#dogs turned loose in the yard without supervision
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"that's another one where i don't have to convince anyone for james but i'd need to make a whole damn powerpoint for edward" ngl as someone who has adhd and also felt So seen by the idea that these two characters specifically also have it (your "praise-reliant overachiever who shatters like glass if your tone is off once" statement rings so true...) i'd love to see the powerpoint/extra notes
I'd love to talk more about it but I'd prefer to do it privately for now. I think the power point presentation on that one needs further workshopping.
Coz there's a real analysis to be made here (I don't think it's merely projection, NTTAWWT) but it gets subtle and I'm not sure where to start, especially for a general audience.
Anyway feel free to shoot me a DM and we can start frolicking through canon digging things up in a random and haphazard fashion!
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How To Introduce Your New Dog To Your First Dog?
Adding a new pup to your pack can be fun and exciting, at least for the human. For the dogs involved, it can cause confusion, reactivity, and other change in behaviors. All you want to do is grow your family, but that’s easier said than done.
Introductions are highly important when a new dog will be coexisting with your current dog. As territorial creatures, canines may show possessiveness over their homes and humans, reactivity towards each other, and may want to establish who is in charge. First impressions between dogs, especially dogs who will be living together, will set the pace for their relationships moving forward.
So, how do you make their introduction as smooth as possible?
Location, Location, Location
Bringing your new pup home may seem like a good idea, but it’s not. Your home is territory that belongs to your first fur friend.
Instead, pick a neutral place like a park. In parks they’ll have a safe space to sniff around, plenty of room to move around, and other things to distract them (squirrels!).
Leashes ON
Letting the two cut loose off-leash may be moving a bit fast. Keep both pups leashed until they’re more comfortable with each other. When introducing the dogs, make sure you have help. Each pup should have a human holding the leash in case tempers flare and they need to be restrained.
Allow them to move and do their thing, but keep a close eye on their body language. If you think one pup is feeling overly anxious or is being too rough, separate them for a bit. Make sure the dogs are calm before trying another interaction. While the pups are together, make sure your voice and tone are happy and encouraging. Dogs take cues from humans, so make sure you’re conveying the right messages!
Go For A Pack Walk!
Another way to get your pups to casually meet, instead of simply just letting them hang out in the park, is to walk them together!
The Animal Human Society suggests that handlers “take the dogs for a walk together, keeping 10 feet between them so that they can’t greet each other or stare. The idea is to acclimate them to each other’s presence without causing tension.”
You can also try the “side along” method. The owner starts walking their dog, and after a few hundred feet the helper begins walking the new pup in the same direction. They casually join the owner and the first dog while keeping distance between the two. Keep an eye on the two little ones to make sure they don’t get too close or are over-stimulated by the environment. You want them to notice each other, acknowledge each other, but keep moving forward.
Dog Treats!
It’s a fact that dogs love treats. It doesn’t matter if they’re your first, second, or third dog – treats are great. Make sure you have some during your introductions. Save them to reward the four-legged friend for good behavior, but refrain from offering tasty goodies when they’re socializing.
Homeward Bound
It’s time to finally go home. That’s where the real work begins.
Allow your walk from the park, or any neutral area, to end at home. If your home has a yard, allow for some time there before going straight inside. If the two seem more comfortable with each other, feel free to let the pups go free with the leashes still on. You want to make sure the leashes are still on so you can quickly grab the leads and separate the pups if needed!
When going inside, try to get the pups to enter at the same time. Don’t tolerate bumping and jostling, it’s not polite. These pups will become family, so teach the dogs what is expected of them moving forward.
Food & Water
To avoid territorial behavior, ensure each dog has their own bowl for food and water. They should be kept in separate rooms during feeding. Don’t change the location or process of feeding your resident pup. Make sure their routine stays the same. Designate another room for your new family member where they can feel comfortable while eating.
Eventually, after a few weeks, they’ll be able to eat in the same space, just make sure you don’t leave them alone when food is accessible.
Sleeping Arrangements
Similar to the food situation, keep your first pup’s daily and nightly routines are normal as possible. Allow them to sleep in their normal spot. Whether it’s in your bed, in their own bed, on the couch, or on the rug – it’s their spot.
For a while it may be best to crate your new canine companion during the night. You wouldn’t want to wake up to your dogs fighting. It’s just best to keep them apart while you’re not around to supervise.
Play Time
Dogs are social creature and love company. For the first few weeks, or until you’re totally confident with your fur kids, don’t leave the dogs alone while playing. It can only take a second for playing to turn into something more serious.
Instead of leaving them to play on their own, play with them. Not only does this allow you to easily supervise them, but when you join them during play time it causes them to focus on you instead of one another. Redirecting their focus to you, their favorite human, can make play time much more smooth and fun for all involved.
Remove All Dog Toys…At First
When it come to canines, dog toys are obviously important. They stimulate their brains, entertain them when you’re not home, and redirect pups from “playing” with your shoes or furniture.
However, before allowing your new family member access to your home, do a clean sweep of your first pup’s toys. Removing the toys will remove a possible point of stress between the two. The toys belong to your resident dog and they may become territorial over the plushies.
You can slowly reintroduce the toys one-by-one after the pups have become more comfortable with the new family dynamic.
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Cat Srachers
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Effie is going hooooome! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Let me know!
[ff] or [ao3]
68. 11 Months & 5 Days
“Would you quit this childish foolishness!” Elindra snapped, placing her hands on her hips in the authoritative stance that had terrified Effie in her childhood.
Effie barely paid it any attention now. She was pacing the length of her hospital room, clutching the stuffed giraffe Eileen had brought for Aidan earlier that morning to her chest…
The place felt so strange now that the flowers, the colorful paintings and everything that had made it hers was gone. She might have hated it but she had been in there for almost ten weeks and it had been… Well, home might have been too strong a term for it but it had become familiar, a cell with another name, and the prospect of leaving, of being allowed to leave…
It had been five days since she had given birth and Larcher had declared the previous day that she would be free to go that morning. The surgical wound was healing nicely, she didn’t need constant supervision anymore, she could spend the rest of her recovery at home, she could start living a normal life again although she would need to be careful not to do too many strenuous activities for a while… She had been overjoyed when she had been told. At least until she had understood Aidan wouldn’t be coming with her.
“I do not want to leave him.” she snapped. “I do not understand why I cannot stay with him until he is released. This is ridiculous. I…”
“Euphemia.” her mother hissed, clearly out of patience.
Her suitcases were already in the car her father had rented to take her home, Haymitch had come and gone to kiss her and tell her he would stay with Aidan and that she should just go home and relax and enjoy… Enjoy what?
April and the children… Snowball… Being in your own house, free to roam as you please, free to walk out of the room at any time, free of professional hands handling your body…
The voice of reason at the back of her head was weak and it wasn’t enough to quell her dread. “What if they take him away?”
Without her there to protect him…
“Who is that they supposed to be?” her mother asked, lips pursed. Elindra’s coat was on, her purse was wedged under her armpit as she held out Effie’s pink jacket.
Effie wasn’t even sure she would fit in that jacket. It was a piece of clothing from before. Before she had spent months in a hospital room. Before she had spent months trapped once more. Nothing had fitted her after she had been released the first time. She had been skinnier than a corpse and…
Not the same thing, the little voice calmly objected.
And it wasn’t.
She pushed her loose hair back, annoyed by its length, and caught a whiff of the expensive perfume her father had gifted her with a couple of days ago. The smell was strong, a bit musky, but so very much not rot that it helped her breathe a little better. The blue long sleeves dress she had on clung to her body and she could barely bear to see herself so… misshaped. It wasn’t just the remnant of her pregnant belly – she hadn’t gotten as big for Aidan as she had with April and now that the baby was gone it fell strangely flat even if it was still budging – it was how tiny her arms looked, her thighs… All her muscles seemed to have melt away during the weeks of forced bed rest.
She felt like she had after her rescue, like at the beginning of her first pregnancy: a stranger in her own body. It wasn’t hers. And yet it was. It was a strange dichotomy she had troubles reconciling with.
“Effie.” her mother called, a little harsh.
She came back to earth with a start and turned to her, making an effort to remember the conversation at hand. She wasn’t being released from the hospital after her stay in prison, she was being discharged after her delivery.
“I don’t know.” she admitted.
“Of course, you do not.” Elindra sighed. “Because nobody will try to steal that child. Why, for one thing they would have to go through your husband and I would like to see anyone try.”
Haymitch was with Aidan so Aidan was safe.
She touched her face with shaky fingers. “And I can come see him when I want. I could go home and just come back in a few hours.”
“Yes.” Elindra confirmed, shaking the jacket she was still holding pointedly. “Now, your daughter is waiting at home. Don’t you want to see her? What about that dog of yours… I know you are overly fond of him. Haven’t you missed him?”
“Yes…” she whispered.
She took a deep breath and stepped closer, finally slipping her arms in the pink jacket’s sleeves. It fitted like a glove. She flipped her hair over the collar with the hand that wasn’t holding the giraffe, pursing her lips at how unmanageable it had become. It easily reached the middle of her back now – when it was curly – and she was losing fistfuls of it – which was apparently normal after a pregnancy.
“You need a haircut.” Elindra observed, her own lips pursed.
“I really, really do.” she agreed even though she couldn’t see herself taking the time to go to a salon any time soon. Perhaps the hairdresser would be willing to come around the house. That was the positive side to small Districts where everyone knew everyone else, people were always happy to do favors to each other. “I apologize. I…”
“Oh, it is alright.” her mother dismissed impatiently. “Now, we really need to go, dear.”
Effie nodded and took the few steps that brought her out of the room. She forced herself not to look back, feeling stupid. She had spent weeks wishing to leave and now the hospital room felt like the only safe place on the planet.
She had been missing her cell too at first. Sometimes. Not that she had admitted as much to anyone, not even Haymitch. There had been comfort in the familiarity, in the walls surrounding her, fencing her in but protecting her too.
The walk to the clinic’s main doors was overwhelming. She smiled at the nurses who wished her a speedy recovery, nodded at those who waved her goodbye… She was barely breathing when they finally stepped outside and into the warm sunlight of April.
Being outside after so long… Feeling the soft breeze on her face… The familiar smells…
“Oh dear.” Elindra muttered with irritation.
Effie didn’t know what had alarmed her so. Her mind was having troubles making the difference between the last time she had been allowed outside after being trapped in a cell for so long and… She barely noticed the reporters hanging in front of the clinic in clutches. There were cameras, flashes… Questions hurled at her head…
Effie, how’s your baby?
Is it a boy or a girl?
Is it true the baby was stillborn?
The last one hit her straight in the chest and she startled, looking around in confusion. Aidan… She needed to return to Aidan…
“What an absolute nonsense!” her mother exclaimed next to her, gripping her elbow hard and dragging her more than guiding her toward a grey car.
Elindra, are you going back to the Capitol soon?
Are the rumors that you will move to Twelve permanently true?
Effie, can you tell us about…
The car’s door slammed shut behind her mother and Effie blinked, running her palms on the leather seat, surprised not to feel cold calloused stone.
But she wasn’t in her cell anymore.
She wasn’t…
“Plutarch Heavensbee has a lot to answer for, let me tell you.” her mother raged after having told the hired driver to take them home. “Why, he promised press wouldn’t be allowed in the District until the situation was resolved. Your husband will be furious.”
“Mother?” she whispered, rubbing her mouth. “When are we?”
It was probably a testament to the last couple of months that Elindra didn’t even blink at that question. She had seen enough of her panic attacks by now to know the signs and the symptoms as well as Haymitch did. “You are in Twelve, Euphemia. The war is over. You are safe. We are going home.”
“Home.” she repeated. “My home.” She closed her eyes and forced herself to focus. A warm yellow kitchen, a cozy living-room slightly untidy with children toys, the dog sprawled in front of the fireplace… “With April and the children.” Yes, she could picture it and it went a long way in helping her stay calm. “Aidan and Haymitch…”
“Are still at the hospital.” Elindra finished, patting her hand. “Your father stayed behind too. Do you remember?”
She did.
She wanted to go back for her son.
But Haymitch was with him and their daughter was at home. And she also wanted to see her. And the children.
She let out a long deep breath, licked her lips and nodded. “My apologies.”
“They are not necessary.” her mother rebuked without heat. “You are hardly responsible. I did not expect to be ambushed by the press either. Why, I would have worn different shoes.” Elindra scoffed. “Are you in pain, darling? I have your medicine right here. Doctor Larcher did say…”
“No.” she refused. The painkillers made her drowsy and she hated that.
It wasn’t a long trip from the clinic to the house and soon the car slowed down to a stop. Effie stepped out with a mix of impatience and apprehension at coming back to a place she loved so much after so long. The familiar honking of the geese greeted her as they wandered around the yard…
“I told Haymitch to lock them in this morning.” Elindra complained.
Effie didn’t truly mind, she pushed the gate open, keeping an eye on the birds but mostly eager to reach the front door… It opened when she was halfway there and the only thing she saw was the white tornado that shot out of the house and straight for her.
“Easy, Snowball!” Katniss called behind the dog. “Snowball, no! Down! Down!”
