 | Krakar Pack Enjoying a Break
New Hope Trails Dog ParK |
Greetings:
I have a confession to make. I am a dog trainer and I LOVE off-leash dog parks. There, I admitted it.
When I started working on the website,paperwork, fencing and mowing needed to open the dog park, oh my, I received an earful from everybody.
My pack and my family have been enjoying the back 5 acres of the Austin Dog Alliance property since August 2012. It's time for us to share with all of you. It's a beautiful area, surrounded by fields of wild flowers on acres of undeveloped land. Our park area has about 2.5 acres of mowed fields and 2.5 acres of hiking trails. It's fully fenced and features some beautiful heritage trees to provide shade. Some items to consider before visiting the dog park:
- Wear bug spray and closed toe shoes. It's been raining a lot and that produces mosquitoes. It's a natural area and while we have tried to remove all ant mounds, we really can't expect to get them all.
- If you are adverse to your dog getting dirty, don't visit when it just rained. There is a small creek that is dry, except the day or so after a rain. The water moves quickly thru there, so it's likely safe for drinking and playing in, but it will get your dog dirty.
- Pick up and dispose of your dog's waste. The park is maintained by volunteers and we do not like stepping in dog poop. Please be respectful of others.
- If your dog has ANY type of dog aggression - rent the park for private use and don't visit on "open" days. Some dogs thrive on socializing with other dogs, some just don't do well.
- Make sure your dog has good recall prior to visiting. If you are not sure about recall, get a long line,
 | | Ready for the Ball! |
attach it to your dog and go practice at a park. If you need help with this, contact us about a private lesson. - Plan to spend some time brushing your dog after a visit. It's not sticker burr season right now, but there are some and some dogs will get the cut grass embedded in their fur. My shepherd and border collie don't collect grass or burrs, but the goldens will get some in their feathering and my 5 pound fluffy dog usually needs about 20 minutes of brushing to get all the debris out of her fur. (Hint - dog conditioner works really well in reducing the burr issue).
- Walk away when needed. Sometimes dogs get too wound up and unfortunately, not all owners will notice when their dog is moving into an over aroused, somewhat aggressive state. I've learned that if I walk away and call my dogs to me, they will leave the crazy dog behind. Sometimes I need to throw a ball in the opposite direction to move them away from a crazy dog, but the point is that I'm constantly monitoring my pack and all the dogs around them for signs of trouble. The safety of my dogs is MY responsibility.
I could go on for pages about dog park etiquette and training tips, but for now, this is a good start. All our dog manners classes will now include a segment on dog park etiquette. (I get to teach two classes on Wednesday nights in June, so if you need Dog Manners, sign up and join me.) It's truly beautiful and rejuvenating at the dog park and trust me, your dog will feel like it's gone to heaven.
One more thing - there is a fee for the park. The fee helps offset the costs of mowing, yard equipment, fire ant spray, fencing and the occasional tree removal. I hope you will feel good about paying a small amount to use the park. The funds help us keep it maintained so that you and all the kiddos in our programs can enjoy a slice of nature, right there in our backyard.
Sincerely,
Debi Krakar, CPDT
Executive Director and Founder
Austin Dog Alliance
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Dog Park & Agility Field Now Open!
Passes, punch cards, and private rentals available
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Be | | Agility field - 10,500 sq. ft. |
one of the first to enjoy our brand new agility field and beautiful new dog park!
The Austin Dog Alliance agility field features: - 10,500 sq feet of artificial K9 grass, specifically designed for use with dogs
- AKC competition-level equipment
- Fully fenced with field lighting
- Beautiful setting with shade trees
- Water available on-site for dogs
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Dog park with trees & trails
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Our dog park is filled with trees and trails, as well as open area. Get all the details on our new agility field and dog park, including passes/rental fees and the schedule, on our Dog Park and Agility Field page. We are working towards having the field and dog park open 7 days a week. See the calendar for the most up to date schedule. The agility field is open now, the New Hope Trails Dog Park will open Saturday, June 15. The agility field and dog park are both located at 1321 W. New Hope Drive in Cedar Park.
