My Elsa

 

Elsa's place of preference.  Minus me in this photo, my legs would be under her.

It's early, 3:00 am early.   I can feel the weight of Elsa across my legs; we've been over this already, many times.  Only an hour earlier I asked her to please join me on the other side of the pillow where she can touch me but is not "on" me.  She has breached the barrier again; as she has been doing more often.  Elsa likes to touch; so she has taken to lying across my legs.   I don't  mind except for when I wake up and can't move.  She is like the weight of an elephant.

As I lay awake my mind drifted off to Luke.  His spot at night was across my husbands legs.   He would start somewhat in the middle but always ended up over my husbands legs; leaving little room to move.  The things you learn to love out of love.   

The thought of Luke brought me to lunch the day before.   I had my dog sitter over for lunch.  We enjoyed a tomato salad with smoked goat cheese, cherry and pumpkin seed quinoa and strawberry/pecan dessert.  Yummy.  Our conversation went to Luke at one point; she told me how blessed she felt having been able to meet him.  She'd only sat for me twice before Luke passed but knew he was a special dog. It is nice to hear that his memory lives on with others

My mind came back to the moment with a lead weight on my legs.  Smiling I tried to adjust myself under the density which is Elsa. Then I remembered Elsa crushing Luke with her weight.  He too tried to adjust under the pressure without getting up and leaving.  She is something; and these are the moments that sink into your memory.  For now it is Elsa and I; and I drifted off smiling with the weight and knowing that I am her pillow for the moment.    

Finding the needle in a haystack.

My amazing Clyde, always in my heart.  

Honestly, how hard can it be?  Hard.  Searching for breeders who I could possibly get a puppy from is waaaaay harder than you might think.  This blog is about searching for a great breeder.  It is not a rescue/breeder debate so please do not send me nasty emails.  I would like to get a puppy; but the more I know, the harder it is.  I am very clear on what I am looking for and sadly there are few breeders out there that come anywhere near the bar level that I have set.  If they do check off many of the boxes; they are located far, far away from us on a map. 

30 years ago I visited a home where they had a litter of brown puppies.  I had been given first choice of males but when I arrived I was told that another family had got there before me and taken one of the boys.  I was very angry; what if they took the one I wanted?  She had promised me one thing and done another.  Live and learn.  I chose my brown boy who turned out to be one of the loves of my life, Clyde.  As much as I adored him he suffered from poor structure over the years.  There had been no health testing done for his parents once so ever, no temperament testing, nothing. 

30 years later I know a lot more about what to look for.  I have a huge check list and the first thing on the top of the list is tails.

Must: **

1.  have full undocked tail
2.  have fully health tested sire and dam
3.  live and be raised in home with family
4.  be socialized in the rule of 7s
5.  be a breeder who breeds only dogs with amazing temperaments
6.  does temperament testing
7.  knows the litter and matches puppy to new family

These are the 7 musts.  Anything more of course is better.  But if a breeder does all this then they have reached the bar level that I set for me. A few things can be modified but not dropped completely.  This of course is just me and after years and years of research is what I look for in a breeder. 

Admittedly, I could go out today and find a puppy. There might be one just an hour or so away from me.  It sure would be easy right?  But I cannot blindly give money to someone who does not care enough to do all these things.   My breed is one that is not so common; add to that all of these items on the list and it gets harder and harder to find the needle. 

I have found breeders who do 5 or 6 from my list.  After talking to them I realize that they do not stand strong on the other things that they claim to do from the list.  Some things on the list have a wide range of levels as far as others are concerned.  Again, I have a high bar set for these as well. 

If you are a breeder, why not do it all?  Why not do your best for the puppies you are putting out into the world.  It is easy to spot the ones who are just doing it for money.  Yes, even breeders who do not consider themselves to be puppy mills, often do it for the money.  One big clue that someone is breeding for profits is multiple litters on the ground at one time.  I've been on several sites that list litter after litter, born only days apart.  

By having a list, you can weed out the ones who cut corners, save a buck, save time and do it for the money.  They simply don't care. 

I will find the needle, but it is not going to be easy.  It is not always easy to do what is right; but that's what I'm doing. 


** This list is not because I want perfection; such a thing does not exist in the animal or human world.  I want to support those breeders who are doing it right.  Those who have the utmost care and concern for their dogs and the puppies that they breed. 

Questions welcome:

I am really excited for this evening.  At 5:00 my time I will be answering your burning questions.  Depending on how things evolve, it may turn into a regular event.  The format will be a Q&A one.  I will take questions on a first come basis and give the answer in the reply area of the comment. 

 I will create a post that says "questions here" and anyone with a question is to comment on the post.  I will then put my answers in the reply section under each comment.  This will hopefully keep everything in order and easy to follow along.  Each question will be a comment and anything having to do with that question should be put in the "reply" section under the question. 

Looking forward to it, see you all soon. 

Choosing puppies

Choosing a puppy is fun, but it is work if you do it right.  Much of the choosing dilemma can be reduced by a breeder who is in the know.  As most of you already know, I am a huge temperament testing advocate.  I do testing of litters often and find it extremely interesting.  The test puts puppies through different trials to see how they react.  I believe testing to be extremely important but one should also know how to read the results and between the lines.  I do a great deal of between the line result reading when I test myself.  As a behavior specialist this gives me more information than simply relying on the initial test. 

