Dpm8 Ebook - Chp01-02

So You Want to Build a Dog Park?
A Comprehensive Guide for Municipalities and Private Entities

8th Edition by Susyn Stecchi DogParks USA www.DogParksUSA.org
Copyright by DogParks USA - All rights reserved No portion of this publication may be copied without the written permission of DogParks USA Author Susyn Stecchi Portions of this manual may be referenced to or quoted in publications or presentations as long as full credit is given to DogParks USA and Author Susyn Stecchi. 1997-2011-present Page Front Matter-1
Dedicated to the dogs I have owned, the dogs I have loved, and the people-loving dogs throughout the world. This eighth edition of the manual is dedicated in memory and in honor of the progressive veterinarian that set me on this dog park journey Steven G. Paul, D.V.M. who crossed the Rainbow Bridge early in 2007. It is also dedicated to my beloved Shawnee, whom I adopted as a 10-week old puppy from Broward County Animal Control in 1992. I had never before and never since been so deeply and unconditionally loved by any living creature and was taught to love her back deeper than I thought humanly possible. Shawnee was my furdaughter and loyal friend for 17 years, 4 months and 18 days when she finally crossed the Rainbow Bridge in my arms in 2009. Shawnee will always be my Number One Dog, and I am still trying to be as good a human as she believed me to be.
Contents
Chapter 1
WELCOME WAGGIN
How Dog Parks Add Value and Quality of Life to Communities Chapter 2
NEWS BITES
What Other Communities Did to Get their Own Dog Parks Chapter 3
DOGGED DETERMINATION
What to Take Into Consideration When Building a Dog Park Design, Facilities, Fencing, Drainage, Pathways, Pest Control (also see Chapter 15), Landscaping (also see Chapter 4), Parking, Americans with Disabilities Act, Leashes and Collars, Evaluations of Needs of the Dogs and Dog Owners, Parking Lot Design, Signage (also see Chapter 9 and 23), Waste Receptacles (also see Chapter 15) Chapter 4
DOGGONE IT!
Poisonous Plants and Mulch Chapter 5
DOO DOO
The Great Dog Park Debate about Scooping the Poop (also see Chapter 15) Chapter 6
BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE

What You Can Do to Start a Dog Park in Your Community, Political Action Plans, Legislative Contact Dos and Donts, Petitions, Position Papers (also see Chapter 23) Chapter 7
DOGGIE DEMOGRAPHICS
Facts About the Mighty Poochs Status in the USA Chapter 8
ALL UNDER ONE WOOF

How to Obtain or Construct your own Dog Park Equipment Chapter 9
DOG-MA
Rules and Regulations, Liability and Application Forms, Releases (also see Chapter 23)
Chapter 10
BITE ME
Dog Bite Statistics, Myths, Facts, Studies, Causes, Prevention and Education Guidelines, State Liability Laws, Dog Body Language, Aggressive Dog Breeds and Breeds that only have a Bad Reputation, Definition of a Vicious Dog, Muzzling Chapter 11
LIABILITY PAWSIBILITY
Recreational Use Immunity, Fee Exception on Federal Lands, Private Dog Park Liability Insuranc Chapter 12
YAPPY HOUR
Fundraising Ideas (also see Chapter 14), How to Run Capital Campaigns and Special Events Chapter 13
PAWEDCASTS
Using the Internet to Advocate for, and Raise Money and Support for your Dog Park Chapter 14
TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED

How to Write Proposals to Apply for Grants, Funders of Animal-Related Grants, How to Find Funding Sources, Non-Profit Designation Chapter 15
GREEN MEAN DOG PARK MACHINE

Eco-friendly, Sustainable Dog Park Practices Chapter 16
WHEN THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL

Indoor Dog Parks Design and Trends Chapter 17
THE SKIES THE LIMIT

Rooftop Dog Park Design and Trends Chapter 18
WETTER IS BETTER
Dog Swims Design and Trends Chapter 19
PAWS IN THE PEWS

Dog Church Trends
Chapter 20
DINING WITH (WO)MANS BEST FRIEND

Dog Bar Designs and Trends Chapter 21
WISHBONE
Interesting Dog Park Ideas and Trends, including Hotels for Dogs, Airport Dog Parks, Underground Dog Parks and Floating Dog Parks Chapter 22
PUP-POURRI
Art in Dog Parks, Miscellaneous Information, Interesting Tidbits and Fun Stuff Chapter 23
IF YOURE NOT THE LEAD DOG, THE SCENERY NEVER CHANGES

Studies, Reports, Background Information, Relevant Information, Media Report and Overflow Photos from Previous Chapters
CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN
CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN How Dog Parks Add Value and Quality of Life to Communities
The purpose of this manual is to provide municipalities and/or private entities with a plethora of information to assist them in grappling with the issues involved in dogs' access to public open space. The idea of a dog park is just over 30 years old in the United States. The first official dog park opened in 1979 in Berkeley, California. Today, at the time of updating this 8th edition of the manual, there are an estimated 1,200 dog parks across the USA, yet the responses of government and the public as a whole have often been based on unproved assumptions and principles. The whole area of urban animal management is so new, that the time has come to reassess established practices. This manual will help do that, in addition to providing the reader with information on how to actually lay out and construct a dog park, how to submit proposals to government, resources for equipment and funding, and whatever else I think may be useful or inspirational towards that goal. Many communities throughout the United States have adopted European role models, and now have safe, legal and enclosed dog parks where friendly, well-behaved puppies and dogs can play together off-leash. Historically, these communities tended to be the more upscale communities. However, there is no reason why a safe, sanctioned dog park cannot exist everywhere with the proper planning and, in recent years, public and private dog parks have started to pop up everywhere. My dream is to see a public access, off-leash dog park in every community.
What Is a Dog Park?

Maybe this is a stupid question to some, but as I researched what other municipalities and private groups have done, I have found that all kinds of descriptions have been entitled "dog park" or "dog run." Some dog parks are wilderness areas or beaches that allow dogs to be off-leash. This kind usually allows a dog to exercise, but there is no guarantee that he will find other dogs to romp with or assure his safety while romping. Another kind of dog park is a small area, sometimes with a fence, where the grass may or may not be mowed, typically in a city park and set aside specifically for dogs. Another kind of dog park is an area that does not officially allow dogs, but where the police do not choose to enforce the leash laws. Some of these areas are part-time; some are off-hours only; some are off-days only. Some are set aside for only training hunting dogs. Some are publicly owned; some are privately owned. For the purpose of this manual, the term "dog park" will apply to a park which has been designed and which has amenities that make it clear that dogs are invited, not just permitted.
Copyright by DogParks USA - All rights reserved No portion of this publication may be copied without the written permission of DogParks USA Author Susyn Stecchi Portions of this manual may be referenced to or quoted in publications or presentations as long as full credit is given to DogParks USA and Author Susyn Stecchi. 1997-2011-present Page 01-1
An Organized Area for Dogs (and their owners) to Exercise, Socialize and Play
The benefits of allowing dogs to have access to public open space is not always immediately clear to government officials and the public in general. It is important to understand that the benefits apply not only to dogs and their owners, but also to the wider community as well as those responsible for urban animal management. The most obvious reason why dogs need access to open public space is because of their popularity. Dog owners are a substantial group of park users, as this chapter will go into more detail about.
A second reason has to do with a dog park's links to promoting acceptable behavior from dogs. Dogs need to be properly socialized in appropriate behavior. They also need regular outings to reduce boredom and pent-up energy at home. Access to a park close to home is the safest and most effective way to ensure that dog owners socialize their dogs, and provide them with ongoing experiences in the outside world. This not only benefits the dog and its owner, but also neighbors who may feel adversely affected by unacceptable dog behavior at home, other park and street users (such as joggers, pedestrians and people who are fearful of dogs), and authorities responsible for urban animal management. A well-exercised dog is a happier and healthier dog. An exercised dog is more likely to be a better neighbor than an under-exercised dog. Puppies and dogs which get enough exercise by playing in an enclosed dog park are less likely to create a nuisance, destroy property, jump on passers-by, etc. Dogs socialize with each other through subtle displays of posture and behavior that can only occur when they are not impeded by a leash. A leash limits a dog's natural movement, and can even cause some dogs to become territorial, protecting the area to which the leash confines them. Dogs cannot chase a ball or catch a frisbee while on leash, nor can they run in their natural fashion.
Local communities should have an interest in dogs that are well socialized and dog owners who understand the basic responsibilities of dog ownership. New dog owners often learn these important skills from other dog owners while visiting an off-leash area. One measure of an under-socialized dog population or lack of responsible dog ownership is the rate of reported dog bite incidents. There is no clear relationship between a large dog population and an increased likelihood of dog bites. However, studies conducted in California have shown that, of two communities with equal-sized dog populations, the community without a dog off-leash area reported the larger number of dog bites. As a matter of fact, communities with off-leash areas for dogs typically report dog bite rates that are less than sixty percent of the national average!
Increased Sense of Community

Owning a dog encourages people to exercise and visit their local park. Taking a dog out also has been found to stimulate social interaction with other humans. In an era where people are often reluctant or afraid to approach or converse with a complete stranger, dog parks bring people together and create a greater sense of "community." Dogs help shy people "break the ice." People's love for dogs often creates an important, common ground which, as if by magic, serves to break down otherwise impenetrable social and economic barriers. Dogs (and dog parks) are, in fact, responsible for many a lasting friendship between those who might never have otherwise met. By their mere presence, groups of dog owners (and their dogs) help deter crime, both within the park and the neighborhoods surrounding the park, and frequently act as eyes and ears for the police (see Chapter 01 Notes).
Benefits of Dogs to the Economy

