Stepping stones in your evolution

Typically your first dog is where you make the most mistakes.  Your first dog may or not be the one that has the biggest impact on your life.  At some point throughout your journey, a dog may enter your life and you will never be the same.  Meetings throughout our life are all different; depending on timing, stage of life and life itself.  But each dog is involved in the process of our evolution, if we allow it.  Each dog is like a stepping stone.  Some are a little shaky, some are huge and stable, while others can the change the path we walk on most drastically.  

Life has a way of keeping us busy; but when we take the time to slow it down and look around, we can evolve a great deal.  We all have a path to walk, that will be our journey through life.  Like everything else, it too will be very different from all others.  What can make that journey very different is who steps into the journey with us.  That goes for humans and dogs.  There will be people and dogs along the way that change us forever.  Those who change us do not have to stay long,  although they sometimes do but often they are just fleeting in the big scope of things.

The person I am today is far different than who I was, say forty years ago.  How I look at things is very different from how I did way back then.  Dogs have had a huge impact on my life; but not just dogs as a whole, it has been all the individuals.  Loving dogs teaches compassion.  Learning about dogs can open our mind to thinking differently about many things.  In my books this is all good. 

I have had many dogs pass through my life; and I know that there will be others.  There will be those who are just a meeting and others who will share my life beside me.  Each has had a paw in the making of who I am today.  Sunday was two months since we lost Luke.  He above any dog taught  me the most about dogs as a whole.  He enabled me to look deep into the heart and soul of dogs.  Dogs can teach us about dogs far better than any human can teach us about dogs.  Luke left a legacy when he left; with me and many others who met him.  Dogs can be that large and impactful.  I believe any dog can be; it just takes the humans to be open to see it. 

I love nothing more than hearing about the canine/human relationship.  How your dog changed you and you them.  I would love to hear your evolution with dogs.  Leave your story in the comments so we can all enjoy them.  Have a great day with a dog by your side.  :)

Dissecting dog/child bites

As Elsa's guardian it is my job to make sure that she is comfortable with this little boy.  The Mother's job is to teach her child how to pet a dog correctly.  This was a wonderful meeting.  Both were very happy about it.  

I sat watching as my client explained what was going on with her dog and child.  The dog was a medium, black, female, mixed breed with short hair.  She probably weighed in at about 40-45 lbs but was not tall, maybe 18".  I sat on the couch beside the dog and the child as the Mother continued to give me details.  "They were fine but now Sadie has started to growl," she explained.  The dog (Sadie) use to be fine around the little girl but things had taken a drastic change lately.  "I tell her that Sadie is going to bite her, but she doesn't listen" she explained.  

As I sat and watched, the little girl climbed onto the dog.  The dog froze and my heart sunk.  "Take her off" I said calmly but firmly.  "Sadie does not like that" I explained.  I further explained that if she didn't step in and do her duty as a parent and dog owner "Sadie is definitely going to bite your daughter."  She looked shocked at my statement but sometimes you just have to tell it like it is.  

It is very sad when a dog bites a child; and most often it is very avoidable.  But owners just don't supervise or give their children feedback.  Most dogs bite children because the adults in charge have not told the child "not to bother the dog" and followed through with stopping them.  Many parents allow a child and dog to go off into their bedroom and "play" without supervising.  This is just an accident waiting to happen.  

No, not all dogs will bite children; but they most definitely are very capable of it.  Even dogs who love their children have limits.  They may love playing ball, going for a walk and even being hugged; but all dogs have things that they are not comfortable with.  Dogs give clear signs when they are even the slightest bit annoyed, uncomfortable or angry.  We need to know our dogs.  

The problem with a lack of supervision and feedback for our children is that you leave your dog needing to protect themselves.  That is NEVER a good idea.  We MUST be there to protect our child and our dog.  If your child annoys your dog and you do not stop them, your dog will.  It is as simple as that.  

How much should we subject our dogs to?  Each dog is very different, just like every child.  They MUST, absolutely be supervised when they are together.  Interactions need monitoring, feedback and control.  With these in place, both dog and child can learn how to interact positively.  

Many problems arise when a baby becomes mobile.  All of a sudden that creature in the parents arms is moving about on the floor.  That is usually when I get the call.  The child can now invade the dog's space; which up until that moment had been all their own.  These cohabitation things can take a lot of work but it is our job as parent and canine guardian.  

Dogs are not stuffed animals for children to do with as they please.  Teaching each how to deal with the other is our job.  Don't leave the teaching up to your dog; dogs do not teach the way that we do; and they have a full mouth of very sharp teeth.  Your job is to do the teaching of both, most definitely not your dog's job.  

Guidance

Have you offered your guidance?

Do you offer your dog enough guidance?  Or do you leave them out there in our human world hanging; trying to figure it all out on their own?  Perhaps their bad behaviors are spiraling out of control because they have a serious lack of guidance. Just like human children, dogs need guidance; they need to be shown how to act appropriately.  That is our job. 

I know, I know, many of you don't like to tell your dog what to do.  I've heard it all, believe me.  But when we don't offer our dogs guidance as they make their way through life in our human world, we fail them.  That's right, we fail to do our part.   Most dogs come to us knowing how to be dogs.  Although sadly some dogs don't even have that much if they have not been raised properly or taken away from their litter too early.  Learning to deal with the day to day in life takes guidance from us, their human. 

Are you in teaching mode?  You should be until you have taught your dog about most of your life together.  That means that you need to be on your toes; constantly prepared to guide and educate.  For most, that is about 2 years; yep, two years of constant guidance.  Then after that there will be moments of specific guidance requirements.  A bump in the road can call on us, the guardian to step up and guide, lead and educate. 