She supposed the girl was wary of the Samoyed hurting her but Effie could only laugh as the dog jumped around her, barking and whining in turns, his tail wiggling hard, so happy his bladder gave in…
She was worried he would accidentally hit her in the stomach so she sank to her knees, ignoring her mother’s pleas for her to be sensible, and embraced the dog.
“I missed you too, my pretty baby.” she cooed. “So much. I will never leave you again… Oh, how I have missed you…”
“Mama! Bow!” her daughter chirped, escaping Peeta to run the short distance between the porch and them. The commotion with the dog had fortunately scattered the geese but April wasn’t entirely steady on her legs yet and with the speed she took, it was no wonder she toppled over. Effie caught her before she could hurt herself too badly though. The baby hiccupped as if she was going to cry, afraid maybe by the impressive almost fall, but Snowball licked her whole face and she started laughing instead, tossing her chubby arms around the dog’s neck. “Bow!”
Snowball was so happy he was whining, butting his head against Effie’s, nuzzling her chest only to turn and lick at April’s face or arm…
It was a few minutes before Elindra managed to tear them all apart, ranting all the while about proper behavior and tossing fretful glances around in case the neighbors had seen. It took Peeta’s help to get Effie back on her feet without hurting herself. Snowball didn’t move from her side, he walked at the same speed she did and regularly nudged her leg so she would scratch his head. She couldn’t carry April, not yet, so she held her hand and patiently waited for her daughter to put one foot in front of the other.
It was a slow process but they eventually managed to enter the house.
Everything felt the same but a bit different at the same time.
For one, there were baby gates at the bottom and at the top of the stairs as well as on the living-room’s door to prevent April from walking around unsupervised. She briefly wondered how that worked out with Snowball but the dog quickly demonstrated by jumping over the gate when he realized they were headed toward the living-room.
“I’m going to put one on the kitchen door and her bedroom too.” Peeta told her when he saw her looking. “Haymitch didn’t have time with Aidan and all… It’s safer this way.”
“Thank you.” she smiled at him.
“Do you want some tea?” Katniss offered, dashing into the kitchen before she had time to answer. “I have your strawberry one.”
She was ill-at-ease for a moment and she only realized why when her mother urged her to go to the living-room, sit down and get herself comfortable.
They were behaving as if they were at home – which was fine – except it was her home. She was not a guest. She was not…
April curled up against her side, snatching the rag doll from the couch where it had been abandoned, sucking on her thumb, staring at her. Effie glanced at the clock, lunch time wasn’t far away and the girl must have been hungry and a little tired. She ran her fingers in her blond hair, happy to realize she would be able to feed her for the first time in forever… She had missed this. The little daily things.
Snowball hopped on the couch and sprawled on her other side, pushing his head on her lap, rolling on his back until she rolled her eyes and scratched his belly…
Katniss brought her a mug of tea and her mother hastily picked up some clothes belonging to April that had been left on the armchair, muttering under her breath about Haymitch always leaving a mess and her not being a maid… The children debated what to have for lunch behind her back…
At no point did anyone ask her opinion.
Effie kept her peace but annoyance bubbled.
It wasn’t that she wasn’t grateful. She was. They had all gone above and beyond what she could have expected of them but… This was her house, her home, and they made her feel like a stranger in it.
She busied herself cuddling her dog and her daughter while sipping from the mug of tea. Lunch was a nice affair but the well-rehearsed routine they all had going on made her feel on edge. When had her mother ever helped set the table before in her life? She watched her and Katniss place plates and cutlery with wide eyes.
Peeta handed her the bowl with April’s meal, hiding his smile. “She was hard to train.”
Effie smiled back in amusement, relaxing a little.
Being able to feed April was good. Being able to read her a story to lull her to sleep once the boy had put her in her crib afterward was even better.
She was starting to feel a little tired when she walked back downstairs, clutching the baby monitor in her hand.
Katniss and Peeta had left after lunch. He had to go back to the bakery but Katniss had promised she would hang out around her house and that Effie shouldn’t hesitate to call if she needed anything. Elindra was very busy tinkering with the framed photographs on the fireplace mantle. Apparently they weren’t arranged properly enough.
“Ah, there you are.” her mother exclaimed when she spotted her on the threshold. Not that she was hard to miss given that Snowball still wouldn’t leave her out of his sight. “Do you need anything? I noticed you did not take the painkillers along with your medicines. You should not overdo it, Euphemia. There is no shame in…”
“I thought perhaps you would like to get some alone time with Father this afternoon.” she cut her off before she could launch herself in a rant about medication. She had no intention of taking the painkillers if she could help it. Maybe before she went to bed and even then it wasn’t a given. She didn’t like how they made her feel and she didn’t trust herself not to become dependent on them in the long run. She could be weak where pills were concerned. “You do not need to stay with me. I can manage. And Katniss is next door if I need anything.”
Hurt flashed on Elindra’s face. “I see.”
Effie winced, feeling bad. “No, that is not what I meant. I…”
“No, no. You have been very clear.” her mother snapped. “I simply wanted to help, that is all, but…”
“No. Mother…” she interrupted her again, passing a hand on her face. “I am so very grateful for all you have done, for staying here and for… We would never have managed without you and… I am so very grateful. I just… I haven’t been alone in forever…”
“For good reasons. You will forgive me for saying so.” Elindra commented with a vexed huff.
“Yes.” she sighed because that was the truth. “But… Mother, this does not even feel like my house anymore. You have all done more than anyone could hope for but…”
“But you need some alone time.” Elindra accepted with a sigh of her own. Her mother studied her attentively for a long moment and then pursed her lips. “I suppose if you are certain and if you promise to rest… I did see some shoes in town that did not look entirely horrible. And I would not mind a strawberry frappuccino from your friend’s coffee shop. They are rather tasty.”
“Oh…” she beamed. “Would you bring me one back?”
It took some more convincing and a lot of promising that she would be alright but eventually Elindra relented and left the house. As soon as the door closed behind her, Effie breathed a sigh of relief. She tried to relax on the couch for a while but when she turned on the TV it tuned in to a news channel that was showing her release from the clinic. She looked absolutely ridiculous standing there, stunned, clutching the stuffed giraffe that had now suspiciously gone missing – she was certain she would find it in the dog’s bed though.
In the end, she ended up roaming the house even if she was really starting to be in pain. Nothing she couldn’t handle but still…
She visited every room, taking in of the changes her mother had brought and making mental notes as to what she wanted to keep and what she wanted to revert. She checked on April who was still sleeping and then told herself she would only peek in the nursery she hadn’t yet had a chance to take a look at before finally lying down on her own bed. She had missed her bed. She had missed her room. She had missed going to sleep without the beeping of machines or nurses poking inside the room to check on her.
But once she had opened the nursery’s door with the bright Aidan letters stuck on it, she couldn’t move.
It was absolutely perfect.
She felt tears threatening to spill because… Haymitch had done an amazing job.
The only thing missing was their son.
She ended up sitting on the rocking-chair, Snowball lying down on the carpet at her feet.
She must have dozed off because next thing she knew, the dog bumped against the door when he scrambled off with a joyful bark. She realized there were noises coming from the baby monitor still clutched in her hand and she felt guilty. She shouldn’t have sent her mother away when April might need someone able.
She hurried into her daughter’s room, smiling when she found the girl sitting in her crib, playing with her stuffed toys.
“Hello, darling. Did you have a good nap?” she hummed, reaching inside the crib and stopping herself at the last minute. She leaned against the wooden crib, a little short of breath. She knew the pain was normal and to be expected, it was already much less than the very first day, but still… “Mama cannot carry you yet. Don’t you worry, I will call Aunt Katniss…”
“No need.”
She startled badly and turned around, a hand pressed against her chest in fright.
Haymitch was smirking even though she glared at him for having scared her. He waved a see-through cup branded with the Clarkes’ coffee shop logo full of a pink grainy ice cream and she couldn’t help but grin, snatching it from his hand before he could comment on her obsession for anything strawberry flavored.
“Aidan?” she asked after having taken a sip of her frappuccino.
He chuckled when April used the bars to pull herself upright, immediately waving her arms in the air.
“Dada!” the girl demanded.
“Yeah, princess, I’m coming. Hold your horses.” he snorted, lifting her up and propping her on his hip before finally turning to answer her question. “Your mother said she would sit with him for a while. She said you were… fretting.”
“I was not.” she huffed, coming closer to press a kiss on her daughter’s cheek. April was far more interested by her frappuccino though and Effie let her have one sip. “Is it safe for him to be alone? I do not like this. I…”
“He’s in a clinic full of nurses with his grandparents.” he cut her off, bowing to capture the straw. Everyone was stealing her snack and she pouted but didn’t outright protest. “I’d hardly call that alone, sweetheart.”
“I should…” she started only to be interrupted by a peck on her lips.
“You should go and get some sleep.” he declared. “If you feel up to it we can go back to the clinic when you wake up.”
He looked tired. He had dark bags under his eyes. And yet she knew he would insist on spending the night at the hospital anyway. She wished she could help but if Larcher caught her trying to sleep on an armchair, there would be a stern lecture.
She brushed her fingers against his cheek, smiling softy when he leaned into the caress. “I love you.”
“Was thinking… We could take April later, yeah?” he suggested, excitement creeping in his voice. “I haven’t showed him to her yet… I was waiting for you for that… We could introduce them. You can take her home with your mom after, yeah? Your father is keeping the car and the driver until you’re good to walk around. At least that’s what he said. I don’t think he likes walking too much himself.”
Introducing April and Aidan was a nice thought and she nodded enthusiastically. The prospect was such a happy one that she didn’t protest when he insisted she got some proper rest. Lying down in her bed, between sheets that didn’t smell like hospital detergent, was paradise. It wasn’t long before Snowball jumped on the bed and occupied Haymitch’s side and she fell asleep hugging him.
She could hear Haymitch playing with April in the girl’s bedroom and it wasn’t hard to imagine their new baby in his nursery.
She was at home at last.
