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The pound sold her to a lab. Don’t let more dogs suffer her fate.
Visit www.aavs.org/LostDog
October, 2010
Editorial
Issue 7: Volume 4 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
othing says "welcome home" like a wagging
Urban Paws is dedicated to providing our readers with
your best friend feel right at home and minimize wear
munity. We found a new online directory that stream-
N
tail and a pair of brown eyes. You can help
and tear on your abode by making some strategic inte-
rior design choices. In this issue, we offer pet-friendly
decorating solutions to help with your dog vs. decor woes. With so many pet-friendly materials now avail-
able, it’s easy to live effortlessly with pets while still enjoying a stylish decor.
While many of us enjoy the comforts of a nice home in great communities, there are those who are less for-
tunate. Barrio Dogs is an organization that is dedicated to the education of pet over-population and neglect in low-income neighborhoods. To read more
about their mission and the programs that they offer, turn to page 10. This is a great stride in a long and dif-
ficult journey to secure a brighter future for the animals living in low-income communities.
On the Cover
more resources to connect with others in the pet comlines the search for a local vet, groomer, pet boutique...
You name it. There is also a mobile version of the site available for those who travel with their pets.
October is National Adopt a Dog month and we
encourage you to visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization if you are looking to add a furry new friend to your family.
Have a fun and safe Halloween!
Jennifer Kitchens URBAN PAWS MAGAZINE P.O. Box 1556 Spring, Texas 77383 281.384.5431 www.UrbanPawsMagazine.com Design and layout by: ZOECO CREATIVE © Copyright 2010. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Urban Paws magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, feature and idea submissions, or photographs, and such unsolicited 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. Please tell our advertisers you heard about them in Urban Paws!
Sprocket, photographed by Ashlee Newman Photography.
Urban Paws Magazine 5
Calendar October 2010 Events OCTOBER 2 1960 Barking Lot Pawty. Join Bark’s 5th Avenue, the Houston Dog Park Association and other local vendors for a an afternoon of fun and fundraising for the Northwest area dog park. The event takes place at Bark’s 5th Avenue, 10620 FM 1960 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Leashed dogs are welcome! For more information visit www.barks5thave.com. OCTOBER 9 Dog Day Afternoon & Picnic in the Park benefitting Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston. Live music by Cypress Station, food, Harvest Gold contest, dog washing booth, parade of fosters, silent auction, raffle prizes and much more! Free admission. All dogs over 35 lbs. welcome. Visit www.grrh.org for more information. OCTOBER 10 Houston Beagle Rescue Meet & Greet. Come out and meet the adoptable Beagles from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Petco, 19507 I-45 North in Spring. For more info, visit www.houstonbeaglerescue.org. OCTOBER 14 Yappy Hour benefiting Abandoned Animal Rescue at Barker Street Gourmet Dog Bakery, 442 Sawdust in The Woodlands. 6:00 pm. OCTOBER 16 Macy’s Shop for a Cause benefitting Homeless Pet Placement League. Discount passes are good for up to 25% off purchases and are available online at www.hppl.org/macy2010.htm.
For a full listing of events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events OCTOBER 23 Pet Adoption and Costume Contest at Urban Bicycle Gallery, 4814 Nett St. 10:00 am. Loving pets rescued by Lone Star Shih Tzu and Lhaso Apso of Texas, Lucky Dog Rescue, and Corridor Rescue, Inc. will be dressed up and ready to meet their new parents in the Washington Avenue business district. Pets and owners are encouraged to come dressed up in their Halloween best at 1:30 PM for a costume contest. Adopters will receive doggie gift bags courtesy of Visible Changes and Heights Urban Dog. For more information, contact Lisa@adoptapethouston.org. OCTOBER 23-24 Pet Fest 2010 in Old Town Spring. Grab your pet and head out for a fun-filled festival of entertainment and education. The event helps to raise money for Houston area rescue groups and animal shelters. For more information, visit www.petfestoldtownspring.com. OCTOBER 30 4th Annual Bullie Walk in the Park benefiting Texas Gulf Coast Bull Terrier Club & Rescue. Enjoy hot dogs and drinks for the two-legged guests and the popular costume contest, bobbin’ for weenies and disobedience course for the four-legged friends. For more info contact Janet at bullyrescue@hughes.net.
Paw Press News & Happenings in the Houston Area LOCAL PET BUSINESS DONATEDS HEARTWORM TREATMENTS TO RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS Congratulations to Janet Huey of Pet Stuff Resale, who has long been involved in animal rescue. Janet recently won a $5,000 award from the Pepsi Refresh Project for her idea to treat heartworm positive dogs in Houston. "This is a major medical problem and is expensive to treat. Of course prevention would be so much better and cheaper than treatment, and the costly burden falls upon the shelters and rescues who care for these abandoned and neglected dogs."
ALPHA AND OMEGA PET CELEBRATION DAY The Houston Dog Park Association recently hosted the Alpha and Omega Pet Celebration Day at TC Jester Bark Park. Attendees received free Alpha and Omega movie passes and schwag. The event also included pet adoptions and a dog wash.
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL ADOPT A DOG MONTH During the month of October, you can save the life of a homeless dog and find a faithful companion from your local shelter or breed specific rescue group during the month of October. DOCK DIVING CLASS FOR SMALL DOGS AT RUMMY’S BEACH CLUB Who said little dogs can’t have fun on the docks? Sign up for this fun and exciting dock jumping training class! Dogs on Cue founder, Chris Tucker conducts the class. The cost for a four week class is $200 and includes a free hour of warm water swimming to help condition your dog. To learn more about this class and others offered at Rummy’s Beach Club visit www.rummysbeachclub.com. WANT TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP ANIMALS? KINGWOOD BARKTOBERFEST NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Kingwood Barktoberfest relies on teams of responsible volunteers to help out the day of the event. This fun filled day is aimed at raising funds for area shelters and rescue organizations. To register as a volunteer and view the available opportunities, visit www.kingwoodbarktoberfest.yolasite.com.
Urban Paws Magazine 7
New Digs
A New Guide for the Web-Ready Pooch s the world advances deeper and deeper into the new millennium, growing more fast-paced and complex with each passing day, there is no question that the doggie world is advancing with it. Dog owners are faced with dozens of brands and thousands of businesses to choose from, not to mention endless articles on every subject from holistic remedies to doggie massage. Indeed, gone are the days where an owner and furry friend only had the corner pet store and the family vet.
A
Luckily for all the harrowed pooch-lovers out there, a new website, Wet Nose Guide (www.wetnoseguide.com), is setting out to change the way dog owners use the internet. Founded in 2008, Wet Nose Guide is an online doggie directory that allows users to search for nearby dog businesses online, sorting them both by city/state and by any one of 23 different types of services, ranging from dog boarding and upscale boutiques to holistic treatment and canine rehab. The site lists all of these business8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
By: Nate Nagy, Wet Nose Guide
es for free, and also features a calendar with updated information on fundraisers and adoption events. The website was started by Justine Watts, who had previous been working in finance, living in New York City with her two dogs. She came up with the idea for Wet Nose Guide when she one day found herself unable to locate a pet store while out for a walk with her Papillon, Sweetie. Despite checking online with her phone, Watts could not find an accurate listing for a relevant business, in order to buy Sweetie some food. “During our 5 hour walks and field trips exploring the city together, Sweetie as a puppy grew hungry,” said Watts. “I relied on my blackberry to find the next pit stop for Sweetie's treat, but this time my search came up with no results. I realized there was no authoritative doggie directory like those we have for humans, and this is how Wet Nose Guide was born.” Once Watts resolved to start a website to remedy the problem, she made the decision to begin
with New York, the city in which she lived and loved. Riding her trusty scooter, she did a comprehensive sweep of every borough and neighborhood, stopping in at every pooch-related business she saw to take down their address and information. “I drove my Vespa around New York City mapping out all the dog stores,” said Watts. “Nearly 3,000 miles were logged on my bike, and countless business cards were stuffed in my back pockets.” Since then, Wet Nose Guide has expanded to cover dozens of states and regions, including the Houston metropolitan area, and Watts has expressed that the site will soon cover all fifty states. A mobile version of the site was released in September, allowing users who travel extensively with their pup in tow to search anywhere and at any time via their phones. Watts has also added a doggie blog to the site, which features everything from posts by veterinarians and trainers to witty advice columns from Watts her-
self. “My furry kids are what keep the blog witty and informative,” said Watts. “If one of them is being naughty, predominately Rosco, I'll write a blog about puppy-proofing your home. If the weather is cold and drizzly, I may carry them off to a dog friendly shopping center and blog about it.” These features and more have garnered Wet Nose Guide over 12,000 unique visitors per month, along with a place among Fido Friendly Magazine’s “Best Pet Products” of 2010. Watts, however, is not letting the success and expansion get to her head, and has kept all services on the website, including business listings, free of charge. “In our current economy it makes me sad to see dog stores closing,” said Watts. “I'm hoping by listing all the dog related businesses on Wet Nose Guide we can bring attention to these struggling businesses. Each dog business, whether it's a doggie day care or veterinarian, makes each dog's life better.”