A dog who lacks guidance may seem like an unruly beast.  With a little guidance, leadership and education; that unruly beast can become an amazing dog. 

Acceptable and unacceptable, does your dog know the difference?  Have you shown them how to behave in our human world? 

We have rules in our day to day; dogs need rules in theirs as well.  Have you given your dog the guidance they need?

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you. 

You smell different

After Elsa's friend Yogi was neutered, she had to wait for three weeks until they had a playdate.  Before he came over I gave his Mom a heads up.  I explained to her how Elsa was going to behave.  There would be much sniffing.  In fact the week before he came over, Lucy had come over and Elsa had sniffed her like crazy.  She had the "different' smell on her as well.  Yogi's scent had changed and Elsa wasn't sure what this new smell was.  "Watch closely when he first arrives" I said; because it will be over very quickly. 

Sure enough when Yogi and Lucy arrived for their next playdate, Elsa kicked into action.  Her whole body changed from just excited to concerned, excited.   For a fraction of a second, Yogi smelled different.  He might have been someone else, a stranger.  Elsa's body was tense for that instant of crazed "new dog" sniffing.  Within seconds it was over and all was back to normal.  It was indeed the old Yogi, albeit changed. 

A friend of mine had told me about this scent change several years ago.  I hadn't heard of it until she explained about her experience; and I hadn't seen it until Penny was spayed.  After hearing about this big scent change I was interested for Penny's first visit after being spayed.  Having two highly aware dogs (Luke and Elsa); I was sure that they would notice, and they did.  The heightened sniffing began as soon as they got within sniff range.  Penny charged in like any other day, but something was definitely different this time.  Both Elsa and Luke sniffed her like mad.  She certainly smelled different to them.  But just like with Yogi, it was over very quickly and they continued on.

A dog's sense of smell is so far beyond ours.  It amazes me when they obviously scent that a critter has been in our yard.  Elsa is an over the top scent dog; and if I can ever find a close enough scent class she will be in it.  I find it amazing that they can actually smell the difference between intact and altered.  It was very obvious both times I have experienced it now.  To see it you must be looking for it.  

Seeing it in your own dog is difficult because they will be sniffed like mad when they get home from the Vet. no matter what they had done.  But seeing a friend dog be sniffed like this after altering is very telling.  The only difference in the dog is the altering and it is a HUGE difference for dogs.  After all scent is big for dogs; it is typically the first sense used for most activities. 

Oh yes, they smell different.  They smell a whole lot different after being altered.  We just can't tell the difference because we are mere humans. 

Yogi, Lucy and Elsa

Yogi, checking out Elsa's bone.  She chewed it for a long while so it has blood on it.  

Lucy communicating to Yogi that she would like the bone. 

Yogi, ignoring Lucy's request.

Attention diverted.

Always, always watching everything. 

 

Having fun just running around.

 

 

Elsa is never far from a ball.

 

 

Love this expression on Elsa's face.  Yogi has Elsa's favorite rubber type ball.

 

 

She is all about getting her ball back, but she is very patient.

 

Yogi is oblivious to Elsa's master plan.

 

Here he finally realizes what she is after.

 

Lucy decides that she needs the ball.  This is Lucy's favorite ball at my house; it has jingle bells in it.

 

Watching her push her face against Yogi was very interesting.  It was more like she was just pushing her weight around but he wasn't caving.

 

:)

 

Trying out the toy football.

 

I love these three images.  Elsa and Yogi's tails are held in the exact same position.

 

After the ball.

 

Yogi is such a happy guy,

 

and handsome too.

 

Lucy having a turn with the ball. 

 

She has a different favorite than Elsa; which is good because she actually gets to catch it then.

When we just get it wrong

Elsa waiting for her moment to take the ball while Yogi's attention is on something else.  

Anthropomorphise -  to attribute human form or personality to things not human.

Humans tend to put human ideas and emotions onto our dogs a great deal.  You see a behavior exhibited by your dog and are sure that it means something very human.  There are times when human terminology is required to fully explain and understand a canine behavior; but interpreting canine behavior while putting a human spin on it. is where much of it gets bogged down in the mud. 

I cannot tell you how often I am given a very incorrect analysis of canine behavior from a human guardian.  A human has experienced a behavior and are attempting to explain what is going on.  If I am asked to help explain or pick apart a behavior then I most definitely will.  Otherwise I may just offer "no that's not what is going on."  Trying to explain true canine behavior to someone who wants to believe that their dog is surely displaying a very human behavior is both difficult and probably unwanted. 

Humans like to think that their dogs do human things.  Dogs are pretty amazing; they have adapted to living in our world and doing it quite well.  But, they have not become humans in the process.  

Dogs are dogs and are very different from us humans.  Unlike many who do not think dogs are capable of emotions, I do.  You cannot say that a dog left behind when their owners go away who resorts to howling very quickly is not feeling an emotion.  No they do not feel the way we do; nor do they react the way that we humans do. 

Canines are far more clear with their communications.  We tend to muddy communications up with emotion, wrong or right.  We get messages crossed all the time and read into communications.  Dogs tell it like it is and then we step in and read it in human terms.  "Oh look, Fido wants to get in on the hug" you think as Fido jumps all over you and your hubby having a snuggle.  There could be several things going on but "group hug," is not one of them.  

Dogs are opportunists, they react to action; they learn by association and some learn very quickly.  Much of these learned associations are where we humans get it wrong.  A dog wagging it's tail can be misread as "happy," when in fact the dog could be highly agitated.  A wagging tail does not always mean happy.  I cannot tell you how many times people said to me over the years "what a happy dog," as they watched Tilley race around an open field.  Happy had nothing to do with her vibrating tail; it was all about being over stimulated by shadows.

