|
|
|
Dear Friends,
At Lucky Dog, we are always looking for new and creative, canine based training and play activities. It is our goal to continually improve our existing services as well. Most of you are aware that our webcam service has recently been improved by adding outdoor cameras. Take a look through the eyes of the cameras, indoor and out, and compare the space at Lucky Dog vs other facilities! You will see a BIG difference!
We have also added a new service - straight boarding at Lucky Dog South! Straight boarding is a great alternative for those dogs that do not play well in groups. We have also adding the popular "Mutt Strutt" to our Lucky Dog South menu of boarding enrichment options.
We now require a mandatory trainer evaluation for all new dogs that attend daycare or boarding. See our "quicklinks" above right for details. This is not just an introduction, this is an evaluation with a professional dog trainer. Our goal is to provide the safest, most entertaining dog care protocol in the City, supervised and managed by dog training professionals!
A warm welcome to all new subscribers from Rough and Ready Pet Fair and Territory Days!
Debi Ropes-Stevenson
General Manager, Lucky Dog Resorts |
|
|
| Quick Links |
|
|
New Dog Introduction Policy
(click on link, then May 2008, and scroll down to find Lucky Dog listed with one "Top Ten" award) |
| Contact Us |
|
4401 Mark Dabling Blvd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907
719-599-9663
|
|
|
|
|
Your Dog's Health!
Giardia
What's Up With That?
Giardia are sometimes confused with worms because they invade the gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea. Giardia are not worms, but one-celled parasites classified as protozoa.
Most dogs infected with Giardia do not have diarrhea or any other signs of illness. When the eggs (cysts) are found in the stool of a dog without diarrhea, they are generally considered insignificant. Sometimes however, the infection becomes worse do to stress, other illness or low immunities. This is when the dog becomes symptomatic with watery, foul smelling diarrhea. Very young and very old dogs tend to become symptomatic with the infection more frequently.
A dog becomes infected with Giardia when he swallows the cyst stage of the parasite, and the cyst matures. Giardia can be transmitted in the stool of other dogs (who may or may not show symptoms of the condition themselves), through drinking contaminated water, or ingestion of contaminated soil.
A diagnosis of Giardia is done through microscopic examination. There is also a blood test that more accurately diagnoses the condition, but it takes several days for results. Microscopic diagnosis is sometimes difficult, so a dog with diarrhea may be misdiagnosed as having the infection. However, Giardia is so common in Colorado that treating a dog with symptoms of Giardia without microscopic proof is appropriate.
The most common treatment for Giardia is metronidazole, an antibiotic type drug. In most cases it is extremely effective.
For dogs who have frequent attacks of Giardia, or for those families who camp and hike frequently, there is a vaccine for Giardia that has been shown to have some benefit for certain dogs.
Giardia is hard to prevent, and many dogs carry Giardia cysts with no symptoms. Never let your dog drink from water that is not purified (fresh looking mountain streams can be loaded with Giardia!) Keep your yard clear of dog feces and discourage coprophagy (stool eating) which some dogs seem to enjoy. Humans can contract Giardia as well, usually from drinking contaminated water or improper hand washing protocol.
Cement indoor and outdoor areas and matting can be properly disinfected for Giardia. Facilities that have dirt and grass play yards, and dog park facilities cannot properly disinfect for Giardia, or for other canine infections or viruses.
As stated above, Giardia is very common in Colorado. If your dog is diagnosed with the infection he should stay home from playgroup until he has finished all his medication.
Thanks to Dr. David Volz, at the Animal Clinic of Woodland Park for his advice on this subject.
"A good way of teaching the "come" command is to play hide and seek.Dogs are good at this game,and they really enjoy it! Hide somewhere in the house, and call him to COME! Praise him when he finds you!"
- Victoria Stillwell | |
|
Traveling With Your Dog!
Debi Ropes-Stevenson
General Manager, Lucky Dog Resorts
You've decided to take your dog with you this summer for a long car trip. Good for you! There are some basic "rules of the road" to keep in mind for a safe and happy car trip with your dog.
1. First rule - identification! Make sure your dog's identification tags are properly secured to his well fitting collar. If you ever thought about micro chipping your dog, now is the time. Thousands of dogs end up in animal shelters each year because they strayed away from their owners on a trip away from home. Tragically, some never see their loving homes again. Make sure there are multiple phone numbers on his tags or micro chip registration, not just your home number. Remember, you won't be home to answer the call that may save your dog's life!
2. Teach your dog to enjoy car trips gradually - If you have a dog that is not used to car travel you may want to get him started on short trips around your neighborhood. Some dog's really stress out in the car, and will need a lot of work before they can withstand a very long trip. For dogs with intense car phobias you may have to start out placing him in the car with the engine running,then working up to short trips. This is a time consuming process, so start his sessions long before your trip.
3. Car sickness - vomit happens! Symptoms of a car sick dog include a depressed attitude (he feels terrible!), drooling, panting, occasionally lack of bowel control and inevitably, vomiting.It helps to desensitize your dog as above, to the movement of the car. An empty stomach before the trip may or may not help. There are medications your vet can recommend for this condition, and they work best if given long before your dog even suspects he is going for a ride.
4. Dogs that go into hyper drive! Some dogs find the motion of the car, noise, passing scenery, and pedestrians just too stimulating. These dogs pant, bark, growl, pace and jump from seat to seat. This behavior is hard to control, and can be dangerous. Again, medication from your vet may be the answer, but try it out long before you leave for vacation. Some dogs do not respond to medication at all, or need the dosage modified.
5. Plan, plan, plan! Know where you are going to spend the night. Many hotels and motels are pet friendly, but make sure you've asked about your dog before you make reservations. Meals take some planning too. It is often too hot, especially in the summer, to leave your dog in the car while you eat. Eat take out food, or have family members take turns waiting outside with your dog while the rest eat in. Also, insure any relative you are visiting welcomes your dog with the rest of the family.
6. Practice restraint! Your dog should not be in your lap or leaping around the car. This is a very dangerous practice! Use a car grate to limit his activities, a restraint harness or a crate, if he is comfortable with those options.
Don't forget to bring:
Plenty of water and bowls
More than one leash (in case one is lost)
Your dog's own food
A favorite toy, and his bed if possible
Veterinary records showing all vaccines
For some dogs car travel is just too stressful. Consider leaving your dog at Lucky Dog. He'll get lots of attention and have a great time! | |
|
Trainer's Corner
Dog Training Is Really Just a Game!
By Meldona Sauer
Agility Trainer
Training a dog should be fun for both handler, and the dog. When I play with my dogs during their training sessions, my dogs think we're just out having a good time! Actually, this is a learning session that provides a lot more than entertainment, and can make a positive difference in the quality of the training. The introduction of play to the training sessions reduces stress, provides exercise, improves motor skills and enhances that important human-canine bond. Throwing in a game of fetch, tug, chase or tricks with the work is mentally stimulating and fun!
A great activity that pairs training and fun is the sport of Dog Agility. Agility is a physical and mental work out for both the dog and the handler, and teaches the dog to work with the handler "on the fly"! In agility training we often incorporate toys and tricks into the routine so the dog thinks he's playing while he practices and perfects his sport.
Teaching a dog tricks is also a great way to play with him, and stimulate him mentally. Some fun and challenging tricks to learn are wave, play dead, sit pretty or spin and bow. Using trick training can help break up the boredom of traditional obedience exercises, and provide a whole lot of fun for human and canine!
Lucky Dog has a whole team of trainers to help you and your dog with training goals and fun activities! For information about our tricks classes, or agility call Lucky Dog at 527-9663 or to see our entire list of training programs go to www.bealuckydog.com.
| |
|
Focus On the Breed
The Boxer
The boxer is a bright, energetic, playful breed that is very good with children. Originally bred in Germany, they are an intelligent, stocky, short coated working dog, with the head being the most distinctive feature. The boxer's head should be in good proportion to the body size, and the jaw is correct for the breed if it is undershot (extending beyond the lower jaw). The boxer should weigh 50-70 pounds and stand 22-25 inches at the withers. Common colors are fawn or brindle, with or without white accents. Less common, white boxers are found in 20-25% of the boxer population.
Boxers tend to be very good with small dogs and puppies, due to their playful, inquisitive nature. They require a lot of exercise to prevent boredom associated with destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing. A bit headstrong, this breed responds best to positive reinforcement training which allows them to think independently, and problem solve.
The boxer is the perfect dog for young, energetic active families!
We have many boxers that come to play at Lucky Dog, and they just love the play group setting! If your boxer is sitting at home while you work, consider day care. Playing with other dogs will stimulate him physically and mentally - just what a healthy, fun loving boxer wants!
| |
|
|
|
|
Great Employees!
Ken Holbert
Ken has worked at Lucky Dog South as a dog guardian since February 2007. He is currently our afternoon Lead guardian at that location. When Ken's not "rustling" dogs he enjoys tai chi, biking, hiking and eating steak! His favorite read is "The Sacketts Series" by Louis L'amour.
Ken loves working for Lucky Dog because dogs are so honest "If they seem happy they are, if they seem sad, they are - they are more honest than most people". Ken loves all the dogs, but his particular favorites are Molly (corgi), Boston (boxer),Oscar (German Shepherd Dog)and his friend in the picture, Molly (chocolate lab).
Thank you, Ken for all your hard work and loving care of the dogs!
|
Canine Cool!
It's hard to believe that ten years ago the dog daycare service was in it's infancy! As we find that dogs are really, really happy playing together, we continue to think of ways to add interest and fun to our daycare and training programs. Play time at Lucky Dog now includes bubble time, frisbee throws, pool time and more! Alternative training options such as buddy hikes and agility increase the quality of time owners spend with their dogs, and webcams allow our clients to watch their dogs play and train from home!
At Lucky Dog we never stop trying to think of cool things to do with dogs! If you think of any training or playing activities you'd like to see at Lucky Dog, bring your idea to a manager's attention. We will consider all ideas, so don't be afraid to think outside the boxer:)
If you know someone whose dog is not happy sitting at home watching the webcams from the couch, tell them to make their lonely dog a Lucky Dog! Give them the coupon below and when they use it, have them mention your name. Your dog wins a free day of daycare!
See you next month!
| |
|
|
|
|
|
New Client Coupon! Bring this coupon and receive your dog's first daycare visit with trainer evaluation FREE! May also be used for boarding evaluations.
Call to set up your dog's evaluation - Lucky Dog Central 599-9663 or Lucky Dog South 527-9663.
|
|
| Offer Expires: June 30, 2008 |
|
|
