Keep your dog happy, cool and pest free this summer!

With summer approaching FAST...here's some tips to keep your dog the happiest and healthiest this summer!

 Bella Mid Groom!

 Bella looks so CUTE with her haircut!

Sweet Luna after a "summer cut" and a Dogtown Bandana

Grooming: Most dog breeds are less heat-tolerant than humans. We sweat, but they don’t have many sweat glands and must pant to lower their body temperature—not nature’s most efficient cooling mechanism. Dogs with heavy double coats or short flat faces suffer even more when the temperature rises. However, any dog can suffer from the effects of heat, sun, and humidity, and any dog  can benefit from a good grooming  to stay healthy and comfortable all summer long.

Baths:
Regular summer baths are the best ways to keep your dog pest-free, odor-free, and beautiful. This important addition to brushing and combing takes pests off your dog in the old-fashioned, chemical-free way: by rinsing them off. It also keeps your dog’s coat in good condition by keeping it clean. A dirty coat not only attracts pests but also won’t protect your dog from sun and heat as well as a clean, shiny coat with good air circulation over healthy skin.

Nail Trims:

All dogs need a nail trim, its a basic necessity. It is very important that nails are kept short. Nails that are left to grow too long are uncomfortable for the dog and it may be painful for him to walk. Dew claws that are left to grow may grow back into the leg of the dog or may catch in things and be ripped out.

                                                                                                             

Our groomer Michelle will be taking extra appointments for grooming every Thursday. If you are interested in getting your dog groomed, please contact grooming@dogtownaustin.com to set up a time to come in. Also make sure to mention if you are interested in a bath or nail trim during your pups daycare or boarding stay! Prices located at: http://www.dogtownaustin.com/otherservices.html

St Patricks Day Fun

I am not sure how fun the dogs thought this project was...but we sure had fun making them wear some costumes and picture time! Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and all of your four legged friends from the entire Austin Dogtown Crew!

Hank is not so sure about this costume thing!

 Chuckers loves a good costume

 Luby said she will do a good "sit" in her costume!

 Frankers is REALLY enjoying his St. Patrick's day!

 Sweet Molly...she loves a costume

This is Maximus's first St. Patty's Day!!

      Group Shot!

Thank goodness THAT sillyness is over!

Doggie Communication

Those of  who love dogs want to understand how they communicate with each other. Sometimes the signs can be confusing…especially with there are signs such as growls mixed with tail wags! Here are some ways that canines communicate:

Information taken from Amy Shojai and Paw Nation.com  

Barking is used during play and defense -- and to get attention. Barks signal conflicted feelings -- "I like you, but I'm not sure," or "I want to play, but I shouldn't." Barking also serves as a canine alarm to alert the dog's family/pack of anything unusual -- a sound, trespassing squirrel or your wearing a hat. So keep that in mind next time you are picking up your four legged friend from daycare/boarding. Instead of one dog barking a “warning” for the knock on the door- everyone gets to get in on the fun!

Everyone at Dogtown gets excited when a visitor comes to the door!

Whines, whimpers and yelps are nonthreatening communication. These sounds telegraph fear, pain, submission and sometimes frustration. Dogs also whine and whimper to beg attention or treats from humans.

Growls are closed-lipped warnings to keep your distance, and can be soft or loud. Growls are defensive or offensive depending on whether the dog is frightened or hostile. Growls are also used during play, which can be confusing, though looking at other dog body language can help you know that the growls aren't real.

Snarls are growls with teeth displayed and threaten attack.

Howls can express loneliness and are used to call the family together. Dogs also howl in response to sound. One of my dogs triggers a howl every time my cell phone rings!

Body positions can indicate status. Confident dogs stand with erect posture, nearly on tiptoe to impress other dogs. Aggressive dogs lean forward, while fearful dogs lean backward. 

