Dog Run Fundraiser with Baked Goods

Saturday’s fund-raiser was a success! We raised over $700 at the table
and received a $200 commitment to build benches. Leftovers were
donated to the soup kitchen in Greenpoint. We added nearly fifty
members to the e-mail list, and several dog-run users offered to
volunteer at future events—welcome and thank you to all of them!

In previous meetings, dog-run users have expressed their interest in
making the following improvements, many of which we can now work
toward:

* Benches for both runs (approx. $200–$250 for materials), which a
volunteer has offered to build in the next month or so.
* Small Bulletin Board for smaller dog run (approx $100)
* New Water-Drinking Station (approx. $100). This will be a place for
water jugs and drinking bowls and will be relocated to the space where
Dio was impaled. The goal is to help prevent the chips from becoming
so high, thus making it a safer, less jumpable corner.
* A New Water Jug or Two since the person who lent them needs them
back (approx. $100)
* Short Term Solution to the Fence Spikes (approx. $100 to $300),
while a long-term solution is negotiated with the parks department.
* Establishing a rainy-day fund for emergency repairs that we can
continue to build up.

In addition, we might consider making donations to our partners in
keeping the dog run operating:
* The North Brooklyn Open Space Alliance (OSA), whose efforts in
McCarren Park support our own
* NYC Dog, for their ongoing advocacy for dog issues in New York City
and our parks

And THANK YOU to the following donors and volunteers:

* The dog run's best friend forever, Ms. Joan from PS 9...always
willing to support us in every way
* Our coffee-loving friends at Urban Rustic. We loved the donated
coffee and love the cart that makes the best egg sandwiches!
*Our new friends at Must Luv Dogs for the yummy treats. We are very
happy to be partnering with them.
* All the volunteer bakers who put a little love into so many yummy treats.
* The day’s volunteers: Brett, incoming co-dog run czar, for doing
some of the heavy lifting and having such a generous attitude; Angela,
incoming co-dog run czar and force behind Saturday’s successful event,
and her husband, Jeff, for some of the other heavy lifting and having
a rain-contingency plan; Angela's friend who doesn't even have a dog
but baked, greeted, and helped organize the event; Rebecca, for adding
all our new e-mail list subscribers; and Christine, would-be outgoing
dog-run czar and constant dog-run consultant, for all her advice and
know-how.

Dog Runs are for Dogs: Keeping Dogs & Kids Safe

Several members have noted and expressed concern about an increase in parents who bring young children into both runs. The Rules of the Runs sign at the gate of the large run states that children must be accompanied by adults. The identical sign that used to hang on the gate of the small run has disappeared...a new one is forthcoming.

In the interest of the safety of children and dogs, I wanted to remind everyone:

-the dog run is designated for dogs and their adult caretakers.

-the dog run is not a petting zoo

-the dog run is not a playground (there is a playground at Driggs & Lorimer)

-the dog run is not a picnic area (there are tables and benches right outside the run).

-many dogs (especially smaller breeds) are afraid of children

-dogs may bite out of fear

-dogs relieve themselves in the run

-the run, therefore, can be a source of parasites like Giardia (to which humans and animals are susceptible)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/Giardiasis/factsht_giardia.htm#transmission

-therefore, a child who plays in the run like it is a sandbox, or who eats while playing in the run might get ill.


If you are a parent who wants to enter a run with your young child, please ask those in the dog run if their dogs are okay with small children before bringing her/him in.


As a small dog owner, I want my dog run to be as safe and healthy an environment as possible (for dogs and humans of all ages). If you are a dog owner who witnesses some behavior that you know to be potentially dangerous, say something. Say something to the adult in charge and to others in the run. If the behavior continues, work as a group or leave the run.

Thanks,

McCarren Dog Run User & Small Dog Owner

This Weekend - April 25 & 26

THIS SATURDAY, 4/25, NY Cares is hosting a volunteering event at McCarren Park. OSA (Open Space Alliance) has organized an activity for volunteers to help dig out both dog runs. If you can pitch in, please stop by to help anytime from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Given that this activity is happening, please be sensitive to the level activity in the runs as it may not be conducive for normal dog run play.

