Posturing

Lot's being said in this photo. 

Pulling into a parking spot yesterday, someone blared on their horn at me.  Apparently the people who came after me thought that I'd taken their spot, really?  This parking spot aggression always surprises me; it's a parking spot people.  I said some choice words in the privacy of my own vehicle and got out, heading into the store.  A man came up as I was almost past my car and stopped to stare me down; ahhh, this had to be the guy.  Really?  I did my best to ignore the guy and continued to walk.  He was posturing at me so I postured back "I dare ya."  He shadowed me which was really very uncool of him and I continued my "I don't give a s*$t" if you walk beside me.  He stopped short before I went in; honestly what an idiot.   A large man over 6' tall trying to intimidate a 5' woman; ha!!! he obviously didn't know me.

But I had diffused the situation by remaining very confident with an air of "I don't care."  This is exactly how dogs speak most of the time.  Sure they use their voices but typically only when actions don't seem to be working; or if they just like to hear themselves.  Just like in humans, there are degrees of communication.  Some are great, others are really very bad at communicating.  Communications can be misunderstood leading to all sorts of problems.  Often you, as a guardian must help to clear up or redirect an incorrect communication.

When dogs do communicate, it can be done extremely fast.  So fast that we mere humans can miss some of it, if not all of it.  If you want to watch communications between dogs you must watch, and I really mean watch.  As you know I'm always watching, I have a difficult time having a conversation with my dogs around because I am watching them so intently.  Of course if it is just my dogs or friend dogs I don't watch quite as extremely.  But if there are strange dogs around, I'm on it.  One missed message can make the difference between knowing what happened and not having a clue.

Many people say that dogs act out of nowhere, giving no message no cue as to what was coming next.  This is actually rare, most dogs give tons of heads up clues; we just happen to miss them.  Again as mere humans we lack in the body language department.  Although you can perfect your own by using it more often.  I like to use body language because it really helps me to communicate with my dogs.  Because they are such extreme champions of body language I think that we should communicate with them in their language if we can.

Funny if I happen to accidentally bump into one of my dogs because they are shadowing me so closely they get very upset.  Their ears go back and down, their whole body lowers as they look me directly in the eye trying to figure out if I am mad or not.  Of course I'm not mad; who could be mad at these two?  So I get down and we have an "I'm sorry" moment and all is forgotten.

I love body language, it is truly a lost communication form for most humans.  Although the neanderthal who tried to intimidate me with puffing up his chest at me did use body language for his communication.   Most of us miss clear messages sent by our dogs.  We expect our dogs to live in our human world, we should learn how they best communicate to better communicate and read them ourselves.  Canine body language communications are amazing to watch.  I look forward to each and every new interaction as it unfolds.

As far as the guy in the parking lot?  Had he taken one step closer in his intimidation attempts he would have made a serious tactical error in judgement.  Just saying.  Have a great day, and communicate with that body.

Make your own stuffless toy

I started making my own stuffless toys years ago, after purchasing so many toys that ended up de-stuffed in minutes.  I would have to pick up the fluff from one end of the house to the other.  The toy then lost it's luster, not entirely but the carcass just sort of sat there unless you tossed it's lifeless body around for someone.  So I headed out to the fabric store and bought some fleece. (The beginning of my fleece adoration, I believe.)

The toys are simple to make and don't cost very much if you go with the fleece that is on sale or clearance.  The piece has to be long enough to cut three approximately 3' x 1' or larger, sections from.  While you are at the store buy a couple.  Get the fleece that has stretch to it, this makes it much easier to make the toys.

With some very sharp scissors cut out your pieces.  They do not need to be perfect, your dog is going to have at it so just do your best.  I've made tiny toys all the way up to huge whoppers; these instructions are for the average size.  Go ahead and make it smaller or larger if you like.  The only thing is that when you make them smaller the knots get tougher to tie.

For these photos I simply untied one end of the toy I made yesterday to demonstrate.  I was too lazy to start a new one as I just got back from the gym and our walk.  :)

This one already had an end tied but when you start a new one just put the three end pieces together and hold with your foot on the wall.  I have found it to be the most comfortable and easiest way to accomplish this.  

Knotting can be tough, hold onto the end tightly and pull it through.  Best for someone with small hands to do this.  I have very small hands.  

Pull each end knot as hard as you can.  

Once you have your three pieces cut, roll them as tightly as you can so that they are still at least 3' long.  Now put the three ends together and put on the wall with your foot comfortably pressing on them.  Press hard enough so that you can braid the pieces really tightly.  Once it is braided you need to tie the first end so bring the braided end around itself into a knot.  It can be tough, if you've made it very thick.  Turn the toy around and place the knot between your feet and pull the toy, tightening the knot.  Now braid the other end and tie a knot in it as well.  Once done pull the knots as hard as you can to secure them.

Cut off any ratty ends and presto, your new toy.  :)

Diet and exercise

I'm trying to lose weight, heck who isn't right?  But more than lose weight I like to be in shape so I exercise like crazy, as do my dogs.  I have always kept my dogs in peek condition; it is very easy, much easier than keeping myself in shape. They don't sneak a snack here and there and they never balk at the idea of exercise.  Even Luke at 12.5 always wants to go and run, explore and join in the fun.  So it makes me sad when I see overweight dogs; and I see them a lot.  We see them out on walks, in cars, yards and photos; fat dogs are everywhere.

Why are there so many fat dogs?  There are many reasons why humans allow their dogs to become fat.  But the bottom line is over feeding and lack of movement, that's it.  Many people just don't get their dogs out.  It really amazes me how many dogs never leave the confines of their home and yard.  They spend their days and nights looking at the same walls and yard.  They eat the same boring food out of the same boring bowl day in and day out.  This is a sad life for any dog.

I ran into a woman the other day at the park who stopped to ask about my dogs.  She wanted to know if they were part Wheaten Terrier?  She had a Wheaten at home and wondered about Luke and Elsa's color.  When I asked her about her dog and why it wasn't with her she just sort of shrugged and said "no I don't like to bring him."  I thought about how much connection time she was missing out on by not bringing her dog running with her.  But we moved on.

Every dog is different; each has different requirements as far as exercise.  But no matter what shape or size they are they need to run.  Dogs need to be active.  Of course with the large differences in dogs you need to adjust your activities accordingly.  But they all still need to get out and run or walk.  Even a few pounds on a dog can do a great deal of damage.  I know how I feel when I put on or take off a few.  You can really feel just a few pounds.  Pounds do damage to joints; they can also be very taxing on vital organs.

Fat dogs are at a much higher risk of injury.  Their joints will suffer so that they will have to deal with arthritis as they age.  Along with many degrees of damage done to their body organs.  Having too much weight on them is taxing to the body creating all sort of health issues from moderate to life threatening.  There is simply no reason for a dog to be fat.  (Of course unless they have some sort of medical issue.)

