Those types

Yesterday we headed to one of our favorite beaches.  The weather was amazing, not a cloud in the intensely blue sky and 82 degrees.  It was a beach day for sure.  The dogs love the beach; both Luke and Elsa put on their happy faces before we even get there.  They can smell the ocean as we get closer; with their noses stretching close to the open window.  Not long after we arrived I saw a woman and her two black dogs that we had run into several times before and she was headed straight for us.  The first time we ran into them one had gotten stiff at Elsa and I.  The next time you can read about here.

Having a background on these dogs and their oblivious owner; and seeing that they were indeed out on full extension I gave my hubby who had Luke, a heads up.  We veered to the left and sat at a bench to let her and her unruly dogs pass.  As she passed us she shouted "do you have extension leashes?"   I told her NO abruptly and she continued to tell us about how a man just up the path had yelled at her when her dogs came up to him and his little dog.  It sounded like she got a face full of his wrath.  She thought that she was giving us warning about the man but in fact she was further supporting my opinion of her and her dogs.  She stood behind us for a good long while explaining how her dogs were friendly and she didn't mean to surprise him.  She was obviously shaken by the yelling man; good.  Maybe she will keep her dogs in; although I highly doubt it.

It really amazes me when people do not control their dogs.  If you cannot control your dog verbally then you must keep them on a short leash.  Not everyone wants your dog in their face.  So many people are shocked when a leashed dog goes after their "friendly" dog who is off leash.  If people have their dogs on leash then you better have complete control of your dog if you are considering taking your dog's leash off.  Otherwise leave it on, it is not work the problems that will arise from your unleashed dog approaching on leash dogs.

Do not let your dog wander up to other dogs even on leash before asking.  I use my best body language and getting off of the path if I don't want someone and their dog to approach us.  But that still doesn't deter some, they keep coming blindly.  I had to shout at so many people when I had Jessie, "SHE IS NOT FRIENDLY." If you are going to have an interaction take it slow.  People really don't seem to know their dogs well.  When asked if they are friendly they say "yes" when clearly the dog is not or is not interested in an interaction.

There will always be those oblivious types, like the woman at the beach yesterday.  Sad because those are the ones who give all the good dog people a bad rap.  Now have a great weekend with your best friend.

Canine photography

Photography is a personal thing, taking photos is just as personal.  What one photographer sees as a photo op another may not.  Some photos are taken in studios, others on location and many just as a moment unfolds.  It is as they say "in the eye of the beholder."  I love to shoot canines, obviously.  They are my main photography subject but, I also love beauty and action of any other type.  Action is probably my number one love as far as capturing a moment, stopped in time.

Photos taken in a studio can be beautiful, technically correct with good lighting etc., but for me they simply lack luster; that certain umph that makes a natural lifestyle photo amazing.  I have over the years considered a studio, it would make life a whole lot easier if everyone was coming to me.  I can just imagine, clean dogs, clean setting, me not crawling around trying to get "the shot."  With everything set to perfection and a dog smiling pretty at the camera?  No, I'll stay with my dirt filled, emotion seeking, dirty photographer status; I like to capture a dog being a dog. They can't move about in a studio and I like movement. I have always liked movement.  When I can stop it and see the movement that we miss with out human eye, perfection.  

Not long ago I had the opportunity to photograph my beautiful niece who is a dancer.  I loved every second of the shoot and editing the photos.    Before a shot she would show me what she was going to do, that way I could be ready for the movement and the ground that she would be covering.  What I saw in the photos afterwards was spectacular; things that I never saw when watching the exact same movement with my human eye.  Dance photography is something that I am considering; but it will be all about the movement and natural beauty.

The same thing happens with dogs and motion, it is amazing to see the expression, the hair, stride and beauty of their body moving.  All this plus the body language communications that we could never see as they move so quickly.  It is magic to me and I love it.  Sure there are times when a sleeping dog, one laying in the sun soaking up the sun draws me to photograph them.  They are after all being a dog, they aren't always moving.  I love shooting dogs in all of their modes.  Sleeping, resting, playing, running, jumping and eating etc. etc.  You name it.  But the moving and challenge to stop and capture that is what I love best.

But a very close second is connection, a contact between a dog and another dog.  Maybe a dog and it's owner.  Children and dogs are amazing as are senior humans and senior dogs.  I love the connection, the silent interaction that speaks volumes.  A touch, a look, an emotion.

