Pawliday Party at the Driskill

Lofty Dog (403 W. 2nd Street) is hosting the Annual Pawliday Party this Sunday, December 13, 2009 from 1pm-3pm at the Driskill (604 Brazos).  The Driskill hotel is the winner of Animal Fair magazine's most "pet friendly hotel," and they don't forget about your special family member during the holidays. This fund raising event for Austin Dog Rescue is presented in conjunction with Lofty Dog.

Activities include a Green Carpet Dog Walk fashion show, photos with Santa, and special goodies for all. Austin Dog Rescue has two dogs on site, ready for adoption and a perfect Christmas gift for someone in your family. For the masters, a cash bar on their famous Sixth Street balcony features Salty Dogs, Pink Poodles, Poinsetters, Greyhounds and other appropriately named cocktails.

Want to be in the fashion show where the winner of Best In Show wins a stay at the Driskill?  Other catagories will include Best Couple, Most Festive, Most Keeping Austin Weird.  The rules of entry are here.

Pre-Holiday Weight Pull Dec. 5th and 6th. (Location change)

 The IWPA Pre-Holiday Weight pull will be end on Dec. 5th and 6th at SouthPaws Playschool,  2324 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX.  We have moved the weight pull to an indoor location.

If you are interested in the IWPA sanctioned weight pull competition (Sunday), weigh in will be at 8:00am. Pulling starts at 8:30.  Weigh in NOT required for novice rounds. You may enter any of the novice rounds up to the time it begins.  Please see www.iwpa.net for specific rules in the competitive rounds.  Novice teams should be treated like training rounds. .

Weight pull general info:

Any dog can participate and earn a title through IWPA for weight pulling.

What's the fee? Free for spectators. $10 for novice rounds - enter when you get there. Consider novice rounds a training session and a chance to see if your dog enjoys it. I will have harnesses for you to use. Most dogs take to a harness quickly. $25 for competition rounds.

What can my dog get out of weight pulling? Physical activity, confidence building, socializing, and improving their relationship with you.

What do I need to train my dog to do before then for weight pull? The come or recall command. Your dog should have basic control.

What's the most weight a dog has ever pulled? The most I've seen is 50000 lbs.  Most dogs in healthy condition can pull 10x their body weight without any additional physical training.

When do I enter? On the day of the event. Novice can enter any time before the round begins. Professional/competition rounds must be entered and weighed in before the start of the pull.

Who can participate? Anyone and any breed. No registry or club membership required.

What should I bring? Your dog on leash and yourself. Camping chair and crate if desired. I will have harnesses available for dogs 20 lbs to 160 lbs.

My dog is small. Is there anything for us to do? Yes! Even the "little" ones can weight pull. There have been Jack Russells and Italian Greyhounds that pull with success!

HomeSlice Pizza's 4th Annual Carnival-O-Pizza to benefit Austin Pets Alive!

HomeSlice is throwing a party to celebrate their 4th anniversary, and to benefit Austin Pets Alive!  I went to this awesomely fun carnival last year, and I entered the eating contest.  Though I didn't win the eating contest, I had a blast watching some break dancing and hopping into the Annie Ray Photo Booth.  If I hadn't mentioned it, I love Annie Ray.  I go to some events just to jump into the photo booth.  

Photo by Austin American Statesman Photographer

Here's the lowdown on the event. Bring the kids down to SoCo for games, carnival-style booths, raffles, live music, break dancers, contests (Pizza Tossing, Extreme Pizza Eating, Pizza Box Folding, and “Hands on an Eggplant Sub”), beer, pizza (obviously) and much more!  To sign up for the contests, stop by for a slice at Home Slice Pizza before the carnival to fill out a contest card, or check the web site for more details.

WHEN:            Saturday, December 5, 2009

                          Noon-7p.m.

                         

WHERE:            Home Slice Pizza

                         1415 South Congress Avenue

                        Austin, Texas 78704

                        (512) 444-7437

TICKETS:            This event is free and open to all who love pizza and everything South Austin has to offer. Carnival tickets to participate in raffles and booths will be available for purchase at the event. All proceeds will go to Austin Pets Alive!

For more information about the event, visit www.homeslicepizza.com.

Central Texas SPCA 21st Anniversary Gala, Nov. 19th and Rags to Wags

Here's two fun and classy events benefiting the Central Texas SPCA and the Austin Humane Society.  Enjoy!

21ST ANNIVERSARY GALA

NOV 19, 2009 6:30pm Please join us at The Long Center for The Performing Arts and help us celebrate our 21st Anniversary while honoring our 2009 Animal Advocate of the Year, Nicole Mlakar-Livingston! Enjoy a delicious dinner, live jazz from Kris Kimura, and a silent auction plus other fun activities all benefiting the CTSPCA's adoption programs. Tickets are on sale now and sponsorship opportunties are available. For more information on sponsorship levels, please contact President@CentralTexasSPCA.org  Update: Rags to Wags is now sold out.  Congrats and have fun to all that are attending!

Pre-Turkey Day Weight Pull Nov. 15th - open to all breeds

Located in South Austin off 1626 behind RailRoad BBQ: Please see
www.iwpa.net for specific directions.

If you are interested in the IWPA sanctioned weight pull competition
  (Sunday), weigh in will be at 8:00am. Pulling starts at 8:30.  Weigh in NOT
required for novice rounds. You may enter any
of the novice rounds up to the time it begins.

Weight pull general info:

Any dog can participate and earn a title through IWPA for weight
pulling.

