viking 
Spring into training! It's time!

My Vision and Mission Statement:         To help dogs and owners to live better together in harmony and balance.

In This Issue
Pitbulls-Everybody's Got an Opinion
Great Achievements
Don't Eat That!
My Second Dog-Viking
Dear great pack leaders,
 
Happy St Paddy's Day! I'm Irish and I bet a few of you are too. Or maybe just for the day. and that's okay. 
 
The Iditarod is well underway. Just found out this week that one of your follow classmates went to Alaska for the Iditarod a few years back. They loved it! They also killed the rumor that they lose 10% of the dogs each year. Not true. Maybe one or two dogs but if you look at other major sports (Nascar, horse races), they also experience tragedies. I would love to go and watch it one year. How cool. Or maybe cold, very cold.
 
Sending some get well wishes to two from our classes:
Snickers the basset puppy and Spike the doberman. We miss you guys and hurry back when you are all better.
 
Here is a picture of Buddy, one of our fosters from a few years back. He's howling and muddy. The original Marley. Maybe that's why he was dumped on East Miami River Rd as a young dog. But he got a great home (after 6 long months with us )
 
Here's a cause worth looking into. Check out www.hopeforahero.com We depend on firefighters, now's our chance to help one of them. See if you can help. I am.
 
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

 
Lydia McCarthy
Playful Pooches and Parents dog training
muddy buddy
Pitbulls-Everybody's Got an Opinion

 
rockyHere's mine. If you know me, you know I love pitbulls. I can hear some of you now-But they're dangerous and they hurt and kill people. So do bedroom slippers and balloons but no one outlaws them. With the right breeding, committed and knowledgeable owners, training and lots of love, they can be the best dog you ever had. With bad breeding, stupid owners, no training or harsh punishment type training, they are a loaded gun. But here's my point, the same could be said about any breed or mix. Bad breeding, bad owners, bad or no training are all a recipe for disaster. I know you all know the great stories of pitbulls in the military in years gone by and pitbulls that were nannies for kids in Europe. Pitbulls are also Therapy dogs and Search and Rescue dogs. They can be good dogs-you just have to know your breed and what it takes to make them successful in life. This is so true for any breed or mix. I have a pitbull and so does Cesar MIllan and Rachel Ray. I have had many in class and many pass their Canine Good Citizen. Here are some websites to check out:    www.underdogged.net
 
And yes, the picture is my  famous Rocky that I talk about in class.
Great Achievementsgrad dog
Canine Good Citizen-Walter and Lucy
 
Graduates: Leila and Lucy, Oreo and Snuggles, Dusty, Daisy, Indy , Hershey
 
AKC Star Puppy:Indy, Joey, Dusty, Daisy,  Bailey, Rylee, Clutch. And Magnus missed on a technicality. We'll get it next time, Magnus!
Don't Eat That!

 
plantsHere's a list of poisonous and hazardous items for your dog. Don't let them eat these:

Some Inside Plants Poisonous to Dogs

  • Aloe Vera
  • Caladium
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Dumbcane
  • Elephant's Ear
  • Emerald Fern
  • Hyacinth
  • Philodendron
  • Weeping Fig
  • Yew

Some Outside Plants Poisonous to Dogs

  • Azaleas
  • Daffodils
  • Foxglove
  • Ivy
  • Morning Glory
  • Nightshade
  • Oak
  • Green Potato
  • Rhododendrum
  • Wisteria

Human Foods That Poison Pets

  • Avocado: All parts are toxic to dogs
  • Chocolate: Contains Theobromine, a cardiac stimulant which can be fatal to dogs
  • Fruit Pits and Seeds: Most contain cyanide
  • Garlic: Contains Thiosulphate, though a small amount, so a lot would have to be ingested to be toxic. Keep in mind, it builds up in the system
  • Grapes: Affects a dog's kidneys
  • Macadamia Nuts: Affects the nervous system
  • Mushrooms: Affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart
  • Nutmeg: Can cause seizures and central nervous system damage
  • Onions: Contains same toxin as garlic, though in much larger amounts
  • Raisins: Same as grapes
  • Sugar-Free Foods: These contain Xylitol, which can cause liver failure in dogs
  • Tomatoes, Potatoes and Rhubarb: Parts of these contain oxalates, which can be toxic to dogs
My Second Dog-Viking

 
This is a story of the young and stupid. Not the dog but the humans. I was newly married, living on the 3rd (yes, 3rd)floor of an apartment building. My husband decided we needed a dog. We ran (not walked) to the nearest pet store and bought ourselves a german shepherd puppy. We didn't buy a crate, just kept him in the bathroom when we weren't home. And lo and behold he figured out a way to lock himself in the bathroom from the inside. I spent my lunch hour dismantling the door knob to get him out. And oh, the running up and down and up and down and up and down 3 flights of stairs MANY times a day. Needless to say this did not last long.
 
We finally decided to give him to my mom and dad as a gift. They still don't forgive me for that one. He was a beautiful dog but had issues. My dad swore "there's something not right with that dog". And now looking back, I'm sure he was a puppy mill dog. He did live to an old age after once breaking and almost going thru the window at the mailman. Way to go, Viking. That's him at the top of the newsletter instead of Sage. I figure he can give up a month to his predecessor.
Join Our Mailing List!
 
Email me at playfulpooches@msn.com.
 
Get on the list!
Please patronize these fine businesses.
 
Anderson Twp Family Pet Center and Chowder's Legacy Boutique 
Only place in the city you can buy Dog Lovers Gold dog food. Best dog food around. Also if you'd like to sign up for a newsletter from the Family Pet Center, send them an email at familypetcenter@live.com It's new and fun. You will love it. Chowder's Legacy always has some sale items in the sale bin so check it out.  Get your dog groomed here (or your cat). See Tom or Kelly for all your grooming needs. Gift Certificates available. ***And a BIG Thanks to all the people behind the scenes that get the training room ready and set up my chairs. You are the greatest!
513-231-7387
6666 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244
 
 
 
Animal Ark Pet Resort
Join Animal Ark Pet Resort on Facebook. All kinds of news, discounts, pics and more.  Nail trims are just $8.00, no appointment necessary. Call first though to make sure groomers are in. They have great groomers available for all your grooming needs 7 days a week. Small Dog Play time Tuesdays or Thursdays 12pm to 6pm only $10.00. Free evaluation. Just call 589-3313 and set it up. Sign up today. It's filling up so hurry and get in on the fun. It is a great time for play, socialization and just a great day out with friends. Big dogs or big dogs at heart have their doggie day care at Camp Animal Ark 6 days a week. Give Nicole a call at 513-589-3313 to join. Evaluation day is free.  Book early for Easter and Spring Break vacation boarding. Don't wait till the last minute. They will take wonderful care of your dog. Gift certificates available. 
513-825-7387
2150 Struble Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
 
 
Animal House
Quite a few puppies there, from labs to cocker spaniels.  They have many to choose from. Talk to Kathy or Nikki  today. They also have some Lab mix puppies looking for great homes. Take a look at them, too.  Puppies of all kinds. Stop in and see all the pups. Lots of kittens also up for adoption.  And as a reminder-they do not get any puppies from puppy mills. Other places do. Knowledgeable staff can help with everything from purchase to care and more. Check out their fish and reptiles, too. They're really neat! Gift Certificates available.
513-931-6139
7869 Hamilton Av
Cincinnati, Oh 45231
 
 
Ali's Paw Prints
Here is a great idea for your favorite canine or feline, a unique custom portrait of your pet. You will be pleasantly surprised by Ali's Paw Prints!  Based off of an original photo of your pet, a vector style custom portrait printed on a stretched canvas with a custom creative background is created.  Ali's Paw Prints make great gifts as well as an awesome piece of art for your home. Great St Patrick's Day gift for the Irish person (or dog) in your life. Check out Ali's Paw Prints today! Gift Certificates available.
10% Discount for all of Playful Pooches and Parents past and current students.  When placing order mention discount code: playful pooches.
Ali Toerner
 

 
Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training
Happy St Patrick's Day to all, Irish or not. 
Gift certi
ficates available.
Email: playfulpooches@msn.com
Phone: 513-939-dogs
Cell: 513-503-9703  
6666 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244

513-939-dogs