Kirby's Korner

Vote for Dioji

It’s that time of year again…time to vote for your favorite local businesses.  Dioji would LOVE to have your vote on this year’s Independent Readers’ Choice ballot for the PET BOARDING category! 

Vote online here or pick up the Independent paper and the ballot is inside!

Voting closes August 14th.

For those interested in the Agility demo at Dioji, see the “In the Club” section below…

Kirby Wendel

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

August Birthdays

Abby	Altschul	Arnold
Arrow	Baden	Bagel
Bella C	Bella C G	Bella D
Bella H	Snoopy	Big Red
Bowie	Brody	Stella
Buster	Camper	Carly
Casey	Cassius	Chance
Charlie	Clyde	Cucuk
Art	Digby	Duke B
Duke S	Elias	Elsa
Angel	Chloe	Geri
Hefti	Hoover	Hunter
Jack C	Jack S	Jake
Jasper	Jessie	Kayla C
Kayla M	Keno	Kiki
Lucy	Lulu	Maddie
Mango	Mickey	Molly
Nala	Nicoya	Nikki
Pearl	Remington	Rex
Rico	Rowdy	Roxy
Rylie	Sabah	Sasha
Sawyer	Shasta	Shelby
Shimi	Shorty	Sophie
Starbuck	Teddy	Tobie
Tosh	Tucker	Tuka
Twinkie	Volk	William
Wrigley	Yogurt	Alma
Bella K	Brophy	Buddy
Cheyenne	Cooper	Gracie H
Gracie L K	Koda	Moose
Plum	Spike	Tane
Valley

Ask the Expert

How to stop your dog from jumping up on you and your guests

Gina Boyer, Dioji Trainer & Daycare Manager

Some people don't mind dogs jumping up to greet them, but many do (especially if your dog has muddy paws).  Not only is it not polite, but it can be dangerous to have a dog jumping up on people, particularly children.

Using positive reinforcement, you can train your dog to greet visitors politely, and at the same time, teach guests how to greet your dog appropriately. One thing to keep in mind is that you will need to be consistent: if you let your dog jump up in some circumstances, but not others, he may get frustrated and start jumping up MORE!

Your dog has probably learned that when they jump upon a person, the person gives them attention. Whether it be affection (petting, praise, etc) or negative attention (pushing them off, shouting "NO", direct eye contact), your dog has found a way to get noticed, and that is a reward of sorts. If you give your dog any sort of attention when they jump up, it will reinforce the behavior, even if you think you're correcting them.  Instead, when your dog jumps up on you, turn up your nose, cross your arms, and turn your back on them, just as if you were ignoring a pesky person. Continue ignoring your dog until the jumping stops.  As soon as your dog stops trying to jump up, and has all four feet on the floor, you can give a quick word of praise, a treat, or a gentle scratch on the chin. You want your dog to learn that the reward comes from waiting patiently, not from jumping up. 

Also make sure to work on this behavior when other people approach.  If possible ask a neighbor or friend to help you out with this.  Arm them with a few tasty treats, have them approach as if they were meeting you on the street, and let your dog sniff them.  If your dog jumps up, ask the person to walk away immediately.  If the dog stays on all fours, the person can calmly give your dog praise or a treat.  Always make sure praise is given in a low, quiet voice. Excited praise in a high-pitched voice may make your dog want to jump up and join in the excitement (think about how excited they get when they hear a squeaky toy).  You can also practice this when you have visitors entering your house. Just ask them to walk back out the door and close it behind them if the dog jumps up. Wait a few seconds, and then try again. You will be amazed at how quickly your dog learns to calmly greet your guests.

Did You Know?

Groovy Grooms

As always, Dioji is offering our Signature Spa Baths at 50% off when scheduled during a full day of play or overnight stay.  If you pal is in need of a refreshing bath, Dental Brushing, Pedicure Nail Trim, Gland Expression or De Skunking we are happy to help.