Fluffing the fur along the ridge of his back -- the hackles -- makes a dog look bigger and more impressive. We call these Mohaks! Dogs that are feeling fearful/aggressive raise their hackles.

Ears position indicates mood. When held high and facing forward, the dog is interested or alert. The ears flatten against the head by degrees depending on how fearful or submissive the dog feels.

Chuck looks like he is using his ears to try to fly!

Eyes convey intent. Droopy eyelids indicate pleasure, while alert dogs hold eyes wide open. An unblinking stare is a challenge, while averting the eyes shows canine submission. The pupils of a dog's eyes indicate aggression and imminent attack when they suddenly dilate.

Mouths hide or reveal teeth to communicate. Lifting lips vertically to show the canines -- fang teeth -- is a threat that indicates aggression, defense or fear. Lips pulled back horizontally to show more teeth is a submissive grin used to diffuse threat. A flicking tongue signals intent to lick -- an appeasement gesture if aimed at the face. The relaxed, happy dog's mouth is held half open with lolling tongue.

Tails beckon you closer or warn away. A relaxed tail curves down and back up in a gentle U, and increased interest makes the tail go higher. Dominant and confident dogs hold their tails high, and wag rapidly in tight, sharp arcs. A low-held tail indicates submission, and dogs show deference by wagging in loose, wide, low arcs that often include hip wags. A tail tucked between the legs signals submission and fear and is the doggie equivalent of hiding his face, since it prevents butt sniffing from other dogs.

Urine marking is used by both male and female dogs. It takes very little urine to send a pee-mail. Even when he runs out of urine, a dog may continue to lift his leg as a visual signal to any dogs watching.

 What are these dogs communicating? My guess is...throw the ball please!

Apollo and Charlie- Two very special dogs

Austin Dogtown is thrilled to be fostering two very special dogs. Charlie and Apollo made their journey from a shelter in Gonzales TX. They have been living together in the same run at the shelter for almost a year and are now back together being fostered with us at Austin Dogtown! As you can see from the video and pictures…they are quite a bonded pair. They love to spend the morning with lots of playtime, afternoon napping in the same crate and sleep in side in crates at night. They love to play together and are great at entertaining each other!!

Apollo is a sweet, gentle, beautiful boy with a soft golden coat and the sweetest eyes ever! Apollo is a very calm dog for his young age, but also loves playing with toys and especially other dog friends! So far he is doing great with his housetraining and does just fine in his crate as long as Charlie is nearby. He's really great on a leash, and would be just as happy with daily neighborhood walks as he would with longer walks/runs. He is great with all other dogs, both big and small.

Charlie is a small hound/cattle dog mix that is full of sweetness!! He loves playing with all other dogs- and likes 2 legged friends too. He can be a bit tentative when meeting new people or when coming across loud noises/occurrences- but recovers quickly!  He is potty trained and loves having his peanut butter kong each night in his crate.

We know it is not always possible for two dogs to be placed together, but we are believing in that outcome for the two of them. So if you're looking to add 2 dogs to your home, there are no two dogs that would love it or be more grateful than Apollo and Charlie! Plus, you would be getting TWO fabulous dogs that you already know love each other. They can’t wait to find that special home to call their own! If you are interested in meeting them, please contact us or Austin Dog Rescue (http://www.austindog.org/).

After hearing Apollo and Charlies story- one of our awesome customers who also adopted a dog (Brody)from Austin Dog Rescue has offered to donate one of their adoption fee if adopted together! 

Brody was a very special dog who needed to be matched with a home with another dog to be happy. He met Luna (who is a daycare regular) while he was being fostered at Austin Dogtown last spring and Luna's mom decided to adopt him. Luna and Brody LOVE each other and Brody is the happiest dog in the world...and Luna loves having a brother. They are quite a bonded pair :) 

So if Apollo and Charlie are lucky enough to find a home together- their TOTAL adoption fee will be just $165!Two awesome dogs for the price of one...and a built in playmate :)