The Dog Dish Magazine - September/October 2015

u 15 Ways to Enjoy Fall with Your Pooch

September/October 2015

Wag & Brag: OKC’s Cutest Pooches!

Fido, Fall & Fraidy Stuff

5 ESSENTIALS for Your Dog’s Longest Life

GIMME SHELTER How You Can Help Shelter Dogs Today

Best Apps for Dog Parents

We Asked...

What’s Your Dog’s Biggest Fear/Phobia?

Beautiful Pet Portraits In-home consultation & session Custom design prints & albums Additional photography services available

“Moments in our lives are precious.

Capturing those moments is remarkable.

Preserving them is priceless!”

On

lOcatiOn, lifestyle phOtOgraphy

serving

strOng

all Of

OKc &

surrOunding areas

suppOrter Of all animal rescues

pet pOrtraits, family pOrtraits, Wedding phOtOgraphy in Business

since

2007

(405) 470-3600 • www.imagineifphoto.com

LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER: Photo by Imagine If Photography

Hello readers! Thanks for picking up a copy of The Dog Dish, the lifestyle magazine for Oklahoma City dog lovers. Our cover dog for this issue is a beautiful Boxer/Pit Bull mix from the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division (aka OKC Animal Shelter) who has also spent some time in my home as a foster.

She is just as sweet and goofy as can be, and is a great example of the wonderful dogs available for adoption at the shelter. Please always consider adoption first. We share some other fun and easy ways you can help shelter dogs on page 28.

The purpose of this magazine is not only to monetarily support the local rescue community and promote spay, neuter and adoption, but also to encourage dog parents to consider their dogs in everything they do. We hope to inspire you to live life with your dogs, and that means to (safely) involve your dog in some of the activities you enjoy. From boating, kayaking, shopping, camping, hiking and traveling, to wining, dining and everything in between, we’ll keep you in the know about what you can do in the OKC metro with your best friend. If you ever have suggestions or ideas for us, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Keep your photos coming! We love seeing you and your dog enjoying activities around the metro together. We received some very cute photo submissions for our Wag & Brag this issue. Check them out on page 20.

Doggone cuteness, galore!

School is back in session and Halloween is just around the corner! We share 15 fun ways to enjoy the cooler fall weather on page 24. If you’re planning to take your dog to festivals or trick-or-treating, you’ll definitely want to check out the article from Full Circle Obedience on page 16. They share some very helpful tips and suggestions.

We’ve got some great information for you in this issue. We all want our dogs to live longer, so make sure you check out the article from Midtown Vets on five essentials for your dog’s longest life. Make sure you check out the article from Dr. Brian Jones from Woodlake Animal Hospital on fears, phobias, and anxieties of our canine friends. We appreciated you sharing your own dog’s fears and phobias, so thank you for your responses!

If you would like to receive a copy of The Dog Dish directly to your home or business, you can now subscribe online at thedogdishok.com. Click the Subscribe button at the bottom of the page and fill in your information. Or you can always grab a free copy at one of our many partner businesses around the metro or online.

As always, we ask that you please show your support for the businesses you find listed throughout this issue. If you love the magazine, please show them some love, too! Without their support, The Dog Dish would not exist and we cannot thank them enough. When you visit their businesses, please tell them you saw them in The Dog Dish Magazine.

See you in November!

Jennifer Pape 4 • The Dog Dish Magazine

PUBLISHER: Jennifer Pape jennifer@thedogdishok.com EDITOR: Jena Barber ART DIRECTOR: Shane Kroutil The Art House thearthouse@coxinet.net PHOTOGRAPHER: Pam Meyers, Imagine If Photography OPERATIONS MANAGER: Josh Pape josh@thedogdishok.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Brian Jones, DVM, Woodlake Animal Hospital Shelley Erdman, Full Circle Obedience School Erin Reiser-Ayres, DVM, Midtown Vets Julie Bank, The City of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division Abby Wolfe, Central Oklahoma Humane Society ADVERTISING SALES: (405) 323-4574 advertise@thedogdishok.com P.O. Box 31671 Edmond, OK 73003 info@thedogdishok.com www.thedogdishok.com The Dog Dish Magazine Copyright 2015 Cover to Cover facebook.com/thedogdishmagazine @thedogdishmagazine @thedogdishmag thedogdish The Dog Dish Magazine info@thedogdishok.com

UPCOMING EVENTS: SEPTEMBER

September 12 – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

A DOG WALK IN THE PARK Duffner Park Vendors, children and dog’s activities, costume contest, 1.5 mile walk. Benefits The Bella Foundation SPCA. September 17 - Thursday, 6 - 7 p.m.

CHILDREN READING TO DOGS Belle Isle Library Young readers build “pawsitive” selfesteem, self-confidence and improve their reading skills while reading aloud to certified therapy dogs.

September 19 – Saturday, 6 p.m.

HEARD ON HURD Downtown Edmond Enjoy local food trucks, local music, and local shopping. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

September 19 - Saturday, 7 p.m.

POP ART YOUR PET Paint Your Art Out, Edmond Show your love for your dog/cat by painting a portrait of him! This is a fun, familyfriendly painting session at Paint Your Art Out. $45 for the painting. Register online at www.paintyourartout.net.

September 22 - Tuesday, 7 - 8 p.m.

CHILDREN READING TO DOGS Midwest City Library - Family Place (FAM) Young readers build “pawsitive” selfesteem, self-confidence and improve their reading skills while reading aloud to certified therapy dogs.

September 25 – Friday, 7 p.m.

H&8TH NIGHT MARKET Midtown on Hudson Ave. Local food, drinks and entertainment.

Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome, but beware of large crowds.

September 26 - Saturday, 11:30 a.m.

PUTTS FOR MUTTS 3201 Market Pl., Norman Join the Central Oklahoma Parrothead Association for their annual Putts for Mutts miniature golf tournament. The event will feature a silent auction and mini golf fun plus all proceeds benefit OK Humane!

September 26 – Saturday

OK HUMANE HERO AWARDS GALA Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club Second annual event honoring inspirational heroes with extraordinary tales. Ticket sales end September 10. Tickets can be purchased at www.okhumaneheroes.com.