Domestic dogs create jobs for: Veterinarians and veterinary staff Dog food, equipment and supply manufacturers Dog grooming parlors Dog and pet suppliers Boarding kennels Dog breeders Dog handlers Dog trainers
Spin-off benefits of featuring dog parks in the community by: Chambers of Commerce Travel agencies Realtors
Uses of Dogs in the Community

Assistance to the Disabled: Guide dogs for the blind Hearing dogs for the deaf Helpers for the physically challenged Seizure detectors for epileptics
Therapy: Hospitalized patients Mentally impaired patients Geriatrics Rescue: Victim recoveries from mountain accidents, building collapses, manmade and natural disasters. Law Enforcement and Customs: Sniffer dogs for detection of drugs, explosives or other prohibited articles and contraband Criminal detection and detention Guard dogs Military: Rescue Mine detection Guard dogs Couriers
The Performing Arts: Actors in theater, cinema and television Commerce and Industry: Advertising in various media Guard dogs Rescue dogs
Companion Animals: Companions for single people Companions for the elderly Helping juveniles acquire responsibility by looking after a living being Dog walking ensures exercise for dog and human
Role and Place of Domestic Dogs Rapidly Increasing in Importance

Owning pets has always been popular in the United States, and it has become more popular over time. Studies conducted in 1994 indicated that 57 percent of households owned either a dog or a cat, 42 percent owned one or more dogs, and 31 percent owned one or more cats. Owning pets is part of the American way of life. Eighty-nine percent of present pet owners and 83 percent of non-pet owners had pets in the family during their childhood. Fifty-three percent of non-dog owners would, in the future, like to have one if circumstances permitted it, according to surveys. The benefits of pet ownership are clear to those who own them and are becoming clearer to those who don't, as more studies and case histories become available. Pets are now being recognized for their physical and mental health benefits, for their role as companions and social lubricants, for helping children learn responsibility and how to share, and even helping children to acquire knowledge in school more easily.
Recurrent Issues Regarding Dogs Access to Public Parks

Dogs can frighten other park users.
Human park users usually frighten other park users more than a dog does, as can horses, bicycles, roller bladers, wildlife in the bushes, and more. Anyone who has used a park or wildlife trail for any length of time will have most likely had an uncomfortable encounter with all different types of trail users. Equestrian users have been startled by bicycles and dogs. They have encountered people who just will not step to the side of a trail to let them pass by. Hikers have been passed by speeding bicyclists, had a horse get too close for comfort, a dog bark at them, or a creepy person come up behind them. These uncomfortable encounters are infrequent. Park etiquette and general politeness make most encounters on the trail pleasant ones. Park users can learn to coexist. Banning one type of park user to increase the comfort level of another type of park user is not the solution.
The presence of dogs will discourage wildlife from using the area.
This claim is contrary to real life experience. Hikers with dogs report that, if they are quietly walking on a trail, they will frequently see deer and small mammals such as squirrels and rabbits, and birds. Less frequently, they report seeing foxes, bobcats and mountain lions in areas where these animals roam. Residents that live adjacent to wild lands have noted that the presence of domestic dogs does not seem to discourage wildlife. Many report
seeing a wide variety of wildlife right in their own backyards. They report that the presence of their dogs does little to discourage deer from eating their plants or to keep raccoons from testing their garbage cans.
Dogs will chase and injure wildlife.

Wildlife rescue groups report that they occasionally have to treat wildlife that has been injured by dogs. However, they state that the problem dog is typically one that runs loose in an area, not a supervised dog out for a walk or hike with its owner. Domestic dogs do not depend upon predatory skills to feed themselves. Few of them are effective predators. Most wildlife can easily escape a domestic dog's interest. A dog that is chasing wildlife is not a dog that is under the control of its owner. If dog owners are unable to keep their unleashed dog from chasing wildlife, regulations should be enacted requiring their dogs to be leashed, and citations written to owners that allow their dogs to chase wildlife. Since this manuals focus is primarily on dog parks that are enclosed by fencing, the wildlife most likely to be encountered are birds and squirrels that can easily escape most dogs attention.
Dog feces will spread disease to wildlife.

Veterinary database and internet sources show no information regarding the transmission of dog disease through dog feces to wildlife. However, wildlife can transmit rabies to dogs, as can dogs transmit rabies to wildlife. A domestic dog with current rabies vaccinations will neither transmit nor become infected with rabies, which is not transmitted through dog waste but through the blood, as via a bite. Dogs can transmit disease to other dogs, but vaccinations again limit the chance of this occurring.
Dogs will damage sensitive habitat areas.

Dogs that are under the control of its owner are unlikely to disturb the habitat. They may, however, be found to drink from a water source or lie in it to cool off, but this should not disturb it. If an area is truly environmentally sensitive, then it should probably be closed to all users, not just dogs and their owners.
Trails/paths are too narrow for a dog and its owner to get out of the way of another trail/path user.
Any trail/path that is open to horses must somehow have room for two horses to pass one another. Likewise for trails/paths open to bicyclists. If there is room for them, there is room for a dog and its owner to get out of the way.
Trail/path visibility is poor. Other users may not be able to see the dog coming.
This is not an issue specifically related to dogs. Whenever visibility is poor, the chances of being startled by another trail/path user, whether it be a bicyclist, hiker, equestrian or dog and its owner, increases.
Limited parking space precludes dog access.

Limited parking is not a dog issue. It is a park user issue. Opening a park to dogs only has an impact if there is no other area where dogs are welcome within a large radius. Dog owners should be able to utilize existing parking just as other park users do. If park usage increases as a result of opening the park up to dogs and their owners, then allowances should be made for the increased use with all park facilities, not just the parking.
Personal safety issues.

Many park users feel more secure when they are accompanied by their dog. This is especially true for women who walk alone. While attacks on park users are uncommon, there is a significant history of attacks, usually on solo park users, all over the United States. While some dogs may not stop a determined attacker, they are usually a good deterrent. Most dogs will bark wildly when their owner is being confronted. They also tend to start alert barking when someone invades their personal space, giving the owner a chance to be forewarned. This may deter an attacker or attract help from other park users.
Poor compliance of dog owners with rules and regulations.

When regulations "make sense" and are not too restrictive, people usually have few problems following them. When regulations are unnecessary, restrictive, unclear or not explained well, people are not as willing to follow them. Increased compliance can be obtained through the education of users about the need for the regulation. This will leave less people to focus on for enforcement.
Issues Regarding Dogs Access to Public Beaches

Mistaken Assumption: Dog owners want to take over the beach.
Fact: A beach access request is based on a simple principle of fairness: Dog owners should have the same access to recreational opportunities as do tennis players, soccer players, sun bathers, surfers, volley ball players, joggers, bicyclists and others who use the citys parks and beaches. Dog owners have no greater claim than others -- they deserve equal consideration as the other users.
Mistaken Assumption: Those calling for a dog beach are a small outspoken fringe group.
Fact: Dog owners comprise a significant portion of the population. For example, there are 15 coastal counties in the State of California. Each one of those counties has at least one dog beach. There are more than 57 of them up and down the coast of California. In California, the National Park Service is taking the requests of dog owners seriously: in Golden Gate Recreation Area in the Bay area, there is currently a federally funded study regarding loosening the leash laws on their beaches. *Chris Powell, Public Affairs, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Mistaken Assumption: A dog zone on the beach would be overrun and out of control because it would become so wildly popular.
Fact: Although it is quite certain it would be very popular, other urban beaches which have designated dog zones do not have safety or liability problems. This includes Upton Beach in the San Francisco area, which is a small stretch of beach which gets more than 1,000 visitors on a busy Saturday. *Rob Ruiz, Chief Park Ranger
Mistaken Assumption: The irresponsible dog owners will come and ruin it for everyone.
FACT: Many dog zones are carefully regulated and looked after by the grateful dog owner/volunteers and community groups who help support them. Examples are Long Beach Dog Beach and Huntington Dog Beach. With rules clearly posted and doggie bags available and volunteer clean ups, these beaches often end up being the cleanest stretch of the beach. *Martin Senat, President, Huntington Dog Beach
Mistaken Assumption: The presence of dogs on the beach will add to the bacterial and pollution levels in the water.
FACT: A study of water quality reports from all existing California Dog beaches shows that there are no water quality concerns at any of them and any that did occur have been corrected. The study shows that there are no known measurable amounts of water pollution caused by dogs. Most has been determined to come from sea birds, septic tanks or storm run-off. *Dog Beach Now report. Contact Sandra Toye, Esq.
Mistaken Assumption: Use of the beaches by dogs will pose a risk to public health.
FACT: There have been no additional infectious diseases in general, or individual cases in specific that would limit in any way or pose a risk to the public safety from a dog beach.in addition, since 1997, many medical centers have initiated pet visitation programs for their patients in hospitals. These programs attest to the safety for pets and pet contact even in sick hospitalized patients. Ellie J.C. Goldstein, M.D., UCLA Professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases
Mistaken Assumption: Dog beaches are a huge liability to the governing municipalities.
Fact: Not one of the 57 dog beaches surveyed in California has reported any lawsuit or legal action against it. *all California dog beach managers, as reported in Dog Beach Now report
Mistaken Assumption: Dog beaches will strain already pinched budgets of municipalities and governing parties.
Fact: Counties and municipalities throughout the state have reported no extra costs with regard to additional maintenance associated with dog beaches. In many places, clean up is the same as for nondog beaches. In others, cleanup, provision of doggie bags and scoopers are routinely borne by organizations who commit time and resources to maintain a safe and clean environment. In fact, the presence of dog beaches brings benefits both to the local community and local governments with increased revenues from parking fees, concession stand revenues, and increased business at local restaurants and shops. *Huntington Dog Beach, Dog Beach Now report.
Mistaken Assumption: It may affect tourism adversely.

Fact: In addition to the increased revenue from locals, more and more people are traveling with their pets. More and more hotels are becoming pet friendly as research shows that people enjoy more social interaction if they are accompanied by a dog. Pets bridge communication gaps, even as they provide companionship and reduce stress for people of all ages. *James Serpell, PhD: Journal of Royal Science and Medicine
Health Benefits of Dogs for Humans

More than half of all U.S. households have a companion animal. Pets are more common in households with children, yet there are more pets than children in American households. There are more than 51 million dogs, 56 million cats, 45 million birds, 75 million small mammals and reptiles, and uncounted millions of aquarium fish. In order to assess whether these populations have any beneficial impact on physical, social and psychological health, the National Institutes of Health convened a Technology Assessment Workshop on the Health Benefits of Pets on September 10-11, 1987. After a day-and-a-half of presentations by experts in relevant fields, a working group drafted a report to provide the scientific community with a synthesis of current knowledge and a framework for future research, and to provide the public with the information it needs to make informed decisions regarding the health benefits of pets. Throughout history, animals have played a significant role in human customs, legends and religions. Primitive people found that human-animal relationships were important to their very survival, and petkeeping was common in hunter-gatherer societies. In our own time, the great increase in pet ownership may reflect a largely urban populations often unsatisfied need for intimacy, nurturance, and contact with nature. However, it is impossible to determine when animals first were used specifically to promote physical and psychological health. The use of horseback riding for people with serious disabilities has been reported for centuries. In 1792, animals were incorporated into the treatment for mental patients at the York Retreat, England, as part of an enlightened approach attempting to reduce the use of harsh drugs and restraints. The first suggested use of animals in a therapeutic setting in the United States was in 1919 at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, DC, when Superintendent Dr. W.A. White received a letter from Secretary of the Interior F.K. Lane suggesting the use of dogs as companions for the psychiatric hospitals resident patients. Following this, the earliest extensive use of companion animals in the United States occurred from 1944 to 1945 at an Army Air Corps Convalescent Hospital at Pawling, New York. Patients recovering from war experiences were encouraged to work at the hospitals farm with hogs, cattle, horses, and poultry. After the war, modest efforts began in using animals in outpatient psychotherapy. During the 1970s, numerous case studies of animals facilitating therapy with children and senior citizens were reported.
The Role of Dogs in Cardiovascular Health

The role of social support in cardiovascular health a question not yet resolved despite considerable research provides a rational framework for studying the possible benefits of dogs beyond mere enjoyment and affection. Since psychological factors can elicit strong and immediate responses from the cardiovascular system, many studies are attempting to determine whether such influences ultimately affect the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The description of a coronary-prone behavior pattern, or Type A behavior, and its link to the probability of developing overt disease provided hope that, with careful training, individuals could exercise additional control over somatic illness by altering their lifestyle. Relaxation, mediation, and stress management have become recognized therapies for attempting to reduce blood pressure before pharmacological methods are
prescribed. It therefore seems reasonable that dogs, who provide faithful companionship to many people, might also promote greater psychological stability for their owners, and thus a measure of protection from heart disease. Systematic research addressing this issue is scarce, and it has been difficult to draw definitive conclusions from the few studies with small sample sizes that have been completed. A selection of these, providing direct as well as indirect evidence relevant to thus hypothesis, was presented at this conference. Studies demonstrated major developmental changes in how children interact with pet dogs. For example, toddlers (two to three years old) are more likely to hit, poke or grab their dogs (behaviors that might be considered aggressive) than are older children. Three to four year old children tend to pet their dogs more than engage in other behaviors, while five and six year olds generally hug, stroke, and massage their dogs, suggesting both more sophisticated and gentle physical contact patterns and more empathetic social relationships. These age-based changes in patterns of behavioral interactions with dogs are generally parallel to the developmental changes in interaction patterns that children have with familiar humans, including parents, siblings, and peers. Examination of childrens attitudes towards dogs reveals that many of them ascribe a rich range of social attributes to these pets especially love and affection, companionship, intimacy, and nurturance also are used in the childrens description of their relationships with other specific people, but other attributes for example, ownership and entertainment are uniquely ascribed to pet dogs. Consider the attributes of companionship and love and affection. Most children rate their own pet dogs very high on both characteristics while they rate the neighborhood dogs high on companionship but not in love and affection. Taken as a whole, these results suggest that childrens relationships with familiar dogs, especially their own pet dogs, are unique and different from their relationships with others in their social world. The relationship with pet dogs typically is complementary to these other relationships rather than a substitute for any one type of human relationship.
Health Correlates of Dogs in Older Persons

In addition to examination of the effects of the human-companion animals bond among children and special populations of chronically ill or disabled adults, there has been widespread consideration of the benefits of companion animals for older persons. Interdisciplinary researchers in veterinary medicine, public health, and the behavioral sciences have begun to explore that health correlates of the human-animal bond and to examine the benefits of a wide range of dog-facilitated therapies on the health and functioning of the elderly. The assumption of a positive effect of pet ownership on the health of older persons is based on a growing body of literature suggesting the importance of social ties and relationships for persons experiencing life changes affecting health or social situations. Large scale epidemiological studies have examined the association of dog ownership and attachment with the health and well-being of older persons living independently in the community. One major result of the research shows a benefit of dog ownership and attachment in combating depression more than general illness status was found among older persons in situations of personal stress who were without adequate human social support. Additional studies collectively suggest that dog ownership may reduce the demand for care for medically nonserious problems.
The Role of Dogs in Social and Therapeutic Effects

The use of dogs as agents in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches has become increasingly widespread in recent years. One example highlighted in this section of the workshop was companion dogs for handicapped people confined to wheelchairs.
Companion dogs provide wheelchair patients with a source of social stimulation that is typically more constant and reliable than most human companions, including spouses, siblings, or therapists. In addition, a number of empirical studies have demonstrated that the presence of a companion dog serves to increase the quantity and quality of attention directed toward the handicapped individuals by both familiar individuals and strangers. This magnet effect of companion dogs can be of significant benefit to the handicapped individuals because research has clearly demonstrated that individuals with noticeable physical handicaps otherwise tend to be avoided or ignored by both familiar and unfamiliar individuals, relative to non-handicapped people.
Dog Parks Help Your Community

A report by the Delta Society states that one of the top benefits of a dog park is what it does for the dogs themselves. It gives them the space and freedom to run off-leash with other members of their species, all while being safely supervised. A dog park is not only a secure place for dogs to engage in the vigorous exercise essential to their well-being. For some city dwellers, a dog park may also provide their only chance to interact with other dogs and people. And because a well-socialized dog is less likely to develop behavior problems, such as aggression and excessive barking, an outdoor club for canines may help reduce associated neighborhood conflicts. In this day and age, when we are all working, [its essential] that we create a place where dogs can go and stretch their legs and get socialized in a play group, says Kate Pullen, director of the Animal Welfare of Alexandria, Virginia. Its [important] for a healthy, happy dog. Dog parks may be critical for the owners happiness, too. While their dogs are busy socializing with each other, owners are doing the same, creating the camaraderie. And dog parks perform an even greater service: strengthening the human-animal bond. [Going to a dog park] is an activity that an owner and dog can do together, says Madelaine Bernstein, president of the Los Angeles SPCA. For many people, the dogs really are their only companions. If they can go to a dog park, it gives them a reason to get dressed, go out, socialize, play with their dog, and strengthen that bond between them. If that doesnt serve a community need, I dont know what does. Believe it or not, a leash-free space in your community may also make your local animal control officers job a little easier. As an animal control officer, [having a dog park] makes it much easier for me when I see a dog off-leash, says Diana Johnson of the Bowling Green, Ohio Police Department. I can make the owner aware that we have a dog park. From an animal control standpoint, I think its wonderful.
Trends in Parks Benefits Kids, Dogs

Published in the St. Petersburg Times, July 8, 2001
Every dog has his day, they say. In Pinellas County [Florida], that suddenly seems to be the case for dogs and also for their human playmates, children.
In a place where children and their needs get plenty of attention, but where dogs are not supposed to stick their wet noses out of their yards without a leash, there is lately a veritable blizzard of proposals to create ways for both to have fun. Plans for dog parks are popping up all over Pinellas. Dog parks are commonplace in other parts of the country, but were not considered here until recently. If it is hard for you to imagine what a park for dogs would look like, picture this: A fenced, grassy area where leashes arent required, a water fountain at the right height for dogs, and benches where the humans can sit. Oh, and a receptacle for, uh, litter. Thats the apparent equivalent of heaven in a dogs world: a place where dogs cam play and run with their own kind, without a leash yanking them back or a human yelling at them. People who have visited these parks in other places say the dogs have a great time and that the human owners do a good job of keeping the parks clean. Tarpon Springs and Largo have been working on plans for a dog park. Safety Harbor already has one. Indian Rocks Beach built a dog park at its nature preserves. St. Petersburg has two dog parks planned and a proposal for as many as eight more. Bowzers quality of life is definitely improving in Pinellas.
The Power of Pets

