This is a tough time of year to live in the Northeast.
As you flip the calendar, the word "March" gleams like a sunny spring day through the cold, damp shaft of a winter tunnel.
You try not to think of the Easter day you spent hunting eggs in 2 feet of snow.
Instead, your mind wanders to days at the park.
If you're a dog owner, or a dog, you anticipate that first warm spring day spent at the dog park romping, running and horsing around with the other winter worn souls.
But before you pack up the Frisbees and a fresh can of tennis balls, there's a few doggie park "do's and don'ts" I'd like to address.
To be honest, I don't do pup parks all that often.
It's not that I don't love to see dogs socializing and bonding in a group setting, I think it's great, in theory.
The problem is primarily the owners.
If you have friends with dogs you know are well-socialized to other dogs and you want to meet up for a "play date" at the park, I say, do it.
The scenario I've witnessed at most dog parks are owners who drive up to the dog park with their dog, open the gate, unleash them then sit down on the nearest bench, flip open their cell phone and become engrossed in conversation while their dog is sniffed, poked and prodded by every other dog in the park.
Some dogs welcome the attention, flop into a play bow and are off to play.
Then there are the others.
The ones that worriedly look from side to side, body sunk down to the ground, eyes darting, snapping and growling until the others back off.
Then they wander off alone to sniff and spend the rest of the afternoon nervously looking over their shoulder for any other unwarranted attention.
For this dog, a day at the park is equivalent to a nail trim with a butter knife.
Here's a do: turn off the cell phone, put down the book and keep a close eye on your dog.
There's a silent cacophony of communication going on between dogs that an owner needs to heed.
Become keenly aware of dog body language and you can remove your dog before tensions escalate.
Growl, snaps, constant submissive postures and a general look of worry are all signs that a dog is not enjoying their time at the park.
Don't bring treats or food to a dog park.
Even generally good-natured dogs can get possessive and resource guard once food is in the picture.
The same can happen with toys.
I've seen dogs attack other dogs for even approaching their tennis balls.
Do pick up after your dog.
Disease and intestinal ailments pass quickly from one dog to another with even a quick sniff of an infected dogs feces.
Don't bring a puppy to a dog park hoping to socialize him.
You may end up doing more harm than good.
Instead, sign up for a puppy socialization or obedience class where they can play safely with dogs at their own maturity level.
Do enjoy the dog park but be alert.
Keep an eye on your dog and if at all possible, limit their play to dogs and dog owners you know.
Don't be fooled by thinking that a couple days a week at the dog park takes the place of a daily walk.
Once that mercury rises and the days get longer, you and your dog may even make it out for two.