Feeding your dog

A healthy dinner for both Elsa and I; although the orange would have to be snuck in somewhere for her. 

What did you have for dinner last night?  I had an organic romaine heart salad with organic quinoa, pecans, beet and cabbage sauerkraut, organic black beans, with dressing.  To drink I had water with cranberry juice.  I pretty much eat salad every night.  I feel really great eating at least one salad a day; plus it's super easy to make.

What did your dog eat for dinner last night?  Elsa had grass fed beef, wild caught salmon with bone and skin, organic quinoa, organic greens, chia seeds and cranberry juice.  Right now I have a turkey meatloaf for her in the oven that will be packaged up and put in the freezer for later.  For breakfast this morning she had wilted organic romaine, eggs over easy, egg shell, organic quinoa, hemp seeds and cranberry juice.  Earlier this morning she shared my peanut butter Perfect Bar in bed before 6:00am.  We eat well.

Nutrition is such an important part of feeling good.  Sure you can exist on over processed, dried and packaged food but you will not feel optimally healthy.  If you've only ever eaten a diet of processed food then you won't even know what you're missing as far as feeling great.  Same goes for your dog. 

Yes, dogs can exist and be sustained on a diet of over processed garbage, like Pedigree or Beneful but will they thrive?  Nope.  There are lots of folks out there that will say "my dog is so healthy," when questioned about what they feed.  If it is a poor quality dry dog food then your dog could be much healthier.  

There is such a range of food available for canine guardians to feed their dogs.  If price is the first thing you look at, you need to do some homework.  Just because you can feed your dog for penny's a day does not mean that you should.  No, you do not need to spend a fortune on food to feed a better diet.  When you buy better food, the amount needed is typically less.  Many dogs eat too much food that contains too little nutrients. 

Think of a wolf when considering what to feed your dog.  How much actual real meat is in their food?  How much nutrients are accessible for their body to utilize?  Elsa and I often eat a very similar dinner albeit different rations.  She is heavy on the meat where mine will be heavy on the veggies.  We need to think about food as fuel for the body; both for us and for our dog.  When I take Elsa out for a run; I consider what her powerhouse of a body needs to run.  She is a high energy dog in peak condition.  Much thought goes into what she eats so that she feel as great as she looks.  

Feeding real food makes sense; eating real food makes sense.  The more processing a food goes through the less nutrition is left at the end of it all.  Does your food resemble real food?  How about your dogs?

Defusing tactics

Elsa offering her ball to play.

Elsa ADORES her friend Yogi.  He is a gorgeous, young and friendly guy; who at a year and a half is still learning the ropes.  When the two get together there is great fun to be had.  First comes the greeting which is like a tornado of gold.  He is a darker shade of gold than Elsa but it is often hard to tell legs and bodies apart when they are playing.

They typically have a game of chase around the table where Yogi's Mom and I sit and watch.  Yogi chases Elsa then Elsa chases Yogi.  Elsa is always up for retrieving; even in between games with Yogi, she is the never ending retriever.  He loves nothing more than obtaining her retrieving item and strutting around the yard with Elsa following.  It is a confidence building moment for him when he finally gets the item away from Elsa; even when she gives it to him.  A definite ego booster for the young man.  

Then, once or twice during the visit Yogi is triggered into a zoom.  It is usually started by some rough housing and it begins.  He takes off down the grass strip in the back; his body hunched over and as low as he can get and still run at the same time.  His zoom triggers Elsa into a serious chase and she waits at the entrance to the grass strip to grab him as he zooms out.  

Emotions flare as the game continues; Yogi zooming and Elsa catching him on the fly by.  Elsa's play growling gets louder and Yogi zooms faster and faster.  Things get a fast and intense, then it's over.  It stops as immediately as it started.  Yogi has learned how to end the game, simply and quickly.  He stops at the shoot,where Elsa is waiting and smells the flowers.  Game over. 

If you have ever witnessed a zoom; they are intense and fast.  They can trigger chase drive from other dogs which is what happens to Elsa.  It is all a game but it gets very heightened.  I would typically step in and stop it before it gets too crazy but Yogi is amazingly talented at doing it himself.  He uses calming signals and they work to perfection.  

