The Dog Dish Magazine - May/June 2018

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May/June 2018

Kevin the Greyt

How to Choose A Dog Sitter

Simple Peanut Butter Cookies

Chew on This: Dog-Friendly Review

A Guide to Good Patio Etiquette

Potty Training 101 1 • The Dog Dish Magazine

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May/June 2018 • 3

LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER:

PUBLISHER: Katie Munda katie@thedogdishok.com EDITOR: Michelle Van Swearingen ART DIRECTOR: Shane Kroutil The Art House PHOTOGRAPHER: Katie Munda CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Dr. Zac Coldiron, DVM, Stoneridge Animal Hospital Sydney Head Full Circle Obedience

Greetings, readers! Thanks for picking up a copy of The Dog Dish. I’m excited to share this issue with you! You can read more about the cutie on the cover on Page 7. Also, be sure to check out the rescue babes we featured on Page 5. They are a couple of special kids and they so deserve a great family.

We are so happy that patio weather is here! We’ve included a guide to good patio etiquette, as well as a review of a great dog-friendly patio in the historic Uptown district. Remember, with summer temperatures comes the need to be extra vigilant about protecting our pups from fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Give your dogs all the necessary preventatives regularly and check them over for ticks and fleas regularly as well. A local vet gave us some insight about how to tell when your dog is dealing with allergies and what you can do to combat them on Page 24. You’ll also want to catch the information we shared on Page 16 about safe dog park play. We are wishing your dog lots of safe and healthy summer fun!

If you’re heading out on a fun vacation this summer, plan ahead to make arrangements for your fur kid’s care. Who will feed them, love them, and take them out for potty breaks? Welcome Home Pet Care provided excellent insight as to what to look for when hiring a dog sitter on Page 28. Speaking of potty breaks, our friends at Full Circle Obedience have given you some great advice for potty training your puppy or newly adopted rescue dog. Check that out on Page 22!

I had the honor of meeting a very special dog name Kevin last month! He’s a retired racing dog and is now working as a therapy dog on the campus at UCO. You won’t want to miss reading about the ways he’s impacting students! I also shared the story of a local lady who has found her peace and purpose in her role as dog groomer. She’s doing so much for dogs (and people!) in the community and I’m excited to tell you more about her. You can find her story on Page 10.

And as always, Molly has shared a yummy treat recipe on Page 30. Your dog will love her Super Simple Peanut Butter Cookies!

Last, but certainly not least, we want to welcome a new advertiser, Fluffy Mustaches Pet Grooming, to the Dog Dish family. We are proud to have them!

Our advertising partners make this great publication possible and we encourage you to support these awesome local businesses.

Thanks so much for reading!

Katie Munda Publisher 4 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Shelley Erdman Full Circle Obedience Natalie Oates, Welcome Home Pet Care Katie Munda ADVERTISING SALES: (405) 245-9059 advertise@thedogdishok.com P.O. Box 31671 Edmond, OK 73003 info@thedogdishok.com www.thedogdishok.com The Dog Dish Magazine Copyright 2018 Cover to Cover

blog.thedogdishok.com facebook.com/thedogdishmagazine @dogdishmag @thedogdishmag info@thedogdishok.com Articles and advertisements in The Dog Dish Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

UPCOMINGE V E N T S Looking for something fun to do in the Oklahoma City metro? Note: Not all of the events below are dog friendly. Events listed here are either dog friendly or support dogs or rescues. Keep current on local events at www.thedogdishok.com.

Movie in The Park – Edmond Friday, May 11, 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Mitch Park, Edmond

by All 4 One Rescue! Proceeds will be used to bring awareness about spaying and neutering. Dinner, silent auction, and lots of fun! Check their Facebook for updates on the location. Email Emily@all4onerescue. org to purchase your ticket.

A fun night out for the whole family!

A free showing of Cars 3 with $1 concessions. Leashed, well behaved fur kids are welcome!

Bowling for Bella

Movie in The Park – Mustang

Saturday, June 16, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

May

Saturday, May 12, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

8th Annual Greyhound Gala

Heritage Lanes, 11917 N Penn, Oklahoma City

Food trucks and a custom car show by Challengers of Oklahoma. Cars 3 will be shown at dusk. Leashed, well behaved pups are welcome!

Saturday, May 5, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum, Oklahoma City Refreshments, raffles, silent auction, door prizes, cash bar, and mingling with adoptable greyhounds! $10 donation to enter and proceeds benefit Hounds of the Heartland Greyhound Rescue.

Red Brick Nights Saturday, May 5, 5 p.m.

Corner of Wentz and Oklahoma, Downtown Guthrie Food trucks, pop-up shops, and live music starting at 7. Leashed, well behaved pups welcome.

Mustang Parks and Recreation Special Events

Friday, June 8, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Guest will enjoy three games of bowling including shoe rental, a strike half & half pool, and raffle prizes. Top three teams with the highest score will win a prize.

Special prize for most creative team uniform! Proceeds benefit the rescue babes of Bella SPCA. Find the event on facebook to register your team.

Mitch Park, Edmond

Music and Wine Festival

June Movie in The Park – Edmond A fun night out for the whole family!

A free showing of Moana with $1 concessions. Leashed, well behaved fur kids welcome!

Spayghetti and No Balls Dinner Saturday, June 9, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Location TBD

The 8th Annual Spaghetti dinner hosted

Saturday, June 16, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Tony’s Tree Plantation, Oklahoma City Live local music, Oklahoma wineries, beer, food trucks, dancing, entertainment, and shopping from some of the best pop-up shops in the state, including some petrelated vendors! Leashed dogs are welcome.

