Welcome to CNY Dog Life 🐾
Your weekly guide to dogs & dog owners in Central New York
📅 Local Dog Events
Upstate NY Dog Activities (community group)
Central New York, NY
Ongoing social group where local dog owners organize walks, meetups, and dog-friendly activities.
Link: Join the Facebook group Upstate NY Dog Activities Group (Facebook)
Central Bark Canine Events – Barn Hunt & Workshops
Central NY, NY
Fun canine performance and training events, including barn hunt trials, lessons, and dog-human activities (check calendar for specific dates).
Link: Event and class info Central Bark Canine Events – Official Site
BringFido – Dog-Friendly Activities in Syracuse
Syracuse, NY
Daily opportunities for dog meetups, casual outings, and local dog-friendly spots (parks, breweries, trails) you can enjoy with your pup.
Link: Dog-friendly activities & spots in Syracuse BringFido Syracuse Dog‑Friendly Guide
🐾 Community Call
Have a specific event happening soon? Reply with the date and details — we’ll feature it in Issue #2!
🐶 Rescue Spotlight
Helping Hounds Dog Rescue – North Syracuse, NY
Helping Hounds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to finding forever homes for rescue dogs in Central New York. They provide compassionate care and support to dogs in need, from shelter to adoption, helping connect pets with loving families.
Meet a few pups looking for homes:
(Visit the link below to see personalities and photos of dogs currently available for adoption.)
Link: See available dogs — Helping Hounds Dog Rescue
Adopt / Donate / Volunteer: https://helpinghoundsdogrescue.org/adopt/
🐾 Other Local Rescue Resources
CNY SPCA – Syracuse, NY
A long-standing Central New York organization providing shelter, medical care, and adoption services for dogs and other pets.
Adopt a dog: https://cnyspca.org/adopt-a-dog/
Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter – Syracuse, NY
A local shelter dedicated to giving dogs a second chance through adoption, fostering, and community support.
Learn more: https://www.jamesvillesecondchance.com/
Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse, Inc. – Syracuse, NY
A collaborative network supporting local shelters and animal welfare organizations across the region, helping strengthen the safety net for pets in need.
Learn more: https://bestfriends.org/partners/animal-alliance-greater-syracuse-inc
🎓 Training Tip of the Week
Winter Walks Without the Pulling
Cold weather often means shorter walks and extra pent-up energy, which can make leash pulling worse. Before heading outside, give your dog a few minutes of indoor activity—such as practicing “sit,” “down,” or a short game of tug—to help release excess energy.
On your walk, reward your dog whenever the leash stays loose. If pulling starts, stop walking until the leash relaxes, then continue. Consistency matters more than distance, especially during icy or snowy conditions.
Helpful guide:
Loose-Leash Walking Tips from the American Kennel Club
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-your-dog-to-walk-on-a-loose-leash/
🌳 Dog Park of the Week
Carm’s Dog House Park (Ormand Spencer Park) – Syracuse, NY
A popular fenced dog park offering separate areas for large and small dogs, shaded seating for owners, and plenty of space for pups to run and socialize. A go-to spot for local dog owners looking for safe off-leash playtime.
Location & details:
https://www.syr.gov/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Dog-Parks
Map:
https://www.google.com/maps?q=Ormand+Spencer+Park+Syracuse+NY
Optional rotation line (use weekly)
Have a favorite dog park or dog-friendly spot in Central New York? Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming issue. Email us at CNYDogLife@yahoo.com
🩺 Ask the Expert (Vet Q&A)
Q: Why does my dog lick their paws so much?
A: Paw licking is common and can have several causes, including allergies (environmental or food-related), dry or irritated skin, anxiety, boredom, or something stuck between the toes. Occasional licking is normal, but frequent or obsessive licking—especially if you notice redness, swelling, or hair loss—can signal an underlying issue.
If paw licking is persistent or getting worse, a veterinarian can help determine whether allergies, infection, or another condition is involved and recommend appropriate treatment.
Learn more about common causes of paw licking:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-lick-their-paws/
Want to submit a question for a local veterinarian or pet expert?
Reply to this email or submit your question for a future issue.
✂️ Local Pet Business Directory
Dog Doody Duty LLC – Central New York
Professional dog waste removal and yard cleanup services for residential properties.
Website: https://www.dogdoodyduty.com
Helping Hounds Dog Rescue – North Syracuse, NY
Dog rescue and adoption organization serving Central New York.
Website: https://helpinghoundsdogrescue.org
Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter – Syracuse, NY
Local shelter providing adoption, fostering, and support for dogs in need.
Website: https://www.jamesvillesecondchance.com/
CNY SPCA – Syracuse, NY
Animal shelter offering adoption services, veterinary care, and community programs.
Website: https://cnyspca.org
Local pet businesses are welcome to be listed. Enhanced listings and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Email: CNYDogLife@yahoo.com
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