Thank you for what you do.

    Our prime purpose in life is to help others, 
                 and if you can't help them, 
                   at least don't hurt them.  

                                                            Dalai Lama

This quote came across my computer yesterday and got me to thinking.

I want to take a moment this morning to thank all of those people who are helping dogs.  When I look at the big picture, there are just so many people out there who really care.  From the Veterinarians who are going against common practice to do what is right.  The positive trainers who refuse to choke and yell at dogs.  The foster parents who take in the strays and care for them when they most need it.  The pet store owners who are taking a stand and not selling crap to people and their dogs.  The dog food companies who are making great food for our dogs and not cutting corners to save money.  I THANK YOU.

I was sitting here with my two twitching away in their dreams and thinking about a very harsh local trainer.   I've seen him in action and it makes me shudder.  While thinking about how he is even still in business I stopped and shook off all the negative.  I redirected my focus on the good, much more positive.  I am happy to say that there are far more positive trainers than harsh conventional ones now.  It really does boggle my mind that the conventional ones are still out there though.  But onto the positive.  The positive trainers take the time to learn how to best communicate with our dogs.  They understand how dogs learn and work to build the relationship between human and dog.  They have a huge bag of tricks and know how to get to what makes your dog tick.  They love dogs and do not want to hurt or dominate them.  Kudos to all of you PR trainers.

The Veterinarians who say "no."  They are not going to push horrible food on unsuspecting owners and not going to tell owners to keep doing things that we are finding out are really dangerous.  The Vets who go above and beyond to find the answers.  Those who have open minds and search for the newest information coming out.  The Vets who know that there are better ways.  The Veterinarians who really care, I mean actually care about the animals.  Before the money, ahead of the protocol; they put the animals first.  THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart.

What about the small food companies who strive to go the opposite way of the big guys.  They search for the best products, find ways to get the best to our dogs without sacrificing quality.  It can be a struggle to do it all right but they wade through the battle and come out with a great product for our dogs.  They are the little guys and if you feed your dog pre-made food; then this is who you should be supporting.  Not the big guys who pump out whatever just to make a buck.  It is the big guys that are making your dogs sick.  Thank you little guys.

How about the dog sitters and walkers who actually care?  Those are the jewels in a bag full of stones. Believe me when I say, I have heard many a horror story about people left to take care for dogs.  When you find a good dog sitter or walker, one who cares for a dog like it is their own; reward them.  Like any profession in life, there are the top notch performers right down to the worst.  Someone out there has the worst pet care person.  The good ones are worth their weight in gold.  I truly respect these gems.

Now onto the canine foster parents.  I have such respect for the ones that do it right.  This too has the good and bad but when a dog foster parent does it right it is amazing.  A foster parent can make such a difference in a dog's life.  They can take an abandoned and frightened animal and transform them into a trusting companion for a new family.  A canine foster parent gives, they take little for themselves but the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped a life.  These people are selfless and have my greatest respect.

To the wonderful groomers out there that take the time needed to make a dog comfortable. The ones who are patient and kind with respect to a dogs emotions, thank you.  There are good groomers with regard to quality of clip and then there are the ones who really care about the dog under the fur.  The groomers who take a special concern for the dogs and  don't just pump them out assembly line style.  Those are the great groomers.

Lots of people work with dogs; a select few work with care and compassion, heart for what they do.  There is a true difference in working with dogs for a buck and loving working with dogs.  The difference can easily be seen if you look and watch closely.

To all the people out there who have broken free from the rules and regulations to do it right; THANK YOU.   For those who take the high road and move away from the pack to go a new and better way; THANK YOU.  For all of the wonderful humans out there that do even the smallest act towards helping dogs to have a better life; I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH.

Afterall; dogs are in our hands, shouldn't we do our best for them?

The Buddy System

Recently I was sent a special hands free leash called The Buddy System.  I was really excited to give it a try but thought of an even an even better test, the new running team of my hubby, Steve and Elsa.  They have recently fledged their running partnership so I asked if he'd give it a go?  He wasn't sure that this soon in their partnership that it would be good to try something different but he agreed.

It is very simple to put on, one snap just like a collar and your piece is on.  Next you hook it to your dogs harness or collar.  I prefer harnesses so this was attached to Elsa's harness and off they went.  I wasn't sure how Steve was going to feel about this new system.  But the first words out of his mouth when we met up in the park was "this is the bomb."

Being that Steve and Elsa gave it a full test I decided to ask him some questions so he could fill you in on it.

What about The Buddy System do you like best?

Steve:  Definitely the hands free aspect.  It goes without saying that this is the whole idea behind it.  I ran with Luke for over 10 years and never realized how nice it was to have both hands free for running.  The bonus part is that going up hill Elsa tends to assist me by slightly pulling.

Do you consider the system an easy use?\


Steve:  It is very easy, I just grabbed it the first time; snapped it around my waist and adjusted it.

Is this a good addition to any canine/human running team?

Steve:  It is a must have now that I have used it.  The built in bungee suspension system works great.  Elsa has on occasion lunged at lizards and rabbits; it has saved me from being pulled completely off balance.

Was this leash hard to transition from a regular leash?

Steve:  Nope.  As soon as I started running with it I knew that I was going to be using it all the time.

What are the benefits to being hands free?

Steve:  You can run with a better stride.  You can use one hand to nudge the leash left or right to keep her off to the side as you run.

Would you recommend this product to other dog folks?

Steve:  For sure.

Is there anything negative about The Buddy System?  Anything to be aware of?

Steve:  I'd like to see a slightly lighter clasp.  I use a front hitch harness on Elsa but with this device I'd like to find a side or shoulder hitch connection on it which would make it perfect.

Is this a permanent addition to your running routine?

Steve:  Yes.

Steve, are there any other comments you'd like to add about The Buddy System leash?

Steve:  One last thing I forgot to mention was that there is an easy release where you can detach it to use as a regular leash.  It snaps on and off very easily.  I tried interchanging it while I was running and it was very easy.

Also, the belt portion is pretty discrete, my t-shirt covers it so you can barely see or feel it.

I gave the leash a test of my own.  I'm not a jogger but I do love a good speed walk and when I tried it, I also loved it.  I found that it took me a while to get the "hands free" thing.  Having had a leash in my hand now for well over 30 years it was an adjustment.  But I have to say being hands free is very cool. 

