At Bark-A-Bout, our staff is trained to keep our pets happy and healthy and safe.
Here is an example of how we go the extra mile to keep your four footed friends in good health. Dennie A., our incredible vet tech who is on staff in the facility, demonstrates proper pet dental hygiene at our Dog Dental Health Seminar. February is Pet Dental Month, and Bark-A-Bout joins in to help educate people about how important it is to care for your pets teeth.
Dennie shows how you can help your dog brush, spray, and chew their way to good dental health.
Gracie is a great student!
Keeva takes a break after chewing the doggie dental chews.
Body Images Fitness Center of Shelby Township has invited our four footed friends to join us in the fun of fitness by creating its first-ever Doga class. Yes, DOGA! And, Doga is exactly what it looks and sounds like- the art of Yoga, but add the “d” for the dogs. This class is specifically designed for any yoga enthusiast, from the novice to advanced, who would like to have their pet join them in the soothing practice of Yoga.
“This is the first Doga class that we have ever taught, and we were amazed at the results,” said Pam Paul. Ms. Paul is the owner of Body Images Fitness Center in Shelby and she leads the Doga classes on Friday evenings at the Bark-A-Bout Pet Facility.
Mary Vinder, another Yoga instructor from Body Images, also states that “I have practiced Doga at home with my pet, but this class was extraordinary. The animals took to the soothing environment, and we could see that they really enjoyed being here, with their owners, while practicing the Yoga movements.”
And practice they did! At one point in the class, Murphy, a cuddly little guy, decided that he wanted to get comfortable on Aimee, his owners, lap. So, Murphy jumped up and decided to “sit’ on Aimee’s lap, while Aimee practiced the dreaded “Savasana Pose.
Of course, the Savasana pose is one of the most challenging Yoga positions to perform and hold—even on your own. But try adding a 10 lb. ” lap dog” du jour on your stomach as you hold the Savasana pase – not an easy task! Picture sitting on the floor with the legs on an angle “up in the air”. Then raise your arms out in front, or at an angle up, while keeping your legs UP IN THE AIR- and hold it for 10-25 seconds. Sound like fun, eh?! . However, Aimee was able to hold the pose and even admitted she was a better person because she had her dog in her lap!
Then there’s Autumn, a stunning Standard Poodle. In a past life, Autumn was definitely a Yogidoggie. She was absolutely into the Doga from class one and the word “GO”. She took to the Doga mat like a dog takes to treats , and had her Yoga loving mom Judy, by her side. It only took a few minutes for both autumn and Judy to find the rhythm, and then they got into their groove. Autumn was so relaxed that she actually looked “Zen” as Judy performed stretches with her. Pam taught Judy to use some Doga techniques on Autumn, and it worked like magic because Autumn practically feel asleep- right there on the mat, in the room.
Pam Paul, Doga Instructor from Body Images Fitness Center, will be finishing up the first series of DOGA classes at Bark-A-Bout Training Facility on the Friday, February 10. The Class starts at 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to join. There is still time to sign up.
There is a $15 fee to join the class. Please bring a Yoga mat and some water if you like- one mat is all you need for you and our pet.
To sign up for this class, or for more information, please call Bark-A-Bout Pet Facility at 586-566-8900. Or you can register here.
Body Images Fitness Center is located at 51204 Danview Technology Court Shelby Twp, MI 48315-2716
(586) 726-8900. Website is: www.theexercisecompany.com
Learn how to keep your pets “canines” in top condition.
One of our four footed clients shows his "smile" as he runs in the play yard
In celebration of February being National Canine Dental Hygiene month, Bark-A-Bout is hosting an educational seminar instructed by our incredibly experienced and caring licensed Vet Tech (LVT), Dennie A.
On Monday, February 13th at 6 p.m., Dennie will be educating us on what to look for and how to properly clean your dog’s or cat’s teeth. Poor or unmanaged feline and doggie dental hygiene can cause heart, lung, and kidney disease. This happens by extreme tartar build up that can seep into the gumline of the animal, causing bacterial infections in the blood stream.