By Sally Abrahms
Fifteen-year old Nick Rosenthal of Brookline, Massachusetts, walked into his mothers room one morning and announced that hed had a nightmare. I dreamt that I was allergic to Isabella (their 10-month old Springer Spaniel), and I didnt know which one of us you were going to give away. His mothers response? Of course, the dog will stay! All kidding aside, theres something between animals and owners that can be magical. While children may grow into ornery adolescents, pets dont have mood swings or meltdowns, and they never talk back. Theyre loyal and lovable, and even if were irritable, they adore us unconditionally. In a competitive and critical world, where were always trying to change people, and theyre trying to change us, pets let us feel that were great just the way we are. That also brings out our nurturing instincts, and make us feel needed, worthwhile, and special. Besides, were the boss! But it goes beyond ego. Just ask George Salpietro of Colchester, Connecticut. Six years ago, he lost his sight from a rare eye disease. Think of this, he says. Youre 40 years old and you dont even wear glasses. All of a sudden, you notice you have visual problems and within two weeks you are legally blind. I had to give up my drivers license and my job as an automotive manager, and thought I was going to live a dead-end life and never earn a living. Six months later, he went blind. Salpietro, who had never owned a dog, received two-year old Karl, a German Shepherd bred to serve. I like to tell people, says Salpietro, that on January 2, 1995, my opportunity to be equal to others came with four legs and a tail that wags! Explains Salpietro, After you lose your sight, the first feeling you have is an incredible lack of independence. Since coming into my life,
Karl has added that element of re-found independence. You have to understand what he means to me. Karl makes me feel as though I can conquer anything and make the impossible be possible. Now I live a normal life just like anyone else. Karl had been with a foster family until he was 14 months old and was trained by professionals. Salpietro spent three weeks with a trainer learning how to handle Karl. Most people who have pets become close to them but imagine a pet with you 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, whom you use not only to assist you, but also for life and death decisions, such as making sure you dont get killed when you cross the street. At the beginning of his relationship with Karl, trust wasnt automatic for Salpietro. Id question why hed stop when I would put my foot down and there would be nothing there. But then Id find out what there was a branch overhead that I couldnt see. When I was training, Karl would sometimes refuse to do something I told him to do, says Salpietro. I learned that he disobeyed because my request wasnt safe. Hen the bond and closeness started to happen, when Karl became my eyes, my best friend, it was like nothing else in the world. Today, Salpietro is senior vice president of Fidelco, a Bloomfield, Connecticut-based guide dog foundation that trains German Shepherds. He has logged 400,000 miles on airplanes with Karl (who sits with his master in the bulkhead) and delivers motivational speeches around the country about coping with adversity. Salpietro believes its not really the animal that changes the person, but something happens with your attitude. It changes and so you change. In my case, the dog helped launch it. Karl has affected Salpietro so profoundly that he muses on the following scenario: If someone said, You can get your sight back, but youd lose your dog. I dont know what Id do. Karl is almost a part of me. The powerful connection between people and pets has been examined by physicians and scientists, and there are college programs that offer courses in animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activities, which are more recreational. Some hospitals have formal programs that use dogs, cats and rabbits to work with and/or visit depressed and scared patients. Animals are also increasingly brought in to comfort lonely seniors, emotionally and physically abused and autistic children, crack babies, and even the surveyors of such tragedies as the 1995 Oklahoma City bombings. The majority of programs use dogs. They are chosen for their temperament and for their ability to be good companions and interact well with people. Recipients may hold, stroke, groom, or play with the animal, and often talk about the pets they have or had at home. Researchers have documented the physiological effect pets can have on humans with animal-assisted therapy. In one study conducted by Drs. Alan Beck and Aaron Katcher at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, subjects had their blood pressure taken when they spoke to a researcher. Then a dog was introduced into the room. The subjects blood pressure dropped when they petted or spoke to the animal as they chatted with the researcher. In yet another study in 1992 of 8,000 Australians reported that pet owners were less likely to get heart disease than their pet-less counterparts. Even though the owners in the study ate more meat and fast food than non-pet owners, they had lower blood pressure, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides, and got more exercise. The physical and emotional aspects are clearly intertwined. A study conducted in 1990 of 1,000 Medicare patients discovered that dog owners visited their doctors 16 percent less often than those who didnt own dogs. A study undertaken in England a year later confirmed this. It showed that over a ten-month period, dog owners had fewer small health problems and took more and longer walks than dog-less owners.
Why would pets produce these results? The theory is that the animals reduce stress levels and loneliness and bring people out of themselves. People can become more social when they are in the presence of animals. A researcher reviewed 25 studies that examined the effects pets had on nursing home patients, and discovered they were more alert and smiled more when the animals were there; patients who were physically aggressive calmed down and allowed people to be near them. Ruth Toccio doesnt need studies to know that pet therapy works. For several years, the secretary at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut, would bring her two greyhounds to nursing homes. It was incredible! I saw joy! The nursing home patients faces just lit up when they saw the dogs. The day can be very long and lonely in a nursing home. Some people dont get visitors and its the same routine. My dogs were not medication or a nurse or doctor coming in to do another procedure. Ive seen the patients lay their heads on top of the dogs and put their arms around them and hold them! Tuccio thought, How sad. I work in a hospital and I cant share this with my own patients. Three years ago, she approached administrators, who agreed to try pet therapy after clearing it with the states department of health. In the beginning, Tuccio said the doctors were a little skeptical, but no longer. Griffin Hospital uses only certified dogs, who meet with their owners every Sunday morning in the hospital lobby. Sometimes there are as many as 12 dogs of all breeds and sizes, ranging from a white German Shepherd to Tuccios greyhounds to a Golden Retriever, a Welsh Corgi, a West Highland Terrier, and a Rottweiler. Some patients prefer smaller dogs, while others like the big breeds. Heres how it works: The volunteers knock on the patients door to see if he or she is interested (95 percent are). If theyre give the nod, the owner brings his dog to the patients bed or wheelchair and the interaction begins. Patients often talk about the pet at home they miss or how appreciative they are for the visit. One nurse told Tuccio she has a 27-year old patient who hadnt smiled once all week until she saw the dogs. Tuccio cherishes a picture she has of a patient holding her dogs face in his hands. Ive seen tears of joy, she recounts. Dogs dont see what people see. They dont see a broken arm or a missing leg or scar, which may make a patient embarrassed. Dogs make no judgments. They dont want anything from you and they dont have to say the right thing. They dont expect anything except perhaps a pat. They just want to give love. The observation that pets are good for people is anything but new. In the 1790s, the Quakers at a retreat for the mentally ill in England had patients commune with farm animals, which they felt would be more helpful than the harsh treatment often used on those with psychiatric problems. Whats new is the reception pet therapy is receiving. Owners also benefit from the therapy. Its a thrill to watch the dogs bring so much happiness and know that if I werent there, they wouldnt be getting this pleasure, explains Tuccio. In prison, there are few pleasures, but one is raising seeing eye dogs and animals that have been rescued from the humane society. In 18 Ohio penitentiaries, model patients in minimum and medium security keep their dogs with them until the animals are ready to be placed. The screening process for prisoners is rigorous. Their whole personality changes, says Donald Coble, administrative assistant in the Bureau of Community Service for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Its a privilege to have a dog. It says that the inmate is dependable, so it improves their self-esteem. It also gives them a chance to not have to be so macho and
breaks down that image a lot of guys feel they have to be. Here, they can show their more compassionate side. Coble said that the Ohio penitentiaries that have dogs are finding fewer disciplinary problems with their inmates than pet-less prisons. It helps pass the time quicker and gives them something to look forward to, maintains Coble. Its also good therapy. The prisoners benefit from having the responsibility of taking care of something. The dogs lessen the tension, too. Theres something about an animal that makes people feel at ease.
Dog Ownership and Control of Borderline Hypertension

According to a report by the Delta Society, research of people with drug-controlled hypertension has demonstrated that blood pressure reactivity to psychological stress can be lowered by the presence of the patients pet. Patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group that agreed to adopt a dog from a shelter in month one of the study or a wait list control group that agreed to adopt a dog after participation in a transcendental meditation program. In-home mental stress tests were conducted. After just three months into the study, participants with dogs present in their homes had significantly reduced resting blood pressure (that is, to within the normal range), reactivity to stress, as well as ambulatory blood pressure, even while at work, while those in the transcendental meditation program exhibited no significant changes. Lowest ambulatory blood pressure was recorded on the day participants took their dogs to work. This pattern of response was replicated three months after the control group adopted their dogs. These findings suggest that control of borderline hypertension can be assisted by a behavioral intervention involving a pet dog.
Other Health Reasons for Having a Dog