What's the fee? Free for spectators. $10 for novice rounds - enter
when you get there. Consider novice rounds a training session and a
chance to see if your dog enjoys it. I will have harnesses for you
to use. Most dogs take to a harness quickly. $25 for competition rounds.

What can my dog get out of weight pulling? Physical activity,
confidence building, socializing, and improving their relationship
with you.

What do I need to train my dog to do before then for weight pull?
The come or recall command. Your dog should have basic control.

What's the most weight a dog has ever pulled? The most I've seen is
50000 lbs.  Most dogs in healthy condition can pull 10x their body weight without any additional physical training.

When do I enter? On the day of the event. Novice can enter any time
before the round begins. Professional/competition rounds must be entered and
weighed in before the start of the pull.

Who can participate? Anyone and any breed. No registry or club
membership required.

What should I bring? Your dog on leash and yourself. Camping chair
and crate if desired. I will have harnesses available for dogs 20 lbs
to 160 lbs.

My dog is small. Is there anything for us to do? Yes! Even
the "little" ones can weight pull. There have been Jack Russells and
Italian Greyhounds that pull with success!

Harassment and Destruction continues at Animal Trustees of Austin

Harassment and Destruction continues at Animal Trustees of Austin
Austin, TX – October 28, 2009 – On Tuesday evening Animal Trustees of Austin’s clinics were broken into for the seventh time since September 28, 2009. At the same time this story aired on local news, a perpetrator scaled the fence of Animal Trustees of Austin and destroyed the electric meters to our two clinics. Electricity was disconnected to the facilities shutting down the recently added outdoor security lights.  An alarm was sounded to the security company and the police came for another investigation, however, the offender was not apprehended. City employees had to work through the night to restore power to Animal Trustees of Austin.
This series of devastating events has now cost Animal Trustees of Austin upwards of $8,000 in repairs and added security measures.  Due to these escalated and malicious attacks, management is seriously concerned about staff safety after hours, and are no longer comfortable housing animals in the facilities overnight.  The monies being spent to make these excessive repairs and increase security represent thousands of dollars in veterinary care that would be spent for animals in need in our community.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact press contact below or Executive Director, Missy McCullough at 512-371-1968 or Cell 512-922-4422.

Press Contact:
Kevin Farr
Communications Manager
Animal Trustees of Austin
Kevin@animaltrustees.org
512-371-1965
http://www.animaltrustees.org/ATA/site/about.asp

Austin Parks and Recreation Survey

Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), in conjunction with the newly formed Off Leash Area Advisory Committee (OLAAC), is conducting a survey on the city's 12 Off Leash Areas (OLA) - Dog Parks.
The goal of the survey is to seek input from dog owners who frequent these parks, and aid PARD and the OLAAC in better understanding the community's use of these parks.

The survey will remain active - online - until Friday, November 20, 2009; 5PM. Feel free to share this link (survey) with others.

http://austinpardoffleash.questionpro.com/

Please log on, give your input, send this link to your friends, and keep being a responsible dog owner.

101 Dalmatians comes to Austin

Please note: This event is not dog friendly. :o) However, there will be dogs in the cast, and people in the cast as dogs.

If you haven't heard yet, the 101 Dalmatians Musical is coming to Austin Nov. 24-29th. This show is particularly neat for many reasons. 1. There will be real dogs on the set. Check out this youtube video about the training. 2. People are on stilts. 3.There are kids in the show.  These three unique attributes make me want to see it period.  Training dogs is no easy feat.  Training dogs to be consistent in many different environments is extremely difficult.  Throw kids and stilts into the mix, and you've got a show. Hope to see ya there!

Check out their youtube channel here.
Check out their flickr here.


Per their website: THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is a Broadway theatre experience for the entire family… about what it means to be a family... canine and courageous. More than a simple story about good versus bad (Dalmatians Mr. & Mrs. Pongo against Cruella De Vil and the Baddun brothers), this Broadway musical shows how a family bands together to overcome every hurdle and hardship in the most difficult times.

Dalmatian HydrantDodie Smith’s book, The 101 Dalmatians, is beloved around the world and has been translated in 47 languages. THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is a Broadway theatre adventure story with a lively contemporary score by Dennis DeYoung. The inspiration for the Broadway production’s unique and delightful concept came directly from re-discovering the original 101 Dalmatians 1957 novel.

It's that Doggie Costume Contest time of the year!

We've got 3 fun events coming up with your pooches: Doggone It to Summer, Howl'oween, and National Pit Bull Awareness Day!  They are right around the corner, so hurry with those costume ideas.  Also, yours truly will be judging at the Doggone it to Summer Festival.  I like creative costumes, just thought you might like to know.  :o)   Don't forget to pick up your produce and other tasty treats while you're at the Farmer's Market.

SATURDAY, October 24, STORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Doggone it to Summer Festival featuring Dog Parade and Costume Contest

Bring your dog with you to Austin Farmers' Market on October 24th!

Doggone it to Summer Festival
October 24, 2009
10:00am - Dog Parade and Costume Contest
Austin Farmers' Market downtown at Republic Square Park, 4th and Guadalupe
Free parking is available in the state garage at 3rd and San Antonio

Dogs do not need to be in costume to participate in the parade at 10am, but if they are, they'll have a shot at winning one of the three categories: Most "Look-Alike" (Dog & Owner), Weirdest and Best Overall.

Doggie "Happy Hour" will follow the parade, featuring hand-made dog biscuits and cupcakes from Austin Farmers' Market's own Paw Bakery. Lucky Draw - Limit One Entry Per Dog - for a free 6-inch birthday cake on winning dog's next birthday, baked to order and fresh to the bones!

