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Resources

2022 LI-DOG Pack Walk™ Schedule

LI-DOG Pack Walks™, guided group on-leash dog walks in Long Island parks, are held the third weekend of the month from the spring through fall. Must RSVP with LI Dog.

Sun., March 20th
Dix Hills Park, Dix Hills

Sat., April 23rd
Coffin Woods Preserve, Locust Valley

Sat., May 21st
Belmont Lake State Park, Babylon

Sat., June 18th
Sands Point Preserve, Sands Point

Sat., July 16th
Doggie Beach Pawty, Mud Creek Off-Leash Beach, E. Patchogue

Sat., Aug. 20th
Massapequa Preserve, The Fire Road Trail, Massapequa

Sun., Sept. 18th
Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve, Deer Park

Sun., Oct. 23rd or Sun., Oct. 30th
Fall Dog Festival, Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury

Sat., Nov. 19th
Fire Island National Seashore, Bay Shore

Please note: This schedule is subject to change

Helping Your Dog Adjust To His New Home

1. Set up a schedule and follow it consistently.
ALWAYS feed, walk, socialize, put out to make, etc., your dog at the same time. Like the rest of us, dogs feel much more comfortable if they know what to expect. Follow this schedule for at least 4 to 6 months, as it will take the dog some time to feel “at home”. Be Consistent – not just with the schedule, but also with everything you do with your dog. Decide on the rules the dog will live by and then stick to those rules. Dogs learn much more quickly and behave much better if you are consistent in your actions and expectations.

2. Consistency must start the minute you get the dog home.
Everyone in the household needs to agree on the rules for the dog; how those rules will be taught and how they will be enforced. This means that you will need to be prepared for the dog BEFORE he comes home. Be fair to the dog — do not get him impulsively. Be ready for him. Dogs don’t just walk in the front door and say to themselves “Oh…there’s the potty”. They need to be trained where to relieve themselves even if they are already housebroken. A new house means new rules and you MUST TEACH HIM the rules.

3. Do not get angry. Anger does not teach
— it may be understood as a threat or a challenge by the dog. Either way, it does not lead to the desired response. Deal with disobedience by using quick, matter-of-fact corrections. Do not get your emotions involved. Many problem behaviors are not the result of the dog’s attempt “to get even” but rather a result of being bored, lonesome, frightened or having learned to get attention by some undesirable means.

4. Pack leader. A leader is clear, concise, and consistent.
Dogs understand and need to have a pack leader. If you do not assert your right to that position, the dog will naturally move into the leadership role. Often common behavior problems are caused by the dog’s assertion of leadership rights over at least some members of the family. That means that the sofa is his, the garbage is his, the Thanksgiving turkey is his, and the new pair of shoes you just bought is his. In short, he is in control. Leaders do not come when called. Leaders may bark when and how long they want. Leaders may bite. Think about it…

5. Train your dog.
Obedience training helps you communicate with your dog. Owners who work with their dogs find that the mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise for keeping the dog from becoming bored. People who put in the effort to obedience train their dogs and maintain the training have fewer problems with their dogs. An added bonus is the working bond that develops between you and your dog when you spend time training together. By the way, just because you own a small dog does not mean that obedience training is unnecessary.

6. Praise. Praise is the reward the dog receives for obeying your command. There are some simple rules for giving praise/rewards:
A) Make the reward immediate. Praise delayed = praise denied.
B) Reward the dog only for obedience. He does not get any praise without earning it.
C) Praise should be short-term. Only a few seconds of patting is enough.
D) Don’t use food as the primary type of reward.

7. Let him be a dog.
Enjoy him, train him, have fun with him. Do not expect him to make decisions. That’s your job – you are the leader. Expect him to act like a dog — nothing more, but certainly nothing less.

