DogBoy's Dog BlogDog boarding, training, daycare and wellness in the Austin area

Noodle is ready for 2011!

I’ve decided I want to blog more. Rather than just thinking about doing it, I’m starting right now. I will be posting on this blog once a week for all of 2011.

I know it won’t be easy, but it might be fun, inspiring, awesome and wonderful. Therefore I’m promising to make use of The DailyPost, and the community of other bloggers with similiar goals, to help me along the way, including asking for help when I need it and encouraging others when I can.

If you already read my blog, I hope you’ll encourage me with comments and likes, and good will along the way.

Thanks, and Happy New Year!

DogGirl

Buddy needs a present too!

Christmas is coming, Kwanzaa starts December 26, and it’s probably not too late for a belated Hannukah gift. But the holidays always bring the dreaded question: what should I get for the special people or dogs on my list? In the spirit of the holidays, we here at DogBoy’s want to help with some gift suggestions for the dog-lovers and dogs in your life—no matter what their age or breed!

About a year ago this time I put together a list of book selections for dog lovers and it’s a great place to start for book ideas. Since then, my son has become enamored of the adventures of Clifford. The Big Red Dog has a series of animated stories, as well as a fun Christmas book. And we shouldn’t forget the series of books by Norman Bridwell that launched them all. Another great kid’s book that my three year-old son loves is Doggone Dogs, by Karen Beaumont and David Catrow. It tells the story of ten misbehaving dogs who lead their owner through a wild chase through the park, leaving chaos in their wake. If the plot of Doggone Dogs hits uncomfortably close to home, Rebecca Andrews has two suggestions: The Other End of the Leash, by Patricia McConnell; and Dr. Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book, by Ian Dunbar. These are geared more toward the adult dog-lover in your life.

Need movies? The DogBoy’s blog has you covered. Any movie or t.v. show starring these canine idols would make a great gift. I’m especially partial to the classics Bringing Up Baby and The Thin Man, both starring Skippy the wirehaired fox terrier—one of the biggest dog stars of the 1930s. For those who like their dogs huge and animated, there’s Clifford’s Really Big Movie—an especially good film for younger kids.

The dogs in your life need their stockings stuffed too, and DogBoy’s has just the ticket. If you think your pooch should be on Santa’s “naughty” list because of a lack of leash-walking skills, there’s always the Easy-Walk Harness. We even have Premier’s new line of Easy-Walks made from recycled plastic, in eco-friendly packaging.

If your dog has made the “nice” list—or if you just can’t bring yourself to give him or her a lump of coal—we have a number of fun toys, from PetLou’s stuffed squeaky sheep and armadillos to the flat “Road Kill” toys from GoDog. The latter are flat plush toys with squeakers, and that crinkle when your dog plays with them. Our barn cat, Pancake, loves them so if you have a cat at home, you might want to get an extra one. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog busy by stuffing them with treats or even with their dinner. My dogs are especially fond of the Busy Buddy line. We also have a range of healthy treats and dog food.

Finally, you can always give the gift of DogBoy’s. We sell gift certificates in any amount, and they are good for a year for any service or retail item we offer. So if you have a friend who needs us for a play day, boarding stay, class or private lesson—or even just dog food—we will be happy to help you out. We’ll even mail it to them for you! Best of all, we’ll be open from 7 am to 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve for any last-minute shopping you might need.

And to all of the wonderful people, dogs, and friends that make working at DogBoy’s such a joy all year around—Happy Holidays!

Noodle stays cozy at DogBoy's Dog Ranch, photo by Deb Marvin

Let’s face it—holidays are a stressful time of year. We’re hosting and attending parties, trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on our list, maybe planning a road trip or flight to visit far-away loved ones. And if all this is stressful for us, what about our dogs? Dogs are, along with us, probably the most adaptable animals on the planet. But like us, they have their limits.

So…what can you do to make your dog’s holiday season as happy and stress-free as possible? As with any time where your dog’s routine is being disrupted, spending lots of downtime with your dog, away from activities, will help, as will routine exercise and activity. Paula Baker-Prince, our Director of Training, also suggests providing fresh mental challenges for your dog, such as a new puzzle toy, to help your dog relax.

One thing to avoid at all times of the year, but especially during the holidays, is treating your dog to overly rich or toxic foods. Dog First Aid 101 has a complete list of toxic foods for dogs, but there are a few that are especially common this time of year. Dark chocolate is a biggie that most people know about. Less well-known are foods and spices like nutmeg, raisins, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts. The last thing either you or your dog want or need is a trip to the emergency vet after snacking on a holiday beef log!

And don’t forget about fireworks. Growing up in northern Indiana, I never associated New Year’s Eve with fireworks—sitting outside and watching them is a lot less fun when it’s below freezing—but here in Austin we’re blessed with warmer weather and some great displays. Unfortunately, many dogs are very afraid of fireworks. For mild anxiety, an herbal relaxant such as Rescue Remedy or Dog ‘n’ Kitty Calm (available for sale at DogBoy’s) might help. If you feel your dog might need something stronger, talk to your vet about a prescription sedative.

What if you are taking a long car trip with your dog? If you’ve ever had a dog in the car, odds are good that you already know they can get car sick just like people. And just like people, one remedy can be limiting visual cues that may contribute to motion sickness—chiefly by having them face forward. Opening the windows a little can help too, as can the Through A Dog’s Ear series of CD’s—they’re also available at DogBoy’s and there’s even a special car edition. For stronger remedies it’s best to consult your vet. And if you’ll be spending any time in a hotel, sites such as DogFriendly.com and Yelp.com are excellent resources for planning where to stay.

And finally, DogBoy’s is here to help. Other than over Christmas, we have plenty of room to board your dog overnight during holiday parties or in daycare to help them blow off some steam. And for some serious stress relief, you can always schedule a massage session here at Chelsea’s Place with certified pet masseuse Christina Hardinger. Your dog will thank you!

And whatever you do—and however you celebrate—we wish all our two- and four-legged family and friends a most joyous holiday season!