3D Z 3U L Q W V
SHW SKRWRJUDSK\
E\ * A MI E &I N C H E R
ZZZ SDZSU L QW VE\ M DPL H F RP a ZZZ I DFHERRN FRP SDZSU L QW V E\ M DPL H
Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431
jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com
Advertising (281) 384.5431
sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com
Contributing Writers Michelle Spencer Bob Williams
Staff Photographer Jamie Fincher www.pawprintsbyjamie.com Urban Paws Magazine PO Box 1556 Spring, TX 77383
www.urbanpawsmagazine.com Web: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
contents Issue 1: Volume 8
EVENT CALENDAR 6 January/February 2014
THE SCOOP 7
Canine News and Happenings
BODY & SOUL 10
Is It Okay to Let a Dog Live Outside?
SPECIAL FEATURE 15
2nd Annual Veterinary Profiles
HEALTH & WELLNESS 20
Nursing Care for Your Immobile Pet: What You Need to Know
TRAINING & BEHAVIOR 22 Indoor Fun with Your Dog
ADOPTION 24 Š Copyright 2014. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Urban Paws magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, feature and idea submissions, or photographs, and such material will not be returned. Urban Paws magazine assumes no liability for the contents herein and has the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Urban Paws magazine does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible.
Please tell our advertisers that you heard about them in Urban Paws Magazine!
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary
Photo by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.
BE A PART OF OUR DOG LOVING COMMUNITY! ON THE WEB
urbanpawsmagazine.com
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER ARTICLES, EVENTS, CONTESTS & MORE!
COMING IN MARCH: Coping with Pet Loss
COMING IN APRIL: Eco-Friendly Pet Products and Services
Contact us for special advertising opportunities at 281.384.5431.
event calendar
JAN/FEB
For a full list of events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events JANUARY 4-5
61st Annual Charity Cat Show at the George R. Brown Convention Center. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Activities include: Judging of your household cat, Veterinarian Q & A, Cat agility contest, Cat adoptions, Animal rescue groups and a variety of vendors. For more information, visit www.houstoncatclub.org.
JANUARY 19
Chevron Houston Marathon. Run for a reason this year and help support Houston area charities, including the Houston SPCA and Citizens for Animal Protection. For registration information, visit www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com.
FEBRUARY 8
Valentine’s Day Bake and Craft Sale with Puppy Kissing Booth Pictures at Montgomery County Animal Shelter. 8525 State Highway 242. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.mcaspets.org.
FEBRUARY 19
Fix Felix for Free at the Houston Humane Society. HHS will neuter 700 male cats for free at their Animal Wellness Clinic. To request an appointment, email fixfelix@houstonhumane.org or call 713-433-6421. To find out more information about Fix Felix for Free or low cost spaying and neutering at Houston Humane Society, visit www.houstonhumane.org.
Bella, Max top list of most popular dog names in 2013 Forget Jacob and Sophia, the two most popular baby names of 2013. Those names didn’t even make the list when Rover.com took a look at the top dog names of 2013. If you’re naming man’s (and woman’s) best friend, Max and Bella top the list. Rover.com reviewed its database of hundreds of thousands of registered users in the U.S. and compiled this first-ever list of top dog names by gender. Take a look below for the top 10 male and female names for dogs in 2013! Male dogs: 1. Max 2. Charlie 3. Buddy 4. Jack 5. Cooper 6. Rocky 7. Riley 8. Toby 9. Bear 10. Harley
Female dogs: 1. Bella 2. Lucy 3. Bailey 4. Daisy 5. Lily 6. Molly 7. Lola 8. Maggie 9. Sadie 10. Chloe
Follow us on FACEBOOK & TWITTER for the most up-to-date information, news and events! 6 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
the scoop
Montgomery County Animal Shelter (MCAS) holds new volunteer orientations each Sunday of every month at 12pm noon Montgomery County Animal Shelter (MCAS)
holds new volunteer orientations each Sunday of every month at 12pm noon. The shelter is
located on 8535 State Highway 242 in Conroe,
TX just one exit north of The Woodlands. The shelter houses anywhere from 700-800 dogs
and cats at a time and is always in need of volunteers. Volunteer duties covered during the
orientation include but are not limited to dog
walking, cat socializing, adoption coordinating, dog bathing, fostering and administrative
duties. Special interest volunteer opportunities such as fundraising, event planning and photography are covered as needed.
