While today is considerably cooler than the past several 90+ temps, I think it’s worthwhile to remember some hot weather tips.

Never leave your dog in a parked car - not even for a few minutes.  Even on an average day of 70-80 degrees your car can become an oven for your dog as it can heat up to over 100 degrees in as little as 15 mintues!  Remember, dogs don’t sweat.   They pant to cool off and need cool air to do so.

Watch out for paws on hot asphalt too - paws can easily get burned.

Do you know the signs of heat stroke in dogs?  Here’s a link to a good description.

 http://www.doctordog.com/dogbook/dogheat.html

Enjoy the temporary cool down, and keep your pets safe!

Spring is finally here and what a great time to get out and enjoy some activities with your dog.  I’ve seen a lot of people out walking and jogging with their dogs in this great weather.   Others have traded in their snowshoes for hikes up Manastash Ridge with their favorite furry friend.  If you enjoy group activities, check out the Kittitas Valley K9s blog on some fun events like Canine Good Citizen prep, or other upcoming events at www.kvk9s@blogspot.com.   Here at the “Ranch” the lodgers and daycampers are enjoying romps in the large field, splashing in the watter and rolling in the grass (I suspect they’re rolling on dead mice, but I dont’ want to look - yuk!)  We’ve got some great activities coming up too.  AgilityFoundations,  Rally Obedience and Outdoor Adventures classes are all fun ways to improve your training skills and have fun with your dog.

wow - my very first blog!  I’m thrilled to be able to keep my clients and friends updated on the activities at Waggin’ Tails Ranch.  We have a new, jazzed up website that I’m really thrilled about.  My heartfelt thanks to Sign Dog and especially to Brandon the Webmaster for all his hard work and patience on this project.  Sign Dog and Copy Dog are the coolest group of people, and I just love working with them. check them out at www.signdog.com

The new website features an online copy of our printed newsletter which is updated every quarter.  You can pick up hard copies around town, or check it out on the site.

We are offering some short courses for people who want to work on specific behavior such as better leash walking and coming when called.  We’ll be adding more courses, so keep checking back.  We also offer an open enrollment puppy class now so new puppy parents don’t have to wait for a class to start.  Getting those puppies in a class right away is the best way to get going on socialization and all the fun (and sometimes frustrating) work that puppies demand.

We hope you enjoy the site!