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Poochie's Dog Park Inc. Newsletter
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January 2012 | |
Wintertime...The Best Time for Dogs and Day-Care at Poochie's!
January and February are the coldest months at Poochie's and that means it's the best time of the year to bring your pup for day-care. Our play groups are smaller, and for a dog, that means even more outside play time and more individual attention from the dog masters! (Check-out the day-care coupon at the end of the Newsletter)
It may still feel a little chilly In January and February for us humans, but for dogs, it's just right to be outside playing, digging and running (maybe swimming, too!) all day with their friends.
Does this picture remind you of anyone?
He really needs to get out and have some fun!
 
Has your pup been trying to tell you something?
At Poochie's, we believe that every dog needs regular exercise to stay healthy in body and mind. We also believe that we have one of the greatest places for dogs anywhere!
Dogs that come to Poochie's experience so much more than what they can get from their daily leash walk.
So now it's time to wake'm up and get those couch potato pups mov'in "n" shak'in by running wild at Poochie's!  Exercise the body.
Exercise the mind.
Lift the spirit.
PRINT THE COUPON AT THE END OF THE NEWSLETTER AND BRING YOUR WAGGIN' TAILS TO.....POOCHIE'S! 
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Fitness Buddies: Exercising with Your Dog
Dogged by Obesity
Man's best friend is battling one of man's worst enemies -- obesity. Up to 40% of dogs  in the U.S. weigh too much. Like people, overweight dogs are at risk for health problems, from arthritis to heart disease. This is one challenge you and your pet can face together. Research suggests people who exercise with their dogs are more likely to stick to a fitness program. The key is finding activities you both enjoy.
Getting Started
When making your dog your exercise buddy, step one is a trip to the vet. "A good vet evaluation is always important before changing your dog's lifestyle," Kathy Scott, DVM, of Texas A&M University explains. "The veterinarian will want to evaluate your dog for any heart, lung, or other health problems." It's also important to check for signs of arthritis or musculoskeletal disease. A dog with inflamed joints or ligaments may require a low-impact exercise plan.
Before you and your dog begin your new active lifestyle, you should BOTH be cleared medically for your desired activity. A complete physical exam for you and your dog will assure that exercise will not be dangerous.
Walking
Brisk walking is an ideal exercise for human and hound. The benefits include a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, more energy, denser bones, and a lower risk of depression. In dogs, regular walks can also reduce common behavior problems. "There's no set rule for how far a dog should walk," says Kathy Scott, DVM, of Texas A&M University. "Just work slowly toward a goal with a gradual increase in the speed and length of walks." A trip to the vet for your dog and a doctor's checkup for you is recommended before starting an exercise program.
Frisbee Frisbee offers a classic canine workout. You can play a relaxed game in your own yard or join a formal "Disc Dog" team. Participating in competitions may give you and your dog greater motivation to practice regularly. "Goal-oriented sports are great," says Scott, "because they not only allow the dog to exercise, but also are a fun activity that allows for continued behavior training and contributes to the owner-pet bond."
Agility Training
 Agility training is another popular goal-oriented sport. Your dog races through an obstacle course with ladders, hurdles and tunnels, while you run alongside offering praise and encouragement. The fast pace provides both of you with an excellent cardiovascular workout, while your dog also develops improved coordination. Participate in organized competitions or look for a park with an agility course you can use on your own time.
Check out WebMd for more dog/people exercising
Poochie's Swim and Play Park (A great answer for pup exercise!)
To provide a chance for off-leash play, Poochie's is your answer! Off-leash running and playing lets your dog set his own pace, so he can burn energy and rest when he's tired. Other perks include the chance to socialize and the mental stimulation that comes with unfettered exploration. Dog owners also get a workout trying to keep up with their pets. It's a good idea to complete some obedience training before allowing your dog to go off-leash.(Click here for info on Maggie Marshall Dog Training, or at our web-site shown below.) |
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The Proper Use of a Crate
By
Maggie Marshall
 
A crate can be very useful if you own a dog. It is very helpful for housetraining, home alone training, to prevent destructiveness and may serve as a dog's makeshift "den." It's good to train a dog to be comfortable while confined in a crate to help it at the vet, groomer, during travel and if the dog needs to be confined for any other reason. A crate should not be where the dog spends most of its time.
 A crate should be purchased to fit your dog when it is fully grown. It should be big enough for the dog to stand upright, turn around and sleep in comfortably. If the crate is housing a puppy, a portion can be blocked off to suit the size of the puppy and more space can be given as it grows. Some crates come with a divider, or a cardboard box can fill up the space nicely for dogs that don't chew. If a puppy or dog eliminates in a crate, it has most likely been left in the crate longer than it could hold its bladder. The crate only encourages puppies to hold "it." It's not a magic teacher. Many dog owners make the mistake of leaving the puppy too long in the crate when no one is home, causing the puppy to have a negative experience in the crate.  A puppy should only be left in a crate for as many hours as its age in months plus one. If you have a three month old puppy, it shouldn't be confined to a crate longer than four hours without being given the freedom to eliminate and get some mental and physical exercise. The crate is a tool and its use should be adjusted with the age and progress of the puppy. It's proper to use the crate to teach a puppy to hold it bladder while indoors. As the puppy learns this, it should be in the crate less and less over time. By six months, most puppies should have earned their freedom in the house and going in the crate should be a choice, not a necessity.
Click Here for More Info
And, check out either our Web-site, Poochies Swim and Play Park or Maggie Marshall Dog Training for more info on: Puppy Basic, Basic Training, Beyond the Basics and Behavior Trouble
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Don't Forget...Mark the Date!!! 
Poochie's and Maggie Marshall Dog Training are excited to announce NEW puppy classes starting on January 14
You won't find another class like this in Clay County.....come with your puppy and learn real life, relevant training techniques to help you raise a happy, healthy and well-adjusted dog. Held at Poochie's Swim & Play Park, located at 21 Fountain Dr., Orange Park.
Six, one hour classes begin promptly at 10am on Saturdays. First class will begin on January 14th and run for 6 consecutive weeks. For specifics, or to register, please go to Maggie Marshall Dog Training, or call Maggie at: 904.442.5923 |
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Have Dinner & Support
1st Thursday of Every Month
950 Blanding Blvd.
Orange Park, Fl. 32065
904.272.1419
Between the hours of 5pm & 9pm only
Woody's will donate 10% of the restaurant's total income (after taxes) to
Safe Animal Shelter!
 
Yum...It's Woody's
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We hope that you have enjoyed the January Fitness Newsletter! Everyone on the staff at Poochies wishes you a New Year filled with happiness and good health!
Lucky & Bailey Poochie's Swim and Play Park, Inc. and Missie & Samy  |
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