“Walk With Your

Best Friend”

For Peace

Join us as we kick-off our celebration of Akron’s First Annual “Akron Peace Week”

Hosted by  Akron Peace Project

With support from the

Summit County

Prosecutor’s Office

Event includes 1-Mile Fun Walk, Dog

Costume Contest, Prizes, Raffle, Music

& Much More!

When:  Sunday, September 26

Time: 1-4pm

Cost: $10 Fun-Walk, $5 Dog Costume Contest

**Proceeds benefit the Battered Women’s Shelter

Location:

Visit us on Facebook by searching “Akron Peace Project” or Contact

Bekey Hewit at beckyh@scmcbws.org for more information and list of events

No.

No No No No.

It can’t be.  No way.

It is.

A Flea. And it is on Teddy.  No THEY are on Teddy.

*sigh* I guess even the most cared for, super spoiled, constantly cleaned pups can have a run in with a flea.  It’s Teddy’s turn.  I noticed he started acting a little funny, he was a little jumpier than normal, and then he started scratchin’.  And scratchin’ some more.  Then a little bitta flea biting.  Augh.  So as soon as I seem him diggin in his skin I flip him over and search.  I see that little flea jerk, and pluck him off.  Upon further investigation, I see what looks like little black spots and is commonly called “flea dirt”, which is a nice way of saying “flea poop”.  Ew.

I immediately take Ted to the tub and it is time to clean him.  I whip out shampoo, flea and tick shampoo and doggy conditioner.  This is a long bathing process: 30 minutes of wash rinse repeat, in hopes of getting rid of the bug.

The good thing is that he certainly isn’t infested.  I think I found about 10: which for a dog of his size isn’t too bad.  I can tell today he is a lot happier and feels pretty darn good about life again, which is great.

Those fleas messed with the wrong pooch.

With the world of pups becoming more and more socialized, it’s becoming a push for us dog owners to make sure our four-legged children know what to do in a pack situation. I know when I was growing up, we had one dog: whom we walked, fed, and cared for all within our family unit. There was no such thing as a dog park. No such thing as a doggy daycare center. Just us kids and our dog.
But things have changed my dear pup parents and Ted can vouch for that. Aside from being social on the internet (many of you guys have your dogs owning their own Facebook page LOL), our pups are more social in this world.
I take Ted every where I can. He needs to be a chilly pup, no barking, relaxed, and friendly. And lucky for me, he is. Like, totally furrrr sure.
But not everyone has this immediate luxury within their canine.
I have had a handful of pup parents that say they would love to take their pup to socialize; however he/she is not well-behaved, is a bit aggressive, and they don’t know what he would do in that sort of environment.
Interesting.
So I am singing as a job in Strongsville this past week (shameless plug www.Brooklyn232.com). I see my friend Bill Wittrock from Obedient Dogs and More, based out of Berea. I’ve known Bill for a numbr of years, and actually referred many pup parents to his training services.  He is a local dog whisperer if you ask me.

Anyway, he tells me something interesting.
His facility can deal with this exact situation, and help those unsocial pups become relaxed and a bit more outgoing.  Check out a direct link here:  http://obedientdogsandmore.com/video/group-socialization

I run the class 2 ways: friendly dogs and aggressive dogs. The aggressive dogs will become friendly in time. If you watch the video on my website, you will see everyone, people and dogs are in constant movement. This movement causes the dog to go into pack drive. They feel a part of something greater. Most encounters that happen typically are over space issues or while standing still or when restrained. Since there are no restraints and we allow no stopping or congregating in corners, these dogs never feel threatened . This experience changes that picture through the power of the pack. We do this every Saturday at 3 for friendlys and Thursday at 7 for aggressives. If anyone is interested please contact me for an evaluation appointment. – Bill Wittrock, Obedient Dogs And More

Like I said, I have referred a number of pet parents to Bill.  He is good people, and good for your pup.  Tell him Teddy’s Mom sent ya.    Woof!

Have you ever met a Swedish Vallhund? Perhaps you have but just didn’t know it. You may have thought that it was some sort of Corgi/Shepherd mix. But don’t be fooled by their short stature and sable coloring. This is a breed all on its own.

Swedish Vallhunds (also known as the Little Viking Dogs) are an old breed, having originated before the Vikings invaded England in 1066. It is thought that perhaps the Vikings brought the Vallhund, their sturdy little herding dog, to England. They got some breeding going on and this is why they have some similarities to Corgis. Vallhunds are longer legged and have shorter bodies than the Corgi. They are also not as stocky as a Corgi.