Another huge factor in choosing a puppy is a breeder who knows their litter.  A breeder in the know will take temperament test scores and the individual puppy personality within the litter into account.  These two factors will help to best place a puppy in the proper home.  There are many things to consider when adding a puppy to your home and communication with the breeder, rescue or foster is imperative.  

The first and most important thing is to choose a breed or mix of breeds that will suit your lifestyle.  I cannot tell you how many people got a dog because of appearance.  This can be a huge mistake.  Choosing a puppy because it is the cutest in your mind is not a good idea.  I am not a fan of breeders who just let puppy buyers choose who they want.  Most have no idea how to choose and go by looks alone.  When you visit puppies, they may be hungry, tired, just awake etc. etc. So there is no way to really know if you don't even know what to look for.  

Breeders should guide prospective puppy buyers.  They should communicate extensively to make sure that the buyers get the best puppy for their family.  Perhaps a puppy buyer may not be a good match for a particular breed or mix of breeds; breeders need to communicate that as well.  They should share the good and bad about their puppies with prospective buyers.   

Communication is huge, both with breeders and potential buyers.  People who are interested may have a long list of questions; that's a good thing.  Questions mean that the buyer cares, a good thing!  If a breeder is not willing to freely share information, move along to the next.  If a breeder is pushing their puppies, move along.  If a breeder does not make you feel warm and fuzzy about your purchase, move along.  

Above all, listen to your gut.  That extra sense that tells you right from wrong, listen to it.  Looking for a puppy to add to your family is serious business.  Find a breeder, rescue or foster who is up to your standard.  Anything less is less.  Dogs deserve the best.

Good to be home

 

I took this out my window over lightening filled skies as we neared home last night. 

We are back and it's good to be home.  With the initial homecoming, comes the mega greeting.  There is nothing like it when you've been away for a while.  Many people say that dogs have no sense of time.  But if you are on the receiving end of a home coming greeting after a week or more, you know that is not true.  When we FINALLY (travel day from hell*) got home last night, Elsa gave us quite the display.  Standing at the top of the steps smiling, head bobbing and waving with gusto.  This type of greeting is typical for Elsa but the intensity was different. 

The length of greeting is longer and each separate action holds more oomph..  From the squint of her eyes, the degree of lip curl and wave, it is clear that this is no ordinary greeting.  The typical greeting has within it, lightly squinting eyes, usually a one lip curl reminiscent of Elvis and maybe a mid-range wave or two.  Last nights greeting was filled with all of these but with larger displays.  Her eyes were squinted almost completely; but with her brow down as well.  There was no half smiles, this was a full frontal.  Elsa flashes her teeth so hard that it causes her to snort/sneeze like dogs do when they are playing with friends.  And the arm waving?  Well, it couldn't be any higher or she'd have been standing on her hind legs. 

As we made our way up the stairs to the landing the body wrapping began.  As you all know, Elsa has a full tail that I adore and it is times like these that give it more impact.  She circles us like a cat; leaving her tail to linger; touching whatever it is wrapping on us.  There is nothing like it.   A great deal of snorting can be heard as Elsa displays her sheer pleasure that we are indeed home. 

Having left her in amazing hands; our trip away was relaxed and without worry.  But there is still nothing like getting your hands back on your dog when you've been away.   As we settled in for the night in the wee hours of the morning; Elsa snuggled and sighed.  Ahhhhh, it's good to be home. 

* Yes a travel day from United hell. From one cancelled flight, more delayed flights, rude employees, poor service and an airport of filled with insanity; United Airlines will not be seeing us anytime soon.  Awake at 7:00 am EST for our trip home; arriving in California at 5:00 am EST.  Tired to say the least.  We will be skirting United like the plague at all costs. 

Blog topics

Control

It doesn't take much for a blog topic to pop into my head.  All I need to do is to go out into the world and it offers up loads of topics.  Yesterday as I pulled out of the gym parking lot, a scene played out before my eyes.  It was a topic just waiting to be written about.  I wish I could have taken a photo but I was driving so I couldn't.  It was a head shaking moment.

As I pulled up to the light I noticed a couple on the other side of the street.  They had a few dogs with them but I couldn't make out what kind.  I was stopped, waiting for my green to turn left as they waited for the green to walk across the street.  I watched, trying to figure out what the deal was.  It looked like a mess, that's all I can call it.  Three dogs, two people but it was a tangled mess. 

Finally I was able to figure out what was what.  The woman who was up ahead of the guy had one dog on a very long leash.  The guy behind had two dogs on VERY long leashes as well.  The two dogs that he was holding were walking up ahead of the woman on either side as the man tried to reel in the leashes.  There was leash everywhere.  I watched the mess as it played out.

I swear the guy was going to hang himself in all the leash length that was flying around.  The dogs were out of control and the people had none themselves.  The man looked frustrated as he reeled and reeled, preparing to cross the street.  He finally gave up; you could see it in his face and his body language.  Throwing his hands in the air he assumed the drag position and away they went.  

Two dogs were beagles and they were quite literally dragging their owners across the street.  The humans were at such an angle that I wondered if these were some sort of SUPER BEAGLES as they were not very big.  While the beagles pulled the other dog which was a black mix of some kind; a tad bigger than the beagles ran all around the couple, tangling all the leashes.  It was a canine/human mess.  

I watched, trying to analyze the whole scene.  At least I was being entertained while I waited to turn left.   The car in front of me and myself were waiting for this group to cross before we could turn left.  I watched closely, breaking down the whole messy scene before us. 