Austin Farmers' Market is a project of Sustainable Food Center. It runs year-round on Saturdays at Republic Square Park, 4th and Guadalupe from 8am - 12pm through daylight savings time in Oct., and from 9am – 1pm through daylight savings time change in March 2010. Also, Wednesdays at Triangle Park, 4600 Guadalupe at 46th and Lamar from 4pm - 8pm through daylight savings time in Oct., and from 3pm - 7pm through daylight savings time change in March. Free parking is available in covered garages and along the streets at both locations immediately adjacent to the market.

National Pit Bull Awareness Weekend Oct 24-25th

Please join Love-A-Bull in welcoming Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s famous dog handler John Garcia to Austin on the weekend of October 24-25, 2009, to participate in a weekend of family-friendly events in Austin.
John is nationally known for working extensively to rehabilitate 22 of the 49 dogs (now affectionately referred to as the “Vicktory Dogs”) seized from the bust of the Michael Vick/Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting ring. He is best known for his work and public appearances with Georgia, a sweet, 7-year old toothless female pit bull who, despite being a victim of cruelty and abuse, responds with love to all she meets.
The weekend will feature these FREE events:

A Family Fun Day with John Garcia
October 24, 5 PM – 9 PM at Zilker Hillside Theater
Free to the public! Dogs on leash are welcome. Chairs are not permitted, but blankets or towels are encouraged.
This fun-filled evening of activities will include:

• A public screening of National Geographic Channel’s “Dog Town,” including footage of John working with the Vicktory Dogs at Best Friends (begins at 7:30 PM).
• Autographs with John Garcia
• Games and crafts, including: henna tattoos, face painting, balloon animals, bandanna painting
• Under Pressure t-shirt silk screening
• Pumpkin patch photo booth
• Dunk tank
• Raffle
• Refreshments: Amy’s Ice Cream, Aloha Sno-Cones and Waffles, Zuzu’s tacos, Sweet Leaf tea
• Pick the Pit Bull game, trivia, and prize giveaways
• Information and adoptable pets from Emancipet, Happy Endings, Town Lake Animal Center, Best Friends, and Reunion Rescue
• Booths featuring Training by Tara and Haute Dog Magazine

A Downtown Pet Parade and Costume Contest, led by John Garcia
October 25, 2 PM at Austin City Hall
Free to the public! Bring your leashed loved ones and the whole family for this walk through downtown. Austin Java and Lofty Dog will provide rest stops, and there will be prizes for best human and dog costumes!  Free Parking in the City Hall Garage (entrance on Lavaca).

I don't have more info on the Howl'oween event that isn't on the flyer, but it does look like fun!Click on photo for larger version. 

Dog Friendly Fierce Fest Happy Hour to Benefit Safe Place

via the invite:
Come one, come all to the first-ever Fierce Fest Happy hour event will benefit SafePlace Women’s Shelter.

During the Fierce Fest happy hour at Lustre Pearl Bar, a portion of each drink purchase will benefit the SafePlace Women’s Shelter. Attendees can test their relative manliness (or womanliness) through feats of strength, including thumb wars, staring contests, wall sits, arm wrestling and more.

Fierce Fest will take place on Wednesday, October 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Lustre Pearl Bar is located at 97 Rainey Street in downtown Austin.

Dog-friendly event, free parking.

Featuring photobooth by Trevor Ray Thompson!

Sponsors include: Just Mind (counseling)

Tentative Dates for 2009-2010 Weight Pulls & Cedar Door Doggie Costume Yappy Hour

Here are the tentative dates for the Region 8 2009-2010 weight pull season.  Keep your eyes and hears open for more info!   Happy Training!


Nov. 21-22
Dec. 12-13
Jan 30-31
March 20-21

And........

Cedar Door

Yappy Hour

And

Dog Costume Party

Sunday

October 25^th

5 pm to 7 pm

On the Deck in front of the Big Screen TV

We will be giving away to two $25 Gift Certificates to the

Best Dressed Pooch’s

Human!

Your human can enjoy all our wonderful Sunday Football Specials!

Sunday Specials include:

$3 Newcastle Draft

$7 Deer and a Beer (Newcastle & Cazadores Tequila shot)

$10 Longhorn Mexican Martini

$5 Bevo shots

$25 Bacardi Gold Mojito Pitchers (serves 6)

201 Brazos Street
Austin, TX  78701
(512) 473-3712
www.cedardooraustin.com

Gearing up for the Drafting Season!

Photo by Michael Taylor

A big congrats goes out to Janice Swenson and Brooke for earning their Water Rescue Dog (WRD) title last weekend at Lake Kiowa, TX.  Water rescue is an extremely difficult sport, and it requires a fit, obedient, and willing dog.  Don't forget to congratulate Janice and Brooke next time you see them.  Now that the water rescue season is over, it's time to start thinking about drafting.

We haven't finalized the location yet (East Austin), but we're thinking about starting training on Oct. 17th, 9 am.  Get your dogs working on obedience and get those carts out....it's drafting time!

Dinner with your Dog at Cru wine bar to benefit Austin Pets Alive!

Please join us on Tuesday, September 29th, for a 3 course wine dinner for you and your pooch! We are featuring the wines of Mutt Lynch Winery paired with the superb culinary creations of Executive Chef Patrick Taylor. Portions of the evenings proceeds will be donated to AustinPetsAlive!  Crú has partnered with Lofty Dog Boutique to create this Uniquely Austin Pet Experience. Dr. Erin Homburg of Austin Urban Veterinary Center will be available for an "Ask the Vet" moment & have a special gift for each attendee. Leashes required. Limited Seats Available... Please make your reservation at payala@cruawinebar.com or 512-472-WINE (9463) $55 per person including your well behaved dog!

