Considerations for the City Dog: The Commandments of Working With a Service Provider

I worked with groomers, daycare providers, dog walkers, overnight care providers, animal control, and vets to come up with this cheat-sheet for working with a service provider. This can be found in my book, Considerations for the City Dog, out this spring. 

The Commandments of Working with a Service Provider:

●      You should work in partnership with us, just as you should with your kids’ teachers and coaches. Yes, we are being paid, but in order for the relationship to work and your dog’s safety ensured, you have to work with us every step of the way.

●      You need to share everything, everything, about your dogs with your provider, including that Sparky had French fries the night before, and that he once got away from you and disappeared for a week.

●      You need to have reasonable expectations of what a professional can accomplish in the limited time we spend with dogs. A trainer can only get so far if you aren’t putting in the time to work with your dog after a class. A dog walker can give your dog a nice little outing, but your dog might still need to run with you when you get home. A groomer can only do a light trim if you are also brushing at home- otherwise, it’s “shave and a haircut-two bits!” A vet can only diagnose and give you a plan - it’s up to you to follow the plan.

●      If you are going to frequent dog parks and other dog recreation areas, you need to learn what constitutes healthy (and unhealthy) dog play. “Just let them work it out” works in some cases, but not all cases. If you want to study on your own, pick up Patricia McConnell’s book on safe play[1] or look at Dr. Sophia Yin’s website on safe dog park etiquette[2] so you know when to intervene, when not to intervene, and how to diffuse a situation safely. You can also talk with qualified, certified trainers to help you.

●      You need to know about common illness that spread when dogs play in groups, like giardia, coccidia, papilloma and kennel cough. You should be aware of the symptoms of these common ailments, recognize them, know how to prevent them, see a vet for diagnosis, get treatment when applicable, and report them to your provider.

●       See a vet if your dog has diarrhea, signs of any skin infection, an ear infection, limping, and coughing. We are all dog service providers, but we are not all medical professionals, so please, please, please see your vet for any ailment. (I personally can’t tell you how many times I’ve told students “he’s limping. I think it might be his knee, but you need to go to the vet” only to have it be the shoulder, the neck, a toe, and in one really bizarre case, an ear infection.) We can only tell you that something’s wrong, but the vet can tell you what is wrong and how to fix it. We are all part of the same team. Put another way - while Tom Brady is a great quarterback, he’s not going to be an effective lineman. If you are not sure if it’s serious, call the animal hospital and ask if your pet should be seen.

●      If your dog has diarrhea, please don’t bring it to the park, daycare, or participate in group activities.

●      The same goes for pink-eye...

●      ...and puppy warts.

●      If you are calling a service provider into your home for help, please tell us in advance if the dog is going to jump on us, run away from us, bark at us, or try to eat us. It’s just a nice thing to know walking in.

●      You need to be willing to call the Animal Control Officer when a situation arises that poses a threat to other dogs and owners. Additionally, you need to know what information to get from another owner if your own dog gets attacked, or is the attacking dog. Fear of quarantine is not justification to avoid calling animal control. You should have this number in your phone. When in doubt, call. 

Thanks so very much to Pat Dains of On the Run, a dog playgroup service in Somerville MA for helping me with this list!

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[1] Patricia McConnell, Off-Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety and Fun! (C&R Publishing, 2008).

[2] Sophia Yin, "Dog Park Etiquette: Rules to Help Dogs Get Along," August 23, 2012 (http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/dog-park-etiquette-rules).

How to Choose A City Dog

There are several questions a person needs to ask themselves when choosing a dog, but when that person lives in the city, there are even more things to consider.  Believe it or not,small size does not immediately qualify a dog to live in an apartment. There are several small dogs that need hours of outdoor activity (like the Jack Russell Terrier) or were originally bred to be watchdogs (like the Amercan Eskimo Dog). The Beagle, though a sweet natured companion, is notorious for "the beagle bark - a baying/howling vocalization that was bred into the beagle and other scent hounds to alert the hunter that they found game. Your neighbors may not appreciate your adorable pups instinctual bark as much as you do. Though there are Jacks, Eskies and Beagles that do well in the city individually, there are definitely things about each breed to consider before introducing them into the city.

-What was your dog bred to do? German Shepherds are beautiful dogs, are trainable, and are really intelligent. However, these dogs were bred to be all purpose herding and guarding dog. They can be a great family pet...but in the city, shepherds who are looking for a job to do and aren't mentally stimulated enough will often get themselves into trouble by barking at every noise they notice with their superior hearing.

-What floor do you live on? Generally speaking, when I'm asked about what kind of dog to get in the city, I tell people that size doesn't matter as much as temperament - with this one exception. Do you want to be helping a 200 pound mastiff up and down the stairs to your 3rd floor apartment if he is unable to get up and down the stairs (arthritis/hip dysplasia/accident)?

-What is the age of the dog? I speak from experience: potty training a puppy from the third floor sucks. Also, puppies need a lot of attention. At the beginning, they need to go out at least once or twice an hour, every hour. If you plan on having your puppy alone for 8 hours at a time while you're at work, a puppy is likely not going to be an appropriate match for you. Consider an adult dog.

