March 2020 Digital Issue of Houston PetTalk by houstonpettalk10

March 2020

Training Time! Tips and Techniques from Local Trainers

Don’t wait....

The most compassionate specialized care for senior pets over the age of 7!

ADVOCATE!

Senior Paws T O T HE B EST Y EARS Y ET

About Us

Our Services

Senior Paws (formally known as Last Wishes) is a specialized mobile veterinary care program staffed by credentialed professionals designed to help families meet the unique needs of senior and geriatric pets in the Greater Houston area.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Senior Paws aims to fill the growing need for improved client engagement and exceptional care. We exist to improve the health and quality of life for older pets while putting family values and preferences at the heart of important decisions. Pets and families enrolled in our compassionate program receive the support they’ve been looking for and experience greatly improved outcomes. Our expertise in case management allows us to work with other trusted medical professionals to provide the best total care for older companions.

Senior Paws Family Care Support Center 3036 Antoine Dr., Houston, TX 77092

713-452-0474

Senior/Geriatric Pet Health Consultations Pet Hospice & Palliative Care Pain Management Veterinary Acupuncture Class IV Therapeutic Laser Medical Pet Massage Senior Pet Grooming & Hygiene Care In-Home Euthanasia Environmentally Friendly Water-Based Cremation Pet Memorial Keepsakes Pet Loss/Grief Counseling - Group & Individual

Our DVMs Christie Cornelius, DVM CHPV Julia Spade, DVM CHPV CVMA Erica Sandberg, DVM CAETA-Cert. Elizabeth Rowlands, DVM CAETA-Cert. Laura Ron, DVM Emma Brawn, DVM

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

Turn your space into your favorite place.

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Nine Locations Proudly Serving the Greater Houston Area!

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER

MEET THE GENIUS WHO CREATED OUR PERFECT COVER SHOT, ROBYN AROUTY, POSING HERE WITH HER SIDEKICK "CUPCAKE". WE LOVE ROBYN'S WORK BECAUSE SHE IS A MASTER AT GETTING THE PERSONALITY OF HER SUBJECT TO COME THROUGH IN THE PHOTOS! VISIT HER ONLINE TO SEE MORE OF HER INSPIRING WORK AT ROBYNAROUTY. COM OR INSTAGRAM.COM/ ROBYNAROUTY.

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL

f you have a dog, you will appreciate this famous quote by Ogden Nash: “A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of.” Yes, dogs do seem to always be running at the door, scratching the door and doing whatever they can to knock us over as we try to go through the door. Ahh… to have a well-trained dog is as peaceful a life as living in a butterfly garden. However, I would have no clue what this feels like because I don’t have well-trained dogs. Just because I’ve set the bar very low for my dogs and they still can’t get over it doesn’t mean I don’t long for the stress-free ease of which a well trained canine and his human communicate, bond and exist. As you know through my ramblings over the years with my own pets, their lack of obedience lies in the failings of their master! Through writing about the subject of training and visiting many of our sponsors who have inspiring facilities where the training programs offer solutions for just about every situation, I'm reminded that I need to get back to the simple basics of leadership, communication, positive reinforcement and structure (not something I’m naturally good at!). In my many years of publishing PetTalk and writing articles on different pet topics as well as meeting industry experts, I’ve come to the conclusion that the three best things you can do for your pet are: 1. Training; 2. Proper dental care (annual dental cleanings and brush teeth regularly if you are willing); 3. Feed a healthy diet. Dogs, like us, are what they eat. Premium food is essential and be careful not to “treat” too much, keeping waistlines in check.

In this annual "Spring" training issue, I hope you find the tips and advice from our many training sponsors informative and useful. It’s a great idea to save this issue as a resource guide to the best trainers in Houston! And speaking of Spring, the Texas wildflowers are beginning to bloom and you know what that means...take your best shot of your pets in the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and the many other beautiful flowers and enter the 13th Annual Pets in the Wildflowers Photo Contest, sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. See details on page 24. While you're planning your outing, check our calendar for the many other fun things happening around Houston in March that you can enjoy with furry family members. Plus, save the date of April 4 for PetTalk's 11th Annual Doggy Party on the Plaza featuring our famous parade at CityCentre! In this issue, I launch Wild About Animals in conjunction with the Houston Zoo and this month we feature lions. I can't begin to describe how fortunate I feel to be able to encounter and write about wildlife in hopes of encouraging conservation. It's no doubt my passion and purpose and I hope you enjoy this new column as much as I love researching and writing it! Don't forget to post your pics on our Instagram page and you might just see your critter in our publication. Plus, join our monthly newsletter (sign up at houstonpettalk.com) to get contest info, behind the scenes scoop, event details, and much more. Enjoy the Spring weather!

© Copyright 2016. Reproduction or use without written permission of articles, editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Houston PetTalk does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Houston PetTalk does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible. All photos ©copyright depositphotos unless otherwise stated.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

After the pawlitical rancor, trickery, tongue-lashings, paper-tearing, and acrimony of our government officials in recent months, it’s no wonder the Salty Dog has had its best sales in decades. The national hate has turned us all to drinking…well, drinking more than before. Last Saturday, I’d had about all of the petulance from two-legged "adults" I could stand so I met up with my compadres at the Salty Dog to take my mind off the bureaucratic spitefulness. To my dismay, it was Elephant VS. Donkey Night. For Pete’s sake, I couldn’t get away from the topic of government, campaigning and other civic matters that I would prefer to forget. However, I had no choice if I was going to partake in a libation so I opted for the Cosmopolitician, while cousin Hortense went for the imPEACHment daiquiri, cousin Harold got a Bloomberg Manhattan and Felicity got the Nancy With Bitters…of course she did. As the topic of the Presidential race began to get heated, I sat back and watched all of the Salty Dog regulars take their sides in the argument and there were even a few unprintable words exchanged. I looked over at Big Max, the owner of the Salty Dog, who was visiting each table trying to get his patrons to stop arguing and come together on some common ground. I pulled him aside in my infinite wisdom and said, “Big Max, I appreciate that you want this discord to stop, but getting everyone to play nice when it comes to the current pawlitical climate is about as futile as trying to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic.” I also wanted to say what in the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks were you thinking when

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you decided to have pawlitically-themed drink specials? All of the debating going on around me got me to thinking…why couldn’t I be President? As I daydreamed of what I would wear to the inaugural ball, I began to get excited at the prospect of running the free world. Well…I wouldn’t go that far…I would probably walk. I decided to run my idea by cousin Harold, the only rational one in the room. He didn’t crack up laughing which was a good start. Then he asked me what my platform would be. I wasn’t sure if he was talking about the shoes I’d wear or what I would stand on to reach the microphone for my first speech. Nonetheless, I told him what my campaign would focus on: 1. Private Potties: Dogs should have port-a-potties too. Try being demure on a first date when you have to “do your business” in front of the world. And then your date smells it…I will never understand men. 2. Dogs Eat Free Night: If kids can eat free on Tuesday nights, then dogs should at least get the leftovers. Kids always get more food than they can eat at the buffet and then the kitchen staff has to clean it up. We could make everyone happy if dogs could take over the clean up duty.

3. Squirrels Would Be Catchable: No explanation needed. 4. Stricter Owner Turn-In Laws: I actually believe that if we started euthanizing the owners who turn their pets over to the dog pound for unacceptable reasons, the number of turnins would reduce. Just a guess. 5. National Greenie Day: If there can be a Go Canada Day, there should certainly be an Eat Greenies Day. Well, that about sums up what I think is important. Be sure to get your “Henrietta For President” bumper sticker. Oh yeah, one more thing. Could we please rename the hot dog?

Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorized by Desiree Lonsway

Henrietta

IS IT TIME FOR A 4-LEGGER TO BE PRESIDENT?

TRAIN, PLAY, SLEEP, REPEAT.

Tour Our Modern Training Resort Today! We have expanded our home with a beautiful, one of a kind, new training resort. Your pup will love our new luxury suites, where our expert trainers will reinforce good manners and proper play throughout their stay. Stop by for a tour of our new state of the art boarding facility. We are accepting reservations now!

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CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TRAINING CONSULTATION! Now offering Boarding School,

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Prep School, Group Classes, Puppy Training and more!

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PETTALK? PURGATORY, COLORADO

It never ceases to amaze us where PetTalk shows up around the globe! Aggie students and super-skiiers Brett Shaffer and Caleb Ginn take a break on the slopes of Purgatory Ski Resort to read the latest Houston pet news. Thanks for sharing!

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GRA

ESS

P. A

Gra . W .

RT UNIT

O YT

You can join our pack in a few ways:

We Need you

to join our pack

Raise awareness for the PAW Grant. Share it with your friends, family, and coworkers Donate to the PAW Grant In-person. Ask our client care team to round up your bill to the nearest dollar when checking out. SLVS24EC saw almost 20,000 new pets in 2019. If every pet owner rounded up to the nearest dollar, those pennies would have generated more than $10,000 On-line. You can donate to the PAW Grant through the bit.ly link, then join our online Facebook Group for PAWtners to get updates on when grants are released, what the PAW Grant is doing, and insider information to all of SLVS24EC

A pack is an extended family group and the great thing is, you get to choose your pack. When a pet is brought to SLVS24EC, we know it is one of the darkest days of that pet’s life and in the life of their family. When you choose SLVS24EC to help you at that time, you become part of our pack- our extended family group. Our goal is to get that pet well or to extend the time that pet feels well until it’s time to say goodbye. For all of our diagnostic capabilities, talented specialists and emergency doctors, advanced veterinary nurses and support staff, we cannot achieve wellness for pets on our own. Pet parents who come to SLVS24EC are good pet parents but there are times that the cost to achieve wellness is higher than they can afford. We offer payment plans through Scratch Pay and Care Credit, accept every single major credit or debit card, and take donations from family or friends over the phone to help cover the cost to achieve wellness. Sometimes, that’s still not enough and pet parents need additional help. Our dedicated team, tired of having their hands tied by these situations outside of their control, wanted to do more. They wanted to be a different kind of veterinary specialty and emergency hospital. That’s how the PAW (Packs Achieve Wellness) Grant was created, from our dedicated teams burning desire to do more- be more. But we can’t do it alone.

