Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanza, Buon Natale, Joyeux Noël, Fröhliches Weihnachten and Happy New Year! As we approach 2010, we would like to thank our customers that have been so loyal to us through the years!

All I want for Christmas is for my best friend to come play with me at Downtown Dog Lounge doggie daycare! Refer a friend and your pooch will get a complimentary bath!

DDL Gift Certificates! Purchase your favorite pooch a DDL gift certificate for any of our services. You can also use them for sweaters and booties to get your dog through the winter in comfort! For every $50 gift certificate increment purchase, you will receive a half-pound of free all natural doggie treats.

There’s lots going on at DDL! So many gorgeous new puppies coming in!!!! See our training updates below.

We now have 3 webcams at our Capitol Hill location and 4 at our Elliott location for optimal viewing of your pooch going wild!

Our ‘choice’ YouTube ‘chuckle du jour'. Send us video of your pooch and if we post it in our newsletter… you get a free bath! Er, well, your pooch does!

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

--Mahatma Gandhi

While the holidays can bring us much celebration and joy, they can also offer some potential hazards to your pooch:

Aluminum Foil & Plastic Food Wrap
When ingested, aluminum foil can cut a dog's intestines, causing internal bleeding, and in some cases even death. Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping when there is food residue left behind. Trust me, their noses can sniff out anything!

Anti-Freeze
If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal -- even in very small quantities. Because many dogs and cats like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

Bloat (oosh, this is a personal one as my Lily girl is a survivor)
Bloat (gastric torsion & stomach distension) is a serious life-threatening emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Bloat is relatively common among large and deep-chested breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Weims, and Labs. Many experts believe that a feeding a large meal within 2 hours of exercise or severe stress may trigger this emergency. Eating quickly, changes in diet, and gas-producing foods may also contribute to this serious condition. Symptoms of Bloat include: unsuccessful retching, pacing, panting, drooling, an enlarged stomach/torso, and/or signs of distress. Note: DDL rest all dogs feeding in house, 30 minutes before & after chowing down.

Human Foods
Bones from steak, veal, pork, turkey or chicken, as well as ribs, can be hazardous to your dog and are not recommended. Chocolate contains an element which is toxic to dogs, called theobromine. Even an ounce can be lethal to a small dog (10 lbs. or less). Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. Corn Cobs can cause partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.

Electrocution
Christmas tree lights and electrical cords can be fatal if chewed on by a dog (or cat). Whenever possible, keep electrical cords out of reach.

Hypothermia
When a dog's internal temperature drops below 96 degrees F (by being exposed to cold weather for long periods, or getting both wet and cold), there is a serious risk to the dog's safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters when taken for walks during cold winter weather. Any sign that a dog is very cold -- such as shivering -- should signal the owner to bring the dog indoors immediately.

Ice-Melting Chemicals and Salt
Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads with warm water and a washcloth when you return home.

Poisonous Plants
Dogs (and cats) can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants. Keep all unknown types of plants and any plants suspected of being poisonous out of reach of your pet, and/or spray with Bitter Apple (for plants). (Poinsettias, Christmas tree needles, cala lilies and avocado plants are toxic)

Tinsel and Other Tree Ornaments
When ingested by a dog (or cat), tinsel may cause obstruction of the intestines, and the tinsel's sharp edges can even cut the intestines. Symptoms may include: decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and weight loss. Treatment usually requires surgery.

Training Collars
Remove your dog's training collars whenever left unsupervised or crated. Never tie your dog by attaching a leash or tether to your dog's training collar. Always use a flat buckle collar when tying your dog, and then only when supervised. Never leave your dog tied unsupervised in front of stores, restaurants or supermarkets, as they can be harassed, poisoned or stolen.

Keep your pets safe this season!

Get your pooch’s picture with our very own Santa Paws!

Santa Paws will be on hand to take your Pooch’s picture from Noon to 4pm. If your pooch is in daycare, let us know and we will walk him/her over to have a picture taken for you!
When/Where: December 18th, Noon to 4pm, Capitol Hill Location

Cost: $20 for a 5x7 print and a digital copy to keep

For reservations click here!

Animal Dental Clinic at DDL

Doggie breath not so fresh? We will have the Animal Dental Care Clinic at DDL Capitol Hill on Saturday, November 14th from 9am to 4:30pm for anesthesia-free dental cleanings. To find out more information about anesthesia-free cleanings, view their website here!

