When your pet is in trouble or something’s just not right, BluePearl’s emergency and specialty teams know what to do. Our Spring and Katy hospitals combine nationally recognized veterinary expertise with a hometown sense of care. We collaborate with you and your family vet to provide exceptional care for your pet.
BluePearl Pet Hospital Spring 832.616.5000
1646 Spring Cypress Rd. Spring, TX 77388
info.spring@bluepearlvet.com
24/7 Emergency
Critical + urgent care
Internal medicine
Surgery
Oncology Diagnostic imaging
BluePearl Pet Hospital Katy 281.675.6000
19450 Katy Fwy. Ste. 200 Katy, TX 77094
info.katy@bluepearlvet.com
24/7 Emergency Internal medicine
Our teams honor the humananimal bond in all phases of your pet’s life and offer BluePearl Pet Hospice services through both our Spring and Katy hospitals. We deliver a range of advanced support services for senior and terminally ill pets in your home or in our hospitals.
Advanced pain management
Comfort Care (hospice + palliative support)
Environmentally friendly cremation
Euthanasia
Memorial keepsakes
Telehealth visits
Our mission is to make every pet’s end-of-life experience as meaningful as the life they’ve lived.
For information, visit PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com
Proper dental care for pets requires anesthesia to ensure:
• An in-depth exam
• Accurate diagnosis
• A safe and calm experience
• Pain-free treatment
Rest assured, at VDS®, our team of board-certified veterinary specialists in dentistry and anesthesia ensures that every patient—whether young or young at heart—has a thorough and pleasant experience. We welcome your call if you wish to learn more about our anesthesia protocols or any of our advanced dental care services.
Letter from the Editor ON THE COVER
WHO DOESN'T LOVE A BELLY RUB?
Every pup loves a belly rub, including our supermodel, Ranger...and of course his mom, Gloria Meszaros, obliges as a reward for Ranger's patience with our cover photoshoot. March is our annual dog training issue and it's full of great tips from some of the best trainers in Houston. Ranger exemplifies the calm, happy, obedient dog that makes being a pet parent so joyful! Take a stroll through the feature to find valuable information on some of the hottest training topics and reach out to one of our sponsors if you are in need of training for your furry friend! Cover photo by Allison Wilkins Photography.
Sit! Come! Stop that! Come here right now! If you recognize this one-way conversation with your dog, then stick around for our Annual March Training Issue because YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Unfortunately, the ineffectiveness of this communication serves only to frustrate you and totally confuse your dog.
I definitely am no expert on dog training but I have been around the training community watching training sessions and editing enough articles to know just a tad bit about what to do and what NOT to do in shaping a dog's behavior. When I am out and about and see people with their dogs, it's a pleasure to see those that handle their pup effectively and understand the language of dog–it shows in their relationship. And then there are the others...it's frustrating to watch someone being jerked around by their leashed dog, or listen to them incessantly yelling commands that the dog ignores or worse, have their dog on a flexi-lead (my ultimate pet peeve!).
I think all of us dog owners would agree that a calm, obedient, confident, happy pup is a joy to live with and is our ultimate goal. In our annual training issue, we asked our training sponsors to offer their advice on some of the most prevalent topics. There is a science to how dog owners should go about creating a relationship with their dog so that they have an obedient, trusting companion. If your dog is a puppy and hasn't developed bad habits yet or if you have an older dog that is misbehaving, your best option is to invest in a professional dog trainer to give you the foundation of what is
needed to raise or rehabilitate your canine friend. Even just a few sessions with the trainer will be worth the investment.
Thank you to our professional dog training sponsors that took time to share advice. I hope you find the information valuable and if you choose to utilize a trainer, you'll give one of them a call.
Next up in this issue, we are highlighting a number of contests including a reminder to get ready for our Pets in the Wildflowers contest by snapping a great photo when the spring flowers pop out. Plus, we showcase our contests celebrating our 25th Anniversary. Read all about these contests in our news section so you can enter to win.
Spring marks a return to events in the pet community and an opportunity to get outside and enjoy anything from a walk in the park to a festival with your pet. Find out what's happening by signing up for our newsletter on our website or checking us out on Facebook and Instagram.
One of my favorite sections of PetTalk is the shopping guide. It's fun to curate products and offer our readers ideas on items for dogs, cats and more. In this issue, you'll find an entire page of products from The Kitty Bodega (which has opened a second Houston location), as well as training aides and products for health and wellness. Go forth and shop with our sponsors...they make PetTalk possible!
It's Spring...time to get out and soak in fresh air, take a trip to Galveston, visit the wine-trails, head to the rodeo, meander through the Round Top Antique Festival...so much to do in so little time Houston...enjoy!
Art Director: ANDREW
You never know where on this planet you might find a PetTalk reader enjoying their copy!
Snap a picture of one of our readers and send it to info@houstonpettalk.com.
Sea Isle, Galveston
What a fun photo! The Moore/ Babendure clan is all smiles, along with Frenchies, Barker and Kirby, at beautiful Sea Isle, Galveston. The smiles surely come from a great vacation...and of course the opportunity to read PetTalk!
12145 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079
energycorridor@k9resorts.com | 281-231-2601
1380 W Grand Parkway S, Katy, TX 77494 katy@k9resorts.com | 713-955-2025
1619 N Shepherd Dr Houston TX 77008 heights@k9resorts.com | 713-769-0850
5-Star Experience, Love & Fun Included!
Henrietta On:
Humans Training Dogs...
Ifind it rather humorous that every March the editor (a.k.a mom, or Dragon Lady) produces the Annual Dog Training Issue and every year, the feature story is full of the latest ideas on how to get us dogs to do everything our humans want. Which of course we never do. We’re dogs, not puppets. But what the humans don’t know is that when the Issue comes out, we canines head to the Salty Dog, sit in a circle with our fa beverage and read this highminded human advice on how to make us “obedi ent”. And, we laugh hys terically.
Now, this is between us. If DL knew that my compadres and I actually use the training content as fodder for entertainment, let’s just say my dinner would be in jeopardy. Plus, I’m already in trouble for “calling into question her mental capacity." The other day she was looking all over the office for her prized Mont Blanc pen, which was behind her ear, and I commented that sometimes she’s as confused as a fart in a fan factory. I was not rewarded for my wit.
which the dog will prefer to the constant change of direction and pulling of the leash.” At this point Harold is already giggling before he can finish the sentence. We all crack up because we know this is totally false. We don’t care what direction we go but we find it very amusing that the human wants to go to a certain destination but if we play this game, we basically go nowhere for 20
hardly endure without jumping up to sniff her but he employs the utmost self-control and just drools). Penelope speaks in her perfect soprano-esque lilt and reads, “Never, I mean never, allow your dog to sleep in your bed. By doing so, you give the dog a sense of power. You must be the leader and the leader of the pack always gets the best food and the best
scratch our belly on command, prepare and serve all meals, clean up any and all messes, take us for a walk by barking at the door, pay for expensive play dates, and buy us endless toys as we shred each one to pieces. Ultimately, we dogs just don’t get your human hang-ups. You want us to sit, stay, and come when called. B-O-R-I-N-G. We really do want to please you
tip #2 in authoritative voice that can come from a 4 lb. Chihuahua: “The best way to train your dog is with food. All dogs love food.”
So here’s how it goes down. Once we all get settled, cousin Harold usually starts us off and he picks training tip #1 and he reads aloud: “If your dog is pulling you down the street, abruptly turn and go the other direction using a fun voice. Keep doing this until your dog understands to continually watch you and walk with you,
You can imagine the outright cackles at this profound piece of advice offered by the superior human intellect. Tidbit dries his eyes, and finally says, “Wow, our humans are genius.”
On to tip #3, which is Penelope’s turn. She stands up and prepares to read by smoothing her tail and licking her lips (all of which Henry can
sleep.” Penelope snickers and says, “Ok, everyone raise their paw if you sleep in your human’s bed." Every paw goes in the air. Mine included. DL tells her friends she would never allow a dog to sleep on her 1000 threadcount Egyptian cotton sheets. Liar. Someday her pants WILL catch on fire.
So, you get the picture. Humans genuinely believe they are training us and we adore the fact that they are so naive, but in reality, it’s quite the opposite. We have trained two-leggers to
right? And, are on the flip-side of training and we’re training you, one of the great missions in our life is to break your two-legger couch addiction. We try to communicate with pleading eyes, placing our head on your knee, whining or anything else we can think of. We are just saying “Put down the iPad, woman. Let’s take a walk in the woods or find a tree to pee on. Let us show YOU a good time.” The invitation is always open…
Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorized by Desiree Lonsway
Get ready for an unforgettable ride at the Barrio Dogs Pedal for Paws + 15th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, March 23, in Houston’s vibrant East End! This exciting bike tour takes you past historic landmarks and through the cultural heartbeat of the city—all while supporting a great cause.
More than just a ride, it’s a mission. Proceeds benefit Barrio Dogs, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of pets and strengthening the community. Every pedal brings us closer to a better future for our furry friends.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Become a fundraising
hero! Set up a personal or team fundraising page, rally your crew, and help make a difference— there’s no minimum to reach, and every dollar counts. Plus, the top three fundraisers will win special prizes.
All registered riders will receive an event T-shirt, refreshing juices, fruits, and other treats along the route. Reserved parking is available at the Cape Center (4501 Leeland St, Houston, TX 77023), just a block from Bohemeo’s.
Mark your calendar, grab your bike, and join Barrio Dogs for a day of cycling, camaraderie, and compassion.