The woman walked out ahead with her one beagle and gave the guy behind her a look of disregard.  It was like she felt he was a lost cause.  The guy had given up, maybe more than just the walk; he was over all of it.  He was not having fun; everything about him said he was over it. 

The whole scene gave me anxiety just watching it.  I can imagine how these two felt walking like this each and every day.  Not fun, not fun at all.  They finally got across the street wrapped entirely in leashes.  (Please use appropriate length leashes when walking.)  They turned down the street and away they went to continue their tangled pull-a-thon.

Life with dogs is suppose to be enjoyable.  Our part in the canine/human connection is to teach and guide.  If we fail our dogs by not teaching them anything then...well, we go along for the ride.  And that ride is not always a fun one.  Shrugging and being the victim doesn't work with dogs.  We must step up and lead the way, it's our job, not our dogs job.     

Trust

We were driving to the gym Saturday morning when we saw a man running with a dog.  Or at least that's what I thought when I noticed there was no leash.  Thinking he was stupid for not having a leash on his dog; he then reached down mid-run, hitting his dog hard and grabbed it's scruff.  The dog screamed as he held the dog in the air, seriously angry.  The whole scene took on a different meaning.  Obviously the dog had run out and was not coming when the guy called it.  I toyed with the idea of getting out and laying into the idiot but you just know when doing that will make things worse. 

My husband and I talked about the incident until we got to the gym.  My heart was sick for the dog.  That poor little dog had no one to trust.  There was perhaps a good reason the dog was not coming; why on earth would you go to someone that you don't trust?  Some people just don't get this.  The incident that unfolded in front of us would be enough for a dog to never trust you again.  Maybe if you were very lucky you might be able to gain it back after working long and hard to do so.  Does your dog trust you?

Trust is a huge thing in the dog world.  You are either trusted or not.  A dog learns very fast who they can trust and who they cannot.  If you are an unreliable owner; if you go off on little things at the wrong time, you very quickly become untrustworthy. 

This is one huge reason why timing is so very important when delivering feedback.  Dogs live in the moment; we should, but don't most of the time.  If a dog does something wrong and even just a few minutes later you notice and react?  Too late, message not received and you become untrustworthy. 

Does your touch a welcome thing.  Does touch mean "I will never hurt you?"  Touch and physical manipulation can take time to become a trusted thing.  All dogs are different and what one will trust another may not.  Luke was a very nervous guy so if I tried to roll him onto his back to check out something on his stomach, he worried.  I taught him that "tummy" meant I was just looking.  It took a long time of building blocks to get to the point where he knew I was not alpha rolling him.  Not because I'd ever done it or anyone else; he was just a fretting kind of guy.  So baby steps were the blocks to trust. 

Trust is everything.  You should never give your dog anything to not trust you about.  Being clear, fair and concise with properly delivered feedback are the stepping stones to trust.  Sadly humans get it wrong much of the time.  Evolution takes time, more time for some. 

A new Vet for Elsa

Dr. Adam Lassin

Hemopet Holistic Care

Okay, someone pinch me.  Really? I've really truly found my new vet?  Yesterday Elsa and I took a drive to Garden Grove to visit the newish Hemopet Holistic Care facility.  I've been to Hemopet to photograph the Greyhounds quite a few times but have never had my dog with me.  It felt strange to have Elsa by my side as I entered the building.  As soon as you walk in, the office is on the right; a nice new office has been built for the Holistic Care.  

I immediately recognized the girl behind the counter.  She was the Mom of one of the Grey's I'd shot for my book.  We chatted about the new place while Elsa schmoozed.   

First thing to get done was a weight on Elsa.  She stepped up onto the scale; sat as I asked her and waited.  She stared at me waiting for her release; still wagging in her sit position.  47.3 lbs.  With an "okay" she hopped off and went to meet anyone and everyone she could; while whipping me to death with her tail.  47 lbs, funny, Tilley weighed 47 lbs her entire adult life.  

There was no waiting around; we were quickly taken to room number one of two.  Elsa was both excited and anxious; she wasn't quite sure what we were doing at this new place.  She had her scenting on overdrive and smelled every spot that held information for her to sniff out.  First the tech came in and asked questions about Elsa; her diet, activity level and general health.   He left and we waited for the vet.  

She listened to everything going on.  This girl doesn't miss a thing.

So anxious to meet whoever came in. 
 

Once Dr. Adam Lassin came through the door; Elsa gave him her normal exuberant greeting.  Although you could tell that she still wasn't sure what was going to be going on.  Dr. Lassin and I talked a great deal about health and dogs.  Titers, maintenance, vaccines, blood work etc. etc.  He answered every question I had, in detail.  Next was a physical for Elsa. 

Elsa checking out the new guy, Dr. Lassin.

She has to know everything that is going on.  

Heart good, pulse good, hips good.  :) 

All checked out by Elsa, she quickly trusted Dr. Lassin.

After her physical, Elsa needed her blood drawn for titers, blood panel and a few other basic tests.  Two techs came in but they allowed me to be with Elsa while the draw was done.  This is something that is important to me; although I understand that not everyone wants to watch or participate.
 

Blood is drawn from the jugular so she had to remain very still.   The best way to do this is to back her into a corner and hold her head straight up.  She was very good as they drew her blood.  Once it was done she shook and was back to her wagging self.  Elsa has not had her blood drawn like this before.  I've done it with all my other dogs and Luke had it done quite a bit.  It is a good idea to practice this type of hold for when it needs to be done.