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5 Steps To Build a Dog Run [2021]
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No longer some other destroyed pillow! Oh no the lawn is ruined! My canine had somewhere to run loose and burn off this bad electricity. I desire i could leave but make sure my canine is safe and comfortable. I need a dog run! Dog smash door
the list goes on and on. If you have a yard and feature stated any of the following to your self, you may need a canine run:
you’re having a bbq and you don’t need your canine stealing meals
you need your pet to be secure without you there
you want your canine to run loose to burn off energy
save your landscaping from harm
your canine isn't wonderful round human beings and wishes to be separated. Regardless of the purpose, a canine run is a realistic, customizable manner to preserve your canine confined when essential. It’s a far nicer alternative than a cage, as your pooch will have doggie play dates in his own personal little dog park without tearing up your garden. Plus, it lets in you to create a pleasing space that your canine may definitely experience. Desk of contents
what is a dog run? Why do you need a canine run? Diy canine run steps
2 – prepare the land
three – lay the ground cowl
four – installation fencing or barrier
five – add roofing or cover
canine run options
How to Build a Dog Run? Dog run
really positioned, a dog run is a safe, fenced and gated location the use of something like chain hyperlink fencing or wire mesh to hold your dog in a secure vicinity while you could’t always watch them. Why do you want a canine run? A dog run is a manner to provide your canine a area to be unfastened out of doors with out being supervised. More exercising
your dog could have greater space to run around. With the stimulation to explore with it’s nose, eyes, and sounds will hold your dog up and about. Clean air
it’s a remarkable way to allow your dog experience being outside. Being outside shall we your dog experience the thrill of different points of interest and scents of the outside. Puppies have a completely sensitive odor and explore the arena this manner. Socialization
if a neighbor has a dog it can be a brilliant manner to your canine to socialise. Dogs additionally socialize with any dogs that take place to shut sufficient. Diy dog run steps
with the aid of building your own canine run, you have got all of the manage. You may make it as large as you want and upload as many services as you need. It may even be a area that your canine enjoys. Upload a dog house, a padded location to lie down, and built-in food and water bowls, in addition to a bunch of toys. There are so many easy diy outside canine run blueprints to be had on-line. Strive searching for styles and thoughts online to peer what type of dog run will match your outside the first-rate. Pinterest has many diy dog run thoughts to get you started out. In this submit we can speak everlasting dog runs for yards. 1 – making plans
as part of the planning you'll want to determine region and size of the canine run a well as materials wished. Recall the subsequent earlier than designing your canine run:
how tall is my canine? Tall puppies tend to jump higher. If your canine is tall and agile you would possibly want a taller fence! For most huge and extra big sized puppies a 6ft or 1. 5 to 2 m tall fence is usually recommended. Does my canine want to dig? Golden retriever digging
you'll need to bury your fence deeper in the floor in case your dog likes to dig. There are numerous approaches to cope with this. You can do one of the following:
bury the fence beneath ground
add a barrier like chicken wire into the floor to prevent digging
make a canine run with a concrete ground
how long will my canine be outdoor? If your dog can be out of doors for lengthy periods of time you would possibly take into account constructing something where your canine can pass in case of climate to live safe and heat. Additionally ensure now not to depart them out of doors inside the sun for too long. Puppies can also overheat! They will want lots of water and meals if overlooked long sufficient. A safe haven is probably needed. Do you want you run to hook up with your private home? Every other alternative with dog runs is you can build them off of a puppy door from your private home. This offers your dog the final freedom to roam whilst it chooses! Canine runs may be constructed around doorways with domestic dog doors on them or pup doorways built into walls. How massive must my canine run be? The primary component to do whilst you make a decision to make your personal canine run is to devise according to your dog. What size is your dog? What does he like to play with? Large dogs would require extra room to run. Look a piece deeper into the kind of breed your canine is to see what precise desires he may have and how much room he desires to run round, etc. Once you've got an excellent idea of the dimensions canine run you’re building. Now consider the weather you’re in. What publicity will my canine have? If it’s warm and sunny maximum of the time, make certain you region your dog run someplace within the color or plan to build a roof on it to guard your dog from the solar’s rays. If you stay in a weather that’s wet a variety of the time, you’ll also need to don't forget a roof and in all likelihood even guttering if rainfall is going to be an excessive amount of for the shape to address. Fenced canine run
substances
there are a few fundamental components to every canine run. You could lead them to as easy or as complicated as you want as long as it’s secure and strong. The first element you’ll need to do not forget is the frame. Pre made dog runs or permanent
it should be durable and robust—it’s usually made from metal pipes or bars or thick timber fencing. There are some of dog runs you may purchase online. These generally do not comprise a floor. In case your dog is a digger you may need to do not forget creating a more permanent shape and dig proofing your canine run. Fencing
canine run fencing is available in quite a few variations. A few humans use preferred skinny wire fencing but you may additionally use thick cord fencing or even rods. If you need to offer your canine some privateness, you can even use metal sheets. It’s up to you to determine what cloth to use for your diy dog run fence. Roofs are elective but advocated with the intention to guard your dog from rain and the sun. You don’t have to cowl the whole thing, however it’s an amazing Dog Run Ideas to have at least a small section wherein your canine is blanketed from the factors. Substances
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in case you stay in a region that gets storms frequently or if you have a particularly big dog, it would likely be fine to construct a dog run with a frame that’s cemented or otherwise anchored into the ground. The posts should be as a minimum 18 inches deep and encased in cement. The main cause of the posts is to preserve the fence. You may pick out any sort of fencing as long as it’s long lasting and secure on your dog. Don't forget, the point is to preserve your dog in and everyone else out. It’s additionally critical to make sure your canine can’t jump over it. What's the satisfactory floor for a canine run? As a ways because the floor goes, you've got a few options. Pouring concrete will hold matters a bit neater as it receives less messy when it rains. You could also use a mattress of mulch, pea gravel, or cedar chips. You don’t need to use the identical cloth for the whole vicinity. For instance, you could use 1/2 concrete and half of mulch so your dog has a few options as to where to play and wherein to relax. Stage canine run
2 – put together the land
use a rake or other garden device to get rid of the grass and loosen the topsoil inside the region. You will also need to prepare the land for whatever your floor cowl you will be growing. Lay out the border
step one to preparing the land is laying out the boarder. For this step you could mark your boarder with stakes and string. Area steaks at the corners of the areas where your dog run will reside. Wood steaks can be used and driven into the floor with a hammer. Then string can be used by wrapping the string several times round each stake around the parameter of the dog run. Dispose of the turf
dig out the marked location to a intensity of about 2 to three inches for low-visitors feature regions which include mulching around pots, flower borders and regions used for display handiest. Eliminate the turf in sections approximately the dimensions of a shovel. A appropriate intensity of gravel for large areas and pathways is 4 to 6 inches clip and get rid of all plant life with loppers and choose out rocks that would tear via the landscaping material. You can follow an herbicide to the vicinity at this factor if you wish. Area the border
use metallic or vinyl edging cloth to immobilize the border. Vinyl edging is typically held in location by way of the weight of the pea gravel. Outline the complete area with edging, making the edging flush with the encompassing floor. Power in the stakes if required for the edging cloth. 3 – lay the ground cowl
there are many specific styles of ground cover you may use in a canine run. A softer floor cover is more ergonomic on your dog. But a concrete floor remains easy. You may need to determine what your needs are. Bare dirt or grass
canine in a dog run with grass
using naked dirt or grass can be the very best answer. But there also are a few drawbacks to a dog run like this. Examine greater under. Blessings
grass and dirt may be an easy flooring. No longer plenty of guidance is vital. Dirt and grass are clean to your puppies paws. However there are some draw backs. Risks
grass turns to mud and can and up being messy. It isn't as alluring to the eye
after some time puppies can easily trample the grass until all that’s left is mud. Therefore maximum dog run proprietors pick a cleaner surface to keep their dogs from monitoring in mud and dirt. Large breed dogs play combating in a fenced in park; a golden and a husky. Two large dog breeds play fighting in a fenced in dog run. If you do choose a dust and grass canine run, you can upload a hose close to the doorway to rinse your puppies off before letting them inside the house. Concrete
concrete canine run
until you've got enjoy pouring concrete, we endorse getting a expert to carry out venture. However in case you want to do it your self here's a excellent resource for pouring concrete. Benefits
it’s low upkeep
concrete flooring lasts for a long time
hazards
not as clean on dogs joints and paws as other flooring. It’s highly-priced
dogs don’t like to “do their business” on concrete
negative aspects of concrete are dogs don’t want to poo on concrete as an awful lot as grass for example. Also it’s more difficult on their paws and joints. Gravel
dog status on gravel canine run
gravel can be a very good alternative for dog runs. When deciding on gravel do not forget what length you will need. Pea size gravel is a superb all around alternative. Its now not sharp which is right for paws, and it’s small sufficient it offers a smooth surface even as strolling on. Benefits
puppies gained’t track in dust with gravel floors
it’s additionally clean to smooth up messes
this floor is also very easy to your dogs paws and joints
pea length gravel can be a great choice due to how clean it's far to your dogs paws. It’s additionally easy to make a gravel mattress. Dangers
it needs periodically replenished
dogs can song the gravel in
gravel can get caught in your puppies paws
with all of the blessings and drawbacks we assume gravel is a superb choice. A few different options you could recall could be cedar or wooden chips. 4 – installation fencing or barrier
husky farm. Canine sitting on the fence. Finland
the barrier to include your dog is an essential a part of your dog run. You need to keep in mind how tall the barrier will want to be to include your canine. A chain hyperlink fence may be an easy alternative but maximum medium and large puppies can jump over your common fence. 6 feet tall or extra is a great top for a fence. A few puppies may additionally even need a taller fence. A few puppies can’t be contained! I have seen german shepherds easily clear a 6 feet fence with enough momentum. For smaller puppies round 1 toes tall or so, a shorter fence is sufficient to keep them contained. As an instance bulldogs can weigh 150 lbs however can they leap a 6 feet fence? Now not possibly. Fencing
as soon as you understand the height of your fence you may choose materials. The most not unusual sorts are chain hyperlink and wood. There are numerous other varieties of fences as well if you want some thing decorative. Just ensure whatever you use it’s strong and tall enough to hold a dog. All fence posts ought to be cemented in if you want them to final. Posts now not cemented in will in the end begin to shift. Typically after most effective three hundred and sixty five days! Does your dog like to have a look at the sector? That can be difficult while you don’t need an competitive dog to scare human beings strolling via. If that’s the case perhaps a wood fence could better fit your needs. Chain link
chain hyperlink fence
if a sequence hyperlink fence works for you that may be an amazing inexpensive choice. Chain hyperlink fences are much less pricey than wood fences depending on where you live. There are also many extraordinary styles to pick out from. All fences have posts c
wooden
6 foot privacy fence
there are many specific forms of fences to pick out from. There also are timber, metallic mesh fences, vinyl fences, and plenty of different versions like brick and cement. Limitations for digging
now which you have your fence picked out you'll need to consider how so keep your dog from digging. Depending on how agile your dog is, you can need to bury your digging barrier up to 2 toes down! It’s recommended to bury your fence 1 to two ft down. Make certain the barrier is hooked up for your fence properly. For extra data on canine proofing your fence click right here. There are numerous one-of-a-kind examples of fences and barriers in that link. 5 – add roofing or cover
cover is crucial to permit your canine an area to break out the heat, rain, snow, or different elements. It’s accurate to preserve cover in mind at the same time as building your dog run. There are numerous options available to maintain your puppy secure and secure. A few roofs are designed to be effortlessly connected to chain hyperlink fences. In case you are constructing a roof make sure to stick to the neighborhood codes. An clean option for canopy may be adding a small canine residence on your canine run. Safety and enjoyment! In case you construct the right form of dog run to your bushy pal, the time you spend on it to make it as secure and fun as feasible for him while making sure entire canine protection could be nicely worth it! Building your very own canine run gives you a risk to create a space to run, sleep, and play in which your dog could be safe and actually revel in himself. Each dog run design relies upon in your space. Dog run options
there are some options to building a dog run. A few options might be to certainly chain your canine. However if you will opt for to buy some thing premade there are numerous picks. There also are other alternatives which include cable runs which can also be an effective manner to hold your dog secure and secure. Premade dog runs
there are a whole lot of precise premade canine runs. No longer all will accommodate large puppies however for smaller dogs they may be an amazing alternative. Cable run
if you don’t just like the DIY Dog Run Ideas of having your canine in an enclosed location, then perhaps a cable run is a higher match for you and your pup. Just like a diy outdoor canine run, it is straightforward to set-up your personal diy canine cable run. But, take observe that during a cable run, your canine might be on a jogging leash for a cable run. Cable run photo
one object to caution while the use of a cable run. Dogs have a tendency to wrap themselves round cable run poles. You could address this through including barriers big sufficient at the end of the cable run so the canine can’t wrap it’s leash around the pole and get stuck. A few also come with stoppers to hold the canine from getting near enough to the posts to wrap themselves around.
#What Is a Dog Run#Dog Run Ideas#Building a Dog Run#DIY Dog Run Ideas#autos#How to Build a Dog RunWhat Is a Dog RunDog Run IdeasBuilding a Dog RunDIY Dog Run Ideas
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How to Stop Your Dog From Digging up Your Lawn@|how to stop dogs digging in garden@|https://ift.tt/3h4oc2H
Whether you’re a long-time home-owner or bringing your dog home to a lawn of your own for the very first time, sharing a green space with your best friend can feel like a dream come true. But when your dog is constantly digging holes in your hard-won grass carpet, letting Fido roam free in your piece of the great outdoors quickly turns into less of a dream and more of a lawn-care nightmare.
Dog-dug holes aren’t only an eyesore, they can make your backyard a dangerous environment where a twisted ankle is always one false step away. Before you chalk your lawn up as a loss, try these steps to bring your outdoor space back to the beautiful yard you fell in love with before your dog got its paws in it.
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1. Try Some Pet Psychology
Chances are, your dog has already identified their favorite spots to dig up dirt. You can use the location of these spots as a clue to understand why your dog is digging. The American Kennel Club points out that dogs dig for all kinds of reasons, including hunting, seeking shelter, boredom, or even trying to sneak away. You should address your dog’s behavior by addressing the reason. Before you aim to put the kibosh on digging behaviors, watch the way your dog is digging. Do they seem frantic, manic, and stressed? Or is the digging strategic — like there is some goal in mind?
If your dog is digging holes that are close to the edges of your property or another boundary, like a fence, it’s possible they’re curious about what lies beyond the lawn — and are trying to engineer a prison-break.
If the holes that appear seem to be close together, near a main open area or at the roots of your shrubs, your dog may be hunting down intruding animals (like field mice, raccoons, or possums). This is even more likely if your dog is a hunting breed, like a labrador, retriever, or beagle.
Holes that are located near the foundation of your home, around the borders of your deck, or in shady areas may indicate that your dog is just seeking out comfort. Digging to create a cool or sheltered area to lay down in isn’t your dog behaving badly as much as it is a natural response for any animal.
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Of course, there’s also times that your dog is simply digging holes to pass the time, to let off steam, or even as a way to get attention. Maybe your dog recently saw you doing some yard work and wants to get in on the “fun”. Or maybe you have a high-energy breed of dog, or a puppy that is trying to tell you that they aren’t getting quite enough exercise.
2. Do Some Digging of Your Own
This may seem counterintuitive, but a big part of solving the problem of your dog digging up your lawn might center around picking up your own garden shovel.
First, identify a spot that will be your dog’s go-to digging spot. This should be different than the designated spot you have for your pet to relieve themselves. If your lawn is big enough, put your pet’s new burrowing hub at the opposite end of your yard from the places that are currently being uprooted regularly, so that those areas can be overseeded and repaired. You might even try a child-size sandbox.
Wherever you decide to put your “digging zone”, let your fluffy friend know that this small space is their own digging paradise by burying incentives, like chew toys and rawhides, 2-3 inches below the ground.
Next, you’ll need to cover dug-up areas with top soil. While you’re doing so, bury known doggy-digging deterrents, like plastic chicken wire, about six inches below the surface of the soil. Don’t use metal or any other material that could hurt your dog’s paws permanently. Covering favorite digging spots with flat rocks temporarily is another deterrent.
