Welcome to Our Kids & Pets Issue
W.C. Fields was famously quoted as saying "Never work with children or animals," because they will always steal the show. That's exactly why I LOVE working on this issue. It's even better than watching puppies' and kittens' antics on YouTube!
Of course, children are more than just entertainment. They are our hope for a brighter tomorrow; the foundation upon which our society stands. The children of today will shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Our jobs, as parents and aunts and others whose lives are bound inextricably with them, is to love them, to serve as positive role models, and to help them achieve their goals and dreams, whether we fully understand them or not..
As for pets... Anyone with pets, or who has had pets in the past, knows the important role they play in our lives. Dogs, in particular, are our companions. Loving us unconditionally, they help alleviate loneliness and encourage us to move off our couches. Allowing children to assume some of the care of pets helps them learn responsibility and helps them develop empathy. And yes, whether it's a dog, cat, bird or other animal, they can also provide great entertainment!
Growing up, we had a dog named Charlie, a border collie-lookalike. He loved going to the lake with us (though we worried him when we swam out too far). When our mom called for dinner, he'd round us up and drive us back to the house. When we were sad, he whined and licked away our tears. I believe he even saved my life once, but that's a story for another time. Although I've had several dogs since then, all of whom I loved, Charlie continues to hold a special place in my heart to this day.
You'll find other awesome articles relating to both pets and children inside, so grab something cold to drink and enjoy!
And if you can, please give to one of the many worthy local nonprofits that support children and/or pets this month.
JERRI CULPEPPER, MANAGING EDITOR
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com 405.541.5650
MANAGING EDITOR
Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Tiarra “Tea” Harper
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Melissa "Mel" Drake, Harlea Robinson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brooke Barnett, Jerri Culpepper, Kristen Grace, Staci Elder Hensley, Kelli West
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Evan Beasley, Jana Carson, Mel Drake, Erick Perry, Harlea Robinson
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Oklahoma
Photography: Jana Carson
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
Exhibit C Gallery Gives Thanks to Featured Artists in ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’ Exhibit
ARTICLE BY KELLI WEST
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICK PERRY
The artworks featured in the “Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Gallery Retrospective of Miniatures” show currently featured at Exhibit C Gallery may be small, but the talent behind them is anything but.
“In this exhibit, we knew we wanted to extend an invitation to all the incredibly accomplished artists who have partnered with Exhibit C over the past 10 years,” notes Alexandra Bivens, Exhibit C Gallery manager.
“Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Gallery Retrospective of Miniatures” celebrates Exhibit C Gallery’s 10th anniversary.
“In these art pieces, viewers see the stories, legends, practices and teachings of several different First American tribes and cultures.”
“The goal was to showcase and celebrate the diversity in First American art while also extending a heartfelt thank you to these artists who have each played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Exhibit C.”
Forty-six artists answered the call with art pieces ranging from sculptures and pottery to paintings and glasswork. The art reflects landscapes, Southeastern iconography, animals and floral designs in various mediums, including oil, pencil, resin and ink. Threedimensional works include a miniature tea set, cement cast arrowheads and fused glass bowls. Several pieces use mixed media with ribbons, beads, wood and other materials to create a single work of art.
“In these art pieces, viewers see the stories, legends, practices and teachings of numerous First American tribes and cultures,” Alexandra said. “Each piece offers a glimpse into indigenous
cultures, showcasing intricate details and symbolism that evoke a profound sense of cultural heritage and artistic innovation.”
“We hope visitors will connect with the craftsmanship and narratives woven into each piece, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding for First American art,” she added.
“‘Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Gallery Retrospective of Miniatures’ is a fantastic opportunity for children and adults alike to explore an array of artists and their creative expressions,” Alexandra said. “The miniatures offer a unique perspective to the larger pieces of art that one may encounter at galleries and museums.”
With over 150 individual pieces in this exhibit, the viewer can explore First American art in various ways, such as color, subject and technique.