Putting the age old debate aside (which came first: the Vallhund or the Corgi?), I am really glad that I have found this breed. My youngest pup, Timber, is a Swedish Vallhund and he is quite the loveable guy. This breed is good natured, lively, and loyal. Desptie their small stature, they are quick and agile, taking well to obedience and agility training. The breed is said to be friendly, watchful, and have an overall calm personality. I realize that each dog is its own person dog, but Timber really embodies the nature of a Vallhund. He is quite adaptable, and takes well to meeting new people and being in new situations. If you are looking for a dog to take hiking, go on car rides or vacations, the Vallhund will be more than willing to accompany you. I think Timber’s favorite activity is hiking the trails at the metro parks! The Vallhund was bred to herd and therefore needs and enjoys both mental and physical stimulation.

If there is a downside to this breed, it is the shedding. Timber has a thick undercoat that makes playing in the snow all winter fun and easy. However, come summer, I find dust bunnies puppies all over the place. Daily brushing can help keep this under control.

This breed is still relatively new to the United States and therefore has very few health problems (the breed was only admitted to the AKC in 2007). The life expectancy of a Vallhund is approximately 12-15 years. These dogs are about medium size, being 12-13.5” at the shoulder and about 25-35 pounds. I have met female Vallhunds that are on the smaller side, whereas Timber is just about maxed out at 36 pounds. We like to think of him as a big dog in a small dog body.
Swedish Vallhund Club of America

American Kennel Club: Swedish Vallhund

You guys.  Go to this.  You won’t regret the drive from Akron.

Ted and I will be there all day: In fact, my band is playing from 2-5.  Good Stuff.  Amazing Dog Folks, and just good times.

The Grateful Dog Bakery Presents

WOOFSTOCK FUN FEST
Sunday, August 1st from 10-5
PLEASE NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES/FLEXI LEADS

We are celebrating our 5 year Anniversay with one of the biggest bashes ever! This year we are proud to have as our very special guests:

“Groomer to the Stars” and Author Billy Rafferty
Mr. Rafferty, a nationally recognized, multi-certified and award-winning pet stylist and dog care expert, has a new book out called “Happy Dog—Caring for Your Dog’s Body, Mind, and Spirit,” and he’ll be signing copies of it at Woofstock.. In addition to being a Master Pet Stylist, Certified Master Groomer, DermaTech Specialist and Companion Animal Hygienist, he is a sanctioned grooming show judge and a highly regarded speaker and lecturer. Billy is also the owner and principal stylist at Doggy Dooz Pet Styling Salon in Chicago, IL. His clients include Oprah Winfrey, NBC News’ Tamron Hall and Chef Art Smith.

Barnes and Noble will be selling Mr. Rafferty’s books and he will be signing them.  From 11-2.  And…Mr. Rafferty will be offering a question and answer session at 12:45 under the Lecture Tent!

AND:
Renowned Pet Portrait Artist Michael Vistia
Mr. Vistia has been commissioned by Fortune 500 companies, entertainment and sports celebrities and politicians. Mr. Vistia’s lifelike renderings of family portraits, canines and thoroughbreds are on display in some of the most prestigious homes in America. His photos are also featured in Mr. Raffery’s new book (see above entry). He has also done some “Paint Your Own Pet Portrait” classes at the Bakery, and will be at Woofstock to share his talents with attendees.

New this year:

- Book Signing with Billy Rafferty from 11-2.
- A free lecture series featuring 30-minute workshops on various pet-related topics such as nutrition and grooming.
- Pictures with Merlinda “The Fairy Dogmother” to pets! from 11- 4 $10
- Pet Blessing for a donation at 3:00
- Kissing Booth…Kiss a Boston Terrier .50!
- Pet Acupuncture by Prickly Paws Accupunture &
Pet Accupressure – $10 for 10 mins.

PLUS:
- Wiener Races $2.00 entry fee at 1:00
- Dog Races $2.00 per dog entry fee by size. 1:15
Agility Course $2.00 per dog by North Coast Dogs
Dog Wash by Canine Companions- $5.00
- Pet massage by Pet Kneads $10 for 10 min.
Animal Reiki/Healing Touch $10 for 10 min. by Cheri Keller
- Nail trims by Designer Doggies $5.00
Micro-chipping by Happy Pet Vet – $55
Pet and People Caricatures by Art Attack $10 each
Doris Straka Animal Communicator $10 for 15 mins.
- Variety of Information booths,
- Paw print imprints & Paint your own Pet Picture! -$5.00
- Free Fly Ball demonstration by Fur in a Blur at 2:00pm
&  Fly Ball course open from 2:15-3:30 to try! $2:00 per dog
- Outdoor cafe for people and pets with Awesome Gyros and
Alyssa’s Cupcake Confections.
- Canine Skinny Dipping Pool!

Entertainment will be provided by the band iTex, featuring Plain Dealer reporter Chuck Yarborough &
the fab duo of BrookeLynn (Ahem, Teddy’s MOM!)!!