Austin's Best of party at a Best of Austin winning bar, The Gingerman

I'm still in shock that I wound up as the Austin Chronicle's Best of 2009 Most Diverse Portfolio.  With that said, @windaddict thinks it is high time that we celebrate the recognition by having beer and food made beer.  The eats menu has not been finalized, but I'm guessing that there will be cupcakes.  :o)  This party is not just a celebration, but a big thanks to those who helped get Keep Austin Dog Friendly, Austin Drive Clean, and MisoHungry where it is now.  We hope for many more fun-filled years to come.

Location: The Gingerman 301 Lavaca St Austin, TX 78701 (512) 473-8680 
When: Sunday, Sept. 20th, 2009, 5-7 pm
Why: Because we love you.
What to bring: yourself and some cash for booze, also some room for grub.

Below is @windaddict's facebook event. Feel free to RSVP, but not necessary.  It is also dog friendly.  Hope to see ya there!


Come celebrate Jennie's Best of Austin '09 Award at a Best of Austin '09 winning bar. To thank all of you for your support, Jennie will bring a selection of her beer creations for everyone to enjoy. We hope to see you there!

Read about Jennie's award:

"Most Diversified Portfolio: Jennie Chen
What would your life look like if you could focus your energy on your favorite things and then become an expert in all of them? With a résumé that reads like a Choose Your Own Adventure novel, MisoHungry Makes It With Moonshine blogger and veritable modern Renaissance woman Jennie Chen might know exactly what that feels like. MisoHungry is primarily foodie-focused, touching on topics such as cooking and baking with alcohol, specifically local craft brews, as well as restaurant reviews, food event notices, and cheerleading her own favorite delicious finds. She's probably best known for throwing this year's Cupcake Smackdown, pitting local purveyors of the delightful nibblies in a copious contest of crumb. But hold on to your leash! Chen is also the force behind Keep Austin Dog Friendly, an informative website listing dog-friendly restaurants, businesses, off-leash park locations, dog events, and more. Not impressed? Chen also created the Austin Drive Clean group, open to anyone "who wants to learn how to live green and drive clean." And dig this: While Chen's not practicing fuel-efficient driving, spending time with her pooch, or flashing her local foodie-finess, she splits her time as a DNA collector for the University of North Texas Health Science Center, through which she has worked with the Texas Attorney General and state law authorities, and as a research assistant and graduate lecturer at Texas A&M. So you have a choice: Look at what Jennie Chen has accomplished as inspiration to follow your own dreams, or sink deeper into that couch, potato, and give up now. misohungrynow.blogspot.com, austindogfriendly.blogspot.com, www.austindriveclean.com "

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Awards/BestOfAustin?Year=2009&BOACategory=Politics%20%26%20Personalities&Poll=Critics

Doggone it to Summer Festival!

SATURDAY, October 24, STORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY Doggone it to Summer Festival featuring Dog Parade and Costume Contest Bring your dog with you to Austin Farmers' Market on October 24th! Doggone it to Summer Festival October 24, 2009 10:00am - Dog Parade and Costume Contest Austin Farmers' Market downtown at Republic Square Park, 4th and Guadalupe Free parking is available in the state garage at 3rd and San Antonio Dogs do not need to be in costume to participate in the parade at 10am, but if they are, they'll have a shot at winning one of the three categories: Most "Look-Alike" (Dog & Owner), Weirdest and Best Overall.   Doggie "Happy Hour" will follow the parade, featuring hand-made dog biscuits and cupcakes from Austin Farmers' Market's own Paw Bakery. Lucky Draw - Limit One Entry Per Dog - for a free 6-inch birthday cake on winning dog's next birthday, baked to order and fresh to the bones! Austin Farmers' Market is a project of Sustainable Food Center. It runs year-round on Saturdays at Republic Square Park, 4th and Guadalupe from 8am - 12pm through daylight savings time in Oct., and from 9am - 1pm through daylight savings time change in March 2010. Also, Wednesdays at Triangle Park, 4600 Guadalupe at 46th and Lamar from 4pm - 8pm through daylight savings time in Oct., and from 3pm - 7pm through daylight savings time change in March. Free parking is available in covered garages and along the streets at both locations immediately adjacent to the market.

About Sustainable Food Center With roots dating back more than 30 years, SFC is involved in every step of the local food system from seed to table.  Our mission is to cultivate a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food.

Contact Information Susan Leibrock Community Relations Director Sustainable Food Center 512-236-0074 ext. 111

More dog training goals for Mouse and Basil - Private lesson notes from August 2009

Mouse and Basil had another private lesson on August 29th with Judy Ramsey.  We sure do have quite a bit of homework to do.  Here's my notes from our lesson. 

