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K9 Acres Park to Open in June!
T he City of Cedar Rapids has announced the grand opening of K9 Acres, its second off-leash dog park, on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at 10:00 am (tentative time).
Please watch next month's newsletter, Facebook and the website for more details. We hope to have festivities similar to the grand reopening of Cheyenne in October 2011.
Remember, please do not use K9 Acres until that date. Thanks and we're looking forward to seeing everyone at the new park!
Please plan to attend!
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Recall Tests Offered in April, May and June
 Qualify for a lifetime discount on your dog's park permit! K9COLA will offer recall tests on Sunday, April 20 and Sunday, May 19 at Cheyenne Park, and on Saturday, June 8 at K9 Acres. Tests run from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm each day. Preregistration isn't necessary, but it will help with planning. If you are planning on attending one of these dates please email your name and your dog's name to info@k9cola.org at least 24 hours prior to the test date. There is no charge, and your dog(s) do not need to have a permit or a daily pass to come out to take the test! If your dog passes the recall test, you will get a certificate entitling you to a $5.00 discount off the cost of a park permit, good each year for the life of your dog. If interested, email info@k9cola.org, or just come on out. |
 What is Recall Testing?
Could your dog pass? The basic idea behind recall testing is that your dog will come when called. Why do we do it? Safety. If an unpleasant incident happens at the dog park, owners calling their dogs limits the number of dogs involved in the incident and its "energy level."
On testing day you will need to check in at the table in the main yard. Tell them your name and your dog's name. The volunteer will give you a number let you know how far down you are on the list. When the tester calls your number, let her know who you are and describe which dog is yours. When she sees the dog is sufficiently distracted she will instruct you to call your dog. If your dog comes you pass.
Unlike with a Canine Good Citizen Test or Obedience Trial, you are allowed to call your dog multiple times (if needed). Although people can practice this skill by rewarding the dog with treats/toys, you aren't allowed to use any on the day of the test. This test takes place off-leash in the main yard.
Worried that your dog won't get far enough away to pass? No need to worry, we have volunteers that can help lead your dog away from your side so that you may call him or her back to you. Still have questions about the test or how it works? Email info@k9cola.org.
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K9Splash! 2013
 Mark your calendars! The dates for K9Splash! 2013 have been finalized. This annual event will be held at Bever Park Pool on August 24 and 25 from 10:30 am to 5 pm. Keep watching the newsletter, Facebook, and the website for details, because this year's event promises to be the biggest and best yet!
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Cedar Rapids Parks Director Sina Retires
 Julie Sina has long been a good friend of K9COLA and a strong supporter of the dog parks. She recently retired, after 34 years, as Cedar Rapids Director of Parks and Recreation. You can read the Cedar Rapids Gazette article about her long service to the city and its people. |
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From the Board of Directors
 We will be working on the installation of agility equipment and on upgrades at Cheyenne as well as other upgrades to Cheyenne: new benches and more trees.
On April 26 there will be a work day at Cheyenne, 10:00 am to noon, with a group of Prairie Point students.
Leadership for 5 Seasons will be planting trees and marking trails at K9 Acres on May 3 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. |
