Go Dog Go!

Outdoor Dog Days

Hiking, Running & Skijoring With your Pup

Written By Kelly Sennott (ksennott@hippopress.com)

Images: Stock Photo

 

 

Dogs love the outdoors, but if you live in a more urban southern New Hampshire neighborhood, it can be hard to think of ways to get fresh air with your pup besides your traditional walk around the block. But local dog experts have plenty of ideas on how to take your afternoon or weekend jaunt a step further by hiking, running or even skijoring with your canine pal.

 

Go Hiking

In southern New Hampshire, there are a variety of trails to hike with your dog. Val Jesson, trainer at The Barking Dog, said she most enjoys the state’s abandoned railroad beds, particularly the Derry and

Windham rail trails. She also recommends the trails weaving through Benson Park in Hudson and the trails by Lake Massabesic in Auburn.

But if you and your dog have kept a low profile this winter, it’s important to start slow.

“If you’re not used to it, you might not want to do a two-mile hike. You want to cut it to a mile or a half-mile hike,” Jesson said via phone. “If dogs have been kept in condition, that’s great. I have lots of dogs in the offseason doing agility activities that keep them in shape.”

Most trails allow dogs, but some don’t — for example, Mount Monadnock — and many have strict leash and clean-up rules. During cooler months or longer hikes, it’s a good idea to use harnesses and day packs for your dog, in addition to packing extra water, treats, tape (in case of a paw cut) and paw wax, which can protect against salty streets and trails.

Lisa Caputo, director of operations at the Manchester Animal Shelter, said one of her favorite spots is the Andrew Brook Trail in Newbury. When the weather’s warmer, she likes to take her dogs along trails closer to water — a lake, pond, stream, river — for the pups to take a drink or cool down (though be certain it’s not standing water, which could made a dog sick).

 

Go Running

Some dogs will be happy to go out for a run — but it might take practice to get to that point.

“First you need to teach them how to heel, how to walk on a leash. … It takes practice for dogs. A lot of dogs won’t get the concept of running down a straight line. I would introduce them with short running bursts,” Jesson said. “With positive reinforcement, they can catch on.”

It’s important to note running’s not for every dog. It can damage the joints and burn out overweight dogs. Some breeds (usually ones with longer snouts) can handle it, but some can’t.

“I think the most important thing is to make sure your dog is having fun doing what they’re doing. I don’t like the idea of forcing a dog to take a run who doesn’t want to do a run,” Jesson said. “Large breeds like Great Danes and St. Bernards don’t have a bunch of energy, to be quite honest. Definitely don’t plan on going very far with them.”

Jesson recommended starting with short, non-retractable leashes between four and six feet. Larger dogs with thick fur might stand low temperatures, but smaller breeds will likely need coats to keep warm.

On the other end, smaller dogs might fare better during warm-weather runs. During this period, choose routes with more shade, as hot concrete also bothers dogs’ paws, and it’s harder for them to keep cool, as they can only release heat by panting and through the pads on their feet. Heavy panting for more than 20 minutes is a sign of overheating. For these kinds of days, Jesson suggested packing an ice pack.

Once you’ve mastered the trot, you can enter your dog in a race. Every year, the Manchester Animal Shelter organizes the Mutt Strutt, a dog-friendly 5K that Caputo said is planned for September 2017.

 

Go Skijoring

Skijoring with your dog is kind of like dogsledding, except instead of riding a sled, you’re wearing skis. Try it on your own, or take lessons at Gunstock Mountain Resort’s program, which skijoring instructor

Jane Carpenter started more than 25 years ago.

The equipment includes a lightweight sled dog harness attached to a 25-foot bungee. Carpenter said the sport is suitable for all breeds; she recently saw a Jack Russell who took right to it.

“He was very small but very active. He hated the deep snow, but here it’s groomed,” Carpenter said via phone. “You’re never dead weight; you’re always working with your dog.”

Gunstock has 15 kilometers of wide, groomed dog-friendly trails for this purpose. If skiing attached to your dog sounds scary, you can start slowly by first snowshoeing attached to the harness. Carpenter offers lessons for beginners, but she said most dogs learn quickly, particularly the well-trained ones.

“Once it clicks for them, they’re like OK, let’s do this!” Carpenter said.