Learn more at BarrioDogs.org.
AGATHA & CINDY BURNS
Celebrating Years of Pet Passion! Three Contests, Three Ways To Win!
25 Reasons My Pet Is Adorable Contest Sponsored by Wright Pawn & Jewelry Co.
It’s time to throw some confetti and celebrate your favorite Pet Magazine...and we have just the contest to help you show off your pet! We're sure you know countless reasons that your fur-baby is adorable. Now it’s time to let all of Houston know 25 Reasons your furry, feathered or scaley pet is the apple of your eye! Entry for this contest will be in September, so start that list, and keep an eye out for details!
About Wright Pawn & Jewelry WrightPawn.com
Wright Pawn & Jewelry is celebrating 33 years of serving Houstonians and invites you to “Buy ours, sell yours or get a loan!®”
Wondering what to do with your unwanted jewelry or rarely used sterling silver serving pieces? Pawn or sell at Wright Pawn & Jewelry for cash on the spot!
As Estate Jewelry experts, we will examine your heirlooms and help you determine which to keep, pawn, sell, repair or restore. Saying “I do!” soon? We’ve got you covered with GIA certified diamonds and an on-staff Graduate Gemologist GIA. You can easily find your sparkle at 6218 Westheimer. @wrightpawnjewelry
Capture the Cuteness—Your Pet Could Be Houston’s Next Cover Star!
Have you dreamed about seeing your pet on the cover of PetTalk? Of course you have! To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we’re going to make one lucky pet’s dream come true. Entry for this coveted contest will be in the summer. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to learn more.
About Peace Love Dogs PeacLoveDogsHouston.com
Peace Love Dogs is Houston’s premier resort for dog training, boarding, daycare, and grooming, offering personalized services designed to meet each dog’s unique needs. Utilizing positive reinforcement, the training staff creates an engaging learning environment that challenges both pups and their people. Their state-of-the-art boarding facility prioritizes every detail, delivering unparalleled comfort!
About VERGI
VERGI is a 24-hour 7-days a week emergency and critical care facility located 8921 Katy Freeway, providing emergency and specialized veterinary care for companion animals. As an AAHA Accredited facility, they offer state-of-the-art equipment, certified doctors, in-house lab and surgical center.
Video Celebration Contest Sponsored By West Houston Subaru
Lights, camera, action…it’s time for you to be a star! Show us the love in a short video to celebrate this momentous 25th Anniversary milestone. Get creativebreak out the costumes, decorations, tricks or anything else you can think of. Entry for your movie debut is in June. We can’t wait to see who the Oscar goes to…
About West Houston Subaru WestHoustonSubaru.com
Subaru vehicles are designed for comfort and utility. At West Houston Subaru, they proudly offer this type of auto with a commitment to customer comfort and performance. Located at I-10 and Barker Cypress, their inventory is comprised of new and used models of all conditions and in varying price ranges…and, they are a proud supporter of Citizen’s For Animal Protection (CAP)!
ADOPTION TIME
Adopt A Pet From Houston’s BARC Animal Shelter
Houston’s BARC Animal Shelter takes in tens of thousands of animals each year, providing care and second chances to pets in need. As an open-intake shelter, BARC accepts every stray, surrendered, or abandoned animal that comes through its doors—regardless of space or resources. With such high intake numbers, pets that are highly adoptable can sometimes be overlooked simply due to the volume of animals in need.
That’s where you come in. By adopting from BARC, you’re not just bringing home a loving pet— you’re making space for another animal to get the care it needs. Many of the dogs and cats available for adoption are ready to be excellent companions, but may be overlooked due to breed, size, age, or length of stay. These pets have great temperaments and are simply waiting for the right person to notice them.
BARC’s adoption process is designed to be easy and accessible. Adoption fees—which help cover vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping—are often reduced throughout the year, making it more affordable to bring home a new pet. BARC’s adoption center is open Tuesday – Sunday every week, and you can view adoptable animals online before visiting in person. Potential adopters must be at least 18 years old, should bring a valid ID, and be prepared to meet their match in person.
When you adopt from BARC, you’re not just making a difference in one pet’s life—you’re helping the entire community. Every adoption creates room for the next animal in need, ensuring that Houston’s homeless pets have the best chance at finding a loving home.
Visit HoustonTX.gov/barc to view adoptable pets and learn more about how you can help.
BENEFITING BARC ANIMAL SHELTER MARCH 2
Houston Arboretum Pup Crawl
Bring your favorite furry friend to the best “pup” crawl around at the Houston Arboretum, sponsored by Saint Arnold Brewery! After four special beer stops along the Arboretum trails, you’ll enjoy local pet vendors at the expo and walk away with a commemorative Pup Crawl glass. Proceeds support the Houston Arboretum and BARC Animal Shelter. Pet adoptions will also be available onsite.
Happening March 2 from 3pm to 6pm, the event ticket is $35 for adults 21+ and includes 4 beers and 1 commemorative glass and includes admission to the event
and access to the Pet Expo. The event is free for guests 20 and under.
Parking is free for Arboretum Members when their parking code is entered in the Park Houston/Park Mobile App or at the kiosks. Non-members must pay to park to avoid ticketing. Do not leave valuables in your car. Both 610 and Woodway Parking Loops are available for guests.
For information and tickets to this fun annual event, visit HoustonArboretum.org.
Bunnie was adopted from BARC shelter in 2024.
Houston Area
VCA Animal Hospitals
CareClub* membership offers personalized healthcare designed for your pet’s unique needs.
Houston Area VCA Animal Hospitals
Access unlimited exams**, savings of up to 25% annually, exclusive member benefits and more!
VCA Mainland Animal Hospital 7232 Medical Center Drive Texas City, TX 77591 409-948-8401 vcamainland.com
4TH ANNUAL
Houston Humane Society Chili Cook-Off
Join Houston Humane Society at the 4th Annual Houston Humane Society Chili Cook-Off, March 22 at St.Thomas Presbyterian Church. This is a heartwarming event that’s spicing up the season!
Whether you’re a chili champion or a foodie looking for the ultimate bowl, this is your chance to shine and support a positive cause. This year, HHS is turning up the heat with esteemed celebrity judges including:
1. Trang Le Local Chef and philanthropist, Founder and Director of Lena’s Asian Kitchen, and Chairwoman of Lena's Foundation.
2. Raquel "Raqi" Flores: Brilliant Beam Media host of The Influencers' Connection Corner.
3. Lileana Pearson: Nature enthusiast and animal-loving ABC13 Reporter.
4. Alex Bozarjian: ABC13 Reporter. A true foodie, Alex loves discovering new eateries.
5. Bill Barajas: KPRC2 Reporter who has a love for food and fun, so he’s ready to spice up the competition.
Petpalooza & Doggie Dash at Little Cedar Bayou Park in La Porte News
Petpalooz and Doggie Dash is back! Take your pack and join the fun at Little Cedar Bayou Park/Dog Park in La Porte. March 15 is the big day and you can participate in the 1-Mile Doggie Dash or just enjoy the event that includes adoptables from La Porte Adoption Center & Animal Shelter. Register in advance for the run by visiting LaporteTX.gov/970/Pet-Palooza-Ft-1-MileDoggie-Dash. From 9am to 1pm, you can shop with vendors, enjoy music, food and more… and maybe even take home a new furry friend! Find out more by visiting LaporteTX.gov.
There will also be special door prizes from: Saint Arnold Brewery, Houston Rockets, Astros Foundation, and the Houston SaberCats Rugby team. In addition to homemade chili masterpieces to warm your soul, the event will also feature a silent auction with treasures of great must-have items. Find details at HoustonHumane.org.
HIT US WITH YOUR BEST SHOT!
17TH ANNUAL WILDFLOWER PHOTO CONTEST
ENTRY: APRIL 1-15
VOTING: APRIL 16-23
It's time for our longest running photo contest in celebration of the beautiful Texas Wildflowers, sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. As the flowers begin to bloom in March and continue through part of April, be sure to take your pet(s) on an outing and capture a fun photo and enter our 17th annual contest (no humans in photos please). Entry is from April 1 to April 15, public voting is April 16-23 to select Finalists. Sunset Animal Hospital will select the winner, who will receive a $200 certificate for services at Sunset. We are always impressed by the amazing entries and appreciate your creativity!
To enter visit HoustonPetTalk.com or our FACEBOOK page beginning April 1 and click the link to the entry page and upload your photo. Rules for contest are on the entry page. Be sure to include your pet's name. If you're a professional photographer, please note your entry as Professional Division. The winning photo and ALL entries will be published in the June issue! Sunset Animal Hospital is located at 2959 SW Freeway and is open 24/7 offering top quality medical treatment for your pet. Thank you Sunset for your generous sponsorship! Learn more about them at SunsetAnytime.com.
Koda Magic Mera
#ShareWithUs!
Baby, It’s Cold Outside and Celebrating the New Year!
1. roses_rescues_htx Mary Poppins loves getting cozy in front of the fire with her foster brother. Thank you for taking care of our girl, @taylorcavazos !! Mary is adoptable at the link in bio.
2.blueyhtx How Siri is preparing for the freeze… her onsie and lots of Blankies
3. And 4. latte.bella Happy New Year everyone!! ������������
5.murphythedancingdood Here's to 2025 Doods! Original photo by Megan Murray Photography
6. doodleboybax Safe to say Baxter enjoyed his first snow experience. ❄️
7. maximus_the_palace_pup Happy New Year!!
8. pitty_girls Happy New Year!!!!
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!
1 6 2 4 5 7 8 3 Follow us on Instagram, and send us your photos!