Watching canines interact is amazing all by itself.  If you really want to know what is behind much of what your dog does, research.  Putting a human spin on it just does a disservice to an amazing creature called "our dogs."  

  

Teach them

This morning I woke to snapping teeth and growling.  Elsa was tucked under my chin, across my neck.  She had crossed the pillow boundary again in her quest for touch.  My eyes opened as I heard her teeth and I could hear her whole face in action.  I wondered what she was dreaming about.  As far as dreams go, I had incredibly strange ones last night myself. 

This of course had me wondering if they dream as oddly as we do.  Do they have complicated, twisted and unrealistic dreams like us or are theirs more real life like?  I lay wondering as she twitched away.  Elsa has an incredible mind, as do most dogs.  But sadly most dogs never have even a fraction of their brain tapped into.

 I try very hard to teach Elsa new things all the time.  Over the weekend my husband had his hands full and was struggling to open the bedroom door when I said "I should teach Elsa to open the door."  Then I thought, "would that be a good idea?"  Hmmmmm?  Our inside doors would be easy because of the type of handle.  They are the type that you just push down, very different from the round knobs that you have to grab a hold of and turn.  I am still thinking about whether or not I should teach her this.  It would definitely change the whole "putting her in the room" thing.

Teaching your dog new behaviors does not have to revolve around "official" obedience type.  I find those to be quite boring although they are behaviors just like any other behavior.  I think the whole rigidness of official obedience is what I don't like about it.  I am not strict as far as sitting straight or moving one paw.  I like my dogs to listen and obey but if they move a paw or sit an inch from straight, I don't mind. 

So I am always trying to think of new things to teach Elsa.  She is like a sponge and the more action involved in the behavior the more excited she gets, like the reverse in the video above.  She will often offer me a reverse when I ask for other things.  This is very common with dogs.  Ask for one thing and they will go through their whole repertoire of behaviors for you.  When this happens you just wait.  Excitement is usually at the core of this.  You can also give them error markers so that they stop and think.  I use "nope" as my marker and when I say it Elsa will stop, listen better and think before offering her next behavior. 

Today we will learn something new.  Not sure what yet, but I'll let you all know.  What are you teaching your dog today?

Leave me a comment, I love to hear from you. 

Reaching more

Help from afar. 

"Can you just live with us for a while?"  she said as I very quickly got her out of control puppy, under control.  I've been a dog trainer for a long time; which has given me lots and lots of experience with different issues.  But every so often I come across something new; a behavior I have yet to see in my behavior modification years.  I love a challenge and sometimes a behavior needs to be pondered on.   There is nothing like hands on experience when it comes to modifying canine behavior.  That said, sometimes talking through it can go a long way.  Although you must know what questions to ask so that you can get enough information or answers to help.  

The birth of the online consult.  This came after wanting to help those too far for me to do hands on.  I was inundated on a daily basis with question after question.  HELP! was the general need, so now I am here to help.  No matter where you are, I am here to help.  I am loving the ability to help those near and far.  With one click you have access to the help you need.  

There have been a few of my consults that went from online to in person.  I have to say that it is fun to meet some of my clients I've been working for via cyber space, in person.  Each dog is exactly who I thought they were online.  This means that the questions and answers are spot on.  

Obstacles, behaviors and stumbling blocks that canine guardians struggle with can be rectified by thorough and personally detailed question and answer sessions.  Each dog, person and relationship is different so there is no one size fits all as far as help with behavior issues.  

Sometimes just talking through a behavior issue with someone in the know can clear away the confusion.  Dogs are simple yet complicated and until you truly understand how they work; figuring them out can seem impossible.   

I love helping others who love dogs.  Sharing my expertise so that guardians can achieve the most from their canine relationship is what it's all about.  Helping you to help your dog.  It's a win, win.  One click away. 

Leave me a comment, I love to hear from you.  

Health and fitness

                                Pre workout then it's onto our run. 

Health and fitness is huge these days, that is in the human world.  Not so much for our canines.  Many dogs spend their life being sedentary, eating poor quality food and getting little exercise.  Sad.  I see so many fat dogs and it is sad because fat dogs can't do what they should be able to do.  They age quickly and are susceptible to all sorts of illnesses due to being overweight.  The other day as I was heading down to the beach I drove past a man and what looked to be an old dog.  As I got closer I realized that the dog was just fat. 

While waiting my turn at AAA last week I sat watching a dog that was suppose to be a service dog.  Maybe it had been a service dog at one time; but to me it looked like one of these "buy a service vest" type.  It was a filthy cocker spaniel, needing grooming badly and it was very fat.  The poor dog sat waiting for it's owner to finish up and panted like crazy.  It was not hot in the place at all; in fact I had noticed that it was chilly, like their AC was running overtime. 

Dogs should not be overweight.  It is very easy to keep a dog in shape, especially in the feeding department.  We have complete control over what our dogs eat so if they are fat it is our fault.

The amount of what goes into our dogs is one issue, the other is what goes in.  There is so much garbage food out there that we are lied to about as far as quality.  Dogs are carnivores and as such they need a great deal of animal protein to build muscle and run at their optimum.  We dog owners have been duped into thinking that the best thing for our dogs to eat is dry kibble.  We think that the big dog food manufacturers know best and are looking out for the well being of our dogs.  Sadly many of the big dog food companies only care about the bottom line and what's in it for them, not your dog. 

Just like we should be eating real, unprocessed food, so should our dogs.  The less processing the better.  The more nutrient dense, the better.  Within the world of dry kibble there is a wide spectrum of good to the very bad.  We could say "our dogs have always done great on big box store kibble," but have you ever considered how much greater they could do on better food?  I know when I eat a great and healthy diet I feel amazing compared to when I slide and eat some not so great food.  I want Elsa to feel the best that she can.  I do not want to simply fill her bowl with something that is called "dog food" and call it good.  

