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City Cast Boise

Boise *loves* dogs. But how dog-friendly are we really? We’re finding out during our Dog Days of Boise series.  For additional stories on the City Cast Boise podcast, 

We want to hear from Boise pups and their people! Send us a photo, with a description, of your dog enjoying the city, and we may add it to our 

It’s no secret that Boiseans love dogs, but when did that human-dog relationship become so symbiotic? We spoke to anthropologist Shelly Volsche with the ECHOS Lab at 

 to learn the science of our love for dogs.

While we’re talking about fur babies, I want to remind you that we’re talking to a Boise dog trainer next week and we want to ask them 

what dog behavior issues are you and your dog struggling with?

This interview has been edited for clarity.

When in history did dogs and humans become best friends?

“That's a bit of a loaded question because we've got what the genetics say and then we've got what archaeology says. Our best answer is that somewhere between 20,000 to 30,000 years ago we probably had a proto dog, not quite a dog, but no longer a wolf, walking around with us. We probably were integrating with them long before they were formally dogs, probably [because of] our ability to cooperate on hunting and foraging.”

“We've reached a point in canine science where we no longer go, ‘can they [love us back]?’ Rather we're asking, ‘

 do they [love us]?’  The concerns of anthropomorphism have gotten in the way of our natural instinct to read and communicate with [our dogs]. In reality, our body language is saying just as much to our dogs and we can listen to them in exchange.”

Why do you think Boise is such a dog-loving city?

“We're in an environment where there's a lot of outdoor activity and I think that that natural tendency to try to be and want to be in touch with nature leads us naturally to wanting to have animals around us.”

Is It OK To Consider Yourself a “Dog Parent”?

It’s no secret that Boiseans love dogs, but when did that human-dog relationship become so symbiotic? 

3 Questions About Human-Dog Relationships with an Anthropologist

Boise *loves* dogs. But how dog-friendly are we really? We’re finding out during our Dog Days of Boise series. 

Dog Days of Boise

Boiseans really love their dogs, and will do pretty much anything to keep them safe. Most dog owners have at least one story of their pup eating something suspicious and spending the day worried about their wellbeing. While things like chocolate are known toxins, here are a few other things that are bad for your pooch.

 around Southwest Idaho, especially in the hotter summer months when blooms are more likely to pop up.

Hemlock: It blooms prolifically in the summer and is also 

: Not toxic on its own, but if your pup is running through the foothills this summer, they may get a cheat stuck in their paw or ear. It can be extremely painful for your dog and expensive to remove, so best to avoid cheatgrass.

 can be painful for our pup’s paws! Try to keep your dogs away from goathead plants where possible.

Mushrooms: There are a select few that are safe, but why take a chance?

Boise may be a city, but there are plenty of critters to be aware of as a pet parent.

Snakes: This one’s particularly important during hikes in the Boise foothills. There are lots of local dog trainers who can help with serpent-related issues like 

Wildlife: It might look cute on TikTok, but avoid a harmful situation or passage of disease by keeping your pets away from wild animals. Coyotes have been known to have 

 with pets around Boise so consider keeping your dog on a leash during hikes, especially 

They’re out in bigger numbers than usual

Just because you like it doesn’t mean they will.

Avocado: Great for tacos, terrible for dogs.

Grapes: Even in their raisin form and especially in their wine form. Find a different drinking partner.

Milk: They can’t process lactose and will likely cause diarrhea.

What to Do When a Dog Comes Into Contact with One of These

Firstly, do not panic. Make sure to bookmark the 

 and use it as a reference if you believe your dog has ingested or come into contact with something toxic. The next best thing to do is to call your veterinarian and ask questions — they will be the best resource for useful information and will help you decide if your pup needs medical assistance.

. These can be expensive, so it’s best utilized as a last resort.

Did you know of one that we missed? Help out your fellow dog-lovers and share it with us.

Share Something That's Toxic to Dogs

While things like chocolate are known toxins, here are a few other things that are bad for your pooch.

Toxic Threats to Boise Dogs

Have a Dog, Boise? Watch Out for These Toxic Threats

Captions by City Cast Boise audio producer Evelyn Avitia.

Boise loves dogs and we have proof. We asked Boiseans, City Casters, and friends to share photos of their very good dogs with us. These are their mugs.

Have a pic of your pup that you’d like to share? We want to see it.

Share Your Dog Photos!

Boise loves dogs and we have proof. We asked Boiseans, City Casters, and friends to share photos of their very good dogs with us.

Meet the Good Dogs of Boise

Photos: The Dogs of Boise

Boise loves our parks, and we love our dogs — and those things have combined to make us one of, if not 

LawnStarter recently evaluated and ranked

 almost 100 of the biggest U.S. cities based on their dog parks, and Boise came in first overall. Among those rankings, the most important criteria was access (most dog parks per 100,000 residents), followed by quality and climate.

While Boise ranked 37th for climate, we pulled in at sixth for quality, and first for access, which is how we earned that overall first place ranking for dog parks. It’s hard to know how much stock to put in these rankings. But it's a fact that we have the most dog parks per capita out of any major city, according to the 

We know Boiseans love their dogs, so you might already have your favorite dog park. But even if you do, think of this as a prompt to visit one you haven’t considered yet — you never know what your dog might love out of our abundance of dog parks!