LEARN obedient BE
Ranger, our cover model, is not only an obedient companion, he also knows how to have a good time!
IT'S SPRING TRAINING TIME!
Intro By Michelle Mantor; Contributing Authors As Noted.
Opening Photo by Allison Wilkins Photography
Let’s exit the world of reality for just a moment and enter a place where nirvana exists. You get a cute, cuddly puppy and can’t wait to spoil him or her just like spoiling a human baby–cooing, coddling, hugging and servicing this bundle of joy. You give this little creature anything they desire…treats, belly rubs, cuddles, a place in your bed to sleep and you even pat your thighs asking this cutie to jump on your legs so you can pet their head (all the while knowing they will understand not to jump up on people when they are older). It feels so good to love this soft, little, big-eyed baby and they eventually grow up to love you deeply in return, following your every command. Now, back to reality. The result of over-indulging, loosely applied rules and weak behavior from dog owners is a misbehaved, sometimes aggressive, unruly dog. "What happened?", you wonder, "I gave him/her everything I thought they wanted to be happy." Therein lies the problem!
We need to remember that for humans, we can afford a little coddling in the infant stage because we are dealing with a potential 90 yr. life span. But in our canine companions, their life-span is 10 years on average so your leadership action, or inaction, from about 6-8 weeks of age will have a much bigger impact on the 4-month-old canine versus the 4-month-old human.
With the goal of having a balanced, calm, confident dog as a companion, effort is needed from the day your pup joins your family. In this feature story, we look at some sage advice from local dog trainers to help you in your journey. The subject of dog training is very extensive but hopefully you find some helpful tidbits in the pages ahead. And, if you feel your pup is in need of training, take the time to reach out to one of our sponsors...it will be well worth the investment for a balanced, joyous relationship with your furry friend.
CHOOSING THE BEST DOG FOR YOU A Practical Guide from a Professional Dog Trainer
By: Katie Clark, Director of Training, Peace Love Dogs PeaceLoveDogsHouston.com
Bringing a dog into your home is an exciting and rewarding decision! When you take the time to select the best match, you set the stage for years of peace, love, and companionship!
1. Lifestyle Match
Consider how a dog fits into your future from all angles - your routine, work or school schedule, travel, and activities or hobbies. Are you looking for a dog that enjoys a fast-pace, or a dog that thrives with down time? Do you need a dog that does well with a lot of social interactions, or a dog that is happy only interacting with family? Don't forget to factor in kids, other pets, and other life demands.
2. Energy Levels
Dogs come in all energy levels! If you're active, high-energy dogs like Australian Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointers, or Poodles are ideal - they love mental and physical! If you're more into relaxed walks and playtime in the yard, breeds like Golden Retrievers, Samoyeds, and Cocker Spaniels strike a nice balance of energy and calm. On the other hand, if you prefer to chill, breeds like Havanese or Pomeranians are happy to take it easy.
3. Breed Purpose and Genetics
Every breed has been bred for a specific task, from herding to guarding to being a companion. Understanding a
breed's genetic drivers will help you figure out if they're a good match for your lifestyle. For example, herding dogs like German Shepherds thrive when they have activities and appropriate outlets, while companion breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are perfect for families who want a cuddly, affectionate dog.
4. Ethical Breeding
If you're going through a breeder, make sure they're reputable and prioritize health, temperament, and socialization. Ethical breeders test for common genetic conditions (like hip dysplasia or heart conditions) and follow proven socialization practices. This will give you peace of mind knowing you're bringing home a welladjusted, healthy puppy.
5. Adopting from Rescues
Thousands of wonderful dogs find their homes through rescues and foster programs! When dogs are fostered, we tend to have a clearer picture of their temperament and personality, which makes it easier to find a great match. If you are looking for a specific breed of dog, there are breed-specific rescues!
6. Temperament Testing
Understanding a dog’s preferences and behaviors are a key part of the selection process, whether you're getting a puppy or an adult.
Temperament and sociability testing can help predict how the dog will react to new environments and situations, as well as give more insight into a dog's social preferences with people, dogs, and other animals.
7. Early Socialization
For puppies, early development is everything! Look for breeders or rescues who follow Puppy Culture protocols and use Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). These programs are proven to help puppies become well-adjusted, confident, and better able to handle life's stresses. Puppies that go through these programs are typically more adaptable, calm, and well-behaved.
8. Trial Period
Many breeders and rescues offer a trial period or foster-to-adopt option. This is a fantastic way to test the waters and make sure your new dog is a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
Knowing you have some time takes the pressure off, and ensures that everyone is on the same page before making a long-term commitment.
VDog Training Certifications
CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed): One of the most recognized certifications, offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). It requires passing a knowledge test and having at least 300 hours of dog training experience.
KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner): Focuses on positive reinforcement methods. Trainers must complete a comprehensive course and demonstrate their skills.
CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant): Awarded to individuals who have expertise in dog behavior problems, requiring significant experience in behavior consulting and continuing education.
IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants): This organization offers certifications for trainers focusing on behavior modification and advanced training techniques.
By: Jeff Murphrey of Canine Country Club
HOW TO MAKE TRAINING LAST FOREVER
aledictorian of her training class, Fluffy completed her multi-week board and train two months ago. She learned to heel, sit, down, stay, recall (come when called) and to go to a special bed when told and stay there until released. She did all these things enthusiastically and almost flawlessly when she first got home. Now, not so much. She has to be told multiple times to sit, won’t down without a bribe, pulls on her leash like a runaway freight train and . . . Well, you get it. What happened? Or, more to the point, how do you make the “train” part of board and train last forever?
What is training really? Dog training is the process of eliminating unwanted behaviors and instilling desirable ones. At its most basic level, what we call training is just the formation of new habits so that the dog/human relationship is more harmonious, a way
to establish a set of agreements about how we are going to do things like walking on a leash so that we don’t get frustrated with each other.
Our dogs (and, if we’re honest we humans) are governed by habits, which begs the question: how do we make habits stick?
Let's take, for example, New Year’s resolutions and your dog. “Quitting day” is the day a handful of weeks into the new year when statistically, all but a very few New Year's resolutions will have fallen to the wayside. We have such good intentions, so what happens? It takes months for humans to form a new habit, and even longer for the habit to become cemented into a new lifestyle. Our dogs are no different. Down, stay, come when called, etc. must be repeated consistently for months before those new behaviors become lasting habits. The dog trainer can create the desired
habits, but only you can maintain them. Old habits can die quickly. Unfortunately, even well-established habits can go away quickly. Most of us have experienced a period when we, for example, religiously went to the gym 3 days every week until that time we got sick, went out of town or one of a million other interruptions occurred. It’s the same with Fluffy, the only difference is that to keep her new habits, Fluffy doesn’t have to exercise self-discipline.
The good news is that unlike going to the gym, maintaining your dog's new habits doesn’t have to be laborious and require daily training sessions. It only requires consistency - you and Fluffy walk the same way each time, Fluffy has to wait to go out the door until told every time and, if she doesn't, we do it over. In other words, training never really stops, it just becomes part of you and Fluffy’s new relationship.
BRINGING HOME A NEW PUPPY?
How To Do It The Right Way
By: Heather Mozingo, Owner, All Dogs Training Co. AllDogsTrainingCo.com
Puppies are like kids, they’re adorable but they require a lot! They need structure to thrive and to learn, plan to set up a routine and boundaries right away. The leash will be your best friend for a while. Let your pup drag around a leash so you can pick it up and give him guidance as needed. Direct him to where he should be, redirect him away from behaviors you don’t want him engaging in. A crate will also be invaluable to creating structure and for potty training. Make it a safe, den-like, positive place that your puppy likes to be in. Puppies shouldn’t have freedom until they’re trustworthy, so the crate is used when you can’t supervise. Communication and guidance are key! The crate is also a place for your puppy to decompress and rest. Puppies need A LOT of sleep. Short sessions of play, training, and socialization, followed by long naps will make up most of your puppy’s day for quite a while.
What your puppy’s day should look like will change a bit depending on age, but below is a good example to build on.
❖ 6am- Potty Break
❖ 6:30am- Breakfast through
Enrichment or Training
❖ 7:30-8am- Potty break
❖ 8-11am- Nap Time
❖ 11am- Potty and Play
❖ 12pm- Lunch through Training and Socialization
❖ 1pm- Potty Break
❖ 1:30-5pm- Dinner, Potty, and Chill
❖ 6-9pm- Hanging out and Calming Activities
❖ 10pm- Last Potty Break and Bedtime
If your pup is under 16 weeks he’ll most likely need potty breaks throughout the night. Over 16 weeks and he should be able to sleep through the night at that point.
Positive Reinforcement Training Terms
Marker: A cue, often verbal (like “yes”) or a click (from a clicker), used to indicate to the dog that it has performed the correct behavior and a reward is coming.
Puppies are so cute, so fun, so cuddly… but they’re also demanding, high maintenance, destructive, and poor at communicating their needs. By creating calm, clear, consistent structure and guidance we shape puppies into the type of adult dog that we want to live with. Cultivating calm and structure in your puppy’s life is the first step to having a calm and well-mannered dog. And calm, well-mannered dogs get to have all the fun, all the freedom, and go all the places!
Best of luck with your new pup and happy training!
Clicker Training: A form of positive reinforcement training where a small device that makes a clicking sound is used to mark the desired behavior. The click is immediately followed by a reward.
Shaping: Gradually reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior, breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps.
Capture: A training technique where the trainer waits for the dog to naturally offer a behavior, then reinforces it.
