TCDOG is committed to enhancing responsible dog ownership and educating its members by sponsoring educational events, by encouraging questions and answers on the listserve, and by maintaining this website.

Dog Behavior - Sharon Garland

Katrina Karavan

First Aid

Vaccination Guidelines

Glen Golden's Training Tips

Local Trainers & web links

In 2005, TCDOG held its first educational event on June 6, 2005 by sponsoring a free educational seminar on dog behavior at the Women's Community Building in Ithaca. The discussion focused on the most effective methods of keeping dogs safe, both on and off-leash in a variety of settings. It stressed the importance of responsible dog-ownership and provided techniques for preventing dog fights and other aggression. The presentation lasted for approximately one (1) hour with an enthusiastic question and answer period. This seminar was open to the public and attended by 60 people. The session was video-tapped and is available for TCDOG members to view. More on Sharon's presentation, her handout, and the video can be found here.

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TCDOG held four educational events during 2006.

In January, TCDOG sponsored a coffee-hour to celebrate Chinese New Year and 2006 being the "Year of the Dog". At this event, Sharon Garland, who volunteered to rescue several animals in the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina, described her rescue efforts and the rescue efforts of the Katrina Karavan. This event was open to members and to the community in general. See Monday Jan 30th's Ithaca Journal story.

In March, in conjunction with its Bi-Annual Membership Meeting, TCDOG sponsored a seminar on how to recognize Dog Aggression. This educational seminar was again open to the public and to TCDOG members. Dr. Elise Christensen of the Cornell Vet School gave a illustrative discussion about how to recognize aggression in dogs and what to do if one saw such signs. Approximately 50 people attended this event.

In April, TCDOG sponsored its annual Spring Clean-up and Scoop the Poop drive. Although the off-leash area was unofficial at this time, TCDOG plans and conducts multiple Scoop the Poop drives during the year. In the future, TCDOG plans to increase these drives to maintain the off-leash area, promote responsible dog ownership and for the safety of individuals and their dogs.

In September, in conjunction with its Bi-Annual Membership Meeting, TCDOG sponsored a seminar on doggy-first aid and a discussion on vaccinations. Dr. Christine Armeo, a local veterinarian, and Sharon Garland, LVT, spoke and gave demonstrations to attendees as to the administration of first aid for pets. The hand-out on tips for doggy-first aid. In addition, Dr Armeo stressed that the right vaccinations for your dog depends on your circumstances - where you live and where your dogs go. There is no "right" answer for everyone. You should discuss your situation and your concerns with your vet. She distributed the AAHA Vaccination guidelines as a reference.

In December, in conjunction with the official opening of the temporary off-leash area, TCDOG provided information on off-leash doggy etiquette, and informed attendees about the off-leash area rules. TCDOG created and distributed laminated pocket-versions of the rules for off-leash dog walkers to review and carry with them. The City's rules are available here.

Future Educational Events:

TCDOG hopes to continue its educational events into 2007. Future topics may include education about sensitive natural areas located adjacent to the temporary off leash area, the promotion of responsible and sensitive use of this space by dog-walkers, homeopathic treatment and physical therapy for dogs, clicker training and other dog training and obedience, and continued training and education about the rules of the off-leash area and off-leash etiquette for dogs and dog walkers.

Glen Golden's excellent Training Suggestions can be found here: GOLDEN RULES