Gallery
Bottom, Left: One Man’s Castle by Timothy Nevaquaya (Comanche);
Right: Quanah/Orange, by Nocona Burgess (Comanche)
Artists like Pat Couts (Comanche,) Natalie Miller (Chickasaw) and Alicia Saltina Marie Roedell-Clark (Caddo) use color in their art to tell their stories.
Pat, whose piece, Nature’s Circle,” is in the miniature show, says her main inspiration is color.
“I love how the colors can mimic nature and tell a story in the way they merge together,” she said.
Natalie considers her love of color as what draws people to her work. Her works occasionally include nature elements, as in her colorful piece in the exhibit.
Alicia Saltina Marie has three pieces in the show. “Little Rabbit,” “Little Bear” and “Little Coyote” showcase her enjoyment of sharing visual stories of her culture.
“I love that anyone can relate to the art through the emotion, color, design or the story,” she said. “It feels like I’m completing a circle of life when I am able to connect my visual stories to a view that thoroughly enjoys them.”
Alexandra describes the variety of mediums and subject matter in these art pieces as “a true testament to the rich cultural tapestry of First American traditions and creativity.” The exhibiting artists’ desire to share their art with future generations is an encouragement to try an art form.
“I really would like people to take away a feeling of freedom and joy from my art,” said Chickasaw artist Kate Wiley. “I hope to encourage others to try an art form, any kind, to find what you enjoy doing in life.”
Kate has three pieces in the show, each with a resin pour finish.
This exhibit will be the last show that takes place in Exhibit C Gallery’s current residence in Bricktown before relocating to the Horizons District in early 2025.
“This exhibit symbolizes a condensed yet comprehensive reflection of Exhibit C Gallery’s evolution over the last decade honoring the profound contributions of these artists who helped pave the way for our expansion into new horizons,” Alexandra said.
Top: White Bison by Lance Straughn (Chickasaw)
“This exhibit symbolizes a condensed yet comprehensive reflection of Exhibit C Gallery’s evolution over the last decade honoring the profound contributions of these artists who helped pave the way for our expansion into new horizons.”
The Studio of The Sooner Theatre this school-year for performing arts classes for students age 3-18 in musical theatre, acting, jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, magic and more!
“Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Gallery Retrospective of Miniatures” is open at Exhibit C Gallery, 1 E. Sheridan Ave., through Oct. 31. All artists’ works are for sale. For more information, call 405.767.8900 or visit online at ExhibitCGallery.com
Exhibit C Gallery is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The gallery is the perfect educational stop for families to introduce their children to art and, specifically, to First American art.
Institute Offers Exemplary Arts Experiences
ARTICLE BY BROOKE BARNETT
Self portrait by Mya Uribe
For nearly 50 years, the Oklahoma Arts Institute has provided unparalleled experiences to high school students from across Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain provides exceptional multidisciplinary arts experiences that develop individual talent and inspire a lifelong passion for the arts.
Held at Quartz Mountain State Park & Lodge in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, OSAI offers an intensive summer program spanning the literary, visual and performing arts.
“We hear time and time again that the multidisciplinary aspect of our programs aids in creating artistic depth to the experience of not just the students of this program, but also the faculty and staff,” explains Stefanie Leland, OAI’s marketing and communications manager.
“Everyone who attends the Summer Arts Institute is immersed in artforms outside of their discipline by participating in community lab classes, attending faculty and guest speaker presentations, student performances, and extracurricular activities outside of their discipline. These opportunities challenge and inform the students of what their idea of art is.”
Through a competitive statewide audition process, over 200 high school students are selected into programs training in the disciplines of acting, chorus, creative writing, dance, drawing and painting, film and video, orchestra, and photography. These students spend two weeks working directly with OSAI faculty artists, which include winners of the Pulitzer Prize and the Academy, Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards.
