Did You Know

Where our boarding dogs sleep each night

Did you know that even while the dogs stay overnight at Dioji, there are still no cages involved (unless requested by the owner) and that the dogs actually cuddle up with a real person??  While the dogs are in our care overnight they have the luxury of staying in our evening suite furnished with plush cushions, elevated beds and couches and someone is sleeping on the bed in the room with them. Most nights you can find at least a few dogs up on the bed with them, while the others find it more comfortable to utilize one of the dog beds, cots or couches.  Nothing like a good night sleep after a fun day of play.

If you haven’t seen the overnight boarding area yet, be sure to ask on your next visit!

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ASK THE EXPERT

Basic Dog Nutrition – Which Food is Best for My Dog?

By Jeannie Wendel, Owner of Dioji

We are often asked which food is best for dogs; the answer is simple – there is no single ‘best’ food that is optimal for all. Just like humans, each dog is an individual. A food that one dog thrives on may stir up allergies or other adverse reactions for another. So how do we know what the best choice is for our furry pals? It is a process of trial and error.

So where do I start?  Step 1 is to start with a high quality food.  Here are some basic canine nutrition guidelines to help you decide:

First and Foremost - Read the labels!

Quality of ingredients

As with humans, dogs need a balanced, quality diet for optimal health.  The guidelines for quality are mainly common sense: 

• Human-grade cuts of meat are best (vs. by-products)
• Avoid  “Animal Fat” or “Meat Meal” that does not identify the animal source.  (Would you put unidentified mixed meat in your bowl?)
• Fresh vegetables and whole grains
• Stick to all natural - avoid artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives

Quantity of ingredients

When it comes to quantity of ingredients, the more is NOT the merrier. The more ingredients a commercial food contains (aside from added vitamins and minerals), the less it contains of each ingredient. Ingredients are listed by weight, so ideally you will see one or two meat proteins within the first few ingredients. It is important to note that whole meat (beef, chicken, lamb etc.) contains a lot of water weight, so you would want to see a few meats or meat-meals listed at the top to ensure a high level of protein.

If the food you are feeding your dog agrees with their system, you should see the following:

• A glossy coat
• Itch-free skin
• Bright, clear eyes
• Clear ears
• Happy, alert demeanor

If you note any adverse reactions, discontinue the food and try another with varied ingredients. As always, it is best to consult your veterinarian for any health matters concerning your family pets.

Happy food hunting!  As always, the Dioji team is happy to help you learn about the various brands and types of foods we carry – just ask.

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Product of the month

Hide-an-Animal

Not only are these toys adorable, they’ve been tested by many Dioji staff dogs and the results are unanimous – they love em!  The complete line of Plush Puppies Puzzle Plush toys will not only keep pets occupied and eliminate boredom, but they also develop a dogs intelligence and puzzle solving skills. Just insert the bird, squirrel or bee inside the toy for dogs to remove over and over again. You can even put treats inside the habitat for an extra reward for removing the animal! 

20% OFF for a limited time! Regularly $16.99

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Inside the Club

Sunday, March 28th 9:30am
Dioji Puppy II Training Class

A six week course begins for dogs who have either completed our Puppy I class and would like to continue learning or for puppies 4-7 months new to training.  Includes 2 days of puppy daycare!

Sunday, March 28th 10:45am
Dioji Adult Basic Obedience Class

New six week course begins for dogs over 7 months of age who have either never had a training class or could just use a refresher.

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Outside the Club

April 24th, 2010
Gaucho Gallop w/ Dog Dash run

The 3rd annual Gaucho Gallop is quickly approaching and Dioji is thrilled to be a part of it agin. Race alongside the pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean and past many UCSB landmarks. Bring your pal for the pre-race Dioji Dog Dash and then drop them off at the Dioji Doggie Lounge.  For more info and to register:

http://www.ucsbruns.com/gauchogallop

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The Dioji Family

Karina

Dog Associate

Hometown: San Diego, California

Pets of my own: A beautiful cat named Bramble and a rambunctious blue nosed pit named Stella, who both, unfortunately, don't live with me here in Santa Barbara for the time being. 

Something people may not know about you: My other passion, which conflicts with my desire to have all the dogs in the world, is traveling. I take any chance I can to explore a new country, and I am actually a licensed international English teacher. 

Favorite activity with the dogs: Being a dog myself, whether that be through playing or cuddling. 

Favorite Dioji moment: Wow. hmm.. Over the years there have been so many adorable and just down right ridiculous moments that it is impossible to chose just one. I guess, on a whole, it would really just be the looks of pure excitement and love on the dogs faces. 

Ideas for future Tribone topics? Email susan@dioji.com.