Admission is $10 for ages 21 & up.

May/June 2018 • 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 Upcoming Events

Find out what’s going on in and around the OKC metro for you and your dog.

8 We Asked

What is your dog’s favorite summer pass time? Read on to hear the responses!

REGULAR FEATURES 4

Publisher’s Letter

18 Wag & Brag 29 Local Resource Guide

10 Finding Peace and Purpose in Dog Grooming

How a local groomer is using her past, her passion, and her faith to make a difference.

12 Kevin the Greyt

The story of a retired racer turned therapist.

14 Chew on This

A review of the dog-friendly patio at Pizzeria Gusto.

16 Safe Dog Park Play

What you need to know to keep your pooch safe at the dog park this summer.

22 Potty Training 101

Invaluable advice from a local trainer on housebreaking your puppy or newly adopted fur kid.

24 Doggone Allergies

Find out how to keep your dog’s allergy itch at bay.

26 A Dog Parent’s Guide to Good Patio Etiquette

Even canines should have good table manners!

28 What to Look for When Choosing a Dog Sitter

Helpful insight on hiring a reputable dog sitter before your summer vacation.

30 Molly’s Munchies

Molly shares her Super Simple Peanut Butter Cookie recipe!

6 • The Dog Dish Magazine

By Appointment Only

405-696-9420

2000 W Danforth, Suite 140 • Edmond, OK 73003

CeCe and Millie are still looking for their forever home You probably recognize these two cuties; they were the April Rescue Dogs of the Month on our blog! CeCe and Millie are still looking for their forever home and we just can’t figure out why! Would you just LOOK at how cute they are?! Their lives were less than glamourous before they were rescued and we’d love to see these gals in a great home. They were rescued from a backyard breeding operation where they lived, day in and day out, in crates inside a small concrete kennel. They had never been in a home, never played outside in the sunshine, never laid in the grass, never experienced love or socialization.

That’s all changed now and they’re ready to find a home of their own.

Mille and CeCe have been together their entire lives and are incredibly bonded.

Thus, they’re a package deal! Double the fun! These sweet sisters love to play outside, are good with children as well as other dogs and cats, and their foster mom says they’re so

easy, you’ll think you only have one dog! CeCe and Millie are looking for a home where they won’t need to climb stairs and won’t be crated while their family is away or at night. They would love a home where they can sleep on a nice, big doggy bed together, snack on grain-free treats, and be adored by their new family forever and ever.

If you’d like more information on these gorgeous girls, contact Tornado Alley Bulldog Rescue at okbulldogrescue@ gmail.com.

About Our Cover

Roxy is a two-year-old Morkie from Oklahoma City.

She adores squeaky toys, snuggling, and playing with her furry and non-furry family members. Her mom, Isabella, says that she’s the sweetest and most playful pup she knows! Roxy is a natural born leader and loves to be the boss lady. She had a rough start in life, undergoing open heart surgery at just 11 weeks old. But she’s back, better than ever, and loving life! Roxy’s bestie is her fur brother, Hercules, a rescued lab mix.

May/June 2018 • 7

We Asked…

What is your favorite summer pass time with your pooch?

Bon loves to jump in the pool. – Shawn s

s

s

Hiking! Koey

8 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Thunder loves anything to do with water! Swimming, playing in the sprinkler, or on the boat.

Last year I introduced him to kayaking! – Gina

This is Belle at Chickasaw National Park in Sulphur last year. We’re going to take her and Baker again when it gets warmer. They also both love to play ball any time of year! – Trever

s

Swimming!

– Sarah

s

They love to play with the Frisbee and love to play fetch with the tennis ball. – Linda

s

s

Walks at the park! – Monica

King and Colt love to play on the trampoline and chase each other around the yard. – Stephanie

s

s

Going to Andys for a pupcone! – Rachel

Dock Diving is our course of summer action! – Sherry s

s

One of Riley’s favorite summer pass times is playing in the sprinkler. – Kimberly

Shadow, Mike and I love to go kayaking! – Karen s

s

Walks when we go up to northern AZ where it is cool in the summer! – Shirley

s

s

Patio dining is a favorite past time when the days are nice. Louie’s is probably our number one spot! – Cassie

Mine love patios with mom! – Kylie

s

s

Going for a walk. – Rachel May/June 2018 • 9

Finding Peace and Purpose in Dog Grooming: photos provide by Fluffy Mustache’s Pet Grooming

How a Local Groomer is Using Her Past, Her Passion, and Her Faith to Make a Difference

Lisa and her dog, Ammo Written by Katie Munda

Lisa Walter overcame several hurdles and faced down demons before she found peace and purpose in her role as a dog groomer. After growing up in DHS custody, struggling with addiction, becoming a mother at a young age, and then later going through a very difficult divorce, Lisa realized she could use those experiences to make a difference in the world. And that’s just what she’s done. “I guess my past life, everything I had gone through, getting saved and baptized, turning my life around and giving it all to God and realizing it belongs to Him, is what started where I am now,” Lisa said, humbly.

At just 15 years old, with a student work permit, Lisa began working as a bather in the grooming department of a metro PetSmart. By the time she was 16, Lisa knew she wanted to work in a private salon. After unsuccessfully knocking on many doors, Just Be Paws Pet Styling took her under their wing and showed Lisa the grooming ropes. “That’s basically where I learned to work 10 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Lisa’s daughter, Ariel.

with the most complicated and difficult dogs. I never knew how that difficult time in my life would come back to help me in the future,” she recalls.