Pet Training | Home Safety Guide For Pet Owners | First -Aid and CPR for Pets

How to Quickly Switch Pet Food When Your Brand is Recalled

When your brand of pet food is recalled you have to quickly take your pet off that food, unlike the gradual process of transitioning your pet from one food to another. As your dog’s digestive system is used to a specific formula of food, you have to take precautionary steps to ensure a smooth, quick transition. Steps to Take When Switching Pet Food Immediately:

  1. Find a Similar Formula Choose a food that closely matches your pet’s previous food formula. For instance, if your pet was on a lamb and rice diet, switch to a pet food that uses lamb and rice in the formula. The new food should be mixed with one of the following to ease the switch on your pet’s digestive system.
  2. Mix With Chicken & Rice Make your own mixture of 20{35003b02d25178044f1ef00e4edd87c176acdbfe718dec7320db69cd0050a16c} chicken and 80{35003b02d25178044f1ef00e4edd87c176acdbfe718dec7320db69cd0050a16c} rice. Cut chicken breast meat into bite-sized pieces and cook. Then cook the rice and mix it with the cooked chicken. Use this mixture in combination with the new food you are transitioning your pet to.
  3. Pumpkin Purchase canned pumpkin—not pie mix—and mix with the new pet food. The fiber content in pumpkin is very effective in the treatment and maintenance of digestive health for pets and can ease the quick transition in foods. Mixing a small amount of pumpkin with your pet’s new food (1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, depending on the pet’s weight) can help to ensure your dog or car doesn’t experience a case of diarrhea. In fact, often a veterinarian will prescribe pumpkin as part of the treatment for intestinal malady, as well as simply a healthful dietary supplement.
  4. Plain Yogurt The active cultures in yogurt will repopulate your pet’s digestive system with healthy and soothing bacterial flora. Mix a small amount of plain yogurt with your pet’s new food to ease in the transition on his or her digestive system. If you have any further questions or concerns.

Nassau County Dog Parks

Bay Park Dog Park

East Rockaway, First Avenue, south of Sunrise Highway

516-571-7245

Separate areas for big and small dogs.

Directions: To reach Bay Park, take Southern State Parkway to Exit 17/Hempstead Avenue South. Take Hempstead Avenue to fork (Ocean Avenue). Take left on fork (Ocean Avenue) through Lynbrook and East Rockaway to Main Street (follow park signs). Make a left onto Front Street. Make a Right onto Althouse Avenue. Make a left onto First and follow to park or go straight into the park (lighted fields).

Christopher Morley Dog Park

Roslyn-North Hills, Searingtown Road, north of Long Island Expressway – 516-571-8113

Directions: To reach Christopher Morley Park, take the Long Island Expressway to Exit 36/Searingtown Road exit (from east or west). Take Searingtown Road North and look for the park entrance on right (about 200 yards from the LIE).

Cedar Creek Dog Park

Seaford, Merrick Road east of Wantagh Avenue

516-571-7470

Separate areas for big and small dogs (30 lbs and under).

Directions: Take the Southern State Parkway to Exit 27 South (Wantagh Parkway). Exit off the Wantagh Parkway at W6 (Merrick Road East). Continue down Merrick Road for approximately half-mile and look for the park entrance on your right.

Eisenhower Dog Park

Located on the North side of Eisenhower Park at the corner of Stewart Ave. and Salisbury Park Drive in Westbury, NY.

The dog park covers approximately one acre, is fenced and divided into large dog and small dog (25 lbs. and under) areas with separate double-gated entrances for each. The park also features benches, a shade structure, waste bag containers and water fountains—all provided by Pet Supplies Plus. The parking lot holds about 30 cars.

Massapequa Dog Park

Located between Louden Avenue, County Line Road, Clocks Boulevard and Pine Street in Massapequa, Entrance is on Clocks Boulevard. The park is approximately 50,000 square feet and is divided into large dog and small dog (25 lbs. and under) areas. The ground is covered with wood chips and each side has natural shade trees, shade structures, water fountains, benches and tables, waste bag stations, and double entry gates. An eight-foot, wrought-iron fence borders the perimeter of the park and there is parking for about 25 cars.