what is barrio dogs?
B
arrio Dogs of Houston, a not-forprofit organization is dedicated to the education of pet over-population and neglect in low-income neighborhoods. To this end, an all ages education is key. In an effort to raise awareness, Barrio Dogs, with the help of low-cost spay/neuter services such as SNAP makes low-cost sterilization available. They also teach residents about responsible pet ownership and the prevention of crimes against animals under the State of Texas animal cruelty statutes. The mission of Barrio Dogs is to instill knowledge amongst residents. Knowledge that teaches them about animal birth control, humane treatment and care of pets and zero tolerance for animal neglect and abuse. This knowledge, they believe, results in safer, healthier and higher property value communities for the residents. Barrio Dogs believes that quality of life improves for people when it improves for their pets. Barrio Dogs has established an array of educational activities and programs aimed at reaching the youth in low-income communities. These programs include visits to elementary, middle, and high schools featuring presentations, bilingual literature, guest speaker discussions, and occasional visits by a rescued and rehabilitated dog to demonstrate the ABC’s of proper handling and safety measures. As with all activities, Barrio Dogs’ principal messages concerning children are the do’s and dont’s of responsible pet ownership, including the need to prevent lit10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
ters and the consequences of animal over-population. Teaching youngsters to organize their own fundraising events can be a positive experience for children of all ages. They can have fun, learn civic duty and improve their communities by helping others help their pets. This includes collecting donations to provide food for the pets of low-income families, building a dog house or repairing a neighbor’s fence to prevent dogs from roaming, organizing fundraisers for animal welfare organizations and other activities limited only by their imaginations.
Barrio Dogs “Tales to Tails Reading Program is designed for chil-
dren in low- income community schools who struggle with reading. As with other successful programs, involving animals helps children gain self-confidence. The presence of rescued dogs enhances the children’s fluency in reading as the animal reduces their self-consciousness and distracts them from the fear of being judged by their peers. Question and answer sessions may include both topics from the text being read as well as the story of the visiting dog, giving the children the freedom to direct the discussion and the automatic reward of having an unusual guest.
The Barrio Watch Dog program
aims to educate about the difference between right and wrong treatment of animals. For instance, the children are taught not to chain a dog to a tree; or not provide adequate shelter
from the elements and fresh water at all times; or lock animals in crates for hours on end; and other conditions commonly seen in low-income neighborhoods. They also stress that there is a fine line between incorrect and criminal animal handling, such as animal fighting of any sort. The fact is, people sometimes feel helpless in the presence of animal abuse, especially when language is a barrier.
1) Because animal over-population and its negative consequences are found predominantly in low-income neighborhoods, Barrio Dogs will join forces with SNAP (Spay-Neuter Assistance Program) and other organizations dedicated to end the cycle of abuse. Surplus animals roam the streets and are one of the main indicators of a derelict neighborhood. To build better communities, compassionate animal care is essential.
