With summer just around the corner, it’s time for pet owners to start back up on their flea prevention routine. For those who live in places that are warm year-round, like Florida or California, it is essential to keep up this regimen all year. According to AKC, here in Indiana, flea and tick season begins in March and doesn’t end until December. Although your pet is really always at risk of getting fleas or ticks, when it’s warm these parasites simply become more active. Below is a chart for when fleas and ticks are most active in each state.
It is recommended that you keep your pet on preventatives all year long for the best defense. There are various methods of protection including: flea collars, oral medications, and topical treatments. Consult with your vet for more information on which method is best for your pet.
If you’re going to an area that is more prone to fleas and ticks, like wooded areas, dog parks, or camp sites, you can double up your pet’s protection. For example, if your dog already regularly takes medication and you know you’re about to go camping, you can put a flea collar on them for double the protection. Always do your research and consult with your vet before adding any new preventatives. What may be right for one pet could be unsafe for yours and combining medications should only be done under veterinary guidance.
Both fleas and ticks can carry diseases, which is why it is especially important for us to be on top of our pet’s prevention routine. During spring and summer more people and their pets are out and about which inevitably ups the risk involved. Contact your vet today to prepare your pet for the warmer months to come. That way you and your pet can have a carefree, fun-filled summer, that’s full of adventure!
Tired of your pup begging for your sweet Easter treats? This year, save the trouble by getting them their very own Easter basket! It’s super simple and your furry friend is bound to love it. Here’s how to make the perfect doggie Easter basket in just a few simple steps!
1. Pick out an Easter themed basket.
There are so many different options for what you can use to hold all of your pup’s goodies. The most common options are wooden or plastic baskets. You can find each kind in lots of different colors and prints and most are very affordable. Pick whatever fits your their personality best!
2. Add treats.
You can add a bag of your pup’s favorite treats, or you can go for some Easter-themed snacks. There are so many recipes online for dog friendly cookies, peeps, cakes, etc. You also have the option to stop by a local dog bakery, where they have lots of customizable treats in different flavors, shapes, and sizes!
3. Get some fun toys.
During holiday seasons, many pet shops come out with cute festive toys you can pick up if you’re really in the holiday spirit. A new chew toy or plush bear is sure to brighten your doggie’s day!
4. Grab some festive Easter accessories.
Choose a festive new collar or bandana for your pup to wear on Easter Day. A fancy bow or a cool new leash would also make a great addition to their basket.
5. Break out the plastic Easter eggs to make it all come together.
Grab some plastic eggs and put some milk bones or small snacks inside. You can add as many or as little as you would like, and for even more fun; you can hide them later and have doggie Easter egg hunt!
Now you have the perfect DIY dog friendly Easter basket! Check out Tiki’s Easter basket this year!
What’s inside? Two bags of his favorite treats, two Easter bandanas, two cute toys, and lastly we added plastic Easter eggs with milk bones inside!
**Tag us on Facebook or Instagram to show us your doggie’s Easter basket this year!
Instagram: @gooddogindy
Facebook: Good Dog Hotel and Spa
Looking to get some playtime in at a dog-friendly park or outdoor space? Here’s a list of Indianapolis area dog parks for you and your pooch.
If you’re looking to spend some quality playtime with your favorite furry friend in outdoor spaces, we’ve got you covered. Of course, our favorite play area is the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple. Our Dog Daycare has both indoor and outdoor space, and our guests are full of energy and ready to play.
But if you’re looking to get outside in a neighborhood near you, there are plenty of dog parks to choose from. Here are some of the most popular. And if you have your own favorite dog-friendly space to enjoy outdoors, please let us know! Leave all the details in the comment section below.
Broad Ripple Park (est. 1946) borders the White River and has a rich history in the community. Broad Ripple Park features a family center, a seasonal swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic shelters, picnic knolls, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, multi-use athletic fields, woods, fitness trail and a bark park. To purchase a daily or annual dog park pass, visit the Family Center office or call (317) 327-7161.
