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tips & how-tos

Tips for dog people

Practical, friendly guides for dog owners in NYC, Long Island and Westchester: dog run etiquette, reading play, seasonal safety, meetups and packs.

At the dog run

At the dog run · 4 min read

Dog run etiquette

The friendly, unwritten rules of NYC, Long Island and Westchester dog runs: gates, leashes, toys, treats, poop and when to call it a day.At the dog run · 4 min read

A first visit to a dog run

How to make your dog's first trip to a dog run calm and fun: when to go, how to enter, what to watch for and how long to stay.At the dog run · 5 min read

Reading body language and play

Play bows, loose bodies and taking turns versus stiff stances and hard stares: how to tell healthy dog play from trouble at the dog run.At the dog run · 3 min read

Small vs large dog areas

Many NYC and Long Island dog runs have separate small-dog and large-dog areas. Here's how to choose the right side for your dog.At the dog run · 4 min read

Trail etiquette with dogs

How to hike with your dog on NYC, Long Island and Westchester trails: leash rules, passing other hikers, wildlife, ticks, water and packing out every bag.At the dog run · 2 min read

What-to-bring checklist

Leash, bags, water and more: a quick checklist for every trip to the dog run, with seasonal extras for summer heat and winter salt.

Health & seasons

Health & seasons · 4 min read

Summer heat and paw safety

Hot sidewalks, humid afternoons and flat-faced breeds: practical summer safety for city and suburban dogs, plus the warning signs of overheating.Health & seasons · 4 min read

Winter salt and cold

Rock salt, ice melt, slushy curbs and short winter days: how to protect paws and keep dogs comfortable through a New York winter.Health & seasons · 5 min read

Ticks and Lyme on Long Island

Ticks are common on Long Island and in Westchester. How to do a quick tick check, remove a tick safely and talk with your vet about prevention.Health & seasons · 4 min read

Vaccines and licensing

Most NYC, Long Island and Westchester dog runs expect current vaccinations and a dog license. A general guide, and who to ask for the exact rules.

Meetups & packs

Meetups & packs · 4 min read

Hosting a good meetup

Pick the right run, the right time and the right size: a simple playbook for hosting a friendly dog meetup on BarksBuds.Meetups & packs · 4 min read

Starting a pack

A pack is a standing group of local dog owners. How to start one on BarksBuds, set a friendly tone and keep people coming back.

Puppies & training

Puppies & training · 5 min read

Puppy socialization

Early, gentle, positive experiences help puppies grow into confident dogs. A practical guide to safe puppy socialization before and after vaccines.

Got a tip worth sharing?

Favorite trail, clever trick, or something every new dog owner should know? Send it in and we may feature it.

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These tips are general information, not veterinary advice. For anything about your own dog's health, ask your vet.