Join our pack and donate to the PAW Grant by going here:

UNLEASHED FUNDRAISER

HELPING A HERO GALA

elping a Hero builds specially adapted homes for our most severely wounded warriors. Â Because of generous donors, Helping a Hero has awarded over 100 homes in 23 states. Â At their recent gala, Country Music Icon and charity Ambassador Lee Greenwood greeted his favorite dog and his owner, retired Army Staff Sergeant Kyle Malin and his service dog Teddy. The evening included Kathie Lee Gifford, who received The Lee Greenwood Award, Navy Seal and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell who received the Defense of Freedom Award and Ambassador Nikki Haley who received the Patriot Award. The gala raised thousands of dollars for a wonderful cause... thank you Houston for your generosity!

Patriot Award Recipient Ambassador Nikki Kathie Lee Gifford. Cpl Steven Schulz USMC Haley joins retired Army Staff Sergeant Kyle (Ret), and Debbis Schulz. Malin with Teddy.

Army Sergerant Kyle Malin with Country Icon Lee Greenwood and Teddy.

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Army Staff Sergeant Kyle Malin with service Dog Teddy.

Esquivel & Fees

Shop on-line or at our store ~ 2368 Rice Blvd in the Rice Village. 10 am -6 pm Tuesday - Saturday, Closed Sunday & Monday © www.efsterling.com 713•521•1544

Houston PetTalk Magazine

UNLEASHED

2020 ON THE

RIgHT

PAW

Limited time only

Start

FUNDRAISING GALA

TEXAS GREAT PYRENEES T exas Great Pyrenees rescue has much to celebrate with the success of this year's gala that set a record of 125 attendees and $17,000 raised in donations. The evening included dancing, a photo booth, great auction items and delicious food at the East End Event Center (who donated the venue!). Mark your calendars for the 2020 Gala to be held November 14. Find out more about Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue at txpyrs.org.

Wellness bloodwork

ONLY $125 Includes:

routine bloodwork, comprehensive intestinal parasite screening ($46 value), comprehensive heartworm test for dogs ($50 value) or comprehensive heartworm test for cats ($50 value)

TGPR Cake with Logo

AJ and Michelle Jimenez, Owners, East End Event Center

WEST ALABAMA ANIMAL CLINIC Call/text 713-528-0818 2030 West alabama street houston, texas 77098

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Houston Team; Fabulous 5, Leisa Lovy, Foster Support, Cheryl Moore, Fundraising\Event Coordinator, Shereen Thomas, Area Coordinator, Jodi Perry, Asst. Area Coordinator, and Stephanie Schmitt, Application Coordinator.

FIND SOMETHING

Fabulous WRIGHT Pawn & Jewelry Co.

Proud Supporters of Citizens for Animal Protection WWW.WRIGHTPAWN.COM Custom Jewelry | Repairs | Cash Loans 281.882.3577 ï&#x20AC;½ 6218 Westheimer, 77057

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THE DISH

CALENDAR

HEY PARTY ANIMALS...DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN ADD YOUR OWN PET RELATED EVENT TO OUR EVENT CALENDAR ONLINE? GO TO WWW.PETTALKGOFETCH.COM/EVENT.

Events 03.07.20 HOUSTON ROCKETS DOG WALK

Hermann Park 6001 Fannin Houston 77030 6:30am-10:00am Join the Annual Houston Rockets Dog Walk, presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka, benefiting Hermann Park Conservancy. Register at nba.com/ rockets/thedogwalk.

03.08.20 5TH ANNUAL SAINT ARNOLD PUP CRAWL

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center 4501 Woodway Houston 77024 4:00pm-7:00pm Saint Arnold's is hosting a Pup Crawl benefiting BARC at the beautiful Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Find info at saintarnold.com/pup-crawl.

03.14.20 CORGI RACING

Sam Houston Race Park 7575 N Sam Houston Parkway Houston 77064 6:30pm-10:00pm Don't miss this highly entertaining Corgi race in between live horse racing. Each dog gets a racing bandana to wear during the race. Find info or register: shrp.com/events.

03.18-04.04.20 PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW See AD on page 26.

03.22.20 CHEFS FOR PAWS

The Westin Medical Center 1709 Dryden Rd Houston 77030 5:00pm-9:00pm Enjoy a multi-course dinner to celebrate the thousands of pets saved from "death row" by Rescued Pets

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Movement. This fundraiser features some of Houston's top chefs serving at Terrace 54 Bar + Table. Purchase tickets at chefsforpaws.com.

03.28.20 PUG & MINI POODLE RACING

Sam Houston Race Park 7575 N Sam Houston Parkway Houston 77064 6:30pm-10:00pm Sam Houston Race Park's inaugural Pug & Mini Poodle Races take place between live horse racing. First place wins $200! Registration is $25 at shrp.com/event and includes 4 tickets.

03.29.20 BARK MITZVAH

Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism 11:30am-2:00pm The annual Bark Mitzvah is back! Come shop with vendors, enjoy music, tasty food from area food trucks and more. Free to the public. 12:30pm service will be led by Rabbi Steve Gross.

Save the Dates:

03.28.20 PUPTOPIA FESTIVAL

Discovery Green 1500 McKinney Houston 77010 10:00am-5:00pm Puptopia is a fun festival for dogs and their parents offering canine-focused, science-based and fun-filled activities. Find out more details at puptopiafestival.com.

03.28.20 BARK FOR LIFE

The Club 18353 University Blvd., Sugar Land 9:00am-1:00pm Riverstone community is preparing to let the dogs out! The non-competitive walk for dogs and their humans will benefit the American Cancer Society. Afterward, the community will unleash a “pawsome” after-party. Activities will include performances by Houston Disc Dogs, pet vendors, animal adoptions, music, food trucks more. Admission is free and open to the public.

04.04.20 DOGGY PARTY ON THE PLAZA

CityCentre Don't miss PetTalk's annual DOG EXTRAVAGANZA featuring the one and only RESCUE ME parade with celebrity Grand Marshal, Jacob Martin of the Houston Texans, plus over 80 vendors, entertainment, shopping and the new SPAW Experience. Emcees for the day include Great Day Houston's Deborah Duncan and KHOU's David Paul. Festival is noon to 5pm. Find details at doggypartyontheplaza.com.

04.11.20 PUPPIES FOR BREAKFAST

Market Square -Downtown 10am-3pm Find more details about this fun festival at puppiesforbreakfast.com.

IS YOUR PET

PROTECTED? Only $49.99

includes initial registration Offer Valid thru March 30, 2020

March is Microchip Madness Month

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PET EXAM

Spring Branch/Memorial 2025 Bingle Rd. Houston, TX 77055

For New Patients of Bingle Vet PT0320

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Offer includes a free comprehensive exam from nose to tail. You will have the opportunity to consult with one of our veterinarians. Offer cannot be combined with other offers. Valid through 4/30/2020

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THE DISH BARRIO DOGS CELEBRATES A DECADE OF DEDICATION

CREATING BETTER COMMUNITIES B arrio Dogs, a Houston nonprofit animal welfare organization, has spent the last decade educating, empowering, and transforming Houston’ s East End community by providing access to education and programming on the importance of proper animal care. Since its founding, Barrio Dogs has educated more than 7,000 adults and children on proper pet care, affordable spay/ neuter options, and how to identify potential animal cruelty situations. Come celebrate their accomplishments March 29 at Bohemeo’s featuring music, culinary creations as well as activities for animal lovers, young and old alike. See page 23 for details.

HOUSTON SPCA

DOG-OWNER REUNION I

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t was among the top five worst cases of deplorable living conditions the Houston SPCA said they have ever seen when they, along with Montgomery County Constables Precinct 3, rescued nearly 200 animals from a Spring property earlier this year. Wrangler, a Great Pyrenees mix, was among the animals rescued and the only one to have a microchip. The chip was registered to Ryland Brown, a U.S. Air Force airman serving in Spokane, Washington. Brown couldn't believe the news after his pets' caregiver gave Wrangler away when he left for basic training. Housotn SPCA and United Airlines reunited them on Valentines Day at the airport in Washington!

VOLUNTEER

STORYTIME AT CAP S

torytime at CAP is an after-school volunteer program that promotes reading proficiency in children while creating confidence in adoptable shelter animals. Storytime allows children to read books to the dogs, cats and rabbits who are looking for new homes at CAP. By reading aloud, children who were self-conscious about reading reported feelings of “happiness and safety.” while reading to animals. Parents are required to supervise their children; any child over six may participate. Learn more at cap4pets. org or visit them at 17555 Katy Frwy., 77094.

My Name is

DUKE

Adopt Me

SAVEADANE.ORG

Connecting Great Danes with Great People

TAIL-WAGGING GETAWAY

Stays Your Dog

FRdE&ESav!e Over $140

his A Mention T

sandnsea.com 409.797.5500 GALVESTON ISLAND VACATION RENTALS SINCE 1974

Houston PetTalk Magazine

THE DISH

ers n n i W 9 1 20

Misty and Gamora, First place winners from 2019

TEXAS WILDFLOWER CONTEST

BEGINS APRIL 1 G

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et Ready to TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT in PetTalk's 13th Annual Pets in the Wildflowers Photo Contest sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. Starting April 1, enter your photo of your pet(s) taken amongst the beautiful Texas Wildflowers (no humans, please). Entries will be accepted through April 21 when public voting will commence to select finalists in two categories: Novice and Professional Photographer (be sure to read the rules on the entry page). Contest entry is via the houstonpettalk.com website and our Facebook page. Winners, as well as all entries, will be featured in the June issue of PetTalk. About Sunset Animal Hospital: Sunset Animal Hospital is a 24/7 full-service veterinary hospital in Houston at 2959 SW Frwy. Their professional health care team aspires to excellence in medical quality and client service. They utilize state-of-the-art knowledge, equipment and techniques available to care for your pets and exceed your expectations. Visit them at sunsetanytime.com.

MARCH 18 - APRIL 4

ENJOY three

weeks OF ACTION PACKED Olympic-level SHOW JUMPING, Premier HUNTER COMPETITIONS AND beautiful AMERICAN SADDLEBREDS th AT THE 75 anniversary OF THE PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW!