Pet owners have better physical health due to exercise with their dogs. (Serpel, 1990). Improved health through daily exercise is one of the main benefits of regular walks with your dog. Studies have also shown that people walking a dog have far more positive encounters than those walking alone do. A study at Cambridge University found that owning a pet produced improvements in general health in as little as one month. This continued over the 10 month study . Dog owners were found to suffer fewer ailments, such as headaches, colds and hayfever. Having a pet may decrease heart attack mortality by 3%. This translates into 30,000 lives saved annually in the US alone (Friedman, 1980). Research has shown that pet ownership is better than drugs for reducing high blood pressure, making dog owners more likely to survive after a heart attack than people without pets. Dogs are preventive and therapeutic measures against everyday stress (Allen, 1991). Pets decrease feeling of loneliness and isolation (Kidd, 1994). Pet owners have lower blood pressure. (Friedmann, 1983, Anderson 1992). Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners (Anderson, 1992). One study showed that keeping a pet significantly reduced levels of cholesterol and blood triglyceride (two factors believed to influence the disease). These effects could not be explained by differences in diet, smoking or socio-economic group. This fact, combined with the reduction in blood pressure from being with a pet, may make pet owners less prone to heart attacks than non pet-owners.
ACE inhibitors lower resting blood pressure but they do not diminish reactivity to mental stress. Pet ownership can lessen cardiovascular reactivity to psychological stress among hypertensive patients treated with a daily dose of Lisinopril. (Allen, 1999). Animal-assisted therapy can effectively reduce the loneliness of residents in long-term care facilities. (Banks, 2002). People with borderline hypertension had lower blood pressure on days they took their dogs to work. (Allen, K. 2001). Scientific study has shown that the reduction in blood pressure achieved through dog ownership can be equal to the reduction achieved by changing to a low salt diet or cutting down on alcohol. Seniors who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not. In a study of 100 Medicare patients, even the most highly stressed dog owners in the study has 21 percent fewer physician's contacts than non-dog owners. (Siegel, 1990). Activities of daily living (ADL) level of seniors who did not currently own dogs deteriorated more on average than that of respondents who currently owned dogs. (Raina, 1999). Seniors who own dogs coped better with stress life events without entering the healthcare system. (Raina, 1998). Companionship of pets (particularly dogs) helps children in families adjust better to the serious illness and death of a parent (Raveis, 1993). Dog owners feel less afraid of being a victim of crime when walking with a dog or sharing a residence with a dog. (Serpel, 1990). Pets have been described as a social lubricant. Attending dog training classes, visiting the vet and walking in the park all provide opportunities to meet and talk to other people. Studies have shown that people walking a dog have far more positive encounters with others than those out walking alone, with the pet often providing a topic of conversation Dog owners have fewer minor health problems (Friedmann, 1990, Serpel, 1990). Dog owners have better psychological well-being (Serpel, 1990). Pets can lessen the feelings of isolation and loneliness and provide a sense of purpose elderly people. Having to make the effort to care for a pet on a regular basis provides a feeling of fulfillment. Contact with pets develops nurturing behavior in children who may grow to be more nurturing adults (Melson, 1990). Dog owners have a higher one-year survival rates following coronary heart disease (Friedman, 1980, 1995). Medication costs dropped from an average of $3.80 per patient per day to just $1.18 per patient per day in new nursing home facilities in New York, Missouri and Texas that have animals and plants as an integral part of the environment. (Montague, 1995). Dogs in nursing homes increase social and verbal interactions adjunct to other therapy. (Fick, 1992). Children exposed to humane education programs display enhanced empathy for humans compared with children not exposed to such programs. (Ascione, 1992). Positive self-esteem of children is enhanced by owning a dog. (Bergensen, 1989). The nonjudgmental companionship and unconditional love offered by pets is known to have considerable mental health benefits for owners, including increased self-esteem.
Children's cognitive development can be enhanced by owning a pet. (Poresky, 1988). Pets can help people learn about the continuity of lifebirth, death, loss and griefand offer a sense of intimacy. They are even a way to help couples prepare to have children. 70 percent of families surveyed reported an increase in family happiness and fun subsequent to pet acquisition. (Cain, 1985). The presence of a dog during a child's physical examination decreases their stress. (Nadgengast, 1997, Baun, 1998). Children owning dogs are more involved in activities such as sports, hobbies, clubs or chores. (Melson, 1990). Children exposed to pets during the first year of life have a lower frequency of allergic rhinitis and asthma. (Hesselmar, 1999). Children with autism have more prosocial behaviors less autistic behaviors such as self-absorption. (Redefer, 1989). Owning a dog can teach a child about the responsibilities of life and mutual trust. By feeding and exercising a pet, children can also develop an understanding of daily care. Children who own pets score significantly higher on empathy and prosocial orientation scales than non-owners. (Vidovic, 1999). Children with learning difficulties can also benefit from interaction with pets. One study found that the presence of a dog helped to channel the children's attention and responsiveness towards the therapist's suggestion - in effect, the dog helped increase the attention span of the children. Dogs fulfill many of the same support functions as humans for adults and children. (Melson, 1998). People who have AIDS that have pets have less depression and reduced stress. Pets are a major source of support and increase the perception of the ability to cope. (Siegel, 1999, Carmack, 1991).
Dogs Role in Human Cancer Research

Pedigreed pooches aren't just for show anymore. ScienCentral & News reports that biomedical researchers say dog genealogy is making a new contribution to human health. Sometimes it's hard to believe that the tiny Chihuahua and the bulky Mastiff are members of the same species. But there's more to dogs differences than meets the eye. Now genetics researchers can identify a dog's breed through its DNA. This genetics-based classification system for breeds will allow researchers to piece together the evolutionary history of our furry pals, as well as study their genes for information about diseases that we also get. The different breeds of dogs have very different physical appearances, very different sizes, and very different behavior patterns, says Elaine Ostrander, professor of genome sciences and zoology at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, who published the research in the journal Science. So if you think about very small breeds of dogs, like the Pekinese, and about very large breeds of dogs, like the Great Dane, there is an amazing amount of genetics that must account for those differences between those very large dogs and very small dogs. The Center was interested in finding some of the genes that were responsible for differences in appearance in size, in shape or morphology, as well behavior between different dogs. Dog DNA is collected with a swab. Ostrander and her team sampled cheek cells from 414 different dogs from 85 different dog breeds, and found that each breed had a distinct genetic signature that could be used to match 99 percent of the dogs with their correct breed. The researchers used their data to construct an evolutionary tree showing which breeds were most closely related. The tree included one ancient group and three relatively recent ones. The oldest group includes dogs from Asia like the
chow, and from Africa like the basenji. These dogs are also the most genetically similar to wolves. The breeds outside this group didn't show up until the around the 1800s. The dogs in these three groups correspond to the type of work they were bred for (such as the border collie) from the herding group, is known for its agility, stamina, tenacity, and intelligence and many share behavioral traits as well as physical ones. One difference among breeds is that certain breeds tend to get certain forms of cancer and other diseases. In a study published last year in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, Ostrander and her team identified a single gene that causes an inherited form of kidney cancer in German shepherd dogs by studying a closely related group of dogs. The same gene in humans may cause human kidney cancer, showing that dog breeds could point out human disease genes. The genome sequence of the dog and the genome sequence of humans differ by less than one or two percent, Ostrander points out. It appears that the genes that we are going to find in dogs are really going to be important for human health and biology. This research appeared in the April 21, 2004 issue of Science and was funded by a Burroughs Wellcome Innovation Award, the AKC-Canine Health Foundation, the Waltham Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
Chapter 01 Notes
The study showing the reduction in crime in dog parks was done for the Venice Beach, California dog park by the Los Angeles County Recreation and Parks Department, 3900 Chevy Chase Drive, Los Angeles, California 90039, usually for the cost of making the copy and postage. References for Other Health Reasons for Having Dogs: 1. 2. 3. 4. James Serpell PhD: Beneficial effects of pet ownership on some aspects of human health & behaviour, Journal of Royal Science of Medicine, Volume 84, December 1991 WP Anderson, CM Reid, GLR Jennings: Pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Medical Journal of Australia, 1992 E Friedmann, SA Thomas: Pet Ownership, social support and one year survival after myocardial infarction in the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial, America Journal of Cardiology, 1995 J Rogers, LA Hart and RP Boltz: The role of pet dogs in casual conversations of elderly adults. The Journal of Social Psychology, 1993
CHAPTER 02 NEWS BITES
CHAPTER 02 NEWS BITES What Other Communities Did to Get Their Own Dog Parks
My studies along with my personal and professional experience have shown that there is no one right way to address the issues that come up with dog parks. This manual will hopefully prepare you enough to have answers to most of the questions that will pop up, so that you can defeat protests with solid information and solutions. But, as you will see, every community in the United States pretty much resisted dog parks at first. This mindset is alien to the way Europeans view dog parks and domestic pets in public settings, and is truly an American thought process. Conflict is to be anticipated by any group proposing a dog park, but knowledge, funding and thorough advance preparation will come a long way towards getting approval and support for your dog park. Read on to see the battles waged by other communities.
Huntington Beach, California