Fast forward a few years, Lisa decided she wanted to use her own experiences to help those of the two-legged variety. She began working in mental health and became a licensed therapist. Lisa

said, “While I was doing that, I was also doing the dog grooming on the side, and that’s what kept me sane. I knew I was helping a lot of people, but it was also a trigger to me because of the things I had personally been through. I wasn’t able to save everybody and that was tearing me apart and burning me out, so I left that field.” At that point, in the midst of a trying divorce, Lisa was grooming out of her home or in the homes of her clients.

She was in desperate need of a business space but her divorce and had left her in a difficult spot financially. Lisa found a space that was perfect for her but was a bit pricier than her budget would allow.

“It was way out of my budget and I had no idea how I was going to do it, but I wanted it. I just prayed and trusted that God would make it happen,” she said.

Lisa’s prayers paid off. After reaching out to the landlord and explaining her situation and hoping he would work with her, he agreed to take a chance on Lisa, saying that he had a really good feeling about her and knew she would be successful. And thus, Fluffy Mustaches Pet Grooming was born.

Lisa gives special thanks to her daughter for helping to come up with the idea for the catchy name!

Lisa soon realized that Fluffy Mustaches was the perfect way to marry her passion for animals and her passion for helping people. She finds that many of her clients open up to her about their personal struggles, and because of her background in mental health, she is able to talk with them and be a source of encouragement and support for them.

She also uses her knowledge as a therapist, combined with her own life experiences to understand dogs who may be struggling due do a difficult past. And, she goes out of her way to ensure that they feel safe and accommodated at Fluffy Mustaches.

Lisa is grateful for the times in her life that fate was on her side and wants to pay it forward to those who need it. She is very generous to provide grooms at no charge on occasions when she knows that a particular client really needs it. Fluffy Mustaches also partners with local rescues to provide makeovers for pups who’ve been through a rough time and are now looking for a forever family. “It’s crazy how God has used dog grooming in my life. It’s not just the money, it’s not just a job. There’s some much more to it. I like to think I’m investing into God’s Kingdom.” Lisa said.

And if that wasn’t enough, Lisa also makes it a priority to support her community, touting that so many people in the Mustang community are willing to help out one another. She offers discounts to many community service professionals and supports and promotes other local businessmen and women through her own business.

While dogs are the specialty at Fluffy Mustaches, Lisa also welcomes other furry creatures. She even offers nail trims to lizards!

Lisa concluded our interview by saying, “All I can say is, the success, it all belongs to God. Not me. He did this. There’s absolutely no

FLUFFY MUSTACHES PET GROOMING

way I could have done this by myself.” We congratulate Lisa on her success and we’re proud that Fluffy Mustaches is part of The Dog Dish family. We wish Lisa and her family much continued success and look forward to watching Fluffy Mustaches Pet Grooming grow!

Fluffy Mustaches Pet Grooming is by appointment only and is located at 135 Branch Way, Suite 107, Mustang, OK. Call 405-885-360 to book your appointment.

Affordable grooming by caring professionals.

Our groomers are CPR and first aid certified with 15 years of styling experience.

We partner with rescues and offer discounts to several community service professionals.

CALL FOR DETAILS • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

405-885-3600 135 Cedar Branch Way Suite 107 • Mustang, OK May/June 2018 • 11

Kevin the Greyt: The Story of a Retired Racer Turned Therapist Written by Katie Munda

Kevin, a seven-year-old greyhound known in his racing days as “Kevin Durant,” is the pilot dog for the University of Central Oklahoma’s Broncho Barkers program. He and his mom, Alex Russel, Assistant Director of Health Promotion and Outreach at the Center for Counseling and Wellbeing, work on campus five days a week.

Broncho Barkers is an on-campus therapy dog program, fashioned after the Pete’s Pet Posse program at Oklahoma State University. Alex and Kevin hope their success on campus will pave the way for more therapy dogs to join the team and expand the program in the future.

At three years old, Kevin began his racing career in Florida. He ran 76 races with an average speed of 37 miles per hour and won first, second, or third place in almost half of those races. Kevin retired from racing at five years old and began looking for a forever family through an Oklahoma based rescue, Hounds of the Heartland. In November 2016, after a year in foster care, Kevin found his happily-everafter with Alex and her husband. “He had never walked on stairs, he didn’t really know how to play, and he had to learn how to come out his shell and be a dog,” Alex recalled. When he’s not working at the university, Kevin enjoys being a couch potato, peanut butter, doing “zoomies” through the house, going to the dog park, squeaky toys, and his most favorite pastime, eating.

For the last year Kevin and Alex have worked with students on campus through classroom visits, attending events, and providing opportunities for students to de-stress by interacting with Kevin. “You know, interacting with a dog or connecting with an 12 • The Dog Dish Magazine

animal, it’s therapeutic!” exclaimed Alex.

Providing therapy is just where Kevin excels. He’s been a source of comfort for students who’ve recently lost a loved one, staff members who were dealing with struggles in their personal life, students stressed during finals week, and those who may just be having a rough day. On a recent visit to the library, Alex and Kevin approached a group of about ten students and Kevin immediately went to a specific student and focused all of his energy on her. Through talking with the student, Alex learned she had just lost her dad. Many therapy dogs are able to sense when a particular person could really use their love, and Kevin is no exception! “It’s crazy to me,” Alex said, “but he really knows what he’s doing. He can sense it.”

Alex shared the story of a student who came into the counseling center because he was experiencing a panic attack. When asked if he would like to see a counselor, he said that he only wanted to see Kevin.

Kevin sat by his side for over half an hour until the student was no longer in distress.

The student shared with Alex that he was just really homesick and didn’t realize how tough college was going to be, and that being with Kevin had really made him feel better. “It is sweet moments like this when I know we have the best job at the University of Central Oklahoma,” Alex said.