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 $30,000 GRAND PRIX and

G R E AT S O U T H W E S T E Q U E S T R I A N C E N T E R K AT Y, T E X A S

general admission - free! table of 6 - $1,500 single ticket - $250 sponsorships - $2,500+

denim & diamonds ringside gala SATURDAY, MARCH 28 $50,000 HILDEBRAND FUND GRAND PRIX and

avalon advisors white sapphire ringside gala

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 $30,000 USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY and

bourbon, bow ties & big hats derby party hosted by modern luxury

SATURDAY, APRIL 4 $100,000 WELLS FARGO GRAND PRIX and

diamond jubilee ringside gala

the 2020 pin oak painted horses life-size works of art by texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; top mural artists will be auctioned during the ringside galas

“CHANCEY” KRULL RADOFF 2007-2020

f ever there were a beloved family pet, “Chancey” Radoff would be a wonderful example. This spunky Lhasa-Poo who recently crossed the rainbow bridge was the main star of two books titled Taking Chancey and Chancey's Overture, written by his devoted Dad, Hank. Below is an excerpt of the book that was in production when Chancey passed. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Chancey’s Final Chapter

“The Righteous man treats his animal with kindness” (Proverbs 12:10). I have no complaints. There was no kinder person than Marla. Of course it goes without speaking, Hank too. Really, all the people at Overture treated me with kindness. In death that is when you find out just how many people you touched. I watch as Hank and Marla open numerous cards expressing sympathy on my passing, receiving flowers, emails and telephone calls. One card simply said “Chancey will be missed.” The dogs at Overture know. One in particular, Joey, the American Eskimo, has a special connection with me. Joey is so sick but he is hanging in there for Roy and Mary. I was so sick too but I did not want to disappoint Hank and Marla. I never complained even when I was in pain. I know Joey is

doing the same. Joey is the recipient of my left over treats and cans of chicken which I knew he loved so much. Last time Hank was in their apartment, Joey licked Hank on the back of the leg. Just one lick, like I used to do. That way Hank knew I was there and approved of Joey getting all of my precious possessions. And Joey knew it too. One resident wrote the hardest lost to experience is a loss of a child or beloved pet. For me it is the loss of Hank and Marla. They were my rock when half of my tail was cut off, when I got diabetes and when I became blind. I know I was a burden but they never complained. To me that is true love. I also know that they are not unique. Lots of dogs suffer and their owners sacrifice for them. The resident continued that “Chancey could not have had a better life." It was by chance I

came into the life of Hank and Marla. And when the time came they were not selfless keeping me alive for their benefit. They knew to let me go, in my case on Marla’s left shoulder. That’s where it started and that is where it ended. No pain, just falling into a deep sleep forever. Chancey, who lived at Overture (an active 55+ apartment community in Sugar Land) passed away on January 22, 2020 from cancer. It is truly the silent killer because Hank and Marla had no idea Chancey was suffering from cancer. After several treatment options, they made the tough decision to let Chancey pass. You can read about Chancey’s life in the two books that he is immortalized in: Taking Chancey and Chancey’s Overture. As one resident put it, "Chancey was the spirit of Overture. His spirit lives on."

Houston PetTalk Magazine

IS THERE ANYTHING CUTER THAN YOUR PET? OF COURSE NOT! WE AGREE, SO WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU TO PROVE IT...PLAY WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND LOOK FOR OUR THEMED CONTESTS. YOU SHARE WITH US, WE SHARE WITH OUR READERS. EVERYBODY WINS!

#SHAREWITHUS! MODEL STATUS

1. @ duke_and_darla Hey y’all I would love to be a model for @amazemutt mommy is ALWAYS dressing me in handsome stuff and going places modeling for pics!! – Duke 2. @pitty_girls Hi, my name is Momma and I ruv going everywhere with mom and if I got picked by @amazemutt to be a model we definitely have an excuse to go in more placesMomma 3. @buckley_the_dalmatian S u n d a y . P u p d a y Just chillin’ with my PUP pals!!! Can it stay Sunday fuuuurever?! Asking for a furiend...

NEW YEAR NEW ME 4. @ stewie._.boo New Year , New Me ! 5. @adobermannamedmaxo Thank you @petographyofficial for the Gatsby photoshoot! 6. @charlee_river_thedoodle Oh you know just “romping” my way through the first week of a new decade! #2020

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3 4 5

Training Time! Tips and Techniques from Local Trainers

erhaps the number one stress factor for dog owners is their dog’s behavior. Whether it is pottying in the house, aggression, pulling on leash, stealing food, destroying shoes...it can be paramount to an untrained “tornado” wearing four furry paws. The need for training our dogs is most likely stating the obvious but what you may not know is the tremendous strides made in the science of dog training over the last few

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decades. From positive reinforcement methods to understanding the canine social makeup, the world of dog training has progressed substantially, lending credence to how we should interact with our dogs so that we can live in harmony together. Remembering that dogs were “domesticated” into our lives is a key element. The responsibility rests upon our shoulders to understand their world when we are asking them to live in ours. Because we owe it to this species, Canis Familiaris, to not expect

something from them they don’t understand, the fact that dog training has progressed to a deeper understanding of their behaviors, learning patterns and communication elements is a call to pet owners to embrace, learn and deliver on our commitments. Houston boasts many knowledgeable, experienced trainers and PetTalk is proud that many of them are also our advertising sponsors. We asked our experts to give you some brief tips on various training topics. Books can and have been written on the

Puppy Development Stephanie Bennett, CPDT-KSA, Believe in DOG, believeindogtraining.com

4 STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

1. Neonatal and Transitional Period: Birth to 3 weeks 2. Critical Socialization Period: 3 to 13 weeks 3. Juvenile Period: 13 weeks - 6 to 12 months 4. Adolescent Period: 6 to 12 months - 18 to 24 months Puppyhood is the most crucial imprinting and learning period in a dog’s life. Once a puppy opens their eyes and ears, they are bombarded with stimuli and first impressions are big and permanent. For the new puppy owner, socialization, as well as confidence and temperament training are the most important priorities, particularly during the first 13 weeks. The foundation built during this Critical Socialization Period will help shape your adult dog’s personality and temperament, improve your bond, and can prevent behavioral issues before they ever begin.

WHAT THINGS CAN HAPPEN TO NEGATIVELY AFFECT A DOG DURING THIS STAGE?

BY: MICHELLE MANTOR AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS OPENING PHOTO BY: ROBYN AROUTY ROBYNAROUTY.COM

topic of canine behavior so we are merely scratching the surface of training topics in this feature, but we invite you to enjoy these tips. If your dog is in need of training or behavior modification, please contact one of our authors to learn more about how you can change or manage your relationship with your dog.

Fear Period: Somewhere between 8-11 weeks, puppies commonly go through a fear period. During this time, puppies are especially impressionable, and any frightening or aversive experiences can cause negative associations that can last a lifetime. It is imperative at this stage that you be hyper vigilant about either preventing, or quickly putting an end to any situation your puppy finds scary. Under-socialization: Unfortunately, there is still a debate as to whether puppies should be socialized before being fully vaccinated. Fortunately, more and more owners are educating themselves and recognizing that the critical socialization period is the best opportunity we have to influence our dog’s behavior. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior released a position statement on early puppy socialization stating their belief that, “It should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.” When we compare the risk factor of a puppy contracting disease due to responsible early socialization, to the risk factor of a dog being euthanized due to behavior problems, it is a no brainer! Mil-

lions of dogs are euthanized every year because of behavior and temperament problems.

WHAT ARE THE BEST TRAINING TECHNIQUES THAT ARE BEST FOR THIS STAGE?

During the Critical Socialization Period, pups should be exposed to as many different types of people (especially men and children), situations, locations, and other well socialized pets as possible without causing fear. Puppies should be handled often and encouraged to explore, play, investigate and problem solve. By enrolling in a puppy class, you can safely socialize your puppy, work on bite inhibition, instill manners and build a basic obedience foundation all at the same time! Training should be based in positive reinforcement and concentrate on consistency, communication, patience and mutual respect. You must remember that your puppy is an ESL student and must be taught everything. Training should be done in short intervals as puppies need lots of brain breaks. They also need lots of rewards such as praise, play, affection, and/or treats. These types of methods are proven to be the most effective way to build a bond and prevent behavioral issues. The debunked methods that focus on dominance, punishment and/or tools that cause pain, are outdated and can actually do more harm than good.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

House Training 101 H

By: Donna Smith, Bark Buster Dog Training, barkbusters.com

www.houstonpettalk.com

ousetraining a new puppy is one of the more frequent requests for training advice I get from dog owners. Given the limited space to detail the training method, I have found a graphic that succinctly details a good puppy housetraining plan. I'm happy to share this excellent chart by flyndogsports.com. As you can see, it takes a lot of time, vigilance and patience to teach a dog proper toileting habits!

How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

By: Jeff Murphrey, CCTBS, Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Canine Country Club, mycaninecountryclub.com

he humorist Bob Murphy observed that people who live in Dallas think people who live in Denton live “in the country”; people that live in Denton think people who live in Cut-N-Shoot live in the country, and so on. This fact was driven home to him when he was called upon to repossess a refrigerator from a house located at the end of a small trail. After swinging on a rope to cross the creek in front of the house, he walked up to the door only to find a note that said, “Gone for the weekend, we have gone to the country.” Murphy explained that’s when he realized that living in the country was a “relative thing”. How much exercise your dog needs to address behavioral issues is also a relative thing, depending on the behavioral issue and

its root causes, the age, breed and physical condition of your dog, and how much mental stimulation your friend gets during the day. As a very general rule of thumb, an active breed needs a minimum of thirty minutes of strenuous exercise five to seven days a week. Even more generally, less active breeds and those not well conditioned need enough exercise so they are slowing down near the end of the allotted exercise time period. In the end, the proof is in the pudding. If the amount of exercise combined with behavioral modification techniques applied does not show signs of alleviating your dog’s issue, then you probably need to increase both his level of physical and mental stimulation.

