Success at last

It finally haoppened; I'm not sure if it will happen again anytime soon but it happened yesterday. I have a new dog door; one that Tilley was using the day we got it. She loves going in and out, in and out all day and evening; whenever the urge hits her. Jessie uses it if she really has to; she tends to go only when she absolutely has to. Then there is Luike; right from the start, before we even got the door I had my doubts.

Like I have said before he is not a pusher in a physical sense; he doesn't open doors. The girls attempt to open doors all the time; they are accustom to using their head and pushing their way through. Luke is more of a "open it and if it looks safe I'll enter" kind of guy. So I thought that there was a good chance he was never going to use the new fabulous dog door.

I have been working diligently with him; never expecting too much. We have been taking tiny little baby steps to get to our goal, through the dog door. I started with bigtime treats, dog door held completely open. Then moving it slightly more closed each time so that he could get use to the feeling of the flap on his body. He doesn't like the feeling and would reverse often if it touched him. So we worked and worked until he was okay with it touching him.

Next was the push issue; I truly didn't think I could convince him to push at the age of almost 8. I dropped the door down inch by inch until he was physically having to push the door. We were at the point of a one finger tiny corner lift yesterday when I noticed that instead of standing beside the dog door he was standing at the dog door waiting for my assistance. He got that going inside meant the dog door which was a step in the right direction.

So I lifted the corner and he started to come in; midway he changed his mind and retreated causing the door hit him and hang on him. I thought that this was going to cause a glitch in his progress as he stood outside once again. So, I decided to ignore what had happened and coax like crazy; he really wanted in. He nudged around the flap and then did it!!!!!!!!! I threw a party, he spun around in excitement obviously thinking that he was very cool to have entered the door.

Did he repeat his performance? No, I coaxed and coaxed but we were back to the one finger corner lift. So we will remain at this stage until I see that he is going to offer a push once again on his own; what a guy.

Hands off control

"Control that dog," I've heard this statement many times. Years ago when I was in the show ring on a regular basis there were always control issues; I guess so seeing that there are hundreds, even thousands of dogs in one building together. But control; true control takes work. Sure anyone can grab a leash or a collar and control their dog but can you control your dog collarless? In my training regime I often tell guardians to take a collar off; collar grabs become too much of a habit.

Sure there are times when I have a difficult time getting things under control; an over excited pack can be a handful but I do not rely on equipment to do my job. As canine guardian it is my and your job to control your dog. Teaching, consistency and feedback or reaction are all needed for control. First you must teach your dog commands that are easily followed; sit, down, stay, wait, place etc. If you have no means of communicating your wishes to your dog then how are they to do as you ask them?

Next is consistency; if one minute you have rules and the next you let your dog get away with whatever they like then you are not being a good guardian. Dogs are pack animals; give them an inch and they'll run miles with it. So when you make a rule stick with it; there are no sometimes rules. Rules are only made to be modified by the boss and only the boss.

Feedback or reaction; yes life has consequences not only for dogs but for us as well. What if your dog jumps on each and every person who walks in your front door? The reaction will be that less people will visit you and there may be one of those people who actually ends up getting hurt; not good. "Feedback is a gift," a statement I've heard often and agree with whole heartedly. Without feedback how do we know? Feedback can be positive or negative in content; but what it does is educate.

With the whole visitors coming to your home; teach your dog to go to a "place." A certain spot or carpet where they go and stay until told to move when visitor come over. Feedback for going and staying in their place is praise and maybe a small food reward. Feedback for not staying is a vocal sound and you moving into let them know that there is no other option.

Collarless control is work; but this work is educating your dog. By giving your dog the tools to understand your desires you become a better guardian and your dog becomes a better canine citizen. Dogs go through life learning by the action/reaction education process. If you are committed you can teach your dog anything.

So take off that collar and give it a whirl.

Concept of age

I have three senior dogs at the moment; although I do not consider them to be seniors. Jessie is the oldest at 12, Tilley 11 and Luke who I think of as the baby will be 8 on Saturday. 8, how the heck did he get to be 8 already? It seems like just the other day I brought home the bundle of golden curls. But now at 8 years of age he has matured nicely; it took him a full 8 years to hit maturity; a first ever for me. My poodles in the past all hit a marked maturity at the age of 3 years old.

