Membership Has Its Privileges

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1 Voted Best of the Cities!* Fall/Winter 2012 The PACK Newsletter The Scoop for the People of Alimagnet Caring for K9s Volume XI, Issue 2 Co-sponsored by the City of Burnsville In This Issue: Membership 1 Howl-o-ween 1 Emergency Planning 2 Small Dog Park 2 Problem Behavior 3 Breed Profile 3 Cool Finds 4 Lend a Paw 4 Recipe 5 Puzzler 6 Membership Has Its Privileges Since Alimagnet Dog Park opened in July 2002, our members and volunteers have been major contributors to the success of the park. Your membership investment in the ADP is used to help fund the park operations and in partnership with PACK helps with providing activities, events, resources and information to the many members and guests that visit the park throughout the year. As your annual membership comes due, we hope you will continue to be a part of our team. You can become a member for just $20 a year. As a member of Alimagnet Dog Park you: Receive 2 to 3 newsletters per year Receive discounts on PACK merchandise Garrett Beck Receive 2013 PACK dog cling for your car window Serve as proud member of the award winning park When you choose to join our pack, there are only a few simple things we need to process your membership: General info about the owner (address, city, , etc) Dog s name and breed Dog s license number (any city) If you have any questions, please contact Garrett Beck at Membership forms are available online at permit.php or call Howl-o-ween Celebration We had a crisp Howl-o-ween this year on Sunday, October 28th! Turnout was good with many pooches sporting warmer costumes than in years past. Warm cider and doggie treats were enjoyed by humans and pups! With the cooler air, less costumes were "lost" to the pond! Many dogs were dressed up in hopes of winning the costume contest, and a few humans too! A feather boa was spotted by many dogs as a new toy to chase and pull! First place went to the boxer dressed as an airplane. Gracie. the cheerleader Golden Retriever was voted second. Third was awarded to the fairy teacup poodle! We are already planning our costumes for next Howl-O-Ween and hope you are too! *The Alimagnet Dog Park was voted Best of the Cities in Minnesota Monthly Magazine, 2007.

2 Page 2 Park Pages Emergency Pet Planning With hurricane Sandy in the news, our hearts go out to all those affected. We have seen images of people being rescued, and pets being rescued. A natural disaster can be a stressful time for all people but having a plan helps keep all members of our family safe! Here are some steps to plan for an emergency with regard to your pets: Jennifer Selvig 1. Prepare an emergency survival kit, just as you would for your family, thinking about the basics for survival such as food and water. Also include: medicines, medical records, first aid kit, collar with IDtag, and a picture of you with your pet for reuniting purposes if you two become separated. 2. Create a plan to get away. Plan for a place to stay and keep in mind which places allow pets to come inside whether they are shelters or hotels or just a friends house. 3. Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors to help each other take care of all the neighborhood pets. Emergency continues page 7... Small Dog Park Update In the past year we have received several requests from small dog park users to update and improve the small dog park. Suggestions include expanding the perimeter of the small dog park, protecting the fence from smaller dog escapes, and adding a bulletin board, heaters, and plexiglass on the shelter. So far, a lattice has been installed around the bottom of the fencing to protect the smaller dogs. Steps to expand the perimeter of the park have been taking place and will likely move into action next spring and summer. The PACK Board has agreed to help with this expansion and encourages other volunteers for labor help once we begin the expansion. Due to financial constraints and a lack of electricity near the small dog park, the plexiglass and heater cannot be added at this time. The PACK Board encourages small dog park users to continue to voice thier opinion and offer suggestions to improve their park experience! Where did all the bags go? A huge part of making Alimagnet a great park is keeping it clean. Regularly, our volunteers stock poop bags around the park to help make cleaning up after your dog quick and easy. However, lately we have had reports of people taking more than their share, leaving the bag containers empty. We would like to remind people to please take only the bags you need at the park and return any unused bags to the containers. If you are already doing this - we appreciate your cooperation! In addition, if you see anyone taking more than their share, please speak up. This issue will not go away without the help of all park users. We hope to be able to continue supplying bags to park users so that the park stays clean and enjoyable for everyone!