TRAIN YOUR DOG NOT TO CHEW ON YOUR BELONGINGS

By: Mary Kegarise, yuppiedog.com e all love our dogs; we just don’t always love the way they behave. Especially when they destroy household items or ruin our clothing or shoes by chewing. The first thing to do to solve the problem of destructive chewing is to identify the reason. The most common causes for inappropriate chewing: » Age » Boredom » Anxiety If your puppy is under 6 months old, chewing is because of the “teething process” of losing baby teeth and cutting through of the adult teeth. It is up to you to “puppy proof” the area where your puppy will play, crate the puppy when you cannot watch him or her, and provide LOTS of great puppy chew toys. If your dog is bored, he or she will chew on things. The dog’s goal here is not to “get even” with you–he or she is simply looking for some entertainment. Make sure your dog has sufficient exercise and provide some interesting dog toys or puzzles for when your dog is alone. Take your dog shopping and pick out something fun together! If you think your dog suffers from a form of anxiety, it is best to have an evaluation by an experienced canine behavior specialist or trainer. There is help for all kinds of problems! Houston PetTalk Magazine

Evolve the dog

hen we speak of competitive obedience, most aren’t considering it something they want or need with their dog but a closer look may get you thinking twice. Many times in my initial phone consult with clients, I hear their dog already knows the basics but that they are having behavior issues they want to solve. Many times they have already graduated from a basic course yet further examination reveals that they and their dog(s) didn’t achieve “basic training” to any real standard. Q: “How long does Max sit and stay until you release him from said exercise?” A: "As long as HE feels like it and there are NO distractions. But he usually gets up and I have to repeatedly tell him to sit. But I don’t need him to be perfect." While I could argue that perfection is not a place only a direction, it’s excellence in performance of Basic Obedience (fundamental life skills) under pressure, as it is in competitive obedience, which provides owners and their

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By: Dean Miller, IACP Professional, AKC/UKC Certified, Master Trainer Club Canine, clubcaninehouston.com

companion dogs the trustworthy responsiveness to an URGENT, real world situation, possibly saving the dog's life. The Novice level of obedience is considered BASIC skills and consists of 8 exercises. The American Kennel Club (AKC.org) and United Kennel Club (UKCdog.com) use these exercises as a national standard of measuring co-operation, trust, stability, responsiveness, dependability and teamwork between owners and their companion dogs. Are these not the attributes we need in the relationship with our dog(s) to maximize their quality of life AND yours? If Max was trained properly in the exercise, he would actually stay under distraction for a duration of at least one minute (to start). It’s like my mother once said while doing multiplication flash cards, “You either know it, or you don’t." And until you do, you won’t get to the next level without more failure. You and your dog compete every day in the ring of LIFE and require a coach who’s proven their worth at achieving a level of excellence

AND can teach it, for safety, dependability, and then convenience, through a BASIC course. As an instructor, the obedience ring is where you demonstrate to national judges your skills and abilities of training, achieving and teaching others to a standard. The standard also demands that the dog demonstrate a happy and up-working attitude. Many envision or have been lead to believe that they will lose the spirit of the dog with this level of training. This is FALSE. A dog who demonstrates lack of confidence has not been trained properly. The BASICS are your insurance for maximizing TRUST and limiting risk. They are the fundamentals of life and if any discipline is not learned properly, benefits suffer. Wouldn’t you like the confidence in knowing that when you call your dog in order to prevent an accident, it won’t require 4, 5 or 6 times? It should only take once; your dog might not get the second chance. And if she’s not safe and alive, nothing else matters.

Resolving multi-dog conflict

any of us as dog parents find it impossible to stop with just one furry friend in our house. With big hearts and the best of intentions, we invite two, three or more dogs into our homes to simultaneously bless our lives. However, far too often we find ourselves ill-equipped to manage multiple personalities and behavioral needs resulting in jealousy, competition and even aggressive conflict amongst our dogs. If you are experiencing aggression between your dogs, keep safety in mind first and separate them by using gates, crates, or separate rooms until positive behavioral training can transform their competitive relationship into a co-operative one. There are no quick fixes to this problem that has most likely escalated over time and can stem from reactive behaviors such as resource guarding, fear or an absence of positive parenting in the environment. Because of the safety concerns with this problem, professional training with a positive reinforcement based philosophy is strongly

recommended. With the mission to keep good dogs in good homes, The Texas Dogfather and The Houston Dog Ranch have recently merged their operations in order to offer a new method of behavioral training called The Family Language. Drawing on scientific principals such as Co-active Social facilitation and harnessing Allelomimetic behaviors, we have developed a positive approach to training where dogs actually learn from other dogs. At the heart of our operation is a carefully selected and highly trained group of 18 beloved resident dogs that live communally on our property. These amazing individuals serve as social models and behavioral mentors to assist and guide our customer’s dogs to reach their behavioral training goals. Whether your dog struggles with anxieties and fears, lack of impulse control, leash reactivity, stranger danger, fence fighting, or even competition and conflict in a multi-dog household, our resident dogs are ready to guide your dog to healthy behaviors.

Dog Park Safety Tips

og parks are a great way to release energy and gain social skills, both of which are very important for your dog. Each visit to the dog park should be a positive experience. As a good rule of thumb, make sure your dog is up to date on all of their vaccines and be sure they have proper identification on them. While there are a number of good lists on the internet, here are some other recommended safety tips when bringing your dog to the dog park: » Walk along the outside of the dog park before entering. This allows for you to observe the dogs in the park, looking for signs of aggression and/or fear. Your dog can get used to the smell of the other dogs before meeting them face to face. » Do not leash your dog while inside the dog park. Instead leash them in the gated area. This prevents dogs from being tackled while on the leash. » Know your dog’s threshold. If your dog is getting too rowdy or too overwhelmed, then call them back from the play and give them a moment to calm down before allowing them to play again. Responsiveness to basic obedience commands is helpful in these situations.

By: Matt Bryant, Houston Dog Ranch & The Texas Dogfather, houstondogranch.com

We recognize that a dog's behavior is shaped by their experiences and environment–and you are the biggest influencer in that environment. So while our resident pack is coaching your dog(s) on making better behavioral choices, our behaviorists are ready to guide you in the specific knowledge required to create an environment that continuously promotes co-operation and home harmony amongst your pack. Once your dogs have learned co-operative pack building behaviors, and you’ve practiced hands-on how to maintain these behaviors, we come to your home to work with you on implementing a daily routine for managing the front door, back door, toy time, dinner time and all the areas of potential conflict. We know the joys that come from a house full of happy dogs so if there is conflict in your pack, take the step to get professional training so that you can live in a harmonious household.

By: Rosina Barker, Jackson's Place Unleashed, happyhoustonpets.com

Be sure to remove all nose and body harnesses. These items can cause injury to your dog or another dog during play. Collars are fine, as they do not tend to get in the way of play. If a fight happens DO NOT get in between the dogs! Clap loudly, shout “HEY”, or splash them with water - anything to startle them

to get their attention back to you. If you do have to pull them away then grab them from the hindquarters, at their hips, and gently pull them until completely clear of the other dog before grabbing their collar to lead them away.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Welcoming a new dog

By: Training Team at Meadowlake Pet Resort, meadowlakepetresort.com

here are few things as exciting as bringing home a new furry family member! Whether a puppy or an adult dog, there are many preparations to make the transition easier for everyone. Start by establishing family

rules before bringing the dog home. Will they be allowed on the couch? Where will they sleep? Are we using “down” or “off” when they jump? Simple decisions like this will become vital in maintaining consistency in the home…

Pet Safety In The Car

By: Wendy Ferguson, Lone Stare Pet Lodges, lonestarpetlodges.com

ou always wear a seatbelt in the car, but should your dogs? The simple answer to this is absolutely! In a car crash at 35 miles per hour, an unrestrained 60-pound dog becomes a 2,700-pound projectile. The force of that impact could kill both the dog and the car’s human occupants. Yet many of us drive around every day with our dogs just sitting on the back seat, or even on our laps. It is actually illegal to have your pet unrestrained in a vehicle in the UK and many other countries around the world. There are three main things you need to consider for keeping your dog safe when driving: preventing distractions, managing the dog’s deceleration rate upon impact, and keeping the dog restrained post-crash. Many pet owners are unaware of the importance of making sure a dog is restrained in the aftermath of an accident. In my 15-year career as a dog trainer, I have heard several stories of dogs panicking and fleeing accidents through

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a broken window, only to be lost or hit by incoming traffic. Also, when a dog has just been through a traumatic experience, such as a car crash, they become more protective of their owner and can delay treatment from first responders by not allowing them access to their humans. I have witnessed this first hand at 12 years old when my family was involved in a terrible car crash with our family dog. There are several ways to properly restrain your pet but a crate is the best option to ensure your dog’s safety when traveling in a car. It is very important to make sure to select the right size crate for your dog. It's also critical to choose safety-certified, crash-tested crates. Just like a child safety seat, the crate needs to be secured to either the back seat or the “way back” of your car. The love we have for our pets is unmeasurable and it is our duty and responsibility to keep them safe, even in the car.

and that’s your goal, consistency! Next, dog proof the house by ensuring there are no dangerous items that the pet could get in to. Don’t forget to purchase all your supplies, including a crate and a long leash (not retractable). Once your pup is home, create a bond by feeding from your hand as much as possible. Giving treats when you ask the dog to go into the crate helps to establish the crate as a safe and fun place. Put the dog in the crate any time you are away from home or can’t keep a close eye on your pup. When they are out of the crate, attaching a long leash to their collar allows you to quickly “catch” the pet if they do something against the family rules. Gently pulling the leash towards you and away from the bad behavior and redirecting with a toy or another activity will teach the dog to do that instead of the unwanted behavior. Always supervise your pet around children, new guests or other animals. Don’t forget to praise! Pats on the head, petting, treats and even a game a fetch are all great ways to tell your new family member they did something right! Lastly, be sure to sign them up for obedience training as early as possible to create good, healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Be the Leader Your Dog Needs You to Be

he word “leadership” has been synonymous with the words “pack leader,” “dominance,” and “alpha.” This unfortunately perpetuates the idea that flipping dogs on their back or going out the front door first teaches dogs that you are a leader. Thankfully, we have learned that structure and healthy boundaries can be taught without physical force. Owners that rely on force and intimidation to control their dogs are often unaware that there are more effective communication techniques. Owners that are permissive of problem behavior are also lacking good leadership skills. The best leaders are confident, consistent, patient, motivating, and supportive. Think of yourself as a coach teaching your dog how to live their best life! Dogs are not robots programmed to do things because they want to please us, but we have domesticated and bred dogs to look to humans for direction. Owning a dog means you are committed to providing structure, appropriate outlets for normal dog behaviors (chewing, running, digging, etc.), and teaching them how you expect them to behave in situ-

