I see images

 

Taken this morning at 6:25 as I wrote this blog. 

 

 

As a longtime professional dog photographer I find it hard not to see images. 

Image:  a physical likeness or representation of a person, animal, or thing, photographed, painted, sculptured, or otherwise made visible.

My cell phone regularly tells me that there is no more room for more.  When I have time, I go through and delete what I don't need or have already used to make room for more images.  If you went through my phone you would see a sea of golden locks.  How many photos have I taken of Luke and Elsa?  Dozens on a daily basis surely.  Between the golden poodles you would see other dogs, family and friends in my images. 

But it doesn't stop there, I don't just shoot dogs.  When you are a photographer and you have been shooting for years, you can't not see images.  I love to shoot anything that catches my eye; but typically it is something that has great emotion.  All photographers are different and what people like to look at as far as images is different.  Photography is a very, very personal thing.  I am more a candid, lifestyle photographer; I do not like posed images and cringe at the idea of being a studio photographer. 

I like stuff around, life represented in a photo.  But again, what I like to shoot and look at may be entirely different from others.  My subject or model can be a mere speck in a photo or just a speck of them can fill my frame. 

I see images daily.  Just the other day Elsa and I were at the park; a young Mother and her adorable blonde fifteen month old were playing which would have made some amazing images.  His curly blonde locks were lit up by the early morning sun and his Mother chased him around with a smile on her face.  Beautiful images. 

One huge and wonderful thing that comes from being a photographer is seeing the world around you.  A favorite saying of mine is "it is the little things in life."  I truly believe that the important things in life are the little things but the images of little things can be the most powerful as well.  In our hustle and bustle life, we often don't see or take note of the little things.  Being a photographer makes you see things that others may not.  I love that about being a photographer.  

Seeing the light is another gift to the photographer.  It took me a long time to see the light but now I cannot not see it.  Light is powerful in images and when used correctly it can turn an okay image into something magical.  I like to use what Mother nature gives us and when it comes to light I am the same.  Of course there are times when there just is not enough light so I do use a flash but only when really needed to capture a moment.  

I am a true believer that you do not need a big fancy camera to take good images.  Of course there are times when you do and if I don't have mine in hand at a particular time when I want it, then I can get frustrated.  My good camera is amazing but it does not work on it's own, someone is behind it pushing the buttons.  How many times have I heard from people "wow, what kind of camera do you have?" When looking at my photos.  Well, yes, I do have a really great camera but many of my most amazing moments captured were done with my cell phone.  Like the one above of Elsa sleeping beside me as I write this.  Amazing.  

I have to say that I love cell phones for that.  Mine is my constant companion and allows me to capture moments when I don't have my big camera with me.  

The gift in life to the photographer; seeing life in a series of beautiful images.  :)

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you. 

Patience and figuring it out

Yesterday morning Elsa and I were at the park very early.  I had to go out for the day; so I wanted to make sure that she got a good run in before hand.  While we were there I wanted to work on Elsa understanding directions with the use of my hand.  We headed over to one of the concrete benches where we like to sit and did some "hup " and "off" exercises.  Not only is it good for listening practice but a good addition to her workout.  Then I switched it up, I wanted her up and over the back.  For a moment she was confused and continued doing what we had been doing.  That is when I stopped.
Clearly moving my body and my hand in a different motion I said "over."  Elsa very politely and easily leapt over the back of the bench.  Nice! 

Elsa gets very excited when learning and working.  She likes to offer what she would like to offer as a behavior; and this is when I need to slow it down and get more clear.  She is so insanely smart that I am often left shaking my head at what she offers me. 

At home we have an office thing that is becoming more regular since Luke's passing.  Mid afternoon when Elsa thinks I should stop writing or working up photos; she will come and nudge me.  I will spin my chair around and ask if she'd like a hug.  She immediately puts her two feet up onto my lap and we snuggle for a bit, then I get back to work.  So yesterday while I worked late in the office I thought that I'd like her to jump up on the back of my chair for the touch she needs.  When she came around to the side of my chair I asked her to come up "hup."  I did not turn my chair like I normally do for her but kept the front away from her.  She tried to get to the front but I wouldn't let her. 

She took a few steps back and stared at me, confused.  Patting the back of my chair I coaxed her to come up on the back.  She got very excited and continued trying to get to the front.  Dogs like to do what is familiar; sometimes all that is in the way of something new is something familiar.  I knew if she just did it once that she would have it.  I was determined so I was patience.  Patience is a virtue and in dog training it is a must.  Finally she put her feet on the back, we kissed and through a party.  She was very excited and now I am thinking that I will have Elsa on the back of my head regularly; which is just fine with me. 

