Ace

Dog’s birthday: 

October 6th

How did you obtain your dog?

Fort Worth ASPCA

How old was your dog when you got him/her?

10 weeks old

How would you describe him/ her in 5 words?

Adorable, energetic, loving, timid, funny

What’s your dog’s favorite food?

bagels

What’s the cutest thing your dog does?

Sleeps on his back with his legs in the air.

What’s the smartest thing your dog does?

He does multiple tricks.

Anything else you’d like to share about your dog?

We get lots of comments about how attractive he is but no one can seem to figure out what breed of dog he might be. He is also sacared of big trucks.

Dog Training Classes and schedule

Manners I-(beginner class) runs 6 weeks for 1 hr, $140

Does your dog not listen to you? or maybe your dog can do a few basic behaviors (like sit and lie down) but not when there are distractions like other dogs and people around? Then this class is for you! This is an upbeat class that will teach your dog to sit, lie down, not to jump on people, stay, leave it, loose leash walking, and come. 

Next classes start:

Tuesday, 5/31 at 6pm (will not meet on July 5)

Thursday, 6/23 at 6:30pm

Saturday, 6/11 at 12pm (will not meet on July 2)

  

Puppy Socialization (must be under 4 months and have one round of shots including Bordetella, rabies is not required.) -30 min class, 1 session $30 or 3 sessions $75

Did you just get a new puppy? It is never too early to start training! These are fun socialization classes where your puppy will learn to play in a safe environment with other puppies, people and new situations. You and your puppy will also learn what is appropriate dog play behavior from our behavior expert. How to prepare them for handling and grooming, and socialization with new people.  This class is drop in style, which means, if you purchase 3 sessions, you have 6 weeks to use your 3 sessions.

Next classes start:

                Saturday, June 11 at 1pm (will not meet on July 2)

               

Manners II (intermediate class for dogs 6 months and older) runs 6 weeks for 1hr, $140

This class is for those that have completed our Manners I class or equivalent somewhere else. We will build on your dog’s basic obedience skills by increasing difficulty and adding distractions. For example, can your dog sit and stay while you bounce a ball? or come to you when other dogs are around? 

Next classes start:

Sunday, 6/12 at 1pm (will not meet on July 3)

Loose Leash Walking and Recall-45 min class, 1 session $30 or 4 sessions $90

Do you want to walk your dog without them choking themselves from pulling too hard? Does your dog not come to you when you call her? Then this is the class for you! You and your dog will learn the basic skills to walk nicely on leash and your dog will learn to come to you in a distracted environment.  This class is drop in style, which means you have 7 weeks to use your 4 sessions.

Next classes start:

Sunday, 6/12 at 2:15pm (will not meet July 3)

German Shepherds

The german shepherd dog originated in the Alsace region between Germany and France. In the 1800’s the German army started breeding these dogs for use in the military. At first to carry ammunition and medicine but later during the two world wars they were used to hunt down and guard hostages under military orders. 

German shepherds are so intelligent  and eager to work that their popularity soared after the first ones were brought to the US by soldiers. They are now used worldwide by the police and military; as trackers, guards, search and rescue, seeing eye and companion dogs.

One specific German Shepherd called Rin Tin Tin was a worldwide cinematic star, so famous indeed that it is said to have contributed to the success of Warner Bros. They made multiple films and later on TV shows featuring this very loyal and smart German shepherd. Throughout they years there have been many other German shepherds featured in films, from comedies to dramas and action films, probably due to their amazing capabilities and intelligence.

They have a double layer coat  that is good for all weather. The top layer is usually a couple of inches long and lays flat while the under coat is fluffy and usually lighter colored. Breeding shepherds tend to be mostly black and tan, black and white or all black, however they can also be found in grey, white, brown, sable and combinations of colors. German shepherds have a strong, muscular body.  They usually weigh between 60 and 90lbs though some males can be up to 100 or more lbs. They have a strong, long, v shaped muzzle; high set erect ears, and a slightly curved bushy tail. They  have a similar body type to its ancestors, wolves. Expect these pups to shed year round so regular brushing will help with some of the shedding.

They are extremely intelligent and can be trained to handle multiple responsibilities.

Although they can sometimes be weary of strangers, german shepherds completely trust and are devoted to their families. This dog is known for saving family members from all kinds of danger. Whether it is blocking a child from wondering into the pool, fighting off a bear so their human can escape, putting themselves in front of a rattlesnake to avoid its path into its home, and even taking a bullet for their partners. This dog is extremely loyal. 

Training and early handling is essential with this breed. Lack of proper handling and training of a german shepherd can result in a shy, weary, mischievous, noisy dog  that can become territorial and hard to handle. The German shepherd jaw is very powerful, their scissor like bite can be quite dangerous which is why professional training and early handling must be taken seriously.

To have a well rounded shepherd they must have space to run around in, have lots of exercise and planned activities or chores throughout the day. They thrive in work environments but can also be one of the most loyal family pets around. It's also important to remember that they are after all natural shepherds, which means that they can be used to keep a flock of sheep together. This also means that they can sometimes have a tendency to herd children or even some adults when they are not properly stimulated.

Since this is a very powerful dog there are some areas which might have them under the restricted breed lists. It is always a good idea to read up on your local rules and regulations to make sure you are allowed to give this wonderful breed of dog a home.

Boating and swimming with dogs

Did you know all dogs know how to swim? While not all dogs like to swim and get wet, many of them will enjoy a vacation of fun by the water. Here are a couple of tips to make your dog’s vacation as fun as yours. Enjoy a dip in the ocean or lake with your pup.

Hydration is key. You want to make sure you have plenty of fresh water available for your dog at all times. We don’t want her getting tempted by big bodies of water like the ocean or lake since these can upset her stomach. While one sip is nothing to worry about, letting your pup quench her thirst with pond water can make her quite sick. 

Keep those nails short. As your pup treads water, she will naturally spread out her paws, exposing those lovely webbed toes that make her such a good swimmer. But if you are planning on being anywhere near her while she swims, those nails can be quite painful on your skin. 

Some dog lovers will buy little booties to protect not just the dog’s paws, but any inflatable raft or toy that has that soft, easy to puncture surface. These can also be super useful to help stabilize your dog on the slippery surfaces of a boat.

We like to have something to grab the pup by, especially if the dog is going on a boat. There are many different types of vests, some come with floatation integrated. The most important thing  for us though is being able to lift the pup back into the boat, raft or kayak after their swim.

Never force your dog into the water, it will be a much nicer experience for both of you if you just entice her the first few times until she gets used to it. Dogs who are forced into the water will very often become fearful of it. It is much more fun to play with your pup near the shore to help her relax and then little by little put one foot in. Most pups will need help getting on a boat, we suggest picking the pup up so there is no dragging involved. Always reward your dog’s brave attempts as she is getting used to the boat and water.

Provide shade. Dogs can easily get overheated, especially breeds that have shorter snouts like bulldogs and boxers. It is important to provide a cool spot with shade where your dog can relax both on the shores and on the boat. Remember, dogs can sunburn too! While there are sunblocks out there made specifically for dogs, shade is always necessary. And if the sand is too hot on your feet then odds are it’s too hot for her paws too!

Enjoy your time with your dog on your lake vacation this year. Take lots of pictures and make sure you share them with us, we’d love to see them!