Life lessons

Yesterday I was getting in my car in a parking lot when I noticed the car beside me had dogs in it.  It was around 11:00 am and it was hot and muggy already.  Really?  The scene of dogs in a car in the heat still amazes me.  How can people not know?  There was a big shepherd type dog in the back and a hefty rough Jack Russell up front who was not thrilled that I was looking in.  I loaded my car up with my groceries and was about to head into the store when the owner of the car arrived.

She only had one bag which meant she hadn't been too long which I was happy about.  But none the less, even a few minutes can be too long.   The woman said to me "I didn't think it was very hot out."   As I stood there I couldn't believe what she was saying.  It was hot, freaking hot and humid which is odd for this area.  The dog in the back was panting heavily and obviously overheating.  I told her everything that can happen in a car and that it doesn't have to be 100 degrees out for it to happen.  

As I told her the sad facts of what can happen to a dog left in a car she apologized to me. She apologized several times and didn't get angry at all.  I am accustom to being yelled at or thrown some choice words in warning when I intervene. When I approached her initially I had my back up big time, I was mad.  But as I explained, she listened and apologized more.  My anger turned to educating.  I told her to tell all her friends.  

The word needs to be spread, how can we get this message out?  I have a cut off temperature much lower than most.  I think even in 65 degree weather with the sun out can be dangerous.   Why do it? Just leave your dogs at home.  I truly don't get it.  The only time my dogs are in the car when I go in somewhere is if I have to run in when we were out.  Also only if it is cold out.  

Cars heat up extremely fast.  Here is an illustration.

An Arizona police dog was left in a patrol car this week and had to be euthanized shortly after.  This was a case of life getting too hectic.  The handler of the dog forgot about the dog and left in another vehicle on the next case.  He then realized he'd left the dog but it was too late.  I cannot imagine what the owner is going through, he will obviously never forgive himself.  It is a horrific death for a dog.  

Don't take your dog, leave it at home. Please spread this message on.  It is unbelievable how many people do not know.  

Toxic Algae - REPOST

I wanted to re-post this blog from last year.   It is very important that people know this about algae, especially at this time of year.  Please pass the information along to all of your dog friends.

There is nothing better than finding a spot where you and your dog/dogs can spend the afternoon swimming.  Away from all the crowds; you know of a place where there is a great little pond.  But that pond may hold a toxic substance dangers to humans but even more so for your dog.

I remember several years back hearing of a couple of canine deaths caused by algae.  Being that it is mid summer and the temperatures are rising I felt that I should give everyone a heads up.  We use to run our dogs in a creek not too far from our house.  It would go from deep and raging for months after the rainy season to a mere trickle at dryer times.  After hearing about the algae deaths we stopped allowing them to run in the water all together.

Not all algae is bad but the blue green type can become toxic in the warmer weather.  As the water levels drop and the temperatures rise a toxic potion can result.  Many people who commonly swim their dogs in fresh water need to be aware of the dangers.   Not all blue green algae is blue or green, it can be shades of brown, red or orange as well.  Sitting water or stagnant ponds are the worst.  Below are several articles on the subject; please take care.  

Pet connection

VT Vet

Algae

The news guard

Almost

Well I ordered a proof copy of my book yesterday, PBJ & me.  I'm so excited to see it and get it finally done.  I had no idea it would take this long to do but will be thrilled to have it in my hands.  PBJ & me is the story of our six day trip from Southern California to Connecticut and then some.  My son, who was 21 at the time, three poodles, Jessie and me.  With Jessie close to 16, Tilley nearing 15, Luke 11.5 and Elsa at 4.5 mos. it was quite the trip.  Of course as many of you already know it went very wrong midway.  What started out as an adventure turned into an emotional heartbreak.

I have several books on the back burner just waiting to go, so once this one is done and published I will get to them quickly.   I have two books that are ready to publish after this one, they just need the putting together part.  I have to admit the formatting and getting them ready part is not my favorite and it is at that point that they lie dormant on my computer until I get the get up and go to get them done.

I have already started the sequel to PBJ & me which is titled And Back Again (appropriately.)  This second book will cover the time span from when we got to Connecticut, the trip back and a bit after that.  But for now I am waiting patiently for the delivery guy to arrive with the proof copy of the first one.  Once I re-read it and give it the okay it will be available for anyone who is interested.

I love writing, it gives me a chance to empty out a lot of what sits in my head.  I am continually thinking up new book titles and ideas and if I ever get them all done there will be a whole library of my books.  Of course they will all be dog related, I think.  Occasionally I do have thoughts that are not dog related, I know weird.  Have a great day.

don't over do it

Yesterday I hit the park early with Elsa, she needs to get a good run in and with the heat we had to do it early.  So we were done and back before 9:00 am which was great.  While we were there we met a few folks.  One bunch was a Mom and her two kids and two furkids who had just returned from the dog park where there were quite a few aggressive dogs.  They'd left because it was not fun.  Her two were very friendly and Elsa enjoyed meeting them.  After we had our fun at the park we made our way to the car not before meeting someone else though.

A lady and her seemingly very old dog.  I asked how old he was and she told me "11." Some dogs look a great deal older than they actually are, I thought she was going to tell me 15 or 16 by the way he looked and moved.  I then asked her what I thought was a logical question, "what's wrong with his back?"  She looked at me like I had two heads "what do you mean?"  The dog was walking like he had either severe hip dysplasia or some sort of really serious spinal issue.  She shrugged and said that he had hot spot on his back.  Hmmmm; she hadn't noticed that his movement was painful.  She seemed very perturbed by my question so we head to the car.

When we came around the corner and up the street to head home I saw the woman with the same old dog on the sidewalk.  The dog was lying on the ground.  I immediately pulled over to ask if she wanted a ride somewhere.  Nope, he was just taking a break.  When old dogs take breaks like this something is wrong.  This poor guy was either exhausted or in pain, probably both from watching him move.

There comes a time in a dogs life when you have to slow down.  I understand that it is much harder for us, it means that we must admit that our dog is getting older.  It is our job to use our head and not our heart on decisions like these.  Luke has very small walks now, gone are the long marathon runs with Dad.  Yesterday Luke and I hit an empty school yard, I love this time of year for this reason alone.  As soon as we entered the field he gets off leash and runs like a youngster again.  He runs for about 3-5 minutes and then thats it.  For the remainder of the walk he trots happily ahead of me.  We do a big loop around the field and were done.