As far as shooting your own dog, snap what you love.  If you love that sassy look you get when your dog wants you to throw the ball, be ready for it.  Love the look of the morning sunshine beaming through the window?  The soft light falling across your sleeping dog?  Shoot it.   For me it is expression or emotion.  Emotion can come in many different forms; it can be a sleeping dog to a dog running at full speed but there must be emotion.  A really great image should make you feel something, something more than "wow, that's nice."

Just like there are so many different people, many types of dogs, there is a plethora of great photography ops.   There are good, bad, great and amazing photos.  I have over the years capture a lot of dog images and thrown tons into the garbage because they simply lacked luster, emotion.  A truly amazing shot is one that makes you stop, hold your breath and feel.

The simplicity of life, the good parts

Sitting here blogging, listening to both Luke and Elsa sleep; this is one of my favorite times of day. The sun is just starting to come up but has not yet made a full appearance.  It's dark, too dark to take a photo without a flash; which is not on my camera at the moment.  But I must have literally hundreds of Luke and Elsa sleeping pics by now, right?  :)  They look so cute I find it hard not to capture the moment, quiet, peaceful and happy...very, very happy.  The simple things, they truly are the best aren't they?  Watching my dogs in a happy state makes me very happy.

"The best things in life are free."  Do you agree with this age old saying?  I do, mostly.  Mostly because there are times when things cost but it is the togetherness that makes a moment a special one.  Yes I had to pay for the bed, the blankets and this laptop but it is the moment when Luke looks up to make sure that I am still here; that point when he is confident that I am indeed staying here in bed when he lays his head back down.  Rubbing his long muzzle on the soft blanket underneath him, he licks his lips and falls back to sleep.  Very happy, a great moment and it cost nothing.

I believe that we are verging on the edge of a new day with our dogs.  A realization that they are far more important to a great life than we ever thought before.  Sure there will always be the naysayers but they can keep their dogless life how ever they see fit.  When we humans take care, proper care of dogs or animals in general we become better humans.  It is that simple.   Dogs are simple, the relationship between a human and their dog can be amazing.  What comes from spending time with our dogs, whether it is playing with, feeding, grooming or like this moment for me; watching them sleep is an amazing connection.

Often when I am sitting watching my dogs or other dogs I consider how amazing this whole dog/human thing is.  We have animals living with us; in our homes, they go in our cars and we spend our days side by side.  Dogs keep us humble, they make us stop and smell the roses.  Allowing a dog to be a dog gives us some of the best times of our lives and mostly they are free.  I try to get to the beach at least once a week with Luke and Elsa.  Luke loves the beach and he is not getting any younger.  There will come a time when he cannot make the beach any longer so we seize the moment now.  Seeing his huge happy face when we get to the beach is almost indescribable.  It brings such a sense of peace over me that I try to let it linger.

Moments, our life is made up of many and when you can pick individual ones out as some of the best; they will more than likely include your dog.  Caring for my dogs makes me happy.  Do I find it too much work?  No, it is what our wonderful life involves.  It is all about giving and no one does it better than our dogs.  Are we doing our part?  We are most definitely getting better.  We are finally taking a stance on those who are not good humans.  Those who care only for their wallets and have not an ounce of concern for the wonderful dogs that they suck the life out of day in and day out.  Hopefully somewhere in the future, these atrocities will be history.

They deserve our all, they give us nothing less.  Take a moment and soak up the amazingness of your dog.  Just sit close and enjoy.  Watching Luke and Elsa twitch and run in their sleep, I ponder "I hope they are enjoying this as much as I am."  It is a moment and I'm taking it.

Fear can present itself in many ways.

Yesterday I was at the park when we ran into a very nice guy with his dog.  We've met and talked to them before so I knew that his dog was fearful.  But, as we approached his little dog seemed very interested, happy interested in Luke and Elsa.  Perhaps he remembered them from before; I know that my guys only need to meet someone once and they are forever in their memory bank.  So it could have been that and the signals that both Luke and Elsa were giving off that created his non fearful reaction.  Whatever the cause it was nice for him and his owner to be able to enjoy a non reactive interaction.