It is essential that residents of areas with highincidences of animal neglect and abuse feel themselves empowered to help resolve such situations for the benefit of the entire community. Barrio Dogs has a Watch Dog dispatcher that can be contacted in Spanish to report cases of animal abuse. The dispatcher can provide essential information on how to handle the situation, on whether any Texas laws are being violated, and if so, coordinate reporting it to the proper authorities.
2) “Freedom Fence” targets backyards with chained up dog(s) for lack of a fence that will hold them. Providing materials and labor to the resident makes it possible for the animals to run free within the confines of the property to live a more natural, happier life. Barrio Dogs conducts follow-up home visits to ensure the dog(s) is unchained and properly cared for after a fence is installed.
The high incidences of animal neglect and abuse, substandard animal enclosures and animal abandonment in low-income areas cannot be resolved until its residents become part of the solution. Long-time residents, newcomers and especially the youth must be reached so that they fully understand and embrace the fact that animal cruelty is a crime that cannot be ignored or tolerated and that it is everyone’s responsibility to be a Watch Dog and report infractions for the betterment of their communities.
Barrio Dogs for Better Communities People who love their ani-
mals may not, however, have the knowledge or the means to provide them with proper care and housing. Barrio Dogs will inform pet owners of local low-cost veterinarians, provide donated food and shelter or fencing building materials to those who cannot afford them and any other resource that will improve the quality of life of pets and their owners. Two aspects of this program can make a huge difference in the quality of life in these communities:
The vast majority of animals in distress live in inner-city and low-income neighborhoods. As we help those animals, we also improve the quality of life and the education of the people. This is the only way to end the cycle of abuse. Barrio Dogs is dedicated to help in places where others stay away. Barrio Dogs, like all charitable organizations relies entirely on donations –money and in-kind as well as volunteers. If you are interested in donating your time or talents, you can invest in a better future for Houston. And to that we say ¡Muchas Gracias! For more information on Barrio Dogs, visit www.barriodogs.org.
Urban Paws Magazine 11
Style and Solutions
Design Tips for a Pet-Friendly Home By: Jennifer Kitchens
L
et’s face it: Our pets are members of
the only piece of furniture he is allowed to frequent.
backyard doghouse. Decorating with
if a light-colored solid is your upholstery of choice.
the family, no longer relegated to a
your pet in mind is really just one part
of lifestyle design. It’s relatively easy
to make a room look like it’s been pulled from the
Make sure slipcovers are machine-washable, especially Certain fabrics seem to be a pet hair magnet, whereas others will stay fur-free.
pages of a home decor magazine if no one lives in it.
When decorating your home, avoid fabrics such as silk
and feel great, while also accommodating the demands
extremely difficult to clean. Leather and vinyl furni-
It’s an entirely different undertaking to make it look of your lifestyle,
or velvet. Velvet attracts fur like a magnet, and silk is ture is easy to
including pets. If
clean, but can be
Fido or Fluffy are
damaged by too-
part of your fami-
long toenails. Be
ly, here are a few
sure to clip your
tips to keep in
pet’s nails regularly.
mind as you select
Be sure to take
your home’s fur-
color into consid-
nishings.
eration. Sure, that
white chair looks luxurious and com-
Today, there are
fortable now, but
many options for
how good will it
pet-friendly interi-
look covered in
or design materi-
black cat hair?
als, and the bonus
is that many of these items are kid-friendly, too. This
means that the whole family – including Fido – can
Walls
decor.
may sprinkle (accidentally or not) on the walls.
live together effortlessly while enjoying stylish home
Use washable semi-gloss paint in areas where your pet
Washable vinyl-backed wallpaper is easier to clean
Windows
than traditional paper-backed wallpaper. Relegate
and long cords that can become strangulation hazards.
half of the walls; paint or hang a washable wall cover-
Avoid vertical blinds, pooling drapery, ornate tassels If a dog gets caught in any of these, he could panic and bring objects around him crashing down. Think
antique wallpapers or fabric wall treatments to the top ing below.
twice about mini-blinds, which can become bent
Floors
side world. Fabric shades, café curtains and draperies
than wall-to-wall carpeting. If urine soaks into carpet
beyond repair when a curious dog tries to see the outare excellent choices for homes with dogs.