Recently I have seen some very fit people out with fat dogs.  I wonder if they simply don't see it.  Do they not realize how fat their dogs are?  I have told people before that their dog was fat and needed to lose a few and the response is always shock.  "Really?  You think?"  Then I explain what their dog should look like and how they should be able to move much more easily.  Our dogs should resemble a lean, mean hunting machine.  That is after all what they are.  Yes even those little puff ball dogs you carry around in a fancy bag.  They are dogs and dogs are athletic, strong and agile; or at least they should be.

There is no reason for a dog to be fat; that responsibility lies solely on us, the owner.  If your dog is fat it is your fault.  Our dogs are in our hands completely.  What they eat, do and live is all on us.  Along with more moving we must feed less food.  There is a ton of very poor quality food out there that has huge feeding quantities listed on the back of the bag.  These companies want you to feed their food and lots of it.  Dogs truly don't need a ton of food; if it is quality food that is.

With boredom can come a desire for more food and with our natural human guilt kicking in you can find yourself offering up more and more food.  But when you feed you should feed the best food that you can.  No matter if you have a tiny pocket pooch or a big monster beast dog; feed them all good food.  The more quality you feed the less quantity they will need.  It actually surprises me how little food Elsa eats to keep her in such amazing shape.

Diet:  food and drink considered in terms of its qualities, composition, and its effects on health.

Diet is not a bad word; it is used incorrectly all of the time.  People say "I'm on a diet" when they mean that they are on a weight loss diet.  Diet is simply the food that you and your dog eat; it is not synonymous with weight loss.  Everyone is on a diet; be it weight loss, gain, no carb, grapefruit etc. etc. I know that I feel great when I eat great; so I consider how my dogs must feel as well.  Imagine someone told you that you had to eat some sort of horrible fast food from now on.  Every meal was high in fat, salt and additives with very little actual nutrition in the food.  Much like the crap in many of the dog foods out there. You probably would not feel very well; certain not in peak condition.

Picture your dog in peak condition; a lean, mean hunting machine.  Are they close?  Or do you have a great deal of work to get them there?  It truly does not take a whole lot of work to be in that  state.  Feed great food and move.  That is the secret to being in shape; that's it, no magical pill, no secret ingredient.  It is all about putting the best food in; offering a quality diet and moving.

Taking for granted.

After watching a video this morning with a parrot who was quite intrigued by a stuffed bunny I realized how much we take our dogs for granted.  They do amazing things on a daily basis and we just think it's cute.  They communicate with us, each other and other species regularly but we are not amazed by it.  It is a shame.  To some humans, our dogs are "just dogs," but they are so much more if you take the time to look and see.  We look at the everyday dog and see... a dog, just a simple dog.  No, they are a whole lot more than just a simple dog.

Dogs help us in our day to day; some are an integral part of a human's existence.  Others protect mass populations, save people's lives, see where someone cannot, and the list goes on and on and on.  Yet, in many families they are just the dog; some don't even get status enough to live in the same house and are tied to a tree in the yard.

When will we stop looking past the dog to the exotic creatures for splendor.  We should be amazed by what all of our dogs do in the day to day.  Not only the ones who are trained to perfection; but the ones who manage to coexist with humans with such excellence.  It is not an easy task being a dog in our world; they have huge mountains of human obstacles to climb.   Some make it half way up but many make to the top and over.  The only hurdle in our dogs way are humans.  We humans can have detrimental effects on the life of a dog.  We over indulged, under indulged, misread, misunderstand, wrongly accuse and have a lack of expectation on our dogs.

Expect amazing, open your eyes and you will see amazing standing before you.  Take the time to see the crazy achievements of the regular dog.  They are very much a spectacular creature.  Every size, shape, color and age...amazing.  

Day of the grumpies

Yesterday we met a lot of grumpy dogs.  Several times we walked away from a dog or dogs having a fit at us as we passed by.  It was most definitely the day of the grumpies.  Our first run in was at the beach as we approached and minded our own business.   A woman with two grumpies who had just moments before allowed her dog to take a dump on the walkway in front of us and then wandered off leaving it there (enough said about this woman).  She had been much too far for me to yell at and when we finally did catch up to them her dogs went off on us.  Both dogs were on extension leashes and were given free reign to the end of the length.  We minded our own business and continued along nicely.  Elsa got a big treat for this one.  What a good girl she was. The owner had absolutely no control of either dog.

Then it was the two black dogs on the beach.  I'd seen these two lab/chow mixes before.  The last time that I saw them, one had frozen at Elsa and I, not warm and fuzzy.  The woman who owns them is oblivious to others and just indulges her two.  They are allowed to do pretty much what they want.  As she came onto the beach yesterday she asked me "are they friendly?"  I told her that Elsa was but Luke was old and grumpy.  I know what type of dogs Luke likes and does not like and these are on the does not like list.  Plus, I wanted her to keep her two over indulged dogs on their leashes.  I should have just said a very loud and clear NO.  So with both dogs on extension leashes (you know how I feel about these) I was unable to pass them.  I slowed my pace as she moved away from the path and I waited for her two dogs to catch up to her.  Then one of the dogs lunged out; coming to the end of the leash and right in Luke's face.  He of course reacted in a very aggressive manner and the dog retaliated as well.  Not a good scenario.  All of this was completely avoidable if the woman had controlled her dogs, idiot.

Later in the afternoon Elsa and I hit the park.  We did some power walking, chuck it and training.   While we were there we ran into a woman with a little mix and what looked to be a young male yellow lab who were also both on extension leashes.  As we approached I noticed that the lab had on a pinch collar WITH HIS EXTENSION LEASH.  The closer we got I could see the anxiety building in the dog.  I was just going to call out to the woman as she WAS LETTING HER DOGS WALK RIGHT IN FRONT OF US at the end of their leashes.  The young male came unglued as the woman shouted they are friendly but get sort of silly on leash.  "Ya think?"  The young male lab was clearly reacting to the presence of Elsa and the association to pain from his collar.  Elsa was a little thrown by this one but we continued happily chatting away from the commotion.

As we rounded the park we came across the same dogs.  Elsa completed minded her own business this time as the dogs commenced to begin their craziness once again.  I heard the woman say "now do you want to pull or would you rather act like that dog?"  "Look how well behaved she is," she told her two.  I shook my head wishing I could say something but I couldn't even look in their direction without sending the dogs into a frenzy.  Oh how I wish people knew; I want everyone to understand how dogs work.  This poor young lab who was more than likely a handful to begin with had been forced to grow worse due to his owners lack of canine knowledge.  She threw a pinch collar on thinking that this is what you do and then added an extension leash to it, making it even worse.