Other local dog runs:
* McGorlick Dog Park Located on Driggs between Russell and N. Henry in McGorlick Park in Greenpoint

* Cooper Park Dog Run Located at Maspeth Avenue & Olive Street in Cooper Park in East Williamsburg Visit website for map of park and directions. http://cooperbark.blogspot.com/

* Hillside Dog Run Located two blocks from the Brooklyn Bridge, bounded by Middagh St, Vine Street and Columbia Heights in Dumbo. Visit website for map of park and directions. http://www.hillsidedogs.org


On SUNDAY 4/26, BARC/ASPCA will be giving out doggie treats & human cookies to raise funds for both organization. Please be generous.

Dog Park Roundtable - May 9

Want to learn more about getting a dog park renovated? Want to see what other dog runs are doing? Want meet with other dog run users to see how to improve McCarren Dog Run? Please to attend the Dog Park Roundtable on Saturday, May 9th, meet at Tompkins Square Dog Park (the first official dog run in NYC) at 10 am.

Freak Accident at the Dog Run/Your Help Needed

good evening dog community,

this weekend the unexpected happened -- a dog scaled the fence and was impaled by one of the spikes. thankfully there is a happy ending to this incident with someone helping from the street to get Dio back to the dog run side and the spike missing a major artery, you can read the details below.

YOUR HELP IS NEED to safeguard the run so this NEVER happens again:
* Help with a Clean-Up this Saturday March 14 at 10 am. One of the reasons Dio was able to make it over the fence was that the woods chips were so high are on the side especially in the corner nearest driggs and the small dog run. Come on Saturday and help pull the chips from the fence.

* Someone, or a few people talk, to Rich (has a Puggle named Chesty) and ask him to focus his dog run upkeep energy toward pulling the chips away from the fence especially the cornered mentioned.

* Or help figure out how to safeguard the spikes: One thought was to put tennis balls on all the spikes,
however after a little more thought, we concluded that this just make the spikes more appealing to some dogs and continue to be dangerous. We need to determine some way to cape the spikes. Another thought is to put black chair leg bumpers on each of the spike http://www.mclendons.com/item.asp?sku=10948400
Can someone investigate this idea? Or find a better solution. and share with the community.

I realize that one of best solutions would be to grind the spikes down but that is likely too expensive and would have to work through the parks department for approval and that can take forever.

Can't do any of these things but use the dog run every week...make a donation via our website www.mcdogrun.org and click on the ? button under Make a Donation heading on the right side of the website. We have $60 in the dog run kitty right now (not a lot of money).

And please spread the word about what happened last weekend and ask people to help on Saturday morning.

Thanks.

Christine

PS I spoke with Open Space Alliance/Parks Department about the new chain link fencing replace the snow fencing project and it looks like it might happen this spring. You may remember emails about this back in September.



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: elizabeth
Date: Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Subject: bad accident at the dog park
To: mcdogrun@gmail.com


Hello,

I got your email address from a man in the dog run
yesterday after my dog Dio had a death defying accident
in an attempt to jump out of the dog run.

It was yesterday morning at 11 am. Dio decided to jump the
fence to get a squirrel on the other side. I was standing
right by him and the next thing I knew he was in
mid-jump. His leg caught on one of the spikes and he was
impaled. The spike went in his stomach and out the back of
his leg and he was hanging by the leg over the fence on
the outside. I was trying to hold him up yelling for help
and a girl driving down driggs jumped out of her car and
pushed him up on the outside and we were able to lift him
off the ten inch spike and set him down inside the run.
That girl saved his life then she jumped back in her car
and drove off.

When I set him down he was in shock but standing up -
I rushed him in my friend's car to the vet on Berry and
N. 1st and they took him into emergency and operated on
him for almost two hours. The dr. said his main artery
was pumping in plain view and that the spike had missed
it by a hair and that he would certainly have not survived
if it hadn't have been just so. He said it was a miracle
that the spike hadn't lacerated the artery considering the profundity
of the wound. He was able to sew him up and he thinks
and hopes dio will be ok and that he'll recover without
infection. I can't tell you what a scary sight it was to
watch and I realize Dio was VERY lucky to have fallen
the way he did.

I wanted to tell you what happened to Dio and also to report
that the wood chips have built up so high in the corner
where he jumped - (the southwest corner), that the fence
is only about 3 to 3 1/2 ft. high - an easy jump for many dogs.

Actually the whole fence along driggs is really low now because
of the chips. I am SO afraid this will happen to another dog with
spring coming and all the squirrels running around. Dio isn't even a
big jumper - from the inside it looks easy but in mid-air when you
see that drop on the outside a dog might want to turn back like I
think Dio did and fall on those horrendous spikes! I'm dying just
thinking about it happening again.

I have some ideas about how we could fix it - by lashing
plywood to the fence so it would go above the spikes in
combination with digging out some of the wood chips.
Or maybe you guys have a better idea. I am happy
to help out with whatever you decide should happen. I think
we should act fast though so no one else suffers what Dio
is suffering now. Please let me know what I can do to help.

Thanks so much,

Elizabeth

October Clean-Up Session

The next cleanup session for the McCarren Park Dog Run will be held Saturday, October 4 at 9:30 am. Please come on out and help maintain the run. We need all the help we can get. Thanks.

Report from State of the Dog Run & Lentol Meetings

A big thank everyone who attended Wednesday's "State of the Dog Run" meeting. It was a very good meeting. Here are a few of the highlights:

* Assemblymember Lentol allocated close to $5k for the improvement of the McCarren Dog Run. He also allocated the same amount for Mcgolrick Dog Run. Betsy (Finn) and I attended the meeting on Friday. Report after this report.

* New leadership for the Dog Run/Expanding the Committee
Monthly Clean-Up Team: Alan (Ferctus) and Jeremy (Rebel) Does someone have his email? If yes, please send it to christine@aperfectbag.com And a big thanks to Chris (Lucy) for organizing and working all the clean ups for more than a year!
Large Dog-Run Manager: Carol (Asta)
Small Dog-Run Managers/Committee: Sharon (Hooser & Wishbone), Beverly (Maddie & Pokey), Emily (Charlie), Nathan (Penelope), Monique (Diesel) and Christine (VALENCIA) BIG NEWS: Will develop clear rules on the use of the small run and better signage explain them. If you would like to be part of this group, please reply to this email and say you want to be connected with the small dog people.
Fundraising/Calendar???? Angela (Henry) We have $85 in the Dog Run fund. If anyone is interested doing more fundraising or a calendar or in this type of effort, please reply to this email and say you want to help with this.
New Dog Run Czar or Czar in Waiting Jeremy (Rebel).
Christine (VALENCIA) will still be around and will continue to represent the dog run with with the Open Space Alliance (http://www.openspacealliancenb.org/) (Want to know what is happening with the parks in North Brooklyn, sign up for their email) , United Friends of McCarren Park and Assemblyman Lentol's Office
Email Moderator Rebecca (Friend of Furry Creatures) Thank you Rebecca for continue to keep the McCarren Dog Run connected!

* Big issues/concerns mentioned in the meeting were: dust, need for new benches, safety in the small run, better lighting, replacing the snow fencing in large run and UPDATED RULES FOR BOTH RUNS.

Report on the meeting with Lentol & Brooklyn Parks Commissioner: Another very good meeting. The funds allocated to our run will be spent to improve the lighting in the run (like using high watt bulbs or cleaning the glass in the current lamp posts), replacing the the snow fencing and, if there is money, benches. The Assemblymember acknowledged all the hard work we have put into our run! Some time in the next few months please expect these improvements to be implemented.

I express our interest in having water in our little triangle of the park.

Both the Assemblymember and Commissioner recommended that the dog run along with the green garden people and compost group as well as Mcgolrick Dog Run and maybe the Cooper Dog Run go to our City Council Members (Yassky & Reyna) and the Borough President because they could allocate those type of funds. If this is something we would like to do, we should try to meet with our electeds in the next 6 months so they can include it in the next budget. Please contact me if you want to be part of this and I will provide contact information for the other community groups.

And OSA has been talking the State Parks People about allowing dogs into the State Park located on Kent & North 7. The Assemblymember said he would also speak to State Parks People about it. Keep your fingers crossed that some day our dogs will be allowed there.