The Dog Park is located on the north side of the Fort Harrison State Park property, and cannot be reached by entering through the Main Gate or from inside the main body of the park – it’s located on the north side of Fall Creek. The dog park has three separately fenced play areas. Platoon Run, closest to Fall Creek Road, is around 3.6 acres. It has numerous large trees for shade and a wooded area on the west end. Herrin Hill is about 1.3 acres and is located in the middle of the dog park. This area is mostly open grass, but does have some trees offering limited shade. Brigade Landing is approximately 5 acres and includes a pond and a larger wooded “adventure” area for exploration (Brigade Landing is currently under construction and not open to the public). Passes can be purchased at the Visitor’s Center at Fort Harrison State Park (enter at 59th St and N. Post Rd), from 8:30am‐4:00pm, Monday‐Friday.
Eagle Creek’s bark park is a place where owners and their four-legged friends can socialize and enjoy the company of others off-leash. One of the Indy Parks and Recreation Canine Companion Zones (CCZ), to participate, your dog must be equipped with a Pooch Pass. Pooch passes consist of a tag for your dog and a gate access card for you. For Pooch Pass pricing and purchase location, visit the dog park website.
Central Indiana’s first pet park is on the campus of the Humane Society of Indianapolis. The park is a place for owners to hang out with their pets in a safe, fenced area. Watch Rover romp through the canine agility course while you and your family relax at picnic tables. You can also hike through 1.5 miles of wooded trails. Annual registration is $75 for your first dog and $50 for each additional. You will be given a key fob to the Pet Park, which allows you to use the park even if the shelter is closed. Call (317) 872-5650 for membership information.
This 82-acre park was acquired in 1970 and features beautiful trails, a small fishing pond and playground, making it a popular attraction on the east and south sides of Indianapolis. Pooch Passes for the bark park can be purchased at Post Road Park, 1313 S. Post Road. For more information, call (317) 327-0143.
Smock Bark Park – 4200 E County Line Rd, Indianapolis IN 46237
One of the Indy Parks and Recreation Canine Companion Zones (CCZ), the Smock Bark Park features a large fenced-in area and offers space for your dog to run off leash and socialize with other dogs. To participate, your dog must be equipped with a Pooch Pass, which can be obtained from one of the Indy Parks locations participating.
The 423-square-foot park is equipped with play stations like a doggie crawl and “king of the hill.” The enclosure is free to the public and open during daylight hours seven days a week. Located behind Kona Grill and near St. Vincent Sports Performance. Open to all dogs, rules apply posted at entrance. No proof of veterinary care is required.
Waggin’ Tails Bark Park is part of the Louis J. Jenn Memorial Park, and features obstacle training equipment, benches, and a double-bubbler water fountain that serves both humans and canines. Memberships are limited to 500 humans. One-year memberships for Lawrence residents are $40 per dog. Non-residents may join for $50 per dog. All members must pay a one-time key deposit of $25. Residents who wish to join should bring a completed application and their Lawrence water bill (for proof of residency) to the Parks and Recreation Department at 8950 Otis Ave. For more information, call (317) 549-4815.
It’s officially baseball season, and lots of our visitors at the Good Dog Hotel and Spa in Broad Ripple are making plans to go see the Indianapolis Indians play in downtown Indy at Victory Field. Hot dogs, peanuts and a good home run sound like perfect ways to enjoy spring.
We love baseball too, which is why we were curious about the role dogs have played in baseball trading cards. It turns out that dogs have been depicted in baseball cards about as long as baseball cards have been printed. Take a look at some of the most well-known.
A Dog Named Midget. One the most popular trading cards in history featured a small dog named Midget, who was photographed putting his paw on the knee of Journeyman infielder Art Whitney. The card was issued in 1887 by Old Judge cigarettes. It’s been called “The Most Popular Card Ever.” An extremely rare version of the card sold at an auction in 2016 for $18,000.