Alex admits that they are often late to appointments because they are stopped by students and faculty on the way who want to love on Kevin. He’s a total celebrity on campus! On the day of his interview, we were happily interrupted several times by students approaching and wanting to interact with Kevin. Their ear-to-ear smiles were a testament to the positive impact he’s having across the campus. We had the privilege of accompanying Kevin and Alex on a classroom visit and what a thrill it was to see him in action. He stood so politely next to Alex as she spoke to the students about resources on campus for stress management, upcoming events hosted by the counseling center, etc. She walked Kevin around the room, giving each student a chance to pet him if they liked.

Not surprisingly, almost all did. Kevin’s impact is best summed up by one of the college students in that classroom. When Alex asked the class their reaction to seeing and petting Kevin, the student answered, “Joy. Happiness.”

Kevin and Alex

Show us a picture of your fur baby and get $50 off Botox!

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For every picture shown, we will also donate $50 back to Heartland Lab Rescue!

8106 North May Ave. Suite B • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73120

405-810-8448

www.bajajplasticsurgery.com May/June 2018 • 13

Chew on This:

A Review of the Best Dog-Friendly Patios in the Metro Reviewed by Katie Munda, and Isabella and Roxy Lubert Pizzeria Gusto

The secluded patio at Pizzeria Gusto in the historic Uptown district is the perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner with your best fur friend.

We love that it’s on the back side of the building and surrounded by a fence that drowns out some of the noise of the goings on around the restaurant, and also blocks the view 14 • The Dog Dish Magazine

so pups aren’t tempted to bark at passersby.

We had such a nice evening there with Roxy and the food was excellent.

Our server brought Roxy her own water bowl and several of the guests commented on how cute she was. The atmosphere was very relaxed, inviting, and most importantly, dog-friendly! We enjoyed the roasted red pepper hummus and marinated olive appetizers. Both were served with flatbread and were quite tasty!

Roxy had a few nibbles of flatbread and gave it two paws up. We also enjoyed the grilled veggie sandwich, caprese salad, and margarita pizza. They have a great

selection of specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and salads that feature a variety of meats, cheeses, and other yummy additions like fig jam, truffle oil, and pickled shallots.

The woodfired pizza oven at Pizzeria Gusto was hand built in Naples, Italy and their tomatoes, flour, and other ingredients are imported from Italy as well. The bar boasts 11 beers on tap, as well as a nice selection of bottled craft beer, wine, and cocktails.

Pizzeria Gusto has something to satisfy every palate and we’re sure you will enjoy spending time with your pup on their beautiful patio! Pizzeria Gusto is located at 2415 N. Walker Avenue in Oklahoma City and is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. When you and your pooch stop in, tell them The Dog Dish Magazine sent you!

May/June 2018 • 15

Dog Park Play Dates Tips for Safe Play at the Dog Park

16 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Skip the Sick!

First and foremost, no dog or puppy should ever visit a dog park until they’ve completed all the necessary vaccines. The reality is, the potential spread of illness is a risk we take when we take our fur kids to any dog park. Make sure they’re fully vaccinated against dangerous diseases before they venture out for a dog park play date.

If your dog is dealing with tummy issues, a skin condition, open wound, or any other ailment that could be contagious, keep him home until he’s healed. This keeps him from being exposed to any extra germs and keeps him from potentially making other dogs sick.

Close Supervision is a Must We’ve all seen it – that parent that never watches their pooch at the dog park.

That’s a really bad idea! It’s so important to keep a close eye on your dog at the dog park because even among the friendliest of dogs, conflict can arise. Head out at the first sign of trouble, even if your dog isn’t involved. Your dog having good recall skills comes in really handy in instances like that.

Teach him to “come when called” or hire a professional to help.

Some dog parents choose to carry an air horn with them to the dog park to use in the event of a scuffle between two or more dogs. The loud sound distracts them to give their guardians a chance to separate them.

Water Break Most dog parks have water available.

Make sure your dog knows where he can find a drink while he’s there. All that play can really work up a thirst! If you’re dog enjoys swimming, some metro-area dog parks have ponds. Make sure your dog is a strong swimmer before you let him go in any body of water alone. Otherwise, you’ll be hopping in to come to his aid!

Don’t forget to bring a towel to dry him off before he gets in the car.

Mind Your Manners Your favorite dog park probably provides doggy clean up bags and disposal bins. But if they don’t, be sure to bring a couple of biodegradable potty bags from home. Nobody wants their pup coming home with that mess on their paws!

To Bring Toys, or Not to Bring Toys?

The spacious lawn of the dog park can be great for a game of frisbee or fetch with your dog’s favorite ball! However, it might be best to play fetch during a less busy time

LOCAL DOG PARKS

Planning to visit a dog park? These are some of the most popular parks in the Oklahoma City area.

Paw Park

Paw Park, one of OKC’s most popular dog parks, is located near Lake Hefner and includes a pond with gravel beach.

Myriad Gardens

They love furry friends and encourage dog park guests to share their photos on Instagram and Twitter.

Midtown Mutts Dog Park

This park is conveniently located near your favorite midtown restaurants, Bleu Garten, and Midtown Vets.

Deep Deuce Dog Park

The Deep Deuce Dog Park is within walking distance to some great dogfriendly restaurant patios and BONE Dog Boutique.

Happy Tails Dog Park

This is a great one in the Moore area. They’ve got agility equipment, restrooms for humans, and shade for those warm, Oklahoma afternoons.

