Training and Porter Square Veterinarian, Dr. Adam Parker, to put on a fun festival for dogs and their people. The Somerville Dog Festival is sure to be a hit, it's free, and thanks to sponsors and vendors, all proceeds will go to support the Northeast Animal Shelter
My friend Ashley is bringing her fantastic band of Border Collies down from Vermont to showcase the wonderful and athletic sport of K9 Disk. Leah, (City Dog Trainer Extraordinaire!), will be running handlers and dogs through an agility course.
In addition, there will be a ring set up for people to try different sports with their dogs, including Agility, Rally, and Nosework. There will be Canine Good Citizen testing available where you can meet Zeppy (the Lead Reporter for this blog), the Somerville Police K9, urban mushing, and many contests for you & your dog to win prizes!
There will be a best trick, a pulling contest, Come when Called clinics, a costume show, and many different vendors set up for your dog to shop.
Come one, come all, and come say hi to me over at the Frisbee tent!
So come out with your dog, have fun in these last nice weeks before we get our annual winter blast, and support a good cause!
From the front page of the City Dog Training Website: Our next “Come When Called” Clinic is at Perry Park on Washington Street on Sunday March 7th from 1:00-2:00 pm
City Dog Training has been focusing on reaching out to the community by teaching free come-when-called clinics in Somerville parks. Coming soon will be leash walking seminars, free to the public - so stay tuned!
If you're looking for dog friendly events for the weekend, look no further than Durty Harry's in Charlestown. Michelle Fournier, the owner of DH, is throwing a one-year anniversary party. Dogs welcome, humans must be leashed.
There will be games, beverages, snacks, and even some things for the people in attendance.
The party is from 1pm-4pm, so go show some love to your local dog boutique in Charlestown.
A few points of interest for the Somerville Dog Community!
Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,
Happy New Year! It's time to license our dogs for 2010. All dogs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to be licensed each year in the city or town of their owner's primary residence. If you had a dog license in 2009, you should have already received information from the City Clerk about how to get your license for 2010. Information about how to obtain a dog license is also available online: Click Here.
Support for off-leash recreation at Sheepfold and the Middlesex Fells is growing: The Board of Aldermen recently passed a resolution supporting off leash dog areas in the Middlesex Fells and requesting that DCR designate such areas, and the DCR has released a statement saying that the agency “is currently looking into the possibility of off-leash areas at a number of state parks and facilities across the Commonwealth, and the Middlesex Fells will certainly be part of that discussion” and that they, “appreciate how popular the idea of off-leash areas is among dog owners.”
The Somerville Dog Owners Group is still trying to get at least ten Somerville dog owners to write letters to the Middlesex Fells Trail Plan (More information is available on our website: http://www.somdog.org/news/1852.php). If you enjoy walking or hiking together with your dog on the trails of the Middlesex Fells or socializing your dog at the Sheepfold, it's not too late to write a letter. If you have already written a letter, please let us know; if you have not yet written a letter, please write or e-mail today and let us know when you do!
Middlesex Fells Trail Plan 136 Damon Rd Northampton, MA 01060 Paul.jahnige@state.ma.us
Mark your calendars! The professional dog trainers of City Dog Training are offering another free clinic to teach your dog to stay and to come when called, Sunday afternoon, January 17, at Powder House Park from 1:00 to 2:00. Please check the City Dog website for weather cancellation: City Dog Website Here. (Photos from the first Free Recall Clinic are online at Som Dog Flicker Site.)
Finally, a seasonal reminder that, even if its dark and cold outside, please leave no pile behind!
Wishing you another great year living with dogs in Somerville,
On Sunday, November 1st from 1pm -2pm, there will be a FREE "Come When Called" clinic at Nunziato Field. This is the field next to the off leash dog park in Union Square (on Summer Street).
I'll be teaming up with City Dog Trainers Liz Shaw, Marjie Alonso, Donna Culbert and Leah Tremble to work with the community on this very important skill. The clinic is absolutely free of charge!
"Every year dogs in Somerville are injured or killed when they get away from their owners and are hit by cars, and every time it happens it breaks my heart," said April Terrio, Animal Control Officer for the City of Somerville. "This free clinic is a great community service: it may save a dog's life and is also an important way of protecting other residents, especially young children, when pets do get away from their owners."
Dress warmly - it will be November in Massachusetts!
If there are other types of free clinics that you have in mind, we're open to ideas! Feel free to comment below with suggestions, or if you have questions about the clinic.
There will be a Howl-o-ween party for all the cool pups at Durty Harry's in Charlestown, MA. Located conveniently on Main Street, Durty Harry's is the place for your pet to show off his/her costume, participate in family friendly games, and have a butt-sniffing good time before the kids go out next weekend.
The party is from 5pm - 9pm. $10.00 recommended (not required) donation for the MSPCA to help pups in need that don't have a home for the upcoming holiday season.
This Weekend is the annual MSPCA Walk For Animals in Boston Common (Click for info).
There will be Frisbee Demos (a team that has several dogs dedicated to the sport), vendors, and of course, tons of dogs. All proceeds go to the MSPCA! Fun Things You Can Expect at the Event: There will be plenty of activities during the day to entertain both dogs and their two-footed friends. On-site entertainment will include: raffles, prizes, food, contests, microchipping, behavior demonstrations, agility, kid's corner activities, crafts, music and more!
Come on out and enjoy the day! We'll see you there.
Good news for Somerville area dogs and their owners! This just in from Som-Dog, Somerville MA's Pet Dog Group:
Dear Friends of Somerville Dogs,
Somerville's second off-leash recreational area (OLRA) officially opens Thursday evening, August 28, 2008. The OLRA is located on Skilton Avenue, behind the Central Library and the High School. It is adjacent to the Ed Leathers Community Park on Walnut Street, between Medford Street and Pearl Street.
The small OLRA at Leathers Park is a welcome addition to the parks in the City. In particular, owners of small dogs will appreciate an alternative to the larger OLRA at Nunziato Field which is popular among people with larger dogs.
Ed Leathers Community Park, named for former Somerville resident and WWII veteran Edward L. Leathers, PFC, opens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday evening, August 28, at 6:00 p.m. Members of Ed Leathers' family will be special guests at the ceremony, which will include a brief speaking agenda, gun salute, and light refreshments.
If your dog is startled by loud noises, you may prefer to celebrate the opening of the off-leash recreational area at Leathers Park at another time and spare her or him the gun salute. Otherwise, bring your dog and join your neighbors along with Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 1 Alderman William Roche in honoring Ed Leathers with a celebration of open space!
On Sunday, July 27th, Dogma (and Catma, Too!) will be hosting a Greyhound Rescue Group. If you are interested in this magnificent breed, have questions about rescuing a retired racer, or just want to hang out with awesome dogs, feel free to swing by and check it out!
I'll be there helping out, so if you have any minor training concerns, questions, or anything, feel free to swing by - or just say hi!