Red Heart Dog Food. Dogs weren’t actually featured in the post-war 1954 Red Heart Dog Food Baseball Card Set, but we’re counting them since they were produced by a dog food company. The set included 11 unnumbered cards in three series, totaling 33 cards. Each set has one of three colors for the card background: blue, green or red (the rarest).
Milk Bone Card Set. The set was issued through a mail-in offer, and were still available by request as recently as the early 1970’s. Some of the most memorable (and valuable) include Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial and Duke Snider. The Mickey Mantle card was deemed the most valuable of the set. Copies in excellent condition sell for around $300.
A Milk Bone’s 1993 card set featured major league stars and their dogs. Although it might not be as well known, the set Hall-of-Famers like Cal Ripken Jr. with his dog Champagne, and an out-of-uniform Paul Molitor with his pooch Boomer. Here are more players and their dogs in the set:
Brady Anderson with Daisy & Maggie
Craig Briggio with Shelbee
Brett Butler with Beenie & Cecil
Ken Caminiti with Bailey
Will Clark with Psycho
Rob Dibble with Taylor
Tom Foley with Annie
Joe Girardi with Nikko
Tom Glavine with Golden
Wally Joyner with Chloe & Shadow
Barry Larkin with Kino & Roscoe
Ben McDonald with Ace & Max
Mark McGwire with Ellis & Sam
Rafael Palmeiro with Kirby & Wrigley
Bill Swift with Zach
Larry Walker with Shami
Matt Young with Cy
Todd Zeile with Tiffany
Check out these common springtime dangers that can prove hazardous for your dog and other pets.
Contrary to what the outdoor temperatures have been recently, it really is spring in Indiana. That means spring-cleaning, outdoor chores and activities, and all kinds of plants and vegetation coming to life. It also means that your dog and other pets can be susceptible to certain safety hazards this time of year. Our Good Dog Hotel & Spa team in Broad Ripple wants to make sure our furry buddies are healthy and happy, so we put together a list of our top spring safety tips for dogs. Check it out, and enjoy the season!
Spring Cleaning. While you might be chomping at the bit to do a little deep cleaning at home, make sure to keep cleaners and chemicals out of reach from pets. Almost all cleaning products – even “all natural” ones – contain chemicals that could harm your pooch. Just make sure you use them safely by reading and following label directions for proper use and storage. And remember, if you suspect your pet may have come in contact with or ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435.
Home Improvement Projects. When you tackle all those home improvement projects, be aware that things like paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets. Even slight contact with the skin can cause severe irritation or chemical burns. As with cleaning projects, read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your pets. Also, make sure you clean up hazardous materials like nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. To be safe, consider confining your pet to a pet-friendly room or area during home improvement projects.
Gardening and Landscaping. All the fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides that help our plants and lawns grow contain ingredients that are potential dangers to our pets. Always store these products in out-of-the-way places, and follow label instructions carefully. Take the time to research the plants currently in your landscapes and gardens to make sure they aren’t toxic to your pets (like rhododendron and azaleas).
Party Goodies and Supplies. With graduation celebrations and other springtime parties ahead, make sure you keep a close eye on chocolate treats, which are toxic to cats and dogs. And be aware of any bright decorations and other party supplies made of plastic or hazardous materials. They can be digested and cause obstruction, which can lead to severe vomiting, dehydration and worse.
Windows and Screens. As the temperatures get warmer, one of the first things homeowners like to do is throw open the windows and let in the fresh air. But before you do this, inspect your window screens to make sure they are snug and intact. You don’t want a curious pet to accidentally fall out of a window or easily escape to the great outdoors alone. Also, repair any rips or openings in your screens, and double check to make sure the windows themselves aren’t loose so when they’re left open, they won’t accidentally fall on a lounging pet.
Car Rides. Dogs sure are adorable when they feel the wind on their face and enjoy a car ride with open windows, but make sure it’s a safe one. First, don’t allow your dog to ride in the beds of pick-up trucks. Second, don’t let them stick their heads out of moving-car windows – it’s dangerous. Not only can abrupt stops or turns cause major injury to your dog, flying debris and insects can cause eye or inner ear injuries, and lung infections. You should always secure your pet in a crate or with a seatbelt harness while in a moving vehicle.