October 17 – Saturday, 6 p.m.

HEARD ON HURD Downtown Edmond Enjoy local food trucks, local music, and local shopping. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

October 21 - Wednesday, 6 - 7 p.m.

September 26 Saturday, Noon - 5:45 p.m.

GET YOUR LICKS ON ROUTE 66 PET ADOPTION TOUR OKC Animal Shelter, 2811 SE 29th St Looking for your new best friend? Head over to the OKC Animal Shelter for a huge adoption event plus great prizes!

CHILDREN READING TO DOGS The Village Library - Children’s Area Young readers build “pawsitive” selfesteem, self-confidence and improve their reading skills while reading aloud to certified therapy dogs.

October 24 – Saturday, 2 – 6 p.m.

September 27 – Sunday, Noon – 4 p.m.

RUNNIN’ FOR THE RESCUES Duffner Park Dog-friendly 5k run/walk, food trucks, carnival games, and fun for the whole family! Registration fee goes to support 25+ rescues in attendance.

OCTOBER October 6 - Tuesday, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

CHILDREN READING TO DOGS Edmond Library Young readers build “pawsitive” selfesteem, self-confidence and improve their reading skills while reading aloud to certified therapy dogs.

October 11 – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

BARKTOBERFEST Choctaw Creek Park Halloween fun for the whole family! Food trucks, games, prizes, contests, and more.

Bring your dog! Benefits The Underdogs Rescue.

October 11 – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

RALLY AROUND THE PITS MOTORCYCLE RALLY/ADOPTION EVENT Free, family- and pet-friendly event.

Poker run, live music featuring Mudflap Nichols and the Twisted Spokes, raffles, silent auction, and much more. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. All net proceeds are donated to the participating rescues, including Bald and Bully and PitEssentials Rescue. For more information, email rallyaroundthepits@yahoo.com.

SPOOKSVILLE Yukon’s Haunted House and Carnival Halloween festival featuring dog costume contest, kid’s costume contest, carnival area with games, clowns, magicians, and lots of candy. Costume contests begin at 2 p.m., carnival and haunted house is open from 3-6 p.m. Admission is $3 per person. For more information, call (405) 354-8442 or (405) 350-8937. Dogs welcome.

October 25 - Sunday, 1 p.m.

POOCH PARADE Grand Blvd in Nichols Hills Doggies should dress to the nine and bring their two-legged humans to this fun-filled event! Benefits Animal Rescue Friends.

October 30 – Friday, 7 p.m.

H&8TH NIGHT MARKET Midtown on Hudson Ave. Local food, drinks and entertainment.

Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome, but beware of large crowds.

KEEP CURRENT ON LOCAL DOG-FRIENDLY EVENTS AT WWW.THEDOGDISHOK.COM September/October 2015 • 5

ABOUT OUR COVER:

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 UPCOMING EVENTS

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

10 PHOBIAS, FEARS & ANXIETY Ways to deal with phobias, fears and anxieties in our canine friends.

14 RESTAURANT HOPPING: DELIGHTFUL DINNER WITH YOUR DOG Our cover dog for this issue is a beautiful Boxer/Pit Bull mix from the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division (aka OKC Animal Shelter). She is just as sweet and goofy as can be, and is a great example of the types of wonderful dogs available for adoption at the shelter. Please always consider adoption first.

We share some other fun and easy ways you can help shelter dogs on page 28.

What better way to explore all that OKC has to offer than by restaurant hopping?

REGULAR FEATURES 4

Publisher’s Letter

9

Chloe’s Corner

12 We Asked…

16 FIDO, FALL, AND FRAIDY STUFF

School is back in session and Halloween is around the corner. How should you prepare your dog?

19 DOG APPS: DOG DISH TOP PICKS The best apps that all pooch parents should have.

22 FIVE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR DOG’S LONGEST LIFE We all want our dogs to live longer.

Check out the five essentials all dog parents need to know.

24 15 WAYS TO ENJOY FALL WITH YOUR POOCH Fall is here! Get out and enjoy it with these tips and ideas.

26 ANCHOR DOWN Cool new development goes to the dogs.

28 GIMME SHELTER Find out easy ways you can help shelter dogs today.

30 LET’S TALK PIT BULLS Why do they have such a bad reputation? What should people know before adopting a pit bull?

20 Wag & Brag

SUBSCRIBE Receive a year of The Dog Dish Magazine right to your home or business for only $29.94.

Cosmo has hidden his Pumpkin, somewhere in this issue! Find it and email the location to info@thedogdishok.com to be entered in to a drawing to win a FREE $50 GIFT CARD. Drawing will take place November 2.

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT www.thedogdishok.com

6 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Whether it’s a truck full of our delicious dogs or a build-your-own bar with toppings galore, let Mutts Amazing Hot Dogs cater your next event!

Find us on Facebook to see our latest truck schedule, or come see us at 1400 NW 23rd St.!

405-525-DOGS Mutts hot dogs are made with kosher, all beef franks.

Gluten free and vegetarian options available.

Huntington Jewelers Doggie Adoption Day

8 • The Dog Dish Magazine

CHLOE’S CORNER: REVIEWS FOR DOGS BY DOGS

Hi! It’s me, Chloe! I want to tell you about one of my absolute favorite places to go on a weekly basis. Several months ago my mom and dad started taking me to doggie daycare. They said I should go so I can make new friends and get out some of my energy. At first I was a little nervous about it, because life can be really scary when I’m not around my family. The nice ladies at The Pawparazzi Lounge are so nice to me,

though, and they give me lots of love and kisses.

I’ve made a lot of new fur-iends that I enjoy seeing every week. We love to run around all day and I especially love it when I get to play ball. The ladies say I’m an athlete, whatever that means. During nap time they have fun treats for me, too, like Kongs filled with peanut butter or yummy cookies. They also have convenient hours for my parents to drop me off and pick me up before and after work with no problem.

Mom and dad love watching me play on the live webcams. When they pick me up, I’m pretty tired and ready to relax. They seem pretty happy about that. I love The Pawparazzi Lounge.