Persons must be 18 to volunteer or 16 with a
signed parental waiver. New volunteers may simply show up to the Sunday orientations
without prior notice. If Sundays are not con-
venient, volunteers are asked to email mcasvolunteer@gmail.com to request alternate arrangements.
Those under 16 interested in volunteering are
encouraged to contact the MCAS PET PALS youth/parent volunteer group coordinator at felechaf@gmail.com.
For more information about MCAS please
visit www.mcaspets.org.
Animal Shelter Valentine’s Day for Bake and Craft Sale, Puppy Kissing Booth and Valentine Heart Exchange
Montgomery County Animal Society
(MCASociety) invites you to visit Montgomery County Animal Shelter (MCAS) the weekend
before Valentine’s Day for our Bake and Craft Sale, Puppy Kissing Photo Booth and Valentine Heart Exchange.
The Bake and Craft Sale and Puppy Kissing
Photo Booth will take place on Saturday,
February 8 from 10am – 4pm. The sale will
feature an array of Valentine’s themed cookies and other baked goods and handmade blan-
kets, scarfs, candles, jewelry and more – just in time for Valentine’s Day gift giving.
Brand new to MCAS is the Puppy Kissing
Booth where shelter visitors can get a
Valentine’s themed picture taken with a shelter puppy or with their own pet(s) for a donation of $10.
The MCAS Valentine Heart Exchange will Urban Paws Magazine 7
the scoop
be held during normal shelter business hours
a booster one year after completing their initial
is a pet-centric way for people to donate to
years or more often.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday (February 7-9) and MCASociety. Handmade paper “hearts” featur-
series, then all dogs need a booster every three Kittens require vaccinations as early as six
ing long-term dogs and cats will be available
weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of
pet they would like to make their donation in
of the initial series, then every three years.
for purchase for $10. Donors can choose the honor of and take that pet’s handmade heart
age; one dose is given a year after the last dose If you need financial assistance for your kit-
home.
ten or puppy's vaccinations, please call 832-
profit organization that supports MCAS’
grant recipient.
All proceeds will benefit MCASociety, a non-
homeless pet by providing medical care and
229-0842 to see if you qualify as a Banfield
equipping volunteers to find homes and save
Rescue Bank Rolls Out 500th Truck
toward helping the shelter animals, including
filled with pallets of pet food into Houston,
lives. MCASociety raises funds that go directly the cats and dogs being cared for in foster
homes. MCASociety also educates the public about vaccinations, spay and neutering, and
other animal welfare issues. For more information, email visit www.mcasociety.org.
Abandoned Animal Rescue Receives $5,500 Grant from Banfield Charitable Trust for New Program Abandoned Animal Rescue received a $5,500 grant from the Banfield Charitable Trust for
the AAR Veterinary Assistance program – “an
When Rescue Bank rolled their 500th truck
there were dozens of rescue group volunteers waiting for the cans and bags.
"It was hot, steamy work but the people
there helped everyone and got along great. It
truly was a big, happy rescue family... a network
of kindred spirits," said Cynthia Nesser, Rescue Bank co-founder.
Rescue Bank's Truck 500 brought 27 pallets
or 37,800 pounds of Pedigree® to organizations happy to lend a hand and fill up their trucks and cars.
Grants from GreaterGood.org, funded
ounce of prevention.” AAR’s new program
through The Animal Rescue Site’s “Click To
community who need financial assistance in
enable Rescue Bank to ship donated food to its
reaches out to residents of the greater Tomball vaccinating their kittens or puppies.
Puppies need at least three sets, given
between 6 and 16 weeks of age; Puppies need 8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Give” and Gifts That Give More program,
distribution partners. Food for this and many other Rescue Bank deliveries is provided by Mars Petcare US.
body & soul Is it Okay to Let a Dog Live Outside?
og owners have a legal duty to ensure
nothing could be further from the truth. Studies
dog’s physical, social and behavioral needs are
backyards are highly likely to develop serious
D
that their pet’s welfare needs are met. A
quite complex. Meeting these needs is difficult, if not impossible, for dogs living outside.
in dog psychology show that dogs isolated in
behavioral problems that often result in euthanasia.