It makes me sad to see dogs who are pushed beyond their limits.  Whether there limit is due to age, health or being overweight it is a limit.  Just watching this dog at the park move was causing me anxiety.  Watching dogs is what I do and proper movement is something I have a great deal of experience with.  This guy did not need a trained eye though, no he just needed someone other than his owner to notice that something was very wrong.

If a dog is young enough and fit enough then they should be out running and having fun.  Elsa at this point can easily outrun her partner (my hubby).  But there will come a time for her that we will have to slow it down, switch it up and change the routine.  I'm all for exercise for everyone but when it hurts or is dangerous to ones health then you need to take a step back and do what is right for your dog.

I have a range of exercise rules that I follow for the dogs.

-  If you are doing a highly intense workout like chuck it tosses, then less time should be spent on it.

-  Moderate exercise like a jog can go for a longer length of time.

-  A slow paced walk can go until your dog shows signs of tiring.

Don't use a set time for exercise allotment.  You cannot expect a dog to do chuck it retrieves for the same amount of time as a nice leisurely walk.  DON'T OVER DO IT.

Elsa is 1

Elsa is a big one year old today, so I wanted to tell you a bit about her.  Not that you don't already know all about her seeing that she has a huge number of friends who have watched her come into my home and grow into a beautiful young lady.  

People often wonder when the best time to add a new dog is; well this was the most perfect of time for us.  With Jessie nearing 16, Tilley almost 15 and Luke 11.5 it seemed crazy.  But it was actually perfect.  Sure I had a crap load of work to do with the two old ladies but Elsa got to meet a share just a bit of how wonderful they were before they left us.  I have already seen the impact Tilley had on her in many ways.  

She has had many experiences in her very short life already.  Elsa is one of the most adaptable dogs that I know, throw her a situation and she is like "okay, cool."  She is also one of the happiest dogs that I have ever met, most definitely a cup half full kind of gal.  She is up for anything, anytime, anywhere.  

Elsa lost her two senior mentors very early on and then quickly and intensely attached herself to Luke.  The two are pretty much attached at the hip now.  She has brought life into him and got him off of the couch.  I am most positive that she was instrumental in getting him through the loss of his two life companions.  He had a few bumps but she was always there saying "come on Luke, let's play."  

Elsa is a foodie; when I knew we were adding another dog to our family I hoped that I would not get another fussy pants.  I did not, Elsa loves food just like the rest of us.  Although she has very good manners and will wait her turn, most of the time.  

She is a high drive girl with bucket loads of energy.  But like most standards she has an off switch and is very happy to just chill.  It always amazes me how dogs can go from a deep sleep to full on rip and tear within a fraction of a second, she is no different. 

You will often hear me saying that Elsa is scary smart, oh yes she is crazy smart.  After having poodles for nearly 30 she is the smartest so far.  She learns intensely fast and like I said, adapts.  

She also has a sweet side to her, one that is continually blooming.  She is very sensitive yet tough, much like Tilley was.  She loves to snuggle and be with her people.  Elsa has yet to meet anyone or any dog that she didn't like.  Oh there was that one dog at the park the other day that she wasn't really keen on. But he kept hitting her in the side so I don't blame her for that one, he was completely rude.

I clearly remember how anxious I was to meet and get to know our new family member.  I wondered what she was going to be like, how she was going to fit in.  Well she fits perfectly, as perfectly as one can.  

I have to thank Elsa's breeder for allowing her to leave their family and join ours.  It is clear that she came from an amazing place a home all puppies should be lucky enough to come from.  When a breeder puts so much heart into a litter it truly shows.   

So who is Elsa today?  She is a most beautiful, structurally buff girl.  She is every bit a girl but very much a tom boy.  She has a great deal of drive but can quickly throw the off switch.  She is very much a Momma's girl and Luke's constant companion.  She adores her Dad and pretty much does back flips when he gets home each night.  She is also a friend to all, human and canine alike.  Who is she?  She is everything.

I met a woman at a park when we were in CT.  She told me when she saw Elsa "you should take a picture of that dog, she's beautiful."  I had to laugh.  Well, I've taken a few.  

Her first day with us and she has already claimed her big brother who she adores.

Their time together was short but amazing.

Hard to believe there is 14.5 years difference.  Very few puppies get this sort of guidance.

Cheeky

Flirt from the get go.

Instigator 

I know there are wings in there, we just haven't found them yet.

So sweet

A new friend to chomp (Hank)

Luke truly enjoying her as a puppy

She was never afraid of Luke, cautious yes but never afraid. 

A true monkey

Another friend to chomp (Lucy)

Ooops taller than he looks.

Daddy's girl

Adventures

Moving to CT

A cherished moment

One of the gang

Still very much a puppy

Game on

Remembering Tilley at Tilley's park in CT

Really chilly morning play

She has always been drawn to Labradors

Pretzel time

Stunning

Happy Birthday to my amazing girl.

Those dang leashes

I hate them, I just hate them.  Extension leashes.  I'm sure you have all run into one or two or lots of people who just don't know how to use them.  On the weekend my hubby and Elsa were out on one of their runs.  They were in a great rhythm, their strides matched, it was great.  Then a guy came the other way with a big brown lab on an extension leash, no he did not get reined in.  He had his dog out at the end and he decided to visit with Elsa.  Steve had to take a fast side step as their stride was broken.  Even the display of Steve and Elsa moving away, making an arc around this dog was not enough of a sign.  No, this guy kept coming with his dog.  Really?

I've written about people who don't get "the message" often.  But add into that someone who is using an extension leash and you have a recipe for some heated discussion.  There is a woman at a favorite park of mine who has a brown lab (not picking on labs, funny that these were both brown labs) and she too uses an extension leash with no reining.  As we approach her the lab starts the whining to come and see us.  She tells him that these people don't want to play as she keeps coming.  Luke does not like over rambunctious types, whining and jumping to come and visit.  So we make our big arc around the pair but it doesn't stop them.  At no time is their any reining in.  Really?

The other day while driving down the street I saw a dog come around a corner of the street well ahead of the owner.  The dog ran into someone who obviously was not a dog fan and was quite caught off guard by the dogs appearance. How can you let your dog go around a corner 20 feet ahead of you?  It is dangerous, careless and frankly rude and irresponsible.