Fear is a powerful emotion; it can create behaviors that seem unrelated and confusing.  It does not always cause a dog to run and hide; it can in fact be hard to see.   I have written many times before about how Luke turns into Cujo at the Veterinarians office.  When we go in he is fine until a person shows up; then he pulls on his mean and scary suit and begins his attempts at keeping everyone away.  Now, anyone who knows Luke, knows that this is not Luke at all.  He is one of the most loving, emotional and wonderful guys that you will ever meet.  But he is afraid at the vets so he tries to keep everyone away.  Not too many people, including most of the workers at various vet offices understand this.

Fear can come from the unknown or from a bad or scary association.  A great deal of aggression stems from fear in dogs; they cannot explain how they are feeling so they often resort to the "keep'm away" tactic that Luke uses at the vets.  Sadly this fearful aggression is often met with anger from an owner and surrounding people.  But fear can be conquered, not always completely but you can most definitely help it.

I have met many people who think a dog must have been hit or beaten in their previous life.  Rescue dogs can show fear which humans tend to interpret as having been hit.  When the more likely culprit is lack of socialization.  A lack of socialization can leave a dog with severe fearful behaviors.  Dogs that duck when someone reaches out to pet them, or growls at another dogs approach; both can be caused by fear of the unknown.

Each and every dog is different so they are never going to act the same.  Two dogs living the exact same lives, identical lack of socialization may react completely different.  When a dog is fearful of things, environments or situations you may never know why or what caused it.  But there is a very good chance that it is a fear of the unknown.  The little dog that we met in the park yesterday was a perfect example.  He comes across as aggressive on first meeting but he is in fact a very nice little guy once you get past the fear reaction.

Fear is hugely powerful, never underestimate it or brush it off.  It is real, very real and needs addressing.  Not in a harsh "knock it off" manner but a kind, gentle and patient form.  Fear needs assistance to disappear and be a thing of the past.

Out of sight?

Photo taken from onestopcollarshop.com   It is not my collar.  

I stumbled upon this the other day.  When I saw them I sat and looked for a long while considering the whole idea surrounding them and their use.  The secret or hidden prong collar.  After thinking much about how the prong or pinch collar works I thought that these would actually be worse than the original version.  The looseness has been removed by attaching the collar where it is hidden behind.  Making the collar more stiff and less adaptable.

Of course to be absolutely positive that I would be correct in my visual assessment I would have to try it.  But that is not going to happen anytime soon.  I would not put a pinch/prong collar on either of my dogs.  I have used one a prong collar; very longtime a go when positive training had not come around yet.  The pinch/prong collar work by inflicting pain and if anyone wants to explain to me otherwise, you can try.  But this collar seems to lack the flexibility so I can't see how it would pinch and let go at all.  It looks like it would just be stabbing into the neck continually.

Let's get to the real reason these collars are made.  The shame.  The mentality behind the collar has nothing to do with it's use; it has everything to do with "your secret."  Many of the sites where I saw this collar states "you don't have to explain," or "others will never know." If you feel that badly about using a piece of equipment on your dog; then perhaps you should not be using it?  Just a thought.

No I don't like prong collars and that is my opinion and mine alone.  If your opinion differs from mine; that is fine, it is your opinion.  But my opinion is that these are awful.  Hiding truth, pretending that you aren't using a prong collar.  If that isn't enough of a wake up call I don't know what is.  Oh sure you can walk around pretending that you would never use a prong collar; meanwhile it is there under the fancy facade that you are living.

Prong collars use pain to get a message across.  Because they inflict pain they also create many fall out behaviors from the pain.  I have written about association and it is how dogs learn.  Watching a dog with a prong collar on the other day at the park only helps to support my opinion on the issue of prong collars.  The dog was straining, barking and frenzied into a crazy mess as the woman tried to teach her dog to behave.  Every time he tried to say hi to a dog his collar tightened and it created an aggressive reaction response in him.

No I don't think that these are a great invention.  I think that the person who came up with the idea is playing along with the "hide it and you won't have to explain," train of thought.  Shameful.  Our dog's necks are priceless; you wouldn't throw a chain with spikes on it around your child's neck now would you?

Natural stuff

Taken at the California Wolf Center several years ago. 