With a clean bill of health, and her blood drawn we were good to go.  Dr. Lassin came in again before we left; letting me know when the results for the titers would be in.  

 I already got the results last evening, four paws up.  Below are the results from her titer.  Elsa's last vaccines were her puppy shots and she has great immunity.  Yay.   

   

I am so excited to have found somewhere that I feel so comfortable.  A Veterinarian that believes in the things that I believe in.  I have found my new vet.  

I was thrilled to see a few images from my Greyhound book on the wall of the Holistic Care.  Hmmm, think Elsa needs to be up there. 

Best friends are the greatest

It had been quite a while since Yogi came for a visit; two months to be exact.  About 10 min. before Yogi and his Mom arrived to play, I let Elsa know.  Her intelligence constantly amazes me; she knows all of her friends by name.  When we meet new dogs I try very hard to teach their name to her.  She definitely knows who Yogi is.

Careless and oblivious

We were walking around the curve of the park when I saw a woman open up her back hatch and let her dog out.  He was leashless and she was oblivious.  She had no idea that we were coming up from behind and I had no idea whether or not she would leash her dog.  Elsa and I waited and waited as the woman head off into the park without ever looking around.  If she would have turned around she would have seen a leashed Elsa and I.  

When Luke was still with us we had an incident at another park with an oblivious dog owner.  What is it about people and their lack of concern for others?  Just because they think that their dog is friendly does not mean that other people or dogs want a visit from them.  Another time when Tilley was around, a woman let her dog out of the car and it charged Tilley; knocking her to the ground.  I was furious and gave the woman a piece of my mind and then some.  The dog was not friendly and she blindly let it out without a leash.  It makes me crazy quite frankly.

I'm a scanner, I do not like surprises so I am always scanning our environment; especially before opening the car and letting Elsa out.  She is trained not to get out until I say so; and I do not say so until she has a leash on.  This is a safety precaution that every dog owner should instill in their day to day.  I have had too many dogs off leash charge us to go in blind.  

The idea that some folks have about their dog is really worrisome.  If they consider their dog to be friendly then they have this idea that all people and dogs would want to visit.  WRONGO.  If you want your dog to interact with other dogs then go to a dog park, or have dog friends over to your home for a visit.  Or ask ahead if your LEASHED dog can say hi to another.  It is just not fair to allow your dog to run up to other dogs or people.

Just imagine for a minute:  You alone get out of your car and as you start to head out into the park another person comes running straight at you with their arms out for a hug.  Hmmmmm, you might run and get back in your car, prepare to defend yourself or punch that person in the face, right?  I know I would.  Yet some people expect their dog and other dogs to be visit with all the strange dogs they meet.  

Keep your dog on a leash folks.  The only time your dog should be off leash in a leashed area is if NO ONE else is around.  It is extremely rude and disrespectful to do otherwise.  When I am out with my dog, I am out with my dog.  I am not out to visit you or your dog unless I have made plans to do so.   So keep your dog on a leash unless you and your dog have the place to yourself.  And do us all a favor and learn to look before leaping.  Honestly.   

Somebody's watching me

 

Elsa keeping a very close eye on Mom.

 

Watching me.

 

 

As I drifted off to sleep last night Elsa sighed and rested her head on my calf.  I smiled, as we then drifted off together.  My last thoughts were that we are physically connected often throughout the day and night.  Elsa is a touchy feely kind of girl and now that she is without her Luke, all that need goes to the rest of us.  Not only does she need to touch a lot but she always knows where we are.  She is always watching. 

All dogs are different, that is most definitely a fact.  There are dogs who don't care where you are in your day to day but they are the minority.  Most are by your side, wherever you may be.  Elsa is most definitely a by my side girl; and I have not yet achieved a sneak away moment.  She has a heightened awareness of my movements and does not miss any attempts at change.  I cannot even move my computer chair without her getting prepared to go wherever I am going.  Although she has just recently been leaving me and for a moment or two to check things out.  That is if she thinks that I will stay where I am until she gets back.  If I happen to move while she is away, I can hear her charge through the house like a maniac until she locates me once again. 

We are a pack and packs do things together.  If Elsa happens to sneak off to check out a lizard or watch a cat out the window it is because she is very aware of where I am.  Typically she leaves me at the computer or in front of the television; because she knows that there is a good chance I'll be there a while.  If I am moving about she will not leave my side; I am not settled and she will have to search for me when she comes back. 

Yesterday on Elsa's first trip outside she got stuck on scenting.  Obviously there had been critters in the yard overnight.  I decided to leave her out there and go get dressed for the gym.  Only seconds after heading upstairs I heard the thunderous charge of her feet coming up.  She hadn't noticed me go inside and was not happy that she lost my whereabouts.  As soon as she realizes that I have changed location, her head drops to the ground to find me.  Tilley was the exact same as far as scenting over visually searching for me.  It is pretty cool.  She can find my fresh footprints in our own house which is filled with my smells. 

Side by side we go through our day.  When I go out, she waits patiently for my return.  She does not get into anything, she just quietly waits for me to get back home.  Elsa has always been like this.  I clearly remember leaving her the run of the house for the very first time when we were in Connecticut.  I turned and locked the front door behind me as she watched from inside.  The whole front of the house was windows, including the door so I could see her as I pulled out of the driveway. 