Finally, take a thorough walk through your lawn to uncover and dispose of any dog feces that may be lurking in spots you’ve missed. Dog poop draws vermin to your lawn, even if they only come out at night. The leftover scents of these nocturnal lurkers might be driving your dog to dig. Rinse the areas where you’ve picked up dog feces with a firm spritz or two from your garden hose.
3. Supervise Your Dog Outside
You want your dog to stop digging up your lawn. And your dog may even be aware of that! But without direct, consistent guidance from their favorite person — you! — they won’t even be able to quit their digging habit.
If your dog digs because they are seeking comfort or shelter, you can eliminate their need to do that. Give your dog access to an outdoor doggie-hammock and put it in a shady space. Limit your dog’s unsupervised time outside, at least during the period you’re focused on correcting their behavior. Make sure they have access to fresh water whenever they are on the lawn.
Note that filling your dog’s holes in with water for them to drink or punishing your dog when they dig isn’t helpful. You need to take a firm stance to help correct your dog’s behavior, but making them drink muddy water, isolating them, or putting them in a “time out” will probably just confuse your pup and might even add stress to your relationship, which could make digging worse.
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When your dog starts to go to town on his or her favorite digging spots, give them a firm “no.” If you’ve set up a digging zone, lead them to it whenever digging begins. Praise your dog warmly and offer treats or rewards when they stop digging and when they dig in the right place. They’ll get the message loud and clear.
4. Give Your Dog More Exercise And Attention
For many high-energy breeds of dog, the answer to the problem of holes in your lawn is a serious increase in attention, supervision, and fun activities for your dog. It’s irritating to have a dog that’s always creating holes in your beautiful outdoor space, but your dog can’t stop their urge to dig any more than you can stop wishing they’d quit digging.
Most importantly, try to increase the amount of activity and attention that your dog is getting each and every day. If “letting the dog out” has become a convenient replacement for your dog’s daily walks, your pet might be feeling neglected. Spend time together outside of your lawn, and add brisk exercise (like fetching and frisbee) to the list of experiences you’re giving your dog on a regular basis.
If you have a high-energy breed, like a shepherd, a collie, or a terrier, a higher degree of energy-intervention might be required. Giving your dog puzzles to solve indoors and allowing them time to actually run and jump around at full speed might be the only things that help to quiet their minds. The more positive attention you are giving your dog, the easier it will be to train them. Again, negative attention, like yelling and punishment, isn’t going to correct this behavior.
But What If Nothing Works?
What if all else fails and your canine companion never stops digging? Or what if he does stop digging, but your damaged lawn still looks like it could use an upgrade? Never you fear. Regardless of how enthusiastic or aggressive Fido is in his use of your shared green space, BarkYard
can help make things better.
By incorporating Good Boy
and Bad Spot!
products into your lawn maintenance routine, dog-loving lawn owners like you can preserve their peace of mind. Overseeding and fertilizing your lawn after you’ve worked to correct your dog’s behavior will give your green space an instant facelift. One particularly effective strategy is to regularly use Bad Spot!
while you fill in holes with loose topsoil. Even if your dog takes some time to stop digging, continuous maintenance of your lawn with Good Boy
and Bad Spot!
will pay off as you signal to your pupper that the lawn isn’t an escape room built for them to figure out — it’s a family getaway. [external_footer]
source https://livingcorner.com.au/how-to-stop-your-dog-from-digging-up-your-lawnhow-to-stop-dogs-digging-in-gardenhttps-cdn-shopify-com-s-files-1-0266-6466-5133-articles-how_to_stop_your_dog_from_digging_up_your_lawn_1024x1/
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Mac Ruaidh - Part Eight (two of two)
This one got a little too long to be posted in one piece but it was all meant to be read as one chapter so it’ll be back-to-back posts instead.
– Mod Lenny
Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight A
Jamie knew it was only a matter of time before Grey found him. He thought it would be after dark and knew it would need to be private so he tried ushering Willie to bed early. But the lad was too perceptive for his own good and, not wanting to miss whatever the adults were going to talk about, had employed every trick in his arsenal to put off going to bed.
“I want to hear the story again,” Willie insisted.
“I’ve just told it to ye twice.”
“Then tell me another,” Willie pressed. “The time ye saved her when they thought she was a witch… Or how ye met the king in France.”
Jamie frowned. “Ye ken I told ye we need to be careful what we talk of when there’s men of His Majesty’s army about––even if it’s only Major Grey.”
Willie nodded but wasn’t distracted from his point. “The witch one then. From when ye first saw Murtagh coming to fetch ye.”
Jamie sighed and began to set the scene as he always did––the hunting trip with an unsettled Dougal, an unusual Duke, and himself, longing to be warm in his bed at the castle with his wife to hold through the night.
“It sounds lovely,” Grey’s voice cut in from the doorway of the barn. “I can wait until you’ve finished…”
“No,” Jamie said firmly, rising and swinging Willie up into his arms, carrying him to the ladder leading up to the loft. “To bed wi’ ye, wean,” he ordered. “And dinna even think of anything but crawlin’ ‘tween the sheets, sayin’ yer prayers, and waiting for sleep to take ye,” Jamie added sternly under his breath.
Jamie watched as Willie’s shoulders heaved a sigh and turned to climb the ladder.
“He can be a stubborn one,” Jamie remarked by way of an apology.
“Like his mother,” Grey agreed.
Jamie frowned at his own memories of Geneva’s stubbornness but the mention of his mother caught Willie’s attention. The lad turned so fast he nearly tumbled from the ladder in his over-tired state.
“You remember my mam?”
Jamie carefully held his face in check as he looked to Grey. Remember, Willie had said, not knew. Had the other man caught the word or was he too focused on his own slip to notice?
“Your mother…” Grey fumbled, meeting Jamie’s eye sheepishly. “Yeeesss,” Grey continued slowly. “I do remember meeting her. She made quite the impression.”
“Can I feel your arm?” Willie asked eagerly.
“My… arm?” Confusion washed over Grey’s face.
Jamie tried to step in. “To bed, William.”
“I wanna see if I can feel where ye broke it. I can on each of the fingers Da’s broken and his nose, though that one’s no hard.”
“How do you know about my arm?” Grey looked at Jamie accusingly.
“Mam set it for ye in the war,” Willie reminded the officer before doubt and a little fear crept into his face. He looked to his father, expecting a chastising but hoping for confirmation.
“Aye, he’s the one broke his arm. But I’ve told ye to go to bed several times now…”
Willie gulped. “G’night to ye, sir. G’night, Da,” he rattled off before hastily making his way up the ladder to the loft.
“Can we talk outside?” Jamie requested. “Inquisitive ears…”
The yard was empty and the sky dark, the sun having sunk some time before leaching color from the world as it went. They leaned against the outside wall of the barn gazing across the yard toward the house.
“You told him about our meeting during the war,” Grey stated. Jamie could hear the surprise in Grey’s voice but wasn’t sure he wanted to try naming what was paired with it.
“Casts ye in a better light in Willie’s eyes than telling him ye were my jailor,” Jamie explained with a shrug. Willie knew he’d fought in the Rising, that he’d been to prison. But he didn’t completely comprehend why they lived at Helwater––it was all he’d ever known, after all. There were things about his past that Willie was still too young to hear. He told himself that was why he indulged Willie’s desire for stories about Claire, why he’d given up the idea of forcing that truth on the lad until he was older and better able to understand. “He likes stories and there arena so many he’s old enough to hear.”
“Am I correct in understanding he believes your late wife is his mother? What the bloody hell have you been telling him?” Grey demanded, his voice low but insistent.
“I told him what I could of the truth and he’s made something of it that comforts him,” Jamie snapped. “He’s convinced my wife was taken by the fairies and that he’s the bairn she carried when I lost her. I’m not about to take that idea from him when the truth…” He broke off sharply, his indignation and desire to justify himself nearly carrying him too far.
It didn’t matter.
“What did she do to convince you to take such a risk?” Grey asked. “What did she offer you to get you into her bed? Or was she inducement enough?”
Jamie clenched his jaw as though refusing to answer might successfully deter Grey.
“The boy looks more like you every time I see him and I know Geneva was worse than a dog with a bone when there was something she wanted. She would do anything––”
“Well in my case it was threats and blackmail and it’s all the more reason I’d have Willie think his mother was a kind and gentle woman I loved more than my own life,” Jamie said quickly to stop Grey talking. He felt his cheeks warm as the confession he’d made sunk in. The growing darkness was a relief in that moment. I dinna ken why exactly ye’ve come just now but there is something I would speak to ye about.”
“I’ve spoken with Lady Dunsany and I don’t expect she’ll let this idea of hers go anytime soon.”
Jamie ground at the dirt beneath the toe of his boot creating a growing depression. “I see…”
“I have… That is… I’ve tried to… prepare her…” Grey struggled to find the right words but gave up with a sigh. “I’ve decided to speak with my brother about quietly seeking a pardon for you… with the Crown. I know it’s what you want and I’m afraid of what keeping the boy here longer might do. Everyone expects him to look like you except Lord and Lady Dunsany. It will pain them to see him go but I’m convinced it’s what’s best for everyone in the end.”
Jamie blinked while he let the words sink in. He’d be able to go home. To Scotland. With Willie.
“I… thank ye, sir.”
“John,” Grey said with a pained laugh. “If I do this you’ll no longer be under my supervision and you must promise to call me John then––if you don’t, I might change my mind.” But the threat was a hollow one.
“As ye please then… Lord John.”
Grey scoffed but smiled as he glanced at Jamie.
“It will be a while yet before anything goes through. I will tell Lord Dunsany the broad outlines of what’s going to happen to help him prepare his wife… I already hinted at it to her before supper.”
“Took it well, did she?”
“I have another idea I think I’ve settled on that will help to distract her when the time comes… I’m going to speak with Lord Dunsany about courting––and later marrying––Isobel.”
Jamie choked back what he thought at first was a laugh but actually sounded more like a strangled gasp.
“Wh––why?” he managed to ask.
“She wants to be married to please her parents but is nervous about it and leaving them. I… have family of my own that would like to see me wed and with my position in His Majesty’s army, there’s little need for my wife and I to live together––little opportunity if I get sent to the continent,” Grey rambled.
“But ye… Can ye… That is… would it truly be fair to the lass?” It was Jamie’s turn to have difficulty finding the right words.
“She needn’t accept me,” Grey insisted as though he were half hoping that would be the case. “There is one more thing I need you to promise me if I am to appeal on your behalf… and it isn’t that you call me by my Christian name…”
Grey looked to Jamie seeking the promise before offering the terms.
Jamie crossed his arms over his chest and waited for Grey to continue.
“I need you to promise me that you will keep me appraised of how the boy fares; that you will permit me to visit and see him when circumstances allow. I think it will go a way towards reassuring the Dunsanys.”
Jamie thought on it for a moment but the prospect of what might happen if a British officer were to stop at Lallybroch for an extended, friendly visit was too difficult to manage. There would be time to decide the particulars later––if and when he had his pardon from the Crown.
“Ye’d best go back inside,” Jamie suggested. “Ye can give yer report to Lady Dunsany that Willie’s on to learning a bit of Latin if ye think she’d believe that a mere groom kens it to teach his son.”
Grey let the remark pass without comment but pushed himself off the side of the barn where he’d been leaning and turned to face Jamie.
“Good night… MacKenzie.”
“Good night to ye, Lord John.”
Grey walked away and Jamie went inside and climbed the ladder.
Willie had tried to stay awake to question his father at the end of his informal meeting but the lad had fallen asleep sitting up against the wall, his chin resting against his chest and his hair loose and falling in a curtain to shade his face.
Jamie moved Willie to his cot. He wouldn’t tell Willie anything about being able to go to Scotland until he had that pardon in his hand but Jamie couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when he did tell him… or when he first looked down into the valley to see Lallybroch safely nestled there… or when he met Jenny, Ian and the bairns…
Jamie fell asleep quickly, his day dreams pulling him under to a Lallybroch where he carried Willie on his shoulders and Claire was there to meet him at the gate.
#;mod lenny#Mac Ruaidh AU#featuring: john grey#featuring: william#canon divergence#alternate universe#next will be lallybroch#which won't be as smooth as Jamie might hope#(given that William is adamant in his belief that Claire is his mother)
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Introducing “Disciplinary Dog” Roronoa Zoro of Shells Academy as Player 2 of the crew!
Words: 2,314
Luffy had one requirement for accepting someone into his life.
(It went without saying this automatically meant they were friends, but Luffy didn’t like to waste words on things people should already know.)
“Are you good with your hands?” Luffy asked from his perch on top of the school gates.
The teenager standing beneath the blistering heat of the afternoon sun glared at him from under his black bandana. Luffy grew star-eyed at the kendo uniform and the green haramaki cinched at his waist.
“Huh? Who are you?” his future assistant demanded. Luffy noticed his cheeks had gone pink beneath the sweat glistening on his skin.
“I’m Monkey D. Luffy and I’m talking to you,” Luffy said, pointing at him.
“I know that.” The teenager shifted his head from side to side to indicate the empty school yard.
“How good are you?” Luffy repeated.
He watched the teenager break his stance for a second then right himself rigidly. The muscles in his upper thighs were twitching in what had to be cramps from standing for hours. The last time Luffy saw him was from the gap in the gates earlier that morning.