Proceeds from Woofstock benefit these 4 Animal Rescues:
- Love-a-Stray
- Fidos Companion
- St. Francis Animal Sanctuary
- Middleburg Hts. Animal Foundation

Other animal rescues & non-profit in attendance:
- Golden Retriever’s in Need – Ohio Pug Rescue
- Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue
- Skunkhaven Rescue
- Canine Companions for Independence
- Mini Mutts Rescue
- N. RIdgeville Friends of the Park
-Therapy Dog International
-Canine Advocates of Ohio
-C.A.R.E.
-Redcross

Plus:
- Camp Bow Wow
- JMT Glassworks
-Mixed Bag Designs
- Primal Pet Foods
- Natura Pet Foods
- Fromm Pet Foods
- Honest Kitchen Pet Foods
- Happy Pet Vet
- North Coast Dogs Training
- Pet Kneads
-Prickly Paws Acupuncture
- Designer Doggies
- Healing Touch Reiki for Pets and People
- Doris Straka Animal Communicator
- Fur in a Blur
- Art Attack by Kat
- Wholesome Pet Distributing
-DBF & Associates
-Amazingevents4u
-Diva-N-Dapper Dogs

Lecture/Demo Tent Schedule -
10:45 Therapy Dog International Demo
Dolynn Doyle
11:45 The Ins and Outs of Feeding Raw food to your pets…
Michelle Hall
12:45 Billy Rafferty Answers your questions about grooming your pet!
1:45 Ask the Vet – Dr. Dean from Happy Pet
2:45 Cooking Demo…Nurtitious recipes for your dog!
Tiffany Costanzo from Wholesome Pet
3:45 Holistic Practices for your Pet and what they do
Cheri Keller & Linda Mckenna &  Jennifer Bodgstad DVM,CVA

Contests: Entry fee is $1.00 per dog per contest
(Held in front of the entertainment tent.)
Largest/Smallest Dog- 10:30
Grooviest Dog – 11:30
Best look alike - (Wo)man/child and dog – 12:30
“Americas dogs have talent!” The most talented dog! – 1:30
Pie Eating Contest for man and dog – 3:30
Sponsored by Gray House Pies in Fairview Park

- Free goody bag with every in-store purchase (one per family).
Admission is free.
PLEASE NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES/FLEXI LEADS

Lolly the Trolley
(Sponsored by Natura Pet Food, Fromm Family Foods, Primal Pet Food & Wholesome Pet Distributing)

Chinese Raffles this year:
-Gift Basket from Wholesome Pet Distributing

-Holistic Treatments Package for your Pets …includes Pet Massage, Reiki and Accupuncture.  $130 Value

Other Sponsors :
K&W Distributing
Merrick Pet Food
Party Animal

PLEASE NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES/FLEXI LEADS

The tail is only one of many communicators on your dog’s body.  When folks tell me stories of a little tiff in behavior with their dogs, sometimes I will hear something along the lines of “BUT his tail was wagging…when he bit me!”

That is the trick of the tail! Somehow we silly humans have come to believe that a tail wag is THE sign of a happy dog.  Because we’ve bred our dogs to be very social, most tails you encounter will indeed be happy, but along the way, you will see some that are nervous, and others that are ready for a throw down (watch out!).

Here’s how to read that tail of the moment:

Happy Tail: This coffee table’s nightmare is accompanied by a loose, relaxed dog. Similar to a rubber band or cooked spaghetti, the body is wigglin’ and movin’. The tail can be high or level with the plane of the back and very widely and loosely wagging back and forth.
This tail is welcoming a greeting from you! Go for it! “HELLO DOG! I’m Dog Lover! NICE to meet you!”

Nervous Tail/Unsure Tail: Is carried below the plane of the back and maybe even tucked between the legs. Only the tip, if anything, is moving. This pup is slinking along either toward you or away. This dog is still likely social, just not sure what to quite make of you. Be gentle, go slow and be calmly reassuring. Let the pup approach you.
“Hey there Fella, it’s OK. I’m Dog Lover. Aww..good boy.”

A hunkered down body and obvious lifted paw is what I would consider an unsure greeting.

Aroused/Aggressive Tail: Is high over the plane of back. It is tightly waving, just at the tip, erratically. It is accompanied by a stiff dog, who’s body appears “frozen still.”
“Alrighty then Fido, let me give you a WIDE berth. I’m Dog Lover & I’m outta here.”

We should all know how to speak dog effectively. Increasing our ability to understand what dogs are telling us, keeps both us and them safe!
Be sure to pass on this information. Tell your tale of being fluent in dog tail!
Woof!

It can’t possibly be a boring weekend for you and your pup.  Not a chance.

Two biggies you pup fans:

For one, the Hudson Wine Festival is a big time fun time this weekend.  I mean, this is my favorite event of the year without a doubt.  Wine, Friends, and Ted. It can’t get any better.  You should check it out, and know that the proceeds are going to the Humane Society of Greater Akron.  Saaaa-sweet. More information is here  Hudson Wine Festival.