When we do come across dogs that are grumpy; no matter the reason we do our very best to ignore and move on.  I make it very much a non issue; telling Luke and Elsa that we don't care about that kind of thing.  More importantly I act like I don't care; there in lies the biggest and most important factor.  By displaying my own very calm behavior they see that these things are no big deal and follow my lead.  There are times when I am startled by a dog; perhaps one that rounds a corner that I hadn't seen.  Even then I do my best; which can be very difficult, to remain calm.  I am someone who does not like surprises; this is one reason that I prefer to exercise my dogs in large open field parks instead of walking down the street.  I like to know what is out ahead and if there is a problem coming; I'd like to see it and know before it is upon us.

Yes there is a common denominator in all three of these situations.  The extension leash.  The more I see extension leashes the more I realize that the belong in the garbage.  I had one for Jessie, I loved it.  But it was only used in a park with no one around.  I had excellent control of it and Jessie.  When someone approached I reeled it and her in.  Using extension leashes carelessly is just a continuation of inexperience, carelessness and lack of concern for others.  Too many people have them and have no idea how to use them.  These are typically the same people who have no control of their dog; a dangerous combination.

Treats? Maybe not.

Tennis balls - the object of Elsa's biggest affection.  You can throw anything but bring out a tennis ball and it is a whole different ball game.  As a wrote a while ago, Elsa has a problem with stealing or attempting to steal other's balls.  She can't help herself so I need to help her to get a grip.  She needs to learn that just because another dog is chasing a tennis ball, does not mean that she can have it.  Bottom line, there needs to be control where there currently is none.

I grabbed two balls and headed outside.  First I started to bounce one, just one ball slowly; which was enough to get her tennis ball eyes on.  I moved around the yard bouncing the ball and then told Elsa to "leave it" as I rolled it slowly down the stairs.  She motioned to bolt after it like I knew that she would.  I used my own body language and a firm AHHH to stop her before she took off.  She looked at me with panic in her eyes.  I told her that she was a good girl and retrieved the ball myself.  This was the ground work for our control exercise.  So right away she knew that things were different; this was not an ordinary game of throwing and retrieving.

With the two balls in hand, once again I started to bounce.   Then I through one towards the wall.  Before it left my hand I said "leave it," giving Elsa a heads up.  When she did leave it I immediately told her okay an let the second ball fly for her across the yard.  Her reward for not taking one was to chase the other.  You see a treat will not work in this situation.  Why?  Because it is not a reward if it is not something that you want.  When there is a game of chase and retrieve in the works, Elsa will choose the object of tossing over the food.  Sure she'll grab food but it is not what she is after.

Using your own body - By stepping in with my body at the first sign that she is considering going after ball, it helps her to understand.  We will work with this in our own backyard until she has good control.  Once she has conquered that we will move to the park and then around other dogs with balls.  When dogs have high drive they can become uncontrollable if you don't teach them control.  Elsa has been allowed to indulge in her ball chasing; she has amazing control on her own with her own ball.  But she must learn when she can and cannot grab any ball.

Any dog can learn this but you the guardian must take the time and patience to teach it.  Baby steps to success.

More fun and games

Of course like any other visit; the games began before the front door was shut.  Here is a good pic to see the size difference now.  A fleeting break in the games. 

I'm just going to chew your arm a bit.

Teeth wrestling.

Big difference in mouths.

Penny has her big girl teeth now.  

Penny loves to hurl herself at Elsa; never concerning herself with how or where she will land.

More hurling.

A play bow.

Love this, a returned bow. 

Elsa takes great joy from being much taller than Penny. ( I know how Penny feels)

They could play tug for hours.

But wrestling is fun too as the sun starts to set.

By the end of the day Miss Penny was getting very tired.

A bit more wrestling to fit in.

Penny looking to dive on Elsa once again.  

They played well into the dark until the moment that Penny left.  Two very tired girls today, I'm sure.  

Movements of the pack

Shifting in my chair sends Elsa to her feet.  She's ready, she's always ready.  She is a girl on a mission; she knows the routine and follows it like drill sergeant.  Luke also has an eye on things; albeit at a much more mellow pace now.  He was just like Elsa; I couldn't make a move without him jumping to his feet.  I think that he follows me too much for a 12.5 year old; he makes me feel guilty every time that I do have to move.  But Elsa can handle the up and down, she's got more than enough energy.   But both move when the pack moves.

Many people over the years have complained to me that their dog constantly follows them.  They act like it is a clingy thing and are not fans.  Clingy maybe, if it has become an issue but it is typically a pack behavior.  Depending on the dog, it can become a problem behavior but the normal following is very pack related.  I love it, where I go my dogs go.  Where I'm hanging they hang and if I'm doing something they want to come along.   It is only as my dogs age that it starts to bother me and it is not that I don't like it; I don't like to see them struggling to get up and down as I move around the house.  But there comes a time when they stop following; first it slows and then they sleep so soundly that they don't even realize that you have moved.  For now I enjoy the following and try to sneak away quietly if Luke has fallen asleep somewhere, so as not to wake him with every move.

Our dogs are watching, always watching us.  As I often write, it is this watching that should create a sense of  watching how we react to things.  But each watches differently.  As far as movement of the pack is concerned they are all watching but in their own way.  Luke has always been a foot watcher.  He not only wanted to know when you were moving but exactly which direction you were going in as well.  Elsa is a fine tuned movement detector; I cannot make a move with any part of my body without her jumping to her feet.  Once on her feet she will watch and fly into action if required to do so.  If there is something important following to do, like feeding time or walk time then she likes to move ahead of me; believing that this will help to guide me to my appropriate destination.

The natural following behavior in dogs will vary with each individual.  Some dogs are not big followers and only move with the pack if the pack is doing something big like going for a walk.  They are fine viewing from afar and don't have the need for closeness.  Many dogs need to be in the same room with you; these have always been my dogs.  Not so much Jessie but most definitely all of my poodles.  Then there are the ones who need to be by your side; Luke and Elsa fit into this category.  They aren't crazy cling-ons with the need to be touching but they most definitely want to be near.

There is a fine line between needing to be close and a separation issue.  If your dog just simply enjoys being by your side, great.  If they must be or they come unglued; not so great.  Anxiety is a horrible thing for anyone.  To live with it as a constant in your life is not a good way to live.  That goes for us and our dogs.  Our dogs need to learn to be okay without always being by our side.  We need to offer them a life of being a "well adjusted dog."  If your dog has separation issues that revolve around you then you need to address them immediately.

