Cheney Dog Park

10/05/2026

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09/16/2026

With pets and people, we’re stupid when assessing smarts.

09/15/2026

09/15/2026

Having a smart dog brings fast learning and deep bonding, but it also means high demands for mental stimulation and potential behavior problems if they get bored.
Advantages of a Smart DogFast Learning: Intelligent breeds pick up new commands, rules, and tricks after very few repetitions.
Problem-Solving: They can figure out spatial layouts, navigate environments, and even assist with specific jobs or tasks.
Strong Bonding: Working closely on training and interactive games deepens the communication and relationship between you and your dog.
Versatility: They adapt well to new activities, dog sports, and diverse environments.
Mental Sharpness: Continuous learning keeps their brains active, which can help delay cognitive decline in their senior years.

Disadvantages of a Smart Dog
Boredom and Destructive Behavior: Without daily mental challenges, smart dogs invent their own jobs—like chewing furniture, digging, or escaping yards.
Manipulation and Testing Boundaries: As noted by trainers at Dogs In the Park, intelligent dogs quickly learn how to work the system, figure out loopholes, and outsmart inconsistent owners. High Time Commitment: They require constant supervision, puzzle toys, and active engagement, making them a poor fit for average or first-time households.
Mixed Opinions on Manageability: Discussions on platforms like Reddit show that opinions are mixed; while some owners love the quick training, many find that clever dogs get into trouble much more easily than more laid-back pets.

08/27/2026

Knowing how to keep our fur-babies safe and healthy is important!

VCA veterinarian Jinni Sinnott-Stutzman explains how to prevent choking in cats and dogs, and what to do if it happens.

08/27/2026

https://nicenews.com/environment/what-do-dog-cat-choking-vet/?ck_subscriber_id=2574917546&utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Do%20you%20know%20dog%20CPR%3F%20-%2023057572

08/13/2026

Upcoming Dog Centered Activities in the Spokane area

August & September 2026 Dog Events
Bark in the Park Night:
August 18, 2025 at Avista Stadium; bring your dog for a designated pet-friendly seating area, ticket proceeds supporting local shelters, and a post-game Puppy Parade.

SpokAnimal Doggie Dip:
August 21–23 at Spokane Aquatic Center pools ($10 per dog with rabies vaccine proof):Liberty Pool: August 21 (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)Shadle Pool: August 22 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)Comstock Pool: August 23 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)

Paws to Read:
August 20 at Shadle Park High School library/community area; read stories to therapy dogs from Thera Paws.

Paint Your Pet & Sip for a Cause:
September 13 at Commellini Estate; a guided pet-painting fundraiser with an Italian dinner benefiting Murci’s Mission ($100 per person).

Dr. Judy Morgan Pet Wellness Talk:
September 26 at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile South Hill, focusing on natural pet health and longevity.

Howl-o-ween on the Bluff:
October 4 at The Farmhouse Farm & Cellar; a free-to-enter dog costume contest starting at 12:00 PM.

08/13/2026

What’s Going on Inside Your Dog’s Brain When You Smile at Them?
It doesn’t take much on a dog’s part to elicit a smile from their owner — or from passersby on the street, many of whom often begin cooing at the pup before even taking stock of the person holding the leash.
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While previous research has suggested that canines can differentiate people’s facial expressions (something any pet parent can attest to), less is known about the biology involved. A new study investigated what actually takes place inside a dog’s brain during this process, finding that images of smiling faces activated the same region that lights up when pups anticipate tasty treats.
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In the study, published Monday in the journal iScience, researchers conducted brain scans on eight dogs while the animals were shown photos of strangers with either neutral or happy expressions. The happy faces triggered activity in the temporal cortex, which is associated with cognitive processing, and the caudate nucleus, associated with reward processing.
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​Read our full article to learn about how dogs process other facial expressions (and see a pic of the researchers with their own participating pups).
https://cbc7e342.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmuvmnpz3dc6hpqg285a5h202ld78tnh8wwz9/48hvh7um44ee5xhqu7/aHR0cHM6Ly9uaWNlbmV3cy5jb20vc2NpZW5jZS9ob3ctZG9ncy1wcm9jZXNzLWh1bWFuLWZhY2lhbC1leHByZXNzaW9ucy1zbWlsZXMv

07/30/2026

Traveling with Your Dog
Travels with Charley: In Search of America is a 1962 travelogue by John Steinbeck, chronicling his 10,000-mile road trip across the United States with his poodle, Charley, in a custom camper named Rocinante.
The book is a great read, and Steinbeck's journey with his dog is a great adventure. Today, traveling with your dog is a little easier tha. In Steinbeck's day.
With the internet, you can find dog friendly hotels and restaurants. There are apps like DogPack, BringFido, DogMap, PawPlaces, SniffSpot, for finding dog parks and other dog friendly places.
You still need to remember:
*Never leave your dog alone in the car -- cars heat up fast and a dog can quickly suffer heat stroke.
*Make sure your dog likes road trips before setting off!
*Have your dog microchippped and have a tag with your phone number on your dog's collar.
*Keep your dog leashed unless in a fenced dog park. You don't want to get separated on your trip.
*Bring enough of your dog's usual food to get you through the trip. Unfamiliar food can cause tummy issues.
*Carry water for your dog.
*Plan stops - p*e breaks, running around in a dog park breaks.
*Plan ahead so you know you have places to go and things to do that are dog friendly!

07/19/2026

Thanks to the efforts of Girl Scout Troop # 2339 and the Golden Wings Mobile Pet Pantry, the newest feature of the Cheney Dog Park is a Pet Pantry!
If you have something to donate, or are in need of a little help to take care of your fur-babies, the Pet Pantry is here to help.