When I returned home an hour or two later, there she was.  At five months old she was sound asleep where I'd left her.  She awoke when I put the key in the door and we had our little greeting.  It has remained unaltered to this day. 

I never had to look far, she is always by my side or closer. 

Actions speak volumes over words.

 

Penny, very happy that Grandma came for a visit; and that's the truth. 

Have you ever run into someone who says one thing and does something altogether different?  Probably, because there are a lot of people out there like this.   They talk a good talk but they don't walk the walk.  You can say anything you want but if you never follow through or do as you say then your talk is nothing.  In every aspect of life you may come across those who say the words you want to hear but fail to act out those words. 

This whole "mean what you say" stuff involves our dogs as well.  Do you do what you say?  Do you follow through with what you tell your dog?  Do  you enforce things that you have asked your dog to do?  Or do you say one thing and mean another?  Dogs get this and they know who walks the walk.  Don't kid yourself, if you are a pushover then your dog knows this fact about you. 

Enforcing is very important; many people consider it to be mean or bossy.  But if you ask your dog to do something and then do not enforce it; how do they know when they must really do what you ask?  What if an emergency came up and you very desperately needed them to do something?  Then what?  When I ask for something to be done, it must be done.  I don't care how silly or useless it seems, if I have asked I will enforce.  It means when you say something and your dog gives you the finger; that you don't just shrug and walk away.   Of course a dog must clearly understand what you are asking before you can enforce anything.

The same goes for things that we tell our dogs.  Many people use words to get their dogs to do behaviors that they have failed to train. Often these words are just that, empty words which our dogs quickly learn to ignore.  NEVER lie to your dog.  Don't say to them "want to go for a car ride?"  If you are not taking them in the car.  Do not ask them if they "want a cookie," just to get a cute head turning video and no cookie.  Lying to your dog is detrimental to a solid trust between you and your dog. 

Dogs talk the talk and walk the walk.  They do not lie.  A human will tell you that they are trustworthy and ethical and then their actions may say the opposite.  A dog will never say one thing and have the truth be something different. 

Mean what you say and say what you mean.  Anything else is just a waste of time for everyone involved. 

A half of a year

 

Elsa in a quiet moment.

I cannot believe that it has been one half of a year already.  Today marks a half year of our life without Luke; it doesn't seem possible that it has been so long already.  It really feels like only yesterday that he left us.  But as time has passed it has softened the blow; it is true about time and how it is needed to heal.  I am often called to help those who cannot seem to deal with a loss and the bottom line is always time; that and moving on, as we must. 

My husband and I were talking about Luke over the weekend, as we often do.  We talked about another, that we do indeed need to add to our family.  Together we also came to a very clear realization; that this time alone with Elsa has been good.  It has given us some one on one before we add #2.  Much time at the end of Luke's life was focused on him, as it should be.  Of course I spent a great deal of time with Elsa as well but when you care for a very old dog there is a great deal of focus on them. 

This time with Elsa has been all about Elsa.   I did not have this one on one with any of my other dogs after the death of another.  It has been a learning experience, like everything else in life.  Elsa has changed in these 6 months; she had to like us, she has adjusted to life without Luke.  She has done well and is doing just fine now; but she needs a companion in the form of a canine.  Elsa does very well with puppies and brings them into her circle quickly.  There will be one in the not so far future.  But for now Elsa is getting out and about and dealing with life as Elsa, only Elsa. 

Not a day goes by without my mind going to Luke at some point.  His loss still brings a tear to my eye but it is only one that can be brushed away and followed by a smile.  A dog like Luke creates such a void when they are gone; he was an amazing and very special dog who I still cannot believe is gone.  Luke was a life altering dog; he changed my life forever and for that he is always with me.  Death does not remove love; you can never stop loving such a dog.   

We carry that love with us and onto the next.  We must go on and that is what we are doing. 

So, what have you been up to?

Breeder - Laurie Turner, Washington.  Amazing set up, toys, litter box, nonslip surface for puppies to move around and den.  Really nice.  What a great start to life for these little munchkins.

I always wonder what puppies are doing when I cannot see them.  Let's face it, these days it is hard to find an amazing breeder next door.  So, this means that you must rely on photos and videos if you want to know.  I WANT TO KNOW.  I do not like being kept in the dark about anything and that goes for my future puppy.  What are they doing all day?  What is the breeder offering the litter as far as enrichment?

A great example of enrichment, Youtube.  First day in their new big space.  Breeder is Laurie Turner in Washington.


Same litter, 5 weeks old.

Over the years I have seen many, many, many litters.  I have photographed, assessed and temperament tested them.  Some litters I've just been there visiting but still took the time to talk about what the breeder doing as far as enrichment.   Like everything else in this world there are those who do little with their litter; to breeders who offer a full on enrichment agenda.  

All breeders are also different as far as sharing images and videos.  Although many these days rely on FB and Youtube to share their little bundles of joy to the world.  But if you are getting a puppy from a breeder who is not into "sharing" then you will need to ask and ask you should.  A puppy who has had little enrichment and socializing will be extremely different than one who has already experienced a great deal.  

I love when I see a litter who is introduced to many different things.  Even if a future puppy of mine is not in that litter; I get excited with breeders who are giving their all.  Those breeders who are doing their best to give their puppies an amazing head start in life.  Puppies who have been given early enrichment, thrive.  Of course one must understand what is a good amount of enrichment. 