It is like watching a raging fire and then poof, it's out.  Both dogs head to the water bowl for a quick drink.  Normal play returns and all is back to normal.  I first witnessed Yogi do this around a year of age.  He was still a bit intimidated by Elsa and her ferocious pursuit was no doubt a little overwhelming.  He jammed on his brakes as her growling and catching got a little scary to him.  The game was over instantly and Yogi learned a great lesson.  

Defusing is a great technique for many different things.  Yogi's flower smelling was a clear sign that he was done with the game.  Elsa got it immediately and they moved on.  Love it.  

Choosing puppies - temperament testing

Elsa at 5 months of age playing with a Sheltie puppy.  She was a social butterfly. 

"I want the red one," says the woman as she chooses her puppy.  Arranged on a page side by side the puppies await their new owners decisions.  I HATE THIS.  As someone who not only loves dogs; I also put a great deal of importance on each as an individual. 

I cannot stand when I see puppies "set up" in the cutest of posed images to sell them.  Dogs are far more than a piece of material that you sell like jewelry or shoes.  Each is an individual and they deserve to be put into a home where they would best flourish.  They should not be chosen by their exterior image.  

"Do you temperament test?" is one of my first questions when talking to breeders.  I talk to a lot of breeders.  I'm interested in who is doing what with their puppies.  It is not only my own breed of breeders I talk to; I discuss socializing and temperament testing with all sorts of breed, breeders.  I love when I meet a breeder who is doing it all.  

What I am seeing more and more are breeders who temperament test but don't place accordingly.  What does that mean?  It means that they go through the motions but don't follow through.  Their puppies are given a temperament test but then people can choose whoever they like.  The temperament test is not just something to check off the list; it is implemented to help in correct placement.  

               The general public chooses puppies visually.

The general public, and that encompasses most people; do not know what they are looking for as far as a companion.  They look at a puppy and decide by a visual preference.  

Puppies are much more than a pretty face.  When I temperament test a litter, I am always amazed by the difference in each dog. 

How should it be done?  In my opinion, puppies should be placed in the best life situation for them.  Deposits can be taken or not for an upcoming litter.  Once they are born and the number of puppies is known; then a matching list of people can be created.  Everyone on the list gets a puppy but no one knows which puppy will be theirs until they are temperament tested.  

At 7 weeks of age the temperament test is given and the breeder should know all the little personal quirks about each puppy.  The temperament test is important.  But just as critical is the breeders knowledge of each puppy's personality traits.  Every puppy is very individual as far as personality and temperament.  They may look like they all came out of the same mold; but inside they are very different from one another.   

Then and only then should puppies be placed, by the breeder.  There may be a couple of puppies who would do well in a home and the would be owners can be given a choice between those; WITH THE BREEDERS ASSISTANCE.  It is at this point that show puppies can be chosen as well, not before.  

I remember being at a breeders home photographing puppies.  The puppies had all been chosen at 2 days old.  As I played with the 7 week puppies, one stood out.  The breeder said that an elderly woman had chose this puppy and she hoped that she could handle her.  She was a spitfire of a girl; a tiny thing but full of piss and vinegar.  I shrugged my shoulders and continued to shoot.  

If it really is not about the money (and I know it is about the money for many who say it's not) then why not wait?  If you have a buyer and they cannot take the puppy until it is as least 8 weeks of age; then why not wait to see who the puppies are before placing them?  If prospective puppies don't like it, too bad.  I'd rather have a list of people who want what's best for the puppy.  

As a breeder, you can do it all.  You just have to decide to do it all.  

Avoidance behavior

I remember this day like it was yesterday.  Luke used avoidance to deal with the big bully on the left.

When nothing is something.  

As an avid canine body language watcher; I see a great deal of information that seems to be invisible to many.  "He's not doing anything," says my client; watching her dog standing beside the new addition.  Ah, to the average Joe, her dog is not saying anything; but to me he is speaking volumes.  He is using avoidance with the new dog they just brought home.  "Look, he's good with her," she said.     "He's not good with her," I said; further explaining, that he was having a hard time dealing with this new dog in his house; so he was opting out.  