If you are not part of the McCarren Dog Run Google Group, email mcdogrun@gmail.com

State of the Dog Run Meeting - September 24, 7 pm

You are invited to the upcoming State of the Dog Run Meeting on Wednesday, September 24, at 7 pm out side the dog run (at the Urban Rustic picnic tables).

This is an important meeting, we have some very exciting developments we would like to share with the Dog Run Community and we have several openings including small run manager, large run manager, cleanup managers and community organizers on the Dog Run Committee.

As you may know the McCarren Dog Run Association is a volunteer committee that is responsible for the upkeep of both the small and large dog run in McCarren Park. We are required by the Parks Department to maintain an active volunteer base to continue to have the both runs.

Who should attend the meeting? Anyone who uses the run more than once a week.

Why should you attend? Well, besides the exciting news...which is very good. It is important to be active in the community to ensure your dog(s) have a safe place to play or sit.

When again? Wednesday, September 24, 7 pm, out side the dog run (at the Urban Rustic picnic tables)

Please spread the word to all users of the Dog Run.

Cheers!

McCarren Dog Run Committee - Chris (Lucy), Christine (VALENCIA) & Rebecca

September Clean-Up

If you've ever wondered, "gee, what can I do to make the McCarren Dog Run a better place?" your time is Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9:30 am until noon. Come help spread the love of the McCarren Park Dog Run (and woodchips) at the next cleanup.

August 2008 Clean-Up

The August 2008 Cleanup for McCarren Park Dog Run will take place Saturday, August 9 from 9:30 am-noon. Please come and chip in.... get it, "chip" in...get it? .... Just come and help!

June Clean-Up

The June 2008 Cleanup for McCarren Park Dog Run will take place Saturday, June 7 from 9:30 am-noon. Please come and chip in.

WANTED: Large Dog Crate

An odd tradition has started on Sunday mornings at McCarren Dog Run in Brooklyn. Strangers believe it is the perfect time to ditch their well behaved loving dogs. We think they hope that the users of the Dog Run will foster these dogs as well as do the hard work of finding forever homes for them.

While we are trying to stop this tradition, the winner of this week's foster a ditched dog contest is Adam. He took in a sweet Pit Mix and is in need of a Crate for a 40 lb Dog. If you have a crate that your dog isn't using and want to put it to good use, please contact Adam at adamdoesit@gmail.com.

Thanks.

May 2008 Dog Run Cleanup

The May 2008 cleanup for McCarren Park Dog Run is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 from 9:30 am to noon. Please come and help.

Next Clean Up / Work Party

Next Clean Up / Work Party
Sat., Oct 6 from 10-1
Please Come!

Meeting Minutes

Minutes

Meeting of the McCarren Dog Run Association
Sunday, March 18th – 6:00PM
PS9 Pet Supplies

Attendees: Hilary Ketchum & Deron Bos (Eliott), Christine Murray (Valencia), Kim Muniz (Winston), John (Spike), Adam Berkowitz & Kim Woody (Stella), Tracey Fisher (Maggie & Panda), Colin Miller (Marley & Henry), Melissa Weidemann (Brodie), Bob Grady & Rebecca Poole (Bob Walks Dogs), Tannise Palmer (Partnerships for Parks)

The Meeting was lead by Hilary.

· General overview: what we've accomplished & where we're headed

Hilary talked about where we started over a year ago when we first met in January of ’06. There was no association of the McCarren Dog Run and we were badly in need of one. We began with committees but that quickly dissolved to a few key people managing the Dog Run, mainly Hilary and Christine – with help of others. We’ve accomplished a great deal since we began. Successful fundraising allowed for: securing the small dog run with range fencing and double gates, new benches, message board, garbage cans, new gate/latch for larger run.

The most important accomplishments have been the relationships we have build with the Parks Department and NYC Dog the umbrella organization for Dog Runs city wide. NYC Dog allows us to have 501c3 (non-profit) status and offers support on all matters.

Tannise from the Partnership for Parks explained her position as our contact at her organization and talked about how she continue to facilitate our clean ups.

· New Dog Run Manager
Hilary announced that she would be stepping down as Dog Run Manager. We need a replacement but no one has volunteered. In the mean time different individual jobs will be delegated to different people.