“Well enough, I’d say. I practice kenjutsu,” the teenager offered hesitantly. “What’s it to you, kid?”
Luffy laughed. Another kid calling him a kid was hilarious!
“Nothing, really. I just need some help with something is all,” Luffy explained vaguely with a secretive smile.
“You expect me to do anything for you for free? I,” the teenager took a moment to rasp around a dry throat, “barely know you.”
“Aw, that’s true,” Luffy agreed. They were strangers of two parts of two different worlds. It was obvious from the teenager’s drenched uniform that he went to the school here. Meanwhile, Luffy wore his standard casual outfit of cut-off jean shorts and a sleeveless red shirt.
Of course, Luffy could never go anywhere without his treasured straw hat.
“Then, why are you asking?” the teenager huffed with visible effort.
Luffy leapt down from his perch and walked to stand in front of the teenager. He looked him up and down and beamed, thrusting out his hand.
“Because I know two things about you!” Luffy said.
The teenager burst out laughing. He was quickly interrupted with a coughing fit.
“Is that right?” the teenager challenged.
Luffy nodded and dropped his hand when he showed no action to take it. He raised two fingers instead, bringing down one. “One, you’re about to keel over any second from heat stroke.” He put down the remaining finger happily. “Two, you absolutely want to be anywhere but here, Roronoa Zoro!”
“Oh.” Zoro swayed like a pendulum, which Luffy found particularly amusing until he was falling and it was slightly less funny. “So you know the future.”
Luffy hauled the slumping teenager against his shoulder and took a closer look at his tough-looking hands. The bumps on his palms showed constant use while the ridges along his fingers, especially on the left hand, told another story.
He gazed curiously down at Zoro as the left-handed kenjutsu practitioner grunted out a soft, “Oi,” to get his attention.
“What’s up?” Luffy said.
“If you fetch my shinai from that helmet head with daddy issues, I’ll help you out,” his future best friend and assistant said with a weak but feral grin.
Luffy would claim to anyone who asked: in that moment, he fell for Zoro(‘s skill as a cleaner).
“Shishishi! That I can do. Just tell me where, and I’ll get it,” Luffy said.
Zoro grunted as Luffy dumped him in the shade by the gates.
“They’re stored in the teacher’s lounge. The dean might’ve took ‘em and put them in the kendo club’s dojo, where Helmet Head makes his lair.” Something in Zoro’s stomach groaned and he closed his eyes. They snapped open when they heard a commotion directly behind him on the other side of the wall. “What now?”
Luffy scaled the wall and peered over the edge.
“It’s a kid and a kid,” Luffy informed.
The little girl and chubby teenage boy with pink hair squawked indignantly.
“You’re a kid, too!” they exclaimed.
“Watcha doin’?” Luffy asked as he splayed his arms out and let his legs dangle.
“I’m gonna feed the nice big brother for saving me from Helmeppo’s wolf dog two days ago,” the little girl said, lifting up a twin pair of messily packed onigiri.
“Food?” Luffy looked to Zoro. So the growling noise was Zoro’s stomach.
“And I said, you shouldn’t do that!” the boy shouted. “Feeding the Disciplinary Dog means not only getting your hand bit, but your whole arm mangled, too!”
“Are you D-Dawg?” Luffy asked the practitioner, ignoring the squeak of terror and the yip of surprise from below.
“D-Dawg...?” Zoro stared incredulously at him, then sighed. “I guess that’s me.”
Luffy nodded. “Cool. Be my cleaner.”
“W-w-wait, wait, wait! Don’t tell me...is this brick wall the only thing separating me and the certain death that is Disciplinary Dog Roronoa Zoro of Shells’ Academy?” the chicken boy stuttered.
“Hmm...I guess I won’t tell you? Should I, Zoro?” Luffy asked.
Zoro shrugged. “I dunno.”
Shells Academy was the place his Gramps wanted Luffy to enroll in a few years back, but gave up after realizing the school didn’t have enough of the curriculum he wanted Luffy to take to be a great police officer. Maybe Luffy should rethink his proposal? Gramps’ jurisdiction technically fell under Shells’ district sometimes, depending on his commanding chief’s mood and willingness to give his grandfather a break from the real police work.
“Oi! What’s this about a cleaner?” Zoro yelled, Luffy’s words finally registering.
Luffy and the boy ignored him. “H-h-has Disciplinary Dog been listening this whole t-t-time?” the boy asked, knees trembling.
“Uh-huh.” Luffy grinned and jumped over the wall to stand in front of the cowering boy. “You’re funny.”
“I don’t kill people!” Zoro went on unheard and unseen as a disembodied voice.
“Eep!” The boy fell flat on his ass for whatever reason, staring at something in the shadows of a nearby alley way.
Luffy frowned and leapt back over the wall.
“Will you listen to me?!” Zoro shouted. He nearly bit his tongue as Luffy dropped lightly next to him.
“Wow, you sure are energetic. Aren’t you hungry? If I were you, I’d die after two hours of no food,” Luffy said.
“Big brother!” They looked over to find the girl had squeezed her way through the school gate bars and now stood before them. “Eat this, quick! Before Helmet comes back!”
Zoro looked down at the onigiri expressionlessly.
Luffy glanced between them, oblivious to the tension and too focused on the sweet-smelling snack in her hands.
“Please,” the girl repeated wetly.
Zoro shook his head. “I don’t go back on my word,” he said and turned away.
The girl bit her lip to keep from shaking. She left the way she came, out through the gate and down the street. The way she took off was toward a nice family-owned restaurant Luffy had been meaning to stop by that day.
“Can you help me?” Luffy said to Zoro, referring to his earlier question.
Zoro slumped against the wall, making a great imitation of a slime.
“Not now,” he mumbled before he fell asleep right there in the school yard.
“Okay,” Luffy said.
And that was that.
Luffy supposed all he could do now was visit that restaurant…? His inner clock was screaming for a lunchtime buffet!
xXx
Luffy stopped the second he felt eyes on him.
“Hey, kid.”
A teenager wearing a severely outdated delinquent ensemble in Shells’ colors beckoned him over. After belching from his earlier noon feast, Luffy followed without question but toed where the light met the shadows of the alley way.
“Boss wants a word with ya,” the delinquent grumbled. He took half a step out so Luffy could see the metal bat he had in his hand. “Come quietly. No one needs to get hurt. You get me?”
Luffy smiled.
The delinquent let out a snort and attempted to grab him, expecting little to no resistance.
“Wha?” The delinquent found himself short of breath and coughing up spit as he dropped to his knees.
“I need to convince Zoro to join my gang. I’ll come back later, okay?” Luffy lowered his palm and crossed the street to the school.
The delinquent struggled to stay conscious. “A-Alvida! I need to tell...someone,” he gasped, fumbling with a disposable phone from deep within his pockets.
The call connected after a faint eight rings. In that time, the delinquent finally processed the reason for his collapse. Like other nameless victims before him, Luffy’s actions were too sudden and precise to fully take in at first glance.
A moment before, the lanky kid had a deadly palm full of bandages wrapped around his entire hand.
The delinquent had a brief second of appreciation for the execution of the kid’s palm thrust, reminiscent of a certain martial artist from the many action star movies he used to watch without adult supervision.
“Whaaat?!” A low, yet vaguely feminine voice barked from the receiver.
“Bad news, boss. We’ve got a loose cannon on our turf! He tried messing with our errand boy and then the cannon assaulted me from outta nowhere! We need your almighty power mace, stat!”
“Don’t you tell your beautiful mistress what to do!” Alvida cried. “But alright! Where is this cannon you speak of?”
“Yes, Alvida-sama! He’s headed toward Shells Academy.” The delinquent felt he should add the alarming tidbit for their safety. “I believe he is enlisting the aid of ‘Disciplinary Dog’ Zoro to rack up his fighting power…”
“...So this brat intends on starting a full out war with the Alvida gang? So be it. Disciplinary Dog needs to be taken out anyways. We can nip that bud before he blooms into something worthy of overpowering every gang in East Blue.” Alvida cackled and signaled the surrounding gang members to move out. “Stay right where you are. We’ll come and get you once school is let out.”
“Why so long, Alvida-sama?” After school would be three hours from now.
“Are you kidding? Vice-principal Morgan might be doing courtyard duty today! I’m not gonna risk my ass just because some snot-nosed brat decided to beat yours into the ground,” Alvida scoffed.
“Y-Yes, boss!”
Luffy whistled worry-free back toward Shells Academy, unaware of the chaos that would unfold due to extending his hand out to one Roronoa Zoro.
xXx
“Hey! Zoro, sup!” Luffy waved at the other teen, who sighed upon sighting Luffy.
“You never quit, do you?” Zoro said.
Luffy stood a respectable distance from Zoro, imitating Zoro’s cross-armed stance with a smile.
“You didn’t say no,” Luffy said cheekily.
Zoro stared. His kendo uniform was long dry from sweat and he reeked, which might have been why Luffy stood where he did. The material and the haramaki clung uncomfortably to his skin in parts where he continued to perspire. His face was unbearably on fire and talking was irritating his throat like hell. His bottom lip had cracked and it burned, he was so darn thirsty.
“What did you promise?” Luffy asked suddenly. At Zoro’s inquiring eyebrow, Luffy puckered his lips, thinking back to earlier. “You know, the reason why you won’t help me? What did Helmo promise you?”
Zoro licked his lips. He tasted blood. “He promised not to tell the dean about my part-time job, as long as I endured three whole days without water. He took my shinai so I wouldn’t back out.” He secretly thanked he had a bladder of steel, or else another foul odor would be added to the mix.
“Why? Don’t you need the money?” Luffy tilted his head. School rules were weird. Why couldn’t they do this, why couldn’t they do that? To think his Gramps wanted Luffy to be the enforcer of these “laws”!
“I do need it, but the dorms don’t allow scholarship students to work outside of curfew,” Zoro growled. He smirked. It ended up feeling like a grimace. “This is my last day.”
Something clicked in Luffy’s mind. “That’s not all there is to it,” Luffy stated.
“Yeah.” Zoro narrowed his eyes. The kid was quick to catch on despite how he looked. “The girl’s family owns the restaurant down the road. Helmeo caught me in the middle of my shift.” Now that Zoro really thought about it, Daddy Issues shouldn’t have been out that late, either. Third shift was a hell of a time to be out at night.
“He followed you,” Luffy said.
Zoro said nothing and closed his eyes, casually dismissing Luffy.
Luffy watched him for a moment and then stretched his arms out wide with a satisfied cry.
“What’s wrong with you?” Zoro asked, cracking open an eye warily.
Luffy laughed. “I decided! I’ll get your stick and then you can do whatever you want!” he declared. Luffy tipped the hat so that it covered his eyes. “That’s no promise, Zoro. That’s a pointless way to die!”
Luffy saluted Zoro and strode toward the school, arms swinging.
Zoro’s eyes followed him in shock, mouth agape. “Are you fucking crazy? You don’t even go here! Morgan will turn you in for trespassing!” he said.
“Not if they catch me,” Luffy said.
Zoro almost broke out of his stance. What fucking idiot logic—!
“Fine! See if I care,” Zoro muttered, returning to facing the school gates.
The echo of Luffy’s “shishishi!” grew fainter as Luffy made his way across the unknown campus. He was again unaware of the dangers he would face, if he was an ordinary teenager.
Fortunately, Luffy was not an ordinary teenager.
Fortunately, Luffy had an incredible power…
...The power of imagination…!
...And also the years long training of the most physically “tough love” Gramps in the entire universe.
TBC
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Broken Bones
I guess it’s about time I update this blog. I could’ve sworn I wrote here more recently, but apparently three months flew by in an instant. I’ve also been making small but more frequent updates on Patreon, but I don’t expect (or want!) a ton of people to subscribe to that.
Where do I begin? I started my last entry with “The entire world has changed in the few weeks since I last wrote.” and this one is no different. The global pandemic seems to be trailing off in most places outside of the United States, and (thankfully) in the northeast. However, it seems to be thriving in the south and west, and as a country, we’re far from out of the woods. It’s hard to plan anything for the future, or to feel optimistic about it.
We’re also in the middle of a historical civil rights movement, which began in response to the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. (Although police brutality and systematic racism Black people have faced goes well beyond Floyd’s murder) I’ve been trying to donate to as many organizations and funds as I can, but there’s still so much that needs to be done, and so much more I hope to do as an individual. For right now, I’d encourage you to find BIPOC leaders in your community and support them. Of course, vote, donate, educate, amplify Black voices, sign petitions, march, do everything in your power and use your privileges. But also, listen, and know when it is not your turn to hold the megaphone.
I know, this is a blog about a dog sled team, but human rights are incredibly important to me. If that bothers you, or if you prefer to bleat, “All lives matter”, you’re more than welcome to fuck off.
OK, so what else.
In my last post I wrote about chickens and gardens. Much has changed in the homestead since, unfortunately not for the better. To start, I killed almost all of my initial seedlings by planting outside prematurely. But that was only the beginning of my woes.
A few weeks into owning the chickens, they began free ranging a bit. I only let them roam when the dogs were inside, but I didn’t anticipate how much the sight (through the window), sounds, and smells of the birds would set them off.