3 Ten Tips for Problem Behavior By Suzanne Clothier At one time or another, every owner has to deal with problem behavior. Understanding why your dog does what he does, and how to handle the situation correctly can help resolve problems quickly. Here are some basic guidelines that apply to nearly all problem situations: (Reprinted with permission) Control the dog and you control the situation. By putting on a training collar and lead, you can control the dog. For many dogs, their training equipment means business, not playtime, and this can help in a problem situation. A dog who is on lead cannot run away or chase people or other animals, and his owner has a chance to help him understand what he should do by guiding him with the leash and collar. Be positive. Instead of saying "NO", try giving your dog something positive that he can do for you, such as "Sit", or "Heel". This positive approach means you can praise generously for his good actions, instead of simply yelling at him. For example, a dog who jumps up can be told to sit, and Page 3 helped if necessary, then praised for sitting. Allow a dog to be a dog. Often, what owners consider problem behavior is simply normal dog behavior that they find unpleasant or annoying. For example, digging is a natural canine activity but distressing to a garden proud owner. Instead of scolding for what comes naturally, it might be kinder to set up an area in which you have buried small treats to make it more attractive than the rest of the yard, and praising your dog for digging in "his" garden. Behavior continues page 5... Breed Profile: The Golden Retriever Jason Marvin The Golden Retrievers breed began back in the mid-19th century in Scotland and England from the desire to have a medium sized dog that could retrieve from water and land. The original breeds involved included a yellowcolored Retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct). Irish Setter, Bloodhound and more Tweed Water Spaniels were also integrated into the cross breeding s to obtain the Golden Retriever we recognize today. The first Golden was registered by the AKC in Golden Retriever males generally weigh between 65 to 75 pounds and females weigh between 55 to 65 pounds. They generally survive between 10 to 13 years old. Goldens come in light golden to dark golden and have two different types of hair on their coats. Their topcoats are water resistant and their undercoats are soft and keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. Goldens temperament are kindly, friendly and confident. They are also noted in the top four breeds for intelligence. They are an excellent family dog and have great patience with children. They love playing and swimming when around water. They will actually get sad and lonely if not paid enough attention.

4 Page 4 Cool Finds Musher s Secret Prices vary Protect your dog s pads from the cold or heat. This wax-based cream helps mosturize pads and protects against burns, dryness, and cracking. Great to use on either hot pavement or icy, salty roads. This is also a great alternative to boots! Waterproof Bench Seat Cover $ Keep your seats clean with this convenient cover. Perfect for pets that like to swim and get dirty. It is made from durable heavy-gauge polyester with waterproof backing and is machine washable! Lend a Helping Paw At various times throughout the year there are opportunities for park-goers to volunteer their time (and talents!) This may be at one of our larger events such as the Dog Days of Summer in July, or Howl-o-ween in October. There is often assistance needed for light maintenance projects, or upkeep of the landscape, and the grounds, such as burdock plant removal, or cutting vines along the fencing. We are looking for individuals that would like to have their name Therese Maas and contact information registered in our P.A.C.K. (People of Alimagnet Caring for K-9 s) Database of volunteers. There is no obligation whatsoever. When we have a need for volunteers for dog park events or projects, we will simply notify you by phone or to see if you are available to help out. Alimagnet Dog Park continues to be named as one of the top dog parks in the nation. This is made possible by people, like you, that are willing to donate their time, and efforts, and continue to support our quality park so that we can provide a clean, and safe environment for park-goers and our four-legged friends. You can register your name andcontact information on our website at, and click on the Lend A Paw link. Or, feel free to contact board member, Therese Maas, at Theresemmaas@gmail.com.

5 Page 5 Behavior continued from page 3... Whenever natural behaviors conflict with what you might like, be creative and see if you can find an outlet for those interests and activities that is suitable for you both. Be consistent. It is unfair to the dog to change your rules depending on what you're wearing, who's visiting or the kind of day you've had. If your dog is allowed on the furniture, he will be confused when you yell at him because Aunt Bess is visiting and she doesn't think dogs should sit in chairs! If he's allowed to jump up when you're wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, don't be surprised if he can't tell the difference between that and your best evening gown. Whatever your rules are, keep them consistent. Have your dog earn what he wants. While everyone needs a few freebies now and then, your dog will not think you are a wonderful owner if you play with him, walk him, feed him and pet him whenever he demands it. In fact, this often creates problems since from the dog's point of view an owner who can be "trained" this well is not one who deserves much respect. Teach your dog to say "please" by sitting, laying down or following some other command before he gets what he wants. Be clear. Owners often confuse dogs by changing the words or commands, repeating them over and over again without showing the dog what is meant, and worst of all, assuming that the dog understands. Behavior continues page 7... Doggy Birthday Cake Chris Otto Once a year comes that special day, a day which we rejoice another full year of joy with our special animal friend. That s right it s your dog s birthday! Most of you human types like to have a special birthday treat on your special day. I can assure you that we like treats any day, especially our birthday. Here s a special treat that you can make for us and I guarantee that we ll love you all the more for it. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. Baking powder 1/2 cup Margarine, softened 1/2 cup Corn oil 1 Jar strained beef or liver baby food (2 1/2- ounce) 4 Eggs 3 Strips dog beef jerky, crumbled (optional) Plain yogurt or cottage cheese for icing Directions: Sift flour and baking powder together; set aside. In large bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, cream margarine until smooth. Add corn oil, baby food and eggs; mix until smooth. At low speed, gradually beat flour mixture into beef mixture until batter is smooth. Fold in beef jerky. Pour batter into well-greased and floured 8"x5"x3" loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 325F. oven 70 minutes. Let cool on wire rack a few minutes before removing from pan to cool completely. Ice each slice with yogurt or cottage cheese for dogs, or with cottage cheese for cats. Yields: 1 (8") loaf cake. Recipe courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com

