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give us a call today:
740.548.1717
UPCOMING EVENTS
ARTICLES
Fun with your Dog
Show you care by giving to Walop
Dental Care for Your Dog
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
WHAT'S NEW AT ACME
Super Service award
NEXT MONTH'S PREVIEW
Acme Canine Open House 3/20/10
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ACME CANINE'S DOG OF THE MONTH
Sasha
Dog of the month, Sasha, is a 5 month old mix breed owned by the Michael family. Her unique makeup was a question to the Acme Canine staff since meeting her. Thankfully her owners genetically tested Sasha and learned they owned a German Shepherd, Beagle, Husky, Chow Chow mix.
The Michaels were looking for a small locally owned training facility for Sasha. They decided Acme Canine was perfect for their needs.
Since their first visit to our facility, they have attended Puppy Preschool with Sasha where they learned about grooming, dog safety, puppy commands, housetraining, confidence building, as well as socialization. They also signed up Sasha for doggie daycare as well as several dog activity nights to help with her socialization.
Initially the Michaels were considering our K9-5 day camp mainly for convenience but the level of training was important to them. They opted for a standard onleash residency. Their plan is to finish the residency and in the next few months sign up for our Canine Good Citizen class. They’re also interested in the new intermediate class “coaching for off leash” as the third step in their training plan.
Congratulations Michael family on being responsible dog owners and to Sasha, our dog of the Month!
DOES YOUR DOG HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN ACME DOG OF THE MONTH?
To enter your dog, he/she must have participated in one of Acme Canine's training programs or classes. Please submit a digital photo of your pet along with a description of how Acme Canine has improved your canine relationship.
We will post your dog's photo on Spike's Blog for others to vote on.
Winners will be featured in Acme Canine's The Bark. The Dog of the Month will receive a free bath and nail trim. Their owner will receive an Acme Canine t-shirt.
DONATE TO WALOP THIS VALENTINE'S DAY
Thanks to your generous support over the holidays, Acme Canine collected $175 and 28 pounds of dog food for the Delaware County WALOP program.
We have made WALOP our "pet" project and will serve as a drop off location for the Delaware County Council on Older Adults Meals on Wheels WALOP program.
Help Woofie help WALOP this month by bringing pet food (canned or bagged), pet treats, or your pocket change to Acme Canine. We in return will send a valentine's card to the person (or animal) of your choice.
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
Number one, this should be fun for you and your dog. Be upbeat and take things slowly. Do not overly restrain your dog. Keep sessions short and positive. Be sure to praise your dog throughout the process. Give yourself a pat on the back, too! You are doing a great thing for your dog!
1. First, have your dog get used to the taste of the toothpaste. Pet toothpastes have a poultry, malt, or other flavor so your dog will like the taste. Get your dog used to the flavor and consistency of the toothpaste. Let your dog lick some off your finger. Praise your dog when he licks the paste and give a reward (really tasty treat). If your dog does not like the taste of the toothpaste, you may need to try a different kind. Continue this step for a few days or until your dog looks forward to licking the paste.
2. The next step is to have your dog become comfortable with having something placed against his teeth and gums. Apply a small amount of paste to your finger and gently rub it on one of the large canine teeth in the front of the mouth. These are the easiest teeth for you to get at and will give you some easier practice. Be sure to praise your dog and give a tasty treat or other special reward (e.g., playing ball).
3. After your dog is used to the toothpaste, and having something applied to his teeth, get him used to the toothbrush or dental sponge you will be using routinely. We need to get your dog used to the consistency of these items, especially the bristles on a brush. So, let your dog lick the toothpaste off of the brush so he gets used to the texture. Again, praise your dog when he licks the paste and give a really great treat or other reward . Continue this step for about a week, making sure your dog readily licks the paste off of the brush.
4. Now your dog is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and having something in his mouth. So the next step is to start brushing. Talk to your dog in a happy voice during the process and praise your dog at the end. Lift the upper lip gently and place the brush at a 45º angle to the gumline. Gently move the brush back and forth. At first, you may just want to brush one or both upper canine teeth. You do not need to brush the inside surface of the teeth (the side towards the tongue). The movement of the tongue over the inside surfaces keeps them relatively free of plaque. Be sure to praise your dog, end on a good note and give a tasty treat or other great reward.
5. When your dog accepts having several teeth brushed, slowly increase the number of teeth you are brushing. Again, by making it appear to be a game, you both will have fun doing it.
Tip - Try getting your dog to hold a ball it it's mouth to make it easier for you to reach all the teeth.
ACME CANINE
 ACME CANINE RECEIVES SUPER SERVICE AWARD
Acme Canine has been awarded the prestigious 2009 Angie’s List Super Service Award!
The Super Service Award, now celebrating its 11th year, is reserved for companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie's List – the nation’s leading provider of consumer ratings on local service companies – throughout the past year. Fewer than 5 percent of the companies on Angie's List meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for the award.
“Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing the best customer service,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.