“OAI has sought out the highest-level teaching faculty both nationally and globally since its inception, bringing the best instructors together for two weeks,” she adds. “This level of professionalism helps to create character and confidence in the students. Each day students attend six hours of uninterrupted study in their discipline, allowing for exponential growth in only two short weeks.”
Students may be accepted to attend OSAI more than once, and many attend for consecutive summers. Some choose to study the same discipline each summer, while others explore multiple disciplines from year to year.
“Students who attend the Summer Arts Institute leave the program with an expanded idea of art, which opens doors for them to explore a new art form or to collaborate with other disciplines. Exposing students to unexplored artforms allows the students to see their own art in new ways,” Stefanie concludes.
“OAI is one of many arts organizations helping to propel arts education in the state. We feel that collectively we are enriching the cultural landscape as well as raising awareness for the importance art has in connecting communities.”
All participants receive a full scholarship to attend, which allows students from all backgrounds to grow and learn as both artists and individuals. Below are
two talented students from the Oklahoma City area who attended the 48th annual OSAI this past June comment on their experiences.
MYA URIBE, PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENT:
From Oklahoma City; student at Norman North High School
I became aware of the Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain through my 11th-grade art instructor, Mrs. Hall. She recommended I apply to the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain with enthusiasm and precaution. I was amazed by the kind of support, skills and talent with which OSAI nurtures its students. I knew I would have the opportunity to not only thrive alongside some of the best artists in the arts of Oklahoma, but to grow as well. The Oklahoma Summer Art Institute not only shined a light on the passion I have for the arts but also the role I play within my own art community and the kind of impact it can make.
Myra Urube (Photo by Evan Beasley)
After OSAI, I have realized that all the students share a common challenge within our creative process, and that is refinement. It takes a lot to reach that point of skillfulness, it takes consideration and intention. It takes countless hours learning musical notes, countless unfinished canvas paintings, it takes the understanding of the correlation between light and composition. It takes defeat to realize it takes defeat to grow.
The first year that I was accepted into the Institute, I took it as a sign that let me know that the work that I had been putting into my discipline was not in vain. Being able to represent my Latin community in the arts has been an honor.
More than anything, my first year at Quartz left me with the inspiration and desire to continue investing myself in the arts. I had not only gained friends, connections and memories, but the clear sensation of being a part of a driven community and passionate people who do what they love.
Now, after my second year, I know the artists of our future are at no better place than OSAI. As a young artist representing the Hispanic community, the desire to see more artists rise within my community is stronger than ever.
View photography from Mya Uribe at MyaUribeMedia. mypixieset.com
GRACE HENRY CREATIVE WRITING STUDENT
From Oklahoma City; student at Casady School
This was my first year, and these two weeks have helped me immensely. When I came to OSAI, I finally got to meet people who write like I do and who genuinely enjoy listening to other people’s poems and written work.
I had an instructor who really cared deeply and appreciated the differences in our creative brains. My instructor let me experience new things, while still letting my personality shine through my writing. He and my classmates have taught me how to workshop, and I learned that I enjoy helping people refine their amazing work. My use of imagery has improved immensely because of this experience.
One thing I have noticed is that there is no “easy” discipline. All of us work so hard in class and outside of class so that we can be proud. I’ve also learned that there is a little bit of every art form in every discipline. For example,
the music in orchestra, although wordless, has meaning and poetry behind it. Drawing, painting and photography are poetry in image form. Film and video are poetry just filmed and edited.
This experience has been so beneficial because coming here I finally felt like I fit in somewhere. Now I believe that everyone fits in somewhere; you just need to find your people, and my people are arts kids. I would totally encourage other young artists to come to OSAI because this environment is so welcoming and respectful to everyone involved.
The Oklahoma Arts Institute has three main programs: the Summer Arts Institute for high school students, the Fall Arts Institute for adults and educators, and the Quartz Preview Days outreach program. For more information on how to support OAI or for volunteer opportunities, visit OAIQuartz.org .