THE ONE AND ONLY TIME TO USE AN EXTENSION

If your dog cannot be off leash, I mean never off leash then use an extension leash to give that sense of freedom.  ONLY IN AN OPEN SPACE.

Jessie use to have an extension leash because she could not be off leash.  She did great on it and I never allowed her to be at the end when she shouldn't be.

Extension leashes should not be used by anyone who cannot rein their dog in fast.  At the mere sight of another dog or human the reining should start, but no, it usually starts once it's too late.  I have had a cut and an extension leash burn on my ankles, I hate the things.  They are very, very, VERY dangerous.  If you are not fast enough with your reining then your dog will get tangled up with everyone else's dog much to the dismay of other owners.

I see people using extension leashes with choke collars all the time.  NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER use an extension and a choke collar together.  They are not compatible.  The choke.............. chokes, and the extension leash is continually pulling unless in locked position.  A very bad combination.

I also people walking or running with several extension leashes.  Now tell me this, how can you rein in several at the same time?  You can't.  A handful of extension leashes, now come on people.

If you have an extension leash, get a grip or toss it.  When you are on a walk in public and around other people and dogs your dog should never be further away from you than 6 feet when on leash so why an extension?  They should strictly be used in open spaces, parks, fields etc.  Another one of man's stupid inventions that has become the norm.      

Its not working

I was watching a person in the park the other day trying to get their dog to walk beside them.  They were yanking, yanking, yanking and more yanking.  First I was saddened to see this then I started thinking what a strange bunch some humans are.  This person has been trying to get her dog to walk beside her for a very long time and it just is not working.  Then there is the person who yells and pushes her dog down every time it jumps.  It jumps, she pushes and the cycle continues.  The dog that won't stay in the house, when the front door is opened the dog is out of it.

Many humans just keep trying the same ole.  Do they take the time to sit down and think "why is this not working?"  Nope, they just keep plodding away, making the same mistakes and going no where.  Funny isn't it?  Now, it's not just the inexperienced dog owner who tries the same illogical steps over and over again.  Many dog trainers do the same thing. They know how to train a dog, but only one way and if it doesn't work they just keep trying.

The big secret about successful training is flexibility, the astute reasoning ability to change and try something new.   Then of course there is the fact that not too many people understand how dogs actually learn best.   Working with dogs is a never ending learning session.  They are all so different and the tiny differences in each can sometimes go unnoticed by the amateur.  I've watched training classes led by other trainers where one of the people/dog teams is having an issue.  The trainer just says keep trying.  As I watch from the sidelines I am chomping at the bit to explain what is going on with the pair and offer up a different line of approach.

What I am trying to get at is that all dogs are different.  What works for one might work for another but chances are you'll have to switch it up a bit.  Dog reactions to external stimulus can be vast.  Their reaction to our action boundless.  With each individual dog comes a highly personalized brain so to bunch them together like a bushel full of dog brains is human error not canine.

art

I was shooting these flowers and Elsa had to know what I was doing.  Beautiful.

I'm around a lot of dogs and when I don't have my camera on me I can get a bit antsy.  Why?  Because I see beautiful images all the time.  It can be an instant, a fraction of a moment in time but a powerful image.  Seeing images doesn't come naturally to everyone.  Having been a long time dog trainer, I was already watching, watching their every move and reading their body language.

Sometimes I walk into a canine situation and see it immediately.  Not all dogs have expressive faces but they all have heart and heart is what I try to shoot.  If you are a long time reader of my blog then you have read before that I am not a posing type photographer.  You know, the smile for the camera type.  I see these photos often, even with a dog and their owner and they leave me feeling empty.  Nothing shared, no connection, just nothing.  They actually give me anxiety as well because I know what could have been with just a different approach.

A connection image is amazing, it can be two dogs, a dog and a cat, a dog and a human but the commonality is the connection.

Often the best, most powerful images are just a slice of life.  Lifestyle photography is one of my favorite forms, there is art is so much around that we miss on a daily basis.  We need to stop and smell the roses more often, look around and see.

Sparky written all over this ball of energy

Much said in a simple connection

This is one of my all time favorite images, it says so much.

Powerful even when asleep

I will often kick myself for not having my camera when I see a face, a face that I really want to photograph.  Like people, some dogs just have a great face.  Very expressive, soulful eyes, a scruffy beard or just a look.  Some dogs never have to do anything but stand their, they art already.  Art is a very personal thing.  I have been asked before in a sort of unbelievable tone "really?  just dogs?"  Of course my answer is yes, dogs; they are amazing.  I work with just dogs, sometimes an owner sneaks in which I love but as far as my work, it's just and their connection.

I do love to photograph other things around me as well.  Pretty much anything that catches my eye, I never stop seeing images.  But my eye is always more apt to see a dog image.  You also know that my dogs are shot a lot.  Even now I am mad at myself for not having my camera.  Elsa is curled up around Luke with the most angelic face.  If I get up at this point the image will be gone.

Seeing an image simply needs a watchful eye and experience.  Knowing what can create a moving image and what does not.  The more you watch, the more you will see.  But like all art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  What I think is an amazingly beautiful photo may not be what you would consider a good shot at all.  It is very, very personal.  Sometimes a beautiful piece of canine art is represented by beautiful scenery with a dog in the far distant.  Still and amazing piece of work but not filled with a dog.  Other beautiful canine images can be just that, a dog.  A whole frame filled with just one very close up dog.  It is all different, we are all different and obviously my passion is dogs.  Capturing is a luxury that I have been given and which fuels my passion even further.

Wrong

Here is an example of it going very wrong.  A young girl in her twenties wants a dog; she thinks nothing of the fact that she works long hours and doesn't have time for a dog.  She's seen a lot of puppies lately and feels the desire to have her own.  The girl visits many local rescue groups wanting to get a rescue dog, to do the right thing.  She wants a puppy, an adorable puppy to call her own.  Then one day she visits a rescue, they have a litter of adorable puppies.  She immediately chooses the cutest of the bunch and the puppy acquisition is complete.  Once the puppy is hers they are inseparable, at first.

But then as the puppy gets older and not so cute he stays at home more often than not.  Things start to change, he starts acting out.  There are bouts of barking at strange things, often cringing away when someone tries to pet him.  The girl isn't thrilled about these things so she leaves him at home.  Then she finds herself being offered a very cool second job.  She doesn't want to work more hours but sees this second job as an opportunity to change careers eventually so she accepts it.