Many pet owners, or animal lovers, are not aware of the progression of this problem, and do not understand or look for signs of poor dental hygiene. It is never too late to bring your pet in for a dental check. Dennie will teach the signs to watch for, problems that may occure with poor dental health, along with some excellent information about proper pet hygiene that really matter for the health of your pet. After our seminar, you can schedule an appointment with your Vet to have your dog or cat checked and get their teeth cleaned. Because it is Pet Dental Month, many Vets and animal clinics will give clients a discount for the month of February.
Bark-A-Bout wants to help people and their pets work together in maintaining all around wellness in our pets- including teeth. The cost for this class is only $5.00 . Please call our front desk at 586-566-8900 to register or click on this link to register on-line. Depending on the class size of this seminar, we may ask you to bring your dog. You will be notified prior to the seminar if your dog should be present.
Here's Dennie with her "baby" Duke, the Airedale. Duke is one lucky dog!
4.) Get your friends and family to vote for YOUR pet’s photo- link em up to us!
5.) The winner will be determined by which photo gets the most “likes” or “comments” ( A like and comment on photo by same person counts as one vote- but it’s always nice to get a comment and like together!)
6.) You can vote on more than one photo- Photo submission ends February 1 @ 10:00 p.m. so get em in! We cannot take any more photos for contest after 10:00 p.m.
7.) You can vote on photos until February 10th.
WINNER RECEIVES…..
A TRIP TO SPAIN FOR A CHANCE TO RUN WITH THE BULLS!
(just teasing…wanted to know if you were still paying attention- must read to end!)
Winner does receive a $100.00 credit for use on Doggie Daycare or Pet Hotel
and
The Feature Photo of the Week of Valentines Day on our Website
and
A special package bundle of Bark-A-Bout goodies- all wrapped up and ready to go!
Please vote on your favorite photos and join our Like list- we can’t wait to see your photos of our fuzzy friends!
Pam Paul (left front, owner of Body Images) and Mary Cinder (back left, yoga instructor) put on their first ever Doga Class at Bark-A-Bout- Murphy gets ready!
Judy and Autumn the Standard Poodle get ready for Doga
Body Images Fitness Center Teams up with
Bark-A-Bout to put on the DOGA!
On Friday evening, Pam Paul, Master Yoga Instructor and owner of of Body Images, and Mary Cinder, yoga instructor Body Images Fitness Center in Shelby Township put on their first ever DOGA class. During the 45 minute course, Pam, expertly gave step by step instructors to Aimme and her little guy Murphy, as well as to Autumn and her owner Judy. The results were amazing!
Murphy found a new friend (aka pet lover!) in Mary, while his owner Amy was able to stretch and relax into the gentle yoga moves.
Autumn stayed with Judy, and went totally Zen during the “upward pet stroke”.
This was our first ever Doga class, and just the beginning in a series. Thank you to Body Images Fitness Center for bringing their experience to our facility. Pam Paul was extraordinary in her instruction, and Mary was as kind and gentle with the pets as she is with all clients.
If you are interested in bringing your pet to this one-of-a-kind class, please register here. You will not be disappointed.
Watch this video clip and witness for yourself the power of this Doga program:
Cast Your Vote Early—The “Best of HOUR Detroit 2012 Ballots” are here!
Last year, you helped Bark-A-Bout received top honors as HOUR Magazine’s 2011 Best of Detroit Pet Grooming by filling out on-line ballots and casting your votes.
So, now it’s a brand new year, and the 2012 Ballots are ready to go! But, this year we want to let everyone know about Bark-A-Bout’s exceptional facility in more than one category!
Let’s get the ball rolling and give Bark-A-Bout the attention it deserves by filling our name in THREE separate categories: Doggie Daycare, Pet Grooming, and Annual Sporting Event.
This year, HOUR Magazine’s on-line voting ballot includes a spot for voters to write in their favorite doggie daycare and pet grooming facility under the SERVICES catergory. And, as an extra bonus- we can help Bark-A-Bout’s Ultimate Air Dog Dock Diving Competitions by voting for the Bark a Bout Air Dogs UAD Competition in the “annual sporting event” under the LEISURE listing.