The only thing that causes me to stop and think about the age of my dogs is the cloudiness of their eyes. Tilley has the most clouding and if she is standing in the light a certain way you cannot miss it. And although Jessie is older; she is physically younger as a much smaller dog; but the clouding is there for her as well. Other than Tilley taking a bit longer to get to her feet you would never guess her age; she is in amazing shape.

So when someone talks about there 7 or 9 year old dog in "really old" dog terms I don't get it. What I am getting now is that some people consider a number first, dog second. The health and shape of the dog makes a huge difference in judging age. I've seen 3 year old fat and soft dogs who lumber along struggling to breath that I would have sworn were oldies only to find out that they are young dogs.

The size of a dog makes a huge difference when discussing age; big dog age more quickly in general. Although I have met people with small rat terrier sized guys who called their 7 year old dog their old girl. And this particular dog looked like she was 17. Dogs are just like we are; if they are kept active, stay fit and eat a good diet; time will be kind to them. If they live a sedentary llifestyle and consume a poor diet; time will be harsh on their body.

And truly age is only a number; up to now Luke has been my baby and he will remain my baby until a new puppy joins our family. At 8 years of age he is happy to be the baby and plays his part well. And as far as I'm concerned I have a great pack of mature dogs; the term senior never crosses my mind.

Waste not want not

I hate waste; I never mind buying food if it doesn't go to waste. Throwing perfectly good food in the garbage is a huge issue for me so it rarely gets thrown out in this house. If we don't eat it; chances are I'll feed it to the dogs. Don't get me wrong; my dogs don't eat garbage, no cut offs of fat or waste for them.

The only thing I will give my dogs that I won't eat is grissle or tough pieces of meat. Everything else is exactly what I would eat; I just ran out of room in my stomach so into theirs it goes. Just this morning I only ate 1/2 my banana and 1/2 my yogurt so yes; they are getting it for breakfast.

Especially in a world that is quickly shrinking; with places where food is scarce it truly is an awful thing to throw good food in the garbage. Let's say I cooked chicken, spinach, squash and rice for dinner. My eyes were bigger than my stomach; I though I was starving. Once halfway into dinner I realize I took too much food; no big deal. The dogs eat it for dinner.

I have a basic food that is prepared for my dogs; but! If one of us can't eat all the food we had on our plate I don't stress over it; the dogs get it. They eat well as do we, I try to buy as much organic food as I can so what is good for us is just as good for our dogs.

Now there is food that I don't give the dogs; the typical things like onion, chocolate, saucy dishes etc. But if it fresh homemade food with not a ton of butter or spices on it; their getting it for dinner.

I remember being out for dinner onetime; a very high end place. I ordered Lobster and Filet mignon; very indulgent but a rare treat. I couldn't eat all of my filet and there was no way I could see it go in the garbage. I ordered a doggie bag (a real doggie bag) for my filet and brought it home for my very appreciative pups for dinner.

So the next time you are scrapping good food into the garbage; look at those eyes staring at you and think twice. If it is good food for you; its good for your dog.

Back into the swing

Above is an image I took on vacation; it is the Parliament buildings where there was a really cool light show.

I'm getting back into the swing of things; back now over a day the dogs are really happy. They had a huge breakfast and dinner lastnight and slept like a bunch of logs. They are going for a much needed run this morning and then everything will be back to normal.

They managed quite well while we were gone; they had many eyes watching them. We had our regular sitter who moves in and stays at our house; our other sitter who does midday visits who is amazing and a friend coming visit whenever he could. How's that for care? Everyones goal was my dogs and I can actually relax and think about having a nice vacation instead of stressing about my dogs.

I left my usual novel for the sitters explaining every possible thing I could think of. I got a new doggie door so that if the dogs needed out when one of the three caregivers were here they could go out. I had everyone's email, phone numbers and extended contact numbers listed for getting in touch with us although it is near impossible for anyone's cells to work where we spend our vacation. So there are back ups for the back up numbers.

It is a strange feeling having my dogs on the other side of North America and one I am not fond of. But with all the amazing caregivers I line up for them; I can sit back and relax knowing they are in good hands. Being back now; no one seems that they suffered any extreme stress but they are not letting me out of their sight.

I'm back

I'm back and it's good to be home. I was completely mauled as I attempted to walk through the front door lastnight. The first thing through the door were Luke's front legs; right at face level. As I made my way past the front entrance and into the livingroom burdoned down with luggage I felt a pretty good tug on my hair. Luke had leapt up and grabbed a mouthful. This is his typical response to a long absence.