Training is all about patience, timing and knowledge.  Knowing when to stop, when to coax, when to offer feedback for right or wrong.  If you don't know what you are doing, how can you possibly teach someone else?  The more you understand how dogs work the better you can figure it all out and teach them. You have to have the big picture in your head; along with the baby steps to get there.  Training can be any new behavior, it does not have to be boring, sit/stay stuff. 

Choking accidents at home.

Today's blog is written by my sister who had a horrible incident over the weekend.  When she told me what happened I asked her to write about it.  Sharing life experiences can be beneficial to others; although sometimes a difficult thing to do.  I want to thank her for taking the time and emotion to share this with all of you.  It can happen to anyone and sadly the end is not always a happy one. 

 

                                                  Ruby


Bonnie's words...

We are lucky to have our sweet angel with us today. 

I don't know how long it was, it could have been seconds, it could have been minutes, I have no idea.  I'm not sure I can even remember every detail.  At times like these you just react.  
Last night our Ruby choked.  Innocently, like any other night, Ruby got a few tidbits after dinner.  This particular tidbit was half of a small roasted potato.  My husband gave it to her and walked away.  I was putting something in a cupboard and luckily my daughter noticed something was wrong.  She immediately told me and there was an urgency in her voice.  I turned and it looked like Ruby had something stuck (like bread on the roof of her mouth).  I looked in her mouth and could see nothing.  My daughter yelled frantically at me, I turned to tell her to calm down, and when I looked back at Ruby she had her lips curled up and was frantically pawing her face and withering her head in a way I'd never seen.  And there was no sound.  I instantly knew it was serious and checked her breathing....no breath.  I yelled to my husband and instinctively grabbed around Ruby's ribs and squeezed and squeezed.  "You can't die like this" kept playing over and over in my head.  I didn't even notice the potato come out, my husband saw it on the floor.   I checked and she had shallow breath, I checked again and she was breathing normally.  Once I knew she was okay I grabbed her into my arms and burst into tears.  We had very nearly lost our baby, right there in front of us.  Next I grabbed onto my daughter, who was also in tears and was very aware of what might have happened.

 My husband felt guilty for giving her the potato but it could have been any of us.  In hindsight it was a bad size, but I think it was the skin that blocked her throat.  No more potato skins and I will forever watch her eat every bite - choking is silent,

After everything had calmed down and we regained our composure, had many hugs all around, and Ruby was once again chasing after her ball (the whole event barely phased her) I sat and thought of all the things I was grateful for; that my daughter knew instinctively that something was seriously wrong, that I'd reacted in the right way, that I was able to dislodge the food, that Ruby was okay,  that I didn't have to make that dreaded call to my son in Newfoundland to tell him that his baby had passed away,  that we'd all had a reminder of  how much she means to us, that she got a second chance, that our family remained whole.

The weekend could have turned out very differently and I never would have forgiven myself if I hadn't been able to save her. 

Ruby has had countless hugs and kisses today from everyone and is probably getting sick of all this doting, but we are just so grateful to have more time.....12 years is not nearly long enough.

--------------------------------------------

We had our own choking incident with little Jessie, our Jack Russell Terrier.  I had gotten out big pieces of beef, like steak size for the dogs to chew on for dinner.  I handed Jessie one, then Tilley and finally Luke.  Luke and Tilley lay down chewing them like a boneless bone, how it was intended to be done.  But not Jessie, being the pig she was; she attempted to swallow it whole.  She assumed the choking stance, splayed legs as she continue to try to swallow.  Luckily I was right there and grabbed the end that was sticking out of her mouth and pulled it out.  Shaking my head with the realization that she had tried to swallow the whole thing, we did not do that again.  From that point on the poodles got theirs and I held onto one end of Jessie's until it was swallow size.

Not all dogs chew, many just swallow down so if you have a swallower you must take great care to only offer non choke sized pieces of food. 

 CPR FOR DOGS - Cornell University
 

Also never leave your dog alone with food.  Not a cookie, bone, breakfast, dinner, nothing.  I am always around when Elsa is eating anything, even meals. You don't have to sit and stare at them but definitely be in the same room watching. Luke demanded full attention when eating, otherwise he couldn't eat.  

Accidents happen in life; sharing these accidents may help to it happening to other dogs.  Thank you so  much for sharing Bonnie and I am so happy that you were there for Ruby. 

 

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you. 