Reinforcer: Anything that increases the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated. This can be food, toys, praise, or even a game.
Luring: A method of guiding the dog into the desired behavior by using a treat or toy as a visual cue in front of the dog’s nose.
Extinction: The process of reducing or eliminating an undesired behavior by no longer reinforcing it. The behavior will diminish over time if it no longer results in a reward.
Reinforcement Schedule: The pattern or frequency with which reinforcement is delivered. There are various schedules, including continuous (reinforcing every correct behavior) and intermittent (reinforcing some behaviors, but not all).
By: Stephanie Bennett CPDT-KSA, Believe In Dog Training BelieveInDog.com
CHOOSING A DOG PROFESSIONAL
The dog training and behavior industry is completely unregulated. Thus, it can feel a bit like The Wild, Wild West since any average Joe or Social Media personality can claim to be a dog professional without any qualifications, education or experience whatsoever. On top of that, considering all the tricky terminology and different certifications (or lack thereof), it can be overwhelming and confusing for dog guardians to choose the right person to work with their pet.
Do Your Research
In an industry with no rules, where anyone can say anything, attempting to distinguish between training philosophies and certifications is no small feat. Too many dog parents get frustrated and make hasty (and expensive) decisions looking for a quick fix. Unfortunately, stories about dogs being hurt, lost, or even killed while in the care of a so-called professional, are all too common. Thankfully, there are legitimate certifications to help differentiate between dog professionals –And while the language used to describe the difference between training philosophies can be tricky, it basically boils down to whether or not punishment methods are necessary to train a dog. Hiring a qualified dog professional who uses ethical methods that you agree with, requires just as much time and consideration as hiring a teacher. None of us would allow our child to be taught by an uncertified, punishing teacher.
Certifications
Consider hiring professionals who are certified by a respected organization, such
as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). These organizations certify trainers and behavior consultants who specialize in dogs. Certifications help ensure that the person you’re hiring has key skills and knowledge. Additionally, both the CCPDT and the IAABC require their trainers and behavior consultants to recertify every three years to ensure they’re up-to-date on the latest research and methods.
The IAABC and CCPDT certify Behavior Consultants, which is not the same thing as a Behaviorist. A quick search for dog trainers in Houston will bring up many listings claiming to be “dog behaviorists", “dog experts”, or “Master Dog Trainers”. First, there is no certification or degree that grants the title “Master Dog Trainer." Second, it is generally agreed that a minimum of 10 years of experience is required to become an expert at anything. Finally, legitimate behaviorists must be certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS), which requires a Masters or Doctorate in Behavioral Science. Veterinarians can also specialize in behavior and are Certified Veterinary Behaviorists.
Alas, no certification, title, or years of experience holds any guarantee. It is still of the utmost importance for dog parents to do their due diligence. At the very least, if a dog professional is certified through the CCPDT or IAABC, it is presumed they will not use harsh punishment techniques. No matter what, no dog guardian should ever let anyone convince them to use any tool or technique with their precious pet
that makes them feel uncomfortable. It is completely unnecessary and there are too many choices to settle for techniques that utilize intimidation, pain, or fear.
Beware of Red Flags
❖ Claims to be certified, but don’t clarify which certification.
❖ Quick fixes and guarantees.
❖ Board and Train programs for
behavior issues.
❖ Board and Train programs with no owner involvement.
❖ Uses methods that cause pain, intimidation, and fear.
❖ Spends a lot of time talking bad about other dog professionals.
❖ Uses the words “alpha” and “dominance”.
❖ Expired Certifications.
Enhancing Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being
By: Dean Miller, Club Canine ClubCanineHouston.com
DOG SPORTS AND COMPETITIONS ARE RELATIONSHIP GAME CHANGERS
Relationships with dogs can be good or they can be GREAT. The difference in those two standards comes down to communication. Training your dog for specific dog sports or competitions offers numerous benefits that extend beyond mere physical exercise. Engaging in dog sports can significantly enhance both you and your dog's mental and emotional well-being, creating a stronger bond, evolving into a highly tuned working partnership, on and off the field.
Taking you and your dog into the various available sports and competitions still begins with obedience. The basics in obedience sets the entire stage for your dogs’ initial attitude towards learning. When the tasks become difficult with rules and procedures that must be maintained to succeed in various endeavors, that's when problems can occur. If the dog is not initially taught the concepts of positive attitude, concentration and self-regulation through their initial fundamentals, the tools to fix behavior, attitude or effort when learning are not available. This becomes more present when dogs are being applied to their true genetic jobs. These genetics can be so strong that it overrides all discipline, rendering the dog ineffective at performing the work accurately and/ or efficiently. This can leave you and your dog with a shortened
career in various endeavors and rob you of a potential relationship level. Most of these communication tools are tied to teamwork in decision making. Thinking and processing the information presented requires the dog to be taught sound decision making. Again, this begins in how we educate the dog clearly and concisely in our initial relationship building. If the communication of jumping on people is randomly allowed in how the dog greets people, that’s not going to be very clear when we ask the dog to perform a Stand for Exam in the vets office or in the obedience ring. For example, at the moment someone puts hands on the dog they move and or jump all over them, you can’t very well fault them for it. Not having clear and consistent standards in the dog's life is directly tied to both good decision making and most times, self-control.
The space I’m currently competing in with my Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Master and Finished) uses these basic obedience cues and body language communications that we’ve brought to a level of excellence in order to more easily teach the retrieving concepts in both Hunt tests and Field trials. When highly driven dogs use their genetics to chase and retrieve live or dead birds or even bumpers, selfcontrol and decision making will erode if the foundation was not
previously established. However, these endeavors provide the dog with higher purpose. He learned to have purpose in his basics and now he gets challenged with greater demand and genetic purpose, which really provides an intrinsic reward as the dog and handler team work together in these challenges.
Go, Stop and Come are the big 3 of these fundamentals. At an entry level of hunt tests, dogs and handlers are expected to be positioned together in a designated area of a typical cattle pasture. The dog and handler will see two separate marks (birds) thrown from behind a blind (conceals who’s throwing the bird) and the dog has to remain steady to the gun shot sound they hear as the bird is thrown. The excitement the typical retriever gets from this is exponential. And steadiness is a MUST. If the dog breaks (leaves before released) to fetch the downed bird, he will potentially be disqualified. Verbal queues can be used to remain steady and wait patiently to be sent, going directly to the bird and retrieve back to hand are all essential components to a successful retrieve. The dog must do this on land and in water all while the environment is loaded with a host of other smells, sights and sounds, which factor into staying committed to the task at hand and getting a successful pass. Even at this entry level, the
time you spend learning how to teach your dog these simple yet cognitively complex and challenging concepts become huge confidence builders and bonding moments for both as a team. The sheer joy and excitement the dog displays impact his overall emotional wellness.
Learning and practicing new skills, following commands, and solving problems keep your dog's mind sharp and engaged. This mental exercise can help to prevent boredom, which often leads to a host of other behavior issues.
Essentially, this additional communication for sport directly ties back to our everyday life outside of retrieving endeavors. Our social outings are limitless and we fit into every space there is. It’s also allowed for my personal dog to become a service dog, applying his obedience and retrieving skills to his additional role. The bond and communication between us is evident when people observe us. He’s prepared for making complex decisions, his ability to read a situation requires very little input from me most times.
Dog and handler teams working together at new endeavors in sports and activities with purpose will teach both how there’s an exceptional quality to life when we take the time to invest in each other. The dog will always be willing, so are you ready to lead yourselves into an unbelievable future?
Each dog is different in their own adorable, quirky, and lovable way, which means their needs are just as unique.
How you socialize your dog— or your new puppy—is no different. After all, the social needs of a 12-week-old Goldendoodle are much different than those of a 5-year-old mixed breed you adopt from BARC Animal Shelter who’s only ever known life on Houston’s unforgiving streets.
“As much as we love our dogs and they are members of our family, they are still dogs,” explains Training Manager Aaliyah Williams at Houston’s own Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center.
“They are animals who are trying to adjust to a very human world, so it’s up to us to show our dogs how to interact with
Direct socialization involves letting your dog experience interactions like meeting a stranger or visiting the dog park, but only when it’s a positive encounter. These experiences should include positive reinforcement like their favorite treat or toy to help your dog build a favorable association with the situation.
“This is great for teaching our dogs appropriate and respectful interactions,” Williams says. “Try to have as many of those positive interactions as you can.”
Meanwhile, indirect socialization happens when your dog is exposed to the world around them without direct engagement—like sitting calmly at your feet during a patio brunch or practicing your training at a park with other dogs nearby.
If your dog consistently shows
By: Brittany Cristiano MeadowLake Pet Resort MeadowLakePetResort.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIALIZATION
the world around them, and that happens through proper socialization.”
While it might be tempting to bring your dog everywhere—from catching a game and drinks at Little Woodrow’s, to an afternoon outing at Johnny Steele Dog Park or even letting a stranger pet them on a walk around the neighborhood— pausing to consider how your dog handles different environments before diving right in is essential.
“It’s important to assess your dog’s temperament and understand how they interact with different controlled environments,” Williams says.
An important factor of socializing with your dog the right way means understanding how they respond to different scenarios which can sometimes be determined by your pup’s breed, age, temperament and more.
However, according to Williams, all dogs benefit from a combination of “direct and indirect socialization.”
signs of discomfort when trying direct or indirect socialization— like barking excessively or displaying tense body language—it’s better to step back and reassess.