Canines are social animals who thrive on the
companionship of humans. That's why they are
Dogs are pack animals that thrive on compan-
at their best when living indoors with their pack, their human family members. This is substanti-
are very social. In fact, dogs are more social than
humans and need to be part of human families.
ated by the experience of rescue volunteers and
shelter workers as well as dog trainers, canine behaviorists, veterinarians and animal welfare associations nationwide.
One of the biggest and most widely held mis-
conceptions about dogs is the belief that they
are happy living only in the backyard. However, 10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
ionship. Much like their wolf ancestors, dogs When you own a dog, you become the dog's pack and he wants to be with his pack. Forcing
a dog to live outside with little or no human
interaction is one of the most psychological
damaging things that a pet owner can do to a dog.
Dogs are also den animals, meaning they like a
By: Jennifer Kitchens-Street
safe and secure place to sleep, rest and hang out,
territory. He will not sound the alarm if some-
ability to learn and therefore can be house
uncommon to hear stories of families being
such as your house. Your dog has a wonderful trained. A dog who resides in your house rather
than in your yard is much happier and more content, because of the security of a den and the companionship.
one attempts to invade your home. It isn’t robbed while their dog snoozed through the whole episode while outside in the yard.
Backyard dogs have higher rates of euthanasia.
Backyard dogs are more often given up than
Backyard dogs have more behavioral problems.
house dogs because they were never looked
not good to be isolated from his pack, your dog
means that they are easier to dispose of.
Since your dog's instincts are telling him that it’s can become very stressed or anxious. A dog
exhibits stress by digging, barking, howling or whining, chewing, escaping, and exhibiting
hyperactivity. These problems can become trou-
blesome enough that your neighbors may com-
upon as family by their human pack. Sadly, that
Backyard dogs do not have the opportunity to become socialized with people and other dogs, and may become so fearful or even vicious that they may have to be euthanized.
plain or worse, your dog may escape.
Keep your dog with you! At a minimum, your
Backyard dogs are harder to train. Considering
whenever you are home, including sleeping
that a backyard dog does not develop a strong
bond with your family, he is harder to train than a dog allowed to be in the house with you. This also makes him less responsive to commands.
Backyard dogs make lousy guard dogs. As a dog becomes naturally protective of where he lives
dog should have access to your living space inside your house at night. You do not have to
spend every waking moment playing and talking to your dog; just the fact that your dog can lay quietly at your feet while you watch TV, work at
your computer or sleep, is very important to his mental well-being.
(his territory), he will only defend the place he
Never tie or chain your dog outside. Dogs that
the house will not be a place to protect. Most
frustration which can result in hyperactivity
lives in. If he is never allowed in the house, then people keep their valuables inside their houses,
so why wouldn't you want your dog to protect the inside of your house? Unless allowed to live inside, your dog will not develop that sense of
are tied up or chained outside suffer extreme
and/or aggression against you, your family or friends. Dogs that are tied up cannot escape from other animals or people who intend to
harm them. They can also easily become entanUrban Paws Magazine 11
gled and do bodily harm to themselves. If you
Train your dog! If your dog is untrained, take
high fence or an enclosed chain link dog run,
better communication skills and teach him how
must keep your dog outside, provide a secure,
with a top for those that are fence jumpers or climbers. Panels of chain link (that can be easily bolted together to provide a dog run) can be found at reasonable prices at your larger home supply stores, such as Home Depot. Provide a
top with shade, a dog house for rainy weather,
items to chew on and plenty of fresh water. A dog should always be exercised before being left
for the day in an enclosed area, such as a dog run or even your backyard.
him to training class so that you can develop to act appropriately in the house. If you have a young puppy, enroll him in a puppy training and
socialization class as soon as he turns 12 weeks old. Don't wait until he is six months old and
has already acquired a taste for the garbage can
or chewing on your rug. With an older dog, training him as soon as possible will help him
adjust to his new household and your family (his new pack).
Give your dog a chance to be your best friend.
Consider how much time you will devote to
Don't kick him out because you think he is
rationalize it. They insist that they spend enough
to be outside. Instead, take the time to make him
your dog. People who keep their dogs outside time with their dogs, they feed them and walk
them. Spending an hour a day with your dog is not enough. Be realistic! What about when it is rainy, windy, cold or when it’s too hot? Are you
still spending that daily hour with your dog no matter what? Making the backyard your dog's
only home does not make him a real part of the family.