· Clean up/Work Party Schedule & Managers
Kim (Winston) & Chris (Lucy) have volunteered to take over the management of Clean up/Work Parties. Adam and Kim (Stella) have volunteered to assist them. They will be in charge of contacting Jose from the Parks Department to order wood chips & tools, posting signs, sending out an e-mail to remind the group & asking the website manager to post a notice on the website.

· Website/Google Group Manager
John (spike) has volunteered to take over the management of the website. Rebecca (Bob Walks Dogs) has offered to take over the management of the Google Group.

· Grant money & Fence repair
We have been awarded a $1,000 Capacity Fund Grant from Partnerships for Parks. This money is to go towards replacing the snow fence on the curve going that leads out to Driggs Ave. in the large run. Hilary will continue to work with the Parks Department to see this project to completion. Christine will assist her.

· Rules Signs
The issue of rules signs was brought up. It was suggested that a committee be formed to decide which rules should be posted. Other Dog Runs such as Thompkins Square and Union Square, should be observed as an example. Funds would have to be raised to pay for the signs and the Parks Department would need to give final approval on the signs before they were created and installed. We need a volunteer to head this committee.

· Health Issues (Giardia, Lymes Disease)
Giardia and Lymes Disease are the two major health concerns in McCarren Park. Large signs should be posted in conjunction with the Parks Department to warn people of the dangers. We need a volunteer to follow through with this project.

· Small Run Use
The small dog run is being used by small dogs more and more. We have started the “Small Dog Playgroup” on Saturday from 10am – 12pm and on Sundays from 12pm – 2pm. It has become hugely popular. Now that more small dog owners are becoming used to going in the small dog run, they are using it more during other times as well. This is a good thing as it is safer for the small dogs and less annoying to the large dogs in the large run and allows for the large dogs to have more space to run and play. The small dog run can still be used by owners with aggressive dogs but only if no small dogs are using it.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15pm.

Dogs of the Run 2007 Calendars are here!

Dogs of the Run 2007 Calendars are here!

Proceeds from the sales go directly to the McCarren Dog Run.

Purchase them for yourself, the dog lovers in your life as well as for anyone who will be in need of a calendar in 2007.

Calendars are $12 each when purchased online through our Website and our PayPal Contribute now button. Calendars purchased online will be mailed to the address you provide. And if you would like to guarantee delivery by Christmas, be sure to place your order no later than December 15.

OR PURCHASE THEM IN PERSON FOR ONLY $10 .On Saturday, December 9, from 12 - 4 at the Dog Run. (More dates and times to come)Or from Melissa (Brody), Serena (Jackson) or Christine (VALENCIA) who are carrying them around when they are at the run.Or stop by these local dog stores - PS 9 or Must Luv Dogs. And stay tune for a special event at PS 9 on Sunday, December 10.

Support the run and know what day it is in 2007 by purchasing Dogs of the Run 2007 Calendars.

If you have any questions or are interested in being part of the Dog Run sales team, please contact Christine (VALENCIA) christine_murray@earthlink.net for more information.

Big Fun for the Little Guys

Introducing:
Small Dog Play Group
(30 lbs and under)
every Saturday 10am - 12pm
& every Sunday 12pm - 2pm
In the Small Dog Run

note: if it rains, Eva's Play Pups is a great alternative. They will do a regular small dog group every saturday from 12:15pm - 1:15pm rain or shine, excluding holiday weekends. Make sure to have your vacination records on file to be admitted. www.evasplaypups.com

Calendar Info

McCarren Dog Run Association has embarked on creating a fundraising calendar for 2007 featuring portraits of Dogs of the Run.

All the services for the calendar have been donated except the cost of printing the calendar. To cover that expense, we are selling ads to local businesses and individuals who are interested in reaching 1,000 dog lovers. If you are interested, the ads are very reasonably priced at $75and $150. Please write to info@mcdogrun.org for details. The ad deadline is October 24.

Calendars will be on sale mid-November at the run and other local stores like PS 9.

Calendars are priced at $12 each. You are welcome to pre-pay for your calendar by clicking the pay pal button on the upper right hand corner of this page and sending a payment of $15 to cover the cost of the calendar and shipping cost. Yes, we will send you your calendar.

Please consider purchasing an ad or calendars for yourself and all your friends.