When: Saturday, January 16th, 9am - 12:00pm
Where: Capitol Hill
Cost: $170
To make your reservation, Send us an email!

Don’t forget about holiday boarding! We are filling up quickly. Please update your vaccinations and make your reservations. All holiday boards will require confirmation number and we recommend booking now! Remember, daycare is limited and must be reserved during holiday weeks.

Make your Holiday Boarding Reservation Now!

Basic Training & Behavior
Whether you’re trying to get a handle on some problem behaviors or just want to teach your dog the basics, this class is a great way to build a better relationship with your dog.

Saturdays, 10:45am-12:15pm
6-week course (Beginning January 9th)
$150
Capitol Hill
5 months & older

Puppies 101
This class explores all aspects of puppyhood including house-training, management, bite inhibition, socialization, leash walking, good puppy play, manners and preparing for adolescence! Using positive reinforcement we will introduce puppies to the basic commands and start them on the right road.

Saturdays, 9:30-10:30am
6-week course (Beginning January 9th)
$150
Capitol Hill
12 - 20 weeks old

Drop-In Puppy Class
Puppies grow fast! If you and your puppy are ready for class now and can’t wait for the next session to start, sign up for the Drop-In Puppy class. This drop-in class is similar to our weekly puppy class but allows the owner more flexibility in their schedule. Come once a week or whenever your schedule allows.

Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30pm
$30 per session or $150 for 6 prepaid sessions
12 - 20 weeks old
Pre-registration is required

Sign up for classes here!

‘Tis the season for food scraps, guests and the dreaded stare of the begging dog. Teaching your dog to go somewhere else can be easier than demanding personal space. The truth is that most, if not all dogs are much happier and calmer when it is clear to them what they should be doing. “Go to your rug” is a great exercise to have in the pocket when holiday guests are coming over; doorways need calm greetings and our sweet dog may be better with a clear J-O-B.

Begin by laying out a towel or rug in a setting free of many distractions. Place a few treats on the rug and allow your dog to investigate. After treats are gone and before your dog wanders away, release your dog with “ok.” As your dog walks off of the rug, toss a treat on the rug (out of the dog’s sight the best you can). When it is clear that the dog is going to the rug and expects it is about to do the right thing, THEN add the cue “go to your rug.” This is a very consistent and safe way to ensure that your dog learns the cue properly with the most clarity. The more your dog is clear that the rug is the place to be, tell her “good rug” and pet her when, at least, the front half of her body has made it. The word “good” doesn’t mean she is done. It means that “this what you should be doing, keep doing it.” After some practice, place your dog on “down” when she is waiting on the rug. After she lies down, praise her for a “good rug.” This will be our finished goal for the rug.

As you and your dog are tinkering with this, or any new game, remember to work on raising the bar. Progress from sending to the rug from 2 feet to an inch away permitting the dog can be successful at each bump in distance. Always release your dog from the command with “ok.” You will also want to teach the dog to work through distractions. Practice opening doors, dropping food/toys, leaving the room, etc. Structure your sessions so that you have a good sense of what you are about to focus on, and keep them short n’ sweet. It will be more potent to get 10-15 minutes of little successes than it will be to teach it all at once in a mind-numbing 45-minute lecture.

This can be a very fun trick to teach and very useful to use. If you would like help fine-tuning, would like to add precision and vocabulary or if you need help with major/minor behavioral issues… get professional help. A good teacher/mentor should help you understand what needs to be done to get the results you need for the dog you have. My name is Adam Slapin and I would be happy to help. My experience ranges from puppy manners, competition obedience, agility and protection training. I can be contacted at 206.353.6723 or email: adam@downtowndoglounge.com. I hope your holiday seasons move smoothly!

Be well, and have fun with your pack,
Adam
Canine Behaviorist & Trainer

Are you ready for the up-and-coming holidays? They will be upon us before you know it! Now is an excellent time to get the pooches bathed and groomed and ready for the festivities. By bathing now you can get ahead of many skin issues caused by a long hot summer of swimming and rolling in the grass. Checking ears and cutting nails are the thing to do now that it's getting colder and the pooches are spending more time inside. Also a good once over will keep the hair loss off the floor and in the garbage instead.

Make your reservation here!

Lali O’Brien
Master Groomer

Disclaimer:Downtown Dog Lounge LLC and its companies will not be held responsible for any misuse of any article, or for the content found in any article/information in this newsletter. Any article or information presented in this newsletter are done so as a public service only, exclusively for fun and entertainment of private individuals.