Edmond Dog Park

Edmond’s dog park is roomy with plenty of benches and a pond for waterloving pups.

of day. If there are lots of other fur friends at the dog park, one of them may end up running off with your pup’s toy and that can sometimes lead to a bit of a scuffle. If you know your dog prefers not to share his toys, plan to leave the balls and frisbees at home.

Consider Your Pup’s Personality First Last, but certainly not least, give some thought to your dog’s personality before you plan his first trip to the dog park.

There will be wide array of experiences and he will encounter a number of different doggie personalities. If you are not entirely confident that your dog will enjoy socializing around several unfamiliar dogs, skip the dog park and choose another fun activity! It is your responsibility to ensure that he’s not put in a situation where he may be harmed or cause harm to another dog.

What If the Dog Park Isn’t Right for Your Dog? Dog parks are not the right fit for every dog. And that’s okay! If your dog doesn’t enjoy dog parks, or if you aren’t comfortable with the potential risks, there are plenty of ways to get your pup out for some fun. Consider a walk at your favorite park or a hike on your favorite trail, play fetch or frisbee in the privacy of your own backyard, visit a local pet store and let him shop around, or set up a small agility course at home. You could even arrange a

play date with a fur friend that your dog already knows and feels comfortable with.

The most important thing is that he’s safe and happy!

May/June 2018 • 17

Alice

Banks the Biewer Bud A Tuft of Poms Axel & Rosie Bochy Brandy Baloo Berlin

Charger 18 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Bentley

Chico Colt

Cooper

Flash

Darcy

Georgie & Charley

Eddie

Ember & Popi Duke Happy Gretchen Wieners Harley

Heidi Indy

Gunny

LaRue JD

Lambi Jack & Emmie

May/June 2018 • 19

Liam & Stark

Mac, GiGi, and Gus

Luke

Mollie

Manny Ramirez Millie

Mischief & Bruno

Mr. Wick

OE and Sadie Molly & Libby Paddy

PePe Pepper Pardo

Noah, Sasha & Fox

River 20 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Petunia

Pancake & Waffles

Suger Selma & Pablo

RoseBud & Munchkin Titan

Steve Summer

Sophie & Sadie

Trot

Teddy

Whiskey Tundra

Winston Think you have the cutest dog?

Wedge

Brag about it!

Zuko

Email us a high-resolution photo of your pooch and his/her name to photos@thedogdishok.com.

Your photo may appear in the next issue of the magazine!

May/June 2018 • 21

Potty Training 101 Written by Sydney Head and Shelley Erdman, Full Circle Obedience School

Hurry Up and Wait

There are exceptions, but most puppies aren’t ready to fully participate in potty training until they reach twelve weeks of age. Most pups are expected to be potty trained by six months of age when they have complete bladder and bowel control. Some breeds, including toy breeds, take longer so prepare to be patient and consistent in your training efforts. We consider dogs and puppies house trained when they are accident free for sixty days barring any special circumstances like upset stomachs.

Crate Training

Crates expedite the house training process and facilitate clean habits from the start. Dogs and puppies typically do not want to soil the area where they sleep and eat. Crates are also great places to feed your dog. The ASPCA, and trainers Dr. Sophia Yin and Victoria Stilwell, all offer great online resources on how to slowly introduce the crate to your puppy or dog.

You will want the crate in your bedroom in order to hear your dog cry if she needs to go potty in the middle of night. You should expect late night potty break requests from your young puppy (eight weeks to possibly twenty weeks depending on the breed). You may feel the urge to roll over and sleep through these late-night requests but leaving the puppy to urinate in or soil the crate slows down the entire process. If there is an accident in the night, clean it up thoroughly; do NOT fuss at the puppy. Take care of the mess and move on.

Punishment should not be a part of potty training. We suggest placing the crate near your bedside for the first few weeks after the arrival of your new furry friend so that 22 • The Dog Dish Magazine

House training, like any other skill or command, must be taught patiently and reinforced consistently.

Before you bring your new fur baby home, you need to be prepared with the necessary knowledge and proper equipment.

you can soothe her if she’s fussy. Research shows leaving a puppy to “cry it out” can create separation anxiety issues.

Playpen

Playpens are wonderful for containing your puppy in your living room, kitchen, or other places when you want her in the room with you but want to limit access to the rest of the house. Confinement and limited access to your home is key to house training a dog. The moment you take your eyes off the little fuzzy one, she will wander off and find a place to soil.

Baby Gates

Set up baby gates in the doorways that lead to hallways, unoccupied rooms, and access to stairways. Again, you want to limit your dog’s access to these areas where you are not able to supervise your dog. The more they are able to explore unsupervised, the more likely is it that they may get into the habit of soiling a particular spot. Once she is in the habit of soiling the same spot over and over, it is an endless battle to keep her from rehearsing the undesirable behavior.

Using a Leash in the House

Anytime you bring home a new dog, no matter the age, we always recommend having the dog drag a leash in the home, supervised of course. You will be more aware of the puppy’s whereabouts in the home when they drag a leash. The leash gives you a “handle” to pick up so you can rush the puppy outside if she starts the “potty dance.” Avoid quickly grabbing the collar- that can be frightening for dogs.

We don’t want our four-legged friend to get in the habit of sneaking off and relieving herself behind the couch, in a quiet corner, or behind the drapes. “Stationing”

your puppy or dog is a good option if you’re going to be busy in the same room for a good while. If you sit down to watch a movie or while you’re cooking a meal simply hook the leash to a doorknob or the leg of a heavy piece of furniture and provide your puppy with a bed, a couple of enticing chew toys, or a puzzle to keep her occupied and mentally stimulated. Do not leave your dog or puppy stationed unsupervised.