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness

Ruffwear Front Range Harness

The Ruffwear Front Range harness

I LOVE this harness and Elsa seems to find it very comfortable.  It is easy to put on and take off which is a big concern for me.  It is very easy to put on and adjust and removal is just as quick and easy.  

I also want it to be comfortable for my dog (Elsa); which is the first and most important matter.  The whole idea of a harness is comfort; so that there is no pressure on the dogs neck, this fits the bill.  It has padding where padding should be but it not overly bulky.  

The harness has a hook up on the back and the front of the harness.  I can hook up to either for Elsa as she is not a puller.  The front chest hook up is wonderful if you are in "training mode" as far as learning not to pull on the leash.  The back hook up can be used for those dogs who do not have a pulling and/or dragging issue.  

Elsa is a Standard Poodle (yes really!) standing 24" tall and around 43 lbs.  She wears a medium.

Many of you know that I am a gear fanatic; but my "go to" gear must be utility, meaning I have to want to use it.  Gear is only as good as it is useful right?  Right.  

This very comfortable Ruffwear harness comes in four colors and five sizes.  The pink would have looked amazing on Elsa but orange is nice too.  ;)  

I am often asked about harnesses and leashes and love to share what I like and don't like.  This one is a two thumbs up for me and if you see Elsa and I out and about you will see her in this smashing orange harness.  

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you.  

I think she's good.

 

 

 

 

Waking up with Elsa an inch from my face, I watch her and wonder if she's okay.  

 

There is a sense of normalcy in our home; it is  "our new normal" as they say.  I don't like it but it is what life has dealt us.  Having one dog has been an adjustment for all of us.  But now 2.5 months since the loss of our most amazing boy Luke, I think that Elsa is doing okay.  I have no doubt that she still misses Luke; but she is dealing with life without him. 

 

At first there was a real sadness about her.  Many heavy sighs and restless groans accompanied her heavy hearted staring out the window.  That has now changed, the sadness has lifted and she is once again her joyful self.  It is life and we must move on; there is no going back for anyone, no matter how hard you wish. 

 

I find myself staring at her a lot.  I want to make sure that she is okay; but I am not coddling, that would reverse progress.  She is left alone at home daily and is fine with that.  When I see her missing Luke, it is when she lays down to rest.  She was always touching, entwined or surrounding him in some way, her way.  This is when I see the loss in her eyes, but she is okay with it. 

 



 

Resting on my lap, where she can often be found.  Along with her three balls and her new toy.

 

I miss him, I always will; it is still too new to not hurt when I think of him.  But we move on amongst the sadness and step into the life in front of us. 

 

Yesterday as I did some quick gardening; I looked over to see Elsa upside down and wagging on her blanket in the warm the sun and smiled.  She's good. 

Fat

Too much fat makes us fat, right?  Wrong.

Like many of us humans, our dogs may not be getting enough fat.  Elsa gets a great amount of fat in her diet and she is the picture of health.  Lean, very well muscled with high energy and great agility.  When I reach for a can of sardines, smelt or her new favorite, mackerel I feel great about feeding her these. 

I posted this article on my Lifting-for-life FB page this morning. 

Why eating fat won't make you fat.   

So much of what we feed our dogs is processed these days.  I'll keep it short this morning as there are a few links to read.  But think about how much fat your dogs gets in their diet.  How much and quality are important.  Processed dog food can offer little quality fat.  Next time you grocery shop, grab a few cans of sardines for Fido. 

A great article from Whole Dog Journal - Fats.

Dr. Karen Becker on fats

Pay attention

                 One of the amazing shots from my surf shoot. 

I'm a watcher.  Being a dog trainer who specializes in behavior modification, watching comes with the territory.  But when I watch, I am watching the whole package; that means I'm watching the dog, the human and the interaction of the two.  I see things that others do not.  Watching and seeing are two different things; just like listening and actually hearing are different. 

The other day I watched a man who was walking up ahead of me.   I was out on a surf shoot; taking the long walk down to the beach, there were many dog and humans out and about.  I was not in my training mode, but my watcher never turns off.  The man ahead of me walking his dog caught my eye.  His dog was slightly behind him and kept moving further and further back.  I very quickly popped into my behavior dissecting mode.  What was going on here? 

It only took a moment to see that the dog was being hit in the face with his very large buckle and leash.  The dog had on a chain leash which I do not understand at all.  They are heavy and cumbersome for both human and dog which I explain in my new Feedback book.  The dog was dealing with it, but not enjoying his walk like he could have been.  I see this on a regular basis. 