If you have any questions or are interested in being part of the Dog Run sales tea , please contact Christine (VALENCIA) christine_murray@earthlink.net for more information and sorry we have all the photos of dogs we need for the calendar.

McCarren Dog Run Assocation
Christine Murray
646 522 2022
christine_murray@earthlink.net

Small Dog Run Secured for Small Dogs

We are happy to announce that the Small Dog Run is now Safe for small dogs. There are no steadfast rules but it is intended that the small dog run be used by small dogs (30lbs and under) especially during organized playgroups. Many owners with agressive dogs or dogs in heat prefer to use the small run by themselves. They are encouraged to do this during non-busy times.

Dog Run Etiquette

In order that everyone enjoys their time in the dog run we ask that you respect the rules of the run and be considerate of your fellow dog guardians.

You are responsible for your dog's safety, behavior and for any damage or injuries caused by your dog while at this run. Help us keep the dog run safe and clean.

To learn about the McCarren Dog Run Association, volunteer or report injuries contact:

info@mcdogrun or www.mcdogrun.org

We thank Sharon Mear, Trainer and Behaviorist, of Training Cats and Dogs, for consulting and contributing for this poster. To learn more contact: www.trainingcatsandogs.com.

To learn more about dog parks go to the New York Council of Dog Owner Groups: www.NYCDOG.org.

Copyright 2006, Lynn Pacifico, President Dog Owners Action Committee.


*Small Dog Run vs. Large Dog Run: The small run is now safe and secure for small dogs. There are no steadfast rules regarding the small run but it is intended that it be used by small dogs (30 lbs and under), especially during organized play groups. Many owners with aggressive dogs or dog in heat like to use the small run by themselves. It is suggested that they do this during slow times.

*Open and Close One Safety Gate at a Time when entering the run. Dogs love to meet and greet newcomers. Please pay special attention when entering and exiting so no dog has a chance to run out.

*Unleash your dog within the safety gates before releasing your dog into the dog run. A leashed dog can excite problem dogs into aggression. Dogs can also be more aggressive when leashed due to the loss of control over their environment. They may feel frustrated, anxious and or threatened and since they can’t do what they instinctually do (flee or fight) to protect themselves and/or their owners they do what they can, they bark and lunge. It is safer to leash your dog up within the safety gates and not in the dog run itself.

*Stay conscious of the environment. Using headphones in the dog run is not a good idea. Talking on your cell phone is not a good idea either.

*Keep an eye on your dog. Always keep your dog in view and under control. Be especially aware of your dog when children are near.

*No aggressive dogs. At the first sign of aggression please remove your dog from the dog run. Our dog run is open to all (non-membership) we and our dogs could be vulnerable to dogs that don’t know their physical boundaries. The dog that knows good physical boundaries can play without shoving the other dog. There is a difference between rough play and fighting. Dogs at play often mouth, jump on and/or nip each other. It can look like fighting, but no blood is drawn and the biting is inhibited as it doesn't break the skin. A dog in play will play without accentuated or obsessive physical contact. If your dog begins to get aroused divert his/her attention before it escalates and if necessary leave the dog run.

*Know the signs of aggression. Although difficult to define on certain breeds, the conflicted or overly confident dogs’ ears are usually up and/or forward. They face and stare directly at the other dog or human with whom they are interacting. Eye contact is sustained hard and direct. Their brow is furrowed. The tail carriage is likely to be high up and arched over the rump. The (hackles) fur along their back stands up like a ridge and the chest and stance is forward. Dogs with shorter tails might be straight and wagging stiffly.

*If a fight breaks out, all involved dog owners should immediately help break it up. **First and foremost – Please try and remain calm and never put a body part between the fighting dogs.

- For the experienced guardian only- take your dog by its hindquarters – just below the rump – and raise them up like you are holding a wheelbarrow and start backing up slowly as you pull the dog with you. Be very careful as you pull because if one dog has another by a body part and decides to hold on you risk tearing the skin.

- Once the dogs have separated themselves take yours away.

- If you suspect damage has been done to you or your dog exchange vital information with all involved parties as you leave to get vet care.