The Huntington Beach Dog Park was granted by the City of Huntington Beach, California in 1995 for a threemonth trial period. The City's only restriction was that the dog park be maintained and funded entirely by The Friends of the Huntington Beach Dog Park, a nonprofit entity supported solely by donations from the community of park goers and dog lovers throughout Orange County, California. Total donations each year average around $8,000, and have been used for initial temporary fencing of the park, renovations, purchase of t-shirts for resale, and dog waste removal bags. The Friends of the Huntington Beach Dog Park purchased permanent fencing for a small park attachment to the dog park that is intended solely for "small and challenged dogs;" this group has not been able to achieve funding to fence the entire park, so they continue to rent temporary fencing year-by-year. Donations and sponsorships are sought for all areas of the park maintenance: landscaping, water, permanent fencing, and items for fundraising and the actual fundraising events themselves.
Sausalito, California
In 1991, the City of Sausalito, California passed a law requiring dogs to be leashed at all times. After receiving a citation and fine for waking her dog, Remington, without a leash, Dianne Chute led a citizen group that worked with the Sausalito City Council, Parks and Recreation Department, and Marin County Humane Society to establish a dedicated, enclosed area where the dogs of Sausalito could play off-leash. During that summer, volunteers raised funds to fence a 1.3 acre area in the Martin Luther King School area, located on the north side of Sausalito, to be used as a dedicated dog park. In November 1991, the "Remington Dog Park" was officially opened with a gala ribbon cutting ceremony attended by City Council members, local citizens and their dog companions. Although the City of Sausalito provides utilities, including water, electricity and garbage removal, the dog park has been maintained by its users since the grand opening. Regularly scheduled work parties cut the grass, as well as maintain and improve the ground. Improvements to the dog park, in excess of $36,000 as of this writing, have been made through donations solely from park users. In addition to the original fencing, the dog park now
has lighting, a storage shed, a riding lawnmower, picnic tables, benches, a dog drinking water area, and a "scooper" cleaning station.
Coral Springs, Florida

In 1992, Coral Springs veterinarian and resident, Dr. Steven G. Paul, visited the Public Commons of Boston, Massachusetts for a veterinary conference, and was enthralled when he saw dogs running freely, off-leash, and playing happily with other dogs in that public space. He vowed to bring a dog park to his community, and set out on a four-year campaign to do just that when he returned to Coral Springs. After much campaigning for public and private support of the dog park, the City Commission of Coral Springs finally set aside a two-acre portion of their new recreation area, the Sportsplex Complex, for the dog park, with the stipulation that Dr. Paul somehow acquire the funding to pay for half of the estimated $11,000 cost of constructing a fence around this site. Dr. Paul set aside a portion of funds from an annual dog-related event that he runs -- the Coral Springs Dog Day Run and Kids' Dog Show -- in addition to obtaining sponsorship from a dog beverage company, and added personal funds of his own to meet the City's funding requirement. As a result, "Thirsty Dog Park" came into being in early 1995. Whilw the park was laid out, running and walking trails paved, and fencing constructed, Thirsty Dog Drink Company was purchased by InnoPet Brands Dog Food, and the dog park, at its grand opening in February of 1997, was christened "InnoPet Dog Park." Through Dr. Paul's dedication, a volunteer cadre of fervent park goers, the generosity of dog-loving donors, and sympathetic officials at the City's Parks and Recreation Division, the park has expanded and been improved, now boasting a full dog agility course, running water for watering and bathing dogs, public restrooms, picnic tables and park benches, leash poles, a dog "penalty box" (for penning up naughty dogs as a "time out" until they calm down), and dog "airlocks" at both entrances (to keep dogs from running out when the gates to the outside are opened). The City provides a supply of poop disposal bags, running water, lawn mowing and monthly pest control spraying. Everything else was and still is provided by a portion of the proceeds from the annual Coral Springs Dog Day Run and Kids' Dog Show, commercial sponsorships, private pet memorials and donations. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset and is free to anyone who wants to use it. While most of the park goers are responsible dog owners, and clean up after their pets, along with making sure their dog is on a leash going to and from the dog park, there are those who have been irresponsible. These are the park goers who have caused much friction between the park and the local homeowners. Certain area homeowners feel the park-going dogs are soiling their properties with dog waste, making the area smell like feces, and scaring little kids with wild dogs running freely, while other area homeowners say nothing of the kind is happening, and this is all an exaggeration. Regardless, there has been controversy that is ongoing over this park, not because of what the dogs themselves do, but because of what their irresponsible pet owners fail to do. This is a problem that has often been successfully controlled through peer pressure from other park goers who yell at people that aren't picking up after their dogs or are members of a volunteer "poop patrol," to pick up what others won't. Regardless of how well behaved a dog might be, you can't change humans, and every park will face this same problem to some degree. But the same sort of people cause problems in the "humans only" parks, with litter, public drinking, etc. This park is the first one I helped open of in the role of Dr. Paul's Special Projects Coordinator. As you will see in Chapter 06, these sort of trials and tribulations can be managed. Dr. Paul passed away in 2007, and the city renamed the park to Dr. Pauls Pet Park in his honor.
Seattle, Washington
The Genessee Off-Leash Area is located in South Genessee Park in Seattle, Washington. A fenced, open area on a previous landfill, it has no scenery to speak of except for the glorious sight of happy, romping dogs. The park has a double entry ("airlock") gate and a sliding entrance gate, benches, a shade umbrella, bulletin board, and occasional balls and toys for the dogs. Garbage cans and plastic bags for poop disposal are also on site, made available through donations. Neighbors do not like the places that dog owners park their cars on, and there is talk by the City of Seattle of shutting the park down so that the former landfill can be recapped
Poway, California
Poway Dog Park is the first park in San Diego County, California to allow dogs to run freely without leashes in a completely fenced-in area. The park officially opened in 1996. Bob Burkhardt, a professional dog trainer and long-time Poway resident, is the park's founder. Bob brought his dream to the Poway City Parks and Recreation Committee which, in turn, in 1994, made a presentation to the Poway City Council regarding the need for a dog park. The City Council approved $25,000 in their 1995-1996 budget to put up fencing and signage. Founder Bob is now trying to raise funding for lighting for the park. The park is open every day, sunrise to sunset, and it is free. The park has three enclosed, grass pens, with double-gated ("airlock") vestibules, wheelchair access, water and water buckets, poop bags, garbage cans and picnic tables.
Eugene, Oregon
The City of Eugene, Oregon began its first dog park in 1991 on a trial basis after a proposal for an off-leash dog park was sent by some Eugene citizens. The site for the dog park is a six-acre pasture in Wayne Morse Ranch Park, a 26-acre park surrounded by residential homes. The trial period for the dog park became controversial as the park became rapidly utilized by Eugene dog owners. Neighbors of the dog park complained about noise, parking impacts, surface water contamination, and adverse environmental impacts. Support for the program continued to outweigh its opponents at an average five to one ratio. During the trial period, four other sites were established within public ground in Eugene, which reduced the large amount of traffic to Wayne Morse Ranch Park, and reduced the neighbors' complaints, as well. At the end of the trial period, after a public hearing, the City of Eugene decided to retain all five dog park locations. The funding and maintenance for the dog parks are provided totally by the City of Eugene Parks Department., and the City plans to keep dog parks a part of its program indefinitely.
San Francisco, California

