Kirby's Korner

What a wet month January was!

I often get asked what we do here at Dioji when the rains come and the answer is quite simple, we dogs do as our parents wish, because they know best. We can keep warm and dry inside or run and romp outside, either way, we have our canine and human friends there at our sides to enjoy it all with us. We dogs appreciate that the rain can make our regular walks tough on our parents but we love to let loose and release all our cooped up energy, thanks to Dioji, we still can.

Kirby Wendel

VP of Quality Control
Owners Jeannie & Bryce's yellow lab

February Birthdays

Bella	Bo	Chloe
Coco	Corrie	Fluffy
G. G.	Hydro	Krystal
Lady	Lola	Luna
Maddi	Milly	Reeses
Rosie	Rufus	Sid Vicious
Sophia	Spondy	Sprinkles
Tippy	Ziggy	Lucky
Lilly	Maverick	Quincy
Dante

Refer a Member

Have a friend join Dioji during the month of February and receive a FREE baked dog treat. You can choose a cannoli, pretzel, cookie or our new Valentine’s inspired goodies from the Kool dog Kafe.

Featured Product

Dog Apparel

Keep your pup warm and dry with our new selection of stylish sweaters, jackets and raincoats. Styles and sizes vary but you’re sure to find something perfect.

Ideas for future Tribone topics or want to submit a Barkimonial? Email susan@dioji.com.

Ask the Expert

Canine Photography

By Cati Teague - Dioji Dog Associate and Professional Photographer

Taking a great photograph of your dog can be tricky. Our dogs don’t always cooperate as well as we think they should, making it difficult to think about lighting and composition while struggling with an excited pooch! Here are a couple of tips to help you get started.

1. Patience, patience, patience! Many dogs will be uncomfortable when you stick a camera in their face. Some just won’t sit still! Try holding a treat or a favorite squeaky toy near the lens to draw their attention. But remember to be ready to react quickly to capture that split second reaction (a head tilt, ear perk, and other various adorable expressions).   

2. Another thing to think about while taking a photograph of your beloved furry family member, is Composition. Pay attention to what is in the background of your shot. That tree or lamp behind Fido will end up looking like it is sticking out of his head!  Instead, take him to the park and snap away in a open area with lots of grass and sky. Also, don’t be afraid to get in close! My favorite way to shoot is really close to the dogs nose with a wide angle lens. This is the easiest way of all to eliminate a distracting background, and add a little bit of a twist to the traditional photograph.

3. Point of View.  Get down on your dogs level.  Don’t be afraid to lay down on the ground to get that perfect shot!  Or, if you prefer, elevate your dog by putting them up on a bench or any other available perch. For small dogs, try putting their bed up on a table. 

Be creative, try different backgrounds and camera angles. And the most important thing to remember is to have fun and encourage the playfulness in your pooch.

Happy Snapping!

Tip of the Month

Dog Toy Selection

With all the toys available it can be tough to decide what to get for your furry pal. You not only want something that they enjoy but something that is safe for them. Rope toys are an excellent choice because they floss your dogs teeth as they chew on it, just be sure to toss them out as soon as they fray or knots come undone so they don’t ingest the strings. Another rule of thumb for toy selection is to only buy toys that you can put an indent in with your fingernail. If you can’t indent, the toy is too hard and it could crack your dogs teeth while they chew.

In the Club

Valentine's Day at Dioji, February 14th

You’re showered with love, Every day of the year;
By your furry ole pal, Who is always near.

Always greeted with excitement, A wag and a smooch;
Oh how you love, That silly ole pooch!

The 14th is coming, The day to celebrate love;
So give your pup a gift, Sent from above.

A fantastic day of play, With all the Dioji pals;
Romping and running, With joyous howls!

We’ll tucker ‘em out, With a day of delight;
And you will be free, To enjoy your night!

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Dioji Puppy School Sessions Begin
March 1st 9-10am (Saturday morning, 6 week session)
March 5th 7:30-8:30pm (Wednesday evening, 6 week session)

A comprehensive training program to establish a happy, healthy, lasting relationship between your family and your furry pal. During the six weeks our trainers will provide you with the knowledge and tools to guide your dog’s development into a well mannered, balanced addition to your family. Call for more information and to reserve your spot in the class.

Cost: $145 for 6 weeks (includes 2 free days of daycare and continuous support)

Outside the Club

The Santa Barbara Independent Animal Issue
February 7th Issue

Pick up a free copy of the Independent this week for its special animal issue. Look closely and you might find Dioji in there!

Barkimonials

At 9 years old, Riley had never been to doggie day care before; I wasn’t sure how he would respond. When I picked him up that first day, he just sat in the front seat and stared back at Dioji. I couldn’t get his attention. He was like a little kid who wanted to keep looking at Disneyland until the Matterhorn was out of sight. He slept like a rock that night.

I have taken Riley to the office with me before, and he would bark at people. He would act like he was on guard duty. He isn’t aggressive, but he is big and his bark scares some people. Being the only male in my household, he was especially wary of men. After spending three weeks going to Dioji, I brought him into the office, and he was like a different dog. He walked into offices to say “Hello” to people. He even went right over to my boss, Steve, to get some petting. No barking. No strangeness. I was thrilled.

I thought that I was just taking Riley to a safe place to have a good time, but I got so much more than that. I don’t have room here to mention all the positive changes to “Life with Riley.” Thank you, Dioji!

- Rosemarie Gaglione