Dog

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM QUAD EDITOR

On cold winter days, it can be hard to get outdoors with your dog. Off-leash dog parks seem like a blessing, allowing your coopedup canine to really burn off some energy playing with friends. But sometimes it’s tricky to navigate a different setting where dog behavior might be a little different than at home.

There are a few ways to keep your pet safe and be a good citizen in the fellowship of dog lovers while visiting an off-leash dog park. Be sure to read the park rules—every park is different. Ramsey County parks require that you walk your dog in and out of the fenced area on a leash, dogs must be licensed and vaccinated, and that you always clean up your dog’s waste. Owners should always have control over their animals, and dogs should always be in sight and trained to come when called.

Parks ask that you not bring dogs that are aggressive, females that are in heat, or puppies younger than four months old. Young children or children who are not educated on safe behavior around dogs are also discouraged at the park, as especially small children can be easily knocked over and potentially injured by playing dogs.

Speaking of collisions, keep your knees loose! Dog play sometimes gets out of control, which is why it’s so nice for them to have a large space to run around. It pays to keep your eyes on the action and know when to step aside or brace for impact.

It might take a little bit for your dog to find the right play partners. Just like people, dogs have all kinds of personalities, and their play style won’t match with every dog they meet. Finding other dogs of the same or similar breed can sometimes help, as they tend to have similar play styles. If your dog isn’t engaging with playmates, or perhaps causing a disruption in another group, it’s best to keep walking and find something else to focus on.

There is debate whether it’s OK to bring treat rewards to the park. In some cases, it can be really helpful to reinforce the behaviors you want to see in your dog. But this can sometimes create problems when the treats become an object of hyperfocus or even competition among other dogs, whose owners may not appreciate you giving them snacks without permission.

1. Being around other dogs makes it important to have pest and parasite protection (vaccines) up to date.

2. Don’t bring food or small children.

3. If it’s your first visit let your dog greet other dogs through the fence first to make sure your dog can handle it.

4. Your dog needs to obey commands and will come when called. 5. Always keep an eye on your dog to prevent bad encounters with more aggressive dogs and to prevent eating things they shouldn’t.

Toys such as tennis balls and Frisbees can be similarly disrupt play groups. Use your best judgment in cases like these. Taking time to communicate with other dog owners and respect their choices is the best way to make sure everyone is on the same page and no one goes home upset because of a misunderstanding.

There might be some challenges, but a well-trained dog and a conscientious owner can make all the difference in creating offleash spaces the whole community can enjoy.

6. Be careful not to get distracted by texting or phone calls.

7. It’s OK to give your dog a “time out” for a few minutes if they get to excited.

8. When you come inside after a winter walk, check your dog’s pads (feet) to make sure there is no ice or snow lodged in them.

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The Love of Dogs

2484 COUNTY ROAD F E, WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 · 1.5 MI (651) 653-3121

Upcoming Classes - Registration Required 55+ Defensive Driving Classes 4-Hour Refresher at Sr Center / 1/31 5:30-9:30pm | 2/10 12-4pm 8-Hour Class, $45: 1/25 & 26 or 2/16 & 17 online 5:30-9:30pm | 2/7 & 8 Sr Cntr/Online 5:30-9:30pm Activate Your Brains Creative Center online: 1/24 6-7:30pm #30 25 African American Artists You Should Know online: 1/25 630-830pm $20 Tai Chi: Mondays 1/30-3/13 8-9pm $55 How to Use Uber for Independence: 1/31 12-1pm $20 4 Sessions, $110 / Intermediate Level, Feb online: 2/7, 6-7:30pm $30 Monday-Friday, hot or frozen meal delivery. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions, please call 651-653-3123.

For more information or to receive “The Voice” newsletter, call us

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC)

1520 Mahtomedi Ave. All activities are held at the DEC unless otherwise noted.

MONDAYS: Stitchers 1-3:00 PM, 2nd/4th Monday of Month

TUESDAYS: Mah Jongg 9:30-11:30 AM, Cribbage 1-3:00 PM

WEDNESDAYS: Bridge, 1-4:00 PM

THURSDAYS: 500 Cards, 12:30-3 PM

FRIDAYS: Games, 12:30-3 PM; Bridge, 1-4 PM; Book Club, 2nd Friday, 10-11:30 AM

Mahtomedi Evening Star Quilters - FREE

Sew Day: February 21, 12:30-4:00 PM

Meeting: February 28; 5:30-8:30 PM

Bingo: FREE! February 27, 1:30-3:00 PM. Please bring items to donate to the prize table!

The following requires registration: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com

How to Use Uber for Transportation Independence - $25

January 31, Noon. Online class held via Zoom (register to receive link)

Meal Planning for Families - $50

January 31, 5:30-7:30 PM. Mahtomedi Middle School, Room 273

Cell Phones & Parenting, Oh My! - $25

February 2, Noon-1:00 PM. Online class held via Zoom (register to receive link)

Adult-Child Paint Date - $60/pair

February 2, 6:00-8:00 PM, Mahtomedi Middle School, Room 273

Tai Ji Quan Moving for Better Balance - new class! - $150 for 24 classes

February 6-April 28, 2:30-3:30 PM. DEC, Room 103

Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia - $10

February 8, 7:00-8:00 PM, DEC, Room 103

Day Trip to Church Basement Ladies Matinee “Plowin Thru” - $65 February 14, Ames Center, Burnsville, MN. Bus leaves Mahtomedi

Every step of the way.

Therapy services at Cerenity White Bear Lake help you return to what you do best. Our combination of highly-trained compassionate staff and the most innovative care in the area make our community your best choice for professional therapy services.

District Center at 11:00 AM

55+ Drivers Safety 4-Hour Refresher Class - $35

February 15, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, DEC, Room 103

Classic Minnesota Recipes Cooking Class - $50

February 21, 5:30-7:30 PM, Mahtomedi Middle School, Room 273 Steps in Becoming a Homeowner - FREE

February 22, 6:00-8:00 PM, DEC, Room 103

Day Trip: Throwing Sharp Objects at The Lumberjack in Stillwater $30

February 26, 2:30-4:00 PM, The Lumberjack, 123 2nd St., Suite 102, Stillwater, MN *transportation to/from Stillwater is on your own* If you have any questions, please call 651-407-2024.

2ND HALF WITH LYNGBLOMSTEN: COMMUNITY SERVICES

Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group for those in the White Bear Lake area is held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 10:30 AM online via Zoom. Family and friends who are caring for someone experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are welcome to participate.

The group is facilitated by Lisa Brown, MSW, LISW, Caregiver Services Program Coordinator with 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten. To receive the Zoom link to participate, contact Lisa at 651-632-5320 or caregiving@ lyngblomsten.org

We’re looking for volunteers to help out with The Gathering! The Gathering respite program provides brain-stimulating activities for adults living with memory loss and four hours of respite for their caregiver. If you are looking for an engaging volunteer opportunity and would like to join us in making a difference in your community, contact Melanie Jagolino at 651-632-5499 or mjagolino@lyngblomsten.org

Visit www.lyngblomsten.org/2ndHalf or call 651-632-5330 to learn more about our programs and supportive services.

Lyngblomsten Caregiver Services is supported, in part, by gifts made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation and is funded under an award with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.

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