Thursday, February 26, 2015

Nose Work class starts Today! DFW Dog Quest - training, sports & more

Nose Work class starts Today! It's hide and seek for dogs - come join the fun! To enroll, click on the Events Schedule tab, scroll down to Nose Work, and click Enroll. Or you can call us at 972-436-3400 and we'll do it for you!

Want a fun class that doesn’t require a ton of prior training? Nose Work may be just the thing!
Nose Work is a cool new sport where dogs are trained to find cer...tain odors in 4 different elements – interiors, exteriors, vehicles and containers. Sniffing is one of the greatest joys in a dog’s life, yet we rarely allow them to do it.

This class is a great confidence builder for shy or fearful dogs; offers an outlet for older and retired dogs; and provides mental stimulation for ALL dogs. Any age dog can play, and since all dogs will be crated when it is not their turn to work, even dogs that are reactive to other dogs may participate.
Nose Work 101 - Introduction to Nose Work starts on Thursday, February 26th at 7:30p for six consecutive weeks. Sign up online at www.dfwdogquest.com or call us at 972-436-3400 and we'll do it for you!

How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Brandy Arnold 02/20/2015

If you’ve never done it before, brushing your dog’s teeth might seem like a scary undertaking. However, it’s surprisingly easy! And, with the quantity of flavored canine toothpastes and ergonomic toothbrushes available now, you’ll get the technique down in no time. Many dogs love the taste of their dog toothpaste and will easily put up with your hands in their face for a minute for the rewarding taste. In addition to regular teeth cleanings from your veterinarian, it’s important to brush your dog’s teeth daily at home.
We found this great step-by-step guide from Dr. William Rosenblad at PetPlace.com.
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Dental disease (especially periodontal disease) is the most common disease in our canine companions. It is also one of the most preventable and treatable diseases. Fortunately, we can reduce or even prevent dental disease by feeding a crunchy diet, appropriate chew treats and toys and daily tooth brushing. The following are steps to guide you on how to brush your dog’s teeth:

The first step is to start with a clean, healthy mouth. Good dental hygiene should start with a young pet with healthy new teeth and gums, or after your pet has had a professional dental cleaning.

You will need a soft-bristled tooth brush and veterinary toothpaste. Human toothpastes and baking soda may cause problems. Furthermore, veterinary toothpastes have flavors that are appealing to dogs. Anything other than a bristled tooth brush will not get below the gum line, which is the most important area to brush.

There are several important facts about our pets’ mouths that tell us when, where and how to brush. Periodontal disease usually affects the upper, back teeth first and worst. Plaque builds up on the tooth surface daily, especially just under the gum line. It takes less than 36 hours for this plaque to become mineralized and harden into “tartar” (calculus) that cannot be removed with a brush. Because of this progression, brushing should be done daily, with a brush to remove the plaque from under the gum line.

Pick a time of day that will become a convenient part of your pet’s daily routine. Just before a walk or before a daily treat can help your pet actually look forward to brushing time. Take a few days to let both of you get use to the process. Follow with praise and a walk or treat each time.

Start by offering your dog a taste of the veterinary toothpaste. The next time, let him taste the toothpaste, then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth. Repeat the process with the tooth brush. Get the bristles of the brush along the gum line of the upper back teeth and angle slightly up, so the bristles get under the gum line. Work from back to front, making small circles along the gum lines. It should take you less than 30 seconds to brush your pet’s teeth. Do not try to brush the entire mouth at first. If all that your pet lets you brush is the outside of the upper teeth, you are still addressing the most important area of periodontal disease – prevention. If your pet eventually allows you to brush most of his teeth, so much the better.

Even with the best tooth brushing, some dogs may still need an occasional professional cleaning, just like humans. By brushing your pet’s teeth daily and curtailing the amount of periodontal disease, you may reduce the frequency and involvement of dental cleanings and provide your pet with a healthier, sweeter smile.

Ask the Trainer: My Dog Jumps On People He Meets

Kevin Duggan, CPDT-KA

Dear Kevin,
How do I keep my dog Rocky from barking and jumping up on people?
Thanks!
Rodney

Hi Rodney,
It sounds like Rocky is getting excited when he sees people. What I like to do is teach him an incompatible behavior. An incompatible behavior for jumping is sitting. The cool thing is that if we focus heavily on teaching him to sit when he meets someone, he won’t jump.
It takes a little bit of work in the beginning but the overall idea is for him to realize that the reward (meeting the person) only comes if he does the correct thing. (sitting) When you do this you’ll want to use a leash. This leash will allow you to remove the reward (pull him away) if he makes the decision to jump.
The video below gives a good visual of how to do this.
In order to have success in curbing these unwanted behaviors you’ll need to get a lot of repetition in. If you only have a guest over once a month, this will be nearly impossible to curb. That is because you’ll only be getting in roughly 12 repetitions a year. The more reps you get in, the quicker you reach your goal.