Our dogs are responsive to life and experience around them.  As such they will respond to things that we may be oblivious to.  I am often called to a behavior appointment to unravel a mysterious behavior.  When I arrive it is watch time and typically it doesn't take long to uncover the mystery. 

Many humans go through their day to day with a dog by their side.  But we don't always pay attention.  It is amazing what you will see if you pay attention. 

What a pain in the neck.

As I watched the women ahead of me, I cringed.  The little dog with them was receiving collar corrections for pulling; lots and lots of them.  "That poor dog's neck," I thought to myself.  I thought it to myself until Elsa and I caught up to them.  Then I shared my thoughts out loud.  Of course it didn't go over well, it seldom does.   The woman puffed her self up in defense of her acts, typical.  That was several months ago; but I see the same thing happening on a regular basis. 

Just yesterday at a different park, there was an adorable little miniature doodle being dragged and yanked around by his neck.  As they passed us he hopped around wanting to see Elsa which made his owner yank on him.  People just don't think about dog necks.  We humans have been dragging our dogs around by them for so long that it seems like a perfectly natural thing to do, right?

Lately I've been reading articles from trainers and Vets. saying that the easy walk type harnesses are bad.  "Dang, you're damned if you do and damned if you don't."   I throw my hands in the air when I read them; how on earth are regular dog Mom and Dads to know what to do?  Honestly.

As far as I am concerned, a harness is far safer than a collar.  A body can take much more abuse than a neck.  Have you ever given your dog hug around the neck and then your dogs coughs?  Dog necks are far more sensitive than we consider.  Humans have been yanking dogs around by their neck for so long that it is just what we do.  But now we need to stop. 

There are people who love to be right all the time; they will always find something wrong with everything.  These type people want to be the ones who saved everyone while they stand up on their pedestal.  By claiming that harnesses are now bad for our dogs, we do a disservice to our dogs.  Many may read these articles and go back to dragging their dogs around by the neck again.  Collars are for hanging ID tags on and even then they should be removed in secure areas like home or when playing with other dogs. 

I do not want to see on a dog:

A choke chain/collar
A prong/pinch collar
An extension leash
Collar of any type inflicting neck corrections

Nothing is perfect, no dogs are perfect, people, trainers, leashes or collars.  The evolution of moving away from the neck as an area to attach a yanking device to is a good one.  Of course as new harnesses come out I will have a look at them.  I love trying out new equipment.  For now I am happy with a couple of different harnesses that I use. 

Hmmm, maybe time to create my own human/canine connection system.  It's a thought. 

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you. 

Lights, camera, ACTION!!!!!

A chair, camera, poodle, bull terrier and the setting sun...magic.  

                                                Leap after leap, I love to capture her in action.

 

The ability to stop time allows us to see what we might never.

 

Poetry in motion.

                                           A slice of life, after action my second favorite thing to shoot.

                                                    I could watch these girls play all day. 

 

Penny getting in on the action with her own ball and own fun.

 

                                                               Penny is a powerhouse. 

                                                      A different angle but athletic just the same.

                                                              Bull Terrier hovercraft. 

                                                               A fraction of a second away from the catch.

                                                               Intermission.

                                                                     Pondering.

                 Penny can only watch for so long, then participation is required. 

Learned behaviors

I had to smile seeing Elsa wait for her tidbit of grass.  We spent much of the morning yesterday gardening.  I love gardening and I love it even more when my dogs hang with me while I garden.  Penny is here so both her and Elsa hung out in the yard while I gardened.  Penny lay in the sun, soaking up the rays while Elsa busied herself.  Every so often she'd come and stand waiting, waiting for her tidbit of grass.  Luke taught her this, and it made me smile to see her doing it.  

Many behaviors are learned and passed down to younger dogs.  Waiting for the tiny, sweet grass shoots, Elsa hovered.  She knows that there is a lot that is pulled out that she does not get; but she knows that she gets the grass.  Luke was quite the cow and loved grazing on grass.  Elsa does as well but she is more a nibbler. 

I do not treat my yard with chemicals so that my dogs can eat the grass.  

 Waiting while I garden for the tiny, sweet pieces is learned and it made me smile thinking of Luke by my side.  He would garden with me all day; often nudging me for a snuggle so forcefully that I could barely keep on my feet in my bent over position.  Memories.

During my gardening I watched Penny find something in the grass.  It was clear from the start that it was indeed something gross.  I thought a dried worm maybe?  Jessie use to love to roll in dead worms.  Within seconds Penny dropped her neck down and got down and dirty.  She finished with some nice big brown spots on her back; so she was having a bath after gardening.  