Machine-washable area rugs are easier to keep clean backing, it’s nearly impossible to remove. If you do
decide to stick with wall-to-wall carpeting, it's a good
Furniture
idea to stock up on carpet care products, especially
piece of furniture as your pet’s place. Cover this piece
Roll up vegetable-dyed oriental rugs until your new
Provide comfy beds in each room or designate one with a washable throw and teach your pet that this is
enzymatic cleaners made specifically for pet accidents. dog is fully house-trained—and if rugs have decora-
Urban Paws Magazine 13
feng shui in your home to enhance Fido’s life and bring good health and harmony.
Through feng shui, one balances the extremes of yin (feminine) and yang (masculine). Good examples of
yin characteristics are objects that are cool, floral, curved, dark or ornate whereas yang qualities are hot, large, plain, light or straight.
Wind and water are, first and foremost, natural ele-
ments (two of the five elements that comprise all of nature). The other earth elements include metal, fire and wood. Just as with yin and yang, these five elements carry qualities of shape, color and material and
tive fringe, don’t put them back down until your pet is well past teething age. Tile, sheet linoleum and Pergo® are pet-friendly floorings that allow you to
easily wipe away accidental messes. Sealing hardwood
floors with polyurethane helps to prevent urine odor from lingering.
Pet Friendly Fabrics
One of the biggest issues many pet owners deal with
is pet hair. Fabrics that repel fur are leather or suede. Unfortunately, many cat owners avoid leather like the plague - and for good reason because cats love to claw
furniture. Look for fabrics that are free of texture and easy to clean. Ideally, a fabric that you can wipe down with a damp cloth to remove fur is the best solution.
Seek out washable home products whenever possible.
Cushions or pillows with removable and washable covers are an easy solution as is bedding that is wash-
able. Pets have accidents - it happens, so be prepared.
Being able to toss a blanket or rug into the wash is a
money saver and eliminates the need to throw things out and replace them.
Feng Shui for Dogs
The term feng shui literally translates as “wind-water”
and is the Chinese art by which, through the precise
placement of objects, one creates balance, health, wealth and harmony. You can apply the principles of 12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com 14
must be balanced to optimize chi (also called qi). Chi
is the invisible energy that circulates as the source of prosperity, health and harmony. Using the principles
of feng shui, you can optimize the accumulation and
flow of chi energy in your dog’s life. Since your pet spends a good amount of time napping, his sleeping quarters should have good chi and should be weighted toward yin qualities.
• Do not place your dog’s bed under a window or in a corner where chi can stagnate.
• The sound of water can disturb your dog’s sleep so water elements should not be placed in the room.
• There should not be any heavy objects such as
shelves, cabinets or lighting above or behind your dog’s bed.
• Place your dog’s bed against a solid wall, away from any swinging door.
• Do not place your dog’s bed directly across from an open door or at the end of a long corridor or hall, where chi can travel too quickly.
• Minimize using mirrors, which can reflect light and movement and frighten your dog.
Style
& Solutions
Verilux Cleanwave Sanitizing Furniture & Bed Vac
Keep your mattress and bedding germ-free with the CleanWave Sanitizing Furniture & Bed Vac. This product is ideal for cleaning difficult to sanitize household surfaces including pet areas. www.verilux.com.
Slobproof ! Furniture with Crypton
Crypton is a specially engineered fabric system with an integrated moisture barrier that promises - and delivers - permanent performance. No stains. No spills. No surprises. Life's too short to worry about muddy paws! Finally, furniture designed for the way we really live. www.slobproof.com.
Molly Mutt Dog Duvet
This revolutionary dog duvet makes creating & maintaining a stylish, comfortable, and clean dog bed easier - and less costly - than ever before. Use the duvet to recover your old dog bed, or make a brand new one with blankets & clothes from around your house and fill the stuff sack. Beautiful and eco-friendly! www.mollymutt.com.
