Jo Ferraris , founder and owner of Mischief Managed ( yes , that is a Harry Potter reference ) dog training facility in South Kingstown , shares her top tips for transforming your pooch ’ s mayhem into manners .
NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO GROUNDS
Get Out of the ( Dog ) House
Just because they have four legs doesn ’ t mean your best friend has to miss out on your fun spring or summer plans .
Catch a Match
Horses aren ’ t the only four-legged friends allowed on the Newport International Polo Grounds at Glen Farm — in fact , the organizers encourage you to picnic with your pup while you peep the polo . Just make sure to keep them leashed and out of the pavilion area and to pick up after them when they do their business . 250 Linden Ln ., Portsmouth , 846-0200 , nptpolo . com
Yappy Hour
Rhode Island may not allow happy hours in the traditional sense , but it makes a happy “ exception ” for Yappy Hours , aka events where both booze and pooches are welcome in equal measure . Aloft Downtown Providence hosts its own iteration in the summer to support the Providence Animal Rescue League , with plenty of treats for both humans and dogs alike . Garden City Center also holds pup-friendly
GARDEN CITY events in the spring and fall . Keep an eye on both locations ’ websites and social media for details . aloftprovidencedowntown . com ; gardencitycenter . com
Go for a Drive
Attention owners of small dogs who love hanging their heads out the car window : Take a trip aboard Rail Explorers , a pedal-powered tour along Aquidneck Island ’ s waterfront . Just keep in mind that your pooch must be able to sit calmly on the floor of the railbike while leashed , or ride in a carrier to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all . 1 Alexander Rd ., Portsmouth , 877-833-8588 , railexplorers . net — K . M .
Set new pups up for success . In the beginning , whether it ’ s an adult or a puppy and regardless of housebroken status , supervise your new dog in your house . Use a leash to take them out at regular scheduled intervals throughout the day . Always treat a new dog coming into the home as though it ’ s not quite fully potty-trained in this environment , Ferraris says .
Turn crate cries into contentment . Set the crate up as a safe space . Try feeding your dog in their crate , even with the door open . When the dog isn ’ t in the crate , drop a new toy or treat in there . Eventually , it will investigate and realize good things appear in their crate . Also , hang out with them while they ’ re in the crate ; have it next to you while you watch TV . For puppies or smaller dogs , you could also put the crate up on a surface in your room where they can see you before they fall asleep at night .
Remember consistency is key . Establish house rules and routine from day one . Make sure everyone in the house is on board with where the dog is going to sleep , whether it ’ s allowed on the furniture , and so on . It is more challenging for the dog to learn when their owners have different rules .
Keep company in mind . Don ’ t overwhelm new pets with lots of new people . But if you can ’ t avoid it , have a separate , safe room for them to be in while guests are over . Do not force any interactions between a dog and a stranger coming into the home ; let the dog decide when it feels safe to socialize . For puppies four months and younger , though , you do want to socialize them as much as possible . Make sure they are comfortable . If they appear stressed , have them step back from the action and watch from a distance .
Don ’ t be afraid to seek professionals . Of course , this applies to any situation where a dog is exhibiting concerning behaviors . Enrolling in quality dog training classes or lessons with a certified dog trainer is ideal for dogs of any age and people of any background or experience . Every dog is different , and there ’ s always something to learn . — K . M . 🆁
MISCHIEF MANAGED TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY ( TOP LEFT ) CAPTURED BY COCOA & CO .; ( BOTTOM INSET LEFT ): COURTESY OF GARDEN CTY ; ( BOTTOM RIGHT ): COURTESY OF MISCHIEF MANAGED .
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