Do you fit the statistics? Our lives have
changed. It used to be that people did spend a lot of time in the yard; playing, working, gardening, etc. Now with computers, televisions, and hectic schedules, we actually spend about 75% less time outdoors, and therefore less time with our four-legged friend, the dog.
12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
untrainable, unruly or because it’s good for him a part of your family, a part of your pack.
FACT:
The State of Texas HB 1411 makes it unlawful to chain or tether a dog under most circumstances. In general, it is against the law to leave a dog chained up between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; for longer than 3 hours; when the temperature is below 32 degrees; or during a heat advisory or tornado warning. The law also addresses the length of a restraint–at least 10 feet or five times the length of the dog–and the types of collars that cannot be used - no pinch, prong or choke collars.
Houston’s First & Only Veterinary Medical Guide
+
TOP VETERINARIANS
+
TOP SPECIALISTS
Health & Wellness
Veterinary Profiles | 2014 urbanpawsmagazine.com/veterinaryprofiles
+
TOP VETERINARIAN
Clara Scott, DVM My Family Vet
Contact 20120 Kuykendahl Rd. Spring, Texas 77379 p: (281) 288.0500 myfamilyvet.com Find us on Facebook: My Family Vet
My Family Vet sprang from Dr. Scott’s vision of a veterinary practice that encompassed excellent patient care with a compassionate and personable experience. Dr. Scott made her vision a reality when she started practicing out of the front room of her own home. Word quickly spread that she was an amazing veterinarian and her practice began to grow. It was time she moved out of her house and into her own space. Dr. Scott moved into a 600 square foot area and hired her first team members creating My Family Vet. As she continued to grow, she was able to open her arms to local rescue groups in need, helping those pets get healthy and find their forever homes. It did not take long to realize that My Family Vet needed even more space to accommodate our ever growing client family. In 2006, Clyde and Charley Theiss were kind enough to sell their ranch home on Kuykendahl Road to Dr. Scott knowing it was “going to the dogs!” There were many spiritual confirmations along the way that opened doors for this location and made My Family Vet what it is today. With your help they have hired more staff and doctors to accommodate the influx of patients. They are now able to do more surgeries, see more clients in a timely manner with seven exam rooms, and help more sick patients with their spacious treatment area. They are constantly educating themselves on new medications, techniques, and treatments to keep up with the everchanging practices of veterinary medicine.
+
TOP VETERINARIAN
We Offer Constant, Convenient Care Sunset Boulevard is the 24 hour animal hospital Houston can depend on. Our staff is trained to use methods of treatment that range from the timeproven of acupuncture, to the most advanced and cutting-edge technology available today.
Paul Young, DVM Alice Anne Dodge, DVM Zharkyn Omarbekov, DVM D’Wayne Hines, DVM Jay Dhami, DVM Laurel Douglass, DVM
Contact 2525 Sunset Blvd. Houston, TX 77005 p: (713) 526.5881
www.sunsetblvdanimalclinic.com facebook.com/SunsetBlvdAnimalClinic
24/7 Services • Routine Visits • Dentistry • Internal Medicine • Surgery • Wellness/Preventative Medicine • Emergencies Why Choose Sunset for Emergencies? • Doctor & Nursing Staff on Site 24/7 • 24/7 Complete Diagnostic Capabilities • 24 Hour Critical Care ICU • 24/7 Specialists Consultations • 24/7 Surgical Capabilities
+
TOP SPECIALIST
VERGI was created in 1977 and has always emphasized excellence, compassion and comprehensive medical care. Our mission is simple: to save lives. In 2000, VERGI was fortunate to obtain Dr. Laurie Noaker as the chief of staff. She continues that mission now as the owner of VERGI and also embodies the vision and passion for practicing the highest standards of care. She is Board Certified in Veterinary Internal Medicine, having completed her training at the University of Pennsylvania. A regular writer, Dr. Noaker has also published several articles in an effort to educate pet owners. In 2006, VERGI became the first successful 24/7/365 emergency hospital in the Houston area.