The mayhem started after I had been kneeling in their coop, submerging my work pants in their scent. After tending to their needs, I went to the backyard with the dogs. Denali and Willow started sniffing my pant leg with great interest, and I didn’t think much of it. I wanted them to grow accustomed to the chickens’ presence, without putting them directly in their line of sight.
In a split second, the two girls were at each other’s faces, biting and snarling. I have no idea who started it, but my guess would be Denali, as she’s the more grumbly boss lady around here. The fight was gnarly, but I was able to get them apart by shoving one off the porch. I ended up bringing Willow to the vet for a 1” gash near her ear, but neither of their wounds were severe.
I’ll pause to mention that these two have fought maybe three times before, in the nearly five years I’ve had Willow. The last time was in Big Bear, and it was pretty mild by comparison. Aside from a quick crate break, I didn’t need to separate them afterwards; they both were over it fast.
I mistakenly assumed this fight would be no different. After the trip to the vet and several hours to calm down, I let the girls out together, and another fight happened almost immediately. I got it controlled quickly, but it was shocking to me. And, man, did I feel like an absolute asshole.
I proceeded to rotate the girls for a week or two (at this point I don’t even remember), until I felt confident enough to let them loose together with heavy supervision. Things seemed to return to normal, until one day Knox caught sight of the chicken trio roaming and set off a group howl. The excitement lead to a series of fights: first Denali and Willow, then Dexter and Hubble, and finally Willow and Laika. Thankfully no one was hurt and they were all minor scuffles, but obviously this was not OK. That same day, I reached out to my NoCo friend circle about rehoming the chickens. The next day, I loaded everything up and brought them to my friend’s place where they’re now living happy lives. It’s heartbreaking for me, as I’ve dreamed of keeping chickens for so long, but I needed to reset.
Once the chickens were gone, things improved almost immediately. The fights stopped. I restarted the crate and rotate cycle with Denali and Willow, but soon found they could be loose together without issue. I was proud and relieved. For about a month.
But then they fought again. I almost predicted it. We get Amish horse buggies passing the house every so often, maybe once a week tops. On this particular day, multiple buggies went past, and this fired the dogs up. Denali and Willow fought again. I did finally have a pattern, though: excitement (Willow rushing around/barking) and Denali feeling cornered. Everyone came out of this one OK, and I adjusted accordingly. I’d have to be careful in hallways and the backdoor area, where Denali feels more defensive. If I could avoid having them in those spaces, things seemed to be OK. They never had any fights in the big, open play yard.
Another week and a half went by with things once again going back to “normal” (whatever that word means). As we got into June, the temperature was high and the dogs were much lazier. I was outside working on my laptop and all the dogs were loose in the small dog yard with me. Denali and Willow had been lounging in the sun all day together without a problem. I let my guard down, I guess.
Denali was asleep on the porch and the younger dogs were milling about the yard. A robin landed just outside the fence and Willow leapt across the porch to chase after it. Just as she made her dash, Denali sprung up and, expecting an attack, lunged at her. The two girls began their typical brawl, but this time Laika joined in, so it was two versus one. The younger girls had a grip on Denali’s neck that screamed “life or death” situation, and I dove into the brawl. Denali bit down on anything she could reach in self-defense. This mainly ended up being me; she broke my thumb with her first bite.
Despite my injuries, I managed to pull the three girls apart. I threw Willow into the garage, Laika in the house, and made sure Denali was OK before getting everybody safely crated and myself to urgent care. They cleaned me up, took X-rays which confirmed the break, and set my hand in a splint. They also set me up with an orthopedic surgeon, expecting I’d need surgery to fix the bone. I cleaned Denali up when I got back home and gave her antibiotics I had on hand. My vet handled a few staples the next day.
My parents came up from New Jersey to help me sort life out, but the streak of bad luck wasn’t over. Within 48 hours of breaking my thumb, my dad stumbled in my hallway and fell down the stairs, breaking his wrist. At this point, it’s hard not to laugh (through the pain).
It’s been almost a month now and I’m cautiously optimistic about the immediate future, at least. I’ve gone through three splints, surgery to insert pins, and a hard cast for another week and a half. Dad’s had surgery to insert a plate in his wrist. Denali healed and had her staples removed.
As far as Denali and Willow’s relationship is concerned, things strained. I have been rotating them between crates, gates, and the two separate yards. The only time I’ve let them out loose together is when we’re sitting on the couch and I’m physically between them. Denali is very wary of Willow while Willow actively avoids Denali. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than having two dogs that are actively out to get one another. It’s a rather dramatic misunderstanding that I’m hoping they’ll eventually forget.
If they don’t, then we’ll live with these adjustments. As Denali gets older (along with Dexter and Knox), it makes sense to separate the team into smaller play groups, for everyone’s safety and happiness. I’ve also been applying a bit more structure and enforcing more rules, mainly more time in their crates to “cool down” after play or while I’m cooking/eating. It’s been going well—they all run straight to their crates after coming inside. In the Covid-19 era, I don’t leave the house much at all, so they got a bit too comfortable with 24/7 freedom. That said, they all seem to enjoy crate naps in their own quiet spaces.
Mushing has been an ongoing learning experience and this is all part of it. My thumb might end up weaker, but I hope my character comes out of this stronger.
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training your puppy | puppy training tips
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training your puppy | puppy training tips
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Biscuits & Bakery member only store for dog accessories Summer Grooming Tips For Your Dog Everything For 3. Give me a C — for consistency. Decide on what verbal and physical cues you want for the must-know canine cues of “sit,” “lie down,” “stay,” and “come.” And then, stick with them. If you use the command, “stay” in one training session and then “don’t move” in the next, you will create canine confusion. If you’re consistent with the cues, your puppy will eventually catch on.
MORE RESOURCES Use your release word, let him get up, and praise him again. Put him back into a sit, then repeat the down command. Eventually your dog will lie down as soon as you give the command.
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Trending Now Across Patch The new training facility is a 6,144 square feet, modest barn style building. The design features geo-thermal heated floors, and an indoor training area for times of inclement weather. Each dog is housed in its own kennel and run. Dogs can see their neighbor in the next run. Safety and comfort are key in the design.
Practice loose-leash walking I’m so glad you have found value in my training advice and thank you so much for sharing. In my experience, having your dogs point of view in mind in future training will make it more efficient and you’ll have a happy dog at your side – thank you for noticing, your dogs will continue loving you for this 🙂
Once he’s got it, place the less tasty treat on the floor… but don’t completely cover it with your hand. Instead hold it a little bit above the treat. Over time, gradually move your hand farther and farther away until your hand is about 6 inches above.
fundamental training package 3.0 out of 5 stars 13 Sell on Amazon Business Collar & lead training If you catch your puppy pottying in the wrong spot, you should simply clap your hands and say a firm ‘NO!’. You don’t want to shock and scare them, just loud enough to startle and get their attention.
Multi Pack As a general rule, with a labrador, I would say the average age they are house trained fully at is 6 to 7 months, and for destructive chewing, the time when you can completely trust and leave them home alone, free roaming room to room without fear of coming home to destruction tops out at 2 to 2.5 years, but for a single room much earlier in most cases. But as I say it varies wildly. It’s a case of following all the right advice, supervising or confining at all times so they develop no habits in the first place and see where the chips fall.
24/7 help 1:1 Shop All Dog Supplies 1. Ahem: Attention, please! Some puppies can get distracted easily. The only way to get your pup to successfully comply with your training is if you have his undivided attention. So, when you begin any training session, pick a place and a time where distractions are kept to a minimum. When you’re ready, say your pup’s name and wait for his eyes to meet yours. Clap your hands or whistle if you have to, but make sure he is watching you and waiting for his cue to see what to do next.
GROW If you feed your puppy at random times throughout the day, they’ll need to defecate at random times throughout the day. Mind & Body Wild Bird Food & Supplies Interview with Jamie Migdal of FetchFind
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Never end a walk right after your dog or puppy goes potty. If you do the dog or puppy can learn to hold it so that they can control how long the walk is. It is better to try to get your dog or puppy to potty before the walk or during the beginning of the walk.
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Pet Bereavement & Pet Loss Listen Live Oscars One of the most important things you can do to make your puppy’s housebreaking less of a hassle is teaching him to go potty promptly on command, as outlined in Commandment #10. We want him to relieve himself quickly so playtime in the yard or a nice long walk can be his reward for getting down to business at the right time and in the right place.
Either. Whichever opens soonest. Give your puppy the opportunity to get to a door to show you when it needs to relieve itself. Remember to give your dog the chance make eye contact with you, even when you create a limited area. You want to encourage them to learn to let you know when they want you to take them out.
Enzymatic cleaner For the first few weeks, take your puppy outside on-leash. Hurry to his toilet area and then stand still to allow the puppy to circle (as he would normally do before eliminating). Reward your puppy each time he “goes” in the designated spot. If you have a fenced yard, you may later take your puppy outside off-leash and let him choose where he would like to eliminate. But make sure to reward him differentially according to how close he hits ground zero. Offer one treat for doing it outside quickly, two treats for doing it within, say, five yards of the doggy toilet, three treats for within two yards, and five treats for a bull’s eye.
Recalls Additional Methods of Training Your Puppy | Hill’s Pet Thornton Animal Hospital: 10 Easy Steps to Housetrain Your Dog
Washington July 14, 2018 / Patty Sontag / Uncategorized Fantastic guide!!! Thank you!!! I have a question please! My puppy doesnt wee when in the garden and goes on my carpet when we go back inside!!! What can I do?
Free Behavior Helpline Phone 606FollowersFollow Regular Price: $4.08 Puppies that break the “sit-stay” before you’ve given the release word get no treats. Say something like, “whoops, you blew it!” and turn your back, cutting off any hope of treat/rewards for at least ten seconds or so. Your puppy will soon make the connection that holding the “sit-stay” gets him more yummy treats, and the yummies disappear if he moves.
Pro-Treat 100% Pure Beef Liver Treats Why Your Dog Keeps Peeing in the Same One Room of the House Over and Over; How to Get It to Stop
Thinking about the Dog Trainer Professional program? Sunnyvale Central Not Helpful 15 Helpful 42 Indie Print Publishing Geckos
This article is great and I’ve been following these guidelines for my puppy except for leashing him to potty (I’ve had him 1 week, he is a west highland terrier). My puppy is 12 weeks old and he won’t go potty while leashed. But he goes right away when I put him in his outdoor playpen. Is it okay for him to use this for his way of going potty outside?
20 But a puppy that bites isn’t necessarily a bad dog. In fact, it’s perfectly natural behavior and probably nothing to worry about for the long term at all. It’s actually important for puppies to bite in order to learn how not to use their mouths.
To achieve this you need to feed them every 4 hours and you should make it the same time every day, fitting it into a schedule that’s best for you.
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11/10/2018
River Pond Krueger
One Week Progress Report
With her first week in as a part of the Krueger pack River has shown remarkable progress for a barely 3 month old adoption.
With many thanks to her foster parents River is completely crate trained. She has two to call her own. The larger crate, designed for two, is her bedroom quarters. It is complete with her Hope Blanket and several favorite toys and her bison horn. While she usually joins the puppy pile in our bed every night before lights out, she with little protest goes to the bedroom crate for nighty-night. River sleeps or with the help of the previously mentioned soft toys and her bison horn rests quietly for the entire night. Her daytime crate is a smaller, more portable single version and sits in the kitchen area or family room with the door open in case she feels the need to rest nearer to the normal daytime and evening activity in the house. She is using this option less and less as the days pass opting to lay or sit on one of the many dog beds, rugs or therapeutic mats placed strategically throughout the active spaces in our home.
A few warm fall days afforded River the opportunity to spend time with us on the 3-season porch where she has learned to jump up on the couch to cuddle or rest. She is learning from her older brother and sister that dogs should not have to lay on the floor if a perfectly good couch, chair or bed is available.
While River’s older sister Peekaboo (12) has, in protest, kept herself mostly out of the puppy business for the time being, her brother Cooper (5) has been instrumental in teaching her habits both good and bad. This week she has learned to climb on the porch couch, use the doggy stairs to climb on the bed, use the doggy door from the porch to the backyard, tear ass-over-tea-kettle around the backyard “racetrack”, sit pretty in the “food semi-circle” (the area around the cupboard we keep the training treats), help carry things stolen from Cooper to Daddy or to the Kitchen, jump on her Mom and Dad just like Cooper does, growl (but she’s not sure why), bark when Cooper gets picked up and boop Cooper on the head with her giant paw when she’s feeling playful.
So far she is very healthy, she is energetic but can be calmed. She’s willful but responds to a firm voice, loves to come to a whistle, to have her name sung to her in the tune of various popular songs, to lay on her Mom and Dad’s head, and to give hugs. She is bright and inquisitive and loves to explore the house and backyard but tends stay within sight of her people when indoors and Cooper when outdoors. She tends toward the naughty if she doesn’t get enough nap time the day before, she is always at my heel but naps willingly if I settle down long enough. She is her Mom’s Sweet Pea and my Sweet Girl.
Areas we are working on:
Potty training.