*If your dog consistently harasses other dogs or people by intimidating, mounting, or annoying another dog, correct that behavior immediately. If it continues please take your dog out of the dog run at least for a short time out.

*Closely supervise intact males (non-neutered). If your intact male is involved in any altercation, regardless of which dog started it, please leave. (Intact males commonly provoke aggression.)

*No dogs in heat in the dog run. Since most females go into heat only 2x a year and are considered to be “in heat” for 21 days (7 days going in, 7 days in heat and 7 days going out, it is advisable not to bring them to a dog run during this time. Male dogs can sense females in heat through pheromones. These are airborne chemical attractants that are liberated from the female when she is cycling. They travel through the air for great distances.

*Teach your dog to be quiet. Some barking is fine, expected and normal. However incessant barking can be annoying to those around you. Try and find creative ways to discourage barking by changing your dogs focus towards something more fun, like a game of chase and interaction with you.


MORE DO’S AND DON’TS

*No food in the dog run. This means human food and dog food and treats.

*No prong, spiked collars or choke chains in the dog run. The ring ends can get caught on other objects as well as other dogs’ collars. Leave on your dog's regular collar with ID and license while in the run.

*Do not bring rawhides or toys to the dog run. Many dogs are so crazy for rawhides and toys that they will fight over them. (This does not apply to special events.)

*The small blue balls for playing handball are dangerous for medium and large dogs as they can easily get lodged in their throat. If you bring a handball or any small ball to the dog run and a larger dog is interested in playing, please refrain from using them and be sure to take them with you when you leave.

*Do not bring dogs that are ill or sick into the dog run.

*Shared water bowls can cause dogs to get sick if one of the dogs drinking from the bowl is sick. Refresh the water bowl as often as possible or bring your own water bowl.

*Put dog hair in a trash can if you groom your dog in the dog run.

*No glass containers in the dog run.

*Pick up after your dog & kindly alert others if they miss a pick up.

*Please throw away all trash, even empty water bottles. Thanks so much for not littering & keeping our dog run clean! Empty water bottles are not good chew toys for dogs. If you have time, please feel free to pick up any garbage you see on the ground. Set an example! It is up to us to keep our dog run clean.




ATTENTION PARENTS
*Bring your children into the dog run at their/your own risk. ABSOLUTELY NO INFANTS OR TODDLERS.

We recommend that children under 8 years of age not be permitted in the dog park but if you choose to please, for their safety, keep children under your supervision and within arms reach at all times.

*CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE DOG RUN IN STROLLERS!

* KEEP BABIES AND TODDLERS OUT OF THE REACH OF DOGS!
Dangling feet are stimulating to dogs. They may jump up as if playing with a toy.

PLEASE EDUCATE CHILDREN ON SMART BEHAVIOR AROUND DOGS:

1. Do not run or scream in the dog run. (Running and screaming are invitations for dogs to chase.)

2. Do not touch or take a dog's ball without speaking to the owner first.

3. Ask an adult before petting an unfamiliar dog. All dogs are potential biters no matter what size. Just because a dog is small does not mean it is safe and can’t do damage. Wait for the dog to approach you instead of offering your hand.

4. Do not touch dogs while they are resting or sleeping, especially if they are under a bench.

5. Do not hug or kiss dogs that are not your own, however friendly they may seem.

6. Avoid rough play with dogs or other children while in the dog run.

7. If a dog growls at you, avoid eye contact by looking immediately away. Do not run away. Instead, back slowly away, continuing to avoid eye contact. If you have something in your pocket like a ball toss it to distract the dog as you continue to back away.


These rules and guidelines are meant to educate people who use the dog run in order to make it a safer, cleaner space for the dogs of McCarren Park.

The McCarren Dog Run Association maintains this run. We are all volunteers. If you would like to find out more about what we do, please visit: www.mcdogrun.org

We are raising money to make basic repairs to the run and also replace fencing. There is a pay pal button on the website where you can make a tax deductible donation. If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to “NYC Dog c/o McCarren Dog Run” and mail it to: Ketchum c/o MCDOG RUN 106 Milton St., Apt. 1 Brooklyn, NY 11222.

We hold regular clean ups on the first Sunday of every month from 9:30am – 1:00 pm. Please come help us out! All are welcome!

Thank you.