Grace Henry (Photo by Evan Beasley)
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TRAINING TOMORROW’S BALLET DANCERS
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN GRACE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA CARSON
OKLAHOMA CITY BALLET OFFERS SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND CLASSES
FOR STUDENTS AGES 3 TO 21
Beginning in the summer of 2020, ballet students have been invited from all over the world to join Oklahoma City Ballet’s summer intensive program. Around 175 talented dancers will receive a unique and immersive experience with renowned Oklahoma City Ballet Artistic staff and Yvonne Chouteau School faculty.
Students ages 12-21 are invited to stay in dorms and receive rigorous professional training, focusing on improving technique and enhancing individual artistry. In the evenings, they visit some of Oklahoma City’s cultural destinations.
Racheal Nye, director of the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School and Studio Company, explains, “Some of the students will be here for three weeks and some will be here for six. We really try to personalize and make it fun and valuable for each age level. The students will visit the First Americans Museum, the Zoo, the Lyric Theater, Art Museum, Pelican Bay, Science Museum, Myriad Gardens, and the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
"I think it’s impactful to their time here. What really sets us apart from every other summer ballet intensive in the country is trying to personalize it to our community culture.”
Racheal has taken ballet lessons from a young age. She directs the program, teaches in the summer intensive and is also very present in recruitment in the program. She likes to be present when the dancers arrive.
“We get a lot of our year-round dancers from the summer-intensive program so we like them to have the same kind of experience they would get when they would arrive to Oklahoma if they were relocating permanently,” she said.
“One of the things that I love about the program is that our local dancers get a chance to work with dancers from all over the
country and internationally. In the past we have had students from Mexico, Canada, Japan, Korea and Paraguay.”
Over 1,500 dancers auditioned for the summer program this year, both in-person and over Zoom. Racheal says that Oklahoma City Ballet gravitates toward students who are energetic and open minded toward the learning process.
“I have been told that what is unique and special about Oklahoma City Ballet is not only how respectful the dancers are toward the teachers and those coaching them, but also toward their colleagues. Our dancers provide support and inspiration.
"You can’t see how a dancer will support the person next to them or how they absorb information in one class or one audition. Those qualities don’t emerge until you have a chance to work with them over time. I would say that the qualities of working well in a group and supporting their colleagues are even more important than pretty legs and feet.”
Two of the four principal dancers for Oklahoma City Ballet have come from these summer intensives. Some 80% of the company dancers have come from their summer intensives as well.
Racheal says, “We are very committed to recruitment through our summer-intensive programs. I think another unique and wonderful thing about Oklahoma City Ballet is caring about the whole person rather than what you can see in one audition class.
“Our two principal dancers do seminars for our incoming students in the summer, saying, ‘Hey, I was you! I came from California, or I came from Venezuela. I am now a principal dancer here.’ They provide a lot of inspiration here.”
She adds, “This program has become a destination for quality ballet training in the country, and I would like our community to know and be proud of that.”
Watch out this summer for aspiring young dancers as you visit your favorite cultural hotspots around Oklahoma City. You may be sharing the scene with future principal dancers of the Oklahoma City Ballet.
More information for auditioning for future summer intensives and auditions can be found at:
OKCBallet.org/school/summer-intensive
The Yvonne Chouteau School at Oklahoma City Ballet also offers classes for students ages 3 to 18. The Children’s Division introduces younger children to the art of ballet through creative movement, later focusing on ballet terminology and positions. The study of ballet not only teaches children the joy of dance, but also structure, discipline, teamwork and other social skills. Registration for the fall session is now open at okcballet.org/school.
Interested in supporting the Oklahoma City Ballet, a 401(c)(3) nonprofit organization? Donations, as well as planned and creative giving opportunities, are available. For more information, email Rurie Dobson, development operations manager, at rurie@ okcballet.org or call 405.252.4276.