 

Easy Southern NH Hiking Routes

- Beaver Brook trails: Park at Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis
- Benson Park: Access via 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson
- Derry Rail Trail: Park downtown and access at Sabatino’s (the old Derry Depot) at 1 E. Broadway, Derry
- Nashua River Rail Trail: Park on Gilson Road, Nashua
- Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail: Accessible via the Lake Massabesic parking lot, 16 Londonderry Turnpike, Auburn
- Sewalls Falls Park trail: Access from the end of Second Street, Concord
- Winant Park trails: Access off Fisk Road, Concord
- Windham Rail Trail: Park on Roulston Road, Windham
- Skijoring at Gunstock

For more information, visit gunstock.com. Private lessons cost $40; call 293-4341, ext. 192.

Social Pets

Clubs, Classes & Playgroups for You & Your Pet

Written By Angie Sykeny (asykeny@hippopress.com)

Images: Courtesy Photo

 

 

From dog sports and skill classes to puppy play groups and cat shows, New Hampshire has all kinds of clubs and group activities where you can bond with your pet and connect with fellow pet owners in your area.

 

New Tricks

If your pooch has the “sit” and “stay” routine down pat, you can take it to the next level with a group class on a specialized skill such as agility, tricks or nose work, which some dog trainers and pet centers offer in addition to their standard training services.

One place with unique group classes for dogs is Good Mojo Dog Center in Milford, which just opened a new training center last month called Good Mojo University. The 7,200-square-foot facility features agility obstacles like tunnels, ramps and jumps, as well as Fitpaws dog fitness equipment and a canine treadmill. There are a variety of programs, including rally and agility classes, a Fitness for Fido dog fitness class, a Do More With Your Dog attention and tricks class, Wagit Games, special workshops and more.

“We wanted to offer more things for people to do with their dog that aren’t just in the competitive realm,” Good Mojo owner Deniece Johnson said. “There’s this intimidation factor when you go to a place where everyone’s dog is well-behaved and yours doesn’t have leash manners, so we want this to be a place that’s accepting of everyone and that’s geared more towards relationship building and having fun.”

 

Drop-in Fun

If you’re looking for an activity without the commitment of a full class series, some pet centers offer drop-in classes and weekly play groups designed just for puppies or just for small dogs.

The play groups allow people to socialize their dogs with other dogs and people in a nonthreatening environment, and they provide an opportunity to connect with other dog owners who have the same kind of dog. Most drop-ins charge a $10 to $20 fee and are often supervised by a professional dog trainer who keeps things running smoothly and is available to answer people’s questions and offer guidance.

Good Mojo also offers a weekly drop-in night when people can come with their dog and have free use of the equipment, socialize with other dogs and dog owners and talk with trainers.

“Many people don’t even know they enjoy something — they don’t know that they would love agility or that the tricks would be so fun — until they try it on a drop-in night,” Johnson said. “That’s why I encourage people to get out there and try things. There are so many dog sports and different things people can do to interact with their dog.”

 

In The Ring

Another way to engage more with your pet and the pet community is through shows and competitions.

New Hampshire is home to over a dozen American Kennel Club-affiliated dog clubs that organize and facilitate local AKC-sanctioned events. At a conformation show, purebred dogs are judged based on how well they adhere to their breed’s written standard. Companion events test the teamwork and coordination between the dog and the handler through physical challenges like agility and rally trials. Lastly, there are performance events, during which purebred dogs demonstrate certain skills that are unique to their breed.

Dogs aren’t the only pets in the show ring. New Hampshire also has two Cat Fanciers’ Association-affiliated cat clubs that each host an annual cat show.

While a big part of the cat shows revolves around pedigreed cats and how well they conform to their breed’s written standard, there are also opportunities for people with mixed-breed household cats to participate. Instead of being compared to a breed standard, household pets are judged for their unique qualities and appearance as well as their health and how they are groomed.

“It isn’t like if you have a pedigreed cat you’re better than the household cats. It isn’t a tiered thing,” Marilyn Conde, secretary for the Seacoast Cat Club, said. “We’re all just cat lovers. Whether you have a pedigreed Siamese cat or a household pet cat, they each have their own things which distinguish them.”

If you’re looking for something more active to do with you cat, you can take part in the agility portion of the show, where cats are led through weave poles, tunnels, hoops and other obstacles. Most cats can easily be trained to do this with some practice and the help of a lure.

While the focus of the cat clubs is on the shows, the clubs also provide a social network for New Hampshire cat owners to find and connect with each other.