Nickerson Beach Dog Park

Lido, Lido Boulevard; located by the Atlantic Ocean

516-571-7700

Directions: To reach Nickerson Beach Park from the North Shore, take Meadowbrook Parkway South to Loop Parkway (Exit M10) to Point Lookout. Turn right onto Lido Boulevard. Nassau Beach is about half-mile on your left-hand side. From the South Shore, take Southern State Parkway (East) to Meadowbrook Parkway (South) toward Jones Beach. Just before the Jones Beach Toll, go off onto the Loop Parkway (exit M10) toward Point Lookout. Take Loop Parkway all the way to the end. Turn right: Nickerson Beach Park is on the left-hand side about a half-mile away.

Old Bethpage Restoration Dog Run

1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage

The new dog run has two areas – one for small dogs and one for large dogs. It also features “green” water systems – collecting and filtering rain water for the dogs to drink. The Boy Scouts donated benches for dog owners to sit on.

Wed – Sunday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is no fee for using the dog run.

Wantagh Dog Park

Wantagh, Kings Road and Canal Place

516-571-7460

Separate areas for big and small dogs.

Directions: Take the Southern State Parkway to Exit 27 South (Wantagh Parkway). Exit off the Wantagh Parkway at Sunrise Highway East. Make a right onto Wantagh Avenue. Take to the end and make right onto Merrick Road. At first light make a left into park.

Suffolk County Dog Parks

Bideawee Dog Park

Bideawee, 118 Old Country Road , Westhampton , NY 11977

The Bideawee Dog Park is a member’s only Park to ensure the safety of your pet. The application can be downloaded off of their website at www.bideawee.org. The Park is divided into two sections one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Total area is just under an acre.

Directions: Take sunrise highway, route 27, east, to exit 61. Stay to the left and follow the sign toward Eastport. At the light at the end of the ramp make a right on to Eastport Manor Road. At the first light, make a left on to Old Country Road. Bideawee is three miles up the road on the left hand side.

Blydenburgh Dog Park

Veterans Hwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788

This park is located within 627-acre Blydenburgh County Park in the southern section of the park. The 1.8-acre dog park includes both an open field and woods, a small dog area and a large dog area, water fountains for each area, doubled-gated entries, and plenty of benches and waste bag dispensers.

This is a beautiful facility for dog lovers, with lots of shade provided in both the large and small dog areas. There is an active group at Blydenburgh called “The Friends of Blydenburgh Dog Park”. Their goal is to create a sense of community among the dog owners there, and also to promote harmony and safety for all who use the park. To find out more go to the Blydenburgh Dog Park website.

Directions: The entrance to the park is on Veterans Memorial Highway, opposite the H. Lee Dennison Building. Once you enter the park go past the Parks Police booth and follow the sign pointing to the activity field on which the dog park is located.

Cherry Avenue Dog Park

250 Cherry Ave, West Sayville, NY 11796

This 1.5-acre park is enclosed with a 4-ft high chain link fence. The ground is covered by wood chips to keep down the dust and mud. The large and small dog areas each have running water. Trash collection will be provided but dog owners are asked to bring their own bags. The Parks Dept. has built two large PVC towers to hold donated bags.

The new dog park is located off Cherry Avenue, just south of the Baymen Soccer Club Fields. Please note: Dogs are not allowed either leashed or unleashed on the Baymen Soccer Club fields at any time.

East Northport Dog Park

106 Deposit Road east northport, New York 11731

Ideal for those who live in the East Northport area, this dog park is approximately 300 X 90 ft, and has bag stations and a shade/rain pavilion with benches. Last we heard the water wasn’t on so you should bring water for your pooches.

Note: You must be a Huntington township resident to use this park. You will need to apply for a free permit at the Huntington Dog Shelter located on the property. To get the permit your dog must be licensed, current on their rabies vaccination, and you must be a Huntington resident. This run is not exactly convenient to Huntington Village residents, but great for those who live nearby.