It’s the perfect place for daycare or for a staycation while your ‘rents are away. Come play with us because I know you will love it too!

You can learn more by visiting them online at www. pawparazzilounge.com.

WOOF!

Chloe

Edmond’s Premier Dog Daycare

Boarding & 5 Star Bathing Services

Book your dog’s holiday staycation now!

Tail-Wagging Fun

In a safe, colorful and stimulating environment

405.341.0057

lAnnual vaccine packages with heartworm checks lGeneral surgery and dental care l Senior pet care lOn-site pharmacy lNutrition counseling l Indoor dog and cat boarding facility lProfessional grooming Dr. Tomlinson Dr. Krenek Dr. Farr

405-359-6301

3724 E. 2nd Street, Suite. A • Edmond • www.pawparazzilounge.com Pawp-Lounge 1.3 SEP/Oct pgad.indd 1

l Comprehensive medical care

Conveniently located just off I-35 in Edmond.

8/25/15 3:52 PM

September/October 2015 • 9

PHOBIAS,

FEARS AND

ANXIETY WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Crashing sounds of thunder, the booming and popping of fireworks, the jingle of your keys as you leave for work every morning, the unexpected ring of the doorbell in the middle of the day and even a trip in the car to your friendly veterinarian can all be fearful events in the eyes of your four-legged companion.

Phobias, fears and anxiety all mean something different when it comes to the behavior of your dog.

ANXIETY is a generalized state of apprehension in anticipation of a fear-causing stimulus. The response may be initiated by a real threat or danger, but anxiety may also occur if there are other signs associated with the impending event (i.e. the drive to the veterinary clinic) or with no threat at all. The dog’s anxiety may be reasonable or unreasonable when compared to the relative threat, and may persist well after the threat is no longer evident.

Learning and past experience often contribute to the development of anxieties, but some dogs have generalized anxiety regarding change in routine or exposure to new things.

FEAR is characterized by an emotional state in response to a real threat or danger. The response may be emotional or physical (panting, increased heart rate, fleeing or even aggression). Generally, this response occurs when the stimulus (the threat or danger) is apparent, and it often dissipates soon after the fear is no longer evident.

A PHOBIA is an extreme emotional and physical state of distress in response to a real or anticipated stimulus response. The dog’s actions are so extreme that daily activities such as eating, resting or eliminating may be affected. The dog may be so focused on escape or panic that he can injure himself or others. Dogs who display these severe, persistent and extreme responses would benefit from an assessment and the recommendations of a board certified veterinary behaviorist.

10 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Written by Brian Jones, DVM, Woodlake Animal Hospital

THE FEAR RESPONSE

Dogs may respond in different ways when forced to deal with fears. Escape is always a natural and obvious response, but sometimes escape isn’t possible.

Dogs’ responses to fear may be subtle; often they just freeze. Sometimes they orient toward the fear-causing stimulus, ready to respond if needed, and other times they look away in appeasement hoping the threatening creature will get the message to diminish the threat.

Some animals may become aggressive, which is a defensive response designed to give more emphasis to communication and is intended to drive away the person, dog or animal causing the fear. This may be more likely to occur when a dog is on a leash, since retreat is not possible and a display of appeasement communication may be limited.

Some animals learn aggression is successful at thwarting a potential attack, even if the attack was only perceived and would never have occurred. Other animals learn to seek refuge in a safe, secure location, which could be in the home, outside the home, under a bed or in a crate.

Forcing dogs to “face their fears” often results in increasing fear and stress rather than alleviating the underlying unpleasant emotional response. Punishment never alleviates anxiety and often, dogs may be punished in an effort to get them to stop performing undesirable behaviors. If the dog is afraid and retreats to the back of the couch in an effort to escape, punishment for getting on the couch will not alleviate the fear. Providing a better, safer retreat is important.

Animals assess a situation based on their past experiences, and their prediction of likely outcomes motivates their behavioral response. If thunderstorm noises terrified a cat and the frightening noises became muffled when the cat went under the bed, then the cat may seek refuge in this location again. If a dog was going outside just as the lightning struck the neighbor’s house, he may not be willing to venture out in the rain again; he may even choose to eliminate in the home rather than go out in rain.

Many dogs become comfortable and relax in response to fear-evoking stimuli naturally; that is, they habituate. So, when most dogs face a relatively mild stimulus that startles them momentarily, they will observe, investigate and recover spontaneously. For these emotionally stable dogs, the human response may not be important or relevant in the dog’s response.

Many dogs may be calmed by comforting gestures. Other dogs, especially more sensitive, reactive or attached dogs, will take cues from their parents; if the parents are calm, the dog calms down. If humans display hysteria or confusion, the dog assumes there is justification for this dramatic response. The fear or anxiety response displayed by their favored human may either contribute to the development of a fearful memory or aid this adjustment process. When the dog is exposed to a severe fear-evoking stimulus, it is not simply enough to ignore the dog’s attention-seeking response and hope the dog will adjust naturally and learn that attention-seeking behaviors are not helpful.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

For the dog with a severe fear or phobia, a learned response has already become a pattern. The pattern could even start with a single event if the stimulus was terribly frightening at the first exposure.

These dogs do not readily habituate naturally once the severe fear or phobia is established. These severely affected dogs do not just get better on their own.

So, should we reassure or ignore a dog that is fearful? The simplest answer may be to ignore mild responses to mild anxiety-evoking events if you can observe the dog closely to see if he can recover spontaneously as this is natural and appropriate. But for the dog that is severely fearful - help gently guide him into a calmer response and coping strategy. Avoid adding to the emotional trauma.

Strategies for calming a phobic dog may include helping him to find a safe place to hide, or using a leash and maybe a head halter to reduce pacing. You can settle with him on a dog bed and massage him gently and calmly. Severely phobic dogs need a complete program and these strategies merely get him through a fearful experience; contact your veterinarian to discuss use of medications and behavior modification strategies.