Too many people still look at their dog as "just a dog."  Sure they love their dog but don't consider real nutrition to be something that is worth spending money on; at least  not for "the dog."  Much of the world's humans eat a poor diet just like their dogs.  Real food, real food is what we all should be eating.  As close to it's natural form as possible.  Last night Elsa had a nice bone as her appetizer.  Raw meat, raw bone.  Then we moved onto the main course, wild caught sole, spinach, quinoa and cranberry.  I had a huge organic salad, we ate well.  We ate real.

Today I will hit the gym and then it's onto the park where we will likely do 3-4 miles with added chuck it time.  Keeping Elsa healthy and fit is my job; she joined our family so she is one of us.  She is not just the dog put in our house to sit and watch us eat good food and live an active life, nope she's one of us. 

Blind spots

Elsa and I spent the morning at the beach yesterday.  It was truly glorious.  The weather was perfect, the tide was low, and there were very few people there.  We planned to walk the whole beach but first we head right to the rock piles where there are crabs and cool stuff in the tiny tide pools.  Climbing over the rocks, we went over the first hump and down in the midst of it.  Elsa's scent drive was turned up as she checked it all out.  She sniffed and I enjoyed watching her be a dog.

For anyone who knows me, I am very cautious.  Always watching, scanning and very aware of our situation.  Being that we were down in the heart of the rock pile and could not be seen by newcomers I kept an eye on the entrance area.  I could just see the top of a couples head as they climbed the rocks; when their dogs appeared and the women let go of their leashes.  She hadn't seen us, and had no knowledge of what lay behind the rock hill that they were climbing.  But yep, she let the leashes go without knowing.  Blind spot. 

One of the dogs saw Elsa and I and immediately started our way.  It was not saying "I'm super friendly," with it's body language.  It's head was lowered, tail completely up straight with full eye contact. I yelled to the woman to pick up her leashes.  Unable to hear me due to the surf she cupped her ear with her hand; leaning in trying to hear what I was saying.  Frustrated, I yelled "SHE'S NOT FRIENDLY."  I wanted the woman's attention and that got it.  She yelled to her dog who needed several calls before listening; but she was finally able to get a hold of their leashes.  The husband and wife talked a bit and then Elsa and I made our way out of the rock pile. 

I thanked the woman as we got closer and explained that Elsa had been attacked and was uncomfortable around strange dogs.  She said she completely understood, nodding.  As we passed closer the black dog who had been heading our way lowered it's head growling menacing at Elsa.  We continued to calmly walk by with me of course shaking my head. 

Elsa and I were out enjoying the day.  We did not need someone ruining our wonderful day at the beach.  The people with the dropped leashes had made a foolish judgment dropping the leashes in a blind spot.  Who knows what could have been over the other side.  They had not even seen us down on the sand behind the rock hill. 

I am admittedly the chief of safety; we always tease that I should have been the head of safety at some company.  Safety comes first for me and letting your dog off leash or dropping leashes in a blind spot is not safe.  Just like those who have their dogs on full extension of an extension leash and let their dog go around corners before they do.  Foolish and unsafe. 


My job is a serious one, Elsa's body guard.  In a pack of wolves there is always protection from what life might throw at a pack member.  Just like our human/canine packs, you must be there for your dog.  Speak up and step up to protect yours.  There are lots of those out there doing unsafe things with their dogs.  Protect yours.

Supply and demand

Rescuing dogs has become a huge social thing.  I talk to many people who will never "pay" for a dog.  They stand strong in their desire to "rescue" their canine companions.  That is wonderful, rescuing an animal in need is commendable.  So many people are rescuing dogs, that there is now a shortage in many areas. 

Not enough rescues?  This is the dream of every rescuer right?  That is what I've always heard the rescuers say "if I didn't have a rescue job I'd be happy, it would mean that no dogs were homeless."  Well, I think that the goal is getting closer each day.  I have read article after article about the shortage of rescue dogs for people to adopt. 

NPR  - shortage of rescue dogs

The Bark - Southern Dogs

The supply and demand right now seems to be within certain areas.  Places where spay/neuter and adoption have gone up have fewer homeless dogs.  So there is a great deal of moving and transporting dogs right now.  Those shelters and rescues willing to work with others and save a life are doing that.  They are taking the time and spending the money to find places for the dogs to go to be rescued and rehomed. 

Then there are the shelters who are not.  Sadly there are shelters who just euthanize.  I have heard by many people of rescuers showing up to pull dogs from a shelter and finding out that they have been euthanized, even after solidifying arrangements.  No, not all shelters or rescue groups are equal.

So what happens when you cannot find an adoptable dog? 

"I would NEVER buy a dog," are the exact words from many.  Well, there may come a time when you do have to buy a dog; and that would be a good thing.  When and if that actually happens, where will everyone go to purchase their dogs?  They will hopefully go to the small, reputable breeder who has all their dogs living in their home as companions.  Breeders who are only producing a small amount of dogs; those who are breeding dogs for the love of it, not the money of it.  Those who actually care about their dogs. 

The question will be, if and when there are no longer dogs in need of rescuing?  Where will you go?  If we head to the small breeders where you have a good chance of having to wait; all puppies have homes before they are born then maybe the homeless pet issue won't happen again.   But if we humans head for the easy route where there are pages and pages of puppies to choose from; simply click and they send you a puppy, then it will all happen again.  It really is up to us. 

Distractions

A large Bloodhound distraction for Penny. 