Fort Funston Dog Park is a Golden Gate National Recreation Area Park located in San Francisco, which has allowed dogs off-leash for many years. It is a wilderness area maintained by the National Park Service. Despite the fact that dogs have run off-leash there for over 25 years, there have been periodic efforts to have dogs banned from the park or forced to walk on leashes to "preserve the park's natural resources," even though dogs have less environmental impact at the park than humans do. A group was formed in 1993 called the Fort Funston Dog Walkers (not professional dog walkers, just dog owners who walk with their dogs) to preserve the long-standing tradition of permitting dogs to run and play off-leash at the park, promote good dog ownership practices, and provide services for dog waste clean-up bags and dispensers, periodic litter removal efforts and informational newsletters. The Dog Walkers have successfully lobbied the Park Service for garbage cans along the paved trails, and continued to preserve the privilege of dogs to enjoy the park off-leash.
Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville resident Lynn Badger (and purchaser of the first edition of this Manual) is the creator of Gainesville's first private property dog "country club" -- called Dogwood Park, Inc. Badger, who owns several large dogs, came up with the idea for a private dog park after attending a dog swimming party. The park is 14-acres in size, and is a private, members only club, like a human country club. Members pay for membership plans from 3months to 2-years in duration. Non-members are allowed to visit only on Sunday afternoons, and must pay a daily admission rate for the privilege. The park is fenced in with chain link, has two large dog swimming pools and several wading pools, shaded trails, "small dog"-restricted areas, "dry dog" areas (no ponds or pools, for owners who don't want a wet dog to deal with), human fitness stations, dog agility equipment, dog toys, and human amenities like hammocks and swings. The park has been open since last 1998. Badger's dog park competes with the Alachua County-owned park, Forest Park, also located in Gainesville, which allows dogs to walk unleashed. However, Forest Park does not provide any of the amenities that Dogwood Park provides, nor the safety for the dogs, as no special area is designated or fenced in for the dogs in Forest Park. This privately owned dog park has been so successful, that a second one will be opening soon!
Baltimore, Maryland
The peninsular area of Robert E. Lee Park, located at the Lake Roland watershed in Baltimore, Maryland, has become known as the Lake Roland Dog Park. It is tree-dotted, and offers hilly, grassy open space, plus a lake for dogs to splash in. City ordinance forbids dogs off-leash and signs are even posted throughout advising dog owners of it, but most of the dogs here are off-leash and cavorting. Neighbors call the area "Dog Poo Park," but a poop patrol group regularly organize "Turd Fiestas" to clean up the area and work closely with the Baltimore Parks Department on the park's care and upkeep. The group publishes a newsletter, holds regular meetings and picnics at the park, and is on a mission to encourage responsible pet ownership to preserve the unofficial dog privileges at the park. The City of Baltimore says it is open to considering making Lake Roland an official dog park if they can get the community to buy in to it, but there are no plans to make it official as of this writing.
Sanford, Florida
A former veterans park, unused by lawful members of the public for the past several years, became the site of Central Florida first public dog park in early 2001. This park, called the Paw Park of Historic Sanford, has plenty of shade from magnificent trees, beautiful wrought iron fencing, a special fenced-off section for smaller dogs, a dog shower, dog watering holes, a community board, tables and benches for human companions, after-dark historic-look lighting and more. Initiated by the Friends of the Paw Park, led by Mike Knipfer (using this dog park manual), and welcomed by the Sanford City Commission, the Paw Park has been welcomed into this revitalized community by its residents and residents in surrounding areas. Dog are brought in through the doggie airlock, then released from their leashes to run free throughout the park under the humans watchful eye. More improvements for the Paw Park are planned, as more money gets raised by the citizens group and as the city continues to set aside funds for it. This dog park continues to serve as an exemplary example for the rest of Central Florida, and has set off a flurry of dog parks being established in other Central Florida cities and counties.
Savannah, Georgia
A barren one-acre lot located in an area of Savannah called the Starland Design District that was once declining, but is now starting to benefit from renovation growth, is the location of this dog park. The Savannah Dog Park Association, headed by John Schuettle, petitioned the City of Savannah numerous times for public space for this park, without success. So the association did the next best thing they leased a lot for ten years (actually, donor Dale Crites paid for the leasing), which was under renovation at the time I visited it in May 2003. The association is hoping that this private dog park will be a test bed, which can be used to convince the City to allot public park space for dogs. On-street parking is currently a problem in this area, but that should improve as the district improves. Homes on the dog parks street are actually being purchased by dog loving owners and renovated because of the existence of the dog park. The park, still under construction, but hopefully to open by the end of 2003, has a very nice entryway, with attractive paver stones. The fence is beautiful and in keeping with the areas historic status; it is decorative metal with metal inserts perfect for keeping not only the large dogs in but the small dogs as well. It was pretty bare at the time of the viewing, but the City is actually going to donate some 15-foot trees and might be willing to pay for the water usage for this park, too. High-speed berms have been have been created around the base of existing trees for the dogs to race around on. Future plans include construction of an enclosed deck area where the human park goers can have food and the small kids would stay there, but the dogs would not be permitted in this area. A very beautiful historic sign for the park was donated by a local ironworker. Giant boulders in the park are being used as natural a frames: for the dogs. Once a month, a bluegrass band performs in the park. Dogs must meet certain requirements before they are allowed to use the park they have to successfully pass a scaled down version of the canine good citizen test and have current shots; if dogs do not pass the test, they may attend a socialization class, and present proof that they passed instead. The annual fee for use of this park is either $50 or $25 plus four hours of volunteer work on a renovation team within the dog park. I revisited this dog park in 2010; it is still going strong and still requiring membership and fees; parking is still a real challenge, though.
Charleston, North Carolina

Mecklenburg County, the county in which Charleston is located, is one of the countrys leaders in dog park establishment; the organization that works on these parks is fittingly called FidoCarolina. They have six dog parks either finished or under construction as of May 2003. I visited the open dog park, Rays Fetching Meadow, in May 2003. I had to go visit the Countys Park Administration Office during normal business hours first, to fill out a Pooch Pass Application, which included information on myself, my dog, and my written acknowledgement of the Risk and Liability I was placing upon myself prior to entering and using this dog park facility. I LOVED this form, and have included a copy of it in Chapter 09 of this manual. I highly recommend every dog park organization require users to sign these, at least annually, before allowing their use of the dog park. The County also required that I show them written proof that my dog had current vaccinations and was licensed (even though my dog was licensed and vaccinated in Florida, it was acceptable in North Carolina as long as I had the proof). After I successfully completed the paperwork, I paid a $6/day administration fee (for noncounty residents; the administration fee for residents, who get a yearly pass, is just $35; note that the fee for administrative processing (versus admission to the park) makes the county dog parks remain eligible for protection under the Recreational Use Immunity Act (see Chapter 11 of this manual for more information on liability issues and this act). I was then issued a magnetic access card, called a Pooch Pass (see Chapter 08 of this manual for an example of this pass). The dog park is located in a very large community park, and has a very large parking area (which is also shared with a baseball field). I had to use the magnetic access card to gain entrance to the doggie airlock area, then, once the outside gate was closed, could enter through the second gate into the park proper. The park looks like it is about two acres in size, has gently sloping grounds, and lots
of mature shade trees. There is a community bulletin board, park benches for the humans to sit and watch the goings on, a plentiful amount of poop bag dispensers and covered disposal containers located very conveniently throughout the park. There as a pump from a water well for the water source; it was a little difficult to use this because there was no water pressure to help me rinse off my dog after she went sloshing through some disgustingly deep, large and mucky muddy areas, of which there were two in the park; since I visited the park, I received an update that the county closed the dog park for a few months in the summer, reopening it in September 2003, to correct both the muddy problem and the other problem of lots of broken glass strewn throughout the park. The park is enclosed with a six- or eight-foot tall chain link fence. There are no public restrooms inside the dog park, but they are located a short easy walk outside the dog park in a common park area. I revisited these dog parks in 2010; Mecklenburg County stooped requiring memberships and fees paid to use the dog parks in 2008. I agree with their decision; they have a large tourist population and very limited hours of operation, and a significant segment of their citizenry is simply unable to afford to pay to enter the dog parks. The dog licensing requirements still stand (as in having current rabies vaccinations and a valid tag from the owners residential jurisdiction). At least two more dog parks have opened since my last visit in addition to the four they already had.
South Brunswick, New Jersey

The Rocky Top Dog Park is a privately-owned exercise yard and playground for dogs. Located in the historic Little Rocky Hill area of South Brunswick NJ, it opened in 2001 on property owned by Gretchen Zimmer. The park is divided into three separate fenced areas, which are double-gated (doggie airlocks) to prevent escapes. Ms. Zimmer personally interviews the members and qualifies the member dogs. The main dog park measures 1.6 acres; the small dog area, intended primarily for dogs less than 45 pounds, measures 6,000 square feet; and the puppy area, for puppies up to six months of age, measures 4,000 square feet. The main dog park area includes a dog swimming pond. It measures 25 feet in diameter, and is an average of two feet deep. The pond is fed fresh water from a well on the property. Both a mechanical and biological filtration system is installed to keep the pond clean. Use of the park is based upon a monthly membership fee. Members must prequalify their dogs and adhere to park rules. No aggressive dogs are allowed. Dogs must have proof of good health, proper vaccinations against disease and be parasite-free. Owners must supervise their dogs at all times, and clean up after them. Only member dogs are allowed to enjoy the park. There are four separate membership plans available: Access seven days a week; Access only on weekends and major holidays; Access only on weekdays; and Access only for puppies up to six months old. In order to restrict access to the proper dates, areas and members, Ms. Zimmer utilized a magnetic access system. Information on the system used at this park, the Keri System, is contained in Chapter 08 of this manual.
Vacaville, California
The Janine Jordan Park for Dogs located inside the Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville opened to the public in 2002. The City of Vacaville provided the park property for this use. The dog park receives 100 percent of its operating costs from donations. There is an entrance fee to the main park of $3 for non-PAWS members. PAWS (People Aware of the Well-being of the Speechless) members receive a parking permit, which allows them entry to the park. PAWS membership is received by making a $25 donation (nicely allowing the dog park to still be covered under the Recreational Use Immunity Act). All dog park users must sign a waiver of liability form before entering the dog park (a copy of this form appears in Chapter 09 of this manual). The dog park is open from
7AM to sunset seven days a week. This dog park is 30,000 square feet in size; the property had grass, some grassless areas, and trees. Tree donations are still being sought. A four-foot tall chain link fence surrounds the dog park. Poop bags and disposal trash containers are available in the dog park. Water is available, along with picnic tables and benches.
Tarpon Springs, Florida

Pinellas County had the grand opening of its first public dog park, called the Paw Playground, in 2002, inside A.L. Anderson Park. It is a fenced, 1-1/2 acre play area where dogs can run unleashed. The playground is furnished with doggie showers, a canine water fountain, and plastic poop bags with which owners can clean up after their pets. There are separate areas for big and small dogs. The county recently completed plans to open two more dog parks. The county created the dog parks because the residents wanted them. They said the cost to create a dog park is relatively affordable; while it can cost about $100,000 to install the average playground, it only costs about $15,000 to install the fencing, benches, statues, and other amenities for a dog park.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City opened its privately-owned dog park, called the Paw Park, in November 2003. This dog park provides a space for dogs to run and plan in a safe, fenced area with a lake. The park was constructed and is being maintained by a not-for-profit corporation called PAW OK (Partners for Animal Welfare of Oklahoma). The lake has been cleaned, and a fine grade gavel beach has been built to allow dogs to swim and play in the water. The park is located on almost two acres of land. A six-foot black vinyl cyclone fence encloses the entire dog park. A system of double doggie airlock gates provide security for the dogs. Inside the dog park is a separate smaller area exclusively for the use of smaller dogs. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Over 40 trees, park benches, watering centers, and lots of waste management units have been added. Admission to the dog park is free, but donations are requested. Initial seed money of $5,000 was provided by Union Bank, and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation provided $10,000 from the Margaret Annis Boys Trust towards the cost of trees and irrigation. Total cost of construction was around $85,000, and annual expenses are estimated to be around $15,000, which would include the cost of waste management, mowing, spraying, insurance and general maintenance.
Orange Park, Florida