Jessie was jumping, spinning and jumping. Running around trying to find a toy to hold onto and Tilley was just plain out of her mind with excitement. She was going from person to person displaying her big toothy smile that she gives when she is over the top excited to see you. It is a nice greeting and one that I had anticipated the full plane ride home.

I missed my dogs; its great to get away but man I miss them. Not only do I miss their presence but I feel like a piece of me is missing when I don't have my dogs around. Someone really needs to come up with a plane that has specially designed designated areas to hold guardian and dogs happily within the plane compartment. I will not ship my dogs cargo ever again unless for some weird reason I absolutely have to; just not worth the risk or stress on them.

So I spent 10 days away from them and I couldn't be more excited to have them all snuggled up to me in bed lastnight even though it makes sleeping sort of a challenge. Luke and Jessie never left my side for a second and I'm thinking that today will be much of the same.

I spent several days once again with my sisters Toller who makes a very good substitute when I'm away from my guys. She is adorable and I will post photos soon. She is the one who was the focus of my three page pictorial last year in Dog World; she's a beauty and the sweetest little thing.

Best get on with my day, glad to be home!!!!!!

Complaining and leaving

Yes I have a complaint, a big huge gripe and I knew the second it happened that this is what I was going to make my finale. I'm leaving on vacation; not for good. I'll be back mid August but because I'm not sure about internet service I cannot be sure that I'll be able to blog so I'll say see ya later now.

As far as my complaining goes; it is about extension leashes. I hate them, yes I have one and I am so very careful with it. I never use it if I am around other people and I use it strictly for when I need my little Jack Russell to feel like she is off leash when she cannot be.

So today I had to take Tilley back to the vet for her rabies titer which was suppose to be done last week; don't even ask. So I'm at the vets waiting in the waiting room like a good little client when a door opens to one of the rooms. A dog wanders out on an extension leash. I can clearly see the owner in the room getting herself together before she exits.

By now her dog is investigating Tilley who is none too happy about it. I put my foot out to stop the dog from further approach. I don't know if this dog is friendly or not; and the owner doesn't even know that the dog has left the room. Once she finally exits; she slowly looks down the leash to find the end where yes, her dog should be.

"Oh, he's not usually that friendly," she proclaims. Oh great, he's not even a friendly dog and he is wandering around on his own. Then, and here's the best part; he is in for a Ghiardia test. He has been pooping blood for days, nice. I don't have enough on my plate right now, I need this.

I gave nothing, pulled Tilley in close to me and shook my head. Honestly; that is all you say at a moment like that. Then as we were done and leaving the lady was still there awaiting her poop results and thankfully it was negative. Just bloody diarrhea no Ghiardia; thankfully. As the woman prepared to let her dog visit Tilley again I gave her the stare of doom and pulled Tilley close; she followed suit.

Okay, I feel better. Please watch how you use extension leashes; they can be anything from bothersome to downright dangerous.

You can teach old dogs new tricks

Okay, Friday was a really bad day; I had a whole slew of things go wrong and like I said I was not in a great mood. But everything changed the next day and Saturday elevated my mood completely. I got my doggie door!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going on vacation and had ordered a dog door; the delivery service mixed up everything and sent my door to Florida. So hearing that I would not get my new door intime to teach my guys to use the door was not good. So when it arrived on Saturday I was pleasantly surprised.

I am happy to say that in a matter of 30 min. my girls were using the door. Yes you heard correct; the girls. The boy is not and I'm thinking that he may never be using the door unless he learns to ride the opening the girls leave when they come in. You see Luke as I have explained many times is a nervous ninny. I knew that he would probably not use the door; and it was bought for my girls anyway. Luke; to this day will not push open an already partially open door; odd for a dog. My girls will push open any door if they want in. Even doors that are closed tight; they'll give it a go. But not Luke; even if there is a nice opening that he can see through already and with much coaxing from me; he won't do it.

Tilley was in and out of the door often yesterday; at 11 she learned about the benefits of the door very quickly. Jessie is still a little stumped as to exactly where to push; so I put a sticker dead center for her to associate with. The door is really nice, excellent quality and fits like a glove. We bought the patio door dog door panel which fits nicely into the existing patio door with a large flap on the bottom.