Most trainers know and understand about distractions.  What a dog can do without distractions may be nearly impossible with distractions.  Of course there are vast differences in distractions.  Something can be a distraction to one dog, but not distract another.  This past weekend when our sitter arrived, Elsa became unglued.  She ADORES people.  Second to her ball I think people are ranked number 2.  So having a new person arrive at the house is a big distraction.  Once she did her initial greeting I considered her "chill" exercise.  We have a small rug that is placed near the front door for her to go to. I didn't know if she could do it with such a distraction.  I was armed with dried liver incase she did so I said "chill."  She stopped her crazy greeting process and looked at me.  I stood quiet, waiting.

I calmly asked her again and she enthusiastically ran to her rug and lay down.  I tossed her the liver that had been tucked into my top and praised her like crazy for this very big accomplishment.  Her sitter was thoroughly impressed as was I.  One was all we were getting right then, in her flurry of "new human" crazies.  Before moving into the living room I asked her for a "reverse" and she complied while barking excitedly. 

Knowing what your dog can handle as far as distractions when asked to do a particular behavior is important.  If you ask your dog to do something when the distractions around are just too exciting or distracting then you are setting them up for failure.  Many people call their dogs to them when there are huge distractions around.  There is no way that the dog is coming so what they learn is to ignore.  If you don't think your dog will be able to comply, don't ask.  If you need your dog by your side, go get them.  

What you can do is ask for really simple behaviors that you are sure can be accomplished.  This helps a dog to work under distractions.  But make sure that your dog fully understands what is being asked of them.  If you've only taught your dog to sit at home in a very quiet kitchen or living room then it is going to be very hard under big distraction surroundings.  Baby steps.

Work with small distractions and work your way up to the big ones.  The bigger the distraction, the bigger the reward must be for complying.  

Steps

Baby steps.  Baby steps are often the way to go.  There are times in life when you just have to take a huge leap but then there are times when baby steps are the best idea.  We have taken baby steps for leaving Elsa alone since Luke's passing.  As you all know I am a huge advocate of alone time with our dogs; both being taken out alone and most importantly being left alone.  As the one left behind, our dogs must learn to deal with life on their own.  When they have a canine life partner pass, they must deal with that absence. 

We started leaving Elsa alone immediately.  Just heading to the gym was the first time after Luke.  This step was an easy one as it is something she is well accustom to.  The steps became more frequent and she was left here and there for an hour or two.  It is imperative that she be left at home sometimes.  If we started to bring her everywhere, never being separated from us; we would in fact be creating an even bigger problem. 

The next step was to be left for the day.  I was not comfortable leaving her alone for the whole day so I had our sitter come and stay with her.  With another step conquered, this past weekend we had another.  An overnight without Mom and Dad, alone, without Luke.  We had our sitter come and stay again and she did wonderful.  Elsa adores her and it was fun for her to spend the day with someone other than me.  This step produced some obvious behaviors.  Once we got home Elsa would not leave my side.  She is a following type girl but this was a notch up.  She didn't take her eyes off of me.  

Of course now that she has lost Luke there will be the worry of losing someone else in her life.  Especially for a dog like Elsa.  So we are doing baby steps to help her and it is working.  This weekend was the biggest step, an overnight alone.  Even though she was not alone she was in the sense that she did not have Luke.  But she got through it and was very happy to see us when we got home. 

Baby steps to success.

Leave me a comment, I love to hear from you.   

Interactions

 

Not everyone wants to play like this; and that's okay. 

I love watching how Elsa interacts with her friends.  Each one is very different and as such, interactions are different.  On Wednesday, Lucy came for a visit; Yogi did not because he is still healing from his neutering procedure.  Lucy and Elsa have been friends for a long time but their interactions are much more subdued than Elsa and Yogi. 

Elsa's friend Oaklee who she sees regularly at the park is a quiet girl.  Elsa and Oaklee enjoy each other's company but do not play.  They hang out and walk together and that is what their relationship is.  Every single dog is different. 

When Elsa joined our home she was dog #4 in our pack.  She very quickly learned how to deal with all except Jessie.  Jessie was confusing to her because of her dementia.  Each time Jessie and Elsa came together, Jessie acted like it was the first time they'd met; in Jessie's head it was.  Jessie did not give appropriate feedback so their relationship was a strange one.  One that needed my constant supervision. 

Supervision is so important when new dogs interact.  Not only supervision but close watching and reading.  Much can be seen if you really watch.  Signals are thrown around at lightening speed and if you are not watching, you won't know what is going on. 

Dogs have an amazing ability to learn how to interact with different dogs and change their behavior.  Elsa had to change big time as Luke grew older.  When they were first together, much of their day was spent full on brawling and playing tug-o-war.  The change was slow but drastic from brawling and slamming into each other to just being.  Watching her adjust to life change and expectations was amazing. 

I have never had a dog so adept at reading as Elsa is.  Even in Luke's very old age, he wanted to play.  He would say something to Elsa, something that I was unaware of and she would immediately get into her "let's go" mode.  She would cozy up to Luke, wrapping her tail around his neck to entice him into play.  It was very short lived but even two days before he passed, they played. 

Like many dogs, Elsa sometimes requires a feedback from me.  Having Penny as a regular playmate she can rough house like a WWF wrestler.  Sometimes she forgets who she is playing with when it is not Penny.  That is my job to remind her.  When our dogs play, it is our job to make sure that the play is fun, for all involved.  Some dogs that she interacts with will not tolerate play at all, so that must be enforced.  Coming together does not always mean play, but simply coexisting.  It is essential to monitor and read all interactions. 

Penny (bull terrier) was required to learn difference quickly.  What was okay with Elsa was NOT okay with Luke.  When she was very small it was harder for her as all she saw was blonde legs.  But it didn't take her long to figure out who belonged to what legs.  What was okay and not okay for Luke and Elsa.  They are so smart. 

