A big thanks to dog trainer Judy Luther with Dog Star Training LLC for teaching us about dog communication and appropriate play last night! It's hard to summarize 1 1/2 hours of great information, but here's a few helpful tidbits. - If you notice your dog's play style is too rough for another dog, redirect to another area of the park. There's plenty of space. Often times, it's not about correcting, it's about redirecting. - Nipping and biting at the neck and shoulders may look and even sound rough, but it's normal dog play. If a dog is looking to hurt another dog, he will bite at the stomach area. -Don't scold your dog for growling. Growling is how your dog communicates important messages to other dogs like, "I want you to give me more space," or "I don't want to play that rough." Dogs have a play growl when they're excited and having fun. We frequently see growling over balls and frisbees. That is a dog's way of saying, "Don't take that from me. It's mine." A growl with a snarl is used by a dog to AVOID a bite. - A dog that freezes with a stiff body and direct stare is often getting ready to bite. It may last for only a couple seconds, or it may last longer. If you see this, quickly redirect your dog. - Dogs don't like confined spaces. Keep groups of dogs from gathering at the entrance gate and lake gate. - Be on the lookout for bullying. This is when two or more dogs target one dog with chasing or playing too rough. - Healthy dog play is balanced and bouncy with dogs frequently changing positions. One will be on the top and then they'll switch. - For dogs that don't want to leave the park, Judy recommends keeping a special treat in your car that is only used after leaving the dog park. - For dogs that pull on a leash, Judy recommends the Freedom No Pull Dog Harness. - Don't over control your dog. They are at the park to have fun! There's so much more helpful information that was discussed. We will continue to educate because education plays a big role in having a safe, enjoyable dog playground.

Free Dog Communication Class for Members on Thurs. Nov. 9 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Wildwood YMCA. Certified dog trainer Judy Luther from Dog Star Training LLC will be teaching us about dog communication and body language as it applies to the park. Learn which behaviors are cause for concern and which are just normal dog behaviors. Bring your questions and be ready to see the park through different eyes!

Fall Festival photos from Higher Focus Photography! A special thank you to our park sponsors - Linda Graves Arnold: Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Gundaker, Cherry Hills Veterinary Hospital, Dog Star Training LLC, Tri-City Animal & Bird Clinic, and Higher Focus Photography.

Need something happy today? Mozzie and Penny Lane always make us smile. :)

Join us tomorrow night Tuesday, Oct 3 from 6 - 7 p.m. for a free, one hour training session on teaching your dog to come when called. Certified dog trainer, Judy Luther, from Dog Star Training LLC will be teaching us without our dogs. You do not have to be a member to come learn. We'll meet in the small dog area.

Lily and Remi welcome fall. These two are such sweethearts!

Don't know who to vote for in the 9th Annual Cutest Pet Contest held by St. Louis Post-Dispatch? Vote for a Happy Hounds dog! Look at these cuties shown below in the order of their contest appearance. Voting ends on September 26. First place wins a free year membership to Happy Hounds Playground and 2nd Place wins a free pet photography session with Higher Focus Photography. Good Luck!! upickem.stltoday.com/engine/welcome.aspx?contestid=358160

Puppy Playdate This Saturday, Sept. 23 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. We're looking for pups 6-12 months to burn off some of that endless energy! If you are a first-time visitor, bring vet records to show current vaccinations and proof of spay/neuter. No children under 12.

Who says summer is over?! Come join the FUN at Happy Hounds Playground in Wildwood, MO!

Golden Retriever, Cairn Terrier & Boston Terrier Playdates tonight from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. If this is your first time visiting the park, please bring vet records showing proof of vaccinations and spay/neuter. No children under 12.

Poodle, Doodle and Shih Tzu playdates this Saturday Sept. 9! You do not have to be a member for these free playdates. Bring vet records to show proof of current vaccinations and spay/neuter. No children under 12. Check our website for times. It's time you had a happy hound!

Labrador Retriever & Pomeranian playdate this Wednesday, Sept 6 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. First time visitors bring vet records showing proof of current vaccinations and spay/neuter. No children under 12. Let your dog have fun!!