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In This Issue

Spring Break Reminder

 

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Site Plan Approved for Training & Wellness Center

Almost TWO YEARS after getting financing, DogBoy's finally received site plan approval from the city to build our Training & Wellness Center for Dogs.  We were beginning to think it was never going to happen!  We are so excited about hitting this new milestone.  We can't wait to get started on the actual building process now!  The location of the building will be on-site, just east of the Emken's (DogBoy's) home.  The facility will have two large enclosed training spaces for group classes, one night workshops, and movie nights.  There will also be additional office space for private lessons and canine wellness treatments like massage therapy and possibly acupuncture and/or chiropractic care.  We also still have plans to add a pool for dock diving, swim classes and more!   Stay tuned for more details as we finalize our financing and get that shovel in the ground.  Thanks for your patience!

We'd love your input!  To find out more, join our DogBoy's Flickr Group discussion about the facility and give your two cents about what you'd like to see us offer!

Join Us at the Mighty Texas Dog Walk!

It's our 11th year to be a part of the Texas Hearing & Service Dog's Mighty Texas Dog Walk.  This is the event of the year for us - it's so much fun and there are just dogs as far as the eye can see!  We'd love to see you there to support THSD's goal to bring trained service dogs to disabled individuals across our state.  Won't you and your dog join us to try and break the Guiness Book of Records for the most dogs walked at one time?  We'll be there with free fruit and hugs for all our doggie friends!

Here's all the info:

Texas Hearing and Service Dogs’
11th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk
Saturday, April 11, 2009 – 9:00 am
www.servicedogs.org
891-9090

Bring the Guinness World Record back to Texas – Beat the Brits! Current record: 10,272 dogs

When: Sat., April 11, 2009 9:00 AM

Where: Congress Ave. Bridge [Click here to view a route map]

What: A three mile stroll through scenic downtown Austin

Why: To bring the Guinness World's Record for "Largest Dog Walk" back to Texas! Current record: 10,272 dogs

Benefits Texas Hearing & Service Dogs’ Wounded Combat Veteran program

Fee: $30/dog day of; $25/dog pre-registration; Save $5 when you register online: www.servicedogs.org

Improved this Year:
Earlier date - for cooler weather
Earlier start time - for cooler weather
SIX water stops with
• Ice Ice, baby!
• Veterinary personnel
• Wading pools
• Water for people, too!
Gifts: Mauro Garza collector’s t-shirt, goodies from dozens of dog-related Exhibitors, Gold Medal for every dog at the Finish Line!

Hope to see you there!

Training Success Story - Leia Thompson

Kit Thompson and her husband Michael first caught sight of Leia outside a pet store in the fall of 2006.  Leia, a hound mix, was among multiple other dogs up for adoption from a local rescue group, but the moment Kit and Michael arrived, they each gravitated toward the puppy with the big brown eyes and the faded white stripe across her face. There was an almost instant bond between Leia and her new owners, and she went home with them that day to settle into her new life with Kit, Michael, and an older (doggy) brother named Chewy.

Chewy, who was inherited by the Thompsons as a puppy, is now 10 years old and has always been a laid-back, confident dog. Kit had hoped for a similar personality with Leia, but soon came to realize things wouldn’t be so simple. When Leia was three months old, she and Kit began a puppy class at another facility.  During the course of this class, the pup began showing fear and aggression issues. The trainer referred Kit to DogBoy’s for further training, and that was how Kit and Leia first came to the ranch.

Over the past year and a half, Kit and Leia have taken a number of classes with each of our trainers here at DogBoy’s, including Level 1 and Level 2 Obedience, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Agility, Out & About, and Search & Rescue.  Kit has also maintained relationships with other trainers in the area, and educates herself further with books from positive trainers like Patricia McConnell and Jean Donaldson. Kit also began bringing Leia to DogBoy’s for daycare to socialize with other dogs, build confidence, and learn good skills from other positive doggy role models (like Chewy is at home).

Through the course of her training, Kit has seen tremendous growth in Leia and in herself. When the two began training, Kit struggled just to walk Leia on a leash without her pulling or being reactive to other dogs. By the time they took CGC, Leia was able to walk on a loose lead, parallel to another dog and its owner, with no reactivity and no pulling.  This was a huge accomplishment and proved to Kit how important training is for dogs and their owners.  Kit credits CGC as the most challenging class she took, but gives Paula's Out & About class the credit for being the most rewarding class she’s taken with Leia.  As Kit says, it allowed her “to let go and grieve the loss of what wouldn’t be, and appreciate Leia for who she is.” Though Kit realizes there is no such thing as a perfect dog, training allows her to help Leia be the best she can be.  Kit feels that DogBoy’s was the right place for her to come to accept this. She has always felt encouraged by the trainers here, but she also knows they will give her a nudge in the right direction when she needs it.

One of the greatest lessons Kit has learned through all of the work she’s done with her pups is that building and maintaining a good, strong relationship with your dog is an ongoing process. She urges any dog owner to stay engaged with your dog and not to give up on them no matter what. She credits Leia with teaching her patience, perseverance and acceptance. This shows in the progress we’ve seen Leia make here on the ranch, and in the great strides she’s made at home.
 

Plan Ahead for Summer!

DogBoy's is all filled up for Spring Break, which reminds me how quickly we get booked up this time of year!  If you are a planner (which I hope you are), NOW IS THE TIME to make your reservations for summer boarding stays.  We typically fill up four to eight weeks in advance during summer months, and we would love to have room for you when you call. 

It is also a great idea to make sure your dogs are all current on their vaccines, specifically Rabies, Distemper (DHPP) and Bordatella.  Not sure if your dog is up to date?  Feel free to give us a call! 

Photo by Paige Morrison

Ways to Reduce Stress Prior to Boarding

Want your pup's stay to be as stress free as possible?  That's funny...so do we!  
Here are things you can do to help:

If you're having serious issues with separation anxiety, consider signing up for a private lesson.

We're on YouTube!

Keep an eye on our YouTube site for fun videos of what goes on here.   We already have FIVE videos online for your enjoyment!  Visit and vote for your favorite!

DogBoy's YouTube Site