River is smart enough to know she is supposed to go outside but fuzzy headed enough to forget until it’s too late sometimes. She has easily mastered the doggy door to the outside and no longer even looks for a treat on the other side every time she goes through. She does not yet have the confidence to consistently use the doggy door to let herself out when she needs to but will always follow Cooper out and will always relieve herself if she is outside. She’s a little scared to be alone, does not like the dark much and is not too sure about rain. She is remarkably well potty trained for her age and has strung days together without an incident as long as we are a little bit vigilant.
Food aggressiveness
River is working on waiting her turn for treats and for her dinner. She has a slow eat bowl to help her with wolfing her meals but she has learned to tip it over. She is a good sitter especially in the food semi-circle but still charges for the treat and swallows the entire hand giving it to her. She has not learned her place in the treat getting pecking order 1. Peekaboo, 2. Cooper and 3. River. She feels it is unfair and should be 1. River, 2. River and 3. River. She’s a little thin so we’ve increased her feeding schedule and suspect as she matures and learns that there will always be more food she will calm down enough to train. Strangely, if we hand feed her puppy kibble from the kitchen table she sits pretty, waits her turn and takes it “easy. Now to translate that to other food behavior.
Tasks
As longtime owners of another high intensity, high energy, highly intelligent breed that loves to work - terriers - we are pretty familiar with the ins and outs of managing all that will and all that energy. They need tasks - Cooper brings my lunch bag to the kitchen everyday after work just as his fore-brother did before him. Peekaboo manages his work as her fore-sisters did before her. Cooper also carries various laundry, kitchen towels especially, to the kitchen to be put away. He does this because he had been taught at Max’s knee that this is the family business and an honorable one at that. Boo supervises his work and takes her cut of the treats as she is in management and so entitled. River seems to understand the need for tasks. She routinely herds Cooper around the house and yard, much to his displeasure. She also routinely tries to interfere with the completion of his assigned duties also to his very vocal displeasure. She is currently being tasked with finding loose socks under the bed and bringing them to the laundry room. This is meeting mixed success but we have high hopes for her future development assuming she can still get under the bed in another month or two.
Structure and schedules
River came home on a weekend to a fairly unstructured environment. But once the new week hit on Monday at 5:45 AM she was introduced to the Krueger family morning routine. The terriers like structure, and none so much as Max. The other two, with Max’s passing have lapsed into a much more leisurely routine of wake up for morning medications, go back to bed, get up for breakfast, go back to bed, say goodbye to Dad, go back to bed and so on. River seems to respect the morning routine and I feel it helps her start the day right. We wake, go outside, take a shower (me not her but she’s in the room), go outside, get dressed (me not her but she’s at my heel), make coffee, eat breakfast, leave for work - every week day. Same way, same time, every day. She hears my alarm and is ready to get up and get started. And she’s happy because its consistent, safe, known and comfortable. Just what a Sweet Girl barely two months old when rescued from unsavory and unsettled conditions by a kind foster Mom and adopted just a few weeks later by her new forever family needs.
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How to Stop Your Dog From Digging up Your Lawn
Whether you’re a long-time home-owner or bringing your dog home to a lawn of your own for the very first time, sharing a green space with your best friend can feel like a dream come true. But when your dog is constantly digging holes in your hard-won grass carpet, letting Fido roam free in your piece of the great outdoors quickly turns into less of a dream and more of a lawn-care nightmare.
Dog-dug holes aren’t only an eyesore, they can make your backyard a dangerous environment where a twisted ankle is always one false step away. Before you chalk your lawn up as a loss, try these steps to bring your outdoor space back to the beautiful yard you fell in love with before your dog got its paws in it.
You're reading: How to Stop Your Dog From Digging up Your Lawn
1. Try Some Pet Psychology
Chances are, your dog has already identified their favorite spots to dig up dirt. You can use the location of these spots as a clue to understand why your dog is digging. The American Kennel Club points out that dogs dig for all kinds of reasons, including hunting, seeking shelter, boredom, or even trying to sneak away. You should address your dog’s behavior by addressing the reason. Before you aim to put the kibosh on digging behaviors, watch the way your dog is digging. Do they seem frantic, manic, and stressed? Or is the digging strategic — like there is some goal in mind?
If your dog is digging holes that are close to the edges of your property or another boundary, like a fence, it’s possible they’re curious about what lies beyond the lawn — and are trying to engineer a prison-break.
If the holes that appear seem to be close together, near a main open area or at the roots of your shrubs, your dog may be hunting down intruding animals (like field mice, raccoons, or possums). This is even more likely if your dog is a hunting breed, like a labrador, retriever, or beagle.
Holes that are located near the foundation of your home, around the borders of your deck, or in shady areas may indicate that your dog is just seeking out comfort. Digging to create a cool or sheltered area to lay down in isn’t your dog behaving badly as much as it is a natural response for any animal.
Read more: How to stop cats from pooping in the garden – top tips to stop cats fouling on your lawn
Of course, there’s also times that your dog is simply digging holes to pass the time, to let off steam, or even as a way to get attention. Maybe your dog recently saw you doing some yard work and wants to get in on the “fun”. Or maybe you have a high-energy breed of dog, or a puppy that is trying to tell you that they aren’t getting quite enough exercise.
2. Do Some Digging of Your Own
This may seem counterintuitive, but a big part of solving the problem of your dog digging up your lawn might center around picking up your own garden shovel.
First, identify a spot that will be your dog’s go-to digging spot. This should be different than the designated spot you have for your pet to relieve themselves. If your lawn is big enough, put your pet’s new burrowing hub at the opposite end of your yard from the places that are currently being uprooted regularly, so that those areas can be overseeded and repaired. You might even try a child-size sandbox.
Wherever you decide to put your “digging zone”, let your fluffy friend know that this small space is their own digging paradise by burying incentives, like chew toys and rawhides, 2-3 inches below the ground.
Next, you’ll need to cover dug-up areas with top soil. While you’re doing so, bury known doggy-digging deterrents, like plastic chicken wire, about six inches below the surface of the soil. Don’t use metal or any other material that could hurt your dog’s paws permanently. Covering favorite digging spots with flat rocks temporarily is another deterrent.
Finally, take a thorough walk through your lawn to uncover and dispose of any dog feces that may be lurking in spots you’ve missed. Dog poop draws vermin to your lawn, even if they only come out at night. The leftover scents of these nocturnal lurkers might be driving your dog to dig. Rinse the areas where you’ve picked up dog feces with a firm spritz or two from your garden hose.
3. Supervise Your Dog Outside
You want your dog to stop digging up your lawn. And your dog may even be aware of that! But without direct, consistent guidance from their favorite person — you! — they won’t even be able to quit their digging habit.
If your dog digs because they are seeking comfort or shelter, you can eliminate their need to do that. Give your dog access to an outdoor doggie-hammock and put it in a shady space. Limit your dog’s unsupervised time outside, at least during the period you’re focused on correcting their behavior. Make sure they have access to fresh water whenever they are on the lawn.
Note that filling your dog’s holes in with water for them to drink or punishing your dog when they dig isn’t helpful. You need to take a firm stance to help correct your dog’s behavior, but making them drink muddy water, isolating them, or putting them in a “time out” will probably just confuse your pup and might even add stress to your relationship, which could make digging worse.
Read more: How to Kill Weeds Without Hurting Your Garden
When your dog starts to go to town on his or her favorite digging spots, give them a firm “no.” If you’ve set up a digging zone, lead them to it whenever digging begins. Praise your dog warmly and offer treats or rewards when they stop digging and when they dig in the right place. They’ll get the message loud and clear.
4. Give Your Dog More Exercise And Attention
For many high-energy breeds of dog, the answer to the problem of holes in your lawn is a serious increase in attention, supervision, and fun activities for your dog. It’s irritating to have a dog that’s always creating holes in your beautiful outdoor space, but your dog can’t stop their urge to dig any more than you can stop wishing they’d quit digging.
Most importantly, try to increase the amount of activity and attention that your dog is getting each and every day. If “letting the dog out” has become a convenient replacement for your dog’s daily walks, your pet might be feeling neglected. Spend time together outside of your lawn, and add brisk exercise (like fetching and frisbee) to the list of experiences you’re giving your dog on a regular basis.
If you have a high-energy breed, like a shepherd, a collie, or a terrier, a higher degree of energy-intervention might be required. Giving your dog puzzles to solve indoors and allowing them time to actually run and jump around at full speed might be the only things that help to quiet their minds. The more positive attention you are giving your dog, the easier it will be to train them. Again, negative attention, like yelling and punishment, isn’t going to correct this behavior.
But What If Nothing Works?
What if all else fails and your canine companion never stops digging? Or what if he does stop digging, but your damaged lawn still looks like it could use an upgrade? Never you fear. Regardless of how enthusiastic or aggressive Fido is in his use of your shared green space, BarkYard
can help make things better.
By incorporating Good Boy
and Bad Spot!
products into your lawn maintenance routine, dog-loving lawn owners like you can preserve their peace of mind. Overseeding and fertilizing your lawn after you’ve worked to correct your dog’s behavior will give your green space an instant facelift. One particularly effective strategy is to regularly use Bad Spot!
while you fill in holes with loose topsoil. Even if your dog takes some time to stop digging, continuous maintenance of your lawn with Good Boy
and Bad Spot!
will pay off as you signal to your pupper that the lawn isn’t an escape room built for them to figure out — it’s a family getaway.
Source: https://livingcorner.com.au
Category: Garden
source https://livingcorner.com.au/how-to-stop-your-dog-from-digging-up-your-lawn/
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How to Keep Your Kids Safe on Halloween
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Pumpkin Carving Guide
Tips, Tools, and More for a Spooky-good Time.
Boo! Read it
Ultimate Halloween Safety Checklist
1. Secure railings
Young children, and the adults who often accompany them, will need the security and support of railings while climbing steps to get to your front door. If you've been putting off fixing that rickety railing, it's time to get out the toolbox and make it secure.
2. Clear walkways
Trick-or-treaters are too busy counting candy to pay close attention to where they're walking, so it's critical to survey your yard for potential trip and slip hazards. Be sure your yard is free of tripping hazards like hoses and sprinklers, clear walkways of loose gravel, and be sure to clean moss off steps. If your home has an irrigation system, turn the system off well in advance of the big night so your lawn and walkways have a chance to dry.
3. Avoid using candles
A glowing jack-o'-lantern makes your home warm and welcoming to candy seekers, but using a candle to illuminate a pumpkin can be dangerous. Costumes, paper decorations and ornamental straw can easily catch on fire. Instead of a traditional candle, use one powered by batteries.
Print a free copy of this checklist.
Download PDF
4. Consider candy choices.
No doubt buying Halloween candy is fun, but keep in mind that not all candy is appropriate for every child. Avoid candy that poses a choking hazard for toddlers, and keep in mind that a number of children have peanut allergies. Even if the candy doesn't contain peanuts, it could be made in a facility that handles peanuts. Check the candy bag's label for a peanut allergy warning.
5. Use lots of lights
A dimly lit entryway helps set the spooky mood of Halloween, but it also increases the chance of an accident. Make sure the exterior lights of your home are working, and consider turning on flood lights to illuminate the darkest areas of your yard. Even if you're not going to be home, leave on lights for safety reasons or make sure your motion sensor lights are active to dissuade unsavory characters from vandalizing your home. And, if you won't be there, make sure you set your security system, just to be safe.
6. Contain your pets
Barking dogs not only scare trick-or-treaters of every age away, they also present a danger. A dog that breaks away from your home might not bite, but he could knock down a toddler or scare a teen right into the street, causing even more danger. Keep all pets securely confined inside your home until the hustle and bustle of the night has passed.
7. Don't put out candy
Maybe you won't be home on Halloween or perhaps it's difficult for you to answer the door, so you've put out a bowl of candy for kids to help themselves. While this seems like the right thing to do, someone could taint the candy. It's probably unlikely, but it's definitely not worth taking the chance.
8. Make room in the garage
If you're headed out on Halloween, clean out the garage and store your car securely in it. Children are four times more likely to be struck by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year, meaning that parking your car and trick or treating on foot is a good idea. When you also consider potential vehicle vandalism and theft, your car is best kept in the garage on Halloween.
9. Use discretion when opening the door
While nearly all trick-or-treaters are innocent kids out to collect as much candy as they can possibly carry, you must still be cautious of whom you open the door for. If you have an uneasy feeling about the person approaching your door, don't open it. And as the barrage of trick-or-treaters fades to just a few here and there, it's a good idea to stop opening the door for the night.
Halloween has a reputation as a frightening holiday, but that doesn't mean it should be dangerous. Use our tips and resources to keep trick-or-treaters and your family safe and enjoy a spooktacular Halloween night.
For many children, Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year - and it's easy to understand why. After all, when else do they get to dress up as their favorite character, collect candy to their heart's content, and stay up past their bedtime?
Of course, you want your kids to enjoy a hauntingly fun night, but like most parents you're probably concerned about their safety. Relax and read on. From toddlers to teens, we've put together the ultimate checklist for keeping your kids safe on Halloween.
Young Children
In addition to adult supervision, here are more ways to help keep your children safe and secure on Halloween.