For thunderstorms, you can play sounds to associate them with pleasant outcomes. Some programs that offer gradual and positive exposure to noises in a non-threatening manner (systematic desensitization and counter conditioning) are useful to treat and prevent progression of noise-related fears. Rehearsing a safe haven routine or redirection strategy while listening to recordings of storm noises will prepare your dog for more imposing threats.

To avoid making your dog’s anxiety worse, don’t panic or show your own anxiety during storms. You may reassure him to encourage relaxation or direct him with obedience or trick cues. If your dog’s anxiety is minimal and he startles but recovers quickly, it may be appropriate for you to ignore him and observe his natural ability to adapt to storms (habituation).

Ignoring severe anxiety or extreme displays when the dog is not likely to adapt naturally is not necessary and may be confusing and could contribute to your dog’s anxiety. If his anxiety persists, seems extreme or your dog is at risk for selfinjury, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

For separation anxiety, resist

Pharmacological, Pheromonotherapy and Botanical Interventions For very anxious animals, it is essential to reduce anxiety during a perceived fear or phobia to prevent worsening of the anxiety and allow management and treatment options to be successful. Select interventions based upon the severity of the anxiety and the severity of the phobia. Dogs with severe anxiety may benefit from long-term management medications such as fluoxetine (Reconcile) or clomipramine (Clomicalm). These medications can take four to six weeks to work properly. More rapidly-acting medication like Valium or Xanex may be given immediately prior to or even during a fearful event.

Intermediate cases may require only rapidly-acting medications (such as Valium or Zanex) that can also be given immediately prior to or during a storm.

Pheromone intervention (D.A.P.® Dog Appeasing Pheromone) can be used with a continuous use collar or diffuser, or the spray can be used as an immediate intervention. Nutraceutical or natural products may also be beneficial, especially for dogs with mild anxiety. the temptation of petting a dog with separation anxiety when you are approached for play or contact. Be aloof when greeted upon arriving home. You should be the initiator of contact with your dog. Do not allow her to settle down in close proximity (within one yard) of where you’re settling down.

Arrange objects on the bed, sofa or floor so that your dog must settle at a greater distance. If possible, verbally reward her for settling at a distance (although taking care as continued attention may be seen by the dog as an invitation to approach, which is not the desired behavior). If your dog normally sleeps on your bed, provide her with her own bed.

You may need to start with the dog bed at the foot of your bed before ultimately moving her bed to the floor or even outside the room.

If there are other people in the home besides yourself, try to divide the care giving among the different people so that your dog is not as dependent on one person.

Encourage independent play by using interactive toys that do not require human participation (like a Kong toy containing a food reward).

It is also important to create a positive environment in your absence. There are several ways this might be achieved.

Provide a special treat (food, toy or both) only available when your dog is left alone.

Do not forget to remove the item when you return home. It is also helpful to have pheromone diffusers going at the same time or to leave the TV or radio on.

Your dog will not be fooled in to thinking that someone is home; the point is to recreate a sense of cozy relaxation.

Most people at home relax while listening to the radio or watching TV, and the dog often sits in the room relaxed, too.

The sound of the broadcast becomes a classically conditioned cue to your dog and may be helpful in creating a sense of comfort.

Dogs readily learn the cues that indicate that their parents will be leaving the house soon. It is helpful to uncouple these cues from the actual leaving. At random times, go through some of the rituals of leaving: put on cologne, shower, wear work clothes, jingle the car keys, even go outside and lock the door - but then come in again. This helps your dog to remain relaxed when she hears or sees these cues at the times when you are actually leaving. It is important to repeat these cues so many times daily that they become meaningless to your dog.

Do not punish your dog for behavior demonstrated in fear. Punishment usually only leads to more fear or more anxiety.

Unless the dog is actually in the process of performing the behavior you wish to discourage, she will not understand what behavior is being punished.

September/October 2015 • 11

We Asked…

s

12 • The Dog Dish Magazine

“Sadie May is terrified of thunder and lightning.” – Gail

“Riding in a car.” – Paula

“Balloons.” – Jaclyn

”

“

“Shadow, who loves kayaking ON the water, is scared to swim IN the water.”

– Karen

s

What’s Your Dog’s Biggest Fear/ Phobia?

“Aluminum foil.” – Diane “Going outside!

They are all spoiled and hate the outdoors.” – Karen

“Water!” - Shandelle

“Thunder.” – Dawn

“Loud noises.” – Lee Ann

s

“Bear is terrified of the vacuum cleaner.

She will hide as far away from it as she can possibly get.” – Lela

s

“Lola hates it when we pump the tires up on our bikes. Not sure what that’s about, but bikes are the only way we can keep up with her!” – Lindsay

“My sweet boy, Maverick, is terrified of windshield wipers, whether it’s in the car or on television. He flips out every time. Our girl, Charley, (the little one) is completely fearless.

Scares me to death!” – Morgan

“Hardwood floors.” – Lori

“Running out of treats!” – Joy

“Our subdivision is known for its elaborate fireworks. Let’s just say Nayland is team fizzle not team boom!” – Ellen

“Thunderstorms.” – David

“Anytime anyone sneezes.” – Melissa

“Scruffy hates the sound of food searing in a pan and the hood vent. It’s really sad!” – Kaila

“Being picked up from inside the car.” – Tiffany

“Fireworks and thunder.” – Jason

“The central AC unit coming on.”

– Brandon

“Sneezing.” – Peggy

s

“The toilet paper holder. Won’t even come near the bathroom. So weird!” – Amy

“Firecrackers.” – Kelly

s

“Roofers, or anyone on the roof really.

Pizza delivery man is a close second!” – Maranda & Christian

s

“Bath time and the vacuum cleaner.” – Holly

“Not afraid of anything.” – Rick

“Miles is scared of the blow dryer! She barks at it and tries to bite the air! I have to admit, it’s pretty funny!” – Laura

“Everything. And that’s not an exaggeration.” – Jamie September/October 2015 • 13

DOG-FRIENDLY WINERIES: Tres Suenos Winery & Vineyard – Luther

www.tressuenos.com Tastings are offered Noon to 6 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday.

RESTAURANT HOPPING:

A DELIGHTFUL DINNER

WITH YOUR DOG

W

hat better way to explore all that Oklahoma City has to offer you and your pooch than by restaurant hopping? Restaurant hopping is where you “hop” around to different restaurants, having an appetizer or drinks at one, dinner at another, and end with dessert at a different restaurant.

There are so many welcoming patios that you can easily restaurant hop with your dog by your side. It’s a perfect fall date night!

Are you a wine lover? The cooler fall air makes it a perfect time to check out one of the area’s best wineries as well.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite pooch-friendly places in the metro.

14 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Clauren Ridge Vineyard and Winery – Edmond

www.claurenridge.com Tasting hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Native Spirits Winery – Norman

www.nativespiritswinery.com Winery & tasting room hours are Noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Redbud Ridge Winery – Norman

www.redbudridgewinery.com Hours of operation are 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Strebel Creek Vineyard – Oklahoma City

www.strebelcreek.com Tasting hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

StableRidge Vineyards – Stroud

www.stableridgevineyards.com The winery is open seven days a week for tastings.

Always drink responsibly and arrange for transportation as you enjoy a winery tour around the metro.

Read more about these dog-friendly wineries at www.thedogdishok.com.

DOG-FRIENDLY

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RESTAURANT PATIOS:

Self-Serve Dog Wash All Natural Dog and Cat Food All Natural Treats Bedding

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Jazmo’z Bourbon Street Café Bolero Spanish Grill & Tapas Bar In the Raw Sushi Earl’s Rib Palace Fuzzy’s Taco Shop MIDTOWN

Iguana Mexican Grill Bleu Garten Café Do Brasil S&B’s Burger Joint Louies Bar & Grill Kaiser’s Diner UPTOWN

Pizza23 Sushi Neko The Pump Bar DEEP DEUCE Urban Johnnie* Deep Deuce Grill Anchor Down The Wedge Pizzeria PLAZA DISTRICT

Urban Wine Works Empire Slice House The Mule PASEO

Sauced Picasso Café The Other Room LAKE HEFNER

Louie’s Bar & Grill EDMOND

Upper Crust Othello’s The Patriarch NICHOLS HILLS

Holland’s Veterinary Referral Hospital Since 1996 Mollyann Holland DVM, DACVIM

Internal Medicine Specialist

Kimberly Reeds DVM, MS, DACVIM

Oncology Specialist

Our

dOctOrs have 35 years Of cOmbined experience We treat your pet with respect while providing specialized medicine, with stateof-the art equipment, in a caring and compassionate environment.

State of the art equipment: • CT • Ultrasound • Digital Radiography Appointments: • By Referral Only

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Professional Staff with over 80 years of combined experience

West** Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria * Bring your dog to Urban Johnnie’s patio and 15% of your ticket will be donated back to Pets and People Humane Society. ** Bring your dog to the patio at West and 15% of your ticket will be donated back to Central Oklahoma Humane Society.

9421 North Robinson • Oklahoma City, OK 73114 Phone: 405-842-2275 • Fax: 405-842-2285 • www.hvrhokc.com

September/October 2015 • 15

Fido, Fall, and Fraidy Stuff

Written by Shelley Erdman, Full Circle Obedience School

W

hile some of us hold tightly to the last vestiges of summer, there are many who eagerly

await fall and all the glory it offers. Cool, crisp weather; school; and the beginning of the holiday season are things to look forward to if you are a lover of fall.

If you are a dog parent, you may find some challenges with the coming of fall festivities. It’s likely Fido enjoys the weather change as much as anyone, but some of the other fall fun can bring about some fraidycat moments in the calmest of canines.

16 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Back to School

If you’re a stay-at-home parent sending the kids back to school, the house can become both soothing and eerily quiet for you and your fur-kid once school is in session. You and Fido may find yourselves missing the kids and all of the activities and playtime of the summer days.

This is a great time to take some short day trips to any of the wonderful dogfriendly places The Dog Dish recommends in every issue. Schedule some play dates with friends who have dogs who have play styles similar to your own dog’s style. It won’t be much fun for you or your dog if he is older, calm and laid back and you schedule an afternoon with your friend and her non-stop spring of a puppy.

You may find that Fido is a little restless with the kids back in school, so some mid-morning walks will make good use of his extra energy.

Whether you are a stay-at-home parent or work outside the home, you’ll need to help the kids and Fido transition back into the schoolyear routine. The school year brings about many challenges, especially finding enough time to get everything done. Days get shorter, weather gets cooler, school activities pop up, homework has to be done, and sometimes Fido is left to his own devices.

Dogs thrive on structure so remember to feed him on time, spend some time playing and training, and schedule walks so your busy life doesn’t leave Fido short-changed and looking to entertain himself by chewing things up or escaping from the yard to look for greener grass.

It is always amazing how creative dogs are in finding ways to escape their yard and make the trek to the nearest school playground. It is so important to have identification on your dog so he can be safely returned to you. Check out escapeproof fencing if you have a four-legged escape artist. Do-it-yourself options are

available, too.

If you want to bring Fido to school, choose a less chaotic time of day, which means not at the beginning or end of the school day. Your dog can get overwhelmed quickly when 400 kids and teachers are entering or exiting the building -- not to mention cars, bicycles, and buses all moving around. The noise and activity can be overwhelming to an under-socialized dog or puppy causing him to break free and run into traffic or get scared and snap at or bite someone.

If you have to bring your dog along to pick up the kids, set up a meeting place away from the commotion but safe and agreeable to the school. Never take Fido to school on a retractable lead because it can

become entangled or wrapped around legs and it allows him too much freedom too far from you.

If your child wants to bring Fido for show and tell or some special occasion, check with the front office before showing up with your dog in the classroom. Some schools are happy to let you bring the family dog in for a visit as long as the adult stays in control of the dog and children get to look but not necessarily pet the dog.

Many schools employ dogs as part

of their educational team. Therapy dogs are often found in school libraries and classrooms sitting quietly beside their handler, listening to a child read. Research shows that children who have trouble reading often find it more comfortable and make great gains when they read to a dog.

Improved test scores support the research.