Otherwise, she may become entangled in the leash and this can be very dangerous, as well as a potential choking hazard.

The waist leash is great if you need to go from room to room and want the dog with you when you are not using the crate or puppy playpen. When your dog is tethered to your waist, she will not be able to wander away and potty. Please take great care in using a waist leash if you have a toy breed or are unsteady on your feet as you could easily be tripped up.

Timer

It’s easy to lose track of time and forget when you last took the puppy out for a potty break. Typically, puppies need to relieve themselves upon waking, after exercise and play, and relatively soon after eating. If your puppy is very active and is drinking copious amounts of water in between playtime, you will need to set the timer for potty breaks about every fifteen minutes. Their bladders are so small and with all of the running and playing, they will need to go more frequently. During resting periods, throughout the day, and when your pup is out and about set the timer for potty breaks about every fortyfive minutes to an hour. If you have a tiny breed puppy, breaks may need to be more frequent.

Schedule

Research shows that dogs and puppies thrive on schedules, which are also imperative to house training. Scheduled breaks are a good start but scheduled feeding is also necessary to ensure your dog or puppy is learning to eliminate in appropriate places. Puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs and they need to eliminate after eating. If you schedule the pup’s meals then you will have a better idea of when he/she will need to go out. Regular bedtime is also helpful in getting your puppy on a nighttime potty schedule.

Potty Pads

We do not recommend potty pads in most circumstances. They are handy to line the crate to help absorb any messes during the first few weeks when the puppy is very young. In most cases, once an owner starts to potty-pad train their puppy or toy breed dog it becomes increasingly difficult to truly house train the dog to eliminate outside. In many cases as the dog gets older, she will eliminate on anything that is left on the floor - area rugs, doormats, mats in front of the sink or toilet, bathmats, towels, magazines,

newspapers, or clothing. Potty pads are okay for a limited time during the earliest stages of potty training; once your pup gains some weight and develops more bladder and bowel control, it is time to stop using them.

Discipline

You should never use any kind of discipline when potty training your dog.

There are several out-dated methods still suggested on social media, in dog training books, and unfortunately on dog training TV shows. If you spank, scream and shout, or rub your puppy’s nose in her soil, you will teach her them to be fearful of you. You will create neurotic behaviors such as a dog that quickly tries to eat the feces to hide the evidence, goes under your bed and furniture to urinate or defecate, or eliminates in corners of rooms or other enclosed spaces that you do not frequent.

You may think “they should know better” but in reality, the human has failed to provide a timely potty break or allowed too much freedom before the puppy is ready and she should not be blamed.

If you discover a potty mess from your puppy or dog, take them outside without being upset, then clean the soiled area

with a product that has enzymes to break down urine and feces so all evidence of the mess and its scent is removed. It’s our job as dog parents to teach our fur kids where to eliminate with positive reinforcement rather than punishment after the fact. It does no good to shut the barn door after the horse escapes.

Troubleshooting

If your puppy comes in and quickly has an accident, try giving her a potty break: bring her in and crate for an additional fifteen minutes, and then take her out for another potty break. Some puppies actually need to go twice because they are so easily distracted. They go outside and potty just enough to relieve the urge before moving on to something more fun.

If your puppy is soiling the crate and having lots of accidents, ask yourself, “Am I sticking with a feeding schedule or giving too many big treats in between meals?”

If she is eliminating all over the house, it’s probably a sign of too much freedom before she is ready. It’s better to limit the puppy’s freedom early on in order to teach her where to eliminate before bad habits develop.

Let’s Recap • Limit freedom while house training.

• Set up an appropriate schedule for breaks depending on the age and size of your puppy or dog.

• Take her out and reward her with a small, delicious treat as she eliminates or just as she finishes. Do NOT reward for coming back in the house. This encourages her to skip the potty part and simply head for the door to get her a treat.

• NEVER punish your puppy or dog for accidents. This can lead to bigger issues and delay house training success.

• Let your puppy or dog drag a leash, while supervised, so you have a quick way to hurry outside when she gives signs that she needs to go.

• Schedule meals.

• Be diligent in your supervision.

Accidents are human error, not intentional acts by your puppy or dog.

• If you are not achieving potty training success call a positive, force-free trainer.

May/June 2018 • 23

Doggone Allergies Written by Dr. Zac Coldiron, DVM, Stoneridge Animal Hospital

Allergic reactions are the result of an overactive immune system. When a dog’s immune system perceives a nonharmful substance (allergens) to be harmful, allergic reactions occur. Some allergic reactions are immediate after exposure, but many are delayed and do not become evident for 3-7 days after exposure.

This can make it difficult to identify the cause of the reaction.

24 • The Dog Dish Magazine

How will I know if my dog is suffering from allergies?

In dogs, allergies tend to manifest as severe itching. A dog that is itchy with allergies may lick, chew, or scratch incessantly. Areas of the body that seem to be affected most often are the armpits, belly, paws and face. Food allergies are also possible in dogs and may manifest through signs like vomiting or diarrhea, as well as some of the previously mentioned skin manifestations.

What are some common allergens in dogs?

The most common allergy seen in dogs is the result of flea bites. Flea allergy dermatitis is a result of the dog becoming allergic to a protein in the saliva of the flea. It’s important to remember that only one flea bite is needed for the allergic reaction to occur, and that a reaction may not be seen for several days after the exposure, thus complicating the diagnosis. Often times, dogs suffering from flea allergy dermatitis will excessively chew the area at the base of their tail. Make sure to keep your dog up to date with flea and tick prevention. A flea infestation is a very uncomfortable predicament for your furry friend.