Avoidance is used for many different things in dogs.  They can be seen using it when they don't know how to deal with something.  ie.  A rabbit is hopping around them at the park and their brain says grab it.  Although they know they are not allowed to grab it so they pretend it is not there, avoidance.  

Avoidance -  an act or practice of avoiding or withdrawing from something. 

Avoidance is called upon regularly in dogs; some more than others as they are all different and deal with life in their own very personal way.  

Avoidance helps when dealing with tough stuff.  A youtube video of my three taken six years ago.    I haven't seen this video in a long time.  It is filled with great canine body language.  It is a fabulous representation of who each was as an individual.  

Avoidance can be called upon for many different situations.  Just because you don't see your dog looking at or seemingly reacting to something does not mean that they are oblivious.  If you watch closely you may see that they are using avoidance.  It is important to understand avoidance because it is not called upon for simple and mundane issues typically.  Avoidance is different from ignoring.  Ignoring is simple, unlike avoidance.  

There is so much to learn about our dogs.  Living with them should be enough of a reason to learn about them.  Sadly most people will never really understand dogs; which is why so much is misread into canine/human interactions.  

Dogs cannot tell us what is going on, we have to watch to understand.   

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you. 

Basic canine manners

I put out chips, (my weakness) dip and a nice pinot noir.  Walking back and forth from the living room to the kitchen; it is there for the taking.  Elsa knows that she is not allowed to help herself.  She is so good about not touching the food and is rewarded for not scarfing it all back while I am out of sight.  Of course this takes a great deal of training; but well worth it.  

Responsibility fir basic canine manners fall solely on the humans in charge.  

Manners - ways of behaving with reference to polite standards.  

The level of manners from one household to another can vary vastly from one to the next.  I know people who live by the "no rules" way of life; both in their own interactions and their dog's.  There are those who have strict marine like rules to everything in between.  So what are manners and how the heck do you teach them to your dog?

Speaking for myself, manners are simple rules in life that distinguish one from knowing how to behave when around others.  Manners are manners; both for humans and our dogs.  Does your dog understand what is acceptable and not acceptable behavior?  Like I said, everyone has a different idea of what manners means so from one dog to another they can be tremendously distinct.

Some rules can be difficult to implement when you have visitors or you are out and about in the world.  Let's take Elsa as an example.  She is highly social and LOVES people.  This causes her to work harder on manners when people come over.  She has a difficult time trying to contain her enthusiasm; so when needed, I bring out the big guns.  Treats.  If I have a food item that is high enough value to tromp out the human value, she can be very mannerly.  Of course it depends on the human we are speaking about.  Plus, being overly social is not a huge and scary problem, just a physical one.  :)

Elsa knows very well that she is not suppose to leap up on people and rarely does.  Her excitement tends to stay on the ground; spinning and whirling around with excitement.  There are of course, those humans who don't abide by the "no jumping" rules; coaxing and rewarding her up on them, much to my disapproval.  When this does happen I will step in and correct the human and remind Elsa what the rules are.  Leaping up on people is not okay, at least not in my books.  

Humans who encourage dogs to behave badly, are not being the good leaders.  You may think that rules are mean and cruel.  You don't want to seem like the bad guy when a dog leaps on you.  So you encourage the bad behavior much to their owners displeasure.  Just because there is a dog or multiple dogs in the house; does not mean that chaos must ensue.  Chaos is chaos, adding dogs does not equate this unless you allow it to.  

Making sure our dogs are mannerly takes work.  That work should begin right from the start.  Implementing rules and regulations is easy; that is if you teach your dog what is and is not acceptable.  There must be consistency; which can be difficult when everyone is not on board.  

Having a mannerly dog is a joy to have around.  Your dog, your rules.  

Hip Dysplasia and surface

Traction

This article was on my news feed this week.  The article took a different approach than most about the subject of Hip Dysplasia.  For a long time I have been researching Hip Dysplasia, it's causes and where it raise it's ugly head here and there.  Being someone who is a huge muscle building advocate both in humans and dogs I was enlightened to read the contest of the article.  

Hip Dysplasia article-common sense.