OKLAHOMA CITY BALLET
OKCBallet.org
6800 North Classen | Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405.843.9898 | info@okcballet.org Follow on Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube and Instagram
Top: Summer Intensive students practice a “Fish Dive” in OKC Ballet’s spacious Studio A Middle: Contemporary partnering rehearsal during Summer Intensive Bottom: Preparatory Division students of The Yvonne Chouteau School of OKC Ballet Right page: A Children’s Division student shows her tendu à la seconde!
“THIS PROGRAM HAS BECOME A DESTINATION FOR QUALITY BALLET TRAINING IN THE COUNTRY, AND I WOULD LIKE OUR COMMUNITY TO KNOW AND BE PROUD OF THAT.”
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Caring for Your Fur Babies
FURST CANINE TAKES GROOMING TO A NEW LEVEL
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY PORTON
Furst Class Canine Mobile Grooming Salon and Spa founder Laney Dicksion
A pooch sits for an "after photo" following his grooming service at Furst Class Canine.
Dog grooming, at its best, goes skin-deep, according to Furst Class Canine Mobile Grooming Salon and Spa, LLC, founder Laney Dicksion.
“Let’s face it. Most people take their dogs to the groomer when they’re dirty, or smell, or need their nails trimmed, or they just want them styled to look good.
“We believe grooming should go beyond that,” Laney says. “Yes, we take care of those concerns, but we can also do something beneficial for the dog.”
In the case of their repeat clientele, Laney and her staff see these pets more frequently than their veterinarians do.
“So, we often can detect changes in behavior, lumps and other conditions which may signal concerns such as prediabetes, hepatitis, cancer and other illnesses, as well as issues like grass seed burrs caught in the dog’s toes (which may require surgery if not remedied early),” she says. As with humans, she notes, early detection is vital.
Laney and her staff pay special attention to their four-legged patients’ skin and coats, which are bellwethers for many health issues caused by a variety of issues, including an improper diet and allergies.
She notes that, often, she and her staff are able to address issues like bald spots, scratching (which can lead to infection), brittle hair (leading to excess hair shedding), rashes and yeast build-up in the folds of the skin by selecting the proper conditioner.
“As with humans, the skin on a dog is its largest organ, and dogs are exposed to a lot environmentally. And in Oklahoma, we see a lot of dogs with skin allergies,” she explains. “Dogs may not always require medications to treat those allergies; sometimes, using a conditioning agent that restores the sebum (oil) levels will solve the problem, without risking adverse side effects.”
To ensure she and her staff are always aware of the latest trends in grooming and dog care in general, everyone is required to enroll in continuing education credits.
Laney also is personally working on obtaining her Canine Pet Aesthetician Certification, an intensive,
months-long process under the supervision of Cliff Faver, D.V.M., who spearheads this program through IV San Bernard.
“We are seeing a new evolution of what we can do for your dog,” Laney says. “I’m a proponent of trying to explain that there’s more to grooming than just grooming; we should be here for whole-dog care. At the end of the day, this is a profession, and we’re taking it to another level of care. We shouldn’t just offer a menu board of services, we should be serving the whole pet.”
Laney notes that Furst Class Canine recently upgraded a service for their clients that is proving to be very popular.
“Many of our clients know that when we groom their dog, we take an ‘after’ photo of them. We put an accessory on them—such as a bow or tie—and take their photos in front of a set, which we change at least once a month.” (The sets reflect upcoming holidays and/or themes; past themes have included back-to-school, Harry Potter and unicorns.) Six years ago, when we started this, few groomers were offering this service. Now, it’s common.
“This year, we upgraded our service through a new software program called Report Card. Now, our clients get their photos instantly and can download them for their use—Facebook profiles, Christmas cards, etc. They also immediately receive a full grooming report and their receipt, all in one report.”
SEVEN YEARS AND GOING STRONG
Laney launched Furst Class Canine in 2017, with service to the Oklahoma City metro, later adding the Greater Tulsa Area from Broken Arrow and Bixby to Owasso.