Urban Paws Magazine 15
Training
Potty Training Your New Puppy
ongratulations on your new ball of fur and thank you for sharing your home with a deserving pooch. Bark Busters wants to help you get this experience off to a great start, and that begins with potty training.
C
My first suggestion is to purchase a crate that is big enough for your puppy to be comfortable in as an adult, but be sure it has an adjustable divider so that you can crowd him as a puppy. Puppies don’t normally want to potty where they sleep, so you should give him just enough room to stand up, turn around and lay down. A good indicator that his crate size is correct is to see him stretch really big as soon as you let him out. As he grows, his crate space grows. The proper use of a crate will shorten the time it takes to house train him by a third to a half. Let’s start with the basics: • A puppy can be expected to not need to potty for an hour for every month they are old plus one. • Do not leave food or water in the crate, but do provide toys for him to play with. • If he’s the kind of dog that will chew his bedding, remove it. For the next few weeks it is really important for you to gather every piece of data available to you about your puppy’s potty needs. Every puppy is different and you must get to know your puppy’s potty habits. Create a spreadsheet with four columns: the time he ate, the time he had a bowel movement, the time he drank and the time he peed.
16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
By: Bob Williams, Bark Busters
Any time that you are not directly supervising him, he should be in his crate. If it’s possible, you should plan to take your puppy out hourly. On leash, take him to the spot in the yard where he is likely to potty, or to the spot you would like for him to use. Give him encouragement to go by saying “busy, busy.” Allow him about 5 minutes to do his business. If he does, give him about 30 minutes to enjoy your space with you. Then it’s back in the crate. If he does not do his business, it’s the next 30 minutes in the crate. Learn his schedule and make it fit yours. You may find that by extending his feeding time to 6:00 instead of 5:00, you gain an extra hour of sleep. If your lifestyle does not allow for you to pay this close of attention to your puppy’s potty needs, you may need our help. There are 12 Bark Busters in the Houston area. Visit our website at www.barkbusters.com or call us at 877-500-BARK (2275).
Nutrition
Diet and Urinary Tract Health
By: Kari Liu & Lisa Schole, Natura Pet Products
aintaining a healthy urinary tract is important for the overall well-being and longevity of your pet. Animals with poor urinary tract health can suffer from stones that form in the urinary tract (uroliths) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Often uroliths are not actually caused by the diet being fed, but diet can play an important role in their treatment and prevention.
sample, abdominal imaging (such as x-rays or ultrasound), and blood testing. If a UTI is present (very common in dogs, rare in cats), the infection will be treated with antibiotics. Your vet may diagnose a newly and commonly identified syndrome in cats that is called feline interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is currently thought to be the most common cause for difficult, frequent, inappropriate, and/or bloody urination in cats.
The two most common types of uroliths are calcium oxalate and magnesium ammonium phosphate or what is commonly referred to as struvite. These two types of uroliths consistently represent the greatest proportion of urolith types in dogs and cats.¹ , ² Uroliths can be found almost anywhere in the urinary tract, but are generally found in the bladder. Any outward symptoms that the pet displays may depend upon the number of stones present or their location within the urinary tract, while some pets may not display any symptoms at all. The three most common symptoms are difficult or frequent urination, urinating in inappropriate locations, and having bloody urine. If you notice that your pet is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is important to consult and likely visit your veterinarian for a diagnosis and advice. Your veterinarian will typically run a few diagnostic tests that may include testing a urine
Although some uroliths are difficult to prevent, you can help by providing your pet with frequent opportunities to urinate and an ample supply of fresh water. Increasing dietary moisture is the most important nutritional strategy that should be implemented for all stone types. Canned diets are a good option due to their higher moisture, but stew products (which have more moisture than the typical canned food) can be an even better choice. Recent data have shown that feeding stews to cats causes a significant decrease in their urine specific gravity.³ This decrease correlates to more dilute urine, thus decreasing the concentration of stone precursors in the bladder.
M
18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from stones in their urinary tract, a UTI, or IC, please consult your veterinarian. With the appropriate diagnosis, you and your veterinarian can select the best nutritional strategy for your pet going forward.