Directions: From the intersection of Larkfield and Pulaski Road, head east on Pulaski. Go approximately 1/3 of a mile and you will see a road that veers off to the right. This is Deposit Road. Turn off on Deposit Road and you will quickly see the dog park. Follow the road past the dog park and go into the second building which is the Huntington Dog Shelter office where you can get the permit to use the park.

Middle Island Dog Park

1075 Middle Country Road, Middle Island, NY 11953

The Middle Island Dog Park is located at 1075 Middle Country Road in Middle Island. When you pass the lake, look for the old Kmart shopping center on the North side of Middle Country Road (aka Route 25). Pull into the parking lot and go to the right of the old Kmart store. You will see the park hidden in lush trees on the right side.

The park consists of a total of four acres, with separate areas for large (over 30 pounds) and small dogs (under 30 pounds), double-gated entries; a water fountain for each area; plenty of benches; and waste bag dispensers. Your dogs can slide in the sand, roll in the shade, get wet and make more friends than they’ve ever dreamed possible. Middle Island is the first dog park in the town of Brookhaven, and since all dogs must have their rabies shots and be spayed or neutered to attend the park, it’s also one of the safest parks on Long Island.

Mud Creek County Dog Park

450 Roe Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772

Warning: Broken glass has been found throughout the sand at this park.

The new off-leash beach has no amenities—no trash receptacles, no poop bag stations, and no dog water fountains. The beach is considered “carry-in, carry-out” where people will have to pick up after their dogs and take away the waste themselves. It’s very important that dog owners take good care of this park and keep it clean. Temporarily closes March 1st through June 30th annually to protect potential nesting birds.

Robinson Duck Farm Dog Park

2903 Montauk Hwy., Brookhaven, NY

A large, new dog park is now open at the former Robinson Duck Farm on Montauk Highway in Brookhaven Hamlet. The dog park covers 2.6 acres and is surrounded by 4-ft. high wooden-slat snow fencing. There are two gated entries into the dog park off a small parking lot. Because the dog park is located adjacent to Montauk Highway, dog owners are advised to keep their dogs under control and under close supervision at all times.

As a “natural borders” dog park, the park does not have the usual amenities associated with more traditional fenced dog parks. Dog owners are expected to bring their own waste disposal bags and water. Moreover, the County is not providing trash receptacles or waste removal at this time.

Southold Town Recreation Center Dog Park

970 Peconic Lane, Peconic, NY 11971

This park has recently been doubled in size thanks to efforts by local dog owners. There are separate areas for small and large dogs. We are pleased to say that the park is now packed daily and is thoroughly enjoyed by many people and dogs. We encourage every town to have a park. The people and dogs love it!

Tanner Park Dog Park

Baylawn Ave and Kerrigan Rd in Babylon/Copiague

631-957-3000

Directions: From what we understand this dog park is for use by Town of Babylon residents only. The dog park is located behind the baseball fields at Tanner Park.

West Hills Dog Parks


Large Dog Park (26 pounds or more)

The entrance to this 1.75 acre park is on Sweet Hollow Road just north of the intersection of Old Country Road and Sweet Hollow Road. There is a water fountain, and several benches and waste bag dispensers. Directions: There are two ways to get there depending on which direction you’re coming from.

From Jericho Turnpike turn south onto Sweet Hollow Road and go about 2 miles until you see Sweet Hills Horse Stables. The entrance to the park is right after the stables on your left. When you pull in you will see the dog park on your right. Please note that Sweet Hollow Road is narrow and winding, and bicyclists often use the road so you should exercise caution while traveling it.

From Old Country Road and Route 110 take Old Country Road West. In less than 1/4 mile you will turn north onto Sweet Hollow Road. Go about 1/2 mile and you will come to the entrance to the park on your right side. Turn in and you will see the dog park on the right. If you pass the stables you have gone too far.

Small Dog Park (25 pounds or less)
This small dog park occupies the location of the former West Hills Dog Park off High Hold Drive. It is covered in new grass and has had new benches installed. It is also slated to get a new water fountain.