Though, if you’ve tried to have positive social experiences and your pup still struggles, Williams recommends seeking guidance from a professional trainer who can address your dog’s unique social triggers.
Once you’ve established a well-structured social life for your pup, there’s really no need to worry that they’ll become an H-Town socialite who socializes “too much”.
“The only way our dogs can have too much socialization is if the interactions are uncontrolled and unstructured,” Williams says.
By providing your dog with structured, positive experiences— both direct and indirect—you’re setting them up for success in navigating Houston’s vibrant, petfriendly world with confidence.
Looking for more ways to strengthen your bond with your pup?
Here are some fun programs offered by The AKC (American Kennel Club).
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program: Encourages good manners and obedience in dogs, focusing on socialization and basic commands.
STAR Puppy Program: For puppies, ages 10 weeks to 6 months. It emphasizes socialization, basic manners, and starting on positive reinforcement techniques.
Trick Dog Program: Three levels: Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. The program promotes fun and bonding between dogs and owners while building a dog’s confidence and obedience.
Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGC-U): Similar to standard CGC, but it focuses on urban environments and situations that dogs
may encounter in a city setting (e.g., busy sidewalks, public transportation).
Rally Obedience: Competitive dog sport in which dog and handler team up to complete a course with a series of obedience signs. It's designed to be fun and engaging, encouraging teamwork and communication.
Obedience Trials: Trials that test a dog’s ability to follow commands in a structured, competitive setting. Dogs are judged on their ability to perform a series of commands such as sits, downs, recalls, and stays.
Agility Program: Timed course in which dogs navigate various obstacles like tunnels, jumps, and weave poles to promote physical fitness and mental stimulation.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DOG SCENT AND ENRICHMENT TRAINING
By: Jae Baylor, Certified Trainer for Molly’s Mutt House MuttHouse.com
Dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell, which is far superior to that of humans and really lights up their world. This ability allows them to detect scents at incredibly low concentrations, making them essential in various roles such as search and rescue, detecting drugs or explosives, and even assisting in medical diagnoses. However, the power of a dog’s nose isn’t just reserved for work—scent and enrichment training also play a crucial role in promoting mental stimulation, emotional well-being, and physical health in dogs. Sharpening their minds is just as important as honing their muscles, and can be just as fun!
Scent training taps into a dog’s natural instincts, offering a form of
mental enrichment that is exciting, fun, and beneficial. Dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes require mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, or digging. By engaging them in scent games, owners can challenge their pets in ways that align with their natural instincts, providing a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. These activities not only help to build focus, patience, and problem-solving skills as dogs work to track or locate specific smells, but keeps those tails wagging too!
Enrichment training is an essential aspect of a dog's overall development and well-being. It encompasses various activities, including scent training, puzzle
toys, physical exercise (such as agility, leash walking/jogs), and interactive play, all designed to challenge a dog’s mind and body. Dogs are intelligent creatures, and when their mental and physical needs are met, they are less likely to act out. Scent work, in particular, has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs, as it gives them an outlet to channel their energy in a positive way, it can also help boost confidence in dogs that are a little bit shyer than others. Engaging in scent training can be incredibly rewarding for both the dog and the owner, as it strengthens the bond between them and creates a fun and fulfilling life. Moreover, scent and enrichment training can improve a dog’s overall health. Dogs who
are mentally stimulated are more likely to maintain healthy brain function, which can delay the onset of cognitive decline in older dogs. These activities also help dogs stay physically active, as scent work often involves movement and exploration, which can contribute to a dog’s cardiovascular health and muscle tone.
Scent and enrichment training are not only vital for a dog’s mental stimulation but also for their physical and emotional well-being. By engaging in these activities, dogs can enjoy a phenomenal life that satisfies their instincts, strengthens the bond with their owners, and ensures they remain happy, healthy, and well-behaved.
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Books
Barking Up the Right Tree: The Science and Practice of Positive Dog Training, By: Ian Dunbar This book discusses why aversive punishment isn’t the most effective way to eliminate undesirable behavior or to get the dog back on track. Dr. Dunbar offers highly effective solutions to train your dog simply by using the words you teach, and without even raising your voice.
The Power of Positive Dog Training, By: Pat Miller Renowned dog trainer Pat Miller gives positive training tools for a lifetime of fun, companionship, and respect. Following her stepby-step program will show you how to develop a relationship with your dog based on friendship and positive reinforcement, not fear and punishment.
By: Lorena Padron KPA Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) Paws All In Dog Training PawsAllInDogTraining.com
THE TOP 4 MYTHS ABOUT DOG TRAINING
1. Harnesses will teach a dog how to pull.
A dog harness is a piece of equipment that helps us walk our dogs in a safe way without exerting too much tension in the neck and trachea. A harness distributes pressure over the larger surface of the dog's body (the chest, shoulders and upper back).
There are different types of dog harness used in sports where a dogs pulling power is utilized. These kinds of harnesses differ from pet harnesses in that they are designed to support a dog in the completion of a working task. A walking harness is not designed for pulling but to give more liberty of movement to the dog.
Loose Leash Walking is a skill in which the dog requires training and practice in different
environments to walk comfortably with their humans. The equipment itself does not teach or encourage pulling.
2. A long walk is all my dog needs.
Many dog owners focus on the physical activity the dog needs to drain their energy and forget about the mental stimulation they need.
While they might come back tired and ready to get a good nap, they still need an activity to engage their brains like training, problem-solving toys, exploring new environments, and social interaction.
Just like humans, dogs need a balance in getting enough physical
exercise and a stimulated mind to be truly content. This balance will help prevent behavioral issues that can arise from boredom or pent-up energy.
3. Treats are just bribing my dog.
Using food as a primary motivator for training is not the same as bribing. In Positive Training we use food to reinforce the desired behaviors, increasing the probability of the dog offering the behavior we want.
While presenting the treat (luring) is a method to teach the dog initially to learn a specific behavior (like a sit or down position for example); after a couple of repetitions the treat will quickly disappear and be given as a reward after performing the desired behavior.
Treats are a training tool used as reinforcement when training our dogs for performing the desired behaviors.
4. Dog training results should be fast.
Every dog is different. As trainers we adapt and change our approach based on the dog that is in front of us. What motivates and engages a Golden Retriever is not the same for a Chihuahua. While both dogs may be food oriented, breed specifics traits, experience, previous training, and many other variables makes them different.
While going to class or working in private sessions does make a difference in their learning, training must continue with the pet parents at home to be effective. Every dog has a different learning curve.
THE DOS & DON'TS OF DOG TRAINING
So, you got a dog and they need training!
As you’ve probably discovered, training takes more than just a cute dog reading your mind and going into a sit.
same commands and techniques every time you train your dog. This prevents confusion and helps your dog learn faster.
important to stay patient and not expect immediate results. If your dog doesn’t pick up a command right away, give them time and keep practicing.
Whether you’re teaching basic obedience or addressing behavioral issues, the key to successful training is about creating a clear, positive, and effective learning environment. Here are some essential dos and don’ts to guide you through the training process.
The Dos: Key To Success
1. Be Consistent: Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations. Ensure everyone in the household uses the
2. Positive Reinforcement: Reward-based training is one of the most effective methods for teaching your dog. When your dog performs a behavior you want to encourage, reward them with treats, praise, or playtime.
3. Keep The Training Short: Frequent training sessions are the most effective way to keep your dog engaged. Aim for sessions of about 10-15 minutes, once or twice a day.
4. Stay Positive: A positive attitude can significantly influence your dog's response to training. It is
The Don’ts: Avoid These Common Mistakes
1. Don’t Use Punishment: Avoid using punishment, such as yelling, hitting, or physical corrections, when training your dog. These methods can create fear, confusion, and anxiety, which can negatively impact your bond with your dog.
2. Don’t Encourage Biting: It is crucial to avoid any biting behavior while playing with your dog. Correct the behavior with a simple cue like “Ouch” or “Uh
Oh”, then redirect their attention with a toy. Consistency in this correction will help them understand that biting is not acceptable.
3. Don’t overuse Commands: Repeating commands too many times can dilute their meaning. Instead, give the command clearly once, and then wait for your dog’s response. It’s best to wait until you've captured your dog's attention before giving the command again if needed.
4. Don’t Neglect Socialization:
Socializing your dog with different people, animals, and environments is crucial for their overall development. Failing to expose them to various experiences can result in fearfulness or aggression. Socialization early on helps your dog build confidence, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues down the road.
5. Don’t Leave Unattended For Long Periods:
Especially for puppies, it’s important to avoid leaving them alone for too long. Puppies have small bladders, so frequent potty breaks are necessary. Additionally, long periods of being left alone can lead to boredom, which may cause destructive behaviors.
Training your dog is a lifelong process that requires patience, consistency, and dedication. By following these dos and don’ts, you'll build a strong foundation for good behavior and a healthy, trusting relationship with your furry friend. With time and practice, you’ll both enjoy the rewards of a well-trained and happy dog!
By: Hannah Barnes Revival Dog Training RevivalDogTraining.com
I’m sure we’ve all heard it before, if you want a dog, you have to walk it! If you don’t, they’ll become pent up and destroy your house. But what happens when you are walking the dog and they still seem stir crazy?
As pet parents, we often think this means they aren’t getting enough exercise, and our solution is usually to make those walks longer and longer. You may still be coming home to find that your dog has chewed up something that they know they shouldn’t have. But wait, you might be saying, what does my dog destroying my shoes have to do with exercise? The answer: everything!
HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG MENTALLY STIMULATED
Let’s break up a dog’s exercise needs into two categories: physical and mental.
