A smile worthy connection

 

Elsa gives off a very friendly vibe. 

I pulled down our park street and made an abrupt turn around; no park on this day, the ticket people sat just around the corner waiting for the unsuspecting to pull over and park.  I'd forgotten it was a "street sweep" day when I head to our favorite park.  No parking, no park.  Now Elsa and I were headed somewhere else, what park should we hit?  As I drove down the street I decided to stop at a large strip mall for our morning walk; it was the same one where Elsa and I spent many hours working on socializing when she was little.  This was the place where she learned about automatic doors; and that had been an important life lesson for her role in "PBJ and me."

It was still early so there weren't a whole lot of folks out.  We hopped out and made our way down the strip.  It didn't take long for Elsa to create smiles in the people walking past us.  As Elsa sniffed an elderly woman made her way across the street, headed into the CVS.  She slowed as she got across the street and was staring at Elsa.  She was smiling and called out "what kind of dog is that?"  I gave my usual answer to an all too common question "standard poodle."  "Really?" she replied.  "Yep."

She forgo stepping up onto the sidewalk and headed straight for Elsa.  She wanted a closer look and touch, this much was clear.  I smiled bringing Elsa over to her and Elsa did as Elsa does, she schmoozed.  She wrapped around the woman, wagging and enjoying every moment of this new stranger.  The elderly woman was a bit shaky on her feet so I had to hold back Elsa's enthusiasm a bit.  When Elsa greets, she greets with gusto; there is no mistaking her love of people when you are met by her. 

The woman smiled and gushed with joy as Elsa continued her "I love people" routine.  It was a great moment, another one that made me smile.  Elsa had made this woman's day and after having a little chat we walked away.  I looked back as Elsa did some sniffing and saw the woman watching Elsa with hands on her hips, a huge smile on her face, she let out a chuckle.  She'd had an intense connection with Elsa and it was wonderful for all of us; one for the memory bank collection. 

Cardboard box

My new canvas arrived on Friday afternoon.  It is a beautiful 20x40 image of the Oregon Coast.  It came in cardboard, wrapped very well to protect the art.  I hauled the box into the kitchen and began to cut it away, revealing the contents.  Nice.  I love it.  Box open, artwork upstairs safely put away until it went on the wall.  Done with that I went downstairs and found Elsa stuck in the kitchen.  She was stuck behind the box.  The photo above shows the box flattened down; but she was stuck behind one flap that had remained up and was imposing enough not to cross. 

So, of course it was time to work with the box monster.  Once I flattened the box down, Elsa still wasn't thrilled about walking over it.  I went to the treat cupboard, grabbed a handful and head back to the box.  I stood in the middle of the box and called her to me, like the box was not there.  Very hesitantly she came and got her treat.  Then we walked back and forth, back and forth over the box like it didn't exist.  That is the key to desensitizing; not making a big deal over it. 

I left the box there for several hours and made the only exit to outside that was available to Elsa, the door on the other side of the box.  Our lives are filled with obstacles, for us and our dogs. How we learn to maneuver these road blocks in life depends greatly on past experience.  The more we introduce our dogs to, the easier life gets.  That said, introductions must be done in a certain manner and too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. 

Small, calm and relaxed introductions are always the best.  Our dogs watch us and follow our example.  "Oh, a box in the kitchen?"  No big deal, we don't care about these boxes.  Keeping a "chill" demeanor for our dogs most definitely teaches us not to sweat the small things in life.  :)

A dog by my side

I spent the afternoon in the kitchen; I love nothing more than donning my apron when the clouds finally open up.  With a full view of the blustery weather outside; Elsa and I prepare for a day of baking.  I made an orange pound cake along with cookies for Elsa.  Elsa's cookies are far more nutritious than the cake and something that she can munch on anytime.  

With the classical music playing, the gusts whipping up outdoor wind chime music and the rain pouring down; it was like a Norman Rockwell painting.  Life, filled with small moments; a dog by my side is how I like to spend my time and today was just that (like most every other day).  A day spent enjoying the little things, together.  Moments like today are often the best; there are no expectations from either Elsa nor I.  Time like these are important in the canine/human connection.  Life cannot always be about chasing a ball, training or competitive expectations. The quiet moments shared between canine and human; when no spoken words can be heard, can be the most memorable.

When you share a silent moment, hour or day with a dog by your side; you realize that there is much more to life.  These are the moments that we need to live, savor and remember.  Putting these moments into the memory bank for later.  