The puppy who is now full grown but still a puppy is left at home 12-15 hours a day.  When the girl does get home she takes him out to relieve himself, cleans up all the mess that he's left in his crate and goes to bed.  The days play out the same as the dog becomes more and more of a problem.   The problem that is growing is his lack of socialization, learning about the human world.  The puppy has no idea that there is more to life than the four walls of the apartment and crate.  Things are brewing.

As it turns out the adorable puppy that she brought home is a working dog, an Australian Shepherd with lots of drive and energy.  This type of dog needs an outlet, a job to call his own.  Given a life pent up in a crate or apartment all day things can go very, very wrong.  Add to that a lack of socialization and you have a ticking time bomb.  Skipping ahead a year or so the girl decides that she needs to address some of the problems.  She takes him to a vet and a trainer.  The vet tells her that it could be his food.  The trainer tells her that he is a fear biter and need to be euthanized.

This information is too much for her; she cannot deal with all of these problems.  She can't have a dog that might bite someone.  So the only solution is to end the life of this dog who was once all she ever wanted.

Sad but true, this happens all too often.  Each and every step of the story was a wrong one.  Getting a puppy of any type was wrong.  Choosing a puppy without knowing what sort of puppy it might be wrong.  The rescue who allowed the girl to have the puppy was wrong.  Not socializing, not integrating the dog into our human world, wrong.  Making him live out his life in a crate or apartment while she got on with her desired life, wrong.  The final act to end his life?  Wrong.

Many dogs end up in the wrong home.  It can be because there should never be a dog in a particular home or the dog just ended up in the wrong home.  Even when a dog is a mix breed, they have a temperament or personality traits that make up who they are.  Often the new owner and dog don't mesh; things can go very wrong from that point.  I am a very strong supporter of temperament testing.  I don't care if the dog is a pocket sized pooch or a giant breed, they should be temperament tested and placed in the best possible fit home.  (More on this in another blog).


More often a family or person just don't fully understand what a having a dog entails.  This is what this blog is about.  How much work must be put into making it work.  Do you have time for a dog?  Do you want to make time for a dog?  Will you seek out help because you just don't know about dog behavior?  Will you put hours into training?  Or do you just want the idea of "I have a dog?"  Not everyone should have a dog, there are many who do now that shouldn't.  


Dogs are a lot of work, some are a ton of work while others are more easy.  But all are work and especially in the beginning, so much work.  House training, socializing, general training, socializing and more socializing.  Learning for the human, lots and lots of learning.  It is a sad ending to a dogs life when we fail.  Rescue groups are filled to capacity so the idea of taking a dog that bites is not a good one.  They will take the more adoptable dogs.  Sure there are places that will take a risky dog, the dog may end up living at a place that will take him in forever.  There are places like this.


But it could have all been different, it was that first initial "I want a dog," desire that was the beginning or it going all wrong.

July 4th

I know this is more than likely redundant but I have to say it anyway.  Please be sure that your dogs are safe today during the fireworks.  This is the day when most dogs go missing, many never find their way back home and some are even killed.  If you are going out during the day or evening make sure that your dog is safely contained in your house and cannot get out.  People will be setting off firecrackers all day, they started early here yesterday and scared the crap out of Elsa, Luke and myself.  Many dogs who seem to be fine can switch suddenly and be in panic mode.

When dogs are terrified of fireworks or crackers and slip into the panic zone they just want to get away.  They don't even know where they want to go, they simply run.  They will climb a fence that they have never climbed and run blindly trying to escape the noise.  If they have a visual on the fireworks it can be even worse.

If you leave your dog at home, a bedroom is a good place to leave them.  Leave a radio or tv playing loudly.  Put the AC on for comfort so that you can close up the house.  But do not leave them in a room where the temperature will become excruciatingly hot if the power went out and AC shut off.

Think panic if you are leaving your dog today.  They may be just fine but you can never know what might happen when you are away.  Always better to be safe than sorry.

Have a great day knowing that your pooch is safe and sound.  

Traveling with your canine

I have been asked to blog about traveling with your dog.  It is completely perfect timing because I just finished the final edit of my PBJ and Me (Poodles, Brad, Jessie and Me) book yesterday.  It's funny because it is much easier to answer questions about traveling with your dog versus just pondering on what I've learned.  But boy did I learn a lot.  From Southern California to Connecticut and back again in three and a half months.  What happened on the way and while we were on the other side of the country was a lot to deal with. Being back home now for three months I've had time to reflect and process it all.

So what are some of the big things that I learned in my travels?

-  You need to bring snacks in the car for both the dogs and the humans.  Easy and healthy type snacks so that you aren't constantly having to pull over and either dig them out or buy some.

-  Water, you need to offer the dogs water often.  During stops and a bit on the move if you aren't stopping every hour or two.  Of course the humans need water too.

-  Make the place where the dogs will be spending most of their time comfy, like a bed.  I set the back of my SUV up with a bed area and an area where they would walk around on a hard surface.

-  Pack a bag specifically for the dogs so that you can just grab it and know that all the dog things you need in it are there.

- Keep collars on at all time, just in case.   The collars need to have ID tags on them.

-  Look for places to stop that are far off of the freeway.  We stopped several times at school yards that were vacant.  With almost a completely fenced in area it was a great spot to let the dogs rip.

-   Do not switch up food while traveling, you may regret it big time.

-   When choosing a hotel and specific room, think about getting your dogs out for a potty break. Convenience to the door is important.

-  Teach your dog/dogs before hand that they only get out when given a certain command.  You don't want your dogs flying out of the car whenever you open the door.

Above everything else, know your dog.  It is important to understand how your dog or dogs will deal as an individual to traveling and staying in hotels.  Try to relax and enjoy the ride.

If anyone has specific questions please feel free to contact me.  I am happy to offer any advice that I can.

  

Monday again

It's Monday again and we are already into July.  This month came in like a dragon for much of North America, hitting the mid area and East the worst.  It looks like the heat will stay for a while longer so keep your dogs in the shade or AC and well hydrated.  This past weekend was great weather in SoCal; a bit warm late morning and afternoon so getting the dogs out early for a run is a must.  We hit the beach yesterday which was a good 10 degrees cooler than at our house, always a nice bonus.

