May 3, 2010
By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Did you know that the Town of Islip offers a FREE! Dog Education & Training Class?  Entering into the 3rd year of offering this service to its residents and non-residents, the class is offered completely free of charge. What’s the catch? Attendees are rewarded for coming with a goody bag, i.e. doggie bag, loaded with treats and learning materials for owners and their dogs. This class is geared as a one-time only class, (although there have been some repeat attendees), and covers many important topics by local dog experts such as: basic training advice and techniques; puppy and dog behavior; dog park etiquette; health and well being; and NYS dog laws. 

However, this class is for people only, dogs are not permitted in the class. Why? Because this is a class aimed to teach and educate humans on how to better understand their dogs, their dog’s behavior, learn about training tools – taught by trainers with over 20-years experience – and help deter owner turn-in rates at local shelters. Many dogs relinquished to animal shelters are due to the owners’ lack of understanding to a dog’s particular behavior or ‘problem.’ Many times it is a simple fix, (training, or education on the owners part), and the owners are the ones that need to learn how to help the dog. (Sometimes what an owner thinks is a ‘problem,’ is just a natural dog behavior!) 

The class offers tips and techniques, insight on normal dog behavior, health and nutrition issues and so much more. The class is a lot of fun, and there is always a lot of laughter, note taking and of course learning. Believe it or not, the class has had dog owners from all walks of life, levels of dog experience and participant age ranges have been from 6 to 86!  Over 700 participants have come to the class over the last two years. This class may be free for the attendee, but a lot of work, dedication and love is put into each class to help anyone who may have a dog issue or who just wants to learn. (Please remember that when RSVPing!) 

Parents are encouraged to bring children 10 and up, although there have been younger participants. Children tend to be very interactive in the class, and often whisperers of, “See Mom, I told you that,” are heard! 

The Town of Islip offers this class once-a-month, with the next class on Wednesday, May 12, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Local excellent dog trainers from either Doggie U K9 Academy (www.doggieuk9.com) or Dog Training-101 (www.dogtraining-101.net)  and often a guest speaker or veterinarian are on hand as well.  An RSVP is required as space is limited for each class. To reserve your seat call (631) 224-5660 or email Nancy@LongIslandPetProfessionals.com. 

Classes are sponsored by: The Town of Islip and Invisible Fence (www.caninefence.com).

Sunday, May 2, 2010
By Nancy Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

A Barking Good Time!

The first annual “Bellmore Barks,” on Sunday, May 2, was a barking good time for all that attended. The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores did a great job organizing the event, getting a ton of excellent pet vendors and hosting many fun and unique dog activities. The “Four Legged Fashion Show” was huge hit with many owners and their dogs dressed up for the occasion and strutting their stuff down the red carpet. From the pack of Bassett hounds that were dressed for the “Kentucky Dogby,” complete with “dogby” bonnets, to a Hawaiian pooch ready for a lulu or ride on a boat, to the tiniest of decked out pooches. One cutie pie Pit Bull was dressed in the only “Tae Kwon Do” outfit – adorable!

Other activities the dogs and their owners participated in was a game of “musical sit,” (think musical chairs), in which the owners had to walk their dogs around a large square of grass and when the music stopped, the dogs had to sit on a mat. Just like with musical chairs there was not enough mats for all the dogs. This was pretty funny, because the owners kept stopping with their dog on the mat, so not loose, but they had to be nudged along by the announcer, “the music has not stopped folks, keep moving!” I don’t know what the prize was for the winner, but it must have been amazing since the humans seemed to really want to win.

With so many breeds, sizes of dogs and personalities, it was great to see hundreds of dogs gathered in one location having a dog gone good time.

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If you are a resident of Nassau County you know that it is not the most dog friendly place to own a dog. Unfortunately there are not too many parks where you can bring your dog, go for a hike, or socialize with other dog owners. However, the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores recognizes that and this year is offering there very first “Bellmore Barks” on Sunday, May 2nd. They wanted to offer dog owners in the area a fun-filled day to spend with your dog. Held in the Dellamore parking lot, (entrances from Bedford Avenue and Grand Avenue), from 12 – 4pm, the activities at the event will include: a Four-Legged Fashion Show; doggie look a like contest; Fido says; ugliest dog; musical sit, agility; vendors and so much more! The entry fee for dogs is $10 per dog and free for all humans and participants will get complimentary doggie gift bags.

The Chamber is very excited about this event and looking forward to starting this as an annual event for our Four-Legged friends! They are expecting hundreds of dogs and their owners in attendance.

Also if you are interested in adopting a dog, or looking for a new friend, the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter will have adoptable dogs on location.

So if you are a Nassau resident (or Suffolk!), head over to Bellmore with your well behaved pup and enjoy the day of festivities made just for you, your family and of course your dog!

To find out more, check out there website http://www.bellmorechamber.com