Places to Explore – Leashed and Unleashed.

Places to Explore – Leashed and Unleashed.

In Boulder County, Colorado, we have 145 miles of trails of which 90% are open to dogs, giving you and your best friend lots of opportunities to explore. In some areas, your dog must be leashed, in others are your dog is allowed off-leash completely, or off-leash if they are wearing a voice and sight tag and are under voice and sight control.

DOG PARKS  in Boulder Country

In these parks your dog can run free, unleashed. However, leash laws still apply as you approach and leave the park.  Aggressive dogs are prohibited in all dog parks. And remember to be respectful to other patrons and their dogs, keeping an eye on your dog at all times to make sure he’s not overwhelming anyone else, and picking up his/her poop. All Boulder County dog parks are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk!

LAKES & RESERVOIRS
As the weather gets warmer, and your dog is a swimmer you may be interested in finding a place to take them.  And there are plenty of places, some allow for full-blown swimming and others do not.

Places that allow dogs, but they must be on-leash (so your dog can swim as far as your leash can reach) are:

Other great places to swim, that allow your dog to be off-leash, are:

TRAILS
We have so many fantastic trails to choose from here in Boulder County.  Here are just a few fantastic trails for you and your dog to discover:

Your dog is allowed to be off-leash on the vast majority of their trails IF they have a voice and sight tag.

VOICE AND SIGHT TAG REQUIREMENTS 

  • You’ll need to attend a one hour class
  • Boulder Resident’s need to have a Boulder Dog License
  • Non-Boulder Resident’s need proof of current rabies vaccination
  • Pay a fee ($13 City of Boulder residents, $33 Boulder County, but not City, residents, $75 Non-Boulder County Residents
  • Fee includes one guardian, one dog.  $5 for  each additional guardian, $10 for each additional dog
  • Voice and Sight Tag Program privileges must be renewed annually and must complete an online refresher course at least every 5 years.

When you’re training voice and sight control with your dog, you can practice at one of Boulder County’s dog parks until you feel confident that your dog is well trained.  Once you’ve received your voice and sight tag, your dog must wear his tag on all city trails that allow voice and sight control.  You must also carry a leash for each dog you’re with.  If you or your dog(s) are not following these rules, or he is not within your sight and under voice control, chases other dogs, wildlife or livestock, you can be face a minimum fine of $100.

To register for Boulder’s Voice and Sight Tag Program, click here.

Remember your manners and PICK UP POOP
Open Space and Mountain Parks have partnered with Envirowagg Doggone Good Compost on the coolest program.  Did you know that the average dog produces an average of 275 pounds of waste per year?! Now, compostable bags and waste receptacles are located at many popular trailheads and access points such as Dry Creek Trailhead, South Mesa Trailhead, and Marshall Messa Trailhead. Envirowagg then composts the waste into soil for beautiful plants in Colorado.

If you’re hiking at an area that doesn’t have this awesome program yet, make sure to use 100% plastic-free bags like Earth Rated or Bio Bag’s compostable dog waste bags.  or look for Struttin Pup’s very own bio-degradable poop bags at local dog parks!

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Coconut Oil and your Dog

Coconut Oil and your Dog

Coconut Oil can do wonders!

We’ve all heard of feeding your dog fish oil, but coconut oil?  Let us explore coconut oil a little. Most of the saturated fats in coconut oil are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s), which is where most of its benefits come from.  Lauric Acid has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.  Also, MCT’s are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss.*  Coconut oil balances the thyroid and gently elevates the metabolism leading to more energy.  It can protect from illness, improve digestion, reduce allergic reactions and also speeds healing.  And, like fish oil, coconut oil improves a dog’s skin and coat – without the mercury!

The benefits of Coconut Oil are:

  • Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections
  • Relieves arthritis and ligament problems
  • Makes coats smooth and sleek and helps with dog odor
  • Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Reduces or eliminates bad breath
  • Aids healing of digestive disorders like IBS and Colitis
  • Helps reduce weight
  • Increases energy
  • Regulates and balances insulin, and promotes normal thyroid function
  • Applied topically, it promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
  • Helps prevent or control diabetes

Integrative Veterinarian and Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Karen Becker recommends ¼ tsp for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily.  If you have some coconut oil in your pantry or fridge that you use yourself, treat your dog to it today!  If not, Struttin Pup carries K9 Granola Organic Virgin Coconut Oil as well as Bellyrubs Organic Coconut Flakes.  The coconut flakes are simple to throw on top of your dogs’ food and they taste delicious.  In fact, one customers’ son ate an entire bag of Bellyrubs Organic Coconut Flakes before he discovered they were for his mom’s dog!

*Dogs Naturally, June 8, 2011