As the temperatures heat up most dogs slow down, take advantage of this folks.  Especially those of you who have high energy types.  Late afternoon yesterday I sat in the living room with my two.  Luke was on his couch in his spot.  He was dreaming away while Elsa was passed out, sprawled on the floor at my feet.  A gorgeous breeze was coming in and I thought to myself, this is what I think of when people say "a dogs life."  It was quiet, the bird feeder was filled so there were lots of chirping bird sounds as we just chilled.

My husband had hit a book store near us that is closing earlier in the day.  It's not closing until Halloween but we went into have a look.  Of course I went directly the animal section first to see if there was anything good.  I came away from the store with 2 dogs books.  One by Stanley Coren, a very popular pet writer and a book of dog miscellany.   The one by Mr. Coren is a light read for times like yesterday.  The miscellany book will be a pick up and read a page type book for me.  I'll probably leave it in the kitchen.  It is interesting, some things that I've read in it so far are engaging while other parts are useless or redundant.  For 3.00 I can't complain.


I'm not one to sit down and read leisurely very often.  Most of my reading is done with research in mind and very study like.  As I read my book yesterday watching the dogs sleep and the curtains blow lightly with the cool breeze I thought of how much I enjoyed my dogs even while they were sleeping.  They like it when I sit down, they can relax and not follow for a bit.  Some of the best times spent with our dogs are the ones when you are doing nothing.  The simple act of being together can be a powerful one.  We really do need more moments like this in our lives, it most definitely is rejuvenating.    

This morning we will get out early again.  Elsa is in need of a good run so that means getting out before 8 for sure.  First I'm off to the gym, the dogs know the routine and remain in bed until I get back.  Then it will be time for the dogs to get their exercise in and then later today we will once again be working on the dog door.  This dog door thing is quite an issue for Elsa, but we will work through it and she will be hopefully using it in the near future.  Have a great Monday!!!!!

Obsessive

Yesterday I met an obsessive dog.  The moment I met her I noticed her notice the shadows.  She was a shadow chaser.  Having had a compulsive shadow chaser it takes me but a fraction of a minute to see the behavior in other dogs.  Not only was this dog a shadow chaser but a chaser of anything that was moving.  Unfortunately I chose to wear a shirt that was about the worst choice for a dog like this.  My t-shirt (one of my favorites) has sequins all over the front.  So each time the sun catches them it shoots tiny lights onto everything around me, sort of like a mirror ball effect.  Think disco ball.  

I wasn't there to deal with this dogs behavior, I just happened to notice the behavior while in the yard.  I also had my camera with me and like my shirt it kept reflecting lights caused by the sun hitting certain spots on it onto the walls, bushes and ground. The dog was going crazy and became completely transfixed on the lights.   Then a butterfly flew by and it momentarily grabbed her attention, intense desire to chase attention that is.

Compulsive;  An irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act.

Tilley had this behavior issue as do many other dogs and it can quickly turn into a problem.  Given enough fuel it can become a compulsive behavior that is hard to crack.  When I finally discovered that this shadow chasing was a major issue for Tilley I stopped it.  That said it was never gone, just the chasing part was gone by means of verbal reprimand.  I simply didn't allow her to indulge in the act of the chase.  She was a dog with extreme drive to chase (typically called prey drive).  Just stopping a dog with this much drive is nearly impossible, you must give them an opportunity to chase safely, channeling the drive.  

We opted to use retrieving, first with balls and then went to discs where Tilley excelled in the sport.  She loved it and could quite literally disc all day long.  Her shadow issue was never gone, just under stringent control.  She knew that shadow chasing out in public was strictly prohibited.  She was allowed to do it to a degree at home in the safety of her own yard.  But when we were out it was balls or discs and that was that, a solid, cast in stone rule.  

For dogs with this level of drive you must find an outlet, otherwise they will find their own and it can become a problem. Working on the problem takes time and patience.  You must get in before the chase is in full force or the or the dog becomes unreachable mentally.  Once a dogs gets into the 'zone' it can be very difficult to communicate on any degree other than physical.  That means a great deal of obedience training in non trigger places must be done then adding small amounts of trigger distractions.  

After you have some degree of control obedience wise you need to find the replacement, whether that is ball retrieving, lure coursing, frisbee or flyball.  You must find a replacement.  Left to their own devices and not given an outlet for the drive it can manifest into something horrible.  If you happen to see the first glimmer of an obsessive chase behavior, nip it in the bud.  I've been watching Elsa from the get go, she does notice shadows but is not driven to chase them.  Having lived with a dog that compulsively chased shadows I am always on the look out now.  I cannot go to the beach without noticing the shadows cast by the birds as they head down the coast.  Funny the things that life experience throws at you.   I'll never look at shadows the same again thanks to my amazing Tilley girl.  

Touchy feely

As I type this Elsa is across my lap.  Not the easiest way to type but we make it work.  Elsa is what I call, touchy, feely.  There isn't a better name for her need to touch.  I've used the term before; Tilley was very much not a touchy feely type of gal and we have in all our years of having dogs never had one with the degree of it as Elsa.  She came this way, from the moment she joined our family things were different for the other dogs and for us.

I often talk to people who wish they had a dog that loved to snuggle.  Many dogs are not fans of hugging or having very close proximity to even their owners.  Some dogs love snuggling with their owners but as far as people they don't know; keep your distance.  Each and every one is different, very,very different.  Luke is very affectionate, he loves to get in close and snuggle tight.  He can snuggle for a very long time before growing tired of it.  We actually have snugglefests.  Like I said, Tilley was not the snuggly type although she loved to lay on our lap and was always close.  But she was never comfortable with being hugged, that is if you approached her for a hug.  If she was beside you on the couch she loved to hug and I could even put her on my lap and hug away and she enjoyed that.  

Dogs are so sensitive in their communications that there can be the most subtle changes in affection that we sometimes don't get.  Our body language says a lot to a dog and as humans we typically don't get how to approach or interact with dogs appropriately.  I know lots of people who feel like they should be able to walk up to any dog, pet, hug or kiss them.  This is a very unwise thing to do.  Many people also want to get their face right there, in a dogs face; this is also not a good idea.