Clientele are passionate about the care the business provides their fur babies. Their testimonials, and much more, can be found on the Furst Class Canine Mobile Grooming Salon and Spa Facebook page. Call 405.830.8578 (OKC Metro) or 918.699.9833 (or Tulsa Metro) for more information and appointments.
“We are seeing a new evolution of what we can do for your dog. I’m a proponent of trying to explain that there’s more to grooming than just grooming; we should be here for whole-dog care.”
ARTICLE BY STACI ELDER HENSLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARLEA ROBINSON
Saving Our Furry Companions
Bella SPCA founder and executive director Wes Shaw (left) and Bella SPCA co-founder Eric McCune
When someone is elderly, terminally ill or simply stuck at a very low-income level, the companionship of a pet can make all the difference in the world. It can also be devastating when people in these situations can’t afford the necessary treatment if their animal becomes ill.
Since 2006, the organization has provided more than $2 million in veterinary care to pet parents who fit into the above categories.
Three years ago, it achieved a crucial milestone— opening a nonprofit veterinary hospital that’s the only one of its kind in Oklahoma. While the focus is on helping those mentioned above, people at every income level can bring their pets in to take advantage of the reduced care costs, said executive director Wes Shaw.
The event that sparked the whole venture occurred in 2005, when Wes and his spouse, Eric McCune, adopted a puppy they named Bella. A mere three days later, Bella passed away from parvo. A few weeks after that, their cat Tigger became ill and needed a very complicated and expensive treatment to survive. Luckily, Wes and Eric were able to provide their pet with the care he needed, but they realized that many others would not be so lucky.
“Losing Bella was extremely hard on us, and then managing Tigger’s illness got us thinking about how many people have had to choose between feeding themselves and their kids and paying bills, rather than on veterinary care,” Wes said.
“That can be emotionally devastating for someone who’s older or terminally ill and relies heavily upon the animal for companionship, or even just a low-income family that is unable to obtain the needed care for their pet. Pets are an invaluable addition to our lives, and no one wants to see them suffer for lack of proper care when they’re ill.
“Every year, thousands of animals are euthanized, turned over to animal shelters or pass away because the people who love them cannot afford to have them treated,” he added. “We’re not just caring for the pet; we’re also helping the client. These animals are really like children to them.”
A fundraiser held on the University of Oklahoma Campus Corner provided the initial funding to create the nonprofit, and from there the two began aggressively raising funds. For several years they helped at-risk pet owners through their Veterinary Assistance Program, plus operated a pet rescue and adoption program. They also created and still operate Bella SPCA Pawsitive Heelers, who take rescue dogs to visit people in assisted living centers, VA hospitals, hospice facilities and schools.
Since starting the nonprofit, however, Wes and Eric determined that their top priority was to make the veterinary hospital a reality. Three years ago, they achieved that dream, opening an Oklahoma City
facility that today operates with a full veterinary team. Bella SPCA does not operate as an animal emergency clinic.
“Our hospital raises the funds for everything we do to help provide free and reduced-cost care to pet owners in dire financial straits,” Wes said. “So, whenever a regular client brings their animal to us to treat, at the same time they’re paying it forward to save another pet.”
The name “Bella” is special in two ways, Wes noted. Not only was it the name of their pet, but it also serves as an acronym for the organization’s mission: “Because Every Little Life is Amazing.”
Wes, who has a background in business management and customer service, took the reins in July 2023 as full-time executive director. The association also is seeking new members for its board of directors; those interested can learn more via the website.
Bella SPCA is supported entirely by individual financial donations and grants. It annually hosts an annual fundraising gala, Cause for Paws, plus other smaller fundraisers. Monetary donations are always needed and can be made through the organization’s website.
“Eighteen years ago we never dreamed we would be doing this, but I am so proud of the work that we’ve done,” Wes said.
“It’s not me and Eric—it’s the community as a whole. Our success is because we have such a great base of people with a passion for the community we serve.”
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES | STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
DOG
SOCIALIZING
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99% working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
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