Another whopper is Tots N Tails in Hardesty Park:

Tots N Tails  is a day for celebrating pets as family members.  If you are ready

to open your heart and home to a rescued animal, many groups will be bringing pets available for adoption.  In addition, there will be opportunities to learn about several animal welfare programs in our community, and how you can help.  Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy food, fun activities (including crafts, inflatables, and face painting), and agility and training demonstrations.  Join us Saturday, July 17th at Hardesty Park in Akron.  The event begins at 10am and runs until 4pm, and admission is free!

And of course, there is the good ole dog park.  Whatever the case, there is no excuse to get out there this weekend with your best friend and have some fun in the sun.  Woof!

I am without Ted today and about in this beautiful weather sitting on a blanket in the sun.  A cool breeze whisps by as the air smells of a beautiful summer morning.   A pup goes walking past.  No lead, and his owner is 20 feet behind him.

I acknowledge the fact that the pooch is obviously loose and the man that is 20 feet behind is trying to catch him.  I don’t want to get involved just yet as the man is trying to corral his pup to a corner.  It’s no use.  He just can’t seem to get the dog’s attention: it is a little too obvious that this pup doesn’t listen to him.  Like absolutely, positively does not acknowledge his name or any command.  The man has a bit of a hobble, and I can’t seem to bare to watch as he limps towards the dog nearly catches him and fails.  And fails again. And again.  The man is sweaty, tired, and obviously in pain.

I tell him I will help.  I already can sense the dog is a bit stressed and if I reach for that collar I think I might lose a hand.

“Don’t worry, he won’t bite you” says the guy.  Haha yeah, right.  Listen, if a dog owner cannot even get the attention of his dog, what makes me believe he knows how that dog will react when caught off guard.  If this happens to you, keep that in mind so that you can walk away with 10 fingers.  The pup wants nothing to do with any of this, and I am trying to help with the deep sense that this pooch will attack if provoked enough.  Finally, he bolts down a long parking lot. The owner can’t possibly run.  So I do.  We make it to the street, and the pup flips around and looks at me.  Straight in the eye.  Now, I don’t know if you know this:  but a lot of times if you stare a dog in the eye, he will automatically feel threatened.  We were locked eye to eye.  He growls at me.  eeek.  I muster up a tough guy voice telling him to “sit down”.  LOL He bolts again and runs into a fenced in area of a neighbor’s house.  I shut the gate and knock on the door of the house.  No one answers.

The man has made his way to me, I tell him that the pooch is in the fenced in area.

“Great”, says the man.  “He’s home.  Thank you.”

“What do you mean?  This is your house?” I ask catching my breath from the run.

“Yes it is.”

And there you have it.  Fido ran back home and I still have 10 fingers.  I will call it a day.

Courtesy of CBSNews.com

It seems across America, more and more resorts and campgrounds are throwing a bone to their dog loving customers – hosting, for at least a week or two, dog summer camps.

Last week and his dog Scout spent a couple days at one such camp in upstate New York- for this inside look at the people and pets behind the movement.

David Kralstein and Janice Costa run the Canine Club Getaway. “You’ve got a whole changing demographic. The dog is becoming much more a part of the family,” Costa said. “We want to enjoy time with our dog. That’s what we enjoy doing and when we go places we want our dog to be part of that.”

Costa said her clients are people who see no reason to leave their dogs even for lunch – people tired of being told no by the vacation industry.

“Every time I go someplace I’m always treated like a second class citizen. What am I doing wrong, I got a dog. Is that a sin to have a dog?”" asked Rocky Caforio, who brought his Shiatsu from Brooklyn. “So when I heard about this place, and we can have fun together, and I can enjoy her and she enjoys me then I decided that’s what I want to do.”

“It’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on,” said Lynn Kiaer.

Like most dog camps, this one offers a full slate of activities – most of which did not initially appeal to Hartman and Scout – like chase the plastic bags on a wire (she saw no point in it), barely tolerated barks and crafts, and flat-out refused swimming lessons.

“I don’t speak dog but I think he’s saying this camp sucks,” Hartman said.

Tara Munnely said that the camp is for her Border Collie Haley, but also for her.

“It builds the bond of the relationship. You have 10 to 15 years with this glorious creature so doing things to give her the best life I could, that’s important to me,” Munnelly said.

Scout warmed up to the place – even ended up chasing those bags for a minute or two. But like any camp, it was more the unstructured activities that she enjoyed most: the being with nature and scaring the pants off it, the being with a good friend and bonding over shared experience. That’s what summer camp is all about – that and the ice cream, of course.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

There is so much going on for our canine counterparts this weekend.  Have you checked out our

Happenin Hounds Calendar?

We’ll be seeing you around and have a great weekend!  Woof!