Dog Life: It's about to get better!

Well I'm so sorry it's been so long since my last post! I've fallen behind on work, life, you name it. Being a working mother isn't for sissies. Well, lots has happened since my last blurb of info and I'd be delighted to share it with you all!

The most exciting news, that's kept me super busy, is that we will be doing dog classes at the new indoor dog park in east Dallas. For those unaware this place is amazing. You can check it out via their website here. It's huge, has a place for big and little dogs, a cafe where you can sip coffee, surf the net and lounge all with your 4-legged pal! They have a retail shop that sells high quality dog food, toys and gear. They are still working on the outdoor part and the upstairs lounge that they will open in the next few months.

Now for those of you faithful fans you know that I've not been an advocate of dog parks for quite some time now but I must say that this park is much different than any other. First there are educated employees (who are about to become more educated by me and my trainers on doggie body language and communication) who monitor the park the entire time they are open. They have about 5 people, they call "handlers" in the parks that keep everything running smooth, poop-free and enjoyable for all parties. We were rather impressed.

So for those of you who have been waiting and wanting to do agility classes now is your opportunity! We hope to run agility by June 1st and we are fairly certain the classes will be filled. So if you are interested please let me know by emailing me: stacy@aictdfw.com, as we are starting a wait list!

We will also run all of our other classes and some more. Stay tuned on our website for updates and on this blog too!

Although I should write more my head is throbbing and tomorrow is going to be yet another long day of doggie business for me . . . then home to mommyhood! . . . Ta-ta.

You are what you eat . . .

I cannot stress the importance of a high-quality diet for your dog. I also cannot tell you how very bad all the "prescription" diets are that vets recommend. If your dog is on one I can tell you that it's not going to do anything for your dog. Get him off of that junk!

You want to read the dog food label on your dog’s food. Ingredients to avoid are: gluten/gluten meal, by-products, corn, wheat, soy, sugars (often labeled as whole ground sorghum), BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin and dyes. And remember some dogs do better with absolutely no grains in their diet at all.

Adding a probiotic to your dog's daily food is very good for the gut and is highly recommended for all dogs but should be used for anyone whose dog has any GI problems of any kind. It can often help with some behavior problems. (Ask a knowledgeable trainer about this.)

Try adding the following fruits and veggies to your dog’s diet: broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, peas, tomatoes, berries, watermelon, apple, cantaloupe, pineapple, bananas. You can also add yogurt, plain or flavored (stick to no or low sugar; plain is preferred). For nervous, shy, anxious, timid as well as aggressive dogs it is highly recommended that you add bananas, figs and yogurt to your dog’s diet to help produce more serotonin in the brain.

DO NOT feed your dog onions, apple seeds, grapes, or raisins as these can be toxic & deadly!

You can now purchase many quality foods in Petco stores, not Petsmart, but Petco. Petsmart hasn't gotten on the bandwagon for good nutrition just yet. I'm not sure why not but . . . Also try to stick to white meats/proteins: fish, chicken, turkey, duck . . . you get the idea. Stay away from red meats, dogs just tend to do better with white meat protein.

Good diets I like and recommend are:

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance:
Limited Ingredient Diet: Sweet Potato & Fish
(found in Petco stores)

Halo: Spot's Stew Chicken Recipe
(found in Petco stores)

Great Life: Grain-Free Chicken
(found online at PawstoTail.com)