Canine Recreation:

We often enjoy time in the great outdoors.  We frequent beaches, parks & BBQ's.  But what about our four legged furry friends?  Where can we go to enjoy these beautiful days with them, besides a walk around the block?  Dog Parks... Yeah!!!  

For your convenience we have listed a few local "doggie parks" and their contact information as well as some fun classes offered on Long Island.  Please call them for their specific rules, regulations and fees.  Remember, most parks do request vaccination and spay/neuter certifications. Please stop in at any time to receive a copy of these certificates.  Or you can call us and make an appointment to get your pet "dog park ready" and enjoy the outdoors together.

DOG PARKS

Blydenburgh County Park:
Off Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown
Phone: 631-854-3713
Web: suffolkcountyny.gov/parks

Middle Island Dog Park
1075 Middle Country Rd., Middle Island
Phone: 631-451-9101
Web: midislanddogpark.org

West Hills County Park
Sweet Hollow Road and Round Swamp Road, Huntington
Phone: 631-854-4423

SEE VIDEO OF LONG ISLAND DOG PARKS @ ExploreLI.com


DOG CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
(As featured in Newsday, Sept 1, 2009)

Agility Classes
When/Where: 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. every Sunday (weather permitting), at the field behind Whitman Atrium on Route 110, just North of Jericho Turnpike.
Info: (631) 427-5672
Cost: $10 a class

Boot Camp
When/Where: 1-4 p.m. Sundays (weather permitting) at Crocheron Park, 215th Street and 35th Avenue, Bayside
Info: (718) 454-5800  www.dogschoolny.com
Cost: Donation
What: A class designed to tame leash-pulling, dominance issues ad aggression toward people and other dogs.
The Payoff: "We help owners who are dogged by unruly pets," says Anthony Jerone who owns Anthony Jerone's School of Dog Training and Career, Inc.  "These are for dog owners whose pets are more nuisances that beloved pet," Jerone says. 

Herding Training
When/Where: By appointment, 55 Montauk Avenue, Central Islip
Info: (631) 277-4594
Cost: $25 for 30 minutes
What: Beginner herding lessons teach dogs how to tap into their instincts by trying to corral sheep into a penned enclosure.
The Payoff: The dog learns self-control around the animals, partnering with the owner to control the sheep, then working independently. 

Therapy Training
When/Where: Prescreening by appointment for classes starting October in Bideawee, 3300 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh (516) 785-4079   and    118 Old Country Road in Westhampton (631) 325-0200
Info: www.bideawee.org
Cost: $250 for six classes
What: Specially trained dogs, cats and rabbits visit medical sites and schools to allow patients and residents to interact with animals.
The Payoff: Once you and your pet complete all the classes and pass an exam, you can take your pet on therapy visits, which tend to have a calming effect on patients.  It also make for a well-socialized animal. 

Read To a Dog Trained To Listen
What: Read to a dog
When/Where: Coordinated at Long Island schools and public libraries by Bideawee ,at the Mineola Memorial Library, 195 Marcellus Road
Info: (516) 785-4199 www.bideawee.org, or at the library at (516) 746-8488 ext 319
Cost: Free
The Payoff: Children learning to read can practice by reading to a dog or other therapy aniamls who make a captive audience.  Bideawee coordinates sessions primarily designed for ages 7 and younger.  Check with your school district or local library about scheduling a visit - advance registration in required.