Hip Dysplasia is a very sad thing.  Yes, some puppies are predisposed to Hip Dysplasia; even when a litter's sire and dam are tested clear, it can arise.  It is extremely sad to see a very young puppy who has bad hips from the start of life.  But many environmental issues can induce hip problems as well.  One main issue is surface and that is what I want to talk about. 

Of course it goes without saying that only dogs with good hips should ever be intentionally bred.  Sneaking a dog into a breeding program with bad hips but other great attributes is inexcusable.  It is a very sad life for a dog who has to live with severe hip dysplasia.  

I see a lot of litters slipping and sliding around.  With the ability to video new litters and share with the world I view a great number of litter videos and pics.  The first thing I notice is surface.  Just imagine for a moment, a litter of wolf puppies in the wild.  As they pile on their mother to nurse; their little feet pushing and propelling them to the best spot to feed, they have traction.  With their tiny little feet and nails they are able to push themselves forward while building their little muscles.  

So now consider a litter of puppies in a slippery kiddie pool, wood flooring, linoleum, tarp or tile trying to get closer to feed.  If you watch them they look like little swimmers.  They cannot get any traction; their little joints are being impacted instead of building and using their muscles.  They move far less with more movement because there is not traction.  

As the puppies grow they slide around when on the same slippery surface.  Falling spread eagle style as they attempt to maneuver over the perilous surface.  I shudder when I see it and wish that more breeders and new puppy owners would focus on surface.  

Injuries can occur in very young puppies as they try to manipulate a slippery terrain.  Damage done at a young age can be debilitating as a dog grows and may plague them in later years.  It is a common sense approach that is needed.  If you understand that muscle, ligaments and tendons protect joints; it just makes sense that our dogs need muscle mass for joint protection.  Just like we do.  No muscle?  Then your joints are just an accident waiting to happen.    

                  Puppies need traction - the adhesive friction of a body on some surface.  

Dogs can manipulate slippery surfaces much better with an ample amount of muscle.  The less muscle a dog has the more prone they are going to be for joint injury, just like us.  Keep your dogs on a surface with traction as much as possible.  Build those muscles to protect their joints.  And for those who are raising litters, do you have sufficient traction for those babies?  They need it, slipping around is not cute when you know what is happening to their little joints.  

This of course leads to another subject of breeding dogs with poor muscle; but I'll save that for another blog.

General maintenance - repost

Flat faced breeds or brachycelphalic breeds need close attention payed to the face area.   

Grooming, no matter what your dog looks like there is grooming to be done.  Grooming encompasses every part of a dogs body; you can call it general maintenance, care or dogscaping but it needs to be done.  Having poodles, there is some different type grooming to do in the form of clipping but aside from the actual cutting of hair there is much more to be done.

Grooming - to clean, brush and otherwise tend.

As I trimmed faces yesterday I checked in on her ears.  Poodles, like many other breeds grow hair inside which may need a bit of attention.  I wasn't doing ears yesterday but I had a good look as to the condition and timing of the next ear plucking.  I checked her mouth and teeth as well.  This should be done whether or not you are doing the grooming.  Very few people groom their own dogs; but, you should be doing general maintenance.  Have a look at ears, mouth, teeth, eyes etc.  I know many people strictly rely on the groomer for everything but many groomers just groom and do not do the once over.  That's your job.

As gorgeous as this looks; it is a huge amount of work to keep it up properly.  You cannot simply give this coat a quick outer brushing.  You must get right down to the skin and work out any tangles.  This puppy hair mats if you even look at it so Miss Elsa looked like a super model for a very short time.  Once it got to an a length that was hours of work, it all came off.  

Moles need to be checked on; mostly in the senior dogs, but even if the younger ones have them.  Yep; gotta be done.  It is important to know if any need attending to or if there are any new ones that have popped up.  Give your dog a good going over.  It is much like a full body massage but useful as far as feeling anything new and perhaps concerning.  It is surprising what you can feel; even in a full coated dog if you get right down to the skin and feel around. Elsa has come to enjoy this massage/exploratory time.