Ann Morrison Park, Together Treasure Valley Dog Island

This little island paradise kind of has it all: Almost five-and-a-half acres for running and roaming, areas for swimming, and opportunities for socializing. Plus, during the winter, all of Ann Morrison Park’s 153 acres are off-leash. City Cast Boise host Emma Arnold’s dog Bev loves to run in a pack of other pups at this park, so this one comes with her (difficult-to-earn) seal of approval.

Located in the Columbia Village area, Bowler has a 1.25-acre fenced off-leash dog park, along with a shy dog area. This is right next to the Oregon Trail Historic Preserve and a few blocks away from the Greenbelt, so it’s a great stop to include in a longer walk.

This is another of the biggest off-leash areas in town. Located just west of Broadway Ave. in South Boise Village, the northern half of the 11-acre park is available for dogs to be off-leash between sunrise and 10 a.m., and then again from 4 p.m. to sunset.

A small amount of the reserve’s 734 acres are designated as off-leash. If you’ve been to the reserve but haven’t seen the dog park, it looks quite a bit like a big corral. From the park, make sure you know 

City Cast Boise lead producer Frankie Barnhill’s mutt Daphne loves this park the most, especially because of the obstacle course and ample areas for digging. If you insist on further information, it’s an enclosed 1-acre off-leash park with a separate area for small dogs on the southern end of the Morris Hill Cemetery on the Depot Bench. Be warned though: On hot summer days, the mulch-covered running area can get dusty!

Largely dedicated to football and soccer fields, this 51-acre park in Northwest Boise is off-leash, except in the fall and spring months because of sports (Sep. 1 - Oct. 31, March 1 - May 31). So during the summer and winter, this is a go-to spot for dogs that need to run, without the possibility of getting too close to roadways.

Boise loves our parks, and we love our dogs — and those things have combined to make us one of, if not the best dog park city in the U.S.

Boise's Best Dog Parks

Why Boise’s the Best Dog Park City

This article was written by City Cast Newsletter Editor Natalia Aldana.

, and our doggos aren’t slowing down anytime soon. As the mom of an energetic hound, I know how challenging the stifling summer heat can be for my girl who really just wants to have fun (queue Cyndi Lauper, please). But rising temperatures and smoky air make it difficult for our furry family members to be safe and happy in the summer heat.

So since controlling the weather or healing Mother Nature tomorrow aren’t viable options, what’s a pup parent to do? Here are some tips and tricks for navigating the Boise summatime with your best pal.

The day or night before your next walk, check the weather for what period will be hottest and plan your dog’s walks for before and after. Keep a chart or guide handy to help you assess 

. On these hot days, limit exercise and walk in areas with plenty of shade. And, how long is too long to keep them outdoors? 

Different breeds have different capacities

Cement and hot asphalt can be painful and discomforting for their paws. If you have to go out, do a quick spot check by placing your hand on the cement. This also applies to any other surface they’re on, from dirt to sand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for theirs. Try to get them to shaded paths. You can also apply a 

🙅 Never, Ever, Leave Your Dog in the Car

Temperatures in a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, and your 

pet can quickly suffer a range of issues from brain damage to suffocation.

cracking a window doesn’t keep dogs safe.

 was rewritten with clearer definitions of animal cruelty in 2021. Led by former city councilmember TJ Thomson, the ordinance includes a 

 The clause allows bystanders to break a car window to rescue an overheating animal without the risk of liability if they first call 911 and check if the car is unlocked.

Most breeds are built to conserve heat rather than dissipate. Heat strokes are a common problem for pets in warm weather, especially for brachycephalic dogs (those with short noses and snouts), dogs that are overweight, have thick coats, or have respiratory problems.

One of the best ways to avoid this is to always have fresh water on hand. Bring a water bottle with you, ideally one that insulates and keeps water chilled. 

Some other great supplies to have on hand

 include battery-operated fans, spray bottles, frozen chew toys, cooling vests or wet towels, dog-safe sunscreen, and unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution or coconut water. You can also 

Your local parks are also a great resource. Research which 

parks in the Boise area have water fountains

water play areas to help your dog stay cool and hydrated.

 Play their favorite game inside, practice new tricks or commands, schedule a playdate with another pup, and even consider a stroll through your local pet store (the City Cast Boise crew recommends 

Even with your best efforts, dogs can still become dehydrated which can lead to heatstroke. Some of the common symptoms include panting, dry nose and gums, thick saliva, lethargy, and sunken eyes. Here’s a great explainer of 

If a summer storm or wildfire could take out the power in your home, 

create a disaster plan to keep your pets safe.

Here are some tips and tricks for navigating the Boise summatime with your best pal.

Dog Days of Boise

3 Questions About Human-Dog Relationships with an Anthropologist

Have a Dog, Boise? Watch Out for These Toxic Threats

Photos: The Dogs of Boise

Latest articles

Why Boise’s the Best Dog Park City

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Boise Heat