Allergies. If you experience seasonal allergies, then you know what that feels like. Our pets can experience the same thing if they’re allergic to certain foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in pets can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing, or life-threatening anaphylactic shock to insect bites and stings. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Outdoor Activities. Spring time and warmer temperatures have a way of bringing everybody out to play. That means more trips to the park, longer hikes and walks, and more opportunities for your dog to run off and explore! If you haven’t already, make sure your dog can be identified through a microchip, and wears a tag that includes your home address, cell phone, and any other relevant contact information.
Creepy Crawly Critters. With all the beautiful flowers and plants sprouting up from the ground comes bugs, bugs and more bugs! Ensure that your dog is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Consult with your veterinarian to develop an annual plan that meets your dog’s needs.
Naming your dog can be tricky and even stressful. Which one should you select? Here are some basic tips and a little inspiration.
Who doesn’t love a good dog name? This cutie on the left is Chibs, and his friend on the right is Lazslo. Fun names of some of our other cuddly visitors include Sailor, Tebow, Rootbeer, Rocket and Porkchop.
Getting a new puppy is exciting, delightful and yes, challenging. Puppies are adorable, fun to watch, and they bring a new element of play and discovery to any household. They also raise lots of questions. What food should you buy? What toys are safe? And the big one … what name should you select?
Over the years, the Good Dog Hotel & Spa team in Broad Ripple has met hundreds of dogs with names that are everything from traditional and common, to funny, unusual and unexpected. We’ve also heard charming and funny stories from owners on how they named their dogs, which got us thinking about the process of choosing the perfect name.
That’s why we wanted to put together some of our top tips for choosing a name for your dog. We hope it helps.
SIX TIPS FOR NAMING YOUR DOG
Don’t stress. While us humans can get caught up in “picking the perfect name,” one thing to keep in mind is that dogs don’t think about a name the way we do. That’s because dogs interpret what we say in terms of sound, not meaning. His or her name becomes a command for attention or direction, and learns to respond accordingly.
Keep it simple. Dog trainers often suggest sticking with names that are easily spoken by humans, which are then more easily learned by your dog. Other advice from trainers include:
Ideal names are often two-syllables, like Buddy, Bella, Sonny or Rocky.
Dogs learn to quickly respond to short sounds, which makes training easier.
Longer names with more syllables can be confusing, cumbersome, and difficult to pronounce consistently.
Choose a name that does not rhyme with or sound like common commands. For example, Kit sounds like sit, and Ray sounds like stay.
Be aware of sounds. Veterinary behaviorists tell us that dogs prefer specific sounds, and that can affect the way your dog responds when called. Short and choppy sounds bring more responsiveness, while long, slow and soothing tones do not. Therefore, consider dog names that contain hard (versus soft) consonant sounds, like c as in cap, g as in go, and k as in pokey.
Change a name if you want. Many people who adopt pets wonder if it’s okay or even healthy to change an existing name. Experts say not only is it a common practice to change a dog’s name, it’s fine to do so. You’ll just need to spend time with your dog teaching them to recognize and respond to the new one.
Look for inspiration. Many owners say they took some extra time to name their dog, hoping to be inspired by behavior, personality or physical appearance. Others say they asked family members, friends and neighbors for original name ideas, and then chose the one that was most fitting or popular – sometimes even asking for votes.
See what’s popular. Sometimes you just need to see what other names are out there. For a little inspiration, take a look at The 70 Most Unique Dog Names for 2018, compiled by Rover.com. They include a general list, and then break down even more names into other categories from their data base including: popular female and male names; top geek dog names; math and science dog names; and cool dog names. Some that stood out to us include (whether good or bad, we can’t say), include:
Hashtag
Wifi
Malfoy
Nacho
Chewbacca
Koby Teeth
Clooney
Yoda
Orbit
Atom
Tater Tot
The NCAA Tournament means basketball and brackets, but the Good Dog Hotel & Spa loves those canine mascots, too.