 For Basil:

1. Handler Error: I haven't been giving her very clear signals as when to when we are working, and when we aren't. I need to give obvious signals as to when she needs to be on task and when it is okay to chill.
2. Basil hesitates before jumping up and tends to swing out to the left when heeling instead of staying very close to my leg.  To fix this, I will heel to the right.  Either by pivoting or by veering to the right or by spiraling to the right, Basil will be challenged to keep right next to my leg.  I will do this at very short intervals, and release her to treats on the front of my calves.  That will teach her to wrap around close to my left leg. 
3. Right and Left Pivots.  I'll pivot to the right or left and release her immediately.  The goal is to teach her to not hesitate and to reinforce the heel position.  Teaching her to move to move with my left leg when I say heel (instead of just going forward) should reinforce that heel is a position, not a movement. 
4. Step right when I heel will also reinforce the heel position.  It should not matter if I step right, left, back, front, or pivot, Basil should stay glued to my left leg.
5. Shaping heeling - I haven't done this before as I started with other methods of heeling with Basil.  To shape it, I'll take a couple of steps and treat her. Take more steps and treat. More steps and treat. This is rewarding her for being by my side, but not necessarily teaching her the exact position. 
6. Building drive on starts - Starts are essentially the start of each exercise.  In competitive obedience, each exercise starts with the dog in heel position and the judge asking "Are you ready?"  At that point, my dog should be up (focused and attentive).  I start training for this by putting my dog in start position, then doing something fun.  I can play with a toy. Throw her a treat. Jump around. It needs to be something that makes my dog go "WHOA! What was that?" Over time, start position should be associated with something fun and interesting.  Start position = good things to come.

For Mouse:

1. Mouse also needs motivation on the line up.  This is a fairly common issue.  Many dogs can lose focus when sitting at the start up.  By pairing line ups with something fun, the dog will start to anticipate fun stuff during line ups, thus keeping the focus.
2. Alternate exercise with drive games - doing this increases endurance for motivation and speed.  By alternating adding a drive game after exercises instead of treating, this will build more endurance for focus, energy, and the expectation of working even after an exercise is completed. 
3. Teaching Mouse to motivate himself - This is a fast paced, pre-planned training method.  It is a mixture of changing positions mixed with exercise.  I should give Mouse a command, treat fast, then throw a toy, then give the come command, treat, throw toy, give command, push and play, throw toy.  This is should teach him endurance, as well, as focus to switch quickly from one activity to another. 
4. I need to do the same thing with sits to achieve faster sits. I should give the command to sit, fast treat, I change positions but not move far, sit command, fast treat, change positions, sit command, fast treat, change positions, sit command, etc......
5. Mouse needs more work on right turns. There are two different methods: the 270 turn and treating right out of the right turn.  We started 270 degree right turns after the last private lessons, but they are exceptionally difficult for any dog.  Dogs will have a tendency to lag, and the goal is to keep the dog right on your left leg or hip, depending on the size of the dog.  I'll start with the right turn, and treat Mouse upwards and almost across the front of my body as I'm turning.  As I turn, I'll shift my eyes, shoulders, upperbody, before turning.  Mouse is picking up on these cues when I turn slowly, but he isn't quite doing it quickly yet.  After he has mastered the right turn, we're going to move to 270 degree turns.  Using the same basic concept, I'll treat Mouse immediately out of the 270 degree turn, keep trucking it, 270 turn, and keep heeling, 270 turn, etc....

Dog Etiquette when out and about in Austin

Now that the weather is cooling off, more people are bringing out their pooches out to enjoy the relatively cooler weather. Since when is 97 degrees cool? :o) With that said, a reminder of good dog etiquette is due. Unfortunately, over the last few weeks, I've only noticed an increased number of irresponsible dog owners. Let's Keep Austin Dog Friendly by following a few simple guidelines.

Keep your dog on-leash at all times (unless otherwise specified). I cannot stress this enough. Keeping your dog on leash will prevent entire hosts of problems, particularly at locations where the parking area is not physically separated from patrons. These places include South Austin Trailer Park, South Congress area, Sunset Valley Farmer's Market, and Draught House. Problems with off-leash dogs (even friendly ones) can result in car accidents, dog fights, or someone's lunch or dinner being eaten.

Here's just a few excuses I've heard regarding not leashing their dogs:

• The management allows it. Perhaps the management doesn't notice or maybe they don't want to upset customers. Business owners contact me about this issue regularly. Regardless, it is city ordinance. Should an incident occur, you were breaking city ordinance. That's a citation.
  

• I'll watch my dog. That's what this young woman said right before her daschund ran into a moving car headfirst. The little dog's head was crushed. Even a very large dog is difficult to see in the rear view mirror. Allowing your dog off leash not only puts your dog at risk for being hit by a vehicle, but it also put the mental pain and guilt of hitting an animal on the driver of the car. Dog watching skills also decline dramatically after drinking alcohol. Drunk human and unsupervised dog is just a recipe for disaster.
  

• My dog is friendly. My dog has never done that before. That's what dog owners say right after a dog fight or aggression incidence. Truth of the matter is that most people cannot read canine body language accurately; a dog may be giving signals that it is unhappy long before it reacts. Also, dogs are not 100% predictable. Even the most well-behaved dog can have a bad day.
  

• My dog likes other dogs. Allowing your dog to run up to other dogs is just plain rude, it is not expressing like. It can be seen as a challenge, and the dog that is run up upon may become apprehensive or confused. It is the same as if I ran up to a stranger's table at a restaurant, jumped on the table, and started throwing insults. That's poor dog behavior. While it usually turns into nothing more than sniffing, it can turn into something much worse.
  

• Nothing has happened before. Consider yourself lucky then. Prevent car accidents and dog fights from happening. If you love your dog, leash your dog.
  

Keep in mind that it is a privilege to bring our pets to these businesses. If the businesses cannot accommodate you and your dog because they are busy, please be understanding and gracious. If you and your pet is asked to leave due to behavioral issues, please do so in a gracious manner.

Only bring well-behaved, human and dog friendly pets. Please seek professional training to address those issues before taking your dog out. Aggressive dogs have been one reason businesses have changed their policies. Do NOT bring aggressive dogs out in public. See our supporters page for training recommendations. Canine Good Citizen Testing is also a good idea for all dogs.

