DogBoy's Dog Blog

"I don't know that there was anyone more exited about the opening of Dogboy's Dog Park than I was! I've always had large dogs, and even though I would take them walking and jogging each day, I knew they needed more. I've previously taken advantage of public off leash areas, but was concerned with the hidden dangers (old barbwire, concrete with protruding rebar, etc.) that resulted in more than one injury to my dogs while they bounded in and out of the woods. I've visited several public dog parks with initial success, but later became disappointed with the number of irresponsible owners who spent more time socializing with friends or using their cell phones than watching, picking up after, or interacting with their dogs. Irresponsible behaviors led to numerous altercations between dogs and consequently the owners, and took the joy out of the visit.

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Recently, I asked you to submit your testimonials.  I was overwhelmed with heartwarming letters and thank you's all over the web.  I couldn't stop smiling for weeks!  Without a doubt, our cup runneth over, so I felt it only appropriate to share some of them with you.

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Our dog Moab is such an important part of our family and the only place we trust to board him is Dog Boys.  His is now 6 and has been going to DogBoy's since he was 6 months old.  He gets so excited as we turn onto the street to enter into DogBoy's and is always a happy and tired pup when we pick him up.  The staff  is wonderful and we love that the animals get to play outside all day long.   Thank you DogBoy's for providing such a wonderful service to allow us to feel comfortable leaving our best buddy with you.

Nikki McCormick

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Confessions of a Training Junkie

"Yes, I must admit it, I just can't seem to let a "semester" go by without taking another training class at Dog Boys Dog Ranch! As one class draws to a close, I eagerly scan the website for new postings and opportunities to bond and train with my dogs. We've taken puppy classes, basic and advanced obedience, and fun classes like agility and rally-obedience. When I jokingly told the director of training that I was running out of classes, I promptly found fresh offerings to consider. They LISTEN at Dog Boys! I drive 40 minutes each way to go to Dog Boys because I believe there is no better place to take my "kids", whether for training, overnight boarding, or day care. Go Dog Boys!"

– Carole Cameron (Bear, Koko, Dakota, and Mika too)

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My husband and I are so thankful that we discovered DogBoy's!  Our two dogs have stayed there many times, either for just a night or two or as long as nine days.  We always know that we can be at ease while out of town, because our dogs are so well cared for.  The farm-like setting of DogBoy's is awesome.  It allows for the dogs to get great exercise, and we really enjoy getting the briefing from the great staff on the dogs' activities and behavior when we pick them up.  I have recommended DogBoy's to all of my dog-loving friends and co-workers without hesitation and will continue to do so.

Thank you DogBoy's for all you do,

Hollee and Dwayne Ganner

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I was introduced to the DogBoy world view by a friend and your place and staff are everything she described – and more.  Because you are even better in person!

I am so happy that I can look forward to my vacations and times I need to travel because I know Karmo has a home away from home.  He is always excited when we turn down the road to your place and comes back to me happy happy happy!  Even though I usually have to bring him in an extra day or two because I live in Fredericksburg, I never worry about him getting attention and love.

Thanks for all you do,

Gaylen Tips

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I love DogBoy's and how they are able to keep my dog socialized.  I am not in a position to get another dog to train her to be around but I do like to keep her around other dogs.  DogBoy's is the place!  They have playgroups that really tire the pups.  I love picking Tootsie up after a play day or boarding and having a "sleeping baby" the rest of the evening!  Sometimes the whole next day too.  Being in an agility class with Noodle was pretty great too!

Mona Corbett

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And finally...

My golden retriever puppy, Murphy, had a hard time finding friendly dogs to play with.  A helpful dog owner that lives near me told me about DogBoy's, and I made a reservation right away.  It gave him a chance to make some friends, and get that social interaction that is so important. I have not yet boarded Murphy overnight, but he has had many wonderful playdays, and I always mention how much Murphy loves to come to DogBoy's when I meet other dog owners.

Deborah Thompson

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You can find more great testimonials on our Facebook Notes Page.  Thank you, thank you for all the kudos, and we will continue to work hard to earn your praises!

 

 

 

 

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Every summer has its soundtrack, and people have been making their own summer mixes ever since home recording became affordable. What better way to celebrate the “dog days” of the Summer of 2010 than to make your very own dog-themed mix CD or playlist? Here are some to get you started:

“Who Let the Dogs Out?”—by The Baha Men.  Yes, this may possibly be one of the most annoying songs ever recorded. On the other hand, it is one of the most catchy.  And very summery.

“Bron-y-aur Stomp” and “Black Dog”—by Led Zeppelin. Zeppelin front man Robert Plant owned a sheep farm near the Welsh village of Bron-y-aur (pronounced “brom-rawr”) and “Stairway to Heaven” was written there. “Bron-y-aur Stomp” is Plant’s tribute to his dog, Strider, on Led Zeppelin III.  “Black Dog” is a classic from their next album, Led Zeppelin IV.

“Hound Dog”—There are two great versions of this song, originally by blues legend Big Mama Thornton. Elvis Presley’s cover is most famous, but Eric Clapton’s version on Journeyman is more faithful to Thornton’s original.

“Sleeping With the Dog”—by Jethro Tull. Because Tull did a lot more than just “Aqualung” and “Locomotive Breath.” (Catfish Rising).

“I Wanna Be Your Dog,” –by Iggy Pop and the Stooges. One of the most famous songs by the giants of ‘70s punk.

“Diamond Dogs” – by David Bowie. If you’re going to have a song by Iggy Pop, you need one by his BFF David Bowie too.

“I’m Gonna Buy Me a Dog!”—by The Monkees. “I’m gonna buy me a dog,” sings Peter Tork, “‘cause I need a friend now.” Tork was actually the most accomplished musician in The Monkees but was stuck playing the clown.  This song proves he knows where to find true friendship!

“Hey Bulldog”— by The Beatles.  I’m not quite sure what this song means, but it’s an under-rated Beatles song from the Yellow Submarine soundtrack.

“Jet”—by Paul McCartney and Wings.  There are some differing stories as to what this song is actually about; many believe, though, it was a tribute to Paul McCartney’s golden retriever, named Jet. (Band on the Run)

“Atomic Dog”—George Clinton. Give your playlist in the groove with this track from the master of funk.

“Bird Dog”—by The Everly Brothers

“Ghost of a Dog”—by Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians.  This was the title track to their second album.

“Rain Dogs”—by Tom Waits.  Shake things up with Waits and his whisky-soaked voice.

“Hair of the Dog”—by Nazareth.  Or go for some metal if you prefer.

“I Love My Dog,”—by Cat Stevens.  Cat made some great music back in the day, and the title just says it all.

Special thanks to Paula and Julia, who helped me come up with titles for this list. Of course, we could barely scratch the surface of dog songs, but this should give you a good start on music to play Frisbee or fetch to.  Be sure to comment if we left out one of your favorites.

Now, if your question is what would your dog listen to, one answer might be one of the Through a Dog’s Ear CDs. We play this for our guests when they’re here overnight, and we also offer the “Music to Calm Your Canine Companion” and “Music For the Canine Household” discs for just $14.95 for sale in the office.

by Jay Robison

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Wow your friends, win trivia contests and maybe a few bar bets with these facts and stories about dogs: