32 oz. plain yogurt
1 mashed banana
2 T peanut butter
2 T honey

It’s true dairy products aren’t good for dogs, but yogurt contains much less lactase than regular milk and the live cultures are great for your dog’s digestive system. This dog ice cream recipe is delicious and good for your pet!

1. Mix all these ingredients in your blender, then dump into ice cube trays, paper cups, or even a kong toy to freeze and serve.

2. If you want to go all out for your mutt you can freeze these treats just like you would homemade ice cream. A salt-less automatic ice cream maker makes this as easy as using any other appliance in your home and the frosty paws will be ready to serve in 10 minutes.

For the ultimate treat, appropriate for desert at a doggy birthday party, follow steps one and two, then take the mostly frozen dog ice cream product of number two and spread it 1” to 1½” thick on wax paper. Freeze for five minutes and then remove dog ice cream from freezer. Next, use a paw shaped cookie cutter, remove ice cream around edges, and return paw shapes to the freezer to freeze solid.

If your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety, which can be defined as “behavior problems that only exist when you’re not at home,” you may need the help of a professional trainer to alleviate the issue. However, by taking the steps listed above, problems can often be avoided before they start.

Acme Canine has several training programs to assist you and your dog in coping with these issues.  For more information, schedule an assessment today.

By Kelly Whitt/ suite101.com
It may seem odd that the brightest star in the sky and one associated with the cold nights of winter would be the source of the saying “the Dog Days of Summer,” but it is. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky (besides the sun). It is up shining brightly in the night sky during long winter nights and is mostly invisible during the summer due to its closeness to the sun and appearance above the horizon during daylight hours.

Sirius is the alpha star in the constellation Canis Major. Canis Major is called the Big Dog, which gives Sirius its nickname of “the Dog Star”. The name Sirius means “scorching,” which may relate to its brightness as a star and its relationship to summer. It was because Sirius “disappeared,” or joined the sun during the summer, that the saying came about. Ancient Romans believed that Sirius added its warmth to that of the sun’s as they neared one another and that this was what produced the hottest days of summer.

During the dog days of summer, water fun is a popular relief from the intense heat and humidity. There’s nothing more refreshing and fun for humans and dogs alike than a splash in the water when temperatures soar. A cool dip in the swimming pool under a hot summer sun is definitely one of life’s greatest pleasures. Sprinklers, can be a safer method of water play for older dogs or breeds that do not swim well. Some dogs love the water and seem to have an instinct for swimming but many dogs, such as Bassets and Pugs, don’t swim very well. If you need to teach your dog to swim, start slowly in shallow water and coax him in with toys or treats. Sometimes a dog will follow the example of a doggy pal who loves to swim. Realize that your dog may panic in water so don’t allow him to get in deeper than he can handle and never toss a dog into water. Heatstroke and sunburn can be a risk. So if you and your dog are spending the day outdoors, limit your dog’s time in direct sun and apply sunscreen to your dog’s nose and ears.

A Dog Days of Summer Doggie Pool party is planned for Sunday, August 1, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in Lewis Center. Dogs will enjoy water games such as bobbing for treats and the water hose chase game. Hot dogs and beverages are included for their human companions. Admission is $20. For more information or to register for the party, call Acme Canine at (740) 548-1717 or training@acmecanine.com.

We wanted to let you know about our new membership program.  Once you’ve completed training with us, you and your dog are eligible to take part in this new program.  Here is how the membership works:

hot dog costume contest August 7

Laura Pakis of Acme Canine and Mark Weilbacher of Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company share the same name, but they didn’t know each other.  They also share more than a name; they share a philosophy and ideal of how to run their businesses.  And they also share a common interest in dogs, just not the same kind of dogs.

Laura’s dog business is “the premier dog training experience,” while Mark doesn’t train dogs, but he serves old favorites done up a new way. The Acme Hotdog and Sausage Company is Weilbacher’s first go at a restaurant. Mark spent the previous 12 years heading a nonprofit business association and had started his career as a banker. “I decided to do this instead of getting a Harley Davidson,” Weilbacher says. “It seems to have the same level of danger, but we’re having fun.”

Acme Canine owner Laura Pakis has been a professional dog trainer for years and founded the Lewis Center-based business six years ago. She is certified in breed selection, puppy development, assistance dog training, basic and advanced obedience, Police K-9 and protection training, tracking, E-touch training, Pack to Basics, and pet first aid. While browsing the web, “I noticed on the Acme Hot Dog and Sausage Co. website that “The Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company is committed to investing in the charitable needs and the quality of life in Columbus and Franklin County,” says Laura. “Acme Canine believes in giving back to the community through events such as Woofie’s Birthday Fun Walk and volunteering our services to raise funds for nonprofit dog-related organizations and educating the public on responsible dog ownership.”

But how does a dog trainer hook up with a hotdog vendor? Laura made the first move by contacting Mark after checking out the Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company’s website. “I contacted Mark about the opportunity to work with him on an event to raise money for WALOP a nonprofit organization Acme Canine has pledged to assist. I love hot dogs. Also, anyone who names their company Acme has to be an exceptional individual.”

“It’s nice of Laura to say that,” says Mark with a smile. Weilbacher has spent the last two years building his Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company into what he likes to call a “destination eatery.” Though the two owners had no previous associations, they’d both chosen Acme for similar reasons. The name had a particular resonance for each of them.

“When Mark and I met we discussed how we came up with the Acme name. Neither of us had thought of the benefits of having a company name that started with the first letter of the alphabet, “explains Laura. “We came up with the name Acme for two other reasons. Both of us shared good memories of the nostalgic Acme Company and how it could fix anything and surprisingly enough, we both shared the more intellectual reason of Acme’s definition meaning “the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development.” For both our companies that means the best hot dogs and the best trained dogs!”

As the two struck up a friendship, they decided that their combined interests could be a benefit to others, while providing valuable exposure for both businesses.

After more discussion, Mark invited Acme Canine to participate in the Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company Hot Dog Eating Contest on Sunday, August 7 at the Columbus Baptist Church at 5075 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio from 11am until 12:30pm. The hotdog-eating contest is styled after the famous Nathan’s Coney Island hotdog eating contest, held every summer in New York. Mark wanted to bring that kind of contest to Columbus as “something new, fresh and exciting, and to start a new Columbus summer tradition.” To coordinate the event, Mark and Laura, along with the Acme staff came up with a costume contest for the dogs. The contest theme is to dress up the dogs in costumes representing the Acme Hotdog combo items from the menu. “With all of the different menu items we have, the possibilities are endless,” laughs Mark.

Along with the contest, the Acme duo decided to set up a series of events featuring both Acme businesses. The first Hot Diggity Dogs! Event on Wednesday, July 28 from 5:30pm until 7:30pm and focuses on fun and good eats for the entire family. The first of a monthly series of clinics, the Hot Diggity Dogs! Event is a chance for dog lovers to “bone up” on responsible dog ownership and to learn some new tricks, while helping to support the Meals on Wheels We Love Our Pets (WALOP) program. Participants who bring a pet food item as a donation will receive a special dog treat. The event will be held on the patio at Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company, located at 4989 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Admission is free for the monthly events.

Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company is a locally owned and operated, fast casual dining experience committed to the highest quality food and service. Acme has quickly become a “Destination Eatery” in Columbus, famous for their gourmet hotdogs, sausages and unique meal combinations. Dine in, carry out and catering services are available. Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company is located at 4989 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus. Visit acmehdsc.com or call them at 614-891-ACME.

Acme’s Hotdog Eating and Hot Dog! Contest is First in Columbus!

Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company has announced the first Columbus Hotdog Eating and Hot Dog! Contest on Sunday, August 7 from 11am until 12:30pm at the Columbus Baptist Church at 5075 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.

Beginning a new Columbus summer tradition, the Acme Hotdog & Sausage Hotdog Eating Contest gives each contestant 12 minutes to finish as many hotdogs in the bun as possible before time runs out. There are three categories: men, women and kids! The winners will be crowned King, Queen or Kid Acme and enjoy all of the bragging rights, their picture on the Acme Wall of Fame and a free combo meal each month for a year from Acme!

Acme Canine of Lewis Center is hosting a Hot Dog! Costume Contest at noon and the theme will be to dress your dog up to represent one of the many crazy Acme Hotdog & Sausage combo meals.

Registration is $20 and includes an Acme T-shirt and all the necessary supplies to compete, including all the hotdogs you can eat! Visit the Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company website at www.acmehdsc.com/Contest for the complete rules and to register to compete in this fun-filled contest.

Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company is a locally owned and operated, fast casual dining experience committed to the highest quality food and service. Acme has quickly become a “Destination Eatery” in Columbus, famous for their gourmet hotdogs, sausages and unique meal combinations. Dine in, carry out and catering services are available.

Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company is located at 4989 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus. Visit acmehdsc.com or call them at 614-891-ACME.

ACME Canine is the premier dog training experience in the Columbus area. Utilizing a variety of innovative and individualized techniques, Acme Canine seeks to teach dog and owner a positive method of living and learning together. ACME Canine offers a variety of programs and packages, which are individually tailored to suit the needs of dog owners. A member of Angie’s List Super Server List, ACME Canine is located at 1385 Franklin Street in Lewis Center. Visit acmecanine.com or call them at 740-548-1717

Come! Sit! Stay! for the Acme Canine and Acme Hotdog and Sausage Company’s first Hot Diggity Dogs! Event on Wednesday, July 28 from 5:30pm until 7:30pm for fun and good eats for the entire family. The event will be held on the patio at Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company, located at 4989 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Admission is free.

The first of a monthly series of clinics, the Hot Diggity Dogs! Event is a chance for dog lovers to “bone up” on responsible dog ownership and to learn some new tricks, while helping to support the Meals on Wheels We Love Our Pets (WALOP) program. Participants who bring a pet food item as a donation will receive a special dog treat. Dog owners can enjoy the premier hotdog experience of Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company’s fun and fresh menu items.

Because it’s important it is to both provide seniors and their pets with high quality nutritious meals, Meals On Wheels created We All Love Our Pets (WALOP) – a national initiative that seeks to unite Meals On Wheels programs across the country in their efforts to keep seniors and their beloved pets well nourished.

Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company is a locally owned and operated, fast casual dining experience committed to the highest quality food and service. Acme has quickly become a “Destination Eatery” in Columbus, famous for their gourmet hotdogs, sausages and unique meal combinations. Dine in, carry out and catering services are available. Acme Hotdog & Sausage Company is located at 4989 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus. Visit acmehdsc.com or call them at 614-891-ACME.

ACME Canine is the premier dog training experience in the Columbus area. Utilizing a variety of innovative and individualized techniques, Acme Canine seeks to teach dog and owner a positive method of living and learning together. ACME Canine offers a variety of programs and packages, which are individually tailored to suit the needs of dog owners. A member of Angie’s List Super Server List, ACME Canine is located at 1385 Franklin Street in Lewis Center. Visit acmecanine.com or call them at 740-548-1717.

United States War Dogs Association

from www.paw-rescue.org
Humane societies and shelters typically take in more stray animals during the Fourth of July holiday because many pets are scared off by fireworks. Below are some tips to help pets cope with outdoor noises.

Holiday fireworks and other fanfare are often frightful experiences for dogs. The loud noises can hurt their sensitive ears.

Frightened dogs have different reactions: some tremble at their owners’ feet, others retreat to a hiding place, some try to run off (traveling for miles), and others display bizarre behavior. According to behavior specialist Dr. Elizabeth Shull, low-frequency, percussive noises such as fireworks and summer thunderstorms trigger wild fear in about 20% of dogs. Under such circumstances, ordinarily well-behaved pets may become aggressive, destructive and/or unpredictable.

Here are some precautions you can take to help your pets:

* Exercise utmost caution when taking a dog into new environments.

* Make sure all pets always are wearing well-fitted collars and securely fastened ID tags. Microchips and tattoos are great ID techniques, too. Even a back-firing car or shot in the woods can be enough to incite a dog to run off, so avoid taking any chances.

* Don’t take pets to events with fireworks.

* If fireworks are being set off nearby, or if you’re having guests over for a holiday celebration, find a quiet, secure place to keep your pets. Darkening the room can help. Crating is also a good idea — place the crate in the quietest part of the home. Make sure you put safe chew toys in the crate to occupy and distract the pet during the event. You can close the curtains and turn up the radio, CD player or TV to drown out noise.

* Do not leave pets outside, even in a fenced yard, anytime when fireworks might be set off in the distance.

* Rather than cuddle a frightened dog, try to distract the dog from the disturbing noises with physical activity such as playing ball.