Typically I leave our doors open for the dogs; when I'm home of course. But we've had a huge hatching of lizards in the yard; tiny little lizards everywhere. So not wanting a houseful of tiny little lizards I opted to get a doggie door. It gives you such a sense of relief when you are out as well; not having to panic about getting back for the dogs.

We got our door from www.petdoors.com; the "Endura" Flap Thermo Panel IIIe model. And although Luke doesn't think much of it; the girls give it four paws up. Me too.

Busy, busy

I'm hopping these days; we are getting ready for a vacation which means I've been cooking up a storm. It takes a whole lot more thought when leaving now that I cook for my guys. My kitchen looks like a tornado hit and the sight of me over the stove or huge bowls stirring with the fan blasting my way has been a constant this week. I think I'm nearly there; of course I have probably made way too much food; but I'd rather have cooked way too much for them than even be one meal short.

My day yesterday was not a good one; way too many issues to deal with; and my mood was not a good one. These were not dog issues but human ones and by the end of the day I needed a drink. Seeing the mood I was in my husband took me out to a favorite restaurant that we love; Mangia Bene. Back at home we got our customary "where have you been all my life?" greeting from the dogs, very nice.

Like I have said we have beds, we have dog beds everywhere and in our room we have three; one for each of the dogs. But lastnight there was an overwhelming sense of closeness that the dogs needed. I was wedged into my positon by the three of them needing to lay close, very close to me. And oddly enough my littlest one of al 15lbs is the one that can wedge me in the worst. Once she's in her little spot; there is no moving her.

With her newly acquired stool Jessie has easy access to the bed which she is loving. She took her up her position between my legs; Luke lay the length of me with his head on my chest and Tilley was curled on the otherside. My stress slowly slipped away; how could it not?

A picture is worth a thousand words

I was on a dog behavior site yesterday where there are some great images of dogs interacting and the owner of the site explains everything that is going on. Unfortunately we humans tend to jump to conclusions and assume. But what is going on and what we think is going can be two entirely different things.

The above image is of Jessie, my Jack Russell. I was doing a series of images of her with a piece of birthday cake for cards. She was doing an amazing job of not eating the cake when my son appeared and stood beside me. He then bent down and was talking to her; I kept shooting. I did not see the look she was giving him was a clear warning hard stare until I opened the image on my computer.

Being that my son was probably 13 or so at the time he never saw it either. Had I not had my camera to my face I would have seen it. It is a very clear "touch it and die," look. I love that I captured this image; it pretty much sums up my girl and how she feels about food. :)

Some of the best images I've taken are at dog parks when dogs are interacting. Signals are flying everywhere and it is impossible to see them all as a human unless you stop the action in time with an image. I love when I capture a clear communication; sometimes it gives the whole interaction a different meaning. What can look like a friendly romp may not be that at all.

I could literally watch dog behavior 24x7; with the communication signals flying around everywhere. If you really watch, you may see something going on that you hadn't noticed before.

Sleeping buddies

Being a trainer I hear alot of stories, funny, sad, great and troubling. When I am working with a dog and their guardian I ask alot of questions; and it is the answer to the sleeping question that is the most predictable. "Where does your dog sleep?" Then comes the anticipated shrug; look to the ceiling and face of confession; "in our bed." Funny how admitting this to me makes them feel like they are back in the principles office once again.

You can see the relief in their dread face; when I say "good, mine do too." Then I push, I ask lots of sleeping questions. "Can you move your dog?" "When you flip around at night does your dog mind; any growling going on? " Well he growls if my husband tries to get into bed; or if I have to push him out of the way is often the response. Sometimes a resounding nope; good no bed worries.

So if your dog does growl in bed or on the couch for that matter; what should you do about it? I have one rule for comfort position growling and that is OFF. If your dog growls at the idea of being move from a comfortable position; prime comfort spot or position ownership; OFF they go. No more bed; no more couch; no more whatever they are growling on. Some people are mortified to hear the solution for a position growler; but it is not necessarily a forever rule.

You have to look at it as a pack reallignment. In your dog's eyes; they are the top reigning member and you will not be sitting in the best spots. Hmmmm, doesn't seem right does it? Wasn't it you who bought that couch or bed with your hard earned money? Yes, you do deserve the best seat in the house. I definitely believe in comfort for dogs; heck I've got many premium dog beds in almost every room of my house. But that does not mean that you should give up your spot for your dogs comfort.