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Summer Camps Begin June 10!
Six-week summer classes in Manners, Agility, Nose Work, Pet Therapy open for enrollment
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Sign up for a dog training class or enroll your child in Summer Camp!
Summer Camps begin June 10! Austin Dog Alliance summer camps are  tailored to meet the needs of a variety of age groups. Camps take place inside our air-conditioned training center and outside under the shade trees on our 7-acre property. We have a brand new 10,500 sq ft agility field with AKC competition-level equipment. In addition to learning all about dogs and dog training, camp activities will also feature nature walks and water games.  A few spots remain open - see our Summer Camp page for more information and online enrollment. NEW! All About Dogs - Autism. This camp is designed for students on the autism spectrum or those with ADHD who may find traditional kids camps overwhelming. Special Education Teachers lead this camp, with a student-teacher ratio of 3:1. Students will enjoy all the same fun programming of our summer camps, but in a more supported and structured format. Full details available here or call our office, 512-335-7100.  Dog Training (six-week classes). Start your summer off by building a stronger bond with your puppy or dog! Puppy Basics, Dog Manners 1 & 2, Pet Therapy training, Agility, Nose Work, and Reactive Dog Rehab classes begin in June. See our Classes page for complete course information and to register online.
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We're In The News!
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This has been a wonderful spring for Austin Dog Alliance, and we appreciate the extensive media coverage we've received for our efforts and the grand opening of our New Hope Ranch.
In March, the Austin American Statesman covered the Alliance's move to a new facility, with two separate features on our New Hope Ranch in Cedar Park and the amazing community support that made it all possible. The Hill Country News also sported a full-page feature on the opening.
In April, Cedar Park's Community Impact News interviewed Executive Director Debi Krakar, who talked about the immense support of the business community during the building process, and featured the variety of services offered at the new location.
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Therapy dog Branigan on UT campus to help alleviate stress of final exams
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In early May, Carolyn Honish of Austin Dog Alliance and Meghan Sitar of the University of Texas at Austin stopped by Fox 7's " Good Day Austin" program to talk about the Alliance's program using dogs to help ease student stress during finals at UT this spring.
 | TSD student training dog
at Austin Humane Society |
Also in May, Hill Country News spotlighted a new Alliance program taking place at the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD), where young adults are earning their pet-handling certification as a step toward animal-related careers. Alliance program coordinator, pet therapy instructor and certified instructor for the deaf, Carolyn Honish, is leading the unique vocational training program, which is funded by the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).
The TSD certification program is receiving national attention from the respected healthcare magazine ADVANCE for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, which interviewed Carolyn, TSD and DARS officials and others involved in the program for a feature on the class. ADVANCE also highlighted the Alliance's work with children and youth with autism-spectrum disorder in a photo montage on the ADVANCE website.
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Carolyn Honish coaches TSD student on dog training at Austin Humane Society
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The TSD program also gained the notice of the Austin American Statesman, which sent a reporter to observe the class as students practiced their skills at the Austin Humane Society and plans a story for early June.
If you missed media coverage of Austin Dog Alliance, you can catch it all on the In The Media section of our website.
Thanks for your support, and be sure to tell your friends about the amazing work the Alliance is doing in Central Texas.
To make a donation in support of our programs serving the community, see our Donation page. Your support changes lives in our community on a daily basis. Thank you!
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Join Our Foster Program
Making a difference - one dog at a time
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Doogie, one of our adoptable dogs
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Thinking of adopting but not sure you're ready for the commitment? Want to save a life and be rewarded in tail wags and kisses?Austin Dog Alliance does not have a shelter. We rely entirely on the generosity of foster homes to care for our dogs. The number of foster homes we have dictates the number of dogs we can save.
Last year, the Alliance successfully placed over 150 dogs into permanent, loving homes. This is thanks, in large part, to the work of our foster families who prepare our dogs for life as a proper family pet. BUT there are always more dogs to save!
