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Sniffspot! Private Dog Park Rentals
I have a new client with a recently adopted lab mix named Loki. He’s young, big, very strong, has a keen prey drive, and has an unusual amount of energy that leads to lots of problem behaviors indoors. The other day, while out on a walk, Loki literally pulled his dad off his feet and dragged him a bit when he spotted another dog. Needless to say, better walking equipment is needed as well as some training and, in the meantime, I urged them to temporarily abort leash walks. Luckily, they have a large fenced yard to provide off-leash freedom and play time for Loki.
I’m worried the dad won’t heed the no-walk recommendation because he told me about a hike he took with Loki last week (partly off leash — yikes!!!!) that yielded a calmer dog when back home. This is a dog who pummels people in greeting, has questionable dog skills, and is keen to chase deer, so hiking off leash is dangerous right now.
Instead, I’ve suggested they look into Sniffspot, where private property owners with fenced-in yards (sometimes acres of land) rent out their space quite inexpensively, for one dog at a time. Having a variety of SAFE locations for Loki to enjoy off-leash freedom, beyond just his back yard, would be a great outlet for him.
Have any of you used Sniffspot for your own dogs or recommended it to clients?
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6 Replies
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Thankfully dad and pup are in good hands with you!
I have recommended them to clients. I have one client who uses them weekly with her 2 dogs. She actually travels out of state for them, too!
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Wow, @jenz , that’s dedication. ????
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I am wowed! I had never heard of Sniffspot before! What an amazing idea. I will definitely be telling my clients about this for any off-leash needs they might have. There isn’t a lot listed in my direct neck-o’-the-woods, but about 10 miles out.
Do you think you’ll get the owners of the lab to check something like this out? Sounds like a safer way to exercise him, for sure.
My parents have a lovely home on the Fox River in Illinois, only 1/2 acre, but right on the river, with access. It would definitely be a perfect rental for this site in the future!
Do you have clients who use this Sniffspace? I’d love to know more.
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I’ve only begun recently recommending Sniffspot, @bernerlabreclectus — in the past there was nothing local so it wouldn’t have been helpful to my clients.
I sure hope Loki gets to try out a Sniffspot or two! I see them again on Monday and will ask what they think.
I also recommended it for a schnauzer named Bishop, who I’ve posted about in the past.Some hosts require negative fecal results and vaccine info, which I think is great.
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” for any off-leash needs they might have.” Also think of them for clients who may have dogs who struggle in some contexts, too. For example, I recommend them to clients whose dogs have certain fear or aggressive-type displays who struggle around other dogs or people. It gives the dogs a chance to start building confidence in a safe, novel setting. It also allows the dog to burn off energy before training. A tired dog is less likely to engage in undesired behaviors.
Some Sniffspots may have agility equipment set up so, if a dog struggles and can’t be in a class, this is a great way to get them out and put their natural skills to work in a safe, fun and positive way. It gives the owner confidence, not to mention all the good feels that their dog is able to do dog stuff!
Keep us posted when you recommend one for the first time and for what circumstance!
Happy training!
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Great points, @jenz !
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