I love watching dogs just hang around keeping busy and doing what they love.  As I was wrapping up the gardening session I watched Elsa as she approached the gross spot that Penny had rolled in.  I'd checked it out and couldn't see a thing; other than the spot Penny had dug up to get a better scent.  Watching Elsa, I wondered; was she going to roll in it?  She has never rolled in anything, she doesn't do that.  Sure enough, she bent down to get whatever it was on the ground onto her neck.  I called out fast enough, before any damage was done.  I wasn't in the mood to bathe two.  

Older dogs often teach the younger ones.  But sometimes a younger one will teach an older one; and it's not always a good thing.  

Penny's here

Penny is at our house for about a week.  I have to say that when these two girls get together, my heart is happy.  Seeing two dogs this joyful together can only be good for you.  We picked Penny up on Friday.  We met my daughter and Penny at a restaurant for the handoff and the greeting in the parking lot was the beginning of the joy.  Elsa came along for the ride and lunch out and when she was told that we were meeting Penny, it started.  She began her intense searching until she found her.  Elsa was wagging from head to toe when she saw Penny and once out of the car the two leapt around with sheer joy.  Elsa even gave Penny several huge full teeth smiles which is usually saved for her favorite humans and they continued their greeting until we headed into the restaurant.

We ate at Bistro West in Carlsbad; which has a dog friendly patio area.  The food is good, really good.  The waitress brought water for the girls and they were both tucked nicely under the table.  Of course they shared lunch; that's what lunch out is all about.  :)

Penny loves coming to our house; it is her home away from home and she settles right in.  There is much brawling, playing with Grandpa and chilling around the house and yard.

Then more fun, Luna (my other daughter's dog) came for a visit on Saturday and then again on Sunday.  

So Elsa will be busy this week, which is a good thing.  She has tending needs and Penny fits the bill.  No other dog can fit into the requirements as far as tending goes.  Elsa has a need to tend and it can only be done with a pack member (although Yogi is pretty close to that).  So for now Penny is going to be well cared for by Elsa; in between brawling of course.  Right now they are having their morning nap.  :)

Park escapades - control

We were having a nice conversation, making our way around the park on a glorious sunny morning.  Elsa and I, Hank and his Mom were enjoying our morning walk.  I'd already spotted a Chihuahua type dog with a young girl on the other side of the park; I'm a scanner and always like to know who's around, I don't like surprises.  I kept a close eye on their location.  I don't like to see children with dogs out in public with no adults anywhere to be seen.  I know too well that children do not always control dogs well and have witnessed many dogs running lose with their child running after them.  So I watched them.

As we got closer, sure enough the little dog freed itself from the little girl and came charging.  As it got closer I could see that it's hair was up and hear the growling.  Many things happened in a split second.  I called out to the girl "no, grab your dog," as she did not see that this was going to be an issue.  She was walking nonchalantly until I yelled at her to grab her dog.  I pulled Elsa back behind me, preparing to grab the dog before it launched it's attack on her.  My eyes never left the little dog; Elsa was on her leash so I wasn't worried about what she was doing.  Although if the dog did launch an attack it would not be good.  Elsa is not a fan of little dogs who have that small dog syndrome and was more than ready to protect us both.  But it was my job to protect her so I step out in front.

Luckily the little dog grew a little wary as it approached Elsa's friend Hank.  The little girl dove on her dog at the exact last minute.  Elsa was in defense mode, she's been lunged at and attacked by little dogs so she's always ready for them.  It was by no means a friendly dog running up and she knew it.  The little girl picked up her dog and joined her friends again.  I love seeing kids in the park playing but if the dog is coming, then a parent should have been there in control. 

As we walked by them again I said "hold onto your dog tightly" as her dog was in her arms at the time.  I could see the leash laying on the ground beside her.  Sad that the parents had put the children in this predicament by not thinking.  Had the little dog ran up on a much larger dog who's owner was not in control or a dog that was not friendly off leash, the little dog could have been severely injured.  This is not something any child should have to deal with.

Situations like this are all about control.  The little girls who were enjoying the park on their razors; should not have had the little dog with them.  If a parent had been with them, then sure.  But there was no parent with them, so no control.  When a dog is charging your dog, all you can do is try to control them.  They see the danger coming and react appropriately.  

I clearly saw a harness as the little dog got closer to us.  That is where I was going to grab if it got close enough.  Elsa was reined right in and slightly behind me so that I could grab it before it grabbed her a visa versa 

This would have all been different if a parent had done their job.   

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.