Wolves evolved into our constant companion.  How lucky are we to walk through our lives with a dog by our side?

Naughty or misunderstood?

 

A play date, nice. 

 

 

Yogi's Mom grabbed his harness; preparing him to leave, when Elsa kicked into action.  "Oh no, you aren't leaving" Elsa's body language said.  She knew exactly what the harness meant and she was not okay with him leaving.  She did her cat routine; wrapping her body around Yogi's, enticing him to stay.  I had to smile, she is so freaking smart. 

That said, if I didn't see and understand what she was doing, I might think that she was just being annoying and in the way.  A common issue with canines and humans.  Dogs are so much smarter than humans think they are; because we lack the ability to understand their minute communications.  Dogs are in a constant state of communicating; but we tend to miss much of it.  "Did you see that?" Is a question I am often asking canine guardians.  Do you see the things that your dog says? 

As a watcher and canine behavior specialist, I see a lot of canine communications.  But as a human I still miss much of what is said.  Canines communicate at lightning speed; they are masters of body language; which tends to leave us mere humans at a loss much of the time.  We look at our dogs and shrug, not knowing what the heck they are doing. 

Their movements are slight but their communications clear; that is if you are paying attention and understand.  From the outside looking in we become confused and misread intention.  Learning about dogs and how they communicate takes time, patience and desire.  Humans tend to slap a leash on and go, knowing little about what our dogs are saying or how they say it. 

There are so many different levels of canine communication.  From the tiniest eye movement all the way up to the full blown big displays.  A simple movement holds a plethora of information with regards to canine communication.  We can read body language, both in dogs and humans.  But, as humans we tend to rely on verbal communications and have lost much of our ability to see.  Even when it comes to communicating verbally for us, there is a lack of it and understanding the small things said.  We are inferior in the communication department compared to our canine companions.

When we communicate with other humans; there is often a misunderstanding, a mix message issue between two.  That lack of communication ability is even more prominent when we communicate with our dogs.  Learning all you can about your dog and how they communicate may let you better understand them as a whole.  But you must watch, see and hear. 

I don't like it

 

There are things in life that we don't like.  From just a mild dislike to a full on hate, same with our dogs.  Yesterday as I was dremeling both Elsa and Penny's nails, I thought to myself; wow, Miss Penny has come a long way.  She hates having her nails done but she let me do a full foot before getting a treat.  We've been working on it; although I only get to do it when she is here for visits.  But for Penny, food holds great power. 

Many people have issues with offering food when trying to change a behavior.  Holding a piece of food in front of your dog to coax an already learned behavior is bribery. 

Bribe:  anything given or serving to persuade or induce.

Offering a reward for complying with a behavior or activity that a dog does not want to do is creating a positive association.  Of course how and when you offer the reward is very important.  Once a positive association is created and depending on how much a dog hates a particular activity or behavior will factor in on how long and at what intervals the reward is given.   

Some humans tend to think of exchanging a food reward for complying with a disliked behavior or activity, as losing power; they opt to force their dog to do whatever it is they don't want to do.  When you force a dog to do something that they don't want to do, you can end up in a huge heap of trouble.  The fallout behaviors from forcing a dog can be anything from fear to aggression, depending on the dog. 

Let's stay on nails as it is such a common dislike for dogs.  Say your dog hates having their nails done.  Each time seems to get harder and harder; you hold them more firmly and the more firmly you hold them the more they struggle.  Soon the mere sight of the clippers sends your dog running for cover; which means that their adrenaline is released in their body, not good.  Adrenaline causes the fight or flight response, stress.  So why not try to create a more positive association around nail cutting?  It may never be enjoyed or desirable but it can most definitely become an experience that does not trigger a stress response. 

Penny had a bad association with nails so we started just like I would with a puppy, slowly.  Just the visual of the dremel produced treats; then turning it on, touching her foot with it and moving onto one toe, one treat.  We are up to a full foot for a treat; we are most definitely making progress. 

Anything can be a negative for our dogs; an activity or behavior that they just dislike.  Turning it around can take time and patience.  But with baby steps and dedication you can change how your dog feels about the less enjoyable things in life. 

The moments

Life is busy, everyone has got too much on their plates these days.  Often in our busy lives our dogs are left out of time allotment.  What is "time well spent?"  Moments. 

As you all know, I am a watcher; it comes with the territory. I watch dog behavior to help guardians better understand what is going on with their dogs.  That means that I also watch the guardian.  I regularly see people out with their dogs, but they aren't actually their with them.  Their head is somewhere else, work, shopping, paying bills; their body may be attendance but the rest of them is elsewhere.  Not that this doesn't happen to all of us at some time or another but it shouldn't be how we go through life. 

A moment to remember.  Shouldn't our days be filled with moments to remember? 

Yesterday as we rounded the park at the "rabbit" spot, Elsa looked up at me.  Her body tensed, her step became rigid and purposeful and her pupils dilated as she successfully refrained from yanking my arm out of the shoulder socket.  We had a moment.  I let her know how very proud I was of her and we continued as she scanned the perimeter, quite proud of herself. 

The other day I was just about to feed Elsa when I reconsidered the moment.  I placed her food into a glass bowl and we head outside in the sunshine and sat on her blanket. With a spoon I fed her slowly, intentionally waiting between bites.  This was a moment with many benefits:  Switching up the eating routine, changing how she eats by eating off of a spoon, sharing a moment and slowing down the trough type eating. 

Not every moment will make it into the moment memory bank; but each and every one will make our day to day a better place.  If we rush through each day without any moments, we miss out on the things that could be.  

Moments can happen anywhere and anytime of the day.  A moment can be teaching our dog a new behavior, watching them enjoy the warm sun, having a chat during a break from work or just sitting enjoying sitting with each other.  It is all about making that connection, the canine/human connection.   Being there, in the moment. 

"Live in the moment."  This is a common quote; but often forgotten as we rush through our mundane day to day.  To live in the moment we must be in the moment.  That means being with the one you are with in the moment you are in.  Seems simple right? 

Are you seizing your moments with your dog?   

Three months

 

The sun rising on a new day. 

We have been without our Luke now for three months.  Yesterday was what I call a Luke day.  Around each corner, every glance out to the yard and movement I made throughout the day brought the memory of Luke.  It is getting easier.  Sometimes the thought of him now brings a smile which is great and progress.  Although most still bring heartache which is natural when you lose a canine soul mate.  It will get better and better with more time under our belt. 

Time keeps going and so must we.  Grief is an extremely personal thing; just like the amazing relationship which causes the grief.  Step by step we go through the days ahead of us without our dog by our side.  Luckily I have Elsa by my side taking those steps with me.  Plus my added concern about her well being "after Luke," keeps me focused on her instead of me.  Sure, there are times when it is all about me; it has to be about us sometimes or you may never make it through.  Letting those grief days come is essential to moving past them. 

The lessons are starting to come now.  Those little life lessons that Luke snuck in on our day to day; and that is what it is all about.  Luke had much training over the years but it is the lessons that he gave me that are the important ones.  While I was teaching him, he was teaching me.  Many don't realize how much our dogs teach us.  But when you give your heart and soul to a dog it can only be a good thing.  It may not always be an easy thing, but it is most certainly good, good for the human in us all. 

January 15th was a day that our lives were forever changed.  It is not a day to remember but a marker; a point in life when everything was altered.  It is merely a date that lets me take inventory of how we are doing with regards to time.

I share my steps with you all because I know how many are walking the same walk through their day to day.  Anyone who loves with all they have will hurt at some point.  You are not alone, you are part of a wonderful group who have loved and lost that love.  I consider myself so amazingly lucky to have shared Luke's life with him; to be called "Luke's Mom."   It was love at first sight and it will continue throughout my life; that love will never fade. 

He gave me the greatest gift that he could, his heart to keep forever in mine. 

Radio interview

This past Sunday I was on the Pet Keeping Magazine radio show.  It was broadcast live on Sunday the 12th at 3:00 PST.  If you didn't get a chance to listen and would like to then you can click on the link below.  Just a heads up, there is a VERY long music intro before the show starts.  

Pet Keeping Magazine radio show

This was my first radio appearance so I really didn't know what to expect.  It was really fun, heck I got to talk dogs for an hour and a half; not much tops that for me.  :)  But you all know that right?  The questions were all pertaining to dogs of course; but specifically about canines and humans living together.  

As a long time dog trainer and professional dog photographer; my very favorite aspects of dogs is the canine/human connection.  That bond between the two species is simply fascinating.  I love to help when things in the canine/human world is not going as smooth as it could be.  I also love to photograph it at its best; there simply isn't anything better than the silent connection that can be captured by an image.  

I thoroughly enjoyed doing the radio show and look forward to the next one.  

Leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you.  

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.