This is a privately-owned dog park, called Poochies Off-Leash Swim and Play Park. It is several acres in size, completely fenced, and private. Dogs can run and play off-leash in a park designed for socializing, relaxing, and swimming with other dog lovers and friendly pooches. This park has a large dog swimming lake, a dog digging sand pit, walking, jogging and nature trails, dog exercise and agility equipment, complementary tennis balls, hammocks, swings and benches for the humans, separate small dog area, shade trees, gazebos and pavilions, space rentals for private parties and special events, self-service dog showers and tubs, obedience and agility training, dog movie nights, dog singles nights, dog Halloween parties, dog easter egg hunts, and dog watering stations. All dog owners are required to be with their dogs and to clean up after them. Only dogs which have had all of their vaccinations are permitted in the park. The park is open every day from dawn until dusk. A magnetic access card key fob (like the one pictured in Chapter 4 of this manual) is issued to dog park members. Membership is annual, and costs $250 for one year or $450 for two years, plus $10 for the magnetic access key fob. Non-Member Visitors are permitted after paying a $10 admission fee, plus the key fob deposit; they are only allowed in the dog park on weekends from 9AM until 5PM.
Brockville, Ontario (Canada)

The Brockville Rotary Off-Leash Dog Park opened in 2008, and as of the update to this manual in 2011, it is now the most used park in Brockville. Not only does it serve dogs and their owners inside the dog park, but a number of families without dogs show up with their children outside the dog park standing along the fence to view the dogs at play. This is a new trend among non-dog owners to get, as one told me, their puppy fix. Even in the brisk chill of winter, this dog park gets a steady stream of visitors taking advantage of the remaining daylight with their pets. The dog park treasurer says that dogs react differently when they are on leash than when they are running free. They seem to be more social and for the vast majority of the cases, the dogs get along. The dog park ran into some complaints from people without an understanding of the nature of dogs. As a result, they created a newsletter that explains some common canine actions that people were unnecessarily concerned about; this education has helped people to understand sometimes it is just a dog thing. The park start-up cost was around $42,000, including the cost of the recent expansion. The park is entirely run by volunteers and donations, so the fundraising never stops.
Portland, Oregon
After Portland started to see a rise in dog ownership (about one dog for every four people) and a decided popularity in ownership of larger breeds, the City of Portland decided to establish an Off-Leash Task Force in 1999 in partnership with Multnomah County Animal Services. By 2000, three fenced, off-leash areas were established and one unfenced area was identified. The pilot program was approved by the city in 2003, with the goal to identify and open additional, geographically distributed dog parks by 2005. Altogether, Portland and the county now have 27 seasonal hours sites and six year-round exercise sites. Portland also has an additional 19 parks that welcome dogs on leash.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
The Pilgrim Bark Park opened up in Provincetown on Massachusetts Cape Cod in 2010 to much fanfare. It is fenced in, and located right at the corner of the main drag into P-Town. Cape Cod, especially P-Town, has a very large gay and lesbian population, and a high rate of dog ownership amongst its residents. The economy is mostly tourism-based, and the visitors also bring their dogs with them to dog-friendly P-Town (I was pleasantly surprised at how many retail stores and establishments with outside dining allowed my two dogs and I in). This was a community that really needed a dog park, and it opened with much fanfare. It earned one of Dog Fancy Magazines 2010 best dog park honors. The parking is a bit awkward to get into, but the dog park itself is very nice. The nautical, seafaring theme that is seen throughout the Cape is predominant within the dog park, but charmingly so. The park contains numerous art pieces fabricated by local artists, such as statues of dogs made from layered rope or layered composite wood. Personalized stepping stones from fundraisers were embedded everywhere. P-Town and the Cape are a seasonal area, and the dog park will see very little use between Labor Day and Memorial Day, but during the summer, it will be busier than most year-round dog parks might be in their entire year. The surface consists of crushed granite, which is appropriate because of its location on the seashore, making it easy to maintain. Pilgrim Bark Park is free to anyone who wants to use it, as long as they carry current vaccination and licensing proof.
About the Author SUSYN STECCHI, DogParks USA

Susyn Stecchi has always loved dogs, and has owned dogs since she adopted her first dog, Shawnee, in 1992. She was born in California, raised in Massachusetts, and moved to Florida after her honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, where she has lived since 1985. Susyns professional experience, in addition to her service as a graphics specialist in Army technical intelligence, includes Federal, County and State civil service, ten years in law enforcement, two years as a large veterinary hospital complex administrator, and many years of special projects and specials events coordination. While employed by the Wiles Road and Cypress Woods Animal Hospitals in Coral Springs, Florida, Susyn was presented with the challenge of helping the hospital owner, Dr. Paul, complete the process he started in getting the City of Coral Springs to open a public dog park there. Together, Dr. Paul and Susyn did indeed convince the city to open the dog park, and the first public dog park in the State of Florida came to be in 1996. Once that dog park opened, the hospital started receiving a rapidly growing number of inquiries from organizations and municipalities on how they got the park established. The inquiries rapidly reached a point where Dr. Paul could no longer afford to have Susyn spending her valuable special projects time responding to them, yet Susyn wanted to continue to help these other communities get their dog parks established. On her own time, Susyn started researching what other communities with dog parks did to get their parks established and added that information to her own, to write the first edition of her manual, So You Want to Build a Dog Park: A Comprehensive Guide for Municipalities and Private Entities. The first edition was published in late 1997, and rapidly sold 100 copies. Based on responses to that edition, Susyn continued to conduct research on legal issues, ordinances, dog equipment, dog bites, and much more, and updated the manual again and again and again, so that it grew from its original 35-page version to its current 2-volume nearly 1,000-page version. While working for Dr. Paul, Susyn also gained valuable experience coordinating a special annual event Dr. Paul has founded, called the Dog Day Run and Kids Dog Show . Susyn ran this event for two years, bringing in more money than had even been brought in before. She applied this knowledge to a dog-related special event she created for Orange County Government in Orlando, Florida, called Bark in the Park. The first year of this event brought in more than double the proceeds that similar events had raised in Orange County in the past.
Copyright by DogParks USA - All rights reserved No portion of this publication may be copied without the written permission of DogParks USA Author Susyn Stecchi Portions of this manual may be referenced to or quoted in publications or presentations as long as full credit is given to DogParks USA and Author Susyn Stecchi. 1997-2011-present Page Author-1
Susyn later became a Certified Canine Therapeutic Massage Technician doing therapeutic massage and acupressure to ailing dogs through her business, PupMassage on a part-time basis. She works full-time as a multimedia, research and technology analyst to help a community college raise funds for scholarships and program support Susyn early on established an organization called DogParks USA (www.dogparksusa.org). She recently established a sub-organization called PawedCastTV (www.PawedCast.TV), which is the multimedia/vidcast arm of DogParksUSA. PawedCastTV visits dog parks all over North America, reporting on what works and what doesnt work in each dog park, and providing a visitor guide to the dog park, as well. PawedCastTV is trying to obtain joint venture funding. Susyn hopes to ultimately be able to travel full-time throughout North America in an RV as her mobile office, under the auspices of DogParks USA and PawedCastTV, to help organizations establish dog parks in their communities and run fund raising events and publicity campaigns to support the parks, in addition to designing logos and graphics for, and building and maintaining web sites for these parks. An article in the national magazine, Landscape Architecture, called Susyn the Johnny Appleseed of dog parks. She rather likes that!
DogParks USA www.DogParksUSA.org info@dogparksusa.org

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So You Want to Build a Dog Park?

A Comprehensive Guide for Municipalities and Private Entities

BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE

ALL UNDER ONE WOOF

TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED

GREEN MEAN DOG PARK MACHINE

WHEN THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL

THE SKIES THE LIMIT

PAWS IN THE PEWS

DINING WITH (WO)MANS BEST FRIEND

IF YOURE NOT THE LEAD DOG, THE SCENERY NEVER CHANGES

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

What Is a Dog Park?

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Increased Sense of Community

Benefits of Dogs to the Economy

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Uses of Dogs in the Community

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Role and Place of Domestic Dogs Rapidly Increasing in Importance

Recurrent Issues Regarding Dogs Access to Public Parks

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Dogs will chase and injure wildlife.

Dog feces will spread disease to wildlife.

Dogs will damage sensitive habitat areas.

Limited parking space precludes dog access.

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Personal safety issues.

Poor compliance of dog owners with rules and regulations.

Issues Regarding Dogs Access to Public Beaches

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Mistaken Assumption: It may affect tourism adversely.

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Health Benefits of Dogs for Humans

The Role of Dogs in Cardiovascular Health

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Health Correlates of Dogs in Older Persons

The Role of Dogs in Social and Therapeutic Effects

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Dog Parks Help Your Community

Trends in Parks Benefits Kids, Dogs

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

The Power of Pets

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Dog Ownership and Control of Borderline Hypertension

Other Health Reasons for Having a Dog

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

Dogs Role in Human Cancer Research

CHAPTER 01 WELCOME WAGGIN

CHAPTER 02 NEWS BITES

Huntington Beach, California

CHAPTER 02 NEWS BITES

Coral Springs, Florida

CHAPTER 02 NEWS BITES

San Francisco, California

CHAPTER 02 NEWS BITES

CHAPTER 02 NEWS BITES

Charleston, North Carolina