Enrichment is not hard to offer puppies.  Introduction to new things on a daily basis is easy peasy.  It doesn't take much to introduce new things to puppies who have only been alive for maybe two or three weeks.  Everything is new to them; but if they sit in a whelping box or cage all day and night then they are not being enriched.  A puppy with no experience at all will be at a disadvantage.   

You as the puppy buyer may have a great deal of work ahead of you when you get a puppy with a non enriched background.  I have seen many puppies who have been raised in a box and literally never set foot anywhere else until they are 8 weeks of age.  It is a sad thing to see puppies so scared of everything around them.  But when a breeder has given their puppies early enrichment and socializing, they are much more prepared to take on new things in their life.  It is not as scary when you've already dealt with different things.  

When you begin your search for a puppy, ask about early enrichment and socialization.  Along with health testing parents, proper nutrition and temperament testing; socialization and enrichment is up there with important things to consider when choosing a puppy.  Not only will it give your puppy a great start in life but you will be supporting a breeder who is doing their very best for their puppies.  That is important.  

Happy 4th

Happy Birthday to my wonderful girl Elsa.  She is 4 years old today and in her four years she has been through a lot.  Elsa joined our family as #4 canine; after #1, fifteen year old Jessie (JRT), #2, fourteen year old Tilley and #3, eleven year old Luke.  She fit in like she was meant to be; popping out of her crate and into our lives.  Her assimilation was immediate and flawless.  

Not long after she joined us we started a new life journey.  A great deal changed for us over the next few months when Elsa was still just a puppy.  We lost our #1 and #2 only weeks apart.  It was then Luke and Elsa who would forever change me, us and many others of you who follow along.  As you know it is now just Elsa.  From #4 to #1, much has changed for her.  

Elsa has to the be the happiest girl I've ever met.  She adores life and everyone of her people and dogs in it.  Once you have been given the label of Elsa's friend, you are in for life.  Being Elsa's friend you will always be the recipient of a cup runneth over greeting and warm welcome; to Elsa, friends are everything.

Just arrived. 

So to my amazing girl Elsa (who by the way is the original; after Elsa the lion that is) and her siblings; a very Happy 4th birthday.  Here's looking at many, many more.    

A trainer is a trainer

Your dog's life is in your hands.  

The term "trainer" implies some degree of knowledge with regard to a specific activity.  Being a trainer does not mean that you are an expert; nor does it mean that what you teach is useful or pertinent.  As far as being a dog trainer, there is a vast degree of difference in those who call themselves a trainer.  I met a girl who said she was a dog trainer; when we started discussing behaviors it was obvious that she didn't understand what I was talking about.  She did not have a dog of her own and had only been training at PetSmart for over a month.  Scary.  She was teaching people how to train their dogs.

There are trainers and there are trainers with experience.  Experience teaches you more than anything in a book; hands on work with dogs is real life experience.  Each dog is different, working with a new dog always comes with new lessons.  There have been times when I was really surprised by a displayed behavior; a new lesson was learned.  Truly understanding dog behavior means that you can never assume that something will work.  You must have alternative tactics for when it doesn't work.

Working with dogs is a never ending lesson.  Those who think that it is done one way and that is how you do it, is not someone you want training your dog.  Typically, conventional choke collar trainers do it one way; it is all about the collar and correction.  Take the collar off, the leash off and where are they?  They are stuck with no means to teach, sad.  If they cannot yank a dog around on a leash and collar they really have no knowledge of how to interact and teach the dog.  One way or no way for these type of trainers.

My training is geared around living with extremely well behaved dogs.  I do not teach agility, flyball or other activity type training.  I know many dogs who are amazingly well trained in their field of competition but off the field they are literally a fur monster on four legs.  This is a major reason why I love doing in-home private training; I get to see the dog in the home where the action happens, the day to day.  Each dog's training is set up for that particular dog in their home with their people.

In the world of training there are the inexperienced newbies, trainers stuck in their ways of the past, those who only know one way and the very harsh and cruel trainers.  It always surprises me how many harsh trainers are still around and that people allow these trainers to do what they do to their dogs.  I have heard of one trainer who comes to your home and immediately alpha rolls the dogs. People stand back and let it happen.  One woman I talked to told me that her dog bit the trainer pretty badly after being alpha rolled; not surprising.

Over the years I have undone a great deal of damage done by inexperienced or harsh trainers.  When I meet the owner and hear about what the trainer did to their dog, it makes me crazy mad.  I try to explain to the owner what has happened to their dog and then we get to fixing the issue.  Many bad trainers use bullying tactics to sell their talents.  They use the owners feeling of inexperience and inadequacy to fuel the "you're going to wreck your dog," idea.  I have heard this time and time again from owners who put blind faith in a trainer and now live with the guilt.

When you hire a trainer, no matter what trainer that is; you must feel good about what they are doing or asking you to do with your dog.  If you shudder at something your trainer is doing to your dog or wants you to do; don't do it.  Not everyone has you or your dog's best interest at heart.  Inexperience, greed, anger and EGO have no place in dog training.  Much damage can be done by a trainer who lacks basic knowledge about canine behavior.

If you feel the least bit apprehensive about a trainer, find another.  

Your dog is worth the best.

Did you react appropriately?

We made it and came out better after the fact!!!!

I hope that everyone made it safe and sound through the worst of the fireworks.  Did you?  Did you ignore the fireworks?  Did you pretend that there was no crazy booming going on?  Did you do your chill routine? 