Next it was onto the feet; poodles have very hairy feet as do many other breeds.  I like to keep them fairly short for cleanliness and trim the hair under their pads to help with slippage.  Having big hairy feet is like have big woolly slippers on; you tend to slip and wipe out a lot.  First I do the underside of the feet and then the top.  Keeping the hair shorter on their feet helps to cut down on things that they pick up in their feet as well.  Although I do not keep them as short as I once did.  With Elsa's allergy to bee stings I feel that a bit of hair is somewhat of a protection from that or anything else that might want to bite.  

Once most of the heavy fluff is removed then it is time to trim the nails.  Nails should be kept nice and short.  When standing still a dogs nails should not touch the ground.  Some dogs wear their nails down nicely which is really great but most need attending to.  I use a dremel tool and have 16 nails done in less than a minute.  The more often you do it the easier it is to do.

If you let your dog's nails grow too long it can be painful and interfere with walking.  Have a look and see how long they are.  If you are squeamish about cutting or grinding nails then visit your groomer or Veterinarian to have them done.   Elsa wears her back nails down nicely.  She has got such drive with those back legs of hers that they are kept nice and short.  I typically only need to do her front feet. 

Coats can hide a great deal of information; it is important to know what's underneath it.  Have you looked at your dog recently?  Or ever?  I mean really looked?  Spread their coat to see their skin, looked between their toes and in their ears?  It was one of these exploratory times that I discovered that Tilley had an open wound on the top of tail that was completely hidden by her coat.  I was very glad that I'd found it; otherwise it could have become extremely infected.

Even if you have a nice smooth coated dog; they need maintenance.  I use to do Jessie's maintenance when I was doing the poodles.   She would get brushed, have her ears, teeth and eyes checked and then have her nails done.  Grooming goes far beyond making a dog look presentable; they need to be kept in peak condition.  That means every part of them.  If you have a dog then you have dogscaping to do.

Sit

Sit, anywhere and everywhere.

Sit - to rest with the body supported by the buttocks or thighs.

Sit, typically the first formal behavior put on cue.  Most of us teach our dogs to sit.  Strangers may even walk up to you out of nowhere and ask your dog to sit.  Weird yes.  So does your dog sit?  Do they sit when you ask? 

Sit is one of the most useful things that you can teach your dog.  The sit position is important for many reasons.  One being that it gets your dog to control their emotions.  If they understand the way to get things they want is to sit, then the "sit" becomes a default behavior.  Once they learn it, they've got it.  That is if you continue to use this highly effect behavior request.  

Of course like everything else, sit depends on the dog.  I have always used the verbal request more often on dogs who are pushy or lacking in manners.  Dogs who are bouncing everywhere can benefit from knowing how to sit when asked.  Using sit when a dog gets highly aroused helps them to get a grip.  When Elsa has friends over, she tends to get a bit (under exaggeration) overexcited.   She is like a whirling dervish so I will ask her to sit.  Basically saying "take a breath and get a hold of yourself girl."  

Some dogs don't sit.  I know that many rescue greyhounds simply cannot sit; or at least not comfortably.  I don't know when it happened for us, but Luke stopped sitting.  He just didn't sit anymore.  He went from standing to laying down all the time.  As dogs age, so do their bodies.  Sitting can be a painful procedure so Luke was never asked to sit in his golden years.  If I really needed him to be stationary then we went right to "down."  

Canines who have bad hips may be in the same boat as an aging dog.  Sitting can be a painful ordeal for them so be mindful of your dogs hips if they don't have a great set.  

I have taught puppies as young as 6 weeks of age how to sit; and I regularly ask 7 week puppies to sit when I am temperament testing. There are a couple of good ways to teach sit and a couple of really bad ways.  Luring is by far the quickest and easiest method of teaching a puppy or dog to sit.  By holding food at their face and moving it up over their head they follow the food and naturally go into a sit.  

One of the worst methods is to push them into a sit.  It is still used by those die-hard conventional trainers.  Within the action is several issues.  One, when you physically manipulate a dog, they don't learn on their own.  And, even more importantly, you are putting pressure on their hips.  You push, they push back until you get into a struggle over hip position; with the hips themselves being under pressure.  

There are a few must have behaviors with our dogs. 

Sit?  Do you?