Keep your dog under control, always on leash per city ordinance. Do not allow your dog to go wherever he pleases. Do not allow your dog to pull you around. If your dog is not under control, please seek training prior to taking your dog out. Do not allow your dog to bark incessantly. See our supporters page for training recommendations.

While you may allow your dog to eat human food, don't allow your dog to eat other people's food.

Makes sure your dog is reasonably clean. No one wants to have lunch next to a stinky dog. Nor does anyone want fleas.

Make sure your dogs are up to date on shots. Carry your rabies certificate in the car.

Please only allow your dog to only potty away from the main areas, and please clean up any accidents.

Not everyone loves dogs. Respect those people's wishes. Please do not allow your dog to approach people without their permission.

Not everyone has common sense or decency. People will yank on your dog, sit on your dog, feed your dog things they shouldn't eat, and hurt your dogs in other ways. Don't be afraid to correct those people's behavior for the sake of your dog.

Do not allow your dog to socialize or play with other dog unless it is safe. Do not allow your dogs to romp and play when it is crowded. Someone may get side swiped. Do not allow your dog to approach other dogs without the owner's permission.

Please follow these guidelines with visiting dog parks. Support City Code 337 and Bull Creek Clean up. Keep our parks clean.

Sugar Mama's One Year Birthday Party! Aug. 29, 3-7 pm.

You love Cupcakes? I know you do! From the massive turn out at the Cupcake Smackdown 1.0, it is quite apparent that your dogs also love cupcakes. What better way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon than with your dog and cake! Join Sugar Mama's in celebrating their One year Birthday Party! It's dog friendly, and promises to be uber fun. See ya there! Deets below.

Hello Sugar Family!

It’s been a long, hot, sweltering, drawn-out, unbearable summer, but we’re nearing the end. It’s hard to believe, but this time last year Sugar Mama’s was opening her doors to Austin’s welcoming arms! Come out to the shop on August 29^th from 3-7 and help us celebrate with Sugar Mama’s 1^st Birthday Party! There will be food from Casserole Queens, drinks from Tito’s Vodka and Richard’s Rainwater, music from Team Fabrication, ice cream from NadaMoo!, a pie eating contest for charity, and cake from yours truly! The parking lot will be closed for the party, but you can park on one of the side streets (please don’t park in other business’ parking lots).

We’re taking 20 contestants for the pie eating contest, with a $10 registration fee. Those proceeds will go to benefit Austin Children’s Shelter, and the winner will win a basket of gift cards donated from local businesses. Since you folks are our loyal contingent, we thought we’d give you first crack at entering. If you’re interested in competing, reply to this email with your name and number and we’ll let you know if you’re in! We’ll be taking 10 alternates in case someone doesn’t show up or chickens out at the last minute, but you won’t need to pay the $10 unless you’re selected to compete.

Mouse's New dog bed

Mouse has never had a real bed. He's had a cot, which I actually use as a makeshift gate, and he's had crate pads, but he's never had a real bed. Now that he's 7 years old and semi-retired, I decided that my veteran needed a real bed. Searching for beds online reveals one thing, dog beds are very expensive. A very nice bed costs well over $1400, and Mouse wouldn't fit into a 24"x36" bed anyways. See here and pictured below. Even medium sized poor quality pillow type beds at Ross are $20. I wanted something that would last, and not look like a "dog" bed.

Instead, I decided to get creative. Knowing that the dogs didn't mind second hand furniture, I scoured craigslist for a baby mattress. Low and behold, I found not just a mattress, but also a cute little frame for just $25. For $25, I wanted that bed badly. Even though the bed was spoken for at the time, the first buyer fell through, and I was able to bring it home. I stopped at Target on the way home to pick up a crib sheet (7.99) for the mattress. The bed is easy to clean as I can toss the sheet into the wash, and wipe down the frame. It can't get better than this.

The bed has been home for about 2 hours, and Mouse is sleeping comfortably on it. Yay! New bed for just a fraction of the cost. Thanks to the family who sold me the bed.

How to find a dog trainer.