Elsa did great with just some minor concerns.  Nothing that the safety of being with Mom and Dad couldn't help with.  She did a great deal of watching us which is what dogs do to see how we are reacting.  We ignored the fireworks and even played ball in the yard.  

Our dogs look to us for guidance; just seeing how we are responding helps them with how they should respond.  If you can get your calm reaction in before a dog becomes too fearful or reactive, then your work is done.  Often when a dog is left alone with no one to assist in the "we don't care about these things" department; then they can become very fearful. 

Being on their own doesn't always mean that they are physically alone.  Sometimes a guardian does not step up and offer guidance; leaving their dog to deal with a situation all alone.  It is our job to guide, how else can dogs learn if we don't teach them?  When we fail to guide we fail our dogs.  

Teaching our dogs how to remain calm requires us to be calm.  Even if you are feeling not calm you can act calm.  If a situation arises when we are caught off guard and thrown into an anxious state; it can take a great deal of smoke and mirrors to appear chill and calm.  But you can do it.  It takes practice but appearing calm, cool and collected can stave off many behavior issues with our dogs. 

Does your dog react to something specific?  Cars, other dogs, strangers, cats, loud bangs, bicycles or joggers etc?    Whatever it may be, take that "thing" that makes your dog react and turn it into a chill "we don't care" "thing."  It is all about association.  Are you creating a calm and cool association or amping things up?  

We can often cause situations to seem worse just by acting in the wrong way.  Tensing up, yelling, becoming angry or agitated, can all cause a negative association.  A very common issue with dogs is barking or going off when neighboring dogs start up.  We dealt with this at our current home.  There are a ton of dogs in the neighborhood and many that just seem to bark and bark and bark.  So when we first moved into this house and then again when Elsa was young, it was the calm and cool routine.  When the neighbor dogs got started, I kicked into my calm routine.  I'd immediately come out and start puttering around the yard; acting like there was no insane barking going on.  The dogs quickly realized that there was no need to join in and just got chill along with me.

Your dog is watching.  What are you saying to them?    

Exterior over interior?

Puppies, I'm always interested in looking at puppies; so when a litter comes through my email, Facebook, instagram or otherwise, I'm on it.  As most of you know I am research driven; so when I see a new litter and/or new breeder I like to have a peek.  This morning I was looking at several new breeder pages with litters.  Oh yes the puppies are adorable, what puppy isn't?  But when I look to see how much these folks are charging I'm let down.  Puppy #1 - 1,300.  Puppy #2 - 1,000.  Puppy #3 -2,000 and it goes on like this.  So what's the deal with the different prices?

First let me say that I am NOT a fan of tiered puppy pricing.  I think that breeders who do this perpetuate the exterior over interior idea of choosing dogs.  Many hike the price of more desirable colors, markings or even sex.  Others mark up the price of their puppies if they have bred a more desirable dam or sire.  So where do these price mark up ideas come from?  Scarcity marketing.

5) Scarcity 
Ever gone to buy airline tickets and seen a tagline that says “Only 3 seats left at this price!” Yup, that’s scarcity (another Cialdini concept). This psychology principle goes back to the simple formula of supply and demand: The more rare the opportunity, content, or product is, the more valuable it is.
(Taken from Hubspot blog)

A litter of 7 puppies can all have different price tags on them.  Odd, because they all came from the same parents, they all came out the same, all eat the same, get the same care and attention as the others.  The only difference is their exterior shell, their image.  If that image happens to be in hot demand then a breeder can up the price.  This practice is a commonly seen marketing ploy.

Premium pricing - The price set is high to reflect the exclusiveness of the product.

I do not agree with this type of pricing and feel that it fuels the whole beauty pageant idea.  Many breeders who price like this also place puppies as soon as they can.  Temperament is not a consideration; placing a puppy where it would best thrive does not matter to them because they are charging for their exterior, not interior.  How can you charge more for a puppy just because of it's color, markings or sex?  . 

What does this say about the puppy at the bottom of the pricing tier?  "Such a deal" or "not desirable" are the first two things that come to mind.  Whereas the puppy with the highly desirable color or markings can have a line of anxiously waiting folks willing to fork over more money if they can have the "best."  Or more correctly, hottest ticket.

This type of pricing is used by many breeders of different quality levels.  Even if a breeder does all the testing, care and enrichment; they fail in not placing their puppies where they should go according to their interior, temperament and personality.  I am a huge advocate of temperament testing and knowing where a puppy would best thrive.  Exterior has nothing to do with that. 

Dogs are not products and should not be priced as such.  Have you ever gone to buy an item and when given a choice of color, opted to pay $50.00 more for a snazzy red or blue?  That's all fine and good for a laptop, car, phone or something else, but not a puppy. 

In my opinion, puppies should be priced as one.  A breeder chooses the best of their dogs to breed; does all the health testing, which costs quite a bit.  They care for their pregnant dog, feed and care for the puppies all alike.  The price of the puppies should cover all of that and be set at a price that the breeder is happy with.  A higher price should not be put onto a puppy that is more rare or in higher demand.  

Sadly many people hop on the "new hot" color or pattern of dog and run with it.  It all stems from that one horrible thing that drives many human behaviors, greed. "I don't do it for the money," is a common phrase heard from breeders.  Well, if you are charging more for puppies of a different color or marking, then think again.  What does that price tag say about how you really feel about your dogs? 

Should you squeeze just a bit more out of people because you can?     