“There are members who aren’t big-time breeders and just do the show for fun,” Conde said, “but what they enjoy most is being able to talk to other people with cats who share their same interests.”

 

Join a Club

American Kennel Club NH dog clubs

• Agility Club of New Hampshire (acnh-agility.org)

• Cheshire Kennel Club (cheshirekennelclub@gmail.com)

• Claremont Beagle Club (ctruellnewport@aol.com)

• Collie Club of New Hampshire (lizk@worldpath.net)

• German Sheepdog Club of Southern New Hampshire (gsdcsnh.org)

• Granite State Shetland Sheepdog Club of Southeast New Hampshire (gssscnh.com)

• Lakes Region Kennel Club (lakesregionkennelclub.org)

• Merrimack Valley Kennel Club (mvkc.org)

• Monadnock Sportsmen’s Association (facebook.com/NewHampshireMSA)

• New Hampshire Beagle Club (nhbeagleclub.webs.com)

• Northern New England Brittany Club (nnebc.org)

• Souhegan Kennel Club (souhegankennelclub.org)

• Spacetown Beagle Club (raymondsportsmansclub.org)

 

American Cat Fanciers Association NH Cat Clubs

• New Hampshire Feline Fanciers (nhff.org)

• Seacoast Cat Club (seacoastcatclub.org)

 

Dog Clubs, Playgroups & Group Classes

• Canine Agility Training Society (canineagility.org) is a dog agility club based in southern New Hampshire that organizes trial events, guest speaker events, agility clinics and more.

• Club Canine Dog Wash (1 Robert Ave., Portsmouth, 433-1999, clubcaninedogwash.com) offers group classes and Drop-in Puppy Play every Saturday at 9:30 a.m., open to puppies ages eight weeks to six months, $15 per puppy.

• Good Mojo University (308 Elm St., Milford, 249-8977, goodmojouniversity.com) is a training facility with agility obstacles and dog fitness equipment. Programs include agility classes, a Fitness for Fido dog fitness class, a Do More With Your Dog attention and tricks class, Wagit Games, special workshops and a Drop-in Night every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., when dog owners and dogs can use the equipment and socialize with other dogs and people.

• Granite State Disc Dogs (granitestatediscdogs.com) is a club that hosts seminars, clinics, practice times and competitions dedicated to the sport of Disc Dog. All are welcome to join.

• The Humane Society of Greater Nashua (24 Ferry Road, Nashua, 889-2275, hsfn.org) offers a free Puppy Social Time a couple weekend days a month, open to vaccinated puppies age six months or younger. RSVP is required by emailing Kerry Hildebrand at kerry@hsfn.org.

• New Hampshire SPCA (104 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, 772-2921, nhspca.org) offers several drop-in programs including a Small Dog Play Group every Monday at 10 a.m., and Friday at 3 p.m., open to dogs age 10 weeks and older and weighing 25 pounds or less, $10; Just Fur Fun Class every Wednesday at 3 p.m., open to dogs age four months and up, $25; and Puppy Play every Saturday at 9 a.m., open to puppies two months through eight months of age, $10. There are also a variety of group classes and classes on dog sports like Treibball, Nose Work, Agility, Agility Jumpers, Rally, Weaves and Tricks.

• No Monkey Business Dog Training (141 Old Turnpike Road, Concord, 735-5543, nomonkeybusinessdogtraining.com) offers a Puppy Kindergarten program focused on building the relationship between owner and puppy; a Fun-gility agility class; The Nose Knows drop-in scent games class every Sunday at 4:30 p.m., $20; and a drop-in Puppy Playgroup every Sunday at 9 a.m., open to vaccinated puppies age nine weeks to 16 weeks, $10 per puppy.

• Tova Training (15 Freetown Road, Raymond, 724-8745, tovatraining.com) offers group classes for agility, obedience and rally, nose work and Treibball, which can be taken as a series or as drop-ins for $25 per class with permission from the instructor. Barn Hunt practices are held every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Tova also hosts trial events for TDAA Agility, Performance Scent Dog, Barn Hunt, Cynosport Rally and CDSP Obedience.

Dine With Dogs

Bring Your Mutt To A Pet-Friendly Restaurant

Written By Ryan Lessard (news@hippopress.com)

Images: Courtesy Photo

 

 

While the state’s health code rarely allows pets inside a restaurant unless they are service animals, many establishments have designated outdoor areas friendly to terriers and retrievers alike.