Who’s that doggie in the window? It’s bath time for Butler Blue III at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple. He’s ready to rumble.
The Good Dog Hotel & Spa team in Broad Ripple is thrilled that March Madness is finally happening. Yes, we love NCAA basketball and can’t wait to watch the games. But we also get excited for all the basketball teams, especially for our Indiana teams: Butler and Purdue Universities.
We are especially happy for our friend Butler Blue III, the official Butler Bulldog mascot. He frequently comes to see us for baths and a little TLC, and we know he’s ready for some tournament action (even though live mascots aren’t officially allowed inside the arena for games). And speaking of mascots and games, Good Dog Hotel & Spa Ambassador Tiki wanted to know if there are any other mascots of the canine variety in the tournament this year.
We found more than a few. Take a look at some of the dog or dog-related mascots that’ll be hoping for some big wins.
NCAA Tournament Dog and Dog-Related Mascots
Tiki and Butler Blue III (Trip) hang out at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa before saying goodbye.
Butler Blue III, Butler University – Butler University has a long tradition of live mascots, and that tradition continues today with Butler Blue III, aka “Trip.” He is the current Official Live Mascot of Butler, and was born on December 23, 2011. His favorite activities include attending basketball games at Hinkle Fieldhouse, hanging out with his two human brothers, and bath time. To find out more about Butler’s mascot history, visit the Butler University website.
Mr. & Mrs. Wuf, North Carolina State University – The story goes that in the 1910s, the NC State basketball team became known as the Red Terrors, and a bull terrier named Togo was the mascot. But in 1921, the football team was nicknamed “the Wolfpack,” apparently because they were so unruly. And so naturally, a wolf mascot followed. In 1981, the male mascot was named Mr. Wuf, and soon after, the female version was named Mrs. Wuf. The two were married (joined in “canis matrimonium”) in a mock wedding ceremony the same year by the Wake Forest Demon Deacon mascot during halftime of a Men’s Basketball game at Reynolds Coliseum. You just can’t make this stuff up. See the NCSU Timelines for more details.
Photo credit: University of Maryland, Baltimore County; umbcretrievers.com
True Grit, University of Maryland, Baltimore County – The official mascot of UMBC is the Chesapeake Bay retriever. A costumed mascot was introduced in the late 1990s, and goes by the name of True Grit (but was originally Fever the Retriever). The selection of the retriever is one that has deep state ties, particularly the Chesapeake Bay breed. The Chesapeake Bay retriever is Maryland’s state dog, declared so in 1964. According to the AKC, characteristics of a Chesapeake Bay retriever, also known as “Chessies,” include being affectionate and bright. They are known historically for hunting waterfowl, and having prowess in rough, icy water. Here’s more on the history of UMBC’s mascot.
LU Wolf, Loyola University Chicago – Athletic teams at Loyola University Chicago didn’t have much of a nickname until the 1920s, when they became known as the Ramblers. Their first short-lived mascot was Bo Ramblers, short for “hobo.” In 1990, Loyola stopped using Bo, citing the rationale that a homeless man didn’t seem to be a fitting mascot for a top-notch university. The university instead introduced its new and current mascot, LU Wolf, in recognition of the animal’s association with St. Ignatius.
Smokey, University of Tennessee – In 1953, the University of Tennessee Volunteers held a contest to select a live mascot. According to announcements, “This can’t be an ordinary hound. He must be a ‘Houn’ Dog’ in the best sense of the word.” At halftime of a football game, contenders were brought on the field. The very last dog announced was a Bluetick Coonhound named Smokey, who barked when his name was called. The students burst into applause, which made Smokey howl louder – and the rest is history. Read more fun facts about Smokey here.
