Trainer Birgit Hafermann worked with people and their pups at PIDO’s first Off-leash Skills 101 session on June 17. Pups Arlo, Bob, Bobo, Merlin, Mikey, Nala, Schatze, Sondheim, Tele, Ty, and Zisa all did great.

We’re holding additional sessions in September and December that are designed to review essential off-leash skills, explore lesser-known techniques (such as emergency recall commands), and share tips and tricks learned by PIDO members over the years.

New dog owners who want to shorten their learning curves as well as dogs and people who want to sharpen their skills are all welcome. Email info@pido.org to sign up. The class is free but limited to 10 participants.

A few times a year, the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store in Richmond invites PIDO members to shop at employee discount prices. The next invitation period will be May 19 through June 11.

About a week before, Columbia will send PIDO an invitation similar to the one pictured here. We'll forward that by email to PIDO members only to serve as your proof of membership. You'll need to show the email to get into the store.

If you're a PIDO member and want to take advantage of this, be sure we have your email address. If you received the February invitation or have joined PIDO since then and given us your email address, you're on the PIDO Members Email List and will get the invitation.

(Email us at info@pido.org if you're not sure. We may not know that your email address is associated with your name on our snail mail members list.)

Whenever you see a tractor lawn mower at PI, observe the safety guidelines below from East Bay Regional Park District park area supervisor Scott Possin:

Mowing is still our best practice for foxtail mitigation. Other ideas and projects do not have the immediate effect that mowing does, right now, this year.

Lots of visitors are asking “what can we do to help?” The best answer is give us room when we’re mowing: 200 feet free and clear – 20 car lengths - is the safest and less stressful space for the rangers operating this equipment.

A mower can sling a rock or object at least 75 feet or more. We care about your safety, and your dog’s safety! However, if mowing is happening, ideally, the best and safest path are generally the asphalt paths close to the water on the channel or on the Bay.

Big Thanks in Advance!