* Remember that scolding or coddling a scared dog will not help. Scolding will scare and confuse the animal, and coddling serves to reinforce fearful behaviors. Instead, assume your pack leader role and act confident and unbothered by the noise and activity outside. You can give your pet a gentle massage, or use Tellington Touch techniques (see the T-Touch Dog Tip on the PAW website) or even just place your hand calmly on the pet’s head.

* If the sounds and lights of fireworks frighten your dog, here’s an innovative technique from “Unleashed! The Pet Care Forum’s Newsletter for Dog Lovers”. Make an “anxiety wrap” using an adult or children’s T-shirt. Put the dog’s front legs through the arm holes, then knot the hem over the dog’s back. This technique is related to the massage and Tellington Touch therapy approaches. Wrapping fabric around an animal can give the pet a feeling of greater security.

* Vets can prescribe tranquilizers for frightened dogs. Also, some people find that non-prescription remedies such as Rescue Remedy or Serene-um calm their dogs.

* If you’re going out of town for the holidays, entrust the care and feeding of pets to an adult friend or a boarding kennel you know very well.

* If you know someone whose pet escaped, advise that they call their veterinarian and other local veterinarians, local emergency animal clinics, the local shelters and animal control offices. The owner can post a description and picture of the lost pet or search the Pets 911 database at www.1888PETS911.org (or call toll-free 1-888-PETS911). Another good resource is www.petfinder.org.

by Nadya Bennett

By Gina Spadafori/ Veterinary Information Network

The risks of overexposure to the sun can indeed be a problem for many dogs. For information on which animals are at risk and how to best protect them, I turned to a top veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Peter J. Ihrke of the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Unfortunately, dogs can develop a wide variety of sun-associated problems beyond sunburn just as humans can,” says Ihrke. “Repetitive sun exposure can lead to chronic skin changes and sun-induced skin cancer just as it can in people.”

Ihrke says the animals most at risk for sun-caused skin disease and cancer are those with short, white coats, light-colored skin and sparse tummy fur. Breeds that fit these characteristics include Dalmatians, bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, whippets, Italian greyhounds and greyhounds. The more sun, the greater the risk, he says, noting that dogs who like to sunbathe and are permitted to do so are at the greatest risk.

Skin cancer can hit dogs as young as 4 years old, he says, which is why prevention is extremely important. Decreasing exposure is the only way to protect an animal from sun-related problems.

“Preventing sunbathing, roofs over outdoor runs, and solar protective T-shirts or dog shirts can be very helpful,” says Ihrke. “We also recommend waterproof pediatric or children’s sunscreens. Sunscreens designed for children are less likely to be irritating and commonly do not have scents added.”

Brand names mentioned by Ihrke as being safe for use on pets include Johnson & Johnson’s Waterbabies, Bullfrog waterproof and EltaBlock waterproof. The benefit of waterproof products, says Ihrke, is that they’re also dog-saliva-proof

Having the ability to walk with your dog unleashed at your side is probably one of the more fulfilling aspects of dog ownership. To maintain this freedom requires enforcement of the commands and sometimes reverting back to the leash.

Being on the same page with your dog is crucial before you even think about allowing him the freedom to roam leash free. Your dog’s obedience level that is necessary to attain before considering off leash activity is one of a very high standard, as the safety of the dog, other dogs/people, and even yourself can be jeopardized by irresponsible activity.

To help bolster off leash training here are a couple of exercises to practice with your dog:

Retractable leash Drills – Sitting drill – Put your dog in a sit/stay, and walk sideways until leash is taught. This should put the distance between you and your dog at approximately 20 feet. Dog should remain sitting, if not, lessen the distance, and rework the sit until you achieve a sit stay at the full 20 feet.

You should work the same drill moving in any direction. Sideways left and right, forward, and backward.

- Do the above exercise with your dog placed in a down stay. – Command your dog while offering distractions. (If dog wavers, you need to revisit basic obedience.)

- Command your dog at a distance. (It is critical to attain a proper response from your dog when you command him/her from a distance, so when off leash, your dog is used to responding to you while not at your side.)

- Emphasize the importance of heeling. (command your dog to heel while you are moving and your dog is either in front of you, or otherwise not at your side. Keep moving making your dog work in order to return to heeling position. When your dog is off leash, commanding him/her to return to you will usually result in the dog returning to heel position.)