Depending on the degree of growling really depends on how long the dog should be OFF. But a minimum of 3 months should be implemented. This often means leashing your dog and physically restraining them from getting on the couch or bed, not an easy task. Once dogs get accustom to something they like; they are not usually into letting it go easily. You have alot of work on your plate; but this will only make your relationship a better one. You will gain respect from your dog and take over the "top dog" status once again. Often a dog that growls on a bed or couch has other problems in the family and this is all linked to the "I'm the boss" mentality.

So once your dog has been OFF the bed or couch for three months; where do you go from there? You don't want to go back to the way it was so it is at this point whether or not they are allowed back on; if you have a very pushy type dog, the kind who is always trying to one up you then the OFF rule is a good one to maintain. If your pup has learned who the real boss is and you are having no further problems then he must ask before coming up.

When I say your dog must ask; most people look at me with a giant question mark. "Sherri......... how do they ask?" It's really simple,, they will sit infront of you wanting up, but not getting up. This is saying to you "I'd like up on the bed/couch." At this point the decision is entirely in your hands. You can ask your dog to go laydown on their own bed, come up right away or wait a while and then let them come up.

Once up a dog must get off when told; this is sometimes where you have to go back to the OFF rule. If they will not move or get off the couch or bed when asked; then they must get OFF for several months again. Treating a dog when they get off the couch in the beginning helps to make OFF not such a horrible thing. You can wean off treating once they are happily jumping off the bed or couch.

A growl is a dogs way of communicating; when it is about a premium position it is meant as a threat. "Don't even think about moving me off this king size bed." Does it mean that your dog is vicious? Not at all; it simply means that a restructuring is needed within your pack.

Questions?

The artful dodger

Admit it; you've done it. You've tried to catch your dog with less than successful results. I have heard many stories of people trying to catch their dogs for numerous reasons and their question is "why does my dog run away from me?" There are many reasons why your elusive dog may not be whole heartedly running into your arms each and everytime to call them to you. And the most common reason is a biggy.

#1 reason a dog does not come when called or runs when approached; a negative association to coming. This is the biggy; the one reason I can guarantee will keep your dog at bay. Back when I started training (let's just say a very longtime ago) if your dog didn't come to you you yanked on the leash and reeled them in like a fish. It was really a stupid way of teaching a dog to come because you were actually teaching them to retreat.

What dog wants to approach an angry person? There appropriate reaction to the yanking, angry owner should be to move away and only approach with great caution. But no, we humans think "I'll show him that he better come next time." Ah the human mind; great isn't it?

#2 reason is that your dog has something better to do than come to you. They may be reading their p-mail or found a funky dead mouse to sniff. Why should they drop doing what they love best to come to you? Because you want them to? Uh no.

#3 reason is the chase. Don't all dogs love to be chased? Most love it; and even the best of dogs will grab an off limits item if they think it might encourage a chase. NEVER, EVER chase your dog, NO!!!!!! NEVER It always backfires and if it is life or death you better think of some other way to get your dog, but don't chase them.

#4 Control, who is in control? Many dogs don't come because they don't actually feel like they should do what you ask them to; afterall they are the alpha dog, king of the domaine, leader or boss right? Time to burst their bubble.

The best way to have your dog come to you is the reward system. Reward in the form of treats and praise; treats when starting out and moving to praise as they "get it." If everytime your dog was called and came; they got a piece of chicken, I bet they'd be coming all the time infact I know they would be.

Never, ever associate coming to you to a negative. Never be angry when calling your dog; and if by chance you are angry, pretend you aren't.

And consequences, there must be consequences. What if your dog tries non obedience on for size like my boy Luke does every now and again? He learns quickly that if he does not listen and come to me I am coming to get him. My body posture changes and I make a direct approach. There is no mistaking my approach. I do not chase, it can be difficult and as each dog is different you learn the degree speed, posture and approach direction that the dog can tolerate. Too much and the dog will turn and run which is what you don't want.

Your goal is to get around your dog and herd them to their destination, abruptly. Typically I clap my hands and use my "git" along with it. Once at the original destination I ask for a sit, I udder a simple "good." And we try again, it is always amazing the second time, Luke comes flying in like the good boy I know he is. He just needs a refresher now and again.