Costume Safety
When purchasing your child's costume, check the label to be sure it is flame resistant, which means it should resist burning and extinguish quickly. If you're making their costume, use flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester. To help minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes that are loose or baggy. For added precaution, check the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission website for Halloween costume recalls.
To help prevent trips and falls, be sure your child's costume and shoes fit properly. Have them try on their costume several days before Halloween so you have time to make necessary adjustments. If their costume includes an accessory such as a sword or knife, it should be soft and have a blunt end.
Opt for face paint instead of a mask, which can obstruct your child's vision. Buy nontoxic face paint or make homemade paint with your child. Test the paint on your child's face several days before Halloween to be sure it won't trigger an allergic reaction.
Add a few pieces of reflective tape to your child's costume and trick-or-treat bag to increase their visibility. Glowing bracelets or necklaces can also help your child be seen, but keep them away from babies as they may be tempted to chew on them.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
Talk to your child about what they should do if they get lost. For extra precaution, consider having your child wear a GPS tracking device or a Halloween safety tattoo.
Trick-or-treating generates a lot of excitement, which means your kids may forget the basic pedestrian safety rules you've taught them. Before your night begins, remind them to stay on sidewalks, never dart into the street from between parked cars, and walk, not run, from house to house.
You should be sure to carry a flashlight with new batteries. Depending on their age, you may also want to provide your child with their own flashlight. If you do, choose one that's labeled child-safe.
Candy Safety
Caution your kids against eating goodies before you've had a chance to approve them, and only okay candy that is in its original wrapper. Be mindful of any food allergies your child may have, and never allow your little one to eat a treat that poses a choking hazard. Hard candy tops the list of foods that most often send kids to the emergency room. Have safe treats or inexpensive toys on hand to trade your child for their dangerous candy.
To help avoid post trick-or-treating belly aches and tantrums, have your child eat a good meal before the night begins and discuss how many pieces of candy they'll be allowed to eat.
Tweens and Teens
If your kids are heading out this Halloween without an adult escort, review these tips to help them stay safe.
Neighborhood Safety
Consider downloading a crime mapping app like CrimeReports to learn what crime is taking place in your community and find out where registered sex offenders live. Use this information to help your child plan their trick-or-treat route and discuss any off-limit areas or homes.
Before they leave home, be sure your child has their cell phone and establish how often they should check in with you. Tell them to call you immediately if the plans they've discussed with you change. You should also talk about “what ifs.” For example, you might ask your child what they will do if someone offers them alcohol or drugs at a party, or if a stranger invites them into their home while they're trick-or-treating.
Party Safety
Older kids may skip trick-or-treating and attend a party. Make sure a parent will be in attendance and find out what time the party is expected to end.
Allow your child to enjoy their independence while helping them stay safe by downloading a personal safety app. These apps can let you do things like check your child's GPS location and confirm that they made it to their destination.
Remind older children that Halloween “pranks,” such as toilet papering a house or throwing eggs at passing cars are not only disrespectful, they're also illegal.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that Halloween is a dangerous night for pedestrians; it's also a perilous one for motorists due to the number of drunk drivers on the road. Consider prohibiting your teen from driving on Halloween. If they do get behind the wheel, remind them to use extreme caution.
We hope this list will help your kids enjoy a safe night of trick-or-treating. For more tips, plus a slew of creative uses for leftover candy, check out our Halloween-themed Pinterest board.
Did we miss anything? What Halloween Safety tips would you add to the list?
Don't have time to read now? Click below to pin and read later.
The post How to Keep Your Kids Safe on Halloween appeared first on SafeWise.
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Safety and Dangers to a Playground
The info stated listed below need to be used as a guideline to reduce injuries connected with play ground equipment. Nonetheless, it is believed that these referrals, along with the technological information in the ASTM Requirements for Public Playgrounds will add to higher play area safety.
Just what is a Public Play area?
A public play ground refers to one planned to be utilized by children ages 6 months with 12 years in business day care facilities, institutions, multiple family members houses, parks, dining establishments, hotels, as well as institutions.
Details in this Article:
General play area safety factors to consider
Play ground products and also appearing
Determining particular play area dangers as well as how you can prevent them
Correct steps needed to maintain a play area as well as its' equipment
The use of platforms, guardrails as well as protective obstacles to lessen unintentional falls
There are 7 crucial aspects you need to bear in mind when laying out your play area:
Access: The surface area material should enable access to the tools for children with impairments.
Age Splitting Up: Locations for various age must be separated by a buffer area. This zone will certainly decrease the opportunity of injury by youngsters of varying task degrees running into each various other.
Age: Various play areas are structured for different age groups. The safety demands vary with each age. Bear in mind the age group that will be utilizing the play ground and purchase accordingly.
Clashing Activities: The play ground ought to be organized right into areas to avoid injury from overlapping activities. Make sure to position swings and also merry-go-rounds towards an edge, side or edge of a backyard. Slides should not be positioned in a stuffed area.
View Lines: Visual obstacles should be lessened so that caregivers, moms and dads or managers can keep track of children making use of the play area. Benches put around the outside of the framework enable sightseers an area to sit while they enjoy the children.
Signs and/or Identifying: Indications must be offered to provide the users advice about the age appropriateness of the devices, along with ways to appropriately use the equipment.
Supervision: Ensure the manager is aware of the standard safety guidelines of the equipment.
When choosing a website for a play ground, there are a few variables that are very important to think about:
Travel patterns to and from the play ground: Exist any type of threats in the way? If so, clear the risks.
Close-by ease of access dangers (web traffic, bodies of water, steep hills, etc.): Could a child unintentionally or intentionally encounter a nearby danger? If so, provide an approach to include youngsters within the playground (fence, bush). Know that the fence or bush should still enable monitoring by managers.
Sunlight direct exposure: Is the sunlight's heat sufficient enough to warm steel parts, slides, systems, steps or appearing enough to shed youngsters? Will individuals be exposed to the sun throughout the most extreme part of the day? If so, take into consideration positioning it so the bare metal is shaded. Supply cautions that the tools will be warm in the sunshine. Think about shading the play ground with a color structure.
Incline as well as water drainage: Will loose fill up product wash away in the rainfall? If so, think about appropriate drainage to stop washouts.
When mounting a play area, use equipment and also equipment accepted by the producer. Adhere to the directions INCREDIBLY meticulously or hire a play ground installer. Keep in mind to keep all materials from the producer and begin a precise record of all evaluations as well as maintenance. Extensively check the tools before the initial use, consisting of the equipment.
Timber:
Creosote-treated timber (railway ties, telephone poles, etc) as well as coverings that contain pesticides ought to not be utilized.
Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) was an old chemical that was utilized to deal with timber, consisting of wood playgrounds. Since 2001, this treatment is no longer secure it is understood to rust specific products much faster compared to others.
Metal:
Avoid making use of bare steel for platforms, slides or steps. In straight sunshine, bare steel could come to be exceptionally hot and also cause call melt injuries. Usage plastic coated metal, plastic or wood. Treatment the play ground with a shelter is always the best choice. When layer existing bare metal or making use of plastic layered metal, consider:
The maker ought to ensure that customers can not consume, inhale or soak up possibly dangerous amounts of preservative chemicals as a result of call.
All paints must meet the CPSC (Customer Item Safety Payment) law for lead paint.
Colored surface areas ought to be kept frequently to avoid rust and also deterioration.
Hardware:
Things to inspect pertaining to equipment:
All bolts, connectors as well as coverings need to not be detachable without the use of devices.
All revealed equipment needs to be smooth to the individual to avoid lacerations, penetrations, or fabric entanglement risks.
Hardware in relocating joints need to be secured against unintentional or unapproved helping to loosen.
All equipment ought to be destructive immune.
Bearings or bushings utilized in relocating joints need to be self-lubricating or simple to oil.
All S-hooks as well as C-hooks need to be closed (no gap or space higher than 0.04").
A proper play area surface area is one of one of the most vital consider reducing injuries that happen when youngsters drop from devices. The surface area under the playground tools should be soft adequate and thick sufficient to soften the influence of a youngster's loss. Lawn as well as dust are not advised for surfacing product as a result of water as well as all-natural weathering which can take place at a radical price. There are 2 type of emerging material: unitary and loose-fill.
Unitary products are typically ASTM checked rubber mats or a pour-in-place energy taking in material. These type of emerging alternatives are excellent for kids and also handicap easily accessible playgrounds and are generally a lot more costly compared to loose-fill materials.
CCA treated wood compost, gravel or dust are not acceptable forms of loose-fill product.
Loose fill materials will certainly compress at the very least 25% gradually as a result of make use of as well as weathering so it is a smart idea to fill the usage area with greater than the recommended fill degree. For example, if the playground will certainly call for 9 inches of wood chips then the first fill level need to be 12 inches.
Ideal Surfacing:
Any kind of material checked to ASTM F1292, including unitary surface areas, engineered timber fiber, etc
.
Pea crushed rock Sand Shredded/recycled rubber mulch Wood mulch (not CCA-treated).
Wood chips.
Improper Appearing:.
Asphalt.
Rug.
Concrete.
Dirt.
Yard.
CCA-treated timber.
When picking play area devices, it is necessary that you keep in mind exactly what the intended age will be. Kids of various ages as well as phases of development have various demands and also abilities. Play areas are developed to encourage a youngster's creativity while establishing brand-new skills. If you are picking a play area for a college or public park, you need to inspect your state's standards on integrating handicap accessible play frameworks in the playground.
Some tools is not recommended for public playgrounds including trampolines, turning gateways, large strides, climbing up ropes that are not safeguarded at both ends, rope swings or hefty metal swings. Devices such as systems, tipped platforms, guardrails and also barriers, handrails, and means to accessibility and also egress from play devices have different standards for the different age groups (toddlers, preschool, and school age). It is essential to comprehend that guardrails are not intended for toddlers as it is very easy for them to creep through.
It is simpler for a child to climb than it is for them to get down. Remember to supply various techniques to gain access to and also egress from the play structure so different skill levels will really feel comfy making use of the tools.
There are 6 major categories of playground threats:.
Crush and Shear Information: Crush and shear points can be triggered by parts relocating about each various other, or to a fixed component, during a normal usage cycle, such as with a seesaw. To identify if there is a crush or shear factor, take into consideration the likelihood a child could obtain a body component inside the point as well as the shutting force around the factor.
Entanglement as well as Impalement: Drawstrings on hoods of jackets, sweatshirts, and various other upper body apparel can come to be entangled in playground equipment, as well as can cause fatality by strangulation. To prevent this, eliminate any ropes, dog chains, or similar items affixed to play area tools and prevent tools with ropes that are not secured at both ends. Estimates on play ground devices must not have the ability to ensnare kids's clothes nor need to they be big enough to impale.
Entrapment: Head entrapment could take place feet initial or head first. Openings can offer an entrapment risk if the distance in between any kind of indoor opposing surfaces is higher than 3.5 inches as well as less than 9 inches. Children could end up being allured by partially bound openings, such as those developed by two or even more playground parts. To lessen entrapment risks of stepped systems, infill should be made use of to reduce the area between stepped platforms.
Sharp Factors, Corners, and Edges: Any sharp side or factor could create major lacerations. To stay clear of the danger of injury make certain that wood parts are smooth and also not splintering, all edges are rounded and all steel edges are rolled or have actually rounded capping.
Suspended Hazards: Suspended components need to be put far from high website traffic areas, vibrantly colored and need to not loophole back on themselves.
Stumbling: Play grounds ought to be free from any tripping risks such as rapid modifications in altitude, securing tools and also control wall surfaces for loose-fill surfacing.
All playground areas should be examined for excessive wear, wear and tear as well as any kind of prospective risks. For each and every piece of equipment, the regularity of detailed examinations will certainly depend on the kind and age of the devices, the quantity of use as well as the regional environment. To assist guarantee your loose-fill surfacing level stays sufficient as well as is not displaced, it needs to be inspected frequently and also raked back into its correct location if essential. When evaluating loose-fill emerging materials, pay certain attention to locations under swings and at slide exits, pooled water on mulch appearing and areas of icy appearing.
Records of the complying with must constantly be preserved:.
Maintenance inspections.
Repair services.
Accidents or injuries.
Platforms should be typically flat with openings that allow for water drainage. A tipped system must have an accessibility part if the difference between platforms is 12" for kids or 18" for school-age users. Accessibility to systems over 6 feet high (with the exception of free-standing slides) ought to provide an intermediate standing surface area so that the kid could pause as well as make a decision to maintain going or discover another method down.
Guardrails and safety obstacles are used to reduce the chance of unexpected falls from elevated platforms, nevertheless; protective obstacles supply higher defense for children. Guardrails ought to be tall enough to safeguard the tallest kid from tipping over the leading as well as low sufficient that the smallest child can not stroll under it. Barriers are not required if it will certainly disrupt the meant use the equipment, such as climbing tools.
Guardrails or safety obstacles need to be given on the following:.
Raised platforms.
Walkways.
Touchdowns.
Stairs.
Transitional surfaces.
There are a number of variables to think about when choosing the ideal playground for any outside location. The above details are the fundamental safety laws to assist kids take a trip to and from the play area, to recognize any kind of potential hazards near your play area and also what obstacles on the unit will certainly interrupt the line of sight of those supervising the children at play.
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