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Dog Walking 101

Taking your dog on walks is a great way for both of you to get daily exercise. Not only does your dog get a potty break and exercise, but they also get mental stimulation and an awareness for the neighborhood. However, if your dog is difficult to walk, it may make your daily strolls impossible. Luckily, there are methods you can use to train your dog and ensure a positive experience for everyone. 

You should take your dog on a walk at least once a day. The breed and age of your dog will determine if your dog needs more exercise. It's best to try for five walks a week of at least 30 minutes or more. Regular walks are important to your dog's overall health. 

Your dog may need to go out to potty 3 or more times a day. Don't rush their potty breaks: deciding where to go is a big part of how your dog communicates with the world. Sniffing around also alleviates anxiety and helps them explore their surroundings. Letting them take the lead, safely, is important during these outings. 

When going on walks, you want to have control over your dog. A sturdy leash that's 4-6 feet long will be helpful during your walk. You can choose any leash that feels comfortable to you. Leather or nylon rope leashes with a short lead are best for long walks so you can have quick control of your dog in uncomfortable situations. 

A retractable leash is easy to hold and good for potty breaks or to let your dog roam on while still on a leash. These aren't great for dogs that pull a lot. The small ropes on these can also be dangerous for people as they can easily cause rope burns, etc..

If you struggle with your dog's pulling on walks a "no pull harness" or body harness may be a good alternative. These harnesses and a sturdy leash give you more control over your dog while you're training. 

Gentle leaders, that go around the head and muzzle (but allow the mouth to open) can also be helpful for dogs that pull a lot.

Constant pulling can make the walk stressful for you and your dog. A loose leash or relaxed walking is the preferred method of walking. However, you'll need to train your dog to do this. While training, make sure you're in charge of the walk. If they start pulling, immediately stop. Have them sit or come back to you, then reward them with treats and praise. 

Maintaining this training, your dog should learn that pulling gets them nowhere. If you're still having trouble with your dog pulling, you can give them a "no pull" head halter (also called a gentle leader) to assist with training. 

Walking outside comes with its own dangers. Try to avoid walking your dog in the heat of the day. With all their fur, there's an increased risk of heat stroke, especially with bigger dogs. Also pay attention to your dog's tolerance to cold, and don't walk them during the coldest parts of the day. 

Try to avoid lawns, gardens, or mulch in your neighborhood. These can be filled with toxic products. Also, watch out for other dogs, creatures, vehicles, or cyclists that may pose a threat to your dog. If you're walking in a dense forest keep an eye out for snakes, spiders, and check for any ticks after the walk. Have reflective clothing for you and your dog if you're walking in the dark. Be vigilant on your outing, but not stressed. This should be a fun experience for both of you. 

Keep an eye on your dog when they're meeting new dogs. If your dog's tail is wagging and they seem interested, you can let your dog approach slowly as long as the other dog is willing. If your dog is showing signs of aggression or fear, you should remove your dog from the situation. 

Training your dog to associate meeting new dogs with praise and treats will teach them something positive will happen. If your dog needs more time during training, make sure to use the "sit" command or maintain a distance from other dogs.  

Depending on the kind of walk you're taking, you may need various things. If you're going for an extended walk during the day, here are three things you need to bring: 

Water, especially if it's hot outside. 

Treats, so you can practice training and good behavior. 

Extra poop bags, as it's important to pick up after your dog every time. 

A walk is meant to stimulate and provide exercise and fun for your dog. Mix up your walk by taking them to new places. Choose fun locations like the dog park or a friend's house. 

When taking your dog to the dog park or other places for off-leash play, make sure they're trained to return. Practice having them come when called to make sure you can trust them off-leash. 

You can also plan walks with other dogs and their owners. This creates a comfortable social setting without being overwhelmed by the park. Give them time to sniff around and let them explore the area. Sniffing mentally stimulates your dog and releases anxiety. 

Roberts Park Sketches Were Released 10 Years Ago. What's Happened Since Then?

EVANSVILLE — Sketches of Roberts Park were first released to the public 10 years ago this month.

Little from those sketches can now be seen in person, as the land for the park still sits undeveloped.

The city is also on its second master plan for the area, with major projects first included in the plans for Roberts Park cast aside to other locations.

The Courier & Press asked the city controller's office how much is currently spent on maintaining the site where it hopes Roberts Park will exist in the future.