I’ve been asked many times to recommend a trainer. While I have opinions about training methods, I feel that it is best for people to find a trainer that suits them best. With that in mind, here’s a list of guidelines and criteria I use when looking for a trainer. I also use the word handler and trainer interchangeably. Almost all trainers handle their own dogs in dog sports (except in conformation). The person handling the dog is usually the one that also trains their dog. More often than not, those handlers also have trainers. At a dog sports trial, I look for handlers and dogs that consistently perform well. I ask them where they train, and more often than not, those great handlers have the same trainer. I hang out at training facilities and watch how the trainers interact with their students (both dogs and humans) . If a trainer yells or looses his/her temper with students, I avoid. The first rule of dog training is that if you are angry or upset, stop training and cool off first. Dogs and people will pick up that you are upset. That’s going to send mixed signals to the dogs and confuse them. I also look at the trainer’s personality and interaction with the dogs. Is the trainer a leader (all mental, not physical)? Physical force is not needed to be a leader. Confidence is needed. Do the dogs find the trainer fun and interesting without the use of food? Does the trainer motivate the dog and the owners? I watch the trainer’s body language. You’ll notice that successful trainers walk confidently with their heads up high and their dogs following their lead. Unsuccessful trainers seem slumped, draggy, and seem to be pleading with the dogs to pay attention. Most if not all training methods are available online or in books. Finding the knowledge is easy. Many programs certify trainers as having said knowledge. Finding someone with the personality, temperament, and experience to be a good trainer is an entirely different story. I talk at length with trainers about their methods and their experience. If a trainer cannot fully understand the different concepts of training methods, I avoid. If a trainer doesn’t understand the difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning, I avoid. Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are the basis of dog training. Both concepts are taught in Introductory Psychology classes. I avoid trainers that only have “one” method. These trainers tend to not be as successful as trainers who have more than one skill in their tool box. These trainers often get stuck in a rut when the only method they advocate does not work with all dogs. Having been trained in research, I’m well aware that there is no such thing as one method or theory that will solve all dog training problems. Sorry, just isn’t true. Different dogs need different methods. I watch trainers and their own dogs in public. If their own dogs are well-behaved in public, that’s a good sign. If their own dogs are NOT well-behaved in public, avoid. Being in public is key. Having a dog that is trained at a facility, but not in other locations shows me that the trainer does not know how to proof their dogs. If I ever hear the words, “But Fido is soooo good at home,” I run away fast. I ask the trainer about the function of each step in training. Each step has a function. Each word, each treat, each command, and every single praise has a function. If a trainer replies with, “That’s just the way I do it,“ I avoid. The trainer might know what to do, but if he/she cannot understand why, he or she cannot understand or offer advice on complicated issues. These types of trainers might be able to offer a quick fix for small problems, but not create a strong foundation for training. I avoid facilities that offer training without the owner. Most dog training is training the owner. Sometimes that is the more difficult part. Most of the time, behavioral problems are owner problems, not dog problems. In my opinion, there is no point in training a dog when the people having to live with the dog cannot implement the training. I look for trainers that are interested in developing a relationship with my dogs and myself. Dog training is a lifetime commitment, not an 8 week commitment. I want a trainer who understands and cares about the well-being of my dogs and doesn’t just treat me like a customer. A good trainer should want to make you a better dog owner for the lifetime of your dog, not just for the duration of the class or consultation. I also look for trainers that keep improving and keep learning. I avoid trainers with that know-it-all attitude. Every dog is different, and new training methods are being developed every day. A good trainer should be open to new ideas and trying new methods if an old method doesn’t work. You wouldn’t buy a cell phone that is 10 years old because there are probably better ones on the market. You wouldn’t only train with methods that were developed in the 1940’s now would you? I may use old methods in my training, but I also use new ones when appropriate. When I train, I look for trainers who also show in canine sports including obedience, rally, agility, or etc…While many people say that they just want their pets to have manners, good manners are built on a strong foundation and a strong relationship between dog and owner. Trainers that show are constantly being tested as they must show off their training skills. They must not only have a dog that behaves in at home, but also in public and with many distractions. The dogs much truly understand the concept of particular commands, and they are also proofed so that they can perform regardless of their environment. They must also perform many of the exercises off –leash on a single command. That type of performance can only be achieved if there is a strong handler/dog bond. Many trainers can teach a dog to sit and down on command in a controlled environment, but not many can train and handle a dog in a canine sport. However, not all trainers need to show in canine sports to necessarily be a good trainer. Not all trainers that show in canine sports are good trainers. Regardless of what you are looking to accomplish with your dog, I urge you to look for someone that has the knowledge, experience, skills, and personality that fits what you and your dog. Happy Training!

Paws in the Park - Sept. 12th 11:30-4pm

The Austin Dog Alliance is holding its second annual Paws in the Park event on September 12th from 11:30am to 4:00pm at the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center. We'd like for your club to do a demonstration at our event this year. We hope to introduce a variety of different dog sports to dog owners and dog lovers in our community.

Paws in the Park is a FREE event featuring five (5) circus rings of activities designed for every member of the family:

(1) The Dog Olympics Ring inspires the personal best of our canine attendees in hurdle jumping, speed races, hot dog eating, relay races, and a variety of fun games.

(2) The Training Ring is where local trainers will present 20-minute training sessions throughout the event.

(3) The red ring is the Childrens Ring where kids will be able to earn Girl Scout badges, participate in face painting, the jumpy jump, and crafts designed for younger attendees.

(4) Dog Sports and Fun is the theme for the ring where attendees can see demonstrations of Agility, Fly Ball, Carting, Frisbee, and even Dog Dancing.

(5) Adopt-a-Dog Ring, rescue groups and shelters will showcase dogs available for adoption.

In addition to the circus rings of activities, over 50 rescue groups and dog-related vendors will be in attendance. I have attached a flyer with additional information about doing a demonstrtion at Paws in the Park. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at su@austindogalliance.org.

Hope you can join in the fun!

Keep Austin Dog Friendly's Cupcake Smackdown1.0

The next official Keep Austin Dog Friendly event is Cupcake Smackdown1.0 (Sat. August 1st, 4-7 pm at One2One Bar @ 5th& Brazos). It will include a blind tasting judging of nearly 760 cupcakes, cutest cupcake voting contest, human eating cupcake contest, and canine eating pupcake contest. The panel of judges include yours truly, local chefs, pastry chefs, and food bloggers. Proceeds will go to the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas.

The canine eating contest is for SPEED, not quantity. The dog that can finish 5 pupcakes in the least amount of time wins (max time is 60 seconds) The pupcakes will be donated by Grand Dog Bakery located in Austin,TX. They will either be carrot and ginger or banana and carob. Mouse can down 7 of them in a less than 15 seconds.

Additionally, Town Lake Animal Shelter representatives may be there to take donations at the event to raise money for parvo treatments. Participation still pending. http://austindogfriendly.blogspot.com/2009/07/money-runs-out-to-save-puppies.html

Deets below.