-Are there apartment/condo size restrictions on the dogs that can live there? You found the perfect companion for you- a beautiful, happy, 75 pound lab mix from the shelter that you can take jogging. Too bad your lease specifies dogs under 50 pounds and it's not negotiable.

-Are there breed bans/lease restrictions for the dog you are interested in? Breed Bans are popping up all over the country. Usually they are restricted to a county or city, but many landlords are also writing breed bans into leases. Depending on the law in each locale, if your dog is muzzled at all times, or if you pass a CGC certification, your dog can stay. Some have an outright ban and you are not allowed to have that dog in the locale at all. Many home insurance companies will not cover you if you have specific breeds of dog. (For more information on the insurance end of things, here is a great article highlighting it).

-How long will you be gone per day? Typically, Americans work 8 hour days - but in the city, our commutes can be really long, and that has to be considered into the amount of time Fido will be left alone. 8 hours without anyone around for mans best friend is a REALLY long time for a dog. There are dog walkers, park play groups, doggy daycares, and other options for city-dwelling dogs, but they are not appropriate for all dogs. This absolutely has to be factored into the equation before choosing the right dog for you, regardless of if you live in the city or not.

-Investigate every possibility and do your research: Most people think that Greyhounds are fast dogs with an insatiable appetite for running. This is absolutely not the case for most Greys! They are called the 40 mile an hour couch potato for a reason! So you may have an idea in your head about a particular type of dog - and you could be missing out on the perfect dog for your lifestyle! This may not be the best type of dog for someone who wants a jogging buddy in the city, but is a lovely companion for most on-the-go city slickers. Conversely, Boston Terriers are sturdy, little dogs, and tend to be higher energy than you might expect.  Some like to run (as long as it's not too hot or too cold outside), and can be great for a more active family in the city.

"Hey, we'll come live in the city! Just keep the AC set to 30 degrees all year round and we'll be fine!"


There is one more point I'm going to make: In our region, dogs are frequently trucked in from the south (where there are high kill shelters). These dogs can be wonderful companions and some can do really well living in the North. However, many of these dogs meet their well-intending new owners on the side of the street at a highway pit-stop, hop out of the truck, pee, hop in the new owners car, and head into their new life in an apartment. There are so many things wrong with this I don't even know where to begin.

Many of these dogs from high kill shelters are feral, born of feral parents, or are under-socialized.  When you take a dog who has never seen people and the first person it ever sees ties a noose around it's neck, tosses it into a truck, and hauls it 2,000 miles to the north, there can be problems - like fear of new people, and for good reason! The ride in this truck, is in a crate - which can be a useful house-training tool when used correctly, but as a way to confine a scared dog who has never seen something like this can make future house-training and confining a challenge. Keeping this dog confined with other barking, frightened dogs can absolutely have an effect long term with a dogs relationship to vehicles, other dogs, and strangers. These dogs might do well in a quiet environment with a single person or a predictable family routine, but to be very clear -many of these dogs need a lot of work to acclimate to living with a family.

One of the saddest things I see, and I'm seeing it with greater frequency, are well intending people who got a dog that was flown / trucked in to save it, only to be burdened with a high maintenance dog that is terrified of every city noise, scared to death of new people, reacts poorly to other dogs, and put that dog in an overstimulating city environment without working with a fostering group first to see if the dog can handle specific life experiences common to cities. I really have a big problem with the agencies that promote this method of transferring dogs to new owners who are trying to do something good by adopting a homeless dog from a kill shelter.

Never, NEVER, take a dog home that you meet off of a truck at a highway pit stop. Similarly, NEVER take a dog home that you haven't met first. There are hundreds of dogs in your area that need homes. Some of these dogs were trucked in from other places, but at least you can meet the dogs first without the pressure of standing on I95 with a truck full of dogs that NEED YOU NOW. Putting dogs through the stress of traveling by plane, truck, or other means of  "shipping" and going home with you is not an ideal way of starting things off right, especially when vetting if a dog can thrive in a highly stimulating city environment. There are great fostering groups, like Forever Home Rescue and Homeless Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T) that will pick dogs up from trucks in parking lots and highway rest stops. These are trained volunteers that take these dogs, evaluate them, get the the appropriate vet care they require, and then pair owners up with these dogs. For a potential dog owner that has never had experience with dogs like the ones coming off of this truck, it can be a lot to take in and work with. Leave it to the pros, and wait for a dog that you meet, face to face - and I don't mean in a parking lot just before you take it home.
 

Please work with the rescue agencies, shelters, or good breeders in your region. Meet the dog first to make sure it's a good match for you and your family before taking the dog home. If you feel pressured at ALL by the rescue group or breeder, don't do it, no matter how cute the dog is.


A well vetted dog that is satisfied mentally, gets enough exercise, plenty of attention from the owners, and gets regular training/vet visits can thrive in a city environment - but you have got to do your homework first, even more so than in rural areas.

RiverDog

If you're in the Union Square, Somerville area, there is a new dog boutique around the corner from Nunziato Park.

This used to be Dogma, where it didn't get off the ground. Then it switched hands to Diggity Dog (where a crazy lady ran it into the ground). Now a business savvy gentleman by the name of Peter is at the helm. It's repainted, renovated, cleaned up, and restored.

The love of cats was lost in the switch from Dogma to Diggity, but has come back with Riverdog. Cat toys and cat nip for the feline friends of Riverdogs.

There is quality food, a daycare (with toys and structures for the dogs to enjoy) in the back, and self-do bathing which is located privately upstairs. There is now a separate room for dogs to enter and exit (so there won't be any dogs that escape), and a window for owners to watch their dogs play with their pals.

I really like the toy selection. I just bought two giant tennis balls that Sadie can't pick up with her mouth, and a jolly ball. I also got 12" bully sticks for $4.79 - which is about what other places charge for a 6" bully.

This place is definitely a go-to. The owner is reaching out to the community and make it a place for all dogs (and their humans)and I am really happy to see a place in Union Square that is welcoming to all....again.

Doggy Daycare!

Hi Gang!

I am proud to announce a new adventure at Dogma in Union Square! Starting October 21st (Tuesday), we will be offering Doggy Day Care! Feel free to check out Dogma's Website for more information.

Dogma (and Catma, too!)

Dilys finally opened Dogma today! Feel free to check out the official website: DogmaCatmaToo.com

I am so very excited for her new store. She has plenty of humane walking aids for the pulling dog, all natural toys for dogs and cats, Planet Dog toys (really excellent company that produces durable toys from recycled materials), and my favorite for the households with Felines: Laser pointers. Seriously- my cats have never been so excited or energetic over a toy before. This little red light literally had one of the cats running up the wall as high as the light switch. There will be video of this later.

Dogma will have self-do bathing, training by Zen Dog (where I will be teaching Tuesdays and Thursdays- I think I'm still teaching at Crate Escape on Sundays), and doggie daycare in the near future.

The place was packed solid today, which was the Grand Opening. Do stop by if you're in the Cambridge/Boston/Somerville area. It's a great store, a perfect location, and by far the most complete "all things dog and cat" place I've seen in Boston. She also does a better job of conjoining multiple business-ideas-into-one-location than I've seen in a very long time.

So congratulations, Dilys and "Dogma, and Catma, too!". I have a feeling you will have great success in Union Square. Somerville has needed this for a very long time.

Stuff to do with your dog

I came across a book the other day entitled "City Dog: Greater Boston". If you have a dog in this city, this is a must have book.

In it are places to go with your 4 legged friend, Poison Control numbers by county, Adoption Centers, Doggie Day Cares, Boarding, Grooming, Sitting, Training, Low Cost Vaccine Centers and Parks. There is so much information in such a handy little book. Do pick it up.

I'll post some interesting ones from time to time here.

Many of my clients ask me where to send their dog for doggie daycare. There are a couple of great ones. Crate-Escape is a facility that many of my classes are currently held. This is a convenient location on the Belmont, Cambridge line, and is less than a mile from the Fresh Pond Rotaries.

The Pet Companions facility in Reading and in Somerville is also an excellent establishment, and many of my clients swear by them. They have video surveillance of every room, out door, indoor, and overnight abilities. They have transportation included in many of their services.


In Revere, there is Paws Here, which according to City Dog, is a top pick if you live in the area. There is an interview process that the dog has to go through first, which is customary for all reliable doggie day cares (the two above also have a screening process).

For small breeds, try Raining Cats and Dogs- the sister location to Crate-escape. This is small breed specific day care, and is perfect for those apartment sized pooches that need to get away while you guys are at work.

No Bones About It in Brookline offers affordable doggie daycare, that also offers grooming. I don't know much about these guys personally, but certainly check them out if you are in the area.

For the Littleton/Acton/Groton crowd, I have to give props to Bark-O-Lounge This is another location that I train out of, and I couldn't be happier. Julie runs a good sized faclity that lends itself to caring for a good sized group of dogs without things getting out of control. It's convenient to get to (just off of 495 on 119), affordable, and I would absolutely, without hesitation, recommend day care here. The only issue is, for the Boston folk, it's a little far to travel, unless you find yourself crossing 495 NW each morning, but if you know folks out that way, suggest this Day Care.

For a more personal touch, or overnight stays, Connie McKinnon with Pawsitively Personal Pet Care offers a range of services from dog walking, caring for your pet in your home, and taking dogs to her house. She doesn't believe in cages, and feels that dogs will be happier in a home-like environment while you're away. She's fully insured and bonded, and again- I would recommend that you call her if you want someone who is absolutely attentive to detail, and you feel odd about leaving your pup at home while you're gone. Call her as soon as possible in advance, because she never takes more than 4 dogs.

My advice for finding a place for your pooch to play while you're away is to visit the location, talk to some of the owners about the facility, and talk to the owners. Definitely do your research, as not all doggie day's and boarding facilities are created equal.