By: Katie Clark CDBC, CPDT-KA, Director of Training, Peace Love Dogs, peacelovedogshouston.com

ations. Most of the unwanted or “rude” behaviors we see from dogs are normal dog habits that have been unintentionally rewarded. Good management, great training, and excellent leadership can improve behavior drastically. MANAGEMENT: Set your dog up to succeed. This means managing their environment until they are taught what we expect from them, and until they are reliable. A weak leader waits for their dog to fail, while a good leader makes it easy for dogs to be successful. TRAINING: Spend time teaching your dog skills you want them to understand. This includes walking on a leash politely, going potty outside, and greeting people appropriately. Dogs aren’t born knowing, we have to show them! A weak leader blames the dog’s lack of understanding as being stubborn or difficult, but a good leader goes above and beyond to make sure their dog understands a skill. FOLLOW THROUGH: Enforce training through communication and consistency. Training is about your dog’s safety and quality of life. If your dog learns to ignore you, you are risking their safety. Dogs know what they want,

but it’s our job as dog owners to determine what they need. Focus on motivating your dog to behave the way you want them to, but be prepared to provide feedback when they’re getting it wrong. A weak leader gets angry or frustrated when correcting their dog, while a good leader is calm and consistent when providing feedback. Being a good leader also means recognizing when your dog needs more training before expecting them to perform reliably in challenging or new situations. RELATIONSHIP: Your relationship with your dog is determined by what kind of leader you are. The most well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs I’ve had the pleasure of working with have owners that practice good leadership. Their dogs consistently respond with expressive, reliable behavior because the owners have a relationship built on mutual trust and respect. If you have a good relationship with your dog, everything else falls into place. If you need help learning to be a good leader for your dog, reach out to a trainer for coaching!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

HOUSTON'S

TOP

TRAINERS

eet some of Houston's Top Trainers who are experienced and will work with you so that you and your dog can have the best possible relationship!

Jackson's Place Unleashed Pet Resort

Trainer: Rosina Barker Phone: 346.293.9025 URL: houstondogdaycare.com Address: 3511 Milam Street Houston, TX 77002 Services: Group Classes in Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Classes, as well as One on One Lessons. About: Our dog training philosophy is based on setting your dog up for success while using proven, gentle, reward-based training!

Bark Busters Home Dog Training

Phone: 713.771.2275 URL: barkbusters.com Address: In Your Home Services: In Home Dog Training About: Our dog-friendly training techniques teach proper body language and voice control to communicate with your dog. All training takes place in your home and is effective with any breed, any age, any issue. You will be able to control your dog very quickly, without treats or harsh punishment. In the first session you will see that you can greatly influence your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior.

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Houston Dog Ranch

Phone: 713.465.2275 (BARK) URL: houstondogranch.com Address: 9602 Dalecrest Dr., Houston 77080 Services: Behavioral Assessments/Counseling, Board & Train, Pair Bonding, Private & Home Sessions, Field Trips, Puppy & Group Obedience Classes, Active Dog Day Care About: Our experienced trainers are experts in promoting behavioral change via the latest in social behavior science. We employ 18 dogs at the ranch that serve as behavior models and facilitators guiding our customer's dogs to grow their social skills and improve behavioral choices. We adhere to The Humane Hierarchy and LIMA guidelines.

Believe in DOG Training

Phone: 713.364.4439 URL: believeindogtraining.com Address: 1029 W. 26th St. Houston 77008 Services: Puppy Experts, Signature Puppy Day School, Private Consultations (Specializing in Fear & Leash Reactivity), Group Classes, CGC, Therapy Dog Prep, Canine Fitness, Just for Fun Agility, Reactive Rover About: We utilize positive, science-based methods that emphasize communication, mutual respect, consistency, and real-life training. Through our dog and people friendly approach, we give owners the knowledge they need to do their best for their best friend.

Yuppie Dog Daycare

Trainer: Mary Kegarise Phone: 713.426.5700 URL: yuppiedog.com Address: 2203 Durham, Houston 77007 Services: Temperament Testing, AKC Good Citizen Classes - STAR Puppy, CGC, Advanced Community and Urban, Private in-home sessions, Emphasis on anxiety issues About: Through her many years of experience as a canine behavior specialist and veterinary technician, Mary has developed a keen understanding of how to communicate with dogs and their people. Mary attended Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and is an experienced AKC Evaluator. She is the Founder/Director of BAK-PAK Critters Reading Program, a unique non-profit that uses therapy dogs in a reading program in public schools.

Club Canine

Trainers: Dean Miller (IACP Professional, AKC/UKC Certified), Dallas Trull, Don Miller Phone: 281.380.8175 URL: clubcaninehouston.com Address: 4703 Rose St., Houston 77007 Services: Early learning/relationship practices, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC & Community Canine (Adv. CGC), Urban Dog, Rally Novice, In Home and Group Instruction. AKC CD, CDX, UD Certified, Aggression Behavior Rehabilitation About: Club Canine fosters a philosophy that training is not On or Off; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lifestyle. The Thinking Dog Training System gives a unique approach that allows all dogs to grow into enjoyable and trustworthy companions.

Lone Star Pet Lodges

Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center

Phone: 713.413.1633 URL: meadowlakepetresort.com Address: 13500 Furman Rd., Houston 77047 Galleria Area: 6393 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77057 Services: Puppy Imprinting & Socialization, Obedience, CGC Certification, In-Home & Community Location Training, Utility Dog Training, Therapy Dog Training, Scent Discrimination About: Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center proudly hosts a team of dog trainers with over 25 years combined professional experience. Our expert training team has trained and titled dogs as well as coached dog/handler teams for AKC Obedience, Schutzhund, Narcotic Detection, Frisbee, Guide and Service, Agility, and Hunt Test.

Trainer: Wendy Ferguson Phone: 281.403.7700 URL: lonestarpetlodges.com Address: 3207 Williamsburg Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459 Services: Lodge and Train, Daycare and Train, and Private Lessons, along with Lodging, Daycare, Daylodging, Grooming, and Retail About: Our mission is simple: to provide the best care for your pet, be the destination you can trust, the destination your pet will look forward to! We are Lone Star Pet Lodges, member of the Destination Pet family. We offer high quality, well-rounded programs with your pet in mind, including customized lodging, tailored grooming, active daycare, and personalized training.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Have Fun! Training ideas for you and your dog in houston:

art of building a relationship with your dog is to do activities together. Plus, wouldn't it be great for you both if there was some exercise involved too? Below is a list of resources of some fun things to do in Houston that might interest you and your pup.

stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. Believe in DOG Training holds regular classes and is affiliated with a therapy dog organization.

CANINE FREESTYLE: TEXASSIXSTEPPERS.ORG

AGILITY TRAINING SCHOOL: FLASHPAWS.COM

Rooted in obedience, musical freestyle is an activity where dogs and owners perform choreographed routines together.

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN CERTIFICATION FOR THERAPY DOG WORK: BELIEVEINDOGTRAINING. COM/THERAPY-DOG-GROUP If you are interested in your dog becoming a therapy dog to help others in need, you must first begin with your dog achieving the Canine Good Citizen Certification. The 2-part program

DOGGIE H

WALKS

Insured & Bonded,

Professional In-Home

Dog agility is a sport where you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course within a certain time limit. Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles, which can include tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws, and pause tables where the dog must stop for a set amount of time.

FLYBALL: FLYBALLK9.COM

Flyball is a dog sport in which teams of dogs race against each other from a start/finish line,

over a line of hurdles, to a box that releases a tennis ball to be caught when the dog presses the spring-loaded pad. They race back to their handlers while carrying the ball in relay style.

DOCK DIVING: HOUSTONDOGRANCH.COM

This sport involves dogs leaping as far as they can into a pool to catch and retrieve a toy thrown by their owner. Classes are taught at Houston Dog Ranch and Houston Dive Dogs, houstondivedogs.com.

Make a Difference By Honoring A Wonderful Life! HONOR A LOST PET by making a tax deductible donation to the Harris County Veterinary Medical Foundation in their name. Your gift helps provide valuable information on pet medical and humane issuesto other pet parents.

PET SITTER & DOG WALKER Servicing Central West Houston from Memorial City to the Heights

832.229.8095 WWW.DOGGIEWALKSHOUSTON.COM CONTACT@DOGGIEWALKSHOUSTON.COM

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To Donate Please Visit

www.HCVMF.org

OUR PASSION IS

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

THE TRUSTED CHOICE Emergency Care Services Offered: • Trained doctors & veterinary assistants • Blood pressure monitoring • Cardiovascular monitoring & ECG • Emergency surgery • Emergency examinations • Advanced diagnostics • In-house labwork

• Oxygen therapy • Blood transfusions • Pain management • Traumatic wound care • Pulse oximetry • Digital radiography • Ultrasound, Endoscopy

EMERGENCY CARE 713-941-8460

Exit 35

Sam Houston Tollway

y f Fw

Hobbs Rd

Le a g u

Edgebrook Dr

Calder Dr

FM 5

Gul

Mon-Thu 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM Fri 6:00 PM - Mon 8:00 AM 24 hours on Holidays

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VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast Calder Road

VCA ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SOUTHEAST

610

281-332-1678 1108 GULF FREEWAY S., #280 LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573 VCAcalderroad.com

Fwy L a Porte

45 288

Clearwood

Mon-Thu 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM Fri 6:00 PM - Mon 8:00 AM 24 hours on Holidays

10 610

South Fwy

VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast

10331 GULF FREEWAY HOUSTON, TX 77034 VCAemergencyse.com

Pkwy ity eC

Management Services Provided by VCA Animal Hospitals. • Animal Healthcare of Texas, PC. - Rocky McKelvey, DVM - owner.

FM 5

VCA ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SOUTHEAST CALDER ROAD Link Rd

SHOPPING GUIDE

TRAINING PRODUCTS

TASTY FUN

Challenge your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain by spreading their favorite soft treat over the surface, creating a fun game as they work to seek out every last morsel with their tongue! Available locally at Believe In DOG, 1029 W. 26th St. Houston 77008.