Typical pack behavior of following the leader is a natural one.  I enjoy it.  It keeps us close without being on top of each other.  We pretty much know where we all are at all times of the day. But if I happen to go out without them, that is fine too.  I try to keep Elsa on her toes by switching our up our routine; otherwise she becomes a bit of a control freak.  You should be the leader and your dogs should follow you; because you are their leader.  Our dogs need guidance, they need training and they most definitely need a leader.  If you are not the leader then who is the leader of your pack?

A year already?

Wow, it has been a year since we are back in California.  We spent much of the weekend discussing the whole "there and back again" with all the changes that life dealt.  Sitting here in bed with Luke and Elsa deep in their dreams; twitching and running in their sleep I cannot help but look back.  April 1st, unbelievable really.  How does time pass so fast?  Although time seems to move in the blink of an eye; looking back, much has changed.  I remember like it was yesterday; looking at Jessie, Tilley and Luke knowing that someday it would change.  Thinking to myself, how could I have a different pack?  My pack had been Jessie, Tilley and Luke for so long.  It was who I was to the core.  But things change and it's not always a bad thing.

My pack is now Luke and Elsa and it is amazingly wonderful.  Yes I loved my pack before; I adored having them all, Jessie, Tilley and Luke.  My heart dog before Luke was Clyde; before him it was Mandy. What memories I have with each and every one and as they say "life stops for no one."  Each dog has their own life lessons taught to me; with day to day unfolding, life is a constant learning curve.  There have been more concentrated lessons in the last sixteen months, much more to process and handle.

One of my favorite quotes of all time is "don't look back; you're not going that way."  Over the past year and a bit;  this quote has made me stop in my tracks, gather my thoughts and keep going.  True, we are not going back in time; we are constantly and unavoidably moving forward.  But there are times when you need to look back and remember; not to dwell but to reminisce or recall a life lesson. Living with dogs is a constant life lesson; with each day unfolding in a new and different direction.  Sometimes lessons are huge, having a tremendous impact; others may be small and go unnoticed.  Life can then call upon those small and seemingly insignificant lessons learned, later on and they may be exceedingly powerful.

Although you cannot stop time; you can stop and take the time to take in life.  Life has a tendency to fly by; some days more so than others.  "Stop and smell the roses," is not a only a famous quote but good life advice.  Life can become so fast that we literally miss a great deal of it.  A year can be a whirlwind that flies by in a heartbeat.  When it does you need to stop and ponder; take a breath and smell the roses.

True, life moves forward; we cannot go back in time.  But that does not mean that we can never go back.  Sometimes going back is a better choice than moving in a different direction.  No, time will not stand still and things can never be exactly as they once were but they can change, be different or even better.   Time is something that we cannot stop; life is a never ending motion forward.  What you take from each passing day goes with you into the next.  With each day spent with your dog you learn for the next day; next year and next dog.  It is all an evolution.

So on this April fools day (which I am not a fan of) take the time to stop; smell some roses, tulips or even snow melt.  But stop, even for a few to take in your life and don't let it just fly by.  Grab it;  live it, it is yours after all.

Have a wonderful weekend

Have a wonderful weekend with your best friends and take the time to stop and smell the roses.  

Not really made for our dogs

It is Easter weekend and like all the other holiday seasons there will be many items out there to purchase for not only humans but our dogs as well.  Isn't it funny how we scoop up seasonal items to share with our dogs?  It is commercialism at it's finest.  Make toys, treats and other canine items in the shape of bunnies, eggs and chicks and people will buy them.  Whatever makes you happy, I say.  But, is your dog happy?  What I see out there in the world of products for our dogs is a lot of garbage, made strictly to turn a buck and the bigger buck the better.  The products that are more geared to you are not really for our dogs.

Let me explain.  First let me say that I LOVE stuff for dogs; that is I love real stuff for dogs.  I love dog gear; the items that actually makes living with dogs easier, more enjoyable and more fun.  I am not into things that are going to sit around and eventually go in the garbage.  I do not like little toys made to fit the current holiday season that are inferior quality and quite frankly a huge waste of money.  When I am out scouring for new dog items, I am looking for quality and dog appeal.  Something that I believe my dogs will find enjoyable. The items on the shelf that are produced to attract we humans are passed over.  I find myself snickering in the isles as I look at the things they make for us.  That's right us; do you really think that our dogs care that a toy looks like a bunny?

I like things (dog stuff) that will last.  Many of the toys out there are really poor quality, even dangerous due to their lack of quality.  These items are most definitely NOT MADE FOR OUR DOGS.  That makes me mad.  Of course it is like anything in the world of commercial products; there are the excellent, good and the very bad ones.  As canine guardians it is our job to sift through it all and choose the best, more canine enticing and quality products.  This often means skipping over those items that have been made to lure us in.  Give your money to those companies who are producing the good stuff; the quality items that are actually for our dogs and our life with dogs.  Not those who are just throwing cheap garbage together to pawn off as a cute dog item.

When you buy quality products they will cost more but save you money in the long run.  You won't need to replace them.  Good, quality items will be around for a while so that your dog can enjoy them.  When I find a toy or product that is quality and my dogs love, I spread the word.  By supporting the companies that are concerned about our dog's welfare; we help to weed out the garbage producers.  Sure they will always be around, they keep trying to find a product that entices the humans to buy. Most of the big box pet stores have the highest percentage of garbage products lining their shelves.  Sad but true.  If you want real dog stuff then you must search and although it can take time it is truly worth it.

But just because something costs more, does not mean that it is a better product.  There are many products out there that cost a fortune and are not worth a fraction of the cost.  These are the worst items; you spend more thinking that the product is quality, only to discover you've purchased really expensive garbage.

The almighty dollar is what drives our commercial society.    The garbage products are made so cheaply because the folks producing them really don't care one bit how long it lasts or if your dog chokes on it.  The companies who really do care use quality products to create their product so it costs more; it only makes sense.  The ones making the garbage products are more than likely making more money from their product as well; which is their one and only goal.  So think about it.

As we stand with a cute stuffed bunny in one hand and an indestructible, all natural toy in the other we think dollars.  The garbage toy is 3.99, the good toy 7.99; what one are you going to buy?

That's it, done.

That's it, done; no more ball.  Elsa's game was abruptly ended when she made the choice to run off to see a little dog.  I was using this particular dog as a training aid; we'd met them before and the woman was very nice as was her little dog.  Elsa is amazing at keeping her eye on the ball so to speak.  Dogs can come and go without her veering from her job of retrieving.  But this dog was coming close, very close and stopping to watch so I seized the moment.  She ignored the small dog for a while as I cheered her on and tossed the ball with even more intensity.  But then a small thread came loose causing the whole thing to unravel.  Not only had Elsa gone to see the small dog, but Luke as well.

