Dogtopia - Dog Daycare & Boarding

Besides our great daycare and boarding services, we have been busy coordinating a number of exciting activities to raise money for military dogs stationed in Iraq, and continuing our expansion through franchising.

While many are disappointed the summer season is coming to a close, Happy Tails Dog Spa™ is looking forward to seeing many of our "regulars" once again.

K-9 Support
Most of you already know we have been accepting donations for U.S. military dogs stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan since July. The response continues to be overwhelming. We are still receiving e-mails of support and donations from all over the nation. To date, we have received more than $14,000 in contributions and have sent 1,500 pounds of donated items, from chew toys to bones.

Because the campaign has been so popular and successful, Happy Tails Dog Spa™ has decided to create a permanent charitable arm to the company called K-9 Support, Inc. to support working dogs of all kinds. A part of this newsletter discusses our plans to support American working dogs worldwide.

Another Franchise to Arrive in Maryland
On August 19, Happy Tails Dog Spa™ was proud to announce we have signed another franchise agreement in Maryland; this one with Ron and Sue Dietrich of Clarksville. Their genuine love for dogs and contagious enthusiasm for owning their own business perfectly complements the values and vision of Happy to Be Here Inc., the franchise company of Happy Tails Dog Spa™. We are now working with Ron and Sue to find the ideal spot for their franchise in Howard County.

As always, we will keep you updated about the many exciting happenings here at Happy Tails Dog Spa™. Thank you and we hope to see you soon!

Best wishes,
Amy Nichols
President and CEO
Happy Tails Dog Spa™, LLC
Happy To Be Here, Inc

Getting a New Puppy: 101
A Study Guide To Obtain Your Pet-D-Gree

We know new owners are very excited when they find the perfect dog to take home. But they should remember that owning a puppy is also a multi-year responsibility and there is much to learn about raising a healthy and well-adjusted dog in your home. Happy Tails Dog Spa™ is proud to provide an easy-to-follow reference guide for dog owners about to bring their precious one home.

Growth
Dogs typically grow to full size within 12-18 months. That means puppies grow much faster than human babies. It is important that puppies receive an ultra-nutritious diet early on in their development with enough calcium, phosphorus and energy for growing bones. The best way to ensure puppies are getting the nutrients they need is through a high quality dry diet. Large-breed puppies will also benefit from a growth formula made specifically for large-breed dogs. And try to resist the urge to feed table scraps, as "people food" can result in a puppy with an upset stomach.

Make sure to feed your puppy three times a day after they are born and are no longer nursing from their mother. Over time slowly wean them down to two meals a day. Depending on the breed, after six months of age, many veterinarians recommend you reduce the amount of food you give to keep your pooch lean. Monitor your dog's weight because obesity may lead to health problems later in life.

Health
Picking a puppy that is naturally healthy is never easy. However, there are physical signs that reveal a puppy's potential health problems. Healthy puppies are generally bright-eyed, alert and playful. Puppies' should also have a glossy coat and a moist nose. They should have fun playing with other puppies or their owners for a few hours every day. Very young animals do need much rest, especially following a round of play, so don't worry if your pooch is sleeping a good majority of the day.

Vaccinations
Your puppy's first booster should be at six to eight weeks of age. The second booster should be scheduled by 12 weeks of age. It is important your puppy does not come into contact with other unvaccinated dogs before the second booster, as they are not properly protected from illness, so avoid public places like the park or dog runs. Your puppy should also be given worming medication at two, four, six and eight weeks of age. Most veterinarians recommend providing heartworm prevention tablets monthly at about 12 weeks.

Training
Fall is the perfect time to get a new puppy. The weather is perfect for outdoor training. Surprisingly, puppies are tidy animals with a strong instinct to keep their own areas clean. If you remain patient and consistent, house training can be relatively easy. The first step in training your dog is to buy a comfortable leash and pick a designated bathroom area. Do not distract the dog and do not praise the dog during her search for this area. If your dog does not go to the bathroom after five minutes, try again in a half hour. Be persistent, as training is all about establishing a routine.

If your dog does relieve herself in the designated area , then give praise with positive phrases or words that will only be associated with going to the bathroom. ("Hey, what a good wee-wee!") Make sure to remember your dog's routine. Whether it is twice in the morning and once at night or the other way around, your dog will become accustomed to the schedule and learn to depend on it. Until you learn when your dog prefers to relieve herself, take her out after she plays, naps or wakes up in the morning.

Dog Day Care
Puppy day care is highly recommended for socializing your new dog and teaching basic obedience. All pups 12 weeks and older can begin day care at Happy Tails Dog Spa™ following a staff evaluation and proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Puppies 12 weeks or younger are accepted on a limited basis, depending mostly on his or her size. Dogs seven months or older must be spayed or neutered.

Always ask your veterinarian about the best time to have your puppy spayed or neutered.

Dogs were used for security and early warning signals long before they were universally loved as pets. Working dogs of all kinds protect our homes, our neighborhoods and our nation.

Service Dogs
Service dogs serve persons with sight or hearing impairments and pull wheelchairs for those with physical disabilities. They are not pets and by federal accessibility law must be allowed into stores and restaurants with their owners. At eight weeks of age, service dogs are placed in the loving home of a volunteer who teaches basic obedience and socialization. At about 18 months of age, these dogs are professionally trained by an instructor and are eventually trained along with their handler.

Police Dogs
The international use of dogs for law enforcement was established in the early 1900s. Police dogs have generally been used as police partners as well as guards and deterrents. They also sniff out criminals and detect illegal substances, explosives and accelerants for arson investigations.

Explorer Dogs
Explorer dogs were used to protect voyagers as they traveled. From sentry duty to guarding prisoners, explorer dogs proved essential to any team of sojourners. One of the best-known explorer dogs was a Newfoundland Scannon, who protected Lewis and Clark on their famed expedition through the Pacific Northwest Coast during the 18th century. Because they saved so many lives, explorer dogs were eventually drafted and trained for military duty.

Military Dogs
Throughout the history of warfare, brave canines have served in battle as sentries, warriors and even mascots. During World War I, the French used Alaskan sled dogs to haul ammunition through mountains and rough terrain. Today, U.S. military working dogs, also known as "War Dogs," are used overseas to detect mines and to secure the perimeters of military installations. They have also been used to track enemies, patrol tunnels and to send long distance messages.

Search and Rescue Dogs
Search and Rescue dogs are used for emergency situations as well as disaster relief during earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, etc. Even before the dust has settled on an emergency, these dogs and their handlers are out risking their own lives to search for victims. With a sense of smell 50 to 100 times more powerful than a human's, they are also used to find missing persons and uncover evidence. Search and Rescue dogs save lives and bring comfort to families and friends around the world.