WHERE'S THE BEEF?

Complete with 3 different treat feeding features, the Nina Ottosson Dog Brick is made with easy open-close flip compartments to hide treats in, and comes with separate, removable bone puzzle pieces that offer an even more interesting challenge to seeking and eating treats! Your dog can easily slide and move each flip compartment to reveal even more hidden treats. Available online at outwardhound.com.

MY SPACE

Teaching your dog to "go to place" is very helpful when you need your dog to stay in one place for a short period of time. "Place" can be a bed, crate, mat, etc. like this quality, elevated, lightweight bed made of durable canvas from Peace Love Dogs, 9619 Yupondale Dr. Houston 77080.

FIND IT

www.houstonpettalk.com

With 12 treat compartments in this dog game, The Dog Tornado is smart and fun choice for mealtime as it holds your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite wet or dry kibble. Each level of the Dog Tornado spins as your dog searches for treats hiding inside. The spinning movement keeps your dog engaged and presents them with a fun and challenging way to play. Available at outwardhound.com.

CBD: SHOP LOCAL

Local purveyor of CBD for pets, CBD Healthclub, offers a variety of products including oil, treats and shampoo. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help with joint pain, loss of appetite, inflammation, anxiety and nausea/vomiting. Purchase at cbdhealthclub.com.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Culture of

learning By: Katie Clark, Director of Training, Peace Love Dogs Photos By: Robyn Arouty, robynarouty.com

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ith nearly half of all households owning a dog, it stands to reason that the dog training industry is growing rapidly. Fortunately, many owners are showing a willingness to invest in the well-being of their animals and therefore seek the services of professional dog trainers. The fact that many dog parents are hiring a professional trainer is the good news, however, the dog training industry is unregulated and essentially anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. In a large city such as Houston, there are many dog trainers and without regulation, you

AT PEACE LOVE DOGS, IT IS OUR PHILOSOPHY OF EXCELLENCE THAT PROPELS US TO INVEST IN THE EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATION OF OUR TRAINING STAFF. are left to wonder, “How do I choose the right trainer for my situation?” It’s true there is no “degree” in dog training, but the closest standard of knowledge and skills is a certification. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is the only independent and most recognized certifying body in the dog training industry. Most professional trainers will have taken and passed an examination of general training knowledge and earned the designation of Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). Trainers that have earned this designation have also committed to practicing modern, ethical, and humane training techniques. Peace Love Dogs currently employs 6 trainers that have earned their CPDT-KA titles, and 3 more team members will be taking their examination this Fall. The first step in earning the title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer is hands-on experience through apprenticing. The minimum requirement is 300 hours, and at Peace Love Dogs, we require our trainers to proficiently complete at least triple that amount. It is also important how long a trainer has been professionally training.

When you hire a trainer, you are tapping into their entire background including the books they have read, mentors they have studied under, each and every dog they have learned from, unique situations they have worked through, their years of practical application and even the mistakes they have made and learned from during their career. Typically, trainers with 1-3 years of experience are good, trainers with 3-5 years of experience are better, and trainers with 5-10 years of experience are best. Someone with more than 10 years of experience is likely specialized and an expert in the industry. Peace Love Dogs’ training team has over 60 years of combined training experience. Like any professional career, continuing education is key to maintaining knowledge. Dog training is no different. It is a fluid, scientific field that is constantly being updated. As part of maintaining a certification, continuing education credits are required. If your trainer is not regularly attending seminars and conferences, they are potentially missing out on learning the most up-to-date and effective training techniques. At PLD, we believe every interaction with a dog is a learning opportunity, and learning is an essential part of our culture. Through continuing education, trainers can provide the highest quality training for their clients. In addition to experience level and educational background, the opportunity exists for specializing in behavior modification and becoming certified in that area of expertise as well. The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) is a group dedicated to recognizing and certifying trainers with experience appropriate for behavior modification. Certified Dog Behavior Consultants (CDBC) are qualified to address aggression, fear, anxiety, and other severe behaviors. Using a set of science-backed tools, they help identify the cause of your dog’s problem behavior and then create a customized treatment plan, teach you how to carry it out successfully, and provide follow-up. As the Director of Training at PLD, I believe having these specialty skills to address severe behavior issues is vitally important. I am one of ten Certified Dog Behavior Consultants in the state of Texas, and 4 more PLD trainers are actively preparing to earn their title. At Peace Love Dogs, it is our philosophy of excellence that propels us to invest in the education, experience, and certification of our training staff. We believe our expertise is in the best interest of our clients by ensuring we are credible and consistent. Our mission is to keep dogs in homes by helping owners raise happy, healthy, and wellmannered members of the family!

Meet the Trainers

Peace Love Dogs 9619 Yupondale Dr. Houston, TX 77080 (713) 467-1177

info@peacelovedogshouston.com

Requirements

for Certification CERTIFICATION COUNCIL FOR PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS (CCPDT) Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) » A minimum of 300 hours’ experience within the last 3 years » Must provide a signed attestation statement from veterinarian or existing certificant to verify hours and experience » Pass an examination of canine ethology, learning theory, dog training technique, and instruction » Maintain CEUs (Continuing Education Units) through seminars and workshops » Qualified to teach new behaviors (sit, down, stay) and address common behavior problems (jumping up on guests, pulling on the leash)

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR CONSULTANTS (IAABC)

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) » Minimum 500 hours of experience in animal behavior consulting with clients » Must provide 3 references – a veterinarian, colleague, and client » Pass an in-depth examination of behavior, including correctly assessing and creating a behavior modification plan for provided scenarios. » Provide case studies that discuss inperson clients, assessments, history, training plans, and outcomes. » Maintain CEUs (Continuing Education Units) through seminars and workshops » Qualified to create and implement training plans for more serious behavior problems, such as resource guarding, reactivity, and separation anxiety.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

the et rs Me ine Tra

Katie Clark CDBC, CPDT-KA, CCFT, AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN EVALUATOR, CTDI » »

» »

11 years of animal training experience Favorite Quote: "Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen." -Orhan Pamuk Why I Became A Dog Trainer: "For my entire life I chased the opportunity to work with marine mammals. I thought training dogs was just a step toward achieving my dreams, but I realized I'm happiest coaching people and dogs how to live their best lives together." Personal Motto: "Life's a climb, but the view is great." Specialty: Fitness, Tricks, Behavior Modification

Ashley Schmalz CPDT-KA, AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN EVALUATOR » »

» »

6 years of dog training experience Favorite Quote: “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” -Josh Billings Why I Became A Dog Trainer: "I got into dog training to save my dog's life. My own dog showed severe aggression at an early age, and we were told by a professional to put her to sleep. Thankfully we didn't, and I found a passion for dog training by learning to find answers to my dog's behavior. I decided I never wanted anyone to go through the heartbreak of not having answers, and now I help those in similar situations to my own." Personal Motto: "The shadows only prove the sunshine." Specialty: Spitz Breeds, Reactivity, Barn Hunt

Greg Hughes CPDT-KA, AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN EVALUATOR » »

» »

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9 years of dog training experience Favorite Quote: "When a dog looks at you, the dog is not thinking what kind of person you are. The dog is not judging you." -Eckhart Tolle Why I Became A Dog Trainer: "I started because I wanted to understand my own dog's behavior more. Along the way, I discovered how much I loved working with dogs and coaching people. I possess a true passion for dog training." Personal Motto: "Nobody regrets acting with integrity." Specialty: Confidence Building, Fear & Anxiety, Impulse Control

JJ Martocchio CPDT-KA, AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN EVALUATOR » » »

» »

10 years of animal training experience Favorite Quote: "Be the person your dog thinks you are." -C.J. Frick Why I Became A Dog Trainer: "I've always loved animals. It didn't matter what kind. After working with so many varieties I realized I ADORE dog training. The look of joy and seeing the bond deepen between a person and their dog...nothing compares to that." Personal Motto: "Train the dog in front of you...or in this case, on top!" Specialty: Bully Breeds, Deaf Dogs, Leash Walking Skills

Lindsay Kahl CPDT-KA, AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN EVALUATOR » »

» »

7 years of dog training experience Favorite Quote: "Joyful, joyful, joyful, as only dogs know how to be happy with only the autonomy of their shameless spirit." -Pablo Naruda Why I Became A Dog Trainer: "I love having a job with endless opportunities to learn and grow, and also dogs are awesome." Personal Motto: "Keep your spirit free, be flexible, let go." Specialty: Spaniel Breeds, Cooperative Care, Enrichment

Samantha Billington CPDT-KA, AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN EVALUATOR » »

» »

8 years of dog training experience Favorite Quote: "We don't own dogs, we borrow them. They own us." -Jim Pufahl Why I Became A Dog Trainer: “I always wanted to be a teacher, I’ve loved dogs since I was a kid, and being a dog trainer is where my passions come together.” Personal Motto: "If you can't laugh at yourself, call me and I will!" Specialty: Hound Breeds, Rally-O, Kids & Dog

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Treat Me

LIFESTYLE

JACKSON'S PLACE: MAGICALLY DELICIOUS TREATS FOR PUPS

Celebrate the spirit of the Irish with yummy, all-natural dog treats and pastries made from premium ingredients like yogurt, carob and peanut butter baked with love at Jackson's Place - 2 locations in Houston: 1i635 Dunlavey, 77006 and 3511 Milam, 77002. Check them out at houstondogdaycare.com/bakery.

WOOF GANG BAKERY

Don't forget to bring a little luck home on St. Patrick's Day for your furry friend...a tasty shamrock cookie will do the trick! Celebrate all things green with some bakery treats from one of many Woof Gang Bakery locations in Houston. To find one near you, visit woofgangbakery.com.

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DON’T LET OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN

KEEP YOUR DOG DOWN HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR DOG? Easily gets tired or lags behind on walks

Has trouble getting up from a resting position

Is reluctant to run, play or climb stairs

Has gained weight in the past year

Limps or appears stiff after exercise

Inflammation in the joints causes pain and cartilage damage which can lead to stiffness and decreased mobility.

Ask your veterinarian to evaluate your dog’s joints today.