Physical exercise is anything that involves movement and cardiovascular health: walks, running, playing fetch, wrestling with other dogs, etc. It’s the second form of exercise that often gets forgotten: mental simulation.
Mental stimulation is anything that challenges your dog
cognitively—problem solving and critical thinking. It’s simultaneously one of the most important and underestimated aspects in our dogs’ lives.
Here are a few common examples of destructive–and let’s face it, annoying–behaviors our dogs do, that’s actually their attempt to seek out mental stimulation.
Your dog trying to sneak a bite from that cake on the counter, tipping over the trash can, and stealing your socks are all examples of their scavenging instinct. Which, you guessed it: is mental stimulation!
Barking at the delivery driver, lunging at the door when the mailman comes, and looking very proud that they definitely made them go away—yup, that could be them seeking entertainment!
Digging in those freshly planted flowers in the garden?
That smell of new mulch is oh so sweet... What a good time!
To be clear, these unwanted behaviors do not paint a picture of a bad dog, but it does a bored one. Don’t worry, they’re some simple things you can do to replace those destructive habits with more positive ones.
Offering your dog a variety of interactive toys that requires you to hide treats inside is always a good start! There’s a plethora of great dog toys on the market that fit this category, such as the classic KONG. Having to work at getting the food out is problem solving, which tires out the brain. It's kind of like a doggy crossword puzzle!
Having your dog engage their
nose is another fantastic mental outlet. Try tossing some kibble out in the grass for a scavenger hunt, or if you’re an urban pet parent, try a snuffle mat! Forging for food is a natural behavior for dogs, so it's all about tapping into that scavenging instinct. Having your dog seek out their meal offers them an exciting challenge, and because of how complex their nose is, scenting is a great way to satisfy their needs.
At the end of the day, there are countless ways to stimulate your dog mentally. If you think your dog may be struggling with finding proper outlets, consider seeking further professional advice. A dog trainer can offer great insights tailored to you and your dog’s lifestyle!
TRAINING TIME
On a Tight Leash
Long lines made of Biothane (a.k.a vegan leather) available in 10’, 15’ and 20’ lengths. Perfect for training and decompression sniffari walks! Available at BelieveInDog.com.
Click It
A popular and successful training method, clicker training is based in positive reinforcement and is great for training basic commands and even tricks! The Coachi Multi-Clicker has a patented volume control with three settings, allowing you to adjust for nervous, sound-sensitive dogs as well as boisterous canines. The adjustable wrist strap make this clicker easy to use for children and adults alike. Available at HollywoodFeed.com or one of their Houston locations.
Brainy Bites
Ready to give your dog’s brain a workout? Meet the Puzzler Donut Slider Dog Toy by ZippyPaws—your pup's new favorite challenge that’s as fun as it is rewarding! This interactive toy isn’t just about playtime; it’s about engaging your dog’s mind, helping him develop problem-solving skills, and keeping him entertained for hours. With multiple difficulty levels, your furry friend will have a blast figuring out how to unlock those tasty treats or kibble. Find yours at one of PetSuites of America’s Houston locations, or visit PetSuitesOfAmerica.com.
Accident Avoider
Train your dog to tell you when he needs to go outside with the Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 Potty Training Dog Doorbell. No more pacing, scratching, whining or barking at the door. This innovative product has a water-resistant housing, which means with a second set, he can also let you know when he’s ready to come back inside! Available for purchase at Chewy.com.
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• In-house labwork
VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast
10331 Gulf Freeway
Houston, TX 77034
P 713-941-8460
vcaemergencyse.com
VCA Animal Emergency Hospital
Southeast Calder Road
1108 Gulf Freeway South, Suite 280
League City, TX 77573
P 281-332-1678
vcacalderroad.com
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• Digital radiography
• Ultrasound, Endoscopy
Well-Being
Give your pet the care they deserve with natural, vet-recommended products designed for relaxation, skin relief, grooming, and fresh breath. From calming chews to soothing soaks and gentle shampoos, these essentials help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Calm
Sometimes a dog’s life can be overwhelming. Just like humans, dogs can benefit from appropriate types of natural remedies. Calming chews from Open Farm are designed specifically for dogs to promote calmness and reduce anxiety when faced with stressful situations. Made with vet-recommended functional ingredients such as Hemp Seed Oil, Passion Flower, Chamomile, Valerian Root, you can start your pup on a path to calm by purchasing chews at The Doggie Express at 1402 W. 34th Street or visit them online at TheDoggieExpress.com.
Soothe
Smells just like Cucumber Melon! A pleasantly scented, soap-free, PH balanced shampoo to control odor with soothing Aloe & Oatmeal. Recommended by veterinarians, your pooch will love the clean feeling of their skin with this all natural, paraben and dye free shampoo. Get yours or other spa-day must haves at PUCCIcafe.com or visit their boutique and cafe in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.
Soak
The Refreshing Paw & Body Soak is an unscented, all-natural skincare solution for dogs and cats with paw allergies and skin issues. It's ideal for soothing paws or skin affected by hot spots, sores, wounds, rashes, itchiness, dryness, or unpleasant odors. Available at SimplySageDogTreats.com.
Fresh
Goodbye stinky breath! TropiClean Fresh Breath is the complete dental care solution for your pet, offering brushing and no-brushing solutions. Products are made with effective ingredients for a healthy mouth and fresh breath! Get a variety of products at your local PetSuites of America. To find one of many Houston locations, visit PetSuitesOfAmerica.com.
The Kitty Bodega
Kidney-Chek
No vet visit? No problem! With Kidney-Chek, you can screen your cat for kidney issues in just two minutes using a simple saliva test—right at home. Catching kidney disease early means you can take action sooner, helping your feline friend live a longer, healthier life. Quick, painless, and stressfree for both of you!
Protect
Say goodbye to the dreaded cone of shame! The original Recovery Suit® is a comfy, full-body alternative that keeps your cat protected after surgery, injuries, or skin issues—without restricting movement. Soft, breathable, and way less awkward than a cone, it helps your cat heal in style and comfort.
Local purveyor, The Kitty Bodega, has everything your furry feline needs to feel good, look good, be cozy and have fun! Carefully merchandised and offering unique and hard to find cat products, visit one of their two locations to find just the purr-fect items on your kitty shopping list. Houston locations: Houston Heights, 2017 Yale St. Houston, TX 77008 OR Houston Midtown/Montrose 106 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77006. TheKittyBodega.com.
Goodbye Leaky Gut!
If your cat is dealing with itchy skin, tummy troubles, or just not feeling their best, leaky gut could be the sneaky culprit. This easy-to-follow protocol helps get to the root of the issue, supporting better digestion, a stronger immune system, and overall well-being. A happy gut means a happy cat!
Intolerance Testing Kit
Is your cat scratching, sluggish, or dealing with mystery tummy issues? This easy hair test helps uncover hidden food and environmental intolerances so you can pinpoint what’s bugging them. Just send in a sample, and in two business days, you’ll get clear, digital results—because your cat deserves to feel their best!
Puppy Parent Coaching
(Relieving your stress through a PROVEN system. No guessing)
Puppy Pit Fall Prevention/Early Development and Custom Training Programs
Evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine and Urban Dog Test
Puppy Partners Pack Socials Program
How to Choose the Right Puppy
Start your New Year as a puppy parent off right, without guess work. Helping you raise your puppy by giving you the education, tools and coaching to make your new puppy a success, is our field of expertise. Helping you prevent the overwhelming frustration and failure many puppy owners experience, with our proven Thinking Dog system, NOT experimentation.
When Pets Eat What They Shouldn’t
Understanding Foreign Body Obstructions and Emergency Veterinary Care
By: Laura Noaker DVM, DACVIM | VERGI247.com
You know the saying, “Do what you love, love what you do?” Well, I love eating snacks and Dr. Noaker loves emergency veterinary medicine. We are going to tell you my story together, and I am going first, since I am the star of the show. That’s just how it is.
So there I was, standing innocently in front of the pantry when suddenly I saw them... unattended meat snacks! I did the only thing my doggie brain allowed for in that moment...I ate every single one of those perfect little sticks of meat. I wasted no time thinking about anything outside of that very moment. I'm a dog, and this was the only respectable option. Soon after my feast, I started to feel really bad. Regret began to slowly set in. You know the feeling, except you probably don't skip the very important
step called "removing any plastic wrappers first." The next thing I knew, I was on my way to VERGI 24/7 Emergency Animal Hospital.
Ultrasound images revealed my secret. The next step was surgery to save my life. I had a little nap while they cleared the more than 15 wrappers just sitting there in my stomach, mostly still whole, too. What a shame.
I am now recovering nicely at home but sadly, the meat snacks remain far out of my reach. I fear this is my new reality. Love, Ro
As a 30-year veteran of emergency veterinary medicine, I am often asked, “What sort of cases do you see most often?” The answer is easy: dietary indiscretion and/or gastrointestinal foreign body obstructions. Ro’s case illustrates the usual presentation of “dietary indiscretion”, the polite way of saying an animal ate
something they shouldn’t have. Gastrointestinal, or simply GI, foreign bodies are a medical and often surgical emergency. The challenge as a clinician is to decide if the case can be medically managed or needs a visit to the surgical suite, STAT.