By the time I caught up with them I said "that's it."  Elsa looked at me as I put the Chuckit back in it's resting place with the ball as well.  She forgot about the little dog and ran off to do more catching.  "Nope, that's it" I said again as her body posture fell.  The little impromptu meet and greet ended the game and it is essential that it was ended.  Elsa loves nothing more than retrieving and running so each time she retrieves the ball and drops it at my feet she is once again rewarded by it being thrown.  It is important that the ball be sent out at the precise speed as the retrieve and placement.

When Elsa brings the ball in fast but drops it several feet from me, I will meander over and get it albeit in my own sweet time.  If she runs at tops speed and drops it at my feet I will scoop and toss that baby as fast as I can.  This action alone helps her to "stay in the game" and bring it home correctly.  She's a fast girl, crazy intelligent and on the ball.  So ending the game when she veered off is very important.  I rely on her ball commitment to ensure that she gets her retrieving in daily.  We can play where others cannot due to her dedicated commitment.  If I cannot rely on that steadfast commitment; then there will be less ball throwing.

But dogs being dogs; there is no true guarantee.  All I have is her commitment and my common sense; so there is no throwing in even the slightest area where there may be hint of a danger.  My concern is that she not go off and bother people.  She must commit to the ball if we are going to play ball; we play ball.  This is not a flippant game for us; it is serious business or not at all.  Even if she stops midway to sniff something; I will react.  My typical reaction for this is to head right for her.  She knows that if I pick up the ball then it will mean a break in the game.  If I make it to the ball and pick it up, I walk very slowly back to the throw spot.  Then I take my time, I ask for some obedience type behaviors and then we try again.  Stopping and smelling the roses is a rare occurrence now.

It is all or nothing, we seize the moment.  When we have a clear spot we grab it for some ball time.  I'm a big fan of stopping and smelling the roses but that comes after our very important ball time.  If there is a behavior break in the game, then "that's it," done and once that Chuck it is put away it doesn't come out again for a while.

That perfect fit.

A match made in heaven; isn't this everyone's dream of living with a dog.  That old image that comes to so many when considering the idea of getting a dog.  You sitting watching television in the evening with your dog laying by your feet.  Jogging through the park with your dog by your side; ahhhhhh heaven on earth right?  Or sitting on the front porch with the birds chirping; your dog snoozing away the afternoon.  How glorious.  Well, not all relationships end quite so happy; many are a mismatch right from the get go.  Sad but true.

I have visited many homes where the owner simply has the wrong dog.  It may be the wrong breed or it might be just the wrong dog as a individual.   It doesn't matter if it is a purebred, mix, rescue or shelter dog.  If it doesn't fit, things can go from bad to worse.  The whole idea of living with dogs is to better your life and your dog's as well.  That means that you will be required to fulfill your dog's needs as he will fulfill yours.  But if you cannot happily or willingly fill those needs then it's not going to be a happy life for either one of you.

Finding the perfect fit can take a while but I cannot stress how important this is.  Do you think that shelters and rescues would be filled to the brim with dogs if everyone had taken their time and considered, before acting?  Many people should never have a dog; those who have an idealistic yet unrealistic image of living with a dog.  A dog by their side that is just cute and cuddly, yet never poops, pukes, rolls on dead things or needs training?  Those folks are best to go buy a beautiful new piece of furniture to spend their time with.

Not all of us want to or can happily live with every dog.  That my friends is the fact.  Even when some rescue people believe that a dog is a dog is a dog and if you love dogs you should take any of them.  That is simple a recipe for failure.  Being a very experienced dog person; I can deal with a great number of issues and fit them into my life.  That said there are some things that I do not want to live with and I know what those things are.  I have my life and I want a dog to enjoy it with me; we are active and social as we are out and about a lot.

Of course there is the "work" factor.  How much work are you willing to put into making your dog fit?  Some people don't mind any amount of work; training, grooming, socializing etc etc.  Some dogs take a huge amount of work to help them fit in anywhere.  But there are also those who are not willing to go to extreme heights to fix issues and that is fine, as long as they know that and do not take on a dog that needs a ton of work or help.  Some dogs come with a ton of baggage; some have issues that they are born with, both mental and physical.

When you are looking for a dog to add to your family, think.  Think long and hard about the "what ifs."  Do not look into those sad little eyes staring at you at the rescue event and cave.  That dog that is sucking you in may just be the worst decision that you ever made.  Maybe the not so adorable dog in the next cage is perfect in every way, FOR YOU.  Yes I love dogs, I love them like crazy; every shape, size, color and age.  I LOVE DOGS.  But, I also love a perfect fit.  When a dog and human come together and make magic together.  There is nothing like it when it's right.  But when it's wrong it can be very sad.

I have met client dogs with huge problems with their living arrangement.  But those same problems in someone else's home would seem small and inconsequential.   When choosing to add a second, third or fourth dog you should always add with care.  The right dog can enhance a pack; the wrong one can turn everything right, wrong.  The same goes with adding a dog to your family; it has to fit.  If you are one of those "want to help" folks; one who loves to nurture and give all the care needed then you will obviously have a larger selection.  But if you have a limited knowledge of the canine species, a lack of willingness to rehabilitate; then go with something that fits you, just you.

Sadly there are way too many dogs out there needing homes.  But finding the right home, the home where they will stay; love and be loved for the rest of their life is where they should be.  Taking a dog on a whim, a heart pull or just feeling like you should do something is not a good reason to take a dog.  All dogs deserve someone; someone who will do everything in their power to make their life together a great one.

What on earth are you barking at?

We were pulling through McDs drive through for our after workout coffee on the weekend when I heard barking.  I looked around to see where it was coming from and could not locate the sound.  My husband said "it's the dog behind us."  There in an old truck sitting in the passenger seat was an old dog; a mix of maybe a husky and lab.  His face was grey, his ears were upright but only half way with the tips flipped over.  He looked old, he had that old crooked face look and he was barking.  I watched him for a bit and realized that he was barking at everything.  His owner smiled at him and they had a bit of a conversation; not sure what it was about but the dog seemed to enjoy it.  His bark was a happy one, like he was happy to be out with his Dad bark.

A bark can mean a thousand different things.  Do you know why your dog is barking?  Yesterday Luke was being dried after a bath.  He didn't want to be dried so he went to the edge the concrete steps in our yard and barked.  It was a "I'm busy barking" bark; one to let me know that he did not have time for such nonsense like being dried.  He lets out the same bark when he is being groomed and isn't in the mood.  He pretends like there is important things that he needs to bark at.  What a guy.

Then there is the fake out "look something to bark at" bark to get someone to drop their toy and come to see.  All of my dogs have used this over the years; it is quite brilliant.  Luke was the easiest to read when he was planning on using it.  You could see the whole scenario play out in his eyes before he even made a move.  He'd look at Tilley with a bone, look at the door and back at Tilley.  Then he'd let out one of his small "I think I hear something" barks first to test the waters.  Next came the full on barking and run to the door which inevitably got her up and leaving the bone that he wanted.  A quick pivot and he would swoop it up.