Common environmental allergens include fleas, dust mites, mold spores and pollens from grasses, weeds, trees, and flowers. Food allergies associated with particular proteins in his diet are also common.

•

•

How can I treat my dog’s allergies?

Unfortunately, environmental and food allergies can be managed but not cured, and follow-up exams are required to assess the response to treatment and modify the treatments as needed. Current treatment options include: •

Antihistamines (e.g., Benedryl) – These are relatively safe, available over the counter, and used to prevent an allergic reaction. Because histamine release is only one of many causes for itching, antihistamines work best when used in combination with corticosteroids.

•

Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Dexamethasone) – These medications can be in an oral or injectable form and are very effective at relieving the itch in dogs. Some corticosteroids are long-acting and must be used with caution. Negative side-effects can be seen in dogs with long-term use.

Atopica – This oral medication helps control itching in a large number of cases with fewer negative long-term side effects. However, it can cause gastrointestinal upset and is fairly expensive.

Apoquel – This oral medication relieves itching in four hours, is safe for long-term use and in combination with many other drugs and does not carry the risk of negative side effects like corticosteroids.

•

Cytopoint – Cytopoint is an injection that offers 4-8 weeks of itch relief with a single injection. It is very safe, even in pets with concomitant diseases or on other medications.

•

Allergy Shot – Injections specifically formulated for the individual dog based on the results of an allergy test.

Diluted amounts of specific allergens are injected consistently and over time will gradually reduce allergy symptoms via desensitization.

•

Shampoos, Rinses and Conditioners – These products often contain steroids, antiseptics, and antifungal medications. When used consistently

and correctly, these products can help significantly. Sporadic use will not produce the desired results.

•

Flea control products – There are many high-quality flea control products on the market. Ask your veterinarian what they would recommend for your pet. Flea allergy dermatitis, unlike most other allergies, is preventable!

•

Food Trial/Elimination Diet – A novel diet, meaning it is made up on hypoallergenic ingredients that your dog has previously never been exposed to, is fed for a specified amount of time to see if the allergic reaction stops. Your vet may or may not recommend introducing a small amount of the food allergen will be added back into the diet. Another reaction at that point will confirm the diagnosis of that particular allergen.

Allergies that go untreated lead to traumatized skin, infections, inflammation, and a lot of discomfort for you dog. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from allergies, talk to your veterinarian about treatment options to keep your dog feeling great!

New name, everything else is the same!

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All Natural Dog and Cat Food All Natural Treats Organic Spa Products Bedding Toys, Leashes, Collars, Bowls

Self-Serve Dog Wash May/June 2018 • 25

A Dog Parent’s Guide to Good Patio Etiquette

Know Your Dog Before you head to your favorite patio with your fur kid, consider if it’s something she will enjoy and if it’s an environment where she’ll behave well. If she’s prone to over-stimulation by lots of activity, a hoppin’ patio might not be the best fit for her. Also, keep in mind that she may encounter other dogs. If she is more comfortable being the only dog at the party, skip the patio.

26 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Call Ahead If you’re planning to visit a restaurant patio you haven’t been to before, give them a call first to confirm pups are welcome.

Be Weather Aware Check your favorite weather app before you head out the door. Even a shaded patio won’t be comfortable for your dog on an extra toasty Oklahoma summer afternoon.

Exert Some Energy First It will be less stressful for you and more enjoyable for other diners on the patio if she’s had an opportunity to run off some steam before settling down on the patio. An overly rambunctious pooch won’t be fun for anyone.

Shore Up Sparky’s Obedience Skills It’s important that your dog minds her manners. Excessive barking, whining, or jumping are not good table manners! Teach her to sit or lay down peacefully while you enjoy your meal.

Keep Fido Close Because a lot of restaurant patios are fairly close quarters, make sure you’ve got your dog on a short leash. She should stay near or under your table and should not roam around begging for snacks from other patio guests.

Be Considerate Some people (although we truly can’t imagine!) might not want to interact with a dog. Be respectful of other diners who may prefer a dog-free setting. This is where the short leash and good manners come in handy!

BYOBB Bring your own bowl and bag! A lot of dogfriendly patios have water bowls available, but not all. Go ahead and bring a water bowl along so your pup isn’t thirsty. Even more important is to bring your clean up bag. If you notice your dog acting like she needs to “go,” take her to a grassy area away from the patio and be sure to pick up after her.

Have an Exit Strategy Let’s face it, sometimes our dogs just don’t cooperate with the plans we made for them.

That’s okay! If your dog isn’t feelin’ the patio vibe, ask for a doggy bag and hit the road, Jack.

Have Fun! It can be so much fun to enjoy a tasty bite or refreshing beverage on the patio with your best fur friend! Just be sure you and your dog are practicing good patio etiquette and that your dog is actually enjoying herself.

May/June 2018 • 27

What to Look for In a Dog Sitter Our friends from Welcome Home Pet Care share some tips for choosing a sitter for your pooch before you head out on summer vacation!

Written by Natalie Oates, Welcome Home Pet Care

When you’re preparing for a vacation where do your fur kids fall on the list of “to-do’s?” Will you find yourself scrambling to find someone to feed your dogs this summer? Did you include the cost of pet care in your vacation budget? It’s always best to plan ahead and to take extra care to ensure you have made safe and comfortable arrangements for your pets while you are away.

Some fur kids find a boarding facility environment to be quite stressful. It’s a lot of new sounds, smells, and unfamiliar people and pets, and your dog may find that to be pretty frightening. Perhaps your family would benefit from having a professional pet sitter as part of your pack. Professional pet sitters come to your home to provide care and companionship for your furry family in their own environment. This allows them to stay in a familiar setting and maintain something close to their normal routine for feeding and outside breaks. Staying at home also minimizes their potential exposure to illnesses. Sickness can spread quite easily in a boarding facility. Having someone come to your home on a regular basis helps ensure your pup stays safe, healthy, and loved.