SPOOK-TACULAR HALLOWEEN FINDS A Little Batty
Berber Bat is sure to scare up some fun this Halloween. Thick berber fabric, robust squeaker and recycled fiber fill make this unique handcrafted dog toy a perfect treat. Available at West Paw Design. www.westpawdesign.com.
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice This adorable Pumpkin Patch dress from Posh Puppy Boutique is a show stopper from Halloween to Thanksgiving. www.poshpuppyboutique.com.
Give Me Something Good to Eat
Don’t forget to treat your best friend with these Pumpkin Pear treats, packed with wholesome goodness. From Planet Dog. www.planetdog.com.
20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Halloween Tip: Avoid giving your dog chocolate - in all forms. It can be very dangerous!
Halloween Tip: IDs, please! Always make sure your dog has proper identification. Halloween can be a very scary time of year for pets and they may try to escape.
Trick or Treat
Fill Fido’s Halloween bag with these all natural pumpkin flavored treats from Up Country. www.upcountryinc.com
Spook-tacular Tees
These spooktactular Halloween tanks from I See Spot are perfect for little tricksters who aren’t keen on costumes. Made of super soft cotton with a little lycra for comfort. www.iseespot.com Urban Paws Magazine 23
Behavior
Time Off for Good Behavior
By: Cathleen Reagan, K9 Heeler
Therese Aguilar has been a professional trainer in Spring for four years. She travels to clients’ homes in the surrounding areas such as The Woodlands, Conroe, Humble and Tomball. Therese finds that training is most effective in the home with the family members, as this is the environment where the new desired behaviors will be applied. Clients also may bring their animals to her for training, leaving them with her for a few days or a week for extensive training.
T
a beautiful black lab scheduled to be euthanized due to “aggressive” behavior. She discovered that the dog was not aggressive, but was merely reacting to the environment of the shelter to her confinement. Simply by re-directing her “aggression” and encouraging and rewarding positive behaviors, Therese was able to turn her into a loving, loyal, gentle and adoptable dog. The sweet black lab was adopted by a caring, loving family that absolutely adores her.
“What is unique and special
Therese worked with a little dog that had been What is unique and special about Therese is her positive abused, rescued by a local about Therese is her posiveterinarian, and adopted tive approach and methods approach and methods of by a wonderful new family. However, she had been of training. She adheres to training. showing signs of aggresthe regime of positive reinforcement of desired behaviors. She does sion to the point that she was biting her family. By working extensively with her, Therese was not use punishment, negativity, or coercion as able to get her to relax. Using loving, gentle ways of correcting undesirable behaviors in words and touches, the little dog became frienddogs. lier, less terrified of people, and more playful with other dogs. Therese still works with her, By using kindness, gentleness and rewards— but the foundation was laid to allow for signifitreats paired with an encouraging word are often cant changes in the life of the little dog and her strong motivators—she has gotten remarkable human “parents.” results in very short periods of time. She Finally, there is a very special success story: involves the family, ensuring they will continue Therese was given the task of training a dog working with the animal until the desired behavnamed Ginger from the Montgomery County ior completely replaces the undesired one. Animal Shelter. Ginger was chosen to play the role of Sandy in the Crighton Theatre producTherese often works with the Montgomery tion of “Annie”. Not only was Ginger a sensaCounty Animal Shelter. She takes dogs that are tion, she was adopted by a family involved in the considered un-adoptable due to behavioral production. She became a star and received a issues and patiently works with them until they “forever home!” are ready for a new home.
”
Here are a few of Therese’s success stories: Therese was requested to foster and work with 22 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Of course, not all cases are so dramatic. Often a family just wants to live harmoniously with a
dog. Unwanted behaviors such as chewing, jumping, barking, or going to the bathroom in the house can make life stressful and unhappy for all involved, especially the dog. Too often, families choose to get rid of a dog due to behavior issues. This is sad and distressing. Therese has found that with some work, patience and determination, these behaviors can be re-directed, altered and/or eradicated. That is the essence and mission of K9 Heeler.