Coming to you must be the best thing in the world; otherwise why bother?

Creeping time

I cannot believe that my baby will be 8 next month; my furbaby that is. My human baby is now 18 which I cannot believe either but that's another blog. Luke will be turning 8 on August 16th and it seems llike only yesterday I made the fateful trip to my friends to see her litter of pupiies. Now at 8 years of age my boy is maturing; yes it has taken 8 years.

The girls are well into their senior years with Tilley having turned 11 in March and Jessie 12 in May. I am at a point in my life that I hadn't considered. Tilley is showing signs of her age; slowing down, taking longer to rise in the morning or after a nap and not hearing as well as she use to; although she looks amazing and no one thinks she could possibly be 11 years old.

Jessie is 12 and like Tilley she looks amazing. People always think she is a puppy and when I say 12 they think I mean months which they are surprised at; then I tell them "no years." She has lost color pigment but when you don't look at images of her when she was younger you would never know. Her body is the same and I think she is actually in the best shape since her ordeal over 6 years ago.

Life is easy with all senior dogs; there is alot of sleeping that goes on during the day but that is pretty typical with any dogs except maybe teenagers. This morning is like every other; three dogs crashed on my bed while I write. Luke at the left end of the bed in his usual perch, Tilley on the right end and Jessie curled up between my legs making it difficult to move. They will remain this way until either I get them up or the sound of the food cooking is enticing enough to move them from their comfort.

When you have lived with a dog or dogs for this amount of time the connection is beyond explanation. The trust, admiration, understanding and deep love is two sided. (Yes I know this is an an·thro·po·mor·phism (nthr-p-môrfzm) n.
Attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena.

But you know it is how your dog feels; whether you can explain it in purely canine terms or have to resort to human terminology to explain how a dog is behaving. I know my dogs love me; is it love in a human sense? No, but I have no doubt that it is there. If I have had a rough day I will often lay in the middle of the livingroom floor; with my hands over my face my dogs will come and lay touching me; this is what a pack does. This feeling you must experience to understand. But I can say all the worries of the world can melt away with a simple canine connection.

Our dogs are with us on this earth for a fleeting amount of time; creeping time. It is amazing how quickly time passes; one minute you have a crazy puppy who is making you pull out your hair and the next moment you are looking at clouded eyes and a graying muzzle. Each moment is a cherished one and the senior years are good.

Choosing a puppy dilemma

Gone are the days when a puppy should be choosen because it has a cute spot over one eye; at least for me that is. Having been a dog trainer for 10 years now, a professional dog photographer, writer and been involved with dogs for over 33 years; I've learned a few things. I just said to my husband the other day "it was easier when I didn't know." That meaning that before I knew what to look for and look out for I could pick anything.

Now when searching for a puppy; there is a huge list of criteria. Genetic health testing being the first and most important things. If you have not tested the breeding parents then how can you possibly offer people healthy puppies? You can't; because you don't know yourself if your dogs are healthy. And I have met far too many people who got puppies that got sick or died and suffered through the heartache that comes with that whole scenario.

After having the health tests done; what are the results? Following pedigrees and genetic disorders is alot of work. Does the breeder do temperament testing? Not all do; some still resort to letting people pick their dogs. This is what happens exclusively on online puppy selling businesses. All you have are pictures, no telling what that puppy is like; not a good way to choose. Each puppy is very individual; it is amazing how different puppies are even within a litter. So picking a puppy from looks entirely is not the way to go.

As a standard poodle person myself I often tell people to go in color blind. Having a set color in mind may eliminate the best puppy from a litter; and that puppy may have been the one for you. Having an idea of how a puppy will adapt to certain environments and happenings really helps to place them in the best suited home for them.

Once you have choosen your breeder; what do they charge? The sky is the limit really. I have seen puppies from free all the way up to 7500.00. To make it simple; I would say that the average price range for a good puppy; which means from a reputible, ethical breeder costs somewhere around 1,500.00. I am a non believer of charging different prices for sex or color. I frown bigtime on people who charge 500.00 or more for rare colors or markings. That puppy cost no more to raise than the others and it is all a money making process.

Will the breeder that you choose your dog from take back your puppy should it not work out? What if something happens in your life and you cannot keep your dog; will they take it back and rehome it? These are the important things to consider. Many great breeders are also involved with breed rescue; this is where you can find wonderful dogs as well.