To make this decision, we start with the history of the pet at home (meaning we ask a lot of questions to give us a clear picture of what happened at home), and then we move into the physical exam. There can be many important clues. We look in the mouth and especially under the tongue. Cats often get string, yarn or dental floss caught under their tongue. We assess hydration. Pets with GI foreign bodies are often mildly dehydrated from not drinking and/or vomiting. We feel
(palpate) the abdominal cavity to discover areas of discomfort. We also take their temperature because some pets will already have developed a fever. From a diagnostic point of view, we generally start with bloodwork and x-rays. Bloodwork can indicate a level of dehydration, tell us about
infection, and quite often (50% of the time) show a low chloride level. This is because when pets vomit, they lose a lot of hydrochloric acid. This can be a handy signpost pointing to a lodged foreign body.
X-rays are often enough but there are cases, like with Ro, in which the ingested items simply do not reveal themselves. That’s when we order an abdominal ultrasound, which most of the time, confirms the presence of a foreign body in the stomach or intestines. The option also exists to go directly to surgery when xrays do not reveal a foreign body but either the pet’s symptoms are indicative of one, the client witnessed the ingestion or found evidence of it, or both.
Are we ever 100% sure we need to go to surgery? The answer is sometimes. Mostly. Then there are the cases with no clear-cut answer. Our options then are to treat the patient with supportive care and take a wait and see approach, or schedule an “exploratory” surgery. We inform the client that while we may find nothing during the exploratory surgery, that knowledge is still helpful, and if an obstruction is found, it can be removed immediately. Morbidity and mortality dramatically increase when a necessary surgery is delayed. We have discovered a variety of items eaten by pets. Clothing is very common, but so is stuffing from toys, plastic, shoes, or in Ro’s case, lots of food wrappers. We also find things the client never knew their pet ate. I remember once we found a whole army of little plastic soldiers.
Pets are not always the discerning eaters we wish they would be, and some are repeat offenders. We will never spend a moment in judgement. Our singular goal for any emergency is to help your pet feel better so that they can go back home for a lifetime of love with you.
Ro after surgery at VERGI.
Contents of Ro’s stomach!
Veterinary Specialists
What Is A Specialist And What Disciplines Are Board Certified Specialties
By: Julia Spade, DVM, CHPV, cVMA, CPEV Medical Director, BluePearl Pet Hospice
Bneurology), laboratory animal medicine, microbiology, veterinary nutrition, ophthalmology, pathology, pharmacology, poultry, preventative medicine, radiology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and surgery. Many of these specialists require a referral from your general practice doctor for a consultation.
oard certified veterinary specialists are veterinarians who have completed a certain number of additional hours of training within a certain discipline of veterinary medicine and passed a test along with requirements set by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Currently, there are 22 recognized board-certified
veterinary specialities. Specialists are meant to complement a pet’s general doctor when advanced testing and treatment is needed. Here is a list of the 22 recognized board certified specialities:
The veterinary community utilizes these specialists within our government at a local and national level, veterinary teaching hospitals and within communities to help family-owned pets. Many specialists are also involved in research and development for the veterinary profession within companies and at universities. These specialists also speak at
analgesia and anesthesia, animal welfare, behavior, dentistry, dermatology, emergency and critical care, internal medicine (cardiology, internal medicine, oncology,
continuing education events for veterinarians throughout the year to keep general practitioners up to date on the latest research and development for their patients.
You can find more information about what specialists are in your area by searching their specific college online i.e. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. The word "college" does not mean a specific school, but instead refers to the body of practitioners in that particular field/board of directors. Specialists will have letters behind their name such as: ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine) or ACVS (American College of Veterinary Surgeons). If you feel your pet needs to be seen by a specialist, discuss this with your regular veterinarian so they can refer you to the appropriate doctor. What does it mean for a veterinarian to be certified in something? Veterinarians can become certified in many different niches or specialty services of veterinary medicine. A small list of these include: chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicine, laser therapy, massage, fear free, hospice and palliative care, rehabilitation, and the list goes on and on. The difference between a certification program and a specialist is that specialists are focused on one aspect of medicine and to become board certified you have to be approved by the college of that specialty, versus any veterinarian who can complete a certification program to become more skilled and/or practice a certain skill to treat patients. Certification programs often require hours of additional training, tests and research papers, but are not governed by a “board”. You can often find veterinarians in our area who have completed certification programs by searching on the internet, i.e. "hospice and palliative care veterinarians in my area". Veterinarians who have completed these programs will often have letters behind their name such as: cVMA (certified in veterinary medical acupuncture) or CHPV (certified hospice and palliative care veterinarian). If you wish to seek care from a veterinarian in a certain niche, always discuss with your primary doctor first.
Sunset Animal Hospital
Say Hello To The New Medical Director, Dr. Woods
By: Tonia Whilden
Meet Dr. Woods! PetTalk sat down with Sunset Animal Hospital's new Medical Director to learn more about her role.
1. What lead you to become Medical Director at Sunset Animal Hospital?
I have been with Sunset approximately ten years. Prior to Sunset, I worked for a large corporate hospital for three years; the last year as Chief of Staff. When Sunset moved to our current location, I stayed at the
original location to open up Mercy Pet Clinic. I was Hospital Director for the four years we were open and returned to our sister hospital, Sunset, when it closed. Due to my history with Sunset and experience, when we needed a new director, I felt like I could step into the role seamlessly.
2. What excites you most about working with the team at Sunset Animal Hospital and being part of this community?
The best and most exciting part about working at Sunset is
that we are a family. Everyone is there to help each other and that feeling flows over into our patient care. All of our staff truly does their best and strives to help each animal and make their visits comfortable and as positive as they can be. Our team is one of a kind and that helps when a lot of our days can be difficult.
3. As the new medical director, what are some of your immediate goals for the hospital? Are there any changes or improvements you're excited to implement?
Our immediate goal is outreach to the community with the main message being our ability to do both wellness and emergent visits. During COVID, we lost some of our identity as a 24/7 hospital. We do regular wellness visits and routine surgeries; those visits we don't see as much of anymore. This initiative will include some
new specials. I'm also excited to bring back our previous medical director, Dr. Wesson. She's been missed by our staff and clients and I know
this will be exciting for everyone. She's a great surgeon and veterinarian.
6. Can you talk about your approach to client communication and how you involve pet owners in their pets’ treatment plans?
I try to be open and concise when speaking with clients. Every pet parent deserves to understand completely what is happening with their animal. I strive to ensure this occurs through a give and take with our conversation. I explain options that owners have and allow them to decide which option they want to take. This can be as simple as whether or not to add on an additional vaccine or which diagnostic test we will run. To me, it is very important pet parents are involved because not only do they then understand what we're doing, but what we expect as an end result.
7. Veterinary care can sometimes be
a stressful experience for both pets and owners. How do you help make the experience more comfortable for both parties?
I tailor my care to each patient, client and situation. I try to approach every client with clear communication and empathy. I also think with clients it is very important to just listen. This alone goes a long way in reassuring a client about a myriad of their fears in a visit whether it be a new diagnosis, emergency or their pets anxiety. With pets, sometimes sitting on the floor to do the exam and letting them decide when and if they trust me is enough. Some pets may need anti-anxiety medications beforehand to help the visit run more smoothly and we can also help with this. Each person and patient is different, but our goal is to make sure everyone is comfortable.
8. Sunset Animal Hospital has built a strong reputation in the community. What steps will you take to maintain that trust and foster even stronger relationships with local pet owners?
Sunset has been through a lot of changes the last few years and that has been off-putting to some clients. This is understandable. My goal is to start back at more community outreach to help maintain trust as well as foster new relationships. Having a representative from the hospital to be able to directly ask questions to starts the trust process. All of our doctors are committed to continuing quality care and building great relationships with each of their clients. This alone, I think, is really important in building and maintaining trust. We are also very open to feedback. People are welcome to contact us directly and I hope that ability allows people to feel like they can trust us as long term partners in their pets care.
Learn more about Sunset Animal Hospital at: SunsetAnytime.com.
Bozarjian
Tail End
Bird Basics
Foraging Ideas To Keep Your Avian Healthy & Happy
By: Michelle Mantor
Unlike dogs and cats which have been domesticated for thousands of years, your pet bird is still truly a wild animal that just happens to be living in a domestic environment. Captive birds retain their full array of natural instincts and habits, and as their caretakers, it’s important to give them opportunities to exercise these behaviors. Their brains are built to actively solve problems and forage throughout the day. Without the ability to exercise their foraging instincts, serious issues arise including feather picking, screaming, aggression, and depression, resulting from having too little to do throughout their day.
In order to provide foraging stimulation and problem solving, here are few ideas for your pet bird to keep them chirping with content!
1. Where’s The Food? Offer multiple feeding stations to encourage the bird to wander and explore outside of his cage or play area. You can keep the food nearby the cage and limit the area to where he is comfortable, but still providing a chance to mix things up.
2. Find The Food: To encourage foraging, start by placing your first foraging toys in your bird’s normal food bowl so that they get the idea that these devices contain food. Once your bird gets used to taking these toys apart,
you can start hiding them around different parts of their cage so that they have a fun hunting game to keep them busy throughout the day. You can also use clicker training to reinforce foraging behavior. If you enjoy crafts, you can make your own toys with items from the craft store, or you can purchase toys but just make sure the materials are all-natural.
3. Wrapped Treats: Try wrapping food treats in paper, then twist the ends with natural rope or vegan leather and hang from the cage (rope that frays is dangerous for your bird so be sure to use something like manila rope). If your bird is not the most adventurous, you can poke holes to give them a head start on uncovering the goodies inside. If your bird’s cage doesn’t have a play top, coconut shell perches that hold food can be placed on the outside of the cage or place a foraging tree just outside the cage for your bird climb on and find food.
