I won free (nearly free; I had to pay taxes and airport fees) plane tickets to New York, so I went on a short three day, two night visit mid-week and crashed with friends. Here are some things I did related to dogs in NYC!
On the Street
I spied a lot of signs politely (or bluntly) telling owners to keep their dogs off grass and away from flower beds.
Dog Walkers
Within 20 minutes of arriving in Chelsea, I also saw something quite amazing. A commercial dog walker with three dogs in his group was standing on Eighth Avenue chatting with some people on the street, when another dog walked past. A daschund in his care started lunging and barking at the dog walking by. I was expecting him to correct the dog, but instead, I was surprised that he bent down and shoved treats in the daschund’s mouth. OK, so the timing was a bit off, but even though he fed after barking, the daschund got some counter-conditioning points. I was floored and told him so.
There are a lot of dog walkers on-leash walking their groups all around town midday. In the city where everything is outsourced (wash and fold laundry, house cleaning, food, etc.) it is no wonder every dog has a dog walker.
Dog Runs
Off-leash spaces are limited in NYC… although Central Park is off-leash for all dogs from dawn to 9am, and 9pm to until closing, so if you’re a dog lover who wants to move to Manhattan, I’d think it was pretty important to be near Central Park…or else you are stuck using dog runs like these:
Robin Kovary Small Dog Run Rules
Postage Stamp Sized Dog Run inside Large Park
Fetch!
While checking out the waterfront, along Pier 40, I stumbled upon this larger run. It was fully paved and kind of smooth, so the dogs had to stop short or else they’d run into the far fence. Check out this 9 year old Welsh Terrier playing with this Pitbull-cross.
Puppies for Sale
I was shocked to run into this chain of pet stores that sell puppies in the window. I didn’t realize this at the time, but I discovered that New York State is a big producer of puppy mill puppies. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
How much is the puppy in the window?
This puppy was chewing on tile
Why yes, we have Frenchies
Wow, now we can afford our new puppy!
Please don’t insult our intelligence!
Random Beagle
Missing Duke and Petey, we introduced ourselves (with permission of course) to this lovely Beagle named Layla. She just moved to New York City from Minnesota. She has a wiggly bum and loves to give kisses.
I must lick you!
Layla the Beagle from Minnesota
The School for the Dogs
I was warmly welcomed to Anna Jane Grossman (Annie to her friends) and Kate Senisi’s The School for the Dogs. I met Annie at ClickerExpo 2011 – she is a KPACTP and did her program at the same time with Mirkka, under Steve Benjamin.
The School for the Dogs is steps away from Union Square. We talked dogs, shop, ate bagels and cream cheese, and played with Annie’s dog, Amos. They have the use of an amazing space for classes!
If you haven’t checked it out before, Annie is also the editor for TheDogs (www.thedo.gs) a site for dog lovers, where I periodically contribute articles.
The School For the Dogs
Welcome Andre!
The School for the Dogs rooftop training area
Rooftop Training Space in Manhattan – Amazing!
Amos!
Amorous Amos!
Annie and Kate from The School for the Dogs
With so many bike lanes of course Amos has a bike helmet.
That’s it! Three days, two nights in Manhattan, and I am glad to be back home to Toronto.
Also a special thanks to Katie Hood from oh my dog! dog walking for house sitting and taking care of Petey and Duke for the three days we were gone. They are not easy little monsters to care for!