Like us, each is an individual.  Our relationships with friends are all different and so are theirs.  Time spent with their friends will be varied.  It is important to know what each accepts and make sure that your dog understands this. 

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you.

Space and human manners

Reaching for the button that opens the garage door; Elsa immediately comes to my side.  She knows that the door does not open unless I have a hold of her.  She makes me smile each time she rushes to my side, waiting for that door to open.  I grab hold of her harness and push the button.  Right outside the door is the driveway and then the road.  There could be any number of things out there; safety is my first concern.  We have neighborhood cats and should one be walking across the street when that door opens; I have no doubt that Elsa would be in hot pursuit. 

We were heading out in my hubby's truck last week.  As we exited the garage I saw a familiar woman and her dog coming down the street.  I got Elsa in the truck and was hooking her up when I heard from behind me "watch out, dog behind you."   I stopped what I was doing and turned around to see the dogs face by my leg.  Really?  I shot a glare at the woman and she continued on.  In my own driveway, while I was busy doing something; she thought is was necessary for her dog to come and say hi?

I do not intrude into other's space.  I truly do not understand what drives people to allow their dog to go to the end of the extension leash; up into my yard and see what I am doing.  Rules and boundaries are called for here. 

Another day, I was coming out my front door to run an errand. As I stepped out my door I was greeted by a yellow lab.  I very quickly closed the door behind me and locked it.  The guy, the owner was standing on my walkway while his dog perused my yard.   I stood looking at the dog and the owner until they got the "message." 

Space people, space. 

Yesterday I was out at Home Depot.  As I was putting my purchase in the truck I noticed a dog across the way.  I called out to the lady, asking if her dog was a poodle or doodle.  It was in fact a 3/4 x 1/4 sheepadoodle apparently.  She looked young and I asked if she was friendly.  The woman said "oh yes" and as I moved toward her the dog clearly said "no."  The dog's whole body went down and she reached out to have a quick sniff and move away.  I gave the dog space, we chatted a bit and they went on their way.  The dog needed space; either the owner didn't know or didn't care.  But she clearly needed and deserved it. 

It is completely rude and foolish to allow your dog to interrupt someone's day to day without asking or being invited.  Of course I love dogs, HELLO.  But just because I love dogs does not mean that I want someone else's dog on top of me when I am busy doing something.  Same goes for our dogs, give them the space that they require. I just don't get it. 

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you.  

Let's talk structure, again

 

Tilley could turn on a dime and fly with ease.  She had amazing structure.

Yesterday Elsa and I were stopped by a woman at the park.  She called out to me "beautiful" from afar and as she got close she asked "was she ever a show dog?"  I smiled because I have been asked this many times and as always the answer given was "nope."  Then the woman continued "I use to show and breed Dobies, she has an amazing gait."  "Really?" I asked and told her "I started my dog life in the ring with Dobies," and her interest was peaked.  "Really?" she asked.  We were both on our morning exercise walk so we were sort of talking and moving past each other.  She said again before we went our separate ways "beautiful gait."

Gait - a manner of walking, stepping, or running.

I'm all about movement; it is something that I find myself watching always.  I don't care what breed or mix a dog is, I like to see nice movement.  Nice movement to me means that a dog moves easily with structural soundness.  No it has nothing to do with a fancy pedigree.  It has to do with structure and if a breeder cares about it, then their puppies will likely be one of the lucky ones. 

It is truly mind boggling what has happened to many dogs at the hands of humans.  We have tweaked some breeds and mixes beyond recognition and continue to do so.  There are breeders who care more about a big winning ribbon than proper structure so a big show wins mean nothing to me.  Give me a dog that is built, one that moves much like the canine ancestor, the wolf. 

Why do we think that we can do better?  Let's take a big dog and give them 2" legs, or angle their back legs so much that they are no longer able to walk properly. Build a dog so that it looks like it is floating when it moves.  It is all very sad. 

No, Elsa is not a show dog but she is an amazing athlete.  She would not win a ribbon in the show ring but she's got structure, great structure for movement and I know this from simply watching her.  She is strong, she cannot jump like Tilley could but she could probably have out distanced her.  Tilley was more compact than Elsa.  Each is an individual.  Like us. 

A litter of wolf pups are not all identical.  There will be stronger pups, faster pups and pups that are more agile, but they will have proper structure.  If not, then they may not survive. 

Too many dogs today have poor structure.  Does it make them any less of a wonderful dog?  No.  What it does is make life more difficult for them in many ways.  Perhaps they cannot run like they should be able to.  Maybe they hurt from joint issues.  Or their body is failing them far before it's time.  It is all very sad.  What the hell are we doing?

Humans are breeding dogs and doing whatever they want.  The cute face with tiny legs, the sloped back (for what reason I don't know), the mixing of breeds to produce super puppies; and the lies to prospective buyers of perfection.  Taller, shorter, more coat, new rare colors, more angle, floating movement and more.  More and less and far from structurally sound. 

For each breed of dog there is a standard.  Show dogs are to come as close to that standard as possible.  But who writes all the standards?  Funny isn't it?  We humans are all very different and we are fine with that.  Fundamentally the same yet very different.  I am 5' 1" and I have a twin brother who is 6' tall.  But within a breed of dogs they are meant to all be the same or as close to what has been written as possible.  Hmmmmm?

I saw a photo of a dog yesterday; the dog's neck was so long that I was having a hard time getting my head around the logistics.  How could the neck be so long?  More is not better, not always.  Sometimes less is more.  Perhaps we should all take a good hard look at the wolf and see how far we have gone wrong.

No, Elsa is not a show dog.  Yes she does move beautifully; I could watch her move all day.  It is easy for her and I am happy for that.  She is structurally sound and that is what we should be giving our dogs. 