Serious barking is deep and ferocious sounding; quite scary when I hear it.  I don't hear it often from any of my dogs but when I do it always amazes how truly intimidating they can sound. It is meant to warn and it does if you are smart.  Even the smallest of dogs can sound scary; when they mean business.

Dogs have so many reasons to bark.  I really hate when I see people yelling at their dog to shut up. Sure there are times when a dog just goes off on a tangent.  Often when they are bored a dog will go on and on and on.  Maybe they are feeling a little bit stressed or anxious; barking can ensue.  We went through a big barking period when we first moved to this house.  Everyone was sort of on edge due to a new home but the cause was Jessie.  After coming home to a riled up pack of frenzy barking a couple to times I attempted to figure it all out one day.  I stood outside the front door after pretending to leave.  Watching through the front door I saw Jessie run up the stairs after the poodles and then the barking started.

I opened the front door as quietly as I could and tiptoed up the stairs.  Jessie was barking her little head off and both Luke and Tilley had started as well.  What I saw when I got upstairs was a very angry little Jack Russell who could not manage to jump high enough to get onto the bed where the poodles were.  She was angry and frustrated about the situation which was where the barking started.  Her barking caused the poodles to think that there was something to bark at so they all kept going, it was crazy.  From that moment I closed my bedroom door when we went out and the barking stopped.

Barking is not just barking; there is a reason, there is always a reason.  Even if it is frenzied, none stop barking; there is a reason.  It can be caused by happiness, excitement, anger, frustration, anxiety, stress, insecurity, loss, desire, boredom, you name it.  Elsa barks when she is excited; it is one thing that really annoys me but it is typically short lived.  She is learning to talk rather than bark which I can tolerate and is quite cute I might add.  Much better than barking.

When your dog barks; listen.  At what and why are they barking?

Just a game?

Mid throw, as I watched the ball soar through the air it dawned on me; this is more than just a game.  Elsa watched the ball with the intensity that she commits to each and every retrieve.  No this is more than just a game, this is a sport.  Of course it is only a sport if I have my trusty Chuck it; otherwise as I've written before, I throw like a girl.  With a Chuckit in my hand I throw like a Rock Star.  ;)  Has the sport of Chuckit become a competitive sport?  I wondered with my next throw and would Google it once I got home.  The sun was getting warmer so with a couple more throws we headed for home.  Once home I sat at the computer looking for the Chuckit competitions but found none.  Perhaps it is still an underground sport and has yet to appear in the mainstream performance field like agility, flyball and disc dogs. Or maybe it will stay with the weekend warriors in the parks and fields as they spend their time together with their dogs.

Competition - rivalry for supremacy or a prize.

There you have it; to be the best.  Competition is a funny thing.  I am a pretty competitive person; that said I am not into competitive sports or activities.  When Tilley was in her prime we began a life of Frisbee.  She became an amazing disc dog and we even dabbled in the competitive world of disc dogs.  After only attending a few competitions I decided that it was not for us.  Even though I thought that Tilley was beyond spectacular and would love for the world to see what she could do; it wasn't much fun for her or I.  Too much standing around waiting for her turn to play.  But it's not just the competitive Frisbee sport where this happens; no it is all organized competitive sports, both canine and human.  If your strive to be the best and win the prize drives you and you don't mind waiting then you will love official competition.

But for me and my dogs I prefer to just have fun.  More of it and less standing around.  I could have entered into many different competitive fields with Tilley; she had drive to boot.  So I learned early on that the canine competitive world was not for me or us.  But, I love partaking in many different sports with my dogs.  I tend to watch them as they grow and show a natural desire to do a particular sport and then we indulge in that.  For Elsa it is retrieving; like Tilley but different.  Elsa has a clear desire to run along with her drive, so the sport of Chuckiting fits her to a T.  Because she loves to run and I don't I have worked hard on my throw; sending that little ball further and further for her to chase.

Elsa has learned to listen for instructions and is tracking more precisely with each outing.  She's got huge drive which can be tough to work with when you are indulging it.  But once you figure out your dog's drive and how it works specifically the possibilities are endless.  Elsa watches my body direction intensely so that she knows exactly which path the ball will take as it is launched.   I regularly adjust my direction ever so slightly to keep her on her toes.  I may ask her to run out and then down before the ball is release; or I might just let it go.  Then there are times when I have her go around; control is the secret. Control is what makes it more than just a regular game; formulating more of a performance game or sport.

As I watched the ball land and bounce once before Elsa caught it I smiled thinking that she would probably win the gold in a Chuckit competition.  Her goal is always to catch it on the first bounce, as was Tilley's.  But on the next throw that day she missed it which sent her on a mad scurry of an intensely driven pursuit of the ball.  With it finally in her mouth I realized that miss would have been a disappointment in the field of competition.  But there with just us as her spectators we smiled at her drive; beaming with pride at her quest to succeed.

We may not compete in an organized sport but we most definitely are a performance home.   Furthermore, you can bet when another dog and owner show up at the park that we up our game.  ;)

Completion is near

First cover on the wall.  

I'm writing again; I took a long while off having published three books at the end of 2012.  It was a huge goal of mine to get two done and I actually got three completed so I was very happy.  As 2013 arrived I sat at my computer and had nothing; literally nothing to write.  I sat for a while and realized that it wasn't happening.  After writing this blog for many years I clearly know what writers block feels like.  I pushed away from the computer and took a break.  You cannot force writing; if you do it's not good, at least not for me.  When I write because I have to write it is forced and just not a great read.

Luke snoozing in the office

I've been back at it for a while.  First came the regrouping stage, getting my head on straight so to speak.  Then the writing, photographs and lots of work pulling everything together.  My next book out will be my second children's book in the Luke and Elsa series.  Having a passion for dogs, writing and photography it makes sense that my picture books seem to be my favorite to work on.  Having the chance to break up my writing with digital editing of my images and bringing them together is just the best.  I love writing but it can be tough to sit and do it for hours upon hours.  The children's book gives me just the perfect amount of two passions coming together.

Coming up with ideas for my books is easy; it just happens.  My life revolves around dogs and as my blog unfolds in my day to day so do my books.  I don't force book subject, they sort of land on my lap.  This new one is about how Elsa wants to fly; try, try, try and she just might.  As a Mom myself I know what messages that I want children to get.  This book will be about not giving up; when you really, really want something you must keep trying.

Elsa fell asleep on the job.  Her ever watchful eye had to have a nap.