Laurie Noaker DVM, DACVIM Owner VERGI
Contact 8921 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77024 p: (713) 932.9589 vergi247.com Find us on Facebook: VERGI 24/7
We deliver emergency and critical care to dogs and cats. Some of our advanced capabilities include maintaining a complete surgical suite with endoscopy, multiple oxygen sources, EKG’s, blood pressure, oximetry, capnography, digital diagnostic imaging, comprehensive blood testing and many others. Results are rapidly available on site so that we can better care for all of our patients. Our hospital is staffed around the clock with exceptional doctors and a wonderfully caring and talented team. Everything we do must benefit the patient. At VERGI, the patient comes first. Always.
+
TOP SPECIALIST
Nicholas J. Millichamp BVetMed, PhD, DVOphthal, DipECVO, MRCVS
Lynsey Wagner
Eye Care for Animals
Eye Care for Animals is the largest practicing group of ophthalmologists in the country providing diagnosis and treatment of eye disease in all types of animals. We work closely with general veterinarians to ensure the best possible care for your pet. Our extensive national eye disease database ensures that our patients receive the most up-to-date treatments available. Our Houston office is located on the northwest side of the city. We also have offices in Austin, Round Rock and El Paso. Your local ophthalmologists, Dr. Nick Millichamp and Dr. Lynsey Wagner are diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, with many years of academic and private practice experience in eye disease, research and teaching. We treat eyelid abnormalities, tear film deficiencies, corneal disease, glaucoma, retinal conditions, and routinely perform cataract surgery. We use the latest laser treatments for many eye conditions – for instance endoscopic laser treatment for glaucoma. Our ophthalmologists have excellent facilities for surgery and anesthesia including state-ofthe-art monitoring equipment and the services of a veterinary anesthesiologist. The doctors at ECFA offer services for animal rescue organizations, provide free annual screenings for service dogs, and frequently examine wild or exotic animals at several facilities, including the Houston Zoo.
Contact
17395 Tomball Parkway #3-H Houston, Texas 77064 p: (281) 820-EYES (3937) eyecareforanimals.com
mutt mugs
“Animal lovers are a special breed of humans, generous of spirit, full of empathy, perhaps a little prone to sentimentality, and with hearts as big as a cloudless sky.� - John Grogan
health & wellness Nursing Care For Your Immobile Pet ogs and cats, like humans, are some-
easier. Urine on your pet's skin can cause a con-
doctor's orders or an illness or injury that tem-
as red, painful areas of skin irritation and
D
times confined to their beds, either by
porarily restricts movement. Strict bed rest is also often required for recovery from orthope-
dic or neurological conditions, where the patient may or may not be able to move on their own.
If your pet is temporarily immobile, there are key steps you must take to ensure their wellbeing and assist in their recovery.
dition known as urine scald, which will appear inflammation. The best way to deal with urine
scald is to prevent it by keeping your pet clean and dry and gently bathing them after each urination. If urine scald should occur, call your veterinarian who may suggest using certain top-
ical medications to calm the irritation (never use a medication without a doctor's approval).
1. First and foremost, follow your veterinarian's
3. Pad them and flip them! If your pet is con-
printed instructions when your pet is discharged
(lying on their side) for
instructions! You should receive very specific, from the hospital. They should include information about your pet's diagnosis, basic nursing care directions, medication instructions and emergency contact information. Make sure you
read through the instructions before leaving the clinic and ask questions. If you get home and do not understand any part of the instructions, call your vet's office or a veterinary emergency hospital.
2. Keep your pet clean and dry! If your pet is urinating or defe-
cating in their bed, you must
fined to lateral recumbency their recovery, you
will need to pro-
vide soft, cushioned
bedding
and very gently turn
them over every 4
hours (but only if directed to
do so by your
Lying long
ods
keep bedding dry and make clean up 20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
periof
time can
often to keep them healthy.
or 'pee pads' underneath your pet can
on
one side for
clean them and sanitize the area
Placing disposable, absorbent 'chucks'
vet!).
cause
to
damage a
pet's
lungs and skin.
By: Michelle Spencer, Veterinary Technician
Certain pressure points, like elbows, can develop
ing water. Pillows and blankets can be very use-
plush bedding. Decubital ulcers are painful,
tered the art of propping up your pet's upper
decubital ulcers if they are not well padded by
open sores which can become infected if left untreated. If you notice any sores on your pet's skin, prevent your pet from licking or chewing at
the area and notify your veterinarian immediately.