Destination anticipation

 

No more anticipation, destination reached; played with some dogs and met a horse, time to go home. 

I asked Elsa if she would like to go in the car (truck)?  She started to spin immediately; I don't really have to ask her, I know what the answer is already.  Of course she wants to go in the car.  Going in the car almost always leads to something good.  We were headed to the airport; Elsa and I were on our way to pick up my hubby.  I put her traveling harness on and hooked her up in the back seat of the truck.  Once we make the turn to get on the freeway she starts to get antsy.  She's not sure where we are going.

Elsa knows where her parks are and you don't get to them on the freeway.  She starts to pant, just a little at first; but then speeds up, shallow and fast.  It is her nerves, she's anxious, not crazy anxious, just a little. She's a need to know kind of gal, much like myself.   I remain calm, chatting away to her as I always do.  When we get about 30 seconds from picking Elsa's Dad up I let her know "we have to find Daddy."  Immediately her ears are up and she gets her search face on.  She is seriously looking for him.  As we pull up to the curb I let her know "there he is."  Her ears drop instantly and her tail starts.  She's found him, this was the mission.  She gives him lots of full teeth grins, wags like crazy and is then calm for the ride home.

Imagine if someone put you in a car, but you had no idea where you were going.  Weird eh?  Just think about it.  Lots of dogs are just happy to be in the car; they don't care where they are going or what they might be doing.  Not Elsa, she's a thinker and as such she likes to know.

Yesterday we were back in the truck, this time with her Dad.  Once again we pulled onto the freeway and the panting began.  No one else would probably notice it but I do, she's antsy.  "Where are we going" is what her back and forth searching says.  She knows somewhere new as soon as we make a turn where she has never been before.  When we finally get out, look around, visit or go for a walk; then everything changes, she's calm.  The ride home is always much more relaxed. 

When we do head out somewhere that Elsa recognizes, you can tell that too.  She definitely has a favorite park and when I make the turn that means we are going to "that" park she starts her chimpanzee talk.  She paces and yaks away excitedly until we get there.  Once we are there, she's calm. 

All dogs display how they are feeling through body language.  Some are easy reads, others are more stoic and subdued. Elsa is very demonstrative, she is extremely animated.  Nothing gets passed her and she is constantly watching as we drive; always searching for clues to our destination. 

Elsa has crossed the country, and back again.  She has taken some other big road trips and is out pretty much daily.  Still, every time she gets into the car; the search begins, looking for clues.  Not until we get to our destination or she recognizes our destination does she relax.  I love to watch her as she figures it out.  It doesn't take long for her to become familiar with a favorite route.  But every time we hit the freeway; the panting and pacing begins.  She's never sure where the freeway will take her.  Destination anticipation. 

Guilt, really?

Luke giving Penny feedback.  As soon as she moves away, he stops.  

"Oh look, he's hanging his head," "he knows that he is bad."  How many videos are there out there with supposed "guilt ridden" dogs?  Honestly, stop torturing your dogs people.  Several times each week, a video comes across my FB feed that leaves me shaking my head.  Dogs being misunderstood.  Whether it is simply a behavior that is being misread or the things that humans think are cute, it makes me crazy.  The guilty dog videos tug at my heart; I can't bear that the owners consider it funny or cute when they push their dog into submissive behaviors.

A grudge is something that dogs don't do.  Meaning that when they give feedback to others, it is instantaneous and then dropped once the message is received.  Humans do grudges, we prolong the agony, stretch out the anger and resentment.  But then we dish up the negative to get a video.  Many dogs will act submissive if you start saying "what did you do?" "Did you make this huge mess?"  Their behavior is given in attempt to stop your behavior.  It is not cute, adorable or a means of entertainment for us.

Using words or tones directed to your dog to achieve submissive or appeasement behaviors is WRONG.  When we humans think that it is cute and do it for fun is just SAD.  It causes confusion in our dogs and breaks down the bond that most work to attain.  You become a volatile canine guardian; one that your dog cannot trust.  They don't know how to act with you because you are unreliable.  STOP. 

If you need to give your dog feedback for some inappropriate behavior, do so and then stop.  Timing is everything with feedback.  If you do not catch a dog in the act of whatever it is that you don't like, do not give feedback.  Dog's learn through association, what works and what doesn't work.  We let them know what is not appropriate via feedback. 

I discuss this all in my new book Feedback For You And Your Dog.

As far as the videos of people shaming their dogs for fun, ratings or likes?  STOP.  Its not cute or funny, it is disgusting.  Before you laugh, think about the dog's role in it all.  Humans, honestly. 

One dog?

 

From the moment they met, there was a special connection.

This is really strange, having one dog I mean.  The last time that I had one dog, I was not married and I've been married for 30 years.  So yes, it is strange to have only one dog in our home.  I have to say that I'm not a fan.  Elsa came into our home as #4 pack member.  Two months later we were down to 3; then another three weeks later, there were only two.  Now there is just Elsa; and for her I am beyond grateful. 

 

The pack of three when Elsa joined as #4

I am often consulted on adding new dogs to packs.  Many times people want to know if they should get another dog; when they should get another dog and what they should get.  There are many questions to ask if you are pondering the decision.  My biggest recommendation is to only get a second dog if you really want a second dog.  This is typically the advice given to those who have not had two dogs before.  The decision for those who have had two previously is when? 

For me?  I love having two, three and four.  As you know my life revolves around dogs.  This most recent loss has been a difficult one; I feel like I would be good without another for a while.  That said, coming up to four week post loss I am feeling the absence of interaction and connection.  My biggest concern is Elsa.  She is not use to being alone and clearly does not like it.  She is fine and would adjust but I don't want her to adjust. 