In some cases, dog-friendliness is woven into the cultural fabric of a place largely because its owners are dog-lovers themselves.

At Bre’s Ice Creamery in East Hampstead, owner Deb Rogers-Thornton brings her dogs with her everywhere and they often accompany her at the ice cream shop, which she opened in 2013.

“They are a very important part of my life and we’re together almost always,” Rogers-Thornton said. “I have been home with Casey ever since she was a puppy, so I didn’t think it was fair to all of a sudden start a business and leave her home.”

Casey is her chocolate lab. Rogers-Thornton created a menu item for dogs named after Casey called Casey’s Canine Cup, which is a cup of vanilla soft-serve ice cream with kibbles and a dog bone.

Another item, for humans, called the Diva’s Dog Dish Challenge (10 scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, nuts and cherries) is named after her black lab, Diva.

People love to bring their dogs to the shop, Rogers-Thornton said, and customers often ask to see her dogs.

“I think I have some customers who come more for the dogs than the ice cream. But our ice cream’s really good too,” she said.

One of the pioneers of dog menus in the state is Tom Boucher, owner and CEO of T-Bones. The Bedford location has long had a dog menu with items for dogs to enjoy at the outdoor terrace area that’s open in the spring, summer and fall.

Boucher said he first came up with the idea when he saw a pet menu at a place while traveling through Washington, D.C., with his wife.

“We just thought it was a great idea,” Boucher said.

The restaurant makes its own doggie treats in the form of biscuits in the shape of a big T. Each dog gets a free bowl of water, and the food items are named after the dogs of the owners and employees.

Perhaps one of the more popular menu items, Moe’s Bowl, a bowl of ground beef, whole-grain rotini, cheese and bacon, is named after Boucher’s bulldog Moe, who died last November.

Other menu items include Zoe’s Tasty Tips and Boo’s Bacon Wrap Bites. There is also a vanilla ice cream dessert with dog biscuit sprinkles.

Boucher said he’s going to be changing the dog menu, dubbed Tails on the Terrace, later this year, though he’s not yet sure what the changes will entail.

“I’ll leave that up to my dog chefs,” Boucher said.

 

Pet-Friendly Eateries

Here are a few local places you can bring your pet when you want to dine out.

• Anheuser-Busch Biergarten (221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 595-1202, budweisertours.com) hosts Yappy Hour events in the outdoor section, where every pup gets a bowl of water. This year, Yappy Hour takes place on May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Oct. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Yappy Hour-themed shirts, dog collars and other merchandise can be purchased in the gift shop.

• Beefside (106 Manchester St., Concord, 228-0208, beefsiderestaurant.net) serves pets on the patio, as it has for the past five or six years. Dogs can chow down on hamburgers, hot dogs, roast beef, eggs and toast.

• Bre’s Ice Creamery (259 E. Main St., East Hampstead, 974-2708, bresicecreamery.com) allows leashed, well-behaved dogs in the inside lobby area, where they can eat Casey’s Canine Cup, made from vanilla soft-serve, kibbles and a dog bone.

• Bruster’s Ice Cream (621 Amherst St., Nashua, 881-9595, brusters.com) offers free doggie sundaes made with a small scoop of vanilla and a dog bone inside. Leashed dogs on their best behavior can enter the inside lobby area.

• Cheers Grille & Bar (17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com) offers a pet-friendly patio during the summer where pets are given a bowl of water.

• Firefly American Bistro & Bar (22 Concord St., Manchester, 935-9740, fireflynh.com) allows all pets in the outdoor patio section and service animals indoors.

• Goldenrod Restaurant Drive-In (1681 Candia Road, Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com) allows pets in the outside dining area and service animals inside. They’ll often field requests for vanilla soft-serve for dogs to eat.

• Murphy’s Taproom (494 Elm St., Manchester, 644-3535, murphystaproom.com) allows pets in the outdoor patio area during the summer.

• Republic (1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com) allows pets in its small outside area in front of the restaurant during the warmer months and makes organic dog bones in-house.

• T-Bones (25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-6100, t-bones.com) has a full menu of pet foods chock full of beef, bacon and cheese and ranging in price from $2.99 to $5.99 (ice cream is $1.99). The pet-friendly area is at the outside terrace, which is closed in the winter.