4. Elevate for feedings. You should be provided with instructions on your pet's dietary needs during their recovery. In most cases, to prevent
choking or the aspiration of food into the lungs, you will be asked to gently elevate your pet' upper body while feeding them and while offer-
ful props in this situation. Once you have mas-
body, make sure that their food and water dishes are easy to access. It may be helpful if you
hold the food dish up to your pet's level, instead of making your pet try to bend down towards
the dish. In some cases, feeding gruel from a syringe may be easier.
New England Pet Hospice & Home Care supports those caring for ill, elderly and special needs animals at home following
the human hospice and palliative care models of interdisciplinary care. Learn more and get your FREE subscription to
Wag & Purr: Your Guide to Comfort Care for Pets at www.NewEnglandPetHospice.com.
Urban Paws Magazine 21
training & behavior Indoor Fun With Your Dog ll dogs need exercise, even when there
ment, or, for a real challenge, set up a roomful
feel like going outside. Try playing some of
as he searches and tap your foot and give an
A
is inclement weather or you just don’t
these indoor games with your dog to keep him
healthy and happy. In addition, playing with your dog, like training him, enhances the bond
of hidden delights in advance. Watch your dog
“ooh” to get him excited about the ones that he’s missed.
you share and helps him keep his focus on you.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
WHERE’S THE TREAT?
tom of a staircase. Throw your dog’s favorite toy
feet away from 3 or 4 buckets or cups, then
After he dashes up the stairs and grabs the toy,
Put your dog in a sit/stay or down/stay about 10 make sure that he can see you place a treat or toy
under one. Then say “Where’s the treat?” Give
him his reward and lots of praise when he finds
the correct bucket. You can up the difficulty level by changing the position of the buckets
after you place the treat or pretending to put treats under multiple buckets.
Put your dog in a sit/stay next to you at the bot-
to the top of the stairs. Say “Fetch” or “Get it.” call him to come, ask him to drop or release and
repeat as above until your dog slumps to the floor in giddy exhaustion. (Note: this is not a good game for puppies whose joints have not fully developed, or dogs who are prone to injury.)
RECALL REPRISE NAME THAT TOY
This game requires two people, a couple of feet
ferent. Hold one up for your dog to sniff and
One person calls the dog to come, giving praise
Gather a group of toys that are noticeably difsee, get him excited and toss it, saying “Where
your [toy name]?” When he comes back with it, give him lots of praise, then repeat with the other toys, staying consistent with your naming. Once he has mastered a few names, set out multiple toys and tell him which one to get.
apart, each with a handful of treats or kibble.
and a treat when he does. Then the other person
calls. Praise and treat. Both people take two steps backward. Repeat. Every fourth or fifth time, use praise only. See how far apart you can venture.
CLEAN UP FIND IT!
Have your dog pick up a toy while you hold the
or treat and put it on the floor so that he can see
does, give him lots of praise. Repeat with the
Put your dog in a sit/stay. Show your dog a toy
it. Say “Find it!” Continue and vary treat place22 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
toy box up to him. Tell him to drop it. When he
next toy. Once he gets the idea, put the toy box
By: Bob Williams, Bark Busters Home Dog Training
on the floor and guide the dog over to it and say
for his treats–or you can use kibble with the toys
COME WHEN CALLED
Remember that basic obedience is the founda-
then move away from him. After a minute or so,
tricks should be a fun and rewarding experience,
drop it.
Call your dog to come, put him in a sit/stay and call him to come again, and repeat. Try to increase the distance you move away and the
to feed your dog his entire meal.
tion for having fun with your dog. Games and not a stressful time you and your dog.
length of time before you call your dog. this game is great for dogs with attention seeking behaviors,
as it teaches them to wait for your commands.
CIRCUS CLOWN
Start with your dog on a leash. Place a pole or stick just barely off
the ground and have your dog walk over it. As you raise it each time,
Where’s t h
and let him get a running start.
?
you will need to move him back
et rea t
Give him lots of praise every time he jumps over. Once he masters the pole, try a Hula Hoop. HIDE AND SEEK
Have your dog stay in one room.