My thoughts go to her as I sit at my computer working up photos from a shoot or writing for long hours.  There was not a great deal of action packed activity between Luke and her in the last months, but there was connection.  I was telling my son Brad, just last night how Luke had gotten the "let's play" look on him just two nights before the last.  His heart was still in the game but his body could not follow through.  So much of what Elsa is missing is the "just being" a part of a canine companionship. 

I am doing my best to get her out, switch things up and have friends over.  But she is missing a companion.  Sure I am her companion but I am not a dog, not by a long shot.  I cannot give her what she needs unless I find her a companion.  When I add a dog to our family, I want the best for that dog and every other dog that joins us.  I know she could deal, she would be fine and adjust; but that is not good enough for me.  I want her to be happy, really truly happy.  I don't like the feeling I get when I see her sitting alone.  

It will make me happy to see her happy.  It always makes me happy to see my dogs having a good time, enjoying life.  That can mean having fun with other dogs, going for a walk just with me or a new adventure.  But life is about sharing; it is always better with someone you love by your side.  She has us but she needs a special canine by her side as well.  Elsa needs someone and I am searching the universe for that man.

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you.     

In home euthanasia

Since Luke's passing I have wanted to share our experience with you; perhaps shedding some light on home euthanasia.  It goes without saying that all home euthanasia's will not be the same.  We were very lucky that ours was very good.  Luke's specialist gave us two numbers to call when the time came, which she knew was near.  I also called another of our Veterinarians for a recommendation.  He gave me one name and it was one of the two that my specialist had given us.  With the information at hand I visited the website of one, Home Pet Euthanasia.  I yelped the service and the same Vet. came up with 5 stars. 

When the time came and it came fast, I made the call and asked questions.   They asked very few questions, only what was needed and the appointment was made.  We had never had a home euthanasia; all of our dogs before had been emergency situations.  But it is still not a great place to say good bye.  My husband and I had discussed saying good bye to Luke and we had decided to go with home.  It was all about Luke and we wanted him to slip away peacefully. 

Thursday January 15th we said good bye.  The day before I had rushed Luke to the vet as he wavered and could not get up.  His liver mass had gotten unbelievably huge, very fast and was now bleeding.  The cancer had also moved to his lungs causing him to cough.  The said "things have changed drastically."  We talked in detail about when.  If I needed to do it right then, I would.  I am not one of those who keeps my dogs around just for me.  With the Vets recommendation and blessing I took him home to dote on him as much as we could.  We also discussed that a decision would need to be made very soon.   It was the end.

Luke rallied somewhat with drugs that were given to him to slow the bleeding process.  He even peed and pooped that morning and ate his breakfast like a champion.  My husband and I spent the entire day with him.  I fed him everything that he loved; chips, fishies, two full packages of turkey cold meat, homemade cookies, you name it.   He ate everything.  But he was weak, it was inevitable.  By 1:00 that afternoon the decision was made.  We did not want Luke to suffer, nor did we want him to rupture like Tilley had and end up in the ER.  I made the call, the call that no one wants to make. 

Dr. Forslund arrived on time.  I had no idea what to expect, we'd never done this before.  But from the moment she entered our home I knew we had made the right decision.  She gave me a huge hug as soon as we met and she brought with her a peaceful sort of Zen.  She met my husband, giving he a very meaningful hug as well.  Then she met Luke, she'd already met Elsa at the front door.  She carried a blanket and tiny wooden stool with her that I wondered about until she tucked it under her legs as she knelt to talk to Luke.  We talked a long time, she listened. 

She listen and gave us time; we had the time we needed and never felt rushed.  Every question was answered and our whole home fell peaceful.  Even Elsa was quieter than normal.  We talked about where Luke should leave us.  "His spot" on the couch was chosen.  Steve and I had taken the whole day to say our good byes, it was time.  We set him on the couch, made him comfortable and his leg was shaved for the iv.  Moments later Luke decided he wasn't comfortable and wanted down.  We let him down and he staggered out to the yard and peed.  I smiled knowing how much he loved his yard, his domain.  Then the spot was changed, it would be done on Luke's lounge.  The place he loved to sit for hours and keep watch over his domain.  Dr. Forslund moved everything outside without blinking.  When we were not in discussion with her, it was like she was not there; except for the peaceful aura she brought with her. 

Everything was explained before she did anything and at each step.  Luke left us on his lounge.  With his head resting in his Momma's hand, his Dad stroking his head and Elsa by his side.  There was a peacefulness about the entire process and when he left it was with the same quiet peace.  Every dog parent wants their dog to die peacefully in their sleep.  Sadly that is rare.  This was the very last act of love we could give our boy. 

It was far more peaceful than I had anticipated.  If you are considering home euthanasia, do your research.  I have heard some not so great things about the process but ours was wonderful.  It is a very sad time but the transition can be made easier by kindness and compassion.  Dr. Forslund was wonderful. 

Dr. Forslund had told us how important it was for Elsa to be there.  She said that there is a very brief moment of realization for them.  A second after Luke passed we called Elsa to him, she sniffed for only a second and was taken back.  Dr. Forslund, asked "did you see that?"  Of course I had, it was the moment that Elsa knew.  From that moment she kept her distance, moving in now and again to sniff.  When the time came to take Luke to her vehicle Elsa did panic as Luke was wrapped up and carried out.  She sniffed him madly and then ran up to my office to watch as he was placed in her van. 

Elsa did not look for him although she did wait at the door on Friday evening.  I imagine just hoping that he was coming back.  Since then she has been sad but not looked for him.  It was important for her to see what happened.  And now we try to move on. 

 Leave a comment, I love to hear from you.