Bad things to watch for when choosing a puppy:

A breeder who wants to deliver a pup; sight unseen

Mom cannot be viewed or they don't want you to come to their home

They try to talk you into buying two puppies

The breeder has several litters at one time to choose from (more than two or three)

They have no proof of health testing (genetic testing like hips, thyroid, eyes etc)

A cash only deal (hmmmmmm)

Charging over 500.00 for a rescue (this is not a rescue but a money making business)

You must buy food or products from this puppy seller for the life of the dog (this I heard of recently which is highly suspicious)

The seller doesn't care if you breed the dog or not; this is a biggy as most good breeder puppies come with spay/neuter contracts.

Hope this helps in your search; I'm on my own search and will share as soon as I find her.

Liver Biscotti review

Ah, Liver Biscotti; I don't remember the first time I got a handful of these to offer my dogs but I'll tell you since the beginning they have loved them. These treats are definitely on the top of my dogs favorites list. Even with my fussiest of dogs (Luke) there is never one second of contemplation before grabbing.

Canine review

Taste - 4 paws + tail (no hesitation from any of our three to eat these crunchy little liver morsels)
Economy - 3 paws - (there is alot of flavor packed into each little piece; a little goes a long way)
Customer Service - 4 paws - great!

Contact www.liverbiscotti.com

Liver Biscotti now has a new home at Premier.com

Work?

Funny how some humans don't really get other humans. I try to be very open minded and listen to others likes, dislikes and goals in their life. The range is as far as anyone could possibly imagine; we couldn't be more different and fact alone makes us all very interesting; doesn't it? What I may take as a great joy; others would find to be a burden or unsurmountable task. I am often asked "how I do it."

How do I keep three dogs, "it must be so much work." Funny but I don't consider it work; work never even crosses my mind when I am taking care of my dogs. From feeding, grooming, training, exercising or picking up after them; none of it is work to me. For me work is something that I don't love to do; like housecleaning. I know it has to be done and I do it; but I'd rather not do it.

I take great joy from the simple things that my dogs give me; a happy face after coming home from a big walk, excitement waiting for the meal I am preparing, a not so gentle nuzzle when I'm working in the garden or simply watching them have fun together. I love it all; and have never in my entire life with dogs said "ah, this is so much work."

It is the same for my gardening; I love it. Back in Canada I had three enormous perennial gardens; I loved it. Others use to say the same; "what a ton work." But it was not work to me; it was a joy to be in the garden each and everyday. Although I did like that when fall came it all stopped until the following spring; perhaps this fact helped in the excitement for the next blooming season.

I believe within all humans lies a passion; not always is it an easy one to find. But it is there just waiting to grow. Watching an episode of animal cops the other day; one of the animal cops stated; "Do what you love and you will never have to work a day of your life." This statement struck me; wow that is so true.

My dogs bring me so much happiness that I cannot imagine a life without dogs; it is who I am. So are dogs alot of work? If they are not your passion; maybe. If you don't want to pick up after a dog, clean the hair from the house or take time to exercise them then; perhaps you should get a fish. But for me; every second spent with them is a cherished moment.

Am I proud?

Yesterday morning my husband and I had our usual yogurt, granola and coffee in bed. He is up very early so this is our "together" time before the day starts. After he goes off to work is when I typically blog and once my blogging is done I hit the shower. It was a normal morning with all dogs on the bed; my Jack russell close incase there was any droppage. I did not remember that the food tray was still on the bed nor did it occur to me that I had not finished my cereal as I headed into the shower.

As I came out of the bathroom; the story unfolded. The tray on the bed, food on the tray and a Jack Russell only inches from the tray with a face on. "Wow, good girl Jess; and I handed her a couple of granola pieces. Her face told me that she was at her breaking point just as I came out of the bathroom. You see Jessie is a Jack Russell; first strike for food stealing. And she is on prednisone; has been for 6 years now. So she is pretty much a great white shark in a tiny little 15 lb body; an eating machine.
Last weekend she got into my purse which was up on my dresser and ate an entire package of m&ms; that is my Jessie.