If you think your dog would make a great therapy dog, contact an obedience school to find out the details.

Activities and Festivals

School is not the only fall event.

There are plenty of festivals such as Poteau’s Balloon Festival, Cordell’s Pumpkin Festival, Tulsa’s Oktoberfest, Oklahoma State Fair, and a host of other local and state activities. It’s important to check the website or call for information about any event you are interested in attending with Fido. Not all activities and festivals allow dogs. If dogs aren’t allowed, leave Fido in the comfort of his own living room with a good football game on rather than locking him in the car.

You will both enjoy the day more.

If you do take Fido to events, please remember to keep a short leash or buy a traffic lead. This will keep him from becoming tangled around people, prevent people from tripping over him, and ensure that you are in control of his interactions with others. Large, noisy crowds are often disastrous for an under-socialized, young, fearful, or anxious dog.

Do not use large events to begin socializing Fido or to help him “get over” his fear or anxiety with people. Fido should only accompany you to large events if he is comfortable in noisy crowds. If you have some work to do in the socialization department or have an anxious, fearful dog, seek the advice of a positive reinforcement trainer who can help you start with small, less crowded events.

September/October 2015 • 17

Does your fur baby think you’re angry?

Halloween

Halloween is certainly not a small event in our corner of the world. If your Halloween celebration includes a party you might want to consider crating Fido while the “scary” things arrive. If he is normally calm and good with kids and adults, bring him out on a leash while guests greet him calmly one at a time. If guests are wearing masks, ask them to remove them while Fido is present. Once he has greeted guests, let him return to his crate with a Kong filled with dog-appropriate goodness or a Primal bone so he can enjoy Halloween and you can tend to your guests.

Trick-or-treating is an experience we all remember fondly. Many dogs are wary of scarylooking beings running and squealing down the street, swinging big bags or the creepy “bwahha-ha” coming from the neighbor’s decorated lawn. Trick-or-treating with children requires your full attention, so let Fido nap while you take the kids on the neighborhood rounds. If you feel he is left out, curl up on the couch and watch Scooby Doo’s Halloween Special with him when you get home.

Remember, once you’ve checked all that trick-or-treat candy and taken your share for acting as chaperone, put the rest safely out of Fido’s reach. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, as are many other ingredients in candy. Xylitol, the sweetener in many sugar-free candies and gums, is extremely toxic to dogs. Make sure the kids don’t leave light sabers, magic wands, clown make-up, or other costume paraphernalia out for Fido to investigate with his mouth.

Costume accessories ingested by the family dog can take a real bite out of Halloween fun.

As summer fades into the realm of splashing memory and fall lines up to take its place, find some wonderful adventures that allow you to include your own Fido. It may be a fall festival, raking leaves, a family trip, a weekend camping trip, or doing homework by the fire – as long as they are with you, most dogs are content. With a little planning and some understanding of your dog’s temperament, your fall can be festive and fraidy free.

18 • The Dog Dish Magazine

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Dog Apps:

DOG DISH TOP PICKS

H

as your dog ever eaten something you weren’t sure was healthy and you panicked? Do you regularly walk your dog? We’ve compiled our top picks for apps that all dog parents should have.

iKibble WHY WE LOVE IT: How many times have you looked into those hungry hound-dog eyes and wondered, “Can I feed this to my dog?” Easily search common foods to see if your dog can or cannot eat them.

Available for iPhone and Android.

Pet Tech PetSaver WHY WE LOVE IT: This app is a must-have for dog parents, and it can save lives when the unexpected happens. It includes easy-tofollow, step-by-step instructions for CPR, first aid skills and daily care information. You can also access a comprehensive list of poisonous items that can be hazardous to your dog. While this doesn’t replace the vital skills taught in real-life Pet Tech CPR and first aid classes, the app is a great resource to have at your fingertips.

Available for iPhone and Android.

Walk for a Dog WHY WE LOVE IT: Do you regularly walk your dog? Why not help shelters at the same time? Walk for a Dog is an app that donates money to an animal shelter of your choosing every time you walk your dog.

Now that’s a win-win!

Available for iPhone and Android.

BringFido WHY WE LOVE IT: We love this app for obvious reasons. Here at The Dog Dish we believe in living life with our dogs, and that means bringing Fido with you. Looking for a dog-friendly hotel when you travel? What about local resources such as dog walkers, groomers and nearby dog-friendly attractions? BringFido gives you free on-the-go access to dog-friendly information worldwide.

Available for iPhone.

ASPCA Mobile App WHY WE LOVE IT: This free app allows dog parents to store vital medical records and provides information on making life-saving decisions during natural disasters. Lost your dog? Build a lost dog digital flyer that can be shared instantly on your social media channels, plus receive a personalized recovery kit including step-by-step instructions on how to search for a lost animal in a variety of circumstances.

Available for iPhone and Android.

September/October 2015 • 19

Alain Sebastian

Alli

Kirby Lou Dot

Daisy Leo & Roxy

20 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Chewie

Lily Maggie

Barkley

Silas & Evie

Watson

Oscar Wesley Mr Arnie Winston

Think you have the cutest dog?

Brag about it!

Sophie

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!

September/October 2015 • 21

FIVE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR DOG’S LONGEST LIFE

Written by Erin Reiser-Ayres, DVM, Midtown Vets

G

one are the days of dogs being considered just for their work – herding the cattle, tracking game, or eliminating small pests. Most of today’s dogs are “hired” for their companionship, and are truly members of the family. It is obvious, then, that you should want to do everything in your power to extend the quality and length of time you get to spend with your four-legged family member.

Preparing for a long, healthy life for your dog starts from day one – and through a partnership with your veterinarian. Paying close attention to five major areas can make great strides toward the long life your dog deserves:

Oral Care

Dogs need regular dental care much like you do – possibly even more so! Most dogs don’t brush their teeth every day, so it’s very important that dental check-ups are regularly scheduled with your veterinarian. Dental disease creates an obvious problem for your dog’s teeth and gums, but it can also lead to infection in the rest of his body if not addressed.

Quality Nutrition and Weight Control

Just as you need good nutrition to maintain your health, what a dog eats affects her overall health, and in turn the length of time you get to spend with her. There are a lot of options out there, each claiming to be the best. It is important that you speak with your veterinarian about which quality, highly digestible, scientifically backed food is right for your dog.

In addition to feeding your dog a quality diet, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight.

Obesity can significantly shorten the life of your dog and put her at higher risk for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, just to name a few. For dogs, food does not equal love.

22 • The Dog Dish Magazine

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Joint Care

As dogs age, their joint health will play a large role in their comfort and mobility.

Your veterinarian can recommend adding supplements to your senior dog’s diet to help keep his joints healthy. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces unnecessary wear and tear on his joints. The less it hurts your dog to move around, the more likely he will be to stay active.

Speaking of staying active…

Mental and Physical Exercise

Regular exercise is an essential aspect of keeping your dog young. Physical activity, however, is only half of the equation. It is important that you go on walks or runs with your dog, but it is also important to exercise her brain. Training sessions, food puzzles, and problem-solving games can help wear your dog’s (or cat’s!) brain out in addition to the physical exercise you’re doing together each day.

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Regular Physical Exams

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, regular visits with your veterinarian to monitor for any changes in your dog are essential. It is said, “an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure,” and this couldn’t be more true in the veterinary world. It is key for your dog to see a veterinarian at least once a year for preventative care. Visits should be more frequent for older dogs. The trained mind, eyes, ears, and hands of your vet can detect early disease and give your dog the best opportunity to stay healthy.

We all want our dogs to be with us as long as possible. Following these five guidelines can help ensure that your dog not only lives a long life, but a quality one!

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8613 SW 2nd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73128 September/October 2015 • 23

15 WAYS

TO ENJOY FALL FUN

WITH YOUR POOCH 1. Enroll in a 5K.

Set a goal for yourself and run a 5K! Your dog makes a great training partner, and there are many races that allow you to run/walk with your dog.

2. Go to a dog park.

Who’s up for a play date? Make new friends at one of the metro’s most pupular dog parks: Paw Park, Edmond Dog Park, or Myriad Gardens.

3. Restaurant Hop.

Explore the city’s best restaurants with your best friend by your side. Many restaurants have dog-friendly patios, and cooler fall air makes it more enjoyable for both of you. See tips and places to go on page 14.

24 • The Dog Dish Magazine

4. Make homemade dog treats.

…and give your dog a dollop of pumpkin as a healthy treat!

Check out our Pinterest page for some of our favorite homemade dog treat recipes. Your dog will love you for it.

5. Go for a walk.

Get out and enjoy the cooler fall air. Grab the leash and head out for a walk in your own neighborhood or one of the many parks around the metro.

6. Dress up together.

What better way to show the world how much you love your dog than by dressing up together? Twinsies! If your dog is a social butterfly, he may enjoy accompanying you during Halloween trick-or-treating. But first, make sure your dog is well socialized and comfortable around crowds of people. Check out safety tips from Full Circle Obedience School on page 16. Depending on your dog’s temperament, Halloween night may be too stressful for him and there are other ways to have fun, such as enrolling in a local costume contest.

7. Explore the outdoors.

10. Catch up on yard work.

Did the summer heat cause you to neglect your yard? Enlist the “help” of your cutest companion to join you as you work in your yard. If he’s a good boy, maybe you’ll even let him run and play in your big pile of raked leaves.

11. Go on a road trip.

Hop in the car and head out for a doggone fun weekend. We shared some of our favorite destinations for a weekend getaway in the July/August issue, available oline.

12. Kayaking!

Not sure where to go? Riversport Adventures in the Boathouse District rents out dog-friendly kayaks.

Now that the weather has cooled off, plan a camping, hiking or fishing trip with your pooch. At the very least, load up and take a drive to admire the changing colors of the trees.

13. Have some festival fun.

8. Watch college football from your favorite dog-friendly patio.

14. Say cheese.

Boomer Sooner! Go Pokes! What better way to cheer on your favorite team than on your favorite patio with your favorite companion? Not up for leaving the house? A game of football fetch in the back yard could be fun for all.

9. Take your pup on a winery tour.

The OKC metro is full of dog-friendly wineries. Check them out on pages 14-15.

Fall brings tons of fun festivals and friendly, leashed dogs are often welcome. Make sure your dog is comfortable in loud, busy crowds.

This is the perfect time of year to have professional family photos taken. Whether to display in your home or for upcoming holiday cards, the colorful fall foliage makes for gorgeous family photos (Fido included).

15. Cozy up.

Drink hot chocolate, watch your favorite scary movie and enjoy the best snuggle partner there is.

September/October 2015 • 25

Photo courtesy of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

OKLAHOMA CITY’S NEWEST

WATERING HOLE

Photo by Judson Copeland

FOR THE TWO-LEGGED AND FOUR-LEGGED

26 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Photo by Judson Copeland

ANCHOR DOWN

If you’ve been in downtown Oklahoma City recently, you’ve surely noticed the shipping containers at NE Second Street and Oklahoma Avenue, also known as the Deep Deuce District. The OK Sea development houses a new restaurant, Anchor Down, which opened in late June. The restaurant and bar is owned and operated by the successful owners of The Mule – Cody Rowan, John Harris and Joey Morris.

The restaurant specializes in craft drinks and gourmet corn dogs and opens to a 1,000-squarefoot patio that welcomes furry friends. The open land adjacent to the patio will become a dog park.

The dog park has been approved by the city and is expected to open in October.

“It’s really cool that it’s in shipping containers,” said Morris. “But to be dog-centric right at the footsteps of downtown living, and to have a dog park next to you and a huge patio makes it a really neat development.”

Photo courtesy of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Photo by Judson Copeland

Offering patrons a dog-friendly experience was second nature to Rowan, Harris and Morris as all three are dog lovers and have fur babies of their own.

“We love our pups,” said Morris.

The restaurant and bar has a casual late-night vibe that caters to the younger demographic that lives in the downtown area. The menu features hush puppies and corn chowder as starters, with five gourmet corn dogs and a slew of choices when it comes to cocktails and beer. Of course, the menu also includes a homemade vegan corn dog for meatless patrons to enjoy.

The shipping container-turnedrestaurant concept is as unique as they come, so it’s not surprising that Oklahoma City is quickly rivaling larger cities, like Dallas, that offer such establishments for residents. As Oklahoma natives themselves, it was important to Rowan, Harris and Morris to offer Oklahoma City a new and different experience.

“I think that the decade of niche is coming on,” said Rowan. “There is a want for that because there are so many different people with so many different things they are interested in.”

Anchor Down is the perfect place to have your dog and eat one, too.

If you and your fur baby check out Anchor Down together, don’t forget to share your photos with The Dog Dish.

September/October 2015 • 27

GIMME SHELTER HOW YOU CAN HELP SHELTER DOGS TODAY

Written by Julie Bank, Animal Welfare Superintendent, The City of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division

Consider the following ways to help:

Pete & Pat have volunteered at the OKC Shelter together every day for the past six months. They do everything from cleaning cages to walking dogs. Bonus: Pat has lost 25 pounds since she started walking dogs!

More than 13,000 homeless dogs of all different sizes, shapes and colors entered the OKC Animal Shelter last year because they had no one looking out for them. Some were strays with no identification. Others were surrendered by people whose changing life circumstances made it too difficult to care for them. Dogs that were once someone’s best friend end up alone in a shelter with food, water and medical care, but no family.

That’s where you can step in and make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs.

Anything you can offer will make them more comfortable and at peace while they wait for a forever home.

28 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Adding a dog to the family? Adopt.

Find a new best friend and save a life by adopting a dog or cat from a shelter or other adoption group. Most of these places post pictures of adoptable pets, and there are always adoption outreach events throughout the OKC metro. Help encourage others to adopt by sharing social media posts from shelters and adoption groups as well.

Volunteer with an animal organization.

Animal advocacy groups need all the help they can get. If you have extra time, you can walk or socialize with dogs, provide temporary foster care for a dog in need of extra support, or help in a low-cost clinic providing services to low-income pet owners. You can also help with laundry, cleaning, and other chores, or donating equipment and/or labor for small projects like building fenced outdoor dog runs.

You can volunteer on your own or with a group.

Donate.

There are more than 100 nonprofit and government organizations in the OKC metro that go above and beyond to save animals. Some are for all animals and others are for specific species or breeds. All are funded entirely or in part by donations, and they can use your support. Research

local groups and consider donating to one matching your philosophy about dogs.

Most organizations allow you to donate online, or you can ask for a wish list of items so you can buy them yourself.

Be a responsible pet parent.

Preventive measures help keep dogs from coming into the shelter in the first place. You can help reduce shelters’ overpopulation problem by making sure your dog is vaccinated, spayed or neutered, provided with medical care, regularly supplied with fresh food and water, kept safe in a fenced yard or on a leash when outside, and getting plenty of exercise.

No matter what your interest or motivation is for helping, your contributions will go a long way toward making an impact on our community’s homeless dog population. You can contact the following local organizations for volunteer opportunities, donation information and low-cost community services: OKC Animal Welfare, 2811 SE 29th Street, www.okc.gov/animalwelfare Central Oklahoma Humane Society, www.okhumane.org The Bella Foundation SPCA, www.thebellafoundation.org

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September/October 2015 • 29

With all the myths and misconceptions about pit bulls, it’s hard to keep fact and fiction straight. Why do they have such a bad reputation?

What should people know before adopting a pit bull?

F

irst, let’s talk about the name. The term “pit bull” doesn’t actually refer to a specific breed of dog. It’s

a term that describes a couple of types of

LET’S TALK

PIT BULLS Written by Abby Wolfe, Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Vicious? Hardly.

Sure, pit bulls can be aggressive, just like Golden Retrievers, Chihuahuas, and Cocker Spaniels can be. The fact is, they are no more likely to be vicious than any other breed. In fact, 240 breeds were tested by the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS), and pit bulls consistently achieved a passing rate that is as good as or better than most other breeds.

Dogs have individual personalities just like people. Just as human lives are changed by their surroundings and upbringing, so are dogs’ lives.

If a dog hasn’t been well socialized, he can become territorial and aggressive around other dogs. If a dog is under-socialized, it’s best to avoid places with uncontrolled environments. Ultimately, responsible pet parenting is the key to combating aggressive behavior through proper socialization. Intact males can also show aggression toward other dogs and humans. Simply neutering a male can help aggressive behaviors.

Pit Bulls Aren’t Snapping Turtles.

There is a myth out there saying pit bulls have special jaw mechanisms that allow them to clamp down and not let go. This is not true. A recent study by researchers at the University of Georgia showed that pit bulls do not have this mythical locking jaw function and are mechanically similar to most other breeds.

30 • The Dog Dish Magazine

terriers (mostly American Pit Bull Terriers and Staffordshire terriers).

Imagine this: More than 1.2 million dogs are euthanized in our country every year.

Of those, it is estimated that 800,000 or more are pit bulls or pit bull mixes. That’s 2,000 to 3,000 every day.

Mean Muggin’? No Way!

Pit bulls have it hard in the looks department because people say they look mean. The fact is, pit bulls scar rather easily and most of their “mean” look comes from poor guardianship. Something as simple as trying to slip under a fence can leave a mark on a pit bull’s skin. Many people see those scars and think they came from fighting or aggression.

And the ears? Cutting off a pit bull’s ears is sometimes associated with dog fighting, but that doesn’t mean the dog has been fighting. Some uneducated dog guardians attempt to mimic professional crops that are popular with show dogs.

MYTH: Safe Communities Mean No Pit Bulls

With no evidence that pit bulls are more dangerous than other breeds of dogs, it is no wonder communities implementing a ban on pit bull breeds aren’t seeing a reduction in dog aggression and violence.

In fact, a community in Maryland enacted the ban costing $560,000 over two years. In the end, there were no public safety benefits.

Pit Bulls are loyal dogs who adore their parents and, when given the chance, can make wonderful companions. With love and proper care, these popular dogs can be caring, kind, and typically good-natured.