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LIFESTYLE

A VISIT TO THE HYATT REGENCY TAMAYA IN NEW MEXICO

ust days after ringing in the 2020 decade, my family and I headed out to the scenic Southwest U.S. for a “last hoorah” before my kids headed back to college. The thought of a peaceful few days in a beautiful resort was just what I needed after the busy holiday season. Our destination was the famed Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, nestled on 550 acres of the Native American Santa Ana Pueblo between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River. Steeped in over one thousand years of rich history and culture of the Tamayame people, the resort is a unique destination that offers quiet pampering, cultural immersion, and luxurious amenities. While those are all quite tempting attractions, the biggest allure for me personally was the chance to learn more about the Tamaya Horse Rehabilita-

A beautiful view of the grounds and the Oxbow Pool from the hotel

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tion Program. It may seem like an odd marriage between a resort and a horse rescue organization, but the relationship works perfectly in the context of this setting which offers an abundance of land, mountain views and the “bosque”, native cottonwood indigenous to the Rio Grande. Think wide open spaces for trail riding while taking in the gorgeous 360-degree view of the Sandia Mountain range. After settling into our room that offered a private balcony with a tranquil view (perfect for having my morning coffee), we headed to our pre-arranged trail ride. The resort van picked us up and drove us about a mile to the stables. I point out the distance of the ride because, even after one mile, there still was no other structure in sight. We were surrounded only by nature, underscoring the fact that the Tamaya Resort pulls off something extraordinary: you feel as if you are deep into the high

desert, miles from the hustle and bustle of the city, while you are actually in the midst of Albuquerque and only 45 minutes from Santa Fe. The vastness of open land is thanks to the relationship between Hyatt and the Native American people who settled in the area over one thousand years ago and continue to own the land on which the resort is located. Once at the stables, which are nestled at the base of the sacred Tuyuna Mesa, we were introduced to our horses who were saddled up and ready to go. The ride lasted just over an hour giving us time to soak in the breathtaking scenery and chat with our guides, Andrew and Jasmine, about the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program. The story they shared of how the stables came to be is one of love, caring and respect for the incredible service equines have given to man. In 2008, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa took notice of the incredible trail rides offered by Connie Collis who owns CWW Feed Store in San Isidro. Sensing that a trail ride amenity for guests would be a welcome addition, the Hyatt team worked to create a partnership with Connie and her horses. While running the resort’s stables, Connie began rescuing unwanted and surrendered horses and worked with the resort to establish the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation as an official nonprofit organization. All of the horses come from some kind of circumstance in which they were unwanted, which underscores the charity’s mission of providing them with love, purpose, care, and training. The care of the horses emphasizes rehabilitation through human connection and relationship building by employing tailored positive reinforcement training into each day’s activities. The horses are groomed, fed, and cared for by a few employees and a large volunteer group who take their time to give these beautiful creatures a safe home. It’s truly a love story that I’m grateful to share. When living in a large city such as Houston, we often get overwhelmed by the traffic and hurried pace that surrounds us and can leave

Heading out on a ride from the Stables at Tamaya

us longing for fresh air, open spaces, and natural surroundings. The Hyatt Regency Tamaya is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature during an equine experience that represents a time machine of riding through open lands and big sky, just like you can imagine the cowboys and Native Americans did in times gone by. To further your intimate connection with the indigenous culture, the resort offers many activities representing the Pueblo including jewelry making, a tour of the onsite cultural center, nature walks, painting and more. In just over a 2-hour flight, I was taken to a place where the rhythm of the land, people and animals felt in synchronicityâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;each quietly respectful of the others and portraying a profound knowledge that each cannot survive alone but rather they must balance with one another in the dance of life.

TO VISIT THE HYATT REGENCY TAMAYA RESORT & SPA VISIT ONLINE AT

HYATTREGENCYTAMAYA.COM

OR CALL 505.867.1234

Sunset at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya

Our trail ride: Michelle Mantor, Stian Mantor, Mark Silberman, Kaia Mantor and Caleb Ginn

Houston PetTalk Magazine

HEALTH

CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION

Managing This Progressive Disease

et owners often accept pacing, anxiety, house soiling and sleep disturbances as part of their pet’s aging process. But they don’t have to live with these undesirable behaviors. In the last issue, we focused on identifying Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). This article focuses on strategies to manage the symptoms of this progressive disease. Many of these interventions will help address multiple symptoms. Diet plays a critical role in CCD. Commercially available senior diets help prevent declines in cognition (and mobility) by providing increased levels of omega 3 fatty acids, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and easy to digest proteins. Studies show pets over the age of 7 benefit from these diets. Science Diet and

byline By Dr. Elizabeth Rowlands, seniorpaws.vet

www.houstonpettalk.com

Purina have foods specifically designed for advanced disease, with added medium chain triglycerides, omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Decreases in vision and hearing are among the earliest signs of CCD. Using LED night lights in areas frequented by the pet can help minimize anxiety and injuries, especially if the pet is pacing at night. Changing the furniture layout should be avoided. Teaching your pet hand signals will help as hearing declines. Learning new signals helps

build new neural pathways, slowing the progression of CCD. As vision and hearing decline, a pet’s sense of smell may be more acute. Exposing the pet to pleasant and unique smells can stimulate their minds. Unique flavors, smells and textures can help improve an older dog’s appetite. Elevating food bowls can help dogs reach their food without aggravating neck or back injuries. Maintaining a schedule helps manage anxiety. The actual time something takes place is less important than the order of the routine. Use feeding, walks, grooming, and bed time to create a beneficial schedule. Exercise provides both physical exertion and mental stimulation to help with anxiety. Let your pet pick the pace and the frequency of exercise. If a pet isn’t mobile, mental stimulation can be provided by a car ride, a ride in a wagon, new toys or games. Studies show background music, specifically reggae and doggie lullabies can be soothing. Poor sleep also contributes to anxiety and further decline. Dog appeasing pheromone collars and diffusers use pheromone therapy to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Melatonin and valerian root can help a pet sleep more soundly, but should be given under the veterinarian’s supervision due to side effects and drug interactions. Spending time outdoors, especially during sunny days, resets a pet’s circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep. Older pets are more sensitive to temperatures so limit outdoor activities to cool or warm days. To improve mobility, place yoga mats on slick floors, use toenail grips, traction control socks and anti-slip paw pads. Your veterinarian also has medications and therapies to slow decline and improve your pet’s senior years.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

HEALTH

PET EMERGENCY Are you ready?

f you grew up in southeast Texas like I did, chances are you had a hurricane or other catastrophic disaster plan for your family’s peace of mind. But do you have a plan for a medical emergency with your pet? If not, you aren’t alone. Most people are unprepared for any emergent medical event, especially with the family pet. In some ways, emergencies are like Murphy’s Law, they always seem to occur on nights or weekends. If an emergency occurs during business hours, most people understand that they should call their veterinarian. The clinic will either ask them to come in or send them straight to an ER. But what if something happens after your vet has closed? The answer is still call your family vet. Most veterinary practices have a recording that directs you to area emergency clinics. Also, it’s a good idea for you to

byline By: Dr. Laura Noaker www.vergi247.com

www.houstonpettalk.com

become familiar with some emergency pet hospitals in your vicinity. You might even stop by and pick up information. Another good idea is to ask your vet who they would recommend before an emergency happens. Pre-planning can ensure a much better result. Next, call the ER and let them know you are coming. They’ll want to know about your pet’s emergency circumstance before you get there. This is not a requirement, most ERs are prepared with an intake procedure, but calling ahead helps the staff plan accordingly. Another important point is to bring copies of your pet’s current medical file and a medication list, including dosage and frequencies. The more information you supply the ER, the more thorough the staff can treat your pet. If you’re out of town and your pet is at a sitter or boarding facility, make sure they

have access to medical information and a way to contact you. Share any advanced medical directives with them as well as a method of payment since most ERs typically require a deposit. On the way to the ER, it‘s essential you remain calm. If your pet is injured, it may bite as a means to protect itself, so be sure to protect yourself. Approach your pet slowly and gently. Try to secure them in a kennel or wrap them in a towel, always being mindful of the mouth. Never attempt home or internet remedies. This may severely jeopardize your pet’s life. Plus, be honest with the ER doctor, especially if you have given anything to your pet. The staff needs this information so they don’t prescribe something that might be contraindicated. Finally, an injured, vocalizing pet can be very distracting, especially if you are driving. It might be a good idea to ask a family member, neighbor or friend to drive you. That allows you to stay focused on your pet or stay on the phone with the hospital. Being prepared in advance is wise. It can make a stressful situation a little more manageable plus have a better outcome for you and your pet. Learn more about VERGI 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Hospital at vergi247.com and download a FREE emergency pre-planning guide.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

HEALTH

here are times when medications are necessary to improve a dog or cat’s quality of life, however there can be side effects. Some of these side effects can affect oral health, which means pets taking medications can have additional oral health needs. We all know we should brush our pets’ teeth, but the reality is that only a small

percentage of dogs and cats have their teeth brushed and very rarely do owners brush every day. And for those on medications, even brushing may not be sufficient. Xerostomia, aka Dry Mouth, is a condition both people and pets can experience, and the most common cause is due to commonly prescribed medications. It can affect the quantity or protective quality of healthy saliva. When the oral flora in

PETS ON MEDICATIONS HAVE SPECIAL ORAL HEALTH NEEDS The importance of routine dental cleanings and radiographs

byline Naomi Kirby Sismour, DVM, MS

www.houstonpettalk.com

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MEDICATIONS THAT CAN AFFECT A PET’S ORAL HEALTH INCLUDE: » »

» »

Anti-Anxiety/Behavior Meds NSAIDS for pain such as osteoarthritis Antihistamines Medications for heart disease or blood pressure Urinary incontinence meds Chemotherapeautics

the mouth becomes unbalanced, bacteria or fungus (such as yeast) can grow and proliferate. If Dry Mouth is not managed, it can lead to severe bad breath, excess plaque accumulation, periodontal disease and even tooth loss. Many pet owners will overlook Dry Mouth because their dog may still drool. Helping your pet enjoy the best oral health possible is a multi-step approach: provide ample fresh drinking water, establish an oral care routine that you can easily manage, and have your pet’s teeth cleaned. When choosing oral care products, look for products that are veterinarian-recommended and are formulated to combat Dry Mouth such as enzyme-based oral care that also removes plaque biofilm and eliminates the germs that cause bad breath. Dr. Naomi Kirby Sismour is a Veterinary Technical Consultant with Pet King Brands, the maker of ZYMOX® Ear and Skin products and Oratene® Brushless Oral Care. www.zymox.com

