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Spring has sprung and this month’s newsletter brings lots of great information, including gardening tips, a dog treat recipe and info about upcoming classes. Plus, congratulations go out to Winston, the Olde English Bulldogge, for a great training achievement! And, no less special, Patty Sinn is rewarded big time for reading our February newsletter and answering 5 simple questions! Who will be this month’s winner? Also, be sure to take a moment to view the video linked in the sidebar it's a great breakdown to help dog owners recognize the many warning signs dogs use to communicate with each other. And listen to Talk2 The Animals Radio for Marilyn's tips on dog park etiquette airing April 3 at 8P Central Time.
Happy Spring!
In this Newsletter:
Dog Training Classes - Edina/Prior Lake
Pet-Safe Flower Garden Options
Congratulations Winston!
Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
Opie's Favorite Treat Recipe
Eagle Symbolism
Everything You Need to Know About Ticks
Toy Pick - HuggleHounds Wiley
Warning Signs to a Bite
Win $25!
Talk2TheAnimals Radio
Spring Classes Have Sprung!
 Did you know that Pure Spirit now holds Foundations group training classes in Edina? These classes are ideal for dogs of any age that have not had formal training. What better way to get your "pup" ready for outdoor fun and neighborhood walks?
Rotating start dates! Call to schedule when you can commit to six consecutive weeks. A different topic is discussed each week.
Click to print a flyer or click for more info about Ruff House Classes.
 Dog Obedience classes are going strong at Paws & Pals in Prior Lake. Puppy and Foundations classes run every week and new dogs are joining all the time. You and your dog should come join us, too!
Take your dog's training to the next level!!!
Next Series of Level 1 and Level 2 classes start April 12th!
Sign up today... click here for more details
or call us at 952-226-2660!
Plant a Pet-Safe Flower Garden
 The snowy past couple of weeks aside, the time of year when many people look forward to spending free time outside is not far off. In stark contrast to most Minnesota winters, many of us enhance our surroundings with lush plants and beautiful flowers. Many of our pets enjoy being outside in the warm spring and summer months, too, so some thought must be given to their safety in the lawn and garden. Click here for great gardening ideas! (Picture Courtesy Tucson Urban Gardner on Facebook)
Congratulations, Winston!
We would like to recognize the focused and consistent effort of Winston’s owners! Duane and Karen made a commitment to Winston when they brought him home as a puppy to give him the best life possible and that meant sticking with him through the crazy chewing phases and the naughty puppy antics. (It wasn’t always easy, but they stuck with it!)
They enrolled him in class and worked with him daily to make sure he understood the rules of the house  and what it meant to be a dapper dog in polite society. The time they spent training and loving Winston nurtured a strong and loving bond between them. Winston knows lots of tricks and is a great guy to hang out with.
And at just 20-months-old Winston earned his Canine Good Citizen award!
We are all so proud that he passed all ten steps required to achieve this special recognition. And the best part is, for the next 10-15 years Winston will be a pleasure to have around and will be welcomed at family reunions, parks, and pet-friendly patios and events because he has wonderful manners and a face that just makes you smile! Winston and his new sister, Ellie, continue to train with us at Paws and Pals in Prior Lake. Ellie has quite a legacy to live up to!
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
This is a common question. Is it because dogs are lacking something in their diet? Are they trying to make themselves vomit? Are they sick? Or is there another reason?
It's the great unknown. Click to read more about what veterinarians think is behind this behavior and whether it is normal.
Fly Like the Eagle
Recently, a friend called me to say that she saw three eagles flying above and ahead of her while she was driving. It is unusual, to say the least, to see one eagle while performing our daily routine. But to see three in the same day must be – no, is – extraordinary. Learn more about EAGLE SYMBOLISM and what lessons the eagle has to share with you by clicking here.
"Tick"-ing Away...
 Conventional wisdom is that the warmer winters recently have led to an increase in the number of ticks (and fleas) present in the state of Minnesota as well as an increase in the incidence of Lyme (and other tick-borne) disease. Unfortunately, the statistics for dogs lag by several years, but the incidence of human Lyme disease cases has been on a steady increase for the past 10-15 years nationally.
Learn more about tick-borne diseases that can affect both you and your pet HERE.
Read more information about preventing Lyme disease HERE.
Find out how to remove a tick HERE.
More fun facts and links, including a link to a Lyme disease quiz, are HERE.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
 (an Opie favorite)2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups oat flour or oatmeal
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Combine oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, forming a dough.
3. Knead dough into firm ball and roll to 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Cut into 1x2" (small) to 1x4" (large) pieces. You can use cookie cutters if you like.
5. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes.
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen medium-size cookies. |
Toy Pick for March:
HuggleHounds Wiley
Is your pet bored by the same old squeaky toy? Give playtime a much needed boost of excitement with a HuggleHounds Wiley Treat Dispensing Toy! Like getting six toys in one… this soft but tough toy holds up to chewing, tossing, tugging, bouncing, fetching and munching!
It is constructed of rubber and has four legs made of strong nylon seat belt webbing. Treats or kibble can be added to the head. Where to buy, click here or click on the picture above.
Chance to win: $25 gift card!
Below is a list of questions pulled from this newsletter. Enter to win a $25 gift card by answering all 5 questions correctly and e-mail them to
info@pure-spirit.com
You must include your (1) NAME, (2) E-MAIL ADDRESS and (3) COMPLETE USPost mailing address to be eligible for the drawing. Drawing will be held March 31 and the winner will be notified in the next e-mail newsletter and receive their gift card by mail.
1. How many cookies will the recipe for Opie's Favorite Treats make?
2. What are two locations that Pure Spirit offers group training classes? (Bonus point: Where else can you get training by Pure Spirit's Marilyn Tokach?)
3. Name at least three pet-safe plants you could have in your garden?
4. What breed of dog is Winston?
5. Name three zoonotic diseases - i.e., both humans and pets can get - that are transmitted by ticks?
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Warning Signs to a Bite
With Spring upon us, people will be getting their dogs out more to play and enjoy the warm weather. Although aggression in dog-dog interactions is rare considering the vast numbers of dogs that meet and greet each other every day in neighborhoods and parks, it pays to understand canine body language and know when trouble is brewing. CLICK HERE for an excellent teaching tool to help dog owners recognize the many warning signs dogs give when trouble is brewing.
CLICK to listen to an encore show about building a relationship with your pet.
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