For the convenience of our members, we are pleased to announce a grooming service for those that require a full groom with trimming. Our previous Dioji groomer Ian, now has his own mobile grooming business! Groovy Grooms is now fully operational and will be parking in the Dioji lot on Fridays should you need a groom for your canine pal while they are at daycare.  Groovy Grooms offers discounted pricing to dogs groomed while enjoying a day of daycare or a boarding stay at Dioji.  Call Ian directly to set up an appointment at 805-403-2739.

Inside the Club

Saturday, September 12th 4:30pm
Agility Demo @ Dioji
The Goleta Valley Dog Club will be in the Dioji play yard after our normal business hours to set up some agility equipment, do a demonstration and help you & your dog try your hand at agility!  Spaces are limited so sign up at the Dioji front desk or call 685-6068 to reserve your spot!

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Saturday, August 1st 9:00am
Dioji Puppy I Training Class

A six week course begins for puppies who are 5 months of age or younger.  This introductory course stresses the importance of socialization, covers basic commands and includes your pups first swimming lesson in our giant pool!  Puppies also receive 2 free days of daycare to be used any tme during the 6 weeks.

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Sunday, August 31st 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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Sunday, September 13th 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.  Puppies also receive 2 free days of daycare to be used any time during the 6 weeks.

Call to sign up for any of our classes or for more information click here

Outside the Club

August 15 & 16th, 8am – 5pm
Flyball Tournament

Come out to Elings Park to see teams from California & Arizona compete and be sure to cheer on our local SB Supersonic Flyball Racing Team!

SB Botanic Garden Doggie Bagel Brunch
Thank you to everyone who braved the heat for the kickoff event of the Dog Membership at the Botanic Garden on July 19th!  Congratulations to our raffle winners Reese & Annie!!

Barkimonial

My name is Cake, yes Cake, that is so when people see me they smile and think of yummy cake and hopefully not scary bull terriers.  I do tend to compound things because I bark at people sometimes.  Going to Dioji has helped me to not be so fearful of people and I am barking less (even without my horrid bark collar).  My life would not be the same without all my friends at Dioji (not to pick favorites but Gina you are my best friend). My friend Max passed away a few months ago and I miss him terribly but coming to Dioji has allowed me to make new friends and not feel so lonely (the cats just don't count). When my people went away for 10 days they were very worried that I would be depressed but being at Dioji I was too exhausted to be sad and I actually came home fit, and trim (watch out Target Dog!).  My owner wants to say a few things so bye for now, I will be seeing you soon!  

Thanks for being so wonderful, I wish all businesses would treat their customers like you do!  Whenever I can bring Cake to Dioji it is like a treat to myself, I get so much joy from her excitement of being there and watching the dogs in that environment is the best entertainment around (I think about Jaxon jumping up to look through the window with his ears flying and I laugh all day!).

- Marsha

Dioji Family

Each month we would like to introduce one of our valuable team members to you so you can get to know the Dioji staff even better.

Who
Dustin Matthew Osteen

Hometown
Santa Barbara, CA

Pets of your own
I have a 7 year old black lab/Pit named Blazer and a 4 year old coon hound/pointer mix named Quagley. I also live with my roomate that has a four year old white deaf pitbull named Rhea. They are the best.

Something that people may not know about you
I like to cook and garden on my free time. I can’t get enough of dogs so I hang with my dogs whenever I can. Dogs are the best, I wish I was one.

Favorite activity with the dogs
My favorite thing to do with the dogs is wrestle with them. Oh yeah, and of course get kisses. I love dog kisses. Did I say I love dogs? Guess you can tell.

Funniest Dioji moment
My funniest moment was when Jake, Ellie, Oliver, Roscoe and Riley, Dexter and Morgan, Jenna, Sammy Dog, and whoever else knocked me down and dog piled me. I just got up laughing. Good times at work.

Featured Product

Molly Mutt Dog Bed Duvet

Stuff these stylish 100% cotton duvet covers with an old dog bed, extra blankets, pillow or clothes to create a comfortable  and easy to maintain bed for your dog.

Available in Small ($20), Medium/Large ($30) and Huge ($40) in various styles/colors