So who was this imposter on the bed? The whole "bed" thing is fairly new for her; for years she came and went as she pleased until about 2 years ago when we got a new bed. Beds these days are high and ours is so high that at 5' 1" I sort of climb up into bed. So Jessie must be lifted; in her eyes it is very much a priviledge. That is until lately; I bought her a foot stool; a cute animal print stool to access the bed. She never takes the bed for granted and in the middle of the night will sit on the stool until I tell her to come up; very nice. So she has great respect for the owners of the bed; that would be me. This respect trickled down into her brain this morning; interfering with her desire to eat anything that isn't nailed down.

The look on her face said it all; had I come out a minute later the story may have been different. But for the story to have played out the way it did; is amazing. You have no idea what a huge deal this is for my little Great white.

Am I proud?

Wow what a crazy hectic day yesterday; I didn't even get a chance to blog. It never seems to fail that when I am going away; my dogs get ill. Nothing huge or deadly; just upset stomachs. Just enough to get my stress level up there. There is nothing worse than leaving your dogs at home knowing they have diarrhea. It is bad enough when one has it for a day but three for many days?

When I first got Luke we went weeks with Coccidia, weeks without sleep. So when my dogs get upset stomachs I cringe. Being that I cook my own dog food I am careful what they eat; but of course there is always the chance of eating something they are not suppose to.

Jessie is the big culprit in the eating bad things department. She'll give just about anything a try; she is a food fiend like I have never seen. At 12 you would think that she should have learned something along the way. No, Jessie will raid any garbage or single handedly destroy any containment of food to get to the desired object.

She has ruined several carelessly strewn backpacks, ripped holes in jean pockets and torn holes in several of my purse pockets. This could all be completely eliminated by the humans remembering. Although there have been times where I have consiously put my purse up out of reach; but she has reached it through some mysterious athletic performance.

I will be off this morning to get some good old ground beef, and if that works I will know it was the chicken they ate lastnight. I will be hoping with all my might that it is just something they ate.

Health food

As you all know I feed my dogs "real food." Having done this back and forth for years; it has been a full year that my dogs have not eaten dog food. What has it done for my dogs? First there is Jessie; my 12 year old Jack Russell terrier who could pass for a 6 month old. Jessie has some sort of auto immune disorder. Over 6 years ago now she almost died; she came so close that is makes me shudder had the vet not offered a cortisone shot at the end; she would be gone.

So since Jessie's illness; she is on 1/2 prednisone every second day. This we thought caused her to loose alot of hair; her ears were near bald, she had a huge bald spot on her tail and her stomach; naked. With no other change but to her diet she grew back all of her hair. Her thin coat which lacked all of the colored undercoat that she had when she was young; returned. Her ears are now fully furred and her tail has no telltale signs that it was ever bald.

Luke; my almost 8 year old epileptic standard poodle who was having numerous seizures which we could not pinpoint the cause of has much improved. Well I am happy to say that I can now pretty much pinpoint the cause of the three seizures he has had over a year. Only one has been caused by food; the others are sleep issues I have discussed in prior blogs.

The question use to be; I wonder if it will make a significant difference? I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that "real" is the way to go. It is like I had my own experiment unfold before my eyes with an astounding result. Had I only had my girl Tilley to study; the results would have not been so clear to me.

Yes it takes my time to buy, chop, cook and bake for my guys but they are sure worth it.

Diet

Well, as of lastnight I'm on a mission. As I was preparing my dogs food; mixing up chicken, veggies and carbs my daughters started to discuss a vegetarian diet for their dogs in the future. They were wondering if feeding a veggie diet to dogs was fair or healthy. I quickly jumped in stating that I thought dogs need meat; but then thought maybe they can live healthy and happy without meat, research time.

As with anything else I do in life when I'm not sure; I research. I am a need to know type person and before saying no to a vegetarian diet for dogs I really need to know. More and more people are living a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle themselves and many are opting to take their dogs with them in their non meat choices. So can a dog adapt to a life on veggies and grains alone? This is what I am looking to find out.

I do know that there are many different vegetarian dog foods to choose from but what if any are the effects on our dogs eating these? I want the real goods, not the say so facts from celebrities or people who preach veggie life. So I am on a mission that will more than likely take sometime to get to the bottom of but I think an important one.

I stand somewhere in the middle of a family divided by food consumption; two meat eaters and two vegans. I have not not crossed over to the vegetarian side yet but am eating less and less meat daily. With two vegan daughters we spend alot of time at vegan restaurants while they educate me on the subject. Education is never a waste of time.

I'll let you know what I find out.