Go into another room, hide and call your dog. Try not to give away your location by laughing! WORK FOR YOUR DINNER
Bob Williams is a Master Dog Trainer and Behavioral Therapist for Bark Busters Home Dog Training. To schedule an appointment, call 713.771.2275.
Treat rewarding puzzles, such as the Buster® Food Cube, Canine Genius ® connectable toys, or the Wobbler by Kong®, make your dog work
Urban Paws Magazine 23
adoption Houston Sheltie Sanctuary www.houstonsheltiesanctuary.com
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, serving the Greater Houston and Southeast Texas areas. We do not have a shelter location but are a rescue network of over fifty Sheltie lovers and volunteers. We offer a safety net to Shelties who need our services, including providing rescue to Shelties in shelters, assistance to finders of lost dogs, and support to owners who find they can no longer keep their dogs. We provide the dogs in our program with appropriate veterinary care and behavioral rehabilitation before eventually rehoming them into loving forever homes, or, for those too old or too ill to be rehomed, caring for them in foster homes for the remainder of their lifetime. It is a mission about which we are passionate. Benny is 8 years old. He is a very
Our cover dog, Benny!
sweet fellow who loves to be close to his human. He is very affectionate and loves to be pet-
ted and hugged. Benny also loves
to be brushed and go for walks. Benny also has a very playful spir-
it that you might not expect for a
mature dog. He likes to play catch with the ball and tug with a rope toy. He can also keep up with the younger resident dogs as they
play chase in the yard. Benny is crate and house trained.
Photo by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.
24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Join us in helping our four-legged friends find loving homes. Adopt a dog today!
Sybil is a 6 year old bi-black. Sybil is a very sweet girl! She is very comfortable around other dogs and really enjoys a good play session. It appears she spent more time with other dogs than humans in her prior life, as she is quicker to engage them. While initially shy, she warms up quickly and is learning to trust humans. Sybil enjoys being brushed and is excellent at bath time. She walks well on a leash, rides well in the car, takes treats gently and is house trained. We are working on "sit" and hope to master the command very soon. Sybil would be happiest in a home with at least one other dog who enjoys playing, as she craves the activity. I believe she would do well in a home with kids, as she is very tolerant and doesn't seem easily irritated. Allaround great dog any family would be lucky to have!
Sybil
Jax
Bonnie is 7 years old. She is a sweet girl who loves to play fetch with a ball, frisbee, or even a stick. She quickly brings it back for more action. She is very smart, likes to be busy, and loves to chase the squirrels in the back yard. She also enjoys going for walks. Bonnie is crate and house trained. She is a great dog who would enjoy an active lifestyle.
Jax is an 11-month-old sheltie mix available for adoption. He is superloving, enjoys cuddling and gives kisses. He is playful with cats, dogs, and kids and loves his chewy and stuffed toys. He is crate and house trained. At approximately 18� and 32 pounds, Jax is one of a litter of seven boys. All of them have great personalities – very playful, sweet, and smart. He would make a good rough and tumble playmate for some lucky family.
Bonnie Urban Paws Magazine 25
vet directory 2014 Veterinarians Clara Scott, DVM My Family Vet 20120 Kuykendahl Road Spring, Texas 77379 (p): 281.288.0500 (w): www.myfamilyvet.com Sunset Blvd Animal Clinic 2525 Sunset Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005 (p): 713.526.5881 (w): www.sunsetblvdanimalclinic.com
Veterinary Specialists Laurie Noaker, DVM, DACVIM VERGI 8921 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77024 (p): 713.932.9589 (w): www.vergi247.com Nicholas J. Millichamp, BVetMed, PhD, DVOphthal, DipECVO, MRCVS Eye Care for Animals 17395 Tomball Parkway #3-H Houston, Texas 77064 (p): 281.890.3937 (w): www.eyecareforanimals.com Christie Cornelius, DVM Last Wishes In-Home Pet Hospice and Euthanasia 1302 Waugh Drive, Suite 968 Houston, Texas 77019 (p:) 713.452.0474 (w): www.petslastwishes.com North Houston Vet Specialists 1646 Spring Cypress Road #100 Spring, Texas 77388 (p): 832.616.5000 (w): www.nhvetspecialists.com
If you are interested in having your veterinary practice featured in our Vet Directory, please contact us at 281.384.5431 or email sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com.
26 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com