Are you ready? Get Set! and BAKE! It is time for Austin to have a Cupcake Smackdown1.0, pitting icing against icing, pitting cake against cake. we'll see whose cupcakes reign supreme. Cupcake Smackdown will be held on August 1, 4-7 pm at One-2-One Bar. The tentative activities for Cupcake Smackdown 1.0 are a blind tasting contest of all the store front bakeries, an amateur baking contest, a cupcake silent auction, the people's popular vote, and a cupcake eating contest for both dogs and humans! Live music will be performed by Arielle Nicole.

For the blind tasting, a panel of local chefs and foodies will be chowing down on vanilla, chocolate, and a baker's choice cupcake from each of the eight store front shops. Each cupcake will be judged on the flavor, texture, and aroma.

Other activities include a bake off in which amateur bakers can enter either the vanilla, chocolate, or freestyle cupcake competition. There will be two categories for the cupcake eating contest: one for human participants and one for canine participants. Canines will be eating pupcakes for speed (not quantity). Ginger carrot pupcakes provided by Grand Dog Bakery. Spectators will also be invited to vote for the People's Choice award for any of the store front bakeries, vote for the cutest cupcake at the smackdown, and also participate in a cupcake silent auction. Proceeds to go to Wine and Food Foundation of Texas.

The event is kid and dog friendly. The last day to submit entry forms for amateur bakers' class is July 22nd. Pre-entries for the cupcake eating contest are being accepted and will be accepted until the day of the event pending space. Entry forms for the eating contests are available at All-In-One Bakeshop on 183. Each entry for the eating contests costs $10. Entries for the amateur baking contest is free. Please bring water and a spray bottle to keep your dog cool. It will be hot. Admission to the event is free. Please tip your bartender.

Email Jennie@misohungrynow.com to participate, enter yourself or your dog, enter your cupcakes, or to sponsor the event.

Schedule:

4:00 - 6:30 - Live Music, People's Popular Vote, Cutest Cupcake Vote, Silent Auction

4:00 - 5:00 - 1st round blind tasting of cupcake entries

5:30 - 6:00 - Final round of blind cupcake tasting

6:00 - 6:30 - Canine eating cupcake contest - pupcakes provided by Grand Dog Bakery

6:30 - 7:00 - Human eating cupcake contest - cupcakes provided by All-In-One Bakeshop

Here's the list of judges for Cupcake Smackdown1.0. I will be tasting, but not judging.


Jennie Chen - MisoHungryNow.com & MakeitwithMoonshine.com - Will shake my cupcakes for frosting.
Nataya Anderson – FeteandFeast.com -The REAL Everyday Foodie
Michelle Cheng – foodieisthenewforty.com - Attorney and Cupcake at Law
Jessica Maher – Spoon & Co. - Eats cupcakes in a single bite
Peter Tsai – FoodingBlog.com - the Foodingblog photographer \ writer with a taste for fun
Lisa Lawless – Lisaiscooking.com -Red head with a palate for red velvets
Todd Duclephan – Executive Chef at Trio/Four Seasons - I could judge cupcakes in my sleep.
Chris Palomares - Chow Chow Connoisseur - Opa to cupcakes!
Paloma Efron– Paloma Custom Cakes - Cake decorating goddess. And damn fine baker, too.
Ryan Snedgar - wotonmera.com- "Ryan, Chief Arbiter of Cupcakes"
Phillip Speer – Pastry Chef at Uchi -Want some Uni on your cupcake?
Jodi Bart – Tasty Touring and KGSR - Has anyone invented a cupcake top?
Devrah Otten - winner of the tasting competition portion of That Takes The Cake(2008 and 2009) - Cupcake Mistress of the Delicious.
Kristin - Do512 - It's not the size of the Cup it's the shake of the Cake
Jenna Noel – Associate Publisher of Edible Austin - I drink frosting for breakfast.
Chris Speyer - Chief taster of the Speyer Ranch - Will judge for booze
Kristen Speyer - Betty Crocker in disguise - Are you looking at my cupcakes?
Marshall Wright - eatthislens.com - food writer/photographer
Darrell Joseph – BellaVerdiFarms - I grow cupcake farms.
Cecilia Nasti - KUT Growing Concerns - She eats from the garden and savors life (and would grow cupcakes if she could find some seeds).
Penny De Los Santos - Senior contributing photographer 4 Saveur Magazine - Travel & Food Photographer pennydelossantos.wordpress.com



Sponsors include:
Rise and Shine Bakery
Sugar Mama's
Polka Dots Bakery
Mad Cakes
Luxe Sweets
L's Cupcakes
The Cupcake Bar
Hill Country Bakery
Wicked Cakes
Cupprimo
Grand Dog Bakery
Danger Cakes
Austin Urban Gardens
All in One Bakeshop
Growing Concerns on KUT
Do512
NosetoTailatHome.com
Bella Cupcake Couture
Walton's Fancy and Staple

Money runs out to save puppies.

Austin, TX – July 17, 2009 – Animal Trustees of Austin has helped save over 100 puppies infected with the deadly Parvovirus. Thanks to collaboration between Town Lake Animal Center, Animal Trustees of Austin and Dr. Farmer at the Animal Medical Center.

Donations to the Town Lake Animal Center Donation Fund have been maximized. All the money dedicated for Parvo treatment has run out but there are still puppies coming to Town Lake Animal Center and the Animal Trustees clinics every day, desperately needing treatment to survive.

Animal Trustees of Austin hopes to continue to fight this painful and devastating disease. One puppy treatment costs $650.00. For more information contact Kevin Farr.

Press Contact:
Kevin Farr
Communications Manager
Animal Trustees of Austin
Kevin@animaltrustees.org
512-371-1965
http://www.animaltrustees.org/ATA/site/about.asp