The average foster lasts just a few weeks (but can sometimes take several months) and all dogs are screened for health and temperament. We provide basic supplies, veterinary care, and guidance. You provide love, training, and a home. The care and attention of foster families allows Austin Dog Alliance to expertly match our dogs with prospective homes.
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Daisy is ready for adoption, too!
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If you live in Austin or the surrounding area, and are willing to care for a foster dog, please submit an application and join the Austin Dog Alliance family. Fostering is a fun and immensely rewarding experience you will never forget.
See our Foster Program page for details. If you have any questions, please contact Judy McCarthy, judy@austindogalliance.org , or Carla Elmore, Carla@austindogalliance.org.
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Youth Association
Community outreach and events
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June Dog Wash and Bake Sale!
Sunday, June 30, (11am-2pm) the Austin Dog Alliance Youth Association will hold a Dog Wash and Bake Sale at New Hope Ranch (1321 W. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park) to raise money to purchase and build 56 Kuranda dog beds for Lockhart Animal Shelter.
 | Bed building! Making Kuranda beds for shelter dogs
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The Youth Association is a student-led volunteer association. Their mission: To partner with dogs to improve the lives of children and their families in the Greater Austin community, while providing fun and rewarding leadership and volunteer opportunities for students.
Visit the Youth Association page for details on membership, activities and these other June events:
- June 14 (Friday) Youth Association Meeting at New Hope
- June 15 (Saturday) Kuranda Bed Building at Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter
- June 22 (Saturday) Work day at New Hope Ranch
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Welcome Mae Moorhead - Incoming Volunteer Coordinator
Next Volunteer Orientation June 15
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 | | Mae Moorhead (with Quinn) |
Austin Dog Alliance welcomes Mae Moorhead as incoming Volunteer Coordinator! Mae graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Communication Studies. She raised two guide dogs for Southeastern Guide Dogs while in high school, has worked as a kennel technician, and currently works for an occupational therapist, assisting with equine therapy (hippotherapy). Mae will be hosting Austin Dog Alliance new volunteer orientation sessions.
Our next new volunteer orientation is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2pm at New Hope Ranch (1321 W. New Hope Drive in Cedar Park). Attend an orientation session to learn about Austin Dog Alliance programs and find a volunteer opportunity that's a match for your interests and skills. Join us, and make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Learn more here.
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June is National Pet Preparedness Month
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In the event of an unexpected disaster such as wildfire, flood, or tornado resulting in an emergency evacuation, would you be ready? Do you know know the most important items to include in a pet preparedness kit in the event of an evacuation? Here's a list to get you started:
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In the event of a disaster, be prepared. Know what to include in a pet preparedness kit!
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- Your pet's regular food
- Your pet's medications
- Bottled water
- Leash and collar
- Photo of your pet AND a photo of you with your pet
- Current veterinary immunization records
- Pet carrier
- Blanket or towel
- Pet waste disposal bags
- Basic first aid kit
- List of emergency veterinary clinics, pet-friendly hotels, contact numbers
- Dog toys or other items to keep your pet occupied
Dog collars and tags can become lost - microchipping your pet is highly recommended! ALL dogs in our rescue/foster/adoption program are microchipped before they go home with their forever families.
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Austin Dog Alliance Logo Gear - Now Available Via CafePress
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Make a statement - and make a difference!
 Alliance logo items are now available through CafePress. 
Logo items include shirts, sweatshirts, travel mugs, water bottles, Kindle/Nook/iPhone/iPad cases, blankets, and MORE.
Austin Dog Alliance receives a portion of the proceeds
when you purchase logo gear thru CafePress.
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| Mission | |
Austin Dog Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our mission: To improve the health and well-being of individuals and families through programs incorporating the powerful connection between humans and dogs.
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| Contact Us | Board of Directors
Board Chair
Pet Therapy, Newsletter, Social Media
Capital Campaign
Fundraising & Events
Founder and
Executive Director
Adoption Program
Office Manager Pet Therapy Director
Training Director Volunteer Coordinator Pet Therapy Volunteer Coordinator
Foster/Adoption, PR
PR, Marketing
Youth Association
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