Controller Russ Lloyd said that is not something the city knows.

"The City Parks Maintenance Department does not break down costs incurred for maintenance of specific parks to my knowledge," he said.

Here's how the city ended up here.

2012June

In June of 2012, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke announced the city would tear down Roberts Stadium instead of turning it into an indoor pool

That 37 acres would be used to add green space and recreational opportunities to the city. Ideas first included child and adult outdoor fitness, a skate park and dog park.

Estimated cost for the project would be between $6 and $8 million.

August

A deadline for razing Roberts Stadium was set for May 1. The demolition would include taking down the building, as well as refilling the site for its future park.

September

Cost of demolition begins to make some members of city council unsure about the decision to keep the land for a park.

"I understand the people who want green space, but the business side of me says this is prime real estate," then-Fourth-Ward councilor Connie Robinson said.

Then-city councilor John Friend voiced concern over the city's inability to maintain its current parks, a sentiment which would continue in council discussion of Roberts Park for years to come.

November

The Board of Park Commissioners selects Klenck Co. To complete demolition for $958,750.

A $150,000 planning grant from the Welborn Baptist Foundation is given to help with planning and design of Roberts Park.

Story continues

Roberts Park is planned for the former site of Roberts Stadium.

2013May

The city announces a sketch of the park will be available by June.

July

Early in July members of city council continue to have concerns over the total cost of Roberts Park.

The city hopes the first phase of the project will be underway in 2014.

The first sketches are revealed in late July, with plans for a waterfall, splash pad, skate park and dog park all included.

Officials said development of the park would be a multi-year endeavor, with connectivity from Wesselman Park, Roberts Park and the State Hospital Park grounds all a part of the process.

August

Winnecke submits a budget to the city council for consideration that includes a request for $1.5 million in casino funds for Roberts Park. The money would go toward initial infrastructure work.

October

The condition of city parks enters the conversation again as city councilors consider approving the request for Roberts Park money.

Ultimately, the city council would vote 7-2 to remove the $1.5 million from the budget and request a comprehensive plan be completed for all parks.

"There's a whole lot of room between zero and $1.5 million," then parks board president Jay Ritter said. "I think we need to have some sort of commitment to get the public to buy in."

2014August

Winnecke appeared once again before council during summer budget sessions to request $1.5 million for Roberts Park development.

September

The recommendation from city council would once again be for the $1.5 million to be removed from the budget.

November

The budget finally passes, but Roberts Park funding has been removed again.

2019November

As the city prepares for an election, Roberts Park is an objective reason for Winnecke to support fellow Republicans in their runs for city council.

With his attempts to fund the project twice knocked down by a majority Democratic City Council who felt uneasy about its construction and maintenance costs when other parks struggled with basic maintenance.

Earlier designs called for many amenities, including connectivity via a pedestrian bridge over the Lloyd Expressway at Vann Avenue. The $2.2 million bridge project linked the state hospital grounds to the proposed Roberts Park site. Eighty percent of the cash came from the federal government.

2021October

While that 2019 election season didn't lead to a majority Republican city council, it did lead to a more agreeable council when it came to Roberts Park.

During the 2021 budget sessions, Winnecke came back again to ask for an initial $1 million in funding for Roberts Park.

There were arguments about the quality of city parks, maintenance concerns - all déjà vu for anyone following since 2012 − but ultimately, Winnecke got his funding.

The proposed $1 million for Roberts Park passed the council 6-3.

"This has been going on for some years," council president Zac Heronemus said. "This is a great opportunity for us as a council to work alongside the administration more proactively than reactively as what I feel we are right now. Especially given the opportunity we have, this blessing with have, in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with these (American Rescue Plan) dollars to right some wrongs that you see and other councilors see all across the board."

Roberts Park

2022June

The Evansville Board of Park Commissioners approved an agreement with Hafer Associates to update the 2013 conceptual design for Roberts Park, which included both a skatepark and dog park. Both projects are now planned for other areas of the city.

Sunset Skatepark is coming to the Evansville Riverfront with a groundbreaking set for this summer. Woodmere Dog Park, a privately funded venture, is planned for a three- acre spot on the State Hospital Grounds.

The update to the master plan would cost $27,500.

Deputy Mayor Steve Schaefer said along with the budgeted $1 million from the city, a private donor also pledged an additional $1 million. The city just needs a final design, Schaefer said.

