April Newsletter



Hi RUFF Members! 

Hello from our home offices. Major bonus that our new coworkers have four legs and loves snacking as much as well all do, right?! All kidding aside, we want to thank everyone who is doing their part and staying home and keeping a safe social distance. These weeks/months are really hard. With the really hard decision to close the parks last week, we wanted to offer up some fun walking routes, smart toys and inside activities to help keep your dog active. 

Walking Routes

Boston’s not called “America’s walking city” for no reason, and we’re especially lucky here in the North End! The options are endless, and here are a few favorites from RUFF:

Seaport Escape: (sounds like the vacation you missed, right?! Totally worth daydreaming on this one!)  Did you know the Harborwalk extends in the Seaport?! Follow Atlantic Ave, swing a left at J Hook, over the bridge and connect with the Harborwalk behind the courthouse. Follow it along till you have to turn back. Lots of new buildings to look at and a really stunning view back on the City and the North End! You can get a great view of the airport as well... okay, no more missed vacation jokes. 

Charlestown Navy Yard: We see the Navy Yard from our neighborhood, but have you taken a nice walk around? Cross over the Charlestown Bridge, take. right at the light and stoll the Charlestown waterfront! Say hi to Old Ironsides and check out some of the history we have just next door. At the very end of the Navy Yard is Spaulding Rehab Hospital. If you make it that far, don’t hesitate to stop and wave to the patients. They love the dodgy visits! 

Charles Loop: Head to the crossover locks behind North Station that will drop you in to Paul Revere Park in Charlestown. Cross over the footbridge into North Point Park in Cambridge. Explore the ins and outs of this great little park (including a piece of the Berlin Wall). If you are tired, head back, if you want more head out towards the Science Museum and connect to the Charles for a longer walk! Psst - the locks have been closed on and off. If they arent open, you can get to Paul Revere Park from The Charlestown side of the Charlestown Bridge.

North End Piers: Start either end of Commercial Street and walk the North End Waterfront, following each pier out to the ocean and back. You can rack up some serious steps without even leaving the North End!

Boston Common Off-Leash Area: For those missing the off-leash time for the pup, head on over to the North East corner of Boston Common which is designated for off-leash play.

We hope you try some of these fun routes, and hope you’ll share your favorite walking spots on Instagram and tag @Ruffnorthend! As a reminder, all dogs should be leashed on walks, always carry a spare poop bag and lets do our part by wearing a mask and social distancing the best we can! 

For the Rainy Days

Basic command training: Spend 20 minutes exercising your dogs BRAIN! This will totally wear them out if done right. Start with the basics. 

1.  Sit.... stay...(you walk to the other side of the room)...okay COME. Reward your pup!

2. Step it up a level.... Sit...Stay... (walk away, the dog should stay!) ... COME, (good puppy praise when the dog comes!) Sit....down....REWARD! 

3. BIG TIME -  Sit...Stay... (walk away) ... COME, (good puppy!) Sit....down....STAY...(in your high octave voice) WATCH ME... place a cookie just in front of your dog....Leave it. When the dog has waited in DOWN STAY, tap the cookie and say "okay, take it!"

Special thank you to dog trainer John Mannering, whose basic training steps are the foundation to a well behaved dog and healthy dog brains! Find him on Facebook - New England Canine Training and Behavioral Services. 

Find It!: A game full of fun for dogs and amusement for owners! This is as basic as it sounds, get 5-6 of your pups favorite treats. The dog waits in the other room while you strategically place the treats in easy to hard hiding places. When ready, use the key word 'game time' to welcome the dog then "FIND IT" to look for treats. When the first one is found, repeat the words "FIND IT" to que the dog there is more to hunt for. Depending on your dog this could last 10-15 minutes!

Smart Toys

Not everyday will be nice for a walk, and you may not have time for training or games with endless Zoom meetings. That’s where the smart toys come in, keep your dog occupied with some of these suggestions.

We hope these trails, tips and toys will be a help during this time. We always love hearing from our members about what they are doing to keep busy and sane during this shutdown, so please continue to tag us in photos, or even email your thoughts over!

Stay well, healthy and as active as social distancing will allow. We can NOT wait for the day the park is reopened! Till then, keep being a responsible dog owner and holding others to the same standard! 

With sincere thanks,

RUFF Board of Directors