4. For The Big Bird: Another quick and easy foraging toy that works especially well for larger
birds involves a toilet paper roll and shredded paper. You simply place the food in the center of the roll, and then stuff each end with shredded paper and you have a cheap, easy way to make a foraging treat!
There are tons of ideas online for making foraging toys. Other options include toys made of dry pasta or cardboard boxes. Use the web to help you get creative and to learn what items are safe. And remember, when deciding on what types of foraging toys to make, think about what kinds of food your bird would be eating in the wild. Larger, hook-billed birds are going to be foraging for large nuts and other tough-to-crack objects, so you’ll want to give them harder, thicker material to work at, while smaller birds such as song birds will need easier to dismantle treats to satisfy their foraging needs.
Most of all, remember to mix things up to reduce boredom and have fun making the treats. You can even have a treat-making party with other avian aficionados to share ideas!
Conservation Corner
A Visit from Rwanda
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. This issue, we highlight the Houston Zoo's conservation partnerhip with Rwanda. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.
By: Rachael Shappard
Houston Zoo’s newest exhibit, The Fondren Foundation Birds of the World, invites guests to explore the incredible diversity and beauty of bird species from around the globe. One of the featured aviaries, African Savanna, spotlights the majestic and iconic grey crowned cranes. Here guests can learn about the Zoo’s
conservation partnership with Rwanda Wildlife Conservation (RWCA).
Houston Zoo had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Deo Ruhagazi, deputy director of RWCA, and Dr. Jessica Kamatenesi, a field veterinarian, who are helping to save grey crowned cranes, along with other wildlife, in Rwanda. Dr. Jessica is the first female wildlife
veterinarian in Rwanda. They received hands-on clinical training from the Zoo’s veterinary team, working with a variety of animals to expand their skillset.
This was not the first time they had worked alongside the Zoo’s veterinary team. In February 2024, Houston Zoo’s veterinarian Dr. Christine Molter and vet tech supervisor Jennifer Atkinson traveled with Houston’s NBC affiliate KPRC-2 to Rwanda as part of a special series, Saving Wildlife: Return to Rwanda special. They got to visit RWCA’s new vet clinic – the first of its kind in Rwanda –and provide in the field training to the RWCA team. The vet clinic opening would not have been possible without the support of vet staff, Ruth and Katie, who handled researching, procuring, purchasing, and shipping equipment and supplies for the new clinic.
In addition to the veterinary training, Dr. Deo and Dr. Jessica met with a variety of Zoo departments and hosted a lunch & learn for all Zoo staff and volunteers to share more on their wildlife-saving
Photos provided by Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo
work. They also hosted two watch parties for staff and volunteers for the KPRC-2 Return to Rwanda special. They closed out their visit at Zoo Ball 2024 – Wings of Wonder presented by Phillips 66, which raised over $2.6 million to support the Zoo. As an extra perk, they got to see the Zoo’s wildlife-saving work in action, helping release two loggerhead sea turtles back into the wild in Galveston.
Every time guests visit the Zoo, they’re helping our partners, like Drs. Deo and Jessica, who are working to protect and save animals, like the grey crowned crane, around the world. The Zoo
provides training, salaries, equipment, and support for the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association to save crowned cranes in Rwanda. The Zoo also provides support for Rwandan wildlife professionals to rehabilitate and release injured and confiscated grey crowned cranes.
The Zoo provides support for education and community programs that protect crowned cranes and bats in Rwanda. As a result, schoolchildren in Rwanda showed increased knowledge about grey crowned cranes and their habitat, thanks to our partners’ work in the region.
"It is not enough to understand the natural world; the point is to defend and preserve it."
~Edward Abbey
Why I Love Animals is a monthly feature written by our Editor with the mission of educating the public on the value of all species.
By: Michelle Mantor Photography by Prudence
Why I LoveAnimals
As an animal enthusiast, a “baby of anything” is so cute, but a baby elephant…well…that has to be a top 10! I love every photoshoot we’ve done at the Houston Zoo over the years, but watching baby Kirby frolic and play (on a muddy, rainy day as you tell by my hair LOL!) reminded me of how amazing the animal kingdom is. At the time of the photoshoot, Kirby was only about 10 weeks old but clearly she already had tons of personality! Scan the QR code to see a little behind the scenes of our photo session.
Kirby was born to 34-yearold Asian elephant Shanti after a 19-hour labor, fathered by Shanti’s longtime boyfriend, a 58 yr. old Asian elephant named Thailand. The birth took place in the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat cow barn under the supervision of Shanti's keepers and veterinary staff. According to the staff, Kirby was standing within six minutes, walking 25 minutes later, and began nursing within two hours of being born.
Little Kirby lives amongst her mom and a herd of females that often help “keep an eye” on the newcomer as she runs about the
elephant yard playing, rolling in mud and then finding mom to nurse for a bit. Watching her run will definitely make you giggle! It’s quite a “cumbersome” gait and just so adorable to watch. You can see for yourself by watching the live webcam at the elephant yard on the zoo’s website, or better yet, visit the zoo and meet Kirby and the rest of the herd.
Asian elephants are classified as endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. There are an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 in the wild, with continued declines mainly caused by habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and poaching. These majestic, fascinating animals need our help! We can all help by:
1. Supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
2. Make smart shopping choices by avoiding products that contribute to the destruction of elephant habitats, such as coffee that is not fair-trade or shade-grown, and products with palm oil.
3. Reduce demand for ivory.
4. Support organizations that work to restore elephant habitats through reforestation.
5. Choose eco-tourism
Watch the video!
operators who support local elephant conservation projects. With their grandeur and grace, elephants definitely have a sweet spot in the heart of many humans. What are some of the interesting or amusing facts that make this species so endearing? First, their trunk is like a Swiss Army knife as a nose! With over 40,000 muscles (compared to the measly 600 in the human body), the trunk can perform tasks ranging from lifting heavy logs to picking up a single blade of grass. Used for drinking, breathing, smelling, touching, and even trumpeting, the elephant trunk is the poster child for multifunctionality. Second is their memory capability. The phrase "an elephant never forgets" came about because elephants have excellent memories, which play a crucial role in their survival. They can remember the locations of water sources, even those hundreds of miles apart, and recognize and remember individual humans and other elephants for many years. Third, they are highly social
creatures with complex social structures that live in matriarchal family groups, where the oldest female leads the herd. Elephants exhibit behaviors that suggest deep emotional intelligence that is on display when they are known to comfort distressed members, show empathy, and even mourn their dead. This list could go on and on to include their famous mud baths, their savvy communication skills, their giant appetites, their amazing skin, their love of water and “excavation” skills in architecting their environment to create watering holes and so much more. It’s no wonder we are in LOVE with these ecological wonders!
Don’t miss your chance to visit Kirby and the entire elephant herd at the Houston Zoo this Spring. It’s a fun day to explore the world of animals and see all of the new exhibits the zoo has to offer. Spring Break would be the perfect time for an animal adventure for the whole family!
ASPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
1. We absolutely love your products! What inspired you to start Simply Sage Dog Treats?
The inspiration for Simply Sage Dog Treats began with my rescue puppy, Sage. Not long after adopting her, I noticed she had digestive issues and severe environmental allergies, leading to constant paw licking and scratching. Frequent vet visits were taking a toll, both emotionally and financially, and I wanted to find a way to help her live a comfortable, happier, and healthier life.
My journey started with researching natural, holistic solutions for dogs with sensitive stomachs, allergies, and skin problems. I was fascinated by the benefits of herbal teas for people and dogs, and soon I was incorporating chamomile, mint, and rooibos teas into Sage’s diet. Reading the labels on commercial dog food and treats opened my eyes to the harmful preservatives and additives causing her sensitivity, so I switched her food and began making her homemade dog treats.
I also created paw and skin balms to soothe
her itchy paws and dry skin, which worked wonders not just for Sage but for my friends' dogs as well. In 2016, I launched Simply Sage Dog Treats, initially offering plant-based herbal tea-infused dog treats. Over time, I realized the market's growing need for natural pet skincare products, leading me to shift focus and expand our product line. By 2018, we had discontinued treats to specialize in paw balms, skin balms, nose balms, shampoo bars, and paw & body soaks for dogs and cats with allergies and skin issues.
2. What do you think sets Simply Sage apart from other similar pet products on the market?
from allergies and skin conditions. Instead of flooding the market with trendy or unnecessary products, we prioritize reliability and straightforward options to make the shopping experience stress-free.
3. What do you think most pet owners don’t know about the importance of products like yours?
Many pet owners don’t realize these types of products even exist! I often meet dog owners who think rough, dry paws are normal or believe there's nothing they can do to help.
4. What has surprised you most about being in the pet product market?
I’ve been amazed at how passionate and dedicated pet owners are to finding solutions for their dogs and cats. It’s also surprising how underserved the market is for practical, natural remedies for pet allergies and skin issues.
5. Can you share the most transformative story of how one of your products helped a pet?
One customer came to us after trying every well-known grooming and vet-prescribed product with no success. Her dog’s allergies and skin condition left her feeling frustrated and financially drained. She hesitated to try something new but decided to take a chance after learning about our 30-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.
At Simply Sage, we focus on simplicity and effectiveness. We aim to provide easy, practical solutions for pet owners with dogs suffering
After just a few applications, she saw noticeable results. Her dog’s itching subsided, and the paws and skin began to heal. Her relief turned into excitement. She left us a glowing review, sharing her gratitude for finding an affordable solution after years of struggle. We stand behind our guarantee because we know how challenging it can be to find products that deliver results.