After Elsa's flying book is done I am onto other books.  I have three others on the go including one just announced yesterday.  There are days when I am seriously focused on one book and it draws me in for the whole day.  Other days find me a little more scattered; bouncing around to several of my books.  As I write I am listening to the sounds of my two; Luke and Elsa who are my constant companions.  Luke typically sleeps while I write but there are moments when he likes to view his world through my office patio door.  Elsa is ever busy with a watchful eye on the comings and goings outside.  She does sleep and when the two are fast asleep and deep in their dreams I smile.  I love watching them sleep.  Occasionally they are motionless and silent; peaceful.  While other times their sleep is action packed; filled with whimpers, running and barking.  They are my inspiration.

                                              You can see all of my books here.

As my latest book is wrapping up on my computer it will go through the process of reading, re-reading, re-reading and proofing before it's arrival.  Stay tuned.  It will be a great summer read for the kids.  So then it will be onto more serious writing until the next title for the Luke and Elsa series lands on my lap.

That monster vehicle

This is a post from a couple of years ago; you'll notice the absence of Elsa in it.  But it is how to help your dog over the whole fear/nausea feeling about your vehicle.  It is a common problem, one that I have address many times with client's dogs over the years.  If your dog is not motivated by food then you can use their favorite toy.  Catching a tennis ball, tugging on a toy etc etc.  The whole idea is to change the association to the car.

It is important to address the problem because if you just keeping putting them in the car and they get sick; the problem will grow.  If you have any questions, please ask away.


 As I said yesterday I will discuss car sickness and dogs this morning; it is a common problem and an easy fix. Almost all dogs are car sick as youngsters; but if a breeder has made a point of getting their puppies out in a car from a very early stage you may be one of the lucky ones and dodged a bullet. I remember bringing home Jessie; a tiny white bundle of adorable she rode on my daughters lap, my daughter was 9 years old at the time. The kids were all smitten; oooooing and awwwing and trying to pick a name when SPLOSH. Jessie puked on my daughters lap; of course there was a commotion, lots of GROOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSS so we pulled over and cleaned it up. She rode the rest of the way down the country roads on my lap.

All of my dogs have been car sick dogs except for Luke; it is very common. Being someone who gets motion sick myself; I understand completely. And I feel for dogs as they start to drool; long strands of saliva hanging from their mouth, their eyes filled with "I don't feel well." It is a horrible feeling. Some dogs get over it quickly and on their own; others need help and if you don't step in and assist in their rehabilitation the issue can lodge in their brain and cause unnecessary prolonged vomiting in your car. Basically what happens is that your dog starts to relate the horrible feeling of motion sickness to the car.

Tilley was one of these associated vomiting dogs. I noticed very quickly that she would start drooling before we even got into the car. So it was all in her head; I hate this phrase but it was all in her head. So we had to re-associate; and that is what you must do to help your dog get over their car sickness. Just like most behaviors with dogs you need to go slow; baby steps. If your dog is like Tilley and started before even getting in the car you need to start there. I would put Tilley's collar and leash on and head towards the car. We would stop at the car; I'd ask her to sit and give treats, tons of praise and then we calmly walked away. And did it again and again until she was giving me a positive response to approaching the car.

Next we worked on just opening the car door and creating a positive response. It is important to give all the treats and praise while in the "bad" zone. This puts the focus on building positive right at the correct place. When you walk away from the car or get your dog out of the car you are to say nothing. You want to build the association that the car is a great and wonderful place, not getting out or moving away. So from there you move slowly to sitting in the car for treats a praise. Only do this for very short time span and only move onto the next step once you have complete success at the present step.

You then progress to you sitting in the drivers sit and tossing treats back to your dog. Make that a great place by simply chilling, chatting and getting treats. When you have success there you start the car; don't go anywhere as this is a big step and you must ensure a positive association to it here. Your next step is to simply back out your driveway and drive back in; always quit while you're ahead. Don't push it; be happy with small successes. The next step is down your street and back again and from that point in time you build on time.

Make sure not to feed your dog before any of your car sick training. A full stomach is detrimental to your hard work and dogs tend to vomit much quicker on a full stomach. Use special treats that are only given in the wonderful, amazing and glorious car. Of course with all this training there are a few dogs that may remain motion sick or need you to break it all down into even smaller steps.  Never proceed to the next step until you have success at the present one.  

Lymphoma

I was stopped in the parking lot yesterday by a woman in a car.  Luke, Elsa and I were done our walk and headed to the Xterra.  The woman in the car called out "what type of dogs are those?"  I am very used to being asked this question.  I told her Standard Poodles and she said "really?"  "Yep, I know they don't look like poodles" I told her.  Then she told me about her dog; a labradoodle that had died from Lymphoma at the young age of 21 months.  So sad, I told her I was very sorry and she told me that her dog was fine and in the span of two weeks, gone.  Elsa is 21 months old so her story hit home for me.  I don't know much about lymphoma so when I got home I did some research.

Lymphoma typically hits middle age to old dogs.  It can hit any type, breed or mix but there are some dogs that are more susceptible to it.  Those breeds who are more prone to being predisposed to the disease are as follows:

Golden Retrievers

Scottish Terriers

Basset Hounds

German Shepherds

Bulldogs

Boxers

Rottweilers

Saint Bernards

Beagles

There is a genetic predisposition to the disease but it can also be caused by environmental toxic substances, viruses and bacteria.  Pesticides seem to be a main cause of concern not only in canine lymphoma but humans as well.  As I walked around my yard yesterday noticing all the dandelions I thought to myself "who cares?"  Why do we put so much importance on a perfectly lush golf course type, weed free lawn?  The consequences of a gorgeous lawn is just not worth it, not for anyone.

These are a few of the links I found during my research.

New York Times article points finger at pesticide

Canine Cancer

Colorado State University Cancer Center

As far as the genetic link; it can be difficult to pull a dog from your breeding line before it is too late.  A dog who comes down with lymphoma may have already had a few litters sadly.  Although all dogs with any genetic link should be pulled once it is discovered.  As far as the chemical link; try to keep your dogs away from areas that are treated heavily with pesticides.  We search out fields and areas that look scrubby; the ones that have not been treated.  Do not allow any pesticides to be used on your lawn.  Our dogs and family are far more important than a velvety lawn.

I remember a young guy coming to my door a while back.  He was selling pesticides to kill garden type bugs.  It was for your lawn, to kill those pesky bugs that live there in the ground.  "What?"  I was appalled as he told me which of my neighbors had just paid him to spray their lawn.  "What about those spiders?" he asked me.  "They are allowed to live here" I told him.  "All the bugs are allowed to live here in our yard," I said.  "You aren't getting my money today, sorry" were my final words as he walked away.  If I want a bug dead, I step on it.  (black and/or brown widows only)

Situational awareness

I hear a small jingle; it is barely audible but there.  Everything else goes silent as I listen for that one single sound.  Is it getting closer?  Quickly I turn around to see a medium sized scruffy dog charging our way.  Instantly I scan the horizon; no owner in sight, great.  I throw my dog reading skills into high gear so that I can assess what is coming next.  It all plays out like I knew it would.  Luke is mad and Elsa is thrilled by the appearance of this Benji look alike.  I can deal with it because I knew it was coming.  Had I not known, not heard the far off jingle, I would have been flustered.

Situational awareness; is a very important part of our life and the day to day with our dogs.  Some folks have none, others have a bit and then there are the very aware.  Just like us there is a huge difference in situational awareness in our dogs.  Elsa, like me has extreme situational awareness.  I don't like surprises and neither does Elsa.  If she happens to let her guard down which happens very rarely, things like Dove's end up fluttering close by startling her.  Lesson learned.  Of course everyone has their guard down sometimes; an interesting conversation with a neighbor can knock it down a few.  Perhaps an incident unfolds in the distance; drawing your full attention to it.  Life itself can get in the way of situational awareness but you must still be aware.

These days cell phones are a huge culprit to the dissolving situational awareness.  Many people who become involved in a cell phone conversation lose all awareness of their surroundings.  I run into these folks all the time.  For us it can make the difference between an incident going well and things going very wrong.   Dogs with great situational awareness can be more of a challenge as far as learning to deal with the surrounding environment.  Of course that all has to do with how they react; how you react to each new thing and how much socializing they have had.  Dogs with no situational awareness can end up being hurt; due to the fact that they just don't notice things.

For dogs like Elsa; each new element in life is noticed, assessed and stored for later recall.  How you  react to those things will be the determining factor as far as association.  It is very difficult to remain calm when you yourself are startled.  I do not like to be startled; not too many people enjoy it.  Being startled gives you little time to act in a calm and collected manner.  Everyone performs at a much better level when they know what is coming; situational awareness.  Given the appropriate information (that you noticed) you can then act of that.  With no information (because you were not aware) you have nothing to help in dealing.

The same goes for dogs.  Although most dogs are much more aware of their surroundings versus humans.  There are dogs who are not aware; Penny is one of those.  She could be on the edge of a cliff, at the beach or at the mall and not know the difference.  She often sends her body hurling at something that excites her with no sense of what might happen when she lands.  Although these type of dogs may be easy as far as not having to deal with big life reactions they can get hurt simply by not being aware.  Jessie was also one of these type dogs.  She was triggered by motion and always on the lookout for just that.  Much of the regular mundane life stuff passed her by without notice.  These type of dogs need to have a human watch out for them.  I was constantly protecting her from herself.  What a little fireball she was.

Both Luke and Elsa are extremely aware dogs.  Only now as Luke ages are there things that go unnoticed by him.  I like my dogs to be aware but calm having been socialized to the max.  If something should come upon us without their notice I will do my best to give them a heads up.  It is important that they have time to react; time changes everything.  A dog running at us can turn into a tension filled event if no one sees it coming.  Versus a dog running up on us that initiates a great game of chase because the dogs had time to read the signals.

We should always be aware.  If you are not the aware type, you can train yourself to be aware.  Being situationally aware is important.  Not only for your own safety but your dogs.  It is always best if you see something before your dog; of course this can be tough with the very aware guys like Luke and Elsa.  Our outings have me scanning the horizon constantly.  I find it hard to have a proper conversation with anyone while out with the dogs because I am always watching.  I keep my eye on the horizon, on my dogs and any other dog that happens to be around.  Having a good conversation if you can is an added bonus.

Situational awareness; do you have it?

The art of defusing

Lot's going on here.

Dogs are amazing at defusing a situation.  I am always writing about how each dog is an individual; different than any other.  Each has their own personal way of delivering a message but as a species there are great similarities.   As far as body language, they use a universal one; but each dog has their own twist.  Defusing a situation is very interesting to watch.  A dog assesses a situation and deals with it in their own way.  Depending on who a specific dog is as far as temperament and that particular dog's life experience will make the difference.  Of course there are dog's who will always throw fuel on a fire and never consider defusing.  But for those who do it and do it well, it is an art form.  Mastery to behold.

Years ago I was at the beach for a photo shoot.  I was there to shoot Sloughi's and my two models just so happened to live with one of the most savvy dogs that I have ever met.  He was a big boy that looked like a St. Bernard mix.  He had a presence about himself; an air of confidence.  Not long after we arrived a German Shepherd dog came onto the scene.  He spotted the big mix and decided to show him who owned the beach.  The big St. mix stood watching the Shepherd approach, hair up, ears up with a direct and intense stare.  As he got close enough to the big mix, the St. Bernard mix turned and walked away.  This left the Shepherd standing in the sand wondering what had just happened.  It was clear that the big mix was not concerned, apprehensive or even batting an eyelash over the bully Shepherd.  Very cool.

Watching Elsa and Penny play I see the same behavior albeit down quite a few intensity notches.  Penny loves to stalk Elsa which Elsa typically loves, but sometimes she doesn't want to be stalked.  As Penny approaches in her stalking stance Elsa spots her; if she wants to defuse the stalking behavior she will turn and start sniffing the ground.  She is displaying that she is busy doing something else; it always works.  Penny has not got this defusing behavior down yet but with Elsa's guidance is shouldn't be long before she picks it up.  As a puppy she hasn't needed it; she prefers to be in the thick of it at the moment.

Often when two very dominant dogs meet one will push and the other will turn and walk away.  There is a huge difference in walking away and submitting.  The entire body must be observed to see the difference.  What does walking away without submitting mean?  It means that the dog has no desire to interact; they are quite confident feeling no need to fight.  A confident dominant dog does not necessarily want to fight, nor do they pick fights.  They can be a very confident dog not feeling like they need to.  Luke is much like this; he is a dominant male and very confident.  He will not back down from a fight but will never pick one either.  He is a lover not a fighter.

Then there is the learning aspect of it all.  A far more mature and confident dog may display this behavior as a clear message of superiority.  A sort of "I'm at the top, I don't do this,"  message.  Of course there is always the dog that will not defuse and a fight or further pushing may follow.  Each interaction, environmental stimulus and dog will be different so you can never be sure that defusing will work.  But when it is used by between two experienced and confident dogs it is amazing.

Dogs are far more experienced and talented at reading and delivering messages than we will ever be.  They do it all without a word spoken.  It is the humans that fail to read a dog correctly; there is so much to know and understand.  Many people have it all wrong; they read and interpret their dog's behavior completely inaccurately.  With this comes misguided reactions to their dogs actions.  It must be frustrating to be a well versed dog who is completely misunderstood by their owner.  It is more than worth the effort to learn about canine behaviors if you are indeed going to live with one.