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Today is my turn for our Big and Little Series! Did you see At Home with Ali’s Little Dog Park? So cool! In case you didn’t hear, this is the first in a monthly series that Ali and I are working on together. Each month we will pick a new theme and bring you a Big and Little pretend play area. You can pick one to try… or do them both!
I was excited about making a dog park and got busy right away thinking about everything you might find at a one. We have two dogs. I didn’t want them to get confused by real dog stuff so we made everything, but if you don’t have dogs I would bet you could pick up real dog toys, leashes and collars for pretty cheap at the dollar store.
One thing you might find at a park for dogs is an adoption center. We used ours to talk about the importance of choosing just the right dog.
The adoption center had books about caring for dogs. A clip board and pencils for interviewing prospective dog owners came in handy.
Each dog had a list of qualities. Opening up a discussion about how a playful dog would fit for someone who likes quiet and calm activities? Would a quiet, calm dog be a good fit for someone who spends a lot of time outside and wants a dog who can keep up?
I used tissue paper to fill a couple of water bowls, and felt to make a bone. And of course every dog park needs dog balls!
A dog training area became the perfect place to store our homemade collars and leashes.
For the collars I used blue felt and Velcro with an adhesive back. For the leashes I used craft foam strips and Velcro.
Another great lesson for the dog park. Every responsible dog owner needs to know how to clean up after their dog!
You know it’s a good one if even the real dog wants to join in!
This is wonderful, I want to adopt one of your dogs in your adoption center!! This is such a great set-up, the kids must have had a blast.
Ali @ At home with Ali recently posted..BIG and LITTLE – dog park world
I love your pretend play ideas. This series is going to be great!
Trisha recently posted..A Father’s Day Tradition {Gift Ideas for Dad}
Yeah! Thanks Trisha.
This is great – (is it wrong to say that it remind me of playing The Sims) – we don’t have “dog parks” in the Uk – but I love all the ideas and I wonder whether it’s worth speaking to my kids about this as they have US cousins who must see similar when they go to the dog park with their dogs.
Cerys @ Rainy Day Mum recently posted..Exploring outdoors – Snails
Ha ha… used to love The Sims. I’m sure you could make the Dog area fit for your family… I know how creative you are.
This is so amazing. you are totally awesome mom!
Mansi recently posted..Welcoming our light table.
Thank you.
So cute! Kids love homemade dog leashes, you can view our example of goodies we used for pretend play with animals – http://www.growingplay.blogspot.com/2012/04/pretend-play-box-veterinarian.html
Have to admit, my kids would think the fake poop and clean up area was hysterical!
I love, love, love the head funnel (what is the technical term?) What fun details you included. Maybe a vet will have to be our next pretend play!
Sounds like fun. I love the way you made tissue paper to fill a couple of water in the bowl. Nice pretend play and you are such a great mom.
Danyelle Franciosa recently posted..visit bi-fold doors web-site
Danyelle,
Thank you for such a lovely compliment! I’m smiling from ear to ear.
Jill