XEROSTOMIA, AKA DRY MOUTH, IS A CONDITION BOTH PEOPLE AND PETS CAN EXPERIENCE, AND THE MOST COMMON CAUSE IS DUE TO COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

HEALTH

here’s a lot of noise out there lately about doggie diets. Let me stop you before you think this is another article warning against over-feeding table scraps. I am going to delve into the hot-button subject of Boutique, Exotic or Grain-Free (BEG) diets and their suggested link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. DCM is a potentially fatal disease where the heart chambers enlarge and cannot pump blood efficiently. This eventually causes a backup of fluids in the lungs and/or abdomen resulting in congestive heart failure, which is ultimately fatal. Some large or giant breeds (think Doberman Pinschers, Boxers or Great Danes) develop DCM because they have the genes making them predisposed to develop DCM as they age, regardless of

BEG diets and DCM became obvious, the FDA released a list of the diets affected dogs were eating. The foods on the top of the list were those with potatoes, peas, lentils or exotic meats as main ingredients. BEG-style diets started being heavily marketed in the 90s and 2000s following the success of the gluten/grain free fad so popular in human dieting. To date, there has been no independent research showing the benefits of BEG-type diets in dogs. There are some illnesses in dogs, intestinal problems or food allergies, which can benefit from a limited ingredient or exotic meat source, but it is best done under the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist, not the whim of a pet owner. The veterinary industry has known about the relationship between food and heart disease in our companion animals since the 80s, when a landmark study revealed the link connecting commercially

are seeing an increase in heart disease in dogs eating BEG diets is still unknown at this time. However, the nutritional profiles of new and exotic meats and how they interact with each other and their bioavailability, are being actively studied. So, for now, regular visits to your veterinarian for a thorough exam, including listening for changes in heart sounds, providing a comprehensive history and reviewing your pet’s diet, are important to ensuring your pet lives their longest, healthiest life. Your veterinarian can discuss whether your dog’s diet is appropriate

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE HYPE The relationship between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs their diet. Recently, however, there has been an increase in veterinarians and pet owners reporting a number of atypical dog breeds (think French bulldogs, Border Collies and Shih Tzus) being diagnosed with DCM. In 2018 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published an alert for what appeared to be a spike in food-related DCM in a number of dog breeds that were historically not known to develop the disease. In the last five years alone, more than 560 cases were reported to the FDA of dogs developing DCM while on a BEGtype diet. Once a possible link between

prepared diets low in taurine, an amino acid found in meat, and the development of DCM in cats. Veterinarians were able to reverse early signs of the disease in these cats by supplementing taurine to their diet. The very same reversal of DCM in some of these affected dogs was seen when their diets were changed. The exact reason we

ARTICLE SOURCES:

byline

By: Amanda Hanna, DVM, West Alabama Animal Clinic, westalabamaanimalclinic.com

» »

www.houstonpettalk.com

and if you need to be concerned. Your veterinarian should always be your best source for information regarding your pet’s health!

da.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certaindiets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/11/dcm-update/ avmajournals.avma.org/doi/full/10.2460/javma.253.11.1390

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

TAIL END

FUNERAL HOME THERAPY DOGS

Meet a unique pair from Houston

xl, aka “Grief Therapy Dood” and Izzy aka “Grief Therapy Doodette”, are certified therapy dogs and work full-time as grief therapy dogs at Carter-Conley Funeral Home in Houston. Although there are several others in Texas and throughout the country, Axl and Izzy are the only certified therapy dogs assisting full-time at a funeral home in Houston. Axl and Izzy, with their parents and owners of Carter-Conley Funeral Home, Lisa and Brad Conley, also volunteer at nursing and senior living homes, medical facilities, community events, and other places where happiness is needed. Axl began his career at CarterConley Funeral Home at only two months old which involved traveling to work with his parents every day, socializing with people and beginning his training with a dog trainer, who was also a licensed mortician. Axl later received his certification as

byline Submitted by Carter-Conley Funeral Home

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a therapy dog and continues to comfort families at Carter-Conley Funeral home at a time when they need it most. Next comes Izzy...she was adopted from a family after Brad and Lisa responded to a re-homing request. After meeting her, they just couldn’t resist that little black fluff ball and decided to add another therapy dood to the pack. Axl and Izzy have become best buds and it is obvious that Izzy looks up to her big brother; he is the best role model. Izzy began training to be a therapy dog immediately and she joined Axl and their parents at the funeral

home every day. Izzy responded well to interacting with people and being comfortable with the unique scenarios and equipment that is encountered at the funeral home and places that they visit. Once her parents felt confident that she could meet all of the requirements of the therapy dog certification, Izzy went through the testing process. Following in big brother Axl’s paw prints, Izzy is now a certified therapy dog. Axl and Izzy have their own scheduled therapy visits where they are happily welcomed by the residents and staff every week at a local retirement home, along with their regular therapy visits at a local rehabilitation facility, and of course they both work every day at their full-time jobs at Carter-Conley Funeral Home. Axl and Izzy are always on the move! Lisa notes, " They are with us every day at our funeral home and assist with all of our daily activities including welcoming guests, comforting the families during the planning/arrangement meeting, they walk around and mingle, usually entertaining and bringing much needed smiles to the family members and friends of the deceased during services. It's a joy to watch the comfort that they truly bring to people. Not only do they bring happiness to the families that we serve, but our employees enjoy having them around, as well. Having therapy dogs Axl, and now Izzy, at our funeral home has been a wonderful and unique form of support and an invaluable addition to our lives and the lives of the families that we serve." A few more fun facts about this duo include: Axl and Izzy and both GoldenDOODle dogs and that is how they became known as Grief Therapy Dood and Grief Therapy Doodette. They are also each named after members of the rock band Guns N Roses. Follow Axl and Izzy's adventures on Facebook and Instagram- Axl & Izzy, Certified Grief Therapy Dood & Doodette @grieftherapydood.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

Conservation Corner Protecting the Pride

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Photo credit, Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo

As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo or other local organizers such as the TWRC Wildlife Center. This issue, we are highlighting Lion conservation. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

By: Lauren Wappler, Houston Zoo

he Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Home to four African lions, the zoo is committed to providing world-class care for their pride as well as protecting the wild population of lions in

Africa. Hasani, Uzima, Nimue, and Mattie are all ambassadors to their lion counterparts in Africa. When guests visit these majestic animals at the zoo, they also learn how they can take action to protect them in the wild. To help save lions in the wild, a

collaboration of five conservation organizations - Niassa Conservation Project, Ewaso Lion Project, Ruaha Carnivore Project, Lion Guardians, and Lion Landscapes – is working together as a united front to impact lion populations on a meaningful scale, protecting nearly 25 percent of Africa’s estimated remaining wild lion population. Known as the Pride Lion Conservation Alliance (PRIDE), this collaboration was founded by six women with proven success leading lion conservation projects across Africa. Working in four key lion range countries, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, each organization collectively employs hundreds of local people and engages thousands of community members in their efforts each year to address the biggest threats to lions and improve the lives of local people. Although their founders operate in different countries and disparate environments, they

share common and deeply held beliefs. One commonality is the future of African lions lies in the ability of lions and humans to coexist. Another is the importance for conservationists to collaborate. PRIDEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new model of collaboration aims to save more lions while inspiring and improving future conservation efforts. For example, Ewaso Lion Project brings Samburu women

together to participate in community conservation programs, and Niassa Lion Project trains local people as antipoaching scouts to patrol the land. By empowering their communities to participate in lion-saving programs, PRIDE organizations can make a bigger impact for African lions. With additional support from the Houston Zoo and other conservation partners, PRIDE has

been instrumental in improving the population of wild lions in Africa. Local African community lion scouts patrol more than 18,600 miles of land to help protect lions. In Kenya, the lion population has more than quadrupled in the region where Lion Guardians work. The ongoing support the zoo provides to each PRIDE organization is made possible by guests visiting the Houston Zoo. A trip to

the zoo helps save animals, like lions, in the wild, as a portion of every admission ticket and membership purchased is donated to conservation partners, like PRIDE, around the world. Simply by visiting the Houston Zoo to see Hasani, Uzima, Nimue, and Mattie, guests help to ensure wild lion populations thrive for years to come.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Wild about Animals By: Michelle Mantor, Photography By: Prudence.com

ild About Animals is a monthly column featuring individual animals at the Houston Zoo. It’s up close and personal so that next time you visit the zoo, you’ll know a little more about that particular amazing creature!

Meet The Lion Ladies: Mattie,

Nimue and Uzima

Who are they? These lovely gals are actually litter mates! It’s nearly impossible to tell them apart other than behavioral differences. The sisters came to the Houston Zoo almost 10 years ago when they were just over one year old from the Fort Worth Zoo. Who is the gorgeous male lion in their enclosure? The lionesses live with a male named Hasani, who joined them two years ago. They are getting to know one another and although Hasani can be mischievous, things are working out nicely! What are the lionesses personalities like? Mattie loves food and toys and will do most anything to get them including finding meaty bones under water tossed out by the staff. She is the tomboy of the group, loves playing with boomer balls, and is the first one to come to the Behind the Scenes training window. Nimue is very energetic, especially when it comes to interacting with her keepers. She loves training but is known to be the most shy with Hasani…maybe playing hard to get? Uzima is the dominant female in the pride and is the most “chill”. She is very confident and playful with Hasani, but also enjoys quiet time to herself. Next time you visit the lion exhibit at the zoo, if one of the lionesses is resting on the rocks by herself, it's probably Uzima. What’s the highest value treat they get? Meaty bones, especially bovine thigh bones! What’s that stuff being squirted in their mouth in the photo? Goat’s milk... the public can actually purchase a lion encounter and feed them goat's milk at the Behind the Scenes Window too!

Hasani

Lions are the only tr uly social cat species, livi ng in groups called prides. Males have manes, but females rule the family. They live in the African savannah, woodlands, and des ert.