ADVANCED OBEDIENCE GROUP CLASS

Tuesday, June 29 2010

Six week course

Purpose of this course is to coach you along in the process of getting your dog off leash outdoors.

Cost:  $400

Meeting times:  6:00 – 7:00 pm

Class schedule and meeting location:

Week One                               Tuesday, June 29 2010                          Acme Canine

Week Two                               Tuesday, July 6 2010                              Acme Canine

Week Three                             Tuesday, July 13 2010                            Antrim Park,  Columbus

Week Four                               Tuesday, July 20 2010                            Limestone Park, Delaware

Week Five                               Tuesday, July 27 2010                            Alum Creek Dog Park, Lewis Center

Week Six                                 Tuesday, August 3 2010                        Rude Dog Bar & Grill patio, Columbus

Class absences:  Due to the intensity of this course class attendance is mandatory.  For emergencies only, one session may be scheduled privately and must be held prior to next class.  Cost is $86.

Weather policy:  If class is cancelled due to inclement weather, notification will be via phone and email.  Make up days will be the same week on Thursday at 7:30 pm

Training tools:  Tab or lightweight leash, 20’ longline, e-collar (optional)

Equipment provided:

• One 3” nylon tab provided at no charge.  No replacements.
• Longlines provided for use in class.

Equipment rental:

• Dogtra E-collar
  • $100 flat fee to use an e-collar for six weeks during class time only
  • Six week rental — $200 with $100 refunded if returned promptly at end of course
• Longline
  • Six week rental — $20 and full amount will be refunded if returned clean and in good condition promptly at end of course

Instructions:  Dogs must arrive and depart all meeting locations on leash. Please dress comfortably and be prepared to be outdoors for the entire class time.  Keep yourself hydrated.  Water and bowls will be provided for dogs.  Clean up after your dog.

for more information contact training@acmecanine.com.

Acme Canine also offers off leash training camps.  Consider this option to teach your dog while you are away or on vacation.

Asking when you can allow your dog to be off leash is not a whole lot different from the question, “When will you be able to let your son or daughter take your Porsche or Mercedes out for a spin with his buddies or her friends?” The answer can range from now to never.

Different circumstances would dictate different answers as well. Most adults would go by this rule of thumb: When the individual is responsible and trustworthy enough for you to have the confidence that he or she will not bring harm to him or herself; others and of course the car. You can apply this same principle to your dog.

Is your dog socialized enough that he or she will not be fearful of or aggressive towards other people and dogs. Can you trust your dog not to jump on people (especially children), chase joggers, fight with other dogs, pick up garbage, invade picnic lunches and so forth? Unsocialized and skittish dogs will often bolt if something frightens them. Can you control your dog off the leash? Will your dog reliably come when called and stop on a dime from a full run when told to stay?

These commands are essential for your dog’s safety. Some dogs when let off leash will simply run away. Other dogs will chase a tennis ball or cat right into the street. If you are willing to risk the safety of the public, the safety of your dog and the security of your finances (paying your own or someone else’s medical or veterinary bill, facing a lawsuit, etc) then you’ll let your dog off-leash before someone who is not willing to take the risks.

If you are unwilling to take the risk, only let your dog off-leash in areas where the above mentioned risks do not exist. A fenced-in dog park is ideal. Tennis courts are usually completely enclosed. Your dog may not come when called but at least you can just go and get him or her when it’s time to leave. If your own yard is not large enough, find a friend or neighbor with a yard where their dog and yours can get together to run and play. Use a long leash on outings to give your dog some freedom but still allow you to maintain control.

Train, practice and be patient. Obedient, trustworthy dogs are a product of a lot of dedication and commitment.

Dogs do not experience guilt.  The old “got to your room without supper” routine does not work any better with dogs than it does with children.  Blaming your dog because he or she ought to know better is absurd.   If dogs knew better, they wouldn’t have done it in the first place.

As a practical matter, all you can do is ignore the deed and learn from the experience to teach your dog what they can and can’t have.  “After the deed” discipline is not only ineffective, it undermines the relationship you are trying to build and causes your dog to distrust you.

Here is a “tongue in cheek” article which talks about other ways you are ruining your dog:

http://www.cracked.com/article_18551_6-well-intentioned-ways-youre-ruining-your-dog.html