THERESE’S TRAINING TIPS Therese offers the following basic training information to help with common behavioral issues. If you feel that your dog is displaying unwanted or aggressive behaviors, we encourage you to contact a professional dog trainer, such as the K9 Heeler. How do I keep my dog from jumping on me? The best way to deter your dog's jumping is to ignore it. Don't reinforce your dog's jumping by acknowledging it (for instance: Pushing your dog down, talking to him, getting angry with him, etc.). Decide on an alternate behavior for your dog and reinforce that one. Be consistent, always reward the behavior you want with positive reinforcement (after your dog learns the behavior your want, you will not need to reward each and every time he offers it, but while you are teaching, you will need to offer a high rate of reinforcement.) Positive reinforcement is rewarding your dog with something that YOUR DOG finds valuable. The rewards could be a tasty treat your dog can't resist, a belly rub, ear scratch, or even play. Have patience, the behavior could worsen before it stops. Ouch! My puppy tries to nip me when I pet her. What should I do? Only pet your puppy if she's calm. If she starts to nip, stop all interaction with her until she stops trying to bite. This means removing yourself from your puppy each and every time she
tries to bite you. Most puppies learn fairly quickly that "mouthing" doesn't get them what they are after, mainly, your attention. You could also try keeping one of her favorite toys with you while you are petting her. If she tries to nip you, trade her the toy for your hand. This teaches your puppy what is appropriate to chew on. Avoid rough play, such as tug of war games at this stage. How can I get my dog to come to me when I call her? In order to get a reliable recall (come) from your dog, remember to ALWAYS praise your dog for coming to you, even if you haven't called her. NEVER call your dog to you for corrections or punishment. Make your dog think that being by you is the best place in the world to be. Why should I socialize my puppy? Socialization is one of the most important things you can do for your puppy. If your puppy is never exposed to new and varied situations, he is less likely to accept them as he gets older. This can create a fearful or anxious dog who may react in negative ways as an adult. Puppy playtime and socialization classes are great places for your puppy to have supervised fun. Urban Paws Magazine 23
Gimme Shelter
Join us in helping our four-legged friends find loving homes. Adopt a dog today!
Cover Dog Sprocket
Sprocket is a charming little black Yorkie/Chihuahua mix. He was dumped in a country pasture along with his sibling Molly, who is also available for adoption. Sprocket is about five months old and is very loving and playful. He gets along well with other dogs and loves to cuddle. He is up-to-date with routine shots and has been neutered.
Photo by Ashlee Newman Photography.
For more information on Sprocket, or to obtain an adoption application, visit the group’s web site at www.tinypawsrescue.com.
Duke & Duchess
Breed: Dachshund Sex: M & F | Age: Adult | Size: Small E-Rescue Houston www.e-rescue-houston.org 24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Chili
Breed:Papillon Sex: Male | Age: Adult | Size: Small Papillon Haven Rescue www.paphaven.org
Jojo
Breed: Beagle Sex: Female | Age: Young Adult | Size: Small Houston Beagle Rescue www.houstonbeaglerescue.org
Nicole
Breed: Golden Retriever Sex: Female | Age: Senior | Size: Large Texas Labrador Rescue www.txlabrescue.org
Tesla
Breed: Australian Shepherd Sex: Male | Age: Adult | Size: Large South Texas Aussie Rescue www.southtexasaussierescue.org
LA Buddy
Breed: Golden Retriever Sex: Male | Age: Adult | Size: Large Golden Retriever Rescue Houston www.grrh.org
Susie
Breed: Beagle Sex: Female | Age: Adult | Size: Small Houston Beagle Rescue www.houstonbeaglerescue.org Please note that these dogs may have been adopted by the time you visit them; however, there are many more wonderful dogs in need of forever homes.
Urban Paws Magazine 25
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Coming December 2010!
The fourth annual Urban Paws Holiday Guide. Featuring the season’s best gifts for pets and the people who love them. This colorful guide, designed to help you choose the perfect holiday gift for Fido, will also be available online at www.urbanpawsmagazine.com. Interested in advertising opportunities? Call 281.384.5431 for more information.
Urban Paws Magazine 27