When searching for a pet sitter, look for someone who is insured and bonded, and who is trained in pet CPR and firstaid. A professional pet sitter should provide a service agreement or contract for you 28 • The Dog Dish Magazine

to sign and will also ask about specific details of care for your pets. Ideally, a pet sitter will also belong to a professional association and participate in continuing education. They will have protocols in place to deal with sick or injured animals, tips and tricks to get a finicky pet to eat, and will be able to administer any medications your pet may need.

A professional pet sitter should always require an initial meeting in advance of scheduling any services. They should ask you to provide detailed information on your pets, including veterinary information so that they can obtain emergency care if needed, and any local emergency contacts.

During this initial meeting, a potential pet sitter will interact with and evaluate your pets to determine whether the relationship can be successful. Hopefully you will come to know this person as someone you can trust with your pets and your home. It’s not wise to have a person your fur kids see as a stranger enter your home. They may be fearful or territorial, which would make it difficult or even dangerous for that person to care for your pets. Not to mention the fact that a fearful pet may try to dart out the door… a phone call nobody wants to get on their summer vacation. A reputable pet sitter will always insist on meeting your pets (and you) first.

Professional pet sitters are small business owners who are invested in the community. They strive to provide the best

care possible and are committed to your pet’s well-being and safety. Many offer other services as well, such as dog-walking, mid-day potty breaks, or pet taxi services.

An added bonus of hiring a pet sitter is that they will often also take care of your home while you are gone by bringing in mail, changing lights, watering plants, and making sure your pipes don’t freeze in the winter!

When you have a trusted pet sitter on your team, you can feel comfortable in the knowledge that your pets, whether they be furry, feathery, or otherwise, are receiving quality care and companionship in the comfort of their own home. Don’t forget to include the cost of pet care in your travel budget and plan ahead so that you can be sure to get on your favorite pet sitter’s schedule!

LOCAL RESOURCE GUIDE Your guide to the best dog groomers, veterinarians, doggie daycares, boarding facilities, and more in the Oklahoma City metro area.

Dog Sitting/Dog Walking Deep Deuce Dog Walker 405-757-9497 www.thedeepdeucedogwalker.com

Savvy Pet Sitter 405-219-0011 www.savvypetsitter.com

Welcome Home Pet Care 405-657-8085 www.welcomehomepetcare.com

Veterinarians Midtown Vets Oklahoma City 405-606-4477 www.midtownvets.com

Neel Veterinary Hospital Oklahoma City 405-947-8387 www.neelvet.com

Woodlake Animal Hospital Oklahoma City 405-721-6604 www.facebook.com/ woodlakeanimalhospital

Professional Trainers Full Circle Obedience Oklahoma City 405-721-7829 www.fullcircleobedience.com

Barkley University Oklahoma City 405-652-9843 www.barkleyuniversityokc.com

ROC Animal Training & Behavior

Courtni Daily, Mortgage Loan Originator

405-201-3806 www.rocanimaltraining.com

405-239-0915 www.facebook.com/ LoanOfficerCourtni

Retail All Fur Paws Edmond 405-348-6888 www.allfurpawsok.com

BONE Dog Boutique & Self-Service Dog Wash Oklahoma City 405-600-3460 www.facebook.com/Boneokc

Three Dog Bakery Edmond 405-697-2868 www.facebook.com/ ThreeDogBakeryOK

Specialty Services OKC Pet Waste 405-822-3772 www.okcpetwaste.com www.facebook.com/okcpetwaste

Precious Pets Cemetery

DentalWorks by Edwina V Johnson Oklahoma City 405-557-1245 www.evjdentalworks.com

Nancy V Lynn, Realtor with Metro Brokers of Oklahoma 405-831-6964 www.facebook.com/nancyvlynn

Earthborn Holistic Foods (Made in Oklahoma) www.earthbornholisticpetfood.com

Grooming Fluffy Mustaches Pet Grooming Mustang 405-885-3600

Pawsh Edmond 405-696-9420

Spencer 405-771-5510 www.preciouspetscemetery.com

Woof Works Pet Concierge 405-300-0411 www.petconciergeok.wordpress.com

Friends of Fido Bajaj Plastic Surgery Oklahoma City 405-810-8448 www.bajajplasticsurgery.com

May/June 2018 • 29

Hello, fur friends! It’s me, Molly!

Are you as excited as I am that summer is finally here? I love to sunbathe in the backyard in the summertime. These peanut butter cookies are a great snack after a day of lounging by the pool, or just an afternoon of couch poatatoing.

Mom says they’re really quick and easy, too. Tell your pawrents you want to try them! They’re doggone delicious!

Molly’s Super Simple Peanut Butter Cookies 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Add pumpkin, peanut butter, flaxseeds and water (or eggs, if using), and maple syrup to a medium mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer until very smooth.

3. Add flour and mix until well incorporated. You might need to use your hands as the dough is thick.

4. Kneed the dough a few times, then roll out to about ¼ inch thick.

5. Cut out round cookies and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Make crisscross patterns with a fork if desired.

6. Bake 18-20 minutes. Store in an airtight container for about a week.

• • • • • •

2 cups wheat flour 2/3 cup plain pumpkin puree ¼ cup creamy peanut butter 2 scant tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water, or 2 eggs 1 teaspoon maple syrup Small, round cookie cutter

30 • The Dog Dish Magazine

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