By Theresa Gibilisco, owner, The Hungry Puppy
Every fall the phone starts ringing with the same question: "Do you have an indoor dog park?" I'd rather tell you the truth up front than have you drive over in the rain expecting one. We don't. The Hungry Puppy Dog Park is outdoors, right next to our store at 1288 Highway 33 in Farmingdale. What we do have is a plan for the wet, raw days when the park isn't much fun...and a store where your dog is welcome to come in out of the weather.
Not an indoor dog park, but your dog is welcome inside
If it's pouring or bitter cold, bring your dog in with you. We've welcomed dogs in the store for as long as I've worked here, and that's going on 35 years. A few simple rules keep it pleasant for everyone:
- Keep your dog on a leash the whole visit.
- Friendly dogs only. If your dog doesn't do well around other dogs or strangers, a quick solo shopping trip is the kinder choice for them.
- Your dog should be current on their rabies vaccination.
It isn't a play space, and nobody's running laps around the feed aisle. But for a dog who's been stuck in the house all day, a walk through the store is a real outing. New smells, new people saying hello, and a little practice at being calm in a busy place.
Three things to do on a rainy-day visit
1. Step on the Doggie Weigh Station. It's free, and it's one of the most useful things you can do for your dog. A lot of people only find out their dog's weight at the vet once a year. Popping in every few weeks lets you see if your dog is creeping up over the winter when walks get shorter, which makes it easier to adjust portions or have a conversation with your vet before it becomes a bigger issue.
2. Stop at the counter for a treat. Every pup gets one. If your dog has allergies or is on a special diet, just tell whoever's at the register and we'll skip it or find something that works.
3. Pick out something for the next rainy day. This is the part people are usually really here for. A dog that has something to work on at home is a much happier dog on day three of a nor'easter. More on that below.
We're open Tuesday through Friday 9 to 7, Saturday 9 to 5 and Sunday 10 to 4. We're closed Mondays.
When it's dry, the outdoor park is right next door
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park is free and open to the public. Here's what you'll find:
- A double-gated entrance and 5 foot fencing
- Two separate play areas
- Dog playground equipment for jumping and running
- Benches, so you can sit and chat while the dogs play
Once in a while the park is closed for a private event, a birthday party or a seminar. Before you head over, check the calendar on our Dog Park page for closed notices. If you're new to dog parks, our post on dog park etiquette covers the basics, like keeping your eyes on your dog and leaving sick pups at home.
If you want the park to yourself, you can book it for a doggy birthday party. And from the Friday after Easter through October, we host Friday Night Bites, our free yappy hour at the park, every Friday from 4 to 7pm. In the off-season we add pop-up gatherings when the weather cooperates. Dates are on our Events page, and we post pop-ups on Facebook.
Rainy-day ideas for dogs at home
An indoor dog park is mostly about burning energy. On a rainy day you can do a lot of that at home, and the funny thing is that working your dog's nose and brain often tires them out more than running does. Here's what we suggest to customers at the counter.
Make them work for dinner
Instead of putting kibble in a bowl, put it in a puzzle. The Outward Hound Treat Maze is a Nina Ottosson level 2 puzzle. You drop kibble or treats in the top, and your dog has to roll and tip it to work them out. It's a good next step for dogs who've already figured out the easy puzzles. If your dog is brand new to puzzles, start with something simpler and help them win the first few times so they don't give up.
Let them sniff
Sniffing is how dogs take in the world, and a rainy day is a great time for it. The Ethical Pet Snuffle Roll is a soft, crinkly mat with pockets to tuck treats into. Leave it flat for beginners, or roll it up to make it harder. No snuffle toy? Scatter a handful of kibble in a towel, roll it loosely and let your dog unroll it. Or play "find it" by hiding treats around one room while your dog waits in another.
Give them something to lick
Licking is calming for a lot of dogs, which makes a lick mat handy on stormy days and during baths or nail trims. The KONG Licks Lick Mat, Large has ridges and grooves that hold soft food, a spread or wet kibble, plus suction cups so it stays put on the tub or floor. It's not a chew toy, so stay with your dog while they use it and pick it up once the food's gone.
Stuff a KONG
The KONG Classic has been around forever for a reason. Stuff it with part of your dog's meal mixed with a little wet food, and pop it in the freezer the night before a rainy forecast. A frozen KONG lasts a lot longer than a fresh one.
Offer a good chew
For dogs who need to gnaw, a 6 inch bully stick is a single-ingredient beef chew that keeps a lot of dogs busy for a good while. Bully sticks are rich, so treat them as part of the day's calories. Supervise, and take the end away once it's small enough to swallow.
Play a little indoor fetch
Clear a hallway, use a soft toy and keep the throws short. Watch out for slippery floors, especially with older dogs or puppies. A runner rug helps. Five minutes of fetch mixed with a few "sit" and "down" breaks takes the edge off. For more ideas, see our post on rainy-day enrichment for dogs.
Don't feel like going out in the rain at all? We'll bring it to you. Our own trucks deliver free on your town's route day, Tuesday through Friday, with a $20 minimum. Check your day on our Free Local Delivery page.
Questions we hear a lot
Is there an indoor dog park at The Hungry Puppy?
No. Our dog park is outdoors, next to the store. On bad-weather days, your leashed, friendly dog is welcome to come inside the store with you instead.
Does it cost anything to use the dog park?
No, the park is free and open to the public. It's occasionally closed for private events, birthday parties and seminars, so check the calendar on the Dog Park page first.
What do I need to bring my dog into the store?
A leash, a friendly dog and a current rabies vaccination. That's it.
Can I weigh my dog without buying anything?
Yes. The Doggie Weigh Station is free. Come in, step on and say hi. And yes, there's a treat at the counter for every pup.
Questions before you visit? Call us at 732-938-4470.