I stood watching Elsa in a full point.  She was frozen with just the tip of her tail giving any clue that she was not a statue.  Rats, she was in the moment with a rat on the bird feeder.  It saw her and didn't want to make a run for it; she saw it and was iced in; unable to move in any direction.  The rat had her full attention until she started to drop her foot; she lowered it in slow motion.  It was coming down to the ground so slowly that you almost couldn't see it.  Very cool, I love this stuff.  The natural stuff, things that dogs do but were never taught to do.  Yes Elsa came from a breeder who does hunting type things but Elsa has never hunted.

Digging, many dogs dig holes in the dirt and then lay in the bottom.  I've heard owners say "what the heck are you doing?"  To that I say "way cool natural stuff."  Not too many puppies are witness to their Mother digging into the ground to find a cool spot; but they somehow know how to do it, and where to find the cool down in the ground.

Stalking is another very cool natural behavior that most dogs exhibit.  These days it is mostly used in play but it comes from a hunting instinct.  This stalking behavior comes very naturally but would be fine tuned if they were using it to actually hunt, kill and eat prey.  We often laugh when little Penny stalks Elsa across the yard; she is in full view with Elsa watching her.  Not sneaking at all but it still offers the desired effect as Elsa prepares for the onslaught.  Some puppies will have watched this behavior but again most have never seen it before using it themselves.

These are all hardwired behaviors.  Some instinctive behaviors are in all dogs; others come from specific breeding.  When humans breed dogs for distinct traits they breed in things like herding, guarding, retrieving...etc. etc.  Behaviors can become hardwired making it an instinctive behavior that comes naturally.  Some bred for behaviors can become huge issues when there is too much.  Behaviors can become OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) issues making living with that particular dog no fun at all.  Some breeders consider a little to be good and more to be better.  But more is not always better; sometimes more is awful, especially for the owners of the dog.  More on this in another blog.

Many hardwired behaviors have nothing to do with hunting; some are just behaviors for living in a pack that have always been there.  Tolerance is a huge instinctive behavior; of course it has been bred out of some dogs but most still have it.  Tolerance to other dogs, especially pack members and/or puppies.

Even though many of our dogs today barely resemble their ancestors; they are all still dogs and many of the same instinctive behaviors can lie dormant.  I have seen owners of tiny little pocket pooches gasp as their cute little adorable baby attacks a rabbit.  Shocked, they cannot believe that their little human in dog disguise would attack another animal.  Much to their dismay they have been witness to the fact that their little bundle of joy is in fact A DOG.

A dog is a dog and dogs are not little humans.  Dogs do things that most of us would never consider doing.  Because they are dogs.  They will often shock owners in a bad way; giving the owner a wake up call to the fact that they are indeed dogs.  But they also leave us in awe as they do things from long ago; long before we were involved, when they were wolves.  Behaviors so hardwired that they continue to this day and will for hopefully a very long time.

I remember a day that we were out on a walk with Tilley and Luke.  Tilley had very high drive; higher even than Elsa's.  She ran off ahead of us in the park and came back with a rabbit in her mouth.  Yes, our little princess Tilley; had spotted and hunt down a rabbit.  Pretty amazing.  She didn't kill it, but held it gently in her mouth for us.  Sadly it died of fright; being inside of a dogs mouth must be a scary place when you a rabbit.

 Many breeds of dogs have been bred to chase critters; most terriers fall into that category.  They are triggered by movement; often the smallest motion will send them bolting after the source.  For years they have been bred to hunt and kill vermin.  For those who don't understand the heart of a terrier; life can be a constant challenge.  It was nothing for Jessie to hunt down a mole or ground critter of sorts shaking the life out of it and/or perhaps eating it within a split second.  Drive is a natural instinctive trait in dogs; most still have it in varying degrees.

When you see a hard wired behavior it can surprise you.  Sometimes shock you in good and bad forms but I happened to love it.

Separation anxiety

Separation - an act or instance of separating or the state of being separated.

Anxiety - an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension.

Separation anxiety is a common issue in dogs; more so in second hand dogs.  This is something that I try to share with anyone wanting to adopt or rescue; just a heads up of the possibility.  Separation can come in many forms and range from very mild to severe and possibly dangerous.  Over the years I have dealt with many cases; the worst one being a dog that broke and jumped out of glass windows.  That was a scary one.  