Alphie, Wolfie Jr. and Luna, University of Nevada, Reno – The athletic teams at the University of Nevada, Reno didn’t have a nickname that stuck until 1922, when the student body decided on the Desert Wolves, which later transformed into just the Wolves, and finally, the Wolf Pack. Throughout most of the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s, the wolf mascot was played by students wearing awkward wolf-head costumes made with fake fur or papier-mâché. In 1982, the University finally adopted Wolfie, the wolf mascot characterized by his pointy ears and UNR top hat. In 2003, Alphie took over as mascot, with Wolfie Jr. joining in 2007. Luna, a female-wolf mascot, completed the pack in 2013. For a visual history, visit this website.
Spike, Gonzaga University – In Gonzaga University’s early football history, the teams were called the “Blue and Whites” or “The Fighting Irish.” After a football game in 1921, a reporter wrote that Gonzaga fought tenaciously like bulldogs. Thus, that description became the new mascot. Over the years, Gonzaga has had numerous live bulldogs as mascots. The first costumed bulldog mascot named Spike was introduced in 1985. In 2000, Spike rose to national prominence when he was among a group of mascots that appeared in Nike’s “Welcome to Bracketville” promotional commercials for the NCAA Tournament. For more information about Spike, visit the Gonzaga athletics website.
Wolverines, University of Michigan – While the University of Michigan is known unofficially as the Wolverines, the university does not have a live mascot. In fact, the Athletic Department has steadfastly maintained that such a symbol is unnecessary and undignified, and would not properly reflect the spirit and values of Michigan athletics. Michigan briefly had a Wolverine mascot in costume during the mid 1980s and then again during the mid 1990s before being retired. The school continues to rely on the wolverine itself as the symbol of Michigan sports. For University of Michigan history and traditions, visit here.
Reveille, Texas A&M University – Reveille, a full-blooded collie, is known as the First Lady of Aggieland and is Texas A&M’s official mascot. As the highest-ranking member of Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, Reveille is part of a rich tradition. “Miss Rev,” as cadets address her, is immensely popular and can be seen around campus, in class, or attending a number of events. Because of her rank, if Miss Rev falls asleep in a cadet’s bed, the cadet must find somewhere else to sleep since she outranks him. Tradition also dictates that if Reveille is in class and barks, the professor should end class because Miss Rev is bored. Find out more about Reveille right here.
How often should you bathe your dog? And does it matter what kind of shampoo you use? Check out our top tips for giving your dog a bath.
While giving your dog a bath might not seem like a big deal, you’d be surprised how fast it can get complicated. For instance, how often should you bathe your dog? Does it really matter how you do it, and should you worry about suds getting in his or her eyes?
Our Good Dog Hotel & Spa professional groomers in Broad Ripple have some answers to some of the most common dog-bathing questions. And remember, not only do we offer a wide range of professional grooming services, we also have self-serve bathing, as seen in this video! It’s a great way to spend quality time with your dog without the mess (see details below*)!
How often should I bathe my dog?
According to the ASPCA, your dog should be bathed at least once every three months. However, they also acknowledge that some dogs may require more frequent baths if they spend a lot of time outdoors or have skin problems. Thanks to a wide variety of gentler shampoos on the market specifically made for dogs, you can bathe your dog more frequently if needed without drying out his or her coat.
What are the steps for giving my dog a bath?
Start by giving your dog a good brushing. This helps remove dead hair and mats.
Fill a sink or tub with about three to four inches of lukewarm water.
Place your dog in the sink or tub, and get him completely wet by using a large plastic pitcher, an unbreakable cup, or an attachable spray hose.
Avoid spraying or pouring water directly in his ears, eyes or nose.
Working from head to tail, gently massage in shampoo (see shampoo tips below), rinse and repeat as needed.
Make sure to rinse thoroughly until there are no more suds. Some shampoo can cause skin issues if they are not rinsed out completely.
Dry him thoroughly by rubbing with a large towel.
Do any breeds need special attention?
