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Join us on our journey as we expand our training program on site, with added classes, an indoor/outdoor training facility, and even a pool for dock diving!
You heard it here first! Big plans are in the works for a new facility. It could be a year away, but we’re going to build it without a doubt. The proposed site for the new building is in front of the office as you drive in on the right. Planned to look like a barn of sorts, the training facility will be 4,000 sq. ft., and include an indoor training room, training offices for private lessons, an outdoor covered area, and a large deck and pool for dock diving and water therapy. We already have people waiting to take the class and we haven’t even broken ground yet!
 Our hope is that this new facility will give us the freedom to teach classes year round, regardless of the weather, and the opportunity to expand our program to include new classes, one night workshops, and more. Who knows? We may even entertain a nationally known speaker or two!
Stay tuned, be patient, and send us your ideas. We want to build this new facility around your needs.
Send your feedback to DogGirl and we’ll do our best to make it happen!
We’ve got the scoop.
By Paula Baker Prince, Trainer
Never have we been so aware of the foods we feed our beloved animal companions as we have these last few months. Pet food recalls have been far ranging in scope, and there has been much discussion here at the Ranch about what foods to feed. Nutrition has always been important to us - not only for behavioral reasons - but also for health.
 Are you a little (or a whole lot!) confused about what to feed your four-legged friend? Do you need some help deciphering that pet food label? Look for foods that rely on high-quality animal proteins (from specific species such as chicken instead of poultry, and not by-products) and whole grains (oats, barley, rice, and not fragmented foods like corn/wheat gluten meal or rice bran). Leave those foods with lower quality grains (corn, wheat, sorghum), sweeteners, artificial colors, and synthetic preservatives (BHA/BHT) on the shelf.
Check out our diet sheet for our food recommendations. With the exception of some Natural Balance products, none of the foods we recommend are affected by the recall.
 Are you not completely comfortable with the idea of filling Fido's bowl with commercial kibble? There are many high-quality raw foods and mixes in which you add your own cooked or raw meats, many with human-grade and/or organic ingredients. We like The Honest Kitchen, Nature's Variety Prairie brand raw and freeze-dried medallions, as well as Sojo's Europa and Monzie's mixes. If you try these products, and would like us to start carrying any of these brands, just let us know!
Providing a variety of nutritious, healthy food choices for your dog will not only help alleviate fears associated with the recalls, but also provide quality of life for Fido for many years to come.
By Sandra England, Kennel Manager and Trainer
Here at DogBoy’s we feed most dogs once a day. Many people ask why. Well, we’re here to tell you. When our staff arrives at 6:30 every morning, your dogs want to go out and play. For most of them, eating is the last thing on their mind first thing in the morning. We run the dogs out to playgroup as soon as we get here and the dogs are super excited to see us and to play.
 When the dogs are excited like this, their little tummies get upset and often times dogs will vomit out of shear excitement. If a dog gets excited and throws up (food) in playgroup, then one of the most inner primal instincts comes out and they will protect that food at all cost. Some people may say, “Not my dog. She doesn’t guard her food,” but at DogBoy’s there is a totally different dynamic and we have true dog packs here. Those packs are very peaceful unless food comes into play.
There are some exceptions to this general rule. Dogs who are on morning medication that requires food for absorption will get some food with their medication. Some of these medications include antibiotics, thyroid meds and heart meds. Some dogs that are prone to bloat may be fed 2 times a day, but the risk of bloat increases when eating is followed by exercise or if the dog is worked up or anxious. If you have any questions about bloat please contact your vet.
For those of you who want your dogs to eat in the morning, it is important to note that we must keep those dogs in their runs for at least an hour after breakfast to digest their food. Not only is this frustrating for the dog to have to wait to go outside and play, but this procedure also really shortens the amount of playtime dogs get during those hot summer months – when morning is the only cool time of day!
At DogBoys we are concerned about the health of your pet, and in the 11 years that we have been caring for your dogs we have learned a lot. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Congratulations to Gus & Peggy Kohn, winners of the DogBoy’s Ranch Dressing Contest.
Their entry of It’s a Dog Meet Dog World won by a landslide. We had so many good ideas submitted though, that we’ve decided to make a few of our runners up. Other favorites included Unconditional Lover, and
I Play, Therefore I Am. Keep your eyes peeled for our new logo wear and we’ll be bringing back those chocolate DogBoy’s hats you love too.
By Courtney Emken, DogGirl
 Those of you who are new moms and dads may be feeling a little overwhelmed by all the upheaval in your life. Diapers, all-nighters, and a little one who didn’t come with a manual. Or are you about to have a baby and can’t help but wonder - where does the family pet possibly fit into all of this mayhem?
We’ve helped hundreds of parents through this transition, and we’re here to help you too. Here are some tips to get you over the hump and keep your dog out of the local shelters. Crazy as it may seem, so many new parents give their dogs away because they just can’t handle all their new responsibilities and the dog too. Speaking as a parent myself, it’s a good thing that you can’t give children away that easily or they’d all be in the shelter as well!
 So you want to do the right thing and make it all work? Here are our most helpful tips to get you through this life-changing transition.
If there’s no baby yet, make plans to board your dog during your hospital stay (stay with me here). While you’re getting to know your new bundle of joy, you can bring by a day old blanket from your baby in a zip lock bag, and we’ll get that new scent well incorporated into his list of familiar smells. We’ll give your pooch a complimentary bath and nail trim, and you can bring him home after the baby has already arrived.
If your dog is an adult (please tell me you didn’t have a baby and get a puppy at the same time!), then there’s no need to worry about a dog licking the baby to death, or covering it with germs. Most pups just want to snif the babe, lick those cute feet, and get to know the little one. They’ve got six months to get used to her before she starts crawling or doing any major fur pulling. By that time, your dog should be well adjusted and ready for the abuse. Those horror stories you hear about dogs biting children usually happen to toddlers who have not been taught to leave their pet alone while he’s eating or sleeping. Teach them as they grow, and everyone will get along fine.
 Trying to walk the dog and push the baby in a stroller? Too much for a new mom, I know. Don’t let that guilt overwhelm you, and make you feel like you have to give your dog away because he’s just not getting the attention he deserves. Unless he is high strung, your pup will not suffer from a few months of lounging. Ask your partner to share in the dog walks, or better yet, bring that pup to day care! We’ll gladly tire him out so you can both get some well deserved rest.
With a little planning, and a lot of patience, you can have a happy family with both kids and canines. Still worried about something? Let us know. It is almost always in your dog’s best interest to stay with your family - we want to help make that happen if you’re on shaky ground. Send us your questions, and we’ll give you answers - That’s what we’re here for!
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