Many people think that their dog has separation anxiety when in reality it is just missing them.  There is a difference between wishing you would stay home and not being able to cope with your absence. Second hand dogs have already been abandoned; so it makes sense that they think the possibility of it occurring again is a good one.  When you leave, they panic.  

When you acquire a dog, whether it be a new puppy or an adult; you must begin the leaving process.  Of course with a new adult dog you want to hang around for a bit so that they get use to their new home etc etc.  But as soon as they are comfortable, go out.  Start with short outings and do it often.  If you have no where to go; just go out and do something.  Make your exit and your arrival a non issue, no big deal.

When you are at home don't hover.  Don't be a cling-on owner.  Owners who can never be away from their dog create a whole bucket full of problems; separation anxiety being one of them.  By over indulging your own need to be with your dog 24/7 you are handicapping your dog.  You may think that you are doing a good thing but just imagine how your dog feels.  They are use to you smothering them with attention each and every second of the day.  When you leave there is a huge vacuum (a space not filled or occupied; emptiness; void) that your dog cannot deal with. 

When dogs do have separation anxiety it can be in the form of peeing or pooping in the house or their crate.  They can become destructive or try to escape the confines of their home or yard to come to find you.  True separation anxiety is a serious behavior issue and must be dealt with as it often gets worse over time.  Dogs must learn that they can deal with your absence and be fine with it.  But teaching a dog who already has anxiety due to your separation can be difficult and take a long time.  Patience, kindness and understanding is a must.  

There are many things that you can try if you have a dog that may be exhibiting some signs of anxiety.  Leave a radio or television on when you leave.  Do a lot of mock coming and going runs.  Make sure that your dog has enough mental and physical stimulation.  This means exercise and getting out to see the world.  Leave a Kong filled with frozen food in it to create a positive association to your leaving.  Get some alone time even when you are together.  Keep the petting down to a minimum.  

If you have a dog with severe separation anxiety call a professional who uses positive reinforcement methods of behavior modification.  Yanking, yelling or disciplining a dog will just make it worse.  Separation anxiety is a real disorder; do not brush it off as your dog acting out.  Dogs don't act out in the way that we do.  They don't do revenge type stuff.  If a dog poops on the floor in front of the door it is not because they want you to step in it when you get home home. They are not plotting like "ha, there you go" for leaving them.  It is caused by anxiety and it is a symptom of their emotional state.  

Sometimes people add another dog in attempts to solve the loneliness they believe to be driving the behavior.  It can work but often does not because the issue is YOUR absence.  They don't care how many other dogs are around if you are not there.  So you must address the issue before adding another into the mix.  Like I said sometimes it does work but I have seen many people with more dogs and one with severe separation anxiety still.  

Even if you don't have big issues with separation; no big good byes.  Don't go crazy when you get home sending your dog into a frenzy of "YOU'RE HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Of course every once in a while is fine but make coming and going a non issue.  It will really help your dog deal with your absence.  

Friends

Yesterday we had our friends Lucy and her Mom over for a visit.  Elsa has known Lucy since she was just a pup but they have not seen each other for quite some time.  No matter, Elsa was beside herself with excitement.  Here she is doing her best attempt at inviting a game to ensue, toy shaking.   

Elsa had some calming down to do after Lucy arrived.  She was in her Elsa/Penny mode of crazed playing which Lucy was not such a big fan of.  Lucy hung with Luke until Elsa calmed down.   

It is so good for dogs to play with lots of different types of dogs.  It was evident that Elsa was stuck in her Bull Terrier playmate zone for a while until she realized that Lucy was not planning on playing like Penny does.  After Elsa calmed a bit, Lucy loosened up and they had their fun.  

Lucy is almost 2 years older than Elsa so there is quite an obvious maturity difference.  Both young girls so they had lots of fun playing and just chilling.   

Body language communications.

Just having fun.

Elsa always has the ball or toy.

A moment of thought.

At one point as the ball was thrown Elsa stopped in her tracks and let Lucy continue on and get the ball.  It was very interesting to watch because Elsa let Lucy have a turn.   Elsa is a ball hog but not for possession purposes, she likes to keep the game going.  Lucy tried a few times to guard the ball from Elsa but I intervened; guarding is not allowed on a play date.  

Lucy having fun.  

Elsa being a big helper trying to let Lucy know that her Mom already has the ball in her hand.  

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.