Some dogs with loose facial skin or wrinkles, like Shar Peis and Pugs, will need a little extra care. To prevent dirt and bacteria from causing irritation and infection, clean the folds regularly with damp cotton. And remember to dry the areas thoroughly between the folds.
Should I bathe my puppy any differently?
Puppies present their own set of challenges when it comes to bath time. They wiggle and squirm, jump and bounce, and make it hard to accomplish the task at hand. Not to mention their tendency to nip at your hands! One solution is to use floating toys as distractions. If possible, recruit a friend or family member to help hold your pup so you can get the job done quickly and thoroughly.
What shampoo should I use?
It’s always best to use shampoos that are formulated especially for dogs. Why? Because even though human shampoos aren’t toxic to pets, they might contain ingredients (like fragrances) that can irritate your dog’s skin and generally have a different pH balance. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to make sure you’re selecting a shampoo that will meet your dog’s specific needs.
How do I protect my dog’s eyes and ears?
One way to protect your dog’s eyes from shampoo (any type of cleanser has the potential to be irritating), is by asking your vet for a sterile eye lubricant to use during bathing. You might find it’s not necessary, but always know it’s an option. Also, using a sprayer with a long hose will help you control the water flow and avoid sensitive areas during rinsing. And what about the ears? Try placing a large cotton ball in each ear until the bath is over.
*Good Dog Hotel & Spa Self-Serve Bathing makes it easy to give your dog a bath. We feature organic shampoos and conditioners, plus towels, brushes, aprons, and for the finishing touch … a bandana! Rates are $15 for the first dog, and $12 for any additional pup.
These dog (and cat) love stories show the unbreakable bond that animals have with their owners, and each other – just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for human couples. Our team at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple knows how much dogs and owners mean to each other – we get to see it every day.
That’s why we wanted to celebrate Valentine’s day by sharing meaningful stories about our furry friends. If you appreciate the bond that animal lovers experience with their pets as much as we do, then you’ll enjoy reading them. Happy Valentine’s Day from the Good Dog Hotel & Spa.
Rocky, Rita and the fear of water. This true story about a 65-pound Boxer and his bond with a timid and shy human named Rita examines the science behind a dog’s ability to love. While researchers might argue one way or another, this story from Modern Dog magazine is an example of a love that lasts forever.
Two strays and a miracle. This video explores the bond between two shelter dogs, and what happened when one of them was adopted and the other was left behind. Let’s just say an emotional reunion is involved.
Princess, Nate and some serious canoodling. The Best Friends Network spotlights a couple of shelter dogs that found each other against the odds and are now just like, “… an old married couple.” They’ll make you melt.
Dog lover falls for … a cat? We can’t leave our feline friends completely out of this Valentine’s Day lovefest. This story is told by a steadfast dog lover who surprisingly ends up with a short hair domestic cat named Sammie.
Bean: A special needs Bulldog. A litter of bulldogs – four out of eight with cleft palates – changed the life of this owner, who already had two dogs with special needs. This story shows how challenging experiences can become rewarding ones.
What’s it like to be a dog? If you’re in the mood for more science, check out this USA Today interview with Dr. Gregory Berns, neuroscientist and author of What It’s Like to Be a Dog. It just might confirm your suspicions that, “… yes, when our dogs bounce off the walls upon your return home, it’s not just because they really need to go to the bathroom.”
Brett Eldredge and Edgar. These photos from People Pets reflect quite a love story between country music singer and songwriter Brett Eldredge and his adorable Weizsla pup named Edgar. Get ready to swoon.
Daredevil Steve-O and his stray. When “Jackass” star Steve-O was filming abroad, he bonded with a stray dog that became his cherished traveling companion. This profile on Today details how the prankster’s love of dogs transformed his life.
What Are Your Favorite Dog Love Stories?
Do you have any dog love stories you’d like to share for Valentine’s Day? We’d love to read about them. Whether they’re personal stories of you and your dog, or online links to awesome videos and articles, share them right here for everyone to enjoy.
Does your pooch need exercise? Check out these fun dog exercise ideas you can do indoors when it’s too cold (and dangerous) to be outside.