At Acme Canine dogs are their passion and their goal is to assist their clients in building better lifelong relationships with their dogs. The Acme Canine team believes in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and business practice and are proud to see this reflected by such awards as the Super Service Award.
Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have maintained a total and overall grade of "A;" have received a minimum number of reports; are NOT in the Angie's List "Penalty Box” and do NOT have an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau.
we guarantee you'll see improvement in just one session! |
We offer a variety of group classes as well as special interest workshops. February events include obedience class, Therapy Dog class, improving commands and much more. All events are held at the Acme Canine facility, 1385 Franklin Street, Lewis Center. Call us at 740.548.1717 or email us at training@acmecanine.com for more details on dates and times.
We offer Saturday Puppy Preschool Sessions. All classes held at the Acme Canine facility, 1385 Franklin Street, Lewis Center.
1:00 to 2:00 PM on Saturdays
Very few dog owners realize the importance of early socialization and learning practices which puppies need to prevent future behavior problems. Acme Canine Puppy Preschool program will assist you with understanding your dog and in getting the most out of your lives together. Cost $25/session
Saturdays
February 7, 14, 21, 28
ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP
When people and dogs do things together it is good news all around. Dog activities provide the structure that helps people learn to better communicate with their dogs. The dogs have a better opportunity to learn good manners. That makes them easier to live with and less likely to be given up.
The activities help people get in touch with one another to share information. That also helps people to learn about dogs, to avoid problems, and to solve them in a healthy way.
Dog activities provide exercise in a fun way that boosts the relationship. The exercise, in turn, reduces boredom. A dog that exercises with its human is less likely to have behavior problems. A wonderful side benefit is that these activities can be a mental boost for humans and dogs alike.
Acme Canine offers a series of dog-related activities, called Night out with your Dog. As part of this series, craft night is an evening to use your artistic talents while your dog improves its commands. Each craft evening includes making a dog-related article and incorporates command use to help your dog participate.This month we are hosting a Valentine themed craft night in addition to a tricks and games night.
Night Out with Your Dog occurs every other Wednesday evening at 6pm. For more information please contact Acme Canine (740) 548-1717.
Call for a spot today!
740-548-1717
Pet Dental Month
Dental Care for Your Dog
Preventing and Addressing Dental Disease
By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide
Dogs need dental care, too! Unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked. Many people seem to just expect dogs to have bad breath, and few people brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough. Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog’s overall heath as things like nutrition, proper exercise and routine grooming. Help keep your dog healthy – pay attention to those pearly whites!
Monitoring Your Dog’s Dental Health
Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s teeth is to look at them on a regular basis and be aware of signs that may indicate a problem. To inspect your dog’s teeth, lift the lips all around the mouth, looking at the front and back teeth as closely as possible. Be gentle and use caution so you do not accidentally get nipped! Your veterinarian will also take a look at your dog’s teeth during routine examinations, so make sure you keep up with these – visit your vet every 6-12 months for wellness check-ups. Contact your vet if any problems arise. Watch for the following signs:
-Halitosis (bad breath)
-Reluctance to chew / crying out when chewing
-Increased salivation
-Red and/or puffy gums
-Bleeding gums
-Tartar / Calculus (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up)
-Missing and/or loose teeth
-Anything else about the mouth that appears unusual
The Dangers of Dental Disease
Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar, or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain and tooth loss can occur. However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth – they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys. The most important thing to do is address dental disease as soon as it is detected, no matter how minor. Better yet, work hard to prevent it!
Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs
There are several things you can do to help keep your dog’s teeth in good shape. Start a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life so he get used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age. By this time, your dog should be getting his teeth brushed regularly. If you decide to brush your dog’s teeth, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
1. NEVER brush your dog’s teeth with human toothpaste – it can make your dog sick! Use special enzymatic toothpaste made especially for dogs. The same goes for oral rinses.
2. Plaque begins to turn into tartar / calculus within 24-48 hours, so daily brushing is recommended. Work your dog’s tooth brushing into your own routine – consider brushing his teeth around the same time you do yours so it will be easier to remember.
3. Use a “finger brush” or special long toothbrush designed for use on dogs. When starting out with brushings, the finger brush can help ease your dog into it, as these do not feel as awkward as hard brushes.
4. Before you begin, ask your veterinarian to show you some techniques to make tooth brushing easier on you and your dog.
If you are not able to brush your dog’s teeth, there are other options. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You can also purchase special dental treats. Avoid real bones – not only can they lead to gastrointestinal upset, they may also cause tooth fractures.
Most of all: make sure you keep up with vet exams. From time to time, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended. This requires general anesthesia. During the procedure, your dog’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth will then be scaled and polished. If dental problems are noted, tooth extractions will be necessary. Alternatively, you may be referred to a veterinary dentist for specialty procedures. Some dogs need dental cleanings one or more times per year, while others can go longer. Be certain to follow your vet’s recommendations. And remember, what you do at home can really make all the difference.
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