The Big Bang

It's that time of year again, the day that many dogs would dread if they knew that it was almost upon them.  July 4th in the USA and July 1st for Canadians.  July 1st is tomorrow so to all the Canadian dogs out there, hang tight; it will be over soon.  All across the internet you will read about things you should do for your dog on fireworks days.  But there will still be people who do not take precautions; there will be lost dogs, terrified dogs and worse. 

So here are a few DON'Ts.

DO NOT

- take your dog to a fireworks display.
- take your dog to crowded and hot daytime celebrations.
- leave your dog in the yard when you go off to celebrate the day or evening.
- leave any possibility for your dog to escape your home if you are not there.
- coddle your dog.
- make the loud booming a big deal.
- act out of the ordinary each time there is a boom.

DO

- stay home with your dog if you know they are fearful.
- make sure that there is NO way out of the house for your fearful dog if you must go out.
- leave the radio on.
- leave the television on.
- leave a fan or two on and the AC, the more noise the better.
- if you are at home with your dog, pretend it is a day like any other.
- try to do something your dog LOVES.
   Tilley use to be terrified of fireworks.  We use to get her ball out and attempt that; it took a while but finally worked being that she was a crazed retriever type dog. '
- watch a LOUD movie with some yummy snacks. 
- try your best not to flinch at the sounds, ignore them.
- ignore your dog's fearful reaction.
- talk upbeat and happy to your dog, especially if you see signs of relaxing.
 - check collar/ harness connection if you take your dog with you. 
- make sure that there is sufficient ID on your dog. 

A dog who is in a state of panic will run given the opportunity.  You may think that your dog would just bolt and keep going but they do.  When a dog is in such a fearful state they will not hear or see anything, they just run.  Safety is the key to keeping them safe.  A level of safety is needed that calls for above and beyond on fireworks days.

  - check, recheck and check again that there is no way your dog can escape.

It is always best to stay home on these days.  Unfortunately for those fearful dogs, there will be booming before and after the actual fireworks.  People love to shoot off their own and use firecrackers.  I wish people would think about all the terrified animals before they do this, but they don't.  So keep your dog safe.  Be vigilant. 

July 1st and 4th are wonderful days of celebration.  BUT, they have also become days of dread for many.  Stay on top of the safety and don't forget that your dog is watching you.  If you are having fun then it will be a lot less scary.  But please don't take them to the celebration, celebrate at home. 

This, not that. Luke's rules.

My hubby and I were talking about Luke over the weekend.  He is often the topic of conversation as we sit and think about the years gone past.  It is fun to remember the good old days; when he was young and not a frail old guy.  Those are the memories that are tucked away for months and years to come.  As we talked about him I said "remember when he was an idiot?"  We laughed thinking of him scaring people; he loved it and he knew who he could scare.  In his younger days he was often a butt head with people.  He loved to socialize but he loved to strut his stuff; prove to everyone that he was the man.  Being that he wanted to be the "top dog" in the pack but never was he sometimes turned his "I'm the s*&t" to visitors.

There are things that people do that are the complete opposite of what we should do.  One is to walk into someone's house and lavish attention on a dog you have never met.  People are very guilty of this and it can cause a whole bucket load of issues.  As we talked about Luke, the topic turned to a particular visit one day and I laughed thinking about it.  A Dad of one of my son's friends arrived at the door.  Before answering it I told Luke to backup and he did.  As soon as the guy was in the house the petting began.  I told him to not pet Luke but he said "it's okay."  It was okay and Luke was loving the attention; that was until the guy took one step to come into the living room.  That is when it was not okay.  

What happened?  The guy held his hands in the air with a puzzled look on his face.  "What the heck?  I was just petting him? he said.  "I know, that's the problem" I told him.  Luke was not about to just let this guy freely walk into our home.  He got all puffed up, did his best and very scary growl to let him know it.  So when the petting stopped and the man moved into our home, Luke felt the need to enforce "boss" rules.  

Like bowing down to a King, Luke had been raised up above this new visitor by all the attention.  Just think about a pack of wolves, who gets all the attention?  The leader does, that's who.  Lavishing Luke with attention at the front door and coming into our home were two entirely different things.  People think that dog's love us when they allow us to pet them.  This can be true but it is very often wrong; especially when talking about strangers, both dog and human. 

This, not that.   Luke had his own set of rules that the newcomer did not understand.  

When I go to a new client home for behavior modification work, I never pet the dog.  I rarely even look at the dog and opt to sneak view to see how the dog is behaving before ever putting out my hand.  I want to see how the dog feels about me being in the house before I make any advances on touching.  Touching is a big thing for dogs and people just don't get it.  

Every dog is different so of course how each is dealt with will be different.  As far as petting strange dogs?  Less is better.  Luke had a wealth of knowledge to share with us over the years.  No dog ever taught me as much as he did.  When a human listened to me when they came into our home, everything went smashingly.  If they did not look at Luke, did not give him the time of day he was an angel. Those who could not resist and did not listen to me; were usually gifted the butt head Luke routine.  Pumped up with lavish affection, it went straight to his head.  

I must add that this was all show and that is why I can laugh.  I knew him so well and could deflate his over stuffed head very quickly.  He outgrew the need to dominate as he got older so those memories are deeper down.  There are protocols to entering someone else's home; but we humans just don't get the dog part of it.  We reach out and make rude advances all the time.  

That very old idea of letting a dog come to you, that's a good one.