Our guests are getting some good exercise, playtime and socialization at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa during a cold, winter day.
This winter has been a brutal one so far, with lots of single-digit days spent indoors keeping warm. And while this can feel comfy and cozy for both humans and dogs, it can also mean that your dog isn’t getting all the exercise it needs.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to make sure your dog stays active without exposure to the harsh elements. Here are some of The Good Dog Hotel & Spa’s favorite suggestions. (For ideas on keeping your dog safe from frigid temperatures, read our blog Dog Safety Tips for Extreme Winter Conditions.)
Doggie Day Care. Of course, this is one of our favorites on the list, because we get to see first-hand how beneficial it is for dogs to socialize, play and burn off some energy. You can also treat your canine kid to a spa visit, where we offer a full range of grooming services – from a sudsy bath or relaxing hydro massage to complete professional grooming.
Play games. Playing games with your dog is a great way to combine mental and physical exercise. You can also reinforce commands or help them learn new ones. For example:
Play hide-and-seek by hiding a treat or a favorite toy. Or you can even hide yourself. First, throw a treat so your dog will run away from you, and then go hide in another part of the house. Your dog will have fun finding you, and you can practice using the “come” command.
Combine your workout (like doing sit-ups) with fetch. Throw a toy with one sit-up, and continue doing repetitions while your dog fetches.
Get into a squat position with your dog’s favorite toy in hand. As you squat down, tap your dog with the toy. Then, as you rise, bring the toy above your head so that he jumps for it.
Make an obstacle course. Be creative by combining exercise with your dog’s great sense of smell. Hide treats or even dinner in an unexpected place, and then make a maze with boxes, blankets or other household objects that make it challenging to get to the food. Treat toys are also good ways to combine mental stimulation with favorite snacks.
Turn on the treadmill. While there are treadmills specifically designed for dogs and exercise, you can also use a human treadmill for the same purpose, given appropriate precautions and a little training. Follow directions available online by a trusted source, and know that you’ll need to be patient, help familiarize your dog with the equipment, and allow a few days to adjust and increase speed and time.
Take a class. Checkout local businesses offering indoor agility or swimming classes especially for dogs. And if you haven’t had any official obedience classes, this might be a good time to try one. While Flyball and Doga are popular types of courses, there are plenty of other training options to choose from.
Practice targeting. Being indoors gives you a great opportunity to practice targeting with your dog. For example, teach her to touch her nose to the back of your hand on command (in this case, your hand is the target). For more information, check out this ASPCA resource that explains how you can teach your dog to hand target.
Take the stairs. This idea will provide plenty of exercise for both of you, and it’s simple to boot. Put your dog on a leash and walk up and down the stairs (if you don’t have any, find a dog-friendly venue or a willing friend’s home with stairs). Take two steps at a time for a bigger challenge, or vary the speed with each flight.
What are your favorite indoor dog exercises?
Do you have indoor dog exercise ideas you’d like to share? Do you know of any dog-friendly places that are good escapes during the winter months? We’d love to hear about them! Please leave your comments and suggestions below.
A Dog Named Midget. One the most popular trading cards in history featured a small dog named Midget, who was photographed putting his paw on the knee of Journeyman infielder Art Whitney. The card was issued in 1887 by Old Judge cigarettes. It’s been called “The Most Popular Card Ever.” An extremely rare version of the card sold at an auction in 2016 for $18,000.
Milk Bone Card Set. The set was issued through a mail-in offer, and were still available by request as recently as the early 1970’s. Some of the most memorable (and valuable) include Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial and Duke Snider. The Mickey Mantle card was deemed the most valuable of the set. Copies in excellent condition sell for around $300.
Contrary to what the outdoor temperatures have been recently, it really is spring in Indiana. That means spring-cleaning, outdoor chores and activities, and all kinds of plants and vegetation coming to life. It also means that your dog and other pets can be susceptible to certain safety hazards this time of year. 
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for human couples. Our team at the