Please take a moment and click here for the 2012 Best of Detroit On-Line Ballot. There is no fee to sign up- Just list your name, email and go directly to the categories and write us in! By sticking together, we can help make 2012 the BEST YEAR EVER for all of our two and four footed friends!
Lizzy and Hazel's mom's kept up with their resolution to get their dogs registered as Therapy Dogs. Looks like fun until............................
How’s It Going With the New Year’s Resolutions?
Do Dogs make Resolutions?
And why are these people acting so funny?
Stay tuned for more fun in 2012!
Marianne hands out the homework! No excuses of dogs eating the homework in this class!
What’s this???? Homework…?
Therapy Training? (I don’t need THERAPY… maybe my owner does?)
More Exercise? Well, that’s not bad…………..
Geez……………what do these people expect of us canines?
Answer: Exactly what they need- love, attention and discipline- the Bark-A-Bout way.
Trust us………we know how hard it is to keep up with New Year’s Resolutions. That’s why so many of us don’t even make them! (I will speak for myself on that)
But, if anyone knows how to make and keep New Year’s Resolutions for you and your pet fun- it’s Bark-A-Bout. Several of our new programs for 2012 have started with a Bang, and they are going strong.
So far, so good for our Therapy Dogs in Training- Lizzy and Hazel are quite the students. And, they haven’t even eaten their homework yet!
In Agility, Murphy the Irish Terrier is ready for action:
And, here’s a video clip of Riley, the Bernese Mountain Dog who is making some great progress in training class- along with Izzy, a beautiful husky who ignores the toilet paper rolling around in lieu of a real tasty treat! (she’ll get the t.p. at home!)
Karly, a 90-lb. Rottweiler, gets ready for a swim with her 2 footed friend, Reggie!
Jump On In (doors)! Bark-A-Bout’s New Doggie & Me Swim
Class is open to swimmers of all sizes and ages- (limit of four feet!)
Spencer (sitting up) has only been with his new family 2 weeks- He's getting ready to dive in with Ace (laying)
The first official “Doggie & Me” Swim Class took place on Tuesday evening on the Lido Deck by the Indoor Pool. This new class is being taught by our infamous Professional Dock Diving & Sensational Swimming dog trainer — Karen Kline.
Karen is a client and canine favorite. She teaches us how to work with our pets in and around water- she always stresses Safety First, and she knows how to get down on the deck, with the dogs and splash around.
The first class features Spencer & Ace (2 Goldens) and Karly- a Rottweiler. Ace and Karly have been swimming in our indoor heated pool before, but this is a different deal because now they get to teach their Humans how to do the Doggie Paddle!
Considering this was Spencers first dip in the pool- AND he has only lived with his new family for 2 weeks– He did phenomenal. After one hour of class, all three dogs (and a couple if their human counterparts) were wagging and dragging their wet tails on deck after a very successful, and fun, Doggie & Me Swim class.
Please take a moment and answer these few questions (for yourself):
1.) Does the word “come” make your dog bolt in the other direction?
2.) Do you ever find yourself getting louder and more frantic saying the words “Come here” to your dog– or repeating yourself to the point until you are hoarse and cannot speak? (and then poochie boy decides to run back to you after you lose your voice…)
3.) If you say “come” to your dog, is the tail of your dog more visible than his face?
4.) Do you ever think that your dog has gone totally deaf, even if it is only 2 years old, when you say “come”?
5.) Does your dog like to play the “Barry Sanders Chase Game” and gets YOU to COME to him after 9,000 tries of calling him in?
If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, then you might just want to check out our new Come and Play Clinic. This is a new for 2012 three week seminar taught by Gwen Brockdorff-Bautista. This seminar will help your dog learn some basic canine rules of good living, such as the dreaded “come” command! Watch here as four of our fuzzy friends and their owners learn the magic secrets of the ancient Dog World when Gwen gives them a simple solution to a complex problem. Please check our homepage and calendar for more classes in 2012. ~Enjoy
(FYI- The “Barry Sanders Chase Game is an original phrase that I used to describe what happened when I tried to get one of my Samoyeds to “come” to me. This particular dog displayed the most amazing moves- just like Barry Sanders used to for the Lions on the football field. I swear my dog watched the football games and memorized some of Barry’s moves.