6 Page 6 Puzzler

7 Page 7 Emergency continued from page Talk to your vet about emergency planning. They might have ideas that are resourceful and helpful that you never even thought of! You can also get your pet microchipped there if you haven't already. 5. Gather contact info for emergency animal treatment. This would include animal control and emergency vet hospitals. Also consider adding "pets inside" stickers to the doors/windows of your home. We don't have much threat of hurricanes here in Minnesota but these tips are good for many types of situations. Please think of your pets well being when planning for all types of emergencies. Behavior continued from page 5... When in doubt, gently show your dog physically exactly what you mean, giving the command at the same time so that he can associate the two. Use clear, matter of fact commands when addressing your dog, and be sure that your praising tone is excited, enthusiastic and upbeat. Remember that while we use words to communicate, dogs are masters of reading body language. If your body language tells the dog one thing, but your voice tells the dog something else, chances are he will believe your body language. This is why people who bend towards their dog and shake a finger at them while scolding "No, no, no" often receive a playful bark - their body posture is much more like a dog inviting play than a dog who is annoyed or angry. Exercise, exercise, exercise! The most common cause of problem behavior is boredom and a lack of sufficient exercise. While you work or go out, your dog has little or nothing to do, and his need to exercise will not go away. A familiar yard or house is boring, and few dogs exercise on their own without interaction with their owners. Take the time to play with your dog, jog with him, walk in the woods, swim or take long brisk walks each day. A tired dog is always a well behaved dog! Provide mental stimulation. Dr. Roger Abrante's suggestions regarding using 1/3 of your dog's diet for treats to be earned during training, 1/3 to be given as usual in a food bowl, and 1/3 to be "hunted" (try a Buster Cube, an ingenious toy which the dog must persistently work with to receive a few kibble at a time. Even a border collie will be amused by this for hours! Buster Cubes are available from your local pet store or from DogWise.com.) This "home alone" 1/3-1/3-1/3 program helps your dog expend some energy and provides much needed stimulation. Train your dog. Every dog should have basic manners, but dogs are not born knowing how to behave. Take the time to train your dog on a consistent basis using kind, positive methods. Find a class near you whose methods and philosophies you like. If faced with a behavior problem you can't solve, ask people you trust for a recommendation of an experienced trainer and get professional help fast. The sooner you begin working on a problem the sooner you will have it solved.

8 PACK City of Burnsville 100 Civic Center Parkway Burnsville, MN About PACK Our mission is to support the ongoing care and success of the Alimagnet Dog Park in Burnsville, Minnesota. Our commitment includes: 1. Improving the park through fund-raising and volunteer efforts, 2. Educating the community of park users through newsletter publications, on-site events, and 3. Protect and enhance the land through environmental stewardship goals and activities. We are advocates for additional off-leash canine companion parks in Dakota County. We believe these parks improve the quality of life for our citizens, their canines, and their communities. PACK Directory Board of Directors: Jennifer Selvig...President Cathy Jackman...Vice President Jason Marvin...Secretary Lori Mestenhauser...Treasurer Board M embers: Chris Otto Autumn Grimm Dave Bailey Cassie Esters Therese Maas Contact Information: Recreation Supervisor Garrett Beck City of Burnsville t garrett.beck@ci.burnsville.mn.us PACK President Jennifer Selvig jaswitalski@gmail.com 2012 The Scoop Newsletter Edited and designed by Autumn Grimm. Other writers are credited in their respective articles. Fall/Winter 2012 Volume XI, Issue 2 The opinions expressed herin are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the PACK Board, or the City of Burnsville. Alimagnet Dog Park rules and notices are posted in the park information board and at: