 | | Debi and her partner Levi |
Happy Summer,
This week I had the pleasure of watching Dogs Decoded, a documentary by Nova. I quite enjoyed learning about all the research that supports many of the tenets that we as dog lovers have always known. Here are a few more observations that I hope will someday be researched in more detail:
* Dogs don't need a watch to know the time. Even in my house where the schedule changes daily, my dogs start circling me at 1:45 everyday. They know that I usually feed them about 2. (If you are a new dog owner, make sure you don't start feeding your dog as soon as you wake up on workdays, you will never sleep in late on a Saturday again.)
* Dogs are highly tuned into our health - Dogs are being used to help prevent seizures, detect
 | | Bonding at summer camp |
low blood sugar and a variety of other health issues. From personal experience, my dog running partner one day stopped running, started whining and tried to turn us back towards home. Five minutes later I had a major asthma attack and had to call for help. He knew long before I did that trouble was coming.
* Dogs are able to reach a person with autism at a level much deeper than just petting or responding to cues - We have seen remarkable results in our social skill programs where therapy dogs are part of the teaching team. Scientifically, what exactly is occurring? The release of the calming hormone oxytocin when interacting with the dog, our teaching methods or is it more than that?
* Dogs learn our household patterns and respond accordingly - Have you ever noticed that if you get your keys, the dog goes to the door to the garage? In my house, if I even think about taking them to play B-A-L-L, they all start circling me, wagging their tails and getting excited. Some studies on how to turn this amazing ability of theirs into a training protocol is needed.
In my opinion, the ability to use the canine-human bond to teach and heal is just starting to reach it's potential. Everyday our therapy teams witness first hand the healing power of their canine partners. There is a conference in Chicago this month where scientists from all over the world will come together to share information about their research on the human-animal bond. In the seven years since we started Austin Dog Alliance, we have seen animal assisted therapy shift from a novelty to an accepted practice in reading programs, social work, PTSD support and a variety of other uses. I can't wait to see what the next seven years will bring.
 | | Trainer Susan Windham, daughter Amber and their much loved therapy dog Zoe. |
In the spirit of one dog lover to another, enjoy your furry friend and don't hesitate to talk to them, they understand way more than you realize.
My dogs and I are off to the P-A-R-K. Enjoy your summer.
Sincerely,
Debi Krakar, CPDT
Pet Partner Evaluator and Instructor
Executive Director and Founder
Austin Dog Alliance
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Brad Lingvai and Big Red Dog Engineering
Meet our Agility Field Sponsors
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If you've visited New Hope Ranch, you've seen the beautiful "Big Red Dog Agility Field" sponsored by Big Red Dog Engineering. Big Red Dog (BRD) was listed by Engineering News Record as one of the Top Design Firms in Texas and Louisiana for 2013.
Meet Brad Lingvai, Vice President at Big Red Dog Engineering.
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Brad and BRD colleague Eliot at grand opening
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Q. Brad, what is your role at BIG RED DOG? A. I am a VP with BRD, and am currently responsible for the Austin office operations and finances, in addition to overseeing engineering design on a couple of project teams. A couple of notable projects that our teams are currently working include the Waller Creek redevelopment project, the South Lamar mixed-use/multifamily project (where the Alamo Drafthouse is located) and the Austin Dog Alliance, of course.
Q. How did you become involved with Austin Dog Alliance?
A. BRD was approached by Jason Andrus, the project architect, who felt we would be a natural fit to work on the Austin Dog Alliance project with our local project experience and our company name. I met Debi Krakar on the initial site visit, and I knew then that she was not going to be deterred from her goal of opening the ADA. We had to make a couple of compromises and what could be initially included with the project, but we got it done.
Q. What is the extent of your support to ADA?
A. BRD donated civil engineering design services and helped to get the site plans permitted through the City of Cedar Park.
Q. Many projects in the Austin area need assistance. What made the Alliance an organization you wanted to support?
A. Everyone at BRD is a dog lover, and when we heard about the additional services that ADA provides with therapy dogs and other training services, it just totally sold us on being a part of the project team.
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Aidan works with Jessie on the Big Red Dog Agility Field
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Q. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your involvement with ADA?
A. I really appreciate the services that ADA provides, and know how welcoming and loving a dog can be for someone in their time of need. It is very rewarding to see the facilities that ADA has to expand the number of people served and help more people gain exposure to these nurturing animals.
Q. Besides being a Vice President and Founding Principal of BIG RED DOG, what other interests/activities do you have?
A. I married my wife, Rachel, in 2011, and she adopted my 12 year old lab-mix "puppy" named Rosie when she joined the family. We also adopted a miniature dachshund that some friends found along the highway named Maureen (Mo). Besides spending time with Rachel and the pups, I enjoy golf and spending time with my friends around Austin. There is a lot of good music, food, and cool things to do in town and we really enjoy our lives here.
Thank you, Brad, and everyone at Big Red Dog Engineering! Because of your sponsorship, we've expanded our camp and class offerings. The Big Red Dog Agility Field is getting rave reviews from summer campers and class attendees. We appreciate your sponsorship and support!
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Dog Training Classes
Fun for you and your dog
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  Six-week classes beginning in July - K9 Nose Work - Dog Manners 1 & 2- Puppy Basics & Socialization - Agility - Pet Therapy Training See our Classes page for complete course information and registration. The entire family is welcome to attend with their dog. Classes offered everyday except Friday.
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Pet First Aid & CPR - July 20
Learn how to deal with bites, burns, broken bones, and more
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 What's the first thing I should do if my dog is choking? Is there a "Heimlich maneuver" for pets? What should I pack in the event of an emergency evacuation with my pets? Is cocoa garden mulch really toxic to dogs?  How do I know when to "wait it out" or when to head to the vet's office? What should I include in a pet first aid kit? How do I perform CPR on my pet?
Learn all of this and more in our Pet First Aid & CPR class.
Come in from the heat Saturday July 20 (1-5pm) and learn about disaster preparedness, actions to take in an emergent situation with your pet, how to deal with bites, burns, broken bones, and practice the most updated protocol for canine CPR.
You'll walk away with tons of information provided by our certified instructors, plus a 114-pg Pet First Aid & Disaster Response Guide. See our website for online enrollment.
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Dog Park & Agility Field Rental
Passes, punch cards, or single-use reservations
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 | | Agility field - 10,500 sq. ft. |
Perfect for a group meetup, special events, or private agility practice, experience the New Hope Ranch dog park and agility field, located on our site at 1321 W. New Hope Drive in Cedar Park, Texas.
The Big Red Dog Agility Field features: - 10,500 sq feet of artificial K9 grass designed for dogs and dog events
- AKC competition-level equipment
- Fenced setting with shade trees & field lighting
 | | Dog park with trees & trails |
The adjoining dog park is filled with trees and trails, as well as open areas for working with your dog off leash. See our Dog Park and Agility Field page for information on rentals and passes. The calendar has the most up to date information on availability.
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Hang Loose!
Mastering Loose Leash Walking
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Austin is a Great Dane who can help with your training issues!
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Got training questions? We've got answers! Straight from the canine's mouth... My name is Austin. I'm the advice columnist for Austin Dog Alliance. Who better to give advice on happy healthy canine co-existence, than a dog?
This month's question is from "Dragged in Dripping Springs." She writes, "Dear Austin, My 80-lb lab pulls on the leash constantly when we're out for a walk. I'm afraid that my right arm is now longer than my left. What can I do ?"
Well Dragged, this is one of the most frequent questions that I encounter. I weigh 180 pounds, and if I pull on my leash, my person is going for an asphalt sleigh ride. First, lets look at why we pull. We want to be where the smells, people, or other dogs are. You want us to stay by your side. Each time we pull, if we get even inches closer to our desired destination, we're being rewarded. Rewards increase behaviors, for dogs and people. We dogs also have what's called the "oppositional reflex," which simply means, when you pull one way, we're going to pull in the opposite direction to maintain our balance. Try this. Grab a pouch full of amazing treats. Stand still, in an area free of distractions, and anchor the leash firmly at your center, by grasping it and holding it against your body. If your dog creates a taught leash, lure her back towards you bending down and making her favorite "look at me" sound (kissing noises or excited verbalizations). As soon as there is slack in the leash, reward her with a treat. When you can stand still, with her watching you with no tension on the leash, take the exercise outside. The numerous distractions will make it challenging, but hang in there, practice prevents pulling. Ready to move? Hold the leash the same way as the stationary exercise. Hold some treats in your hand, right where you want your dog to be. Remember, if the treat lure is in front of your leg, that's where your dog will go. Take a few steps, and if there's slack in the leash, giver her a treat. As soon as she forges ahead and creates tension, stop dead in your tracks. Get her attention, get her back into position, and try again. In the beginning, you may only get a few steps at a time. Gradually, she'll come to realize that being by your side has it's rewards. Austin Dog Alliance Dog Manners 1 class covers this skill, so consider trying a six-week course. In our retail center you'll also find tools like Canny Collars and harnesses to help manage this issue. I hope this helps you and your dog to hang loose! We'd love to help with your training questions! Send all of them to Info@austindogalliance.org.
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K9 Sports Camp - a Weekend Retreat for You and Your Dog!
Coming in September
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 Mark your calendar for Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29. Sign up for one day, two days, or the entire three-day event! Nestled within seven acres of woodlands and fields, the Austin Dog Alliance New Hope Ranch includes plenty of room to train on-leash and off in a shady, relaxed setting.
Learn a variety of dog sports and activities, including: Agility, Rally, K9 Nose Work, Lure coursing, Flyball, Pet Therapy, and more!
Take a break from the action by making healthy dog treats and fun toys. Or, learn from a veterinarian how to keep your active dog healthy!
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and a t-shirt are included with registration.
See our website for the three-day schedule and registration fees.
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Austin Dog Alliance Logo Gear - Now Available Via CafePress
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Make a statement - and make a difference!
 Alliance logo items are now available through CafePress. 
Logo items include shirts, sweatshirts, travel mugs, water bottles, Kindle/Nook/iPhone/iPad cases, blankets, and MORE.
Austin Dog Alliance receives a portion of the proceeds
when you purchase logo gear thru CafePress.
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| Mission | |
Austin Dog Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our mission: To improve the health and well-being of individuals and families through programs incorporating the powerful connection between humans and dogs.
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| Contact Us | Board of Directors
Board Chair
Marketing/Communications
Capital Campaign Fundraising & Events
Founder and
Executive Director
Adoption Program
Pet Therapy Director
Training Director Volunteer Coordinator Pet Therapy Volunteer Coordinator
Foster/Adoption, PR
PR, Marketing
Youth Association
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