 What an owner can do is extremely different from what a stranger can do and be accepted as an okay behavior.  I'm a crazy dog lover as you all know but there are lots of dogs that I never touch, even the cutest ones.  Then there are times when I pet a dog because I have read all the signs.  Last weekend I met a huge doodle, a Golden Doodle who was not golden but gray.  He was really huge, one of the biggest I've seen and gave off the "Golden" lovebug vibe.  He was sitting getting his picture taken by me and then I approached him for a chest rub.   I bent down, turned sideways and scratched away.  He put his head back, got googly eyes and rested his very large paw on my arm.  He was accepting of the interaction.  But that is as far as I took it, even that was a lot for a stranger greeting in my books.

I remember another time when I actually kissed a dog on the face; the act itself caught me off guard.  I shocked myself, strange eh?  This is something I would never do but this 5 month old Borzoi that I was shooting kept wrapping her long neck around mine and smelling my face.  Several times I pet her head and her face as she did this and then after about 30 minutes of interacting she continued with her desire to be very close.  When she wrapped that gloriously long neck around mine again, bringing her face across mine I had no choice but to kiss it.  I think what shocked me was that she was big, seemingly much older but she was just a baby.  Typically you can do much more as far as touching with a baby.  I've picked up lots of puppies and kissed them, it a good interaction if they feel the same.   She was probably 28" tall at the time, a very big puppy.

So back to Miss Elsa, the most touchy feely girl that I know.   She often pushes the limit with Luke and she did with Tilley, draping herself completely over her.  She is a weighty dog, which I have talked about.  Even though she is under 50 lbs she feels like she is made of lead.  So her touchy feely stuff can be annoying if you are under it.  Each morning when she comes onto the bed she lays her whole body over mine, that's where she likes to be.  With strangers she is bubbly and likes touch but it is still very different than her own pack.

Dogs like people are all different.  You must accept who they are as an individual and if that is a non affectionate type then that is who they are.  Many dogs can learn to enjoy touch, it just takes time and patience.  I am learning to be Elsa's pillow, a different roll for me.  But know your dogs boundaries with strangers.  I know I don't want a stranger coming up and hugging me, something bad most definitely would come out of that behavior.

Heads up

This morning I am sitting thinking about where to take the dogs.  I'm not one to go on the same walk day in and day out.  Lots of people do; I see the same folks walking by my house everyday, same time too.  Don't they get bored?  I get bored on walks easily, especially if I was just walking down the street.  I like scenery so I always get in the car and go to a park, field or beach.

A couple of days ago I was at a park with Elsa, we were doing lots of heel training when a lady went by with her lab.  The lab seemed like a nice dog.  As Elsa and I took a sharp right turn the lab tried to follow us; the lady held on as the dog continued to choke itself.  Yes it had a choke collar on.  We passed this same dog a couple of times on our walk and as I watched the woman going around bushes, over bridges and around the field she was literally dragging her dog everywhere.  This brought to mind the subject of communication.  Why not tell your dog where you are going instead of simply yanking?

If you have a well trained dog then communication doesn't need to come in the verbal form, it can just be body language.  Imagine walking with your human partner hand in hand and suddenly taking a sharp left, then in a few minutes you lunge right without any heads up.  That person who's hand you are holding would more than likely be letting go of you pretty quickly.  How annoying?  More than likely in reality you would have said "let's go this way or that way" right?  Then why not give your dog the same courtesy or 'heads up?'

The lady with the lab was with her small daughter who was riding a bicycle around the park.  This meant that there was lots of direction changes many of them sudden.  I even saw the woman trying to get her dogs head out of a bush by leaning back and putting her weight into a long and tedious tugging match.  That poor dogs neck was taking a beating.

Teaching your dog direction changes is really easy.  All you have to do is have their attention and repeat the same word each time before you turn in a certain direction.  My words are lets go, turn and this way.

Let's go; mean to stop sniffing, looking or whatever you're doing and come with me.  In the training stage they are rewarded for following along with me.

Turn; means that I will be turning into the dog.  Typically this is used when I we are heeling.  I want the dog to understand that they must hold back as I turn and then turn with me.  This is learned very fast usually.

This way; has a broader use.  It can be used on leash or off.   What it means is that I am changing direction so heads up.  Then the dog must follow whatever way I am going.  On a heel it means I'm turning right so the dog must hurry around to keep up.

When you use these words or any other words to communicate direction changes it becomes routine.  I use them without thinking and shudder when I see people just yanking their dog around as they turn or change direction.  A simple heads up can make all the difference.
  

A stroller?

The other day as we were heading to the dog walk I spotted this little gal in her stroller.  I just had to get a photo of her so I asked her Mom about it and her.  This little girl has had several back surgeries, common in dachshunds sadly.  So instead of being left at home she went to the dog walk with them.  Funny when we see dogs in strollers we immediately feel the need to roll our eyes but they are not all dogs being treated as humans.  Little Schatzie is very lucky to have a Mom that has bought her this amazing stroller to go out in.

I am a big fan of this stroller, for the reason that she was in it.  No I do not like to see dogs who are healthy and fit being pushed around in a stroller or carried in a bag for that matter.  Dogs should walk, no matter what size they are.  But if they are old, injured or sick then why not?  I think it's great.  I had already decided that when Jessie got very old and could no longer walk very far anymore that I would get her a dog carrier that is like a back pack for her.  It allows you to take a dog out and about rather than just leave them at home.   I imagined going on a big hike and having Jessie along for the ride, so cute and great.

My husband and I have talked about Luke as he ages and decided that if the day came when he could no longer do a walk then we will get a wagon for him, yep a little red wagon.  If he could get use to enjoying being in it that is.  Wouldn't we want someone to do the same thing for us?  If we are injured we have wheel chairs so that we can get out.  Being stuck in the house is no fun for anyone or any dog for that matter.  Dogs like us need to get out, I can't imagine staring at the same four walls every single day.

There are many styles of strollers and carriers for dogs.  This one pictured above with Schatzie in it was a beauty.  I think it is sad when people use them for dogs who are fine.  Dogs that should be enjoying a walk on the ground.   But for those who need them, I give their owners kudos for spending the money so that their dog's can get out and enjoy life even though they cannot walk for whatever reason.

Next time you see a little munchkin in a stroller, don't assume that their owner likes to pretend the dog is a little human.  Instead.....ask and you may discover that the little dog in the stroller is a very lucky one like this little gal.