Directions: Enter the park off Round Swamp Road (north of the Northern State Parkway and south of Jericho) at High Hold Drive. Drive approximately 1/4 mile until you see a gravel parking lot on your left. Park there and walk across the street to the dog park.

Newsday.com Resource
For more information on dog-friendly parks and beaches on Long Island check out Corris Little’s online article at newsday.com. Besides being a valuable resource for Long Island dog owners there are photos and videos of dogs playing at various dog parks on Long Island.

Understanding HSUS

A Guide to the World’s Richest Animal Rights Group

    1. The Humane Society of the United States is a “humane society” in name only.
      Unlike the “humane societies” in thousands of American cities and towns, HSUS doesn’t care for dogs and cats, or place them for adoption. HSUS is not an umbrella group for pet shelters: In 2008 and 2009, HSUS shared less than one percent of its budget with them. In fact, it’s not affili- ated with a single pet shelter anywhere in the world.
    2. “Animal welfare” and “animal rights” are two very different ideas.
      Most people are in favor of animal welfare. They want animals to be treated humanely. But they also accept the fact that some animals are raised to provide food, some are kept as pets, some are used in research that seeks to cure cancer and AIDS, and others are an important part of sports, entertainment, and education. A very tiny minority of Americans, however, believe in animal rights. They want to eliminate every human interaction with animals, without exception. Animal rights activists believe insects and babies are morally equivalent—and that since “animals are people too,” no man, woman, or child should benefit from the use of animals.
    3. The primary difference between PETA and HSUS is that PETA is honest about its beliefs.
      PETA spells out its goal of “total animal liberation” right on its website. But most Americans don’t understand that HSUS shares the very same agenda. In its 1980 annual meeting, HSUS formally resolved to pursue the “establishment of the rights of all animals within the full range of Ameri- can life and culture” [emphasis added]. Most of HSUS’s current leaders come from the animal rights school of thought. Many of them are former PETA employees.
    4. PETA is increasingly irrelevant; its main purpose is to make HSUS appear moderate by comparison.
      If PETA didn’t exist, most of HSUS’s goals would be (correctly) seen as quite radical. But PETA routinely throws red paint, attacks politicians with pies, and parades its naked interns on street corners—allowing HSUS to promote the same extreme agenda as PETA while appearing compara- tively reasonable.
    5. HSUS’s CEO is an outsider, not a stakeholder, in how farm animals are cared for.
      Like the leaders of other animal rights groups, HSUS top dog Wayne Pacelle is a strict vegan. He has sworn that he will never eat meat, eggs, or dairy foods. But unlike labor union negotiators, who have a strong interest in making sure their corporate adversaries stay in business, Pacelle’s main goal is to completely shut down entire sectors of the American economy—including animal agriculture, pet stores, shooting sports, the fur trade, in vivo biomedical research, zoos, and aquariums.
    6. Many Americans are in an endless war with HSUS—even those who don’t want to be.
      HSUS will keep attacking American farmers and ranchers, hunters and fishermen, pet owners, biomedical research scientists, zookeepers, and many others because it has no reason to stop. On the contrary, HSUS funded its employee pension plan to the tune of $11 million during the first six years of Wayne Pacelle’s presidency: The group is training a new generation of young leaders who plan to be agitating long enough to collect these benefits when they retire.
    7. Abraham Lincoln was right: “Public opinion is everything.”
      Less than 1 percent of Americans are vegan, but 83 percent have a favorable opinion of HSUS. This high public-approval rating has come about only because HSUS’s leaders intentionally de- ceive the public about their goals and intentions.
    8. All conventional wisdom is flexible, but there is no such thing as a “public-opinion tooth fairy.”
      If more Americans understood what HSUS really is, what it does, and what its leaders want, the group’s public approval rating would be a fraction of what it is today. But making that happen will require people who care about the outcome to roll up their sleeves and actually do something. The documented facts at HumaneWatch.org are powerful ammunition, but loading the cannons and firing them is up to you.