Proposed Bill Would Give Tax Credit to Animal Adopters

Brandy Arnold 02/24/2015

New York State Senator Kevin Parker and New York City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras are asking the state legislature to pass a bill that would provide a tax credit to people who adopt animals from shelters. The bill proposes tax credits of $100 per animal adopted each year, for up to three animals or $300. The bill would cover all domesticated animals available for adoption in any of the state’s shelters.
“Encouraging New Yorkers with a tax credit to adopt pets is not only compassionate but would bring relief to our overburdened animal shelters and to animal lovers who want to adopt but can’t afford the initial costs,” Ferreras said.
Animal Care & Control of New York City alone took in more than 30,000 homeless dogs and cats last year.
The proposed bill, which would be the first bill of its kind in the nation to give a tax credit for adopting a homeless animal, has garnered strong support from New York lawmakers as well as animal rights activist groups.
“This well-considered measure would… give every New Yorker the opportunity to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our shelters,” said Bill Ketzer, senior director of ASPCA Government Relations for the Northeast region

Dog’s Mood & Behavior an Indicator of Owner’s Health

Brandy Arnold 02/26/2015

Researchers at Newcastle University have hypothesized that a dog’s mood and behavior could be an indicator of their owner’s health.
The project began when researchers developed a tracking system to monitor dogs’ activity. Using special sensors, the team can remotely monitor a dog’s entire day, from how often he sleeps, to when he sits, barks, eats, digs, plays, and more with a special waterproof collar with a built-in accelerometer designed to monitor 17 distinct dog behaviors.
According to an article in the Science Blog,

By mapping the normal behavior of a healthy, happy dog, Dr Cas Ladha, PhD student Nils Hammerla and undergraduate Emma Hughes were able to set a benchmark against which the animals could be remotely monitored. This allowed for any changes in behavior which might be an indication of illness or boredom to be quickly spotted.

The next step in their research, project lead Ladha, says, is using the dog’s behavior and activity as an indicator, or early warning system, of an elderly owner’s health and well-being.
The team is dedicated to researching and developing systems for helping the elderly live longer, healthier lives. They believe this new method of monitoring their dogs would allow family and caregivers to “discretely support people without the need for cameras,” and without invading their privacy.
The team believes that eventually the elderly will be able to outfit their dogs with the special collar, allowing their behavior to be monitored, to quickly identify changes in either the dog’s health, or the owner’s.
Does your dog behave different when you’re not feeling well, stressed, or down in the dumps? Weigh in with a comment below!
About the project, Hammerla added, “A dog’s physical and emotional dependence on their owner means that their wellbeing is likely reflect that of their owner and any changes such as the dog being walked less often, perhaps not being fed regularly, or simply demonstrating ‘unhappy’ behaviour could be an early indicator for families that an older relative needs help.”

Upcoming Dog Friendly Events DFW GSD Club Meeting Saturday, February 28, 2015 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

DFW GSD Club Meeting

Man’s Best Friend
1290 W Pioneer Pkwy - Grand Prairie
Details

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Date/Time
Saturday, February 28, 2015
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
Man's Best Friend
1290 W Pioneer Pkwy
Grand Prairie, TX 75051

Fun and friendly event for dogs and humans. Come share your love of the German Shepherd Dog. Share tips and stories with your new friends!

Upcoming Dog Friendly Events Puppy Love Social Saturday, February 28, 2015 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Puppy Love Social

Paradise 4 Paws
3010 N. Airfield Dr - DFW Airport
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Date/Time
Saturday, February 28, 2015
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location
Paradise 4 Paws
3010 N. Airfield Dr
DFW Airport, TX 75261

For More Info, please visit the Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/722107207903293/
Join us Saturday, February 28th from Noon to 1pm for our Puppy Love Social! This event is for puppies only (12 weeks to 5 months old) and is great for early socialization!
The event is FREE and will be lots of puppy playtime fun! RSVP to 972.456.0010 – we are so excited to meet you and your puppy!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Upcoming Dog Friendly Events Mannie the Frenchie Tour Sunday, February 22, 2015 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Mannie the Frenchie Tour

Paradise 4 Paws
3010 N. Airfield Dr - DFW Airport
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Date/Time
Sunday, February 22, 2015
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location
Paradise 4 Paws
3010 N. Airfield Dr
DFW Airport, TX 75261

Manny the Frenchie is ready to celebrate being one year older in Dallas! Ever the philanthropist, Manny is donating the proceeds from ticket sales to his pals at Save-A-Vet and Duck Team 6. Come play and get your picture taken with Manny at his awesome birthday bash!

**YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS TO ENTER EVENT. FURBABY RSVP IS FOR DOGS ONLY**
To purchase tickets & fill out event waiver: http://www.mannythefrenchieontour.com/#tour-dallas:0

VIP Ticket Package:

Entrance to the PAWty
Meet Manny!
Receive a limited edition “Manny on Tour” bracelet from Pura Vida Jewelry
Receive a “Manny on Tour” limited edition bag stuffed with swag for you and your pup from our sponsors

Basic Ticket Package:

Entrance to the PAWty
Meet Manny!
Receive a limited edition “Manny on Tour” bracelet from Pura Vida Jewelry