Aversion training

Training should be fun

As you all know I am a positive trainer; I am actually known as a cross over trainer.  That means that I use to use one method of training and now I have.......................................well crossed over.  :)  One thing first, I have never taught aversion type training.  When I started teaching training I was already well into my positive years.  My aversion training started very early on, at the age of 13, way back then that is all that there was.  Sadly I was trained under one of the harshest type trainers, she was brutal.  Even back then as a youngster it just didn't feel right to me.

I am surprised that conventional harsh training methods are still out there, it truly is mind boggling.  But it is and with the experience that I have with it and all the research I have done over the years I surely know why it should not be around.  I see it more now than I did several years ago; only because that it was made popular by Cesar Milan's television show.  I walked past a woman on the weekend with a small cute dog and she was tsssscccht ing it the whole time.  This is a dead giveaway to a Cesar follower.

Once you truly learn and understand how a dog learns and communicates only then will you know why aversion training is so bad.  When I see people yanking, yelling, shocking and growing discouraged I want to step in and show them a better way.  When you use aversion methods of training you build a negative association around the whole aspect of training.  Dogs are all about association.  Just today Elsa dove happily off the bed first thing in the morning when called by my husband to come.  Yesterday she would not budge thinking that she was just being ousted off the bed.  Yesterday she went for her first 5:00 am run and this morning she had already associated the early morning run with the call to get off the bed.  Being removed from the bed very quickly became a positive instead of a negative.

 Some dogs learn faster than others, with positive training you need to have patience.  You also need to be creative because the same approach to a new behavior will not work on all dogs.  With positive training you try the normal routine and watch; if it works great, if not you try something else.  Building piece by piece until the dog fully understands.

Aversion training builds frustration and anger, I see it happening all the time.  People trying to stop their dogs behavior by yanking, yelling and even alpha rolling them(pinning a dog on it's back and staring them down, horrible.)  The more the dog fights against it the more anger that builds in the owner. No, aversion training is not fun for anyone.  It can also be detrimental in that it creates fallout behaviors.  Behaviors that are caused by stress, anxiety, fear and a negative association.

If every time you walked out of your front door you were given a shock or a yank on your neck, would going out that door not become a stressful event?  Most definitely it would be and you would stop.  So this is how aversion training works, if you do what what the trainer doesn't want you to do you are punished by negative means.   With this comes the fallout, dogs can form all sorts of fallout behaviors from aversion training.  Anything from anxiety to aggression and everything in between.  So not only does aversion training cause negative associations, it also creates new fallout behaviors that need to be dealt with. If they in turn are dealt with by aversive methods then you have the never ending vicious circle scenario.

Aversion training needs to be done with, left back in the history books with many other things that we use to do wrong.  Thankfully Cesar's show has been cancelled but I'm sure he'll still be around somewhere yanking away. We are evolving, or at least we should be; not going backwards.  Using aversion methods of training is doing just that, going back to the days before we knew better.  There is a better way, it may be a change but it is worth taking the time to learn and understand.  Your dogs, my dogs, all dogs deserve it.

Remember; training should be fun, if it's not then you are doing something wrong.
 
Let me add this because of a comment given; although I am a positive trainer I also use stop tactics.  Mostly my voice and I also use consequences, meaning that if you break the law you will be removed.  Don't come when called? I'm coming to get you.  There is no pain or anger used, just seriousness when required.  I do not believe that it can all be done while smiling and skipping across a field of daisies.

What's in the bag

Good Monday morning.  Saturday my husband, me and the two poodles headed over to the local DAWG walk.  We were there for the social aspect of it.   The event is small one but close so off we went.  I think the best thing about the event is the Disc dogs, it is the group that Tilley and I got to play with a couple of times.  Amazing dogs with amazing throwers.  Just a few minutes there and my husband was handed the ever present "goody bag."  He hauled it around reluctantly knowing that I would want to check it out when we got home.

There are some booths set up, a few rescue groups, THE VET THAT ASKED ME NOT TO RETURN WITH TILLEY, some trainers and not all positive which is a big surprising these days and a few other random set ups.  Nothing to write home about.

Once home I sat on the livingroom floor with two very interested dog noses in the bag as I went through it.  "What's in the bag?"  The bags are typically advertising and big name brand products.  But occasionally there is something new and quality that I hadn't seen before.  So with Elsa nudging through everything I brought out and Luke patiently eyeing it all I donned my glasses for a read.  Much of the contents were tossed immediately.  I ran through the papers that are always in the bag fast, reading anything new which there wasn't much of.

Next onto the goodies, a "greenie type" bone that claimed to be very different from greenies.  They may be edible but the choking hazard is very real with these greenie things.  Tossed.  A bag of Natural Balance dog food which just recently had a recall, tossed.  A bag of Natural Balance cookies tossed, both because of the food recall and ingredients list.  A tiny package of Grandma Lucy "organic" cookies which when I opened the package smelled very much like regular human cookies.  After reading the ingredients they were tossed as well.  Sugar, cane juice and wheat flour were a few of the ingredients.  Often the whole 'organic' thing is used to make you think its healthy.  Just because something is organic does not make it healthy.  These were far from the healthy cookies that I make my guys.

There was a can of 'canidae' dog food, even though not recalled the dry Canidae was so it was tossed.  Liver treats stating 100% natural, tested in the USA but made in China, tossed.  A Natural Balance roll of dog food which was the big thing for training a few years ago, tossed.  Wheat flour and sugar are in the first three ingredients, SUGAR????  Tossed.

Two sample packs of supplements that were in the bag serve only as 'things to research.' You can't give your dog one pill or tsp of powder and expect to see something, so research.  A piece of unknown rawhide type thing called Barky Bark by Redbarn, made in Paraguay - tossed.

What did I keep and let the dogs have?  A freeze dried Stella and Chewy's patty, devoured.  A Mango Tango grooming wipe by Earthbath; I'll keep for those gross times.  Chewy treats made by KONG, I didn't even know that they made them.  It says they are made in the US so I'll give them a try.  That's it, that is all we kept.  I will check out the supplements but what a waste.  What about donating it?  I regularly donate food but I am not donating a product that I would not feed my own dogs.  I'll go out and buy something good to donate.

We had a good time socializing, always great when you have a youngster but as far as the goody bag goes?  A big disappointment.