Roberts Park master plan

2023January

The new vision for Roberts Park is unveiled from the Parks and Recreation Department.

Plans include a festival space in the area where Roberts Stadium stood for more than 50 years. The area will be a majority green space with a stage proposed in the area. The designated parking will be adjacent to the EVSC soccer fields and have space for 480 cars.

According to plan, the festival grounds will cover 10 acres. There will also be a memorial to Roberts Stadium in that area.

The stage will have a green room next to it, as well as concessions and restrooms.

Roberts Lake will be located between the Lloyd Expressway and the festival grounds. It will include a boardwalk and two new shelters on the east and west sides of the lake.

June

The Board of Park Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a new five-year master plan for Evansville's parks.

This includes the vision for Roberts Park and recommendations on its implementation.

The master plan recommends:

Make the greenway connections identified in the Wesselman/Roberts Master Plan.

Phase in master plan recommendations including festival grounds, lake, picnic areas, restrooms, reforestation, and shelters as funding allows.

Re-brand as "Roberts Festival Grounds at Wesselman Park."

It recommends as a part of the rebrand that the property be considered part of Wesselman Park.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Roberts Park: What's happened since the stadium came down

Dog Park Etiquette: Part 2

(Photo Credit: Capuski / Getty Images)

Dog parks are one of the best places for your pup to run, play, and socialize. As a devoted dog parent, you know the sheer joy and excitement that fills the air when you unleash your furry friend in these open spaces. However, to ensure a truly "pawsitive" experience for all, it's crucial to navigate the unspoken rules of dog park etiquette.

We covered the basics of dog park etiquette in part one of this series. Now, we're going deeper into your dog park dilemmas and canine quandaries. By keeping manners in mind when you visit the dog park, you'll ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your best friend and all the other pups in your proximity.

Someone Lets Their Dog Run Off-Leash in an On-Leash Area

While we are advocates of always leashing your dog where legally required to do so, this isn't junior high school and you're not the hall monitor. If the dog isn't antagonizing you or your pup, let it go. It's your responsibility to follow the rules, not enforce them. If the dog is truly a menace, a friendly, "FYI, I've seen people get tickets for unleashed dogs here…" should do the trick.

There's a Dog Running So Wild, They've Almost Knocked You Down

What should you do? Move out of the dog's way! And if there's not time for that, bend your knees and brace for impact. After all, this is what the dog park was meant to be: a place where dogs who've been cooped up in the house all day can run wild, wrestle, chase each other, and just generally get their ya-yas out. Unless the dog is dangerously out of control, let them have their day.

A Dog Tries Mount You or Your Dog

Ah, the dog who "loves" too much. Though the behavior is neither uncommon nor unnatural, humpers often become the pariahs of the park. If your dog's a humper, get this under control (with a dog trainer or behaviorist, if necessary). Get help sooner rather than later — or you'll find humans and canines alike heading for the hills at the first glimpse of either one of you. Catch Fido in the act? Call him to you as quickly as possible. If that fails, lead your pup by the collar away from whomever they've set their sights on.

If you are the humper's victim, or the victim's parent, do what it takes to extricate your dog from the humper. Running interference between the dogs or physically removing the dog from your leg is perfectly acceptable.

Little Dogs Charge or Bark at Big Dogs

Yep, we know the one: the Chihuahua who thinks she's a mountain lion and inevitably stalks the Great Dane who thinks he's a cat. Assuming it's highly unlikely that anyone will be harmed during this display, let the dogs work it out (usually they do, quite gracefully). It might not be fair — little dogs always get away with more — but that's life in the dog park. Most of the time, this is not worth getting other dog parents involved. Exception: if one dog is ganged up on, no matter the size, a human needs to intervene.

Your Dog Has an Embarrassing Potty Break in the Middle of Your Conversation

You finally mustered the courage to approach another dog parent. You've barely made it through introductions when your dog pops a squat. It might not seem like it, but you just hit the jackpot! Nothing bonds people together like embarrassment. "Excuse me, could I get your advice on this one? Bag it or bare hand?" is the perfect ice-breaker. If that's not exactly your style, now worries. This is still your chance to show off what a responsible dog parent you are. Smile sweetly, grab your eco-friendly poop bag, and carry on as if nothing happened.

Looking for more guidance on canine (and human) manners? Check out dog park etiquette, part three!

The post Dog Park Etiquette: Part 2 appeared first on DogTime.

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