Canine likes and dislikes

I'm sure when this little pugs owner never knew she was getting a frisbee dog.  :)  

Heading to the park I have to smile.  Elsa is in the back of my xterra, monkey talking.  As soon as we turn onto a particular street it begins.  She loves her walks but saves the monkey talking for one specific park.  Elsa loves to run or walk anywhere but she most definitely has favorites, just like we do. 

When a new dog joins your family; there is much to learn about each other.  One of the most important and first up activity is socializing.  It is one of the most crucial aspects of having a new puppy.  Time out and about seeing the world gives you a great deal of information about your dog's likes and dislikes. 

It always leaves me shaking my head when I see people doing things with their dog that their dog hates.   Just the other day at the park, a woman was walking a tiny yorkie.  She neared another woman with her large dog and said "can we say hi?"  The yorkie withdrew to the end of the leash; in a frantic effort to get away from the friendly interaction.  Her dog did not want to say "hi," even though she wanted him to say "hi." 

I have been at dog parks many times and witnessed dogs sitting in the corner or under their owners legs cowering.  When I asked one woman about her dog; the owner stated "oh she hates it here, but it's good for her"  Hmmmmmmm?  

So, is forcing the issue the way to get our dogs to like what they dislike?  No.  In some cases, like the dogs who hate the dog park; best to just not go to the dog park.  Why not take a nice walk in a normal park where they won't be forced to have other dogs in their face?  

A couple of weeks ago as Elsa and I sat at a red light, waiting to head off to the beach; a woman jogged by with her mix breed dog behind her and in panic mode.  The dogs ears were flat back, tail tucked under it's legs, with it's head whipping around in alarm mode.  The woman wanted her dog to run with her; yet it was clear that the dog was in terror mode while out on the run.  What to do?  Baby steps to get to the goal.  

Maybe the dog was a rescue who loved to run around in his yard. Taken out of his peaceful yard, everything changed.  It was so clear that the dog was not having any fun at all.  Not only was it not having fun but it was in a serious state of stress.  Stress is not good for us and it is not good for our dogs.  Down the road of time, the dog may love to go for a run at the side of the street; but taking the time to create a positive association to it is required to get there.  

I have seen dogs in a show ring who cringe and cower from it all.  I've watched as dogs are forced into the agility, fly ball and field work who recognizably do not want to be there.  Yes there are things that we have to do in life that we don't enjoy.  So do our dogs have to do some things that they don't like.  But on a day to day, shouldn't we all be doing things that don't freak us out?  

If a dog shows stress signs during an activity that you would like them to partake in, they need help.  You must address the issue and with time and patience they may learn to like, if not love it.  There will be those who never learn to even tolerate certain activities; and that's fine, like us.  If your dream was to have an amazing retriever; but you've ended up with a dog that loves to run, maybe you will become a runner.  

Each and every dog is an individual.  It is up to us to see those differences and help them be all the dog that they can be.  Offer actities; even ones that aren't the norm, like the frisbee pug in the photo.  Don't force.  Guide, lead and assist.  

Dog talk? Canis Lupus Familiaris body language

The domestic dog, canis lupus familiaris.  Most people have one, two or more.  But what many people don't understand about dogs, is dogs.  What?  I mean that many people look at their dog through human eyes; which of course is unavoidable.  But what countless people see is human behaviors; instead of what is really going on in terms of dog behavior.  

Dogs throw signals out faster than we can see.  Another dog may have seen all or most body gestures and continue to read.  There are dogs that don't "get" other dogs that well but typically dogs read dogs.  They also read us and we often give all the wrong messages.  Elsa is a master reader; she is hyper sensitive to everything around her.  She is so aware that nothing gets passed her.

Watching Elsa watch is a fascinating thing.  If I see Elsa's neck turn into a giraffe neck, I am given a heads up.  Ears up, alert.  Ears forward, high level of interest.  And that tail, her tail is an entity all on it's own.  Watching dogs is fascinating; if you know what you are watching.  Watching and understanding are two entirely different things.  Seeing the signals and understanding them takes work; you must first, want to see them and next, learn what you are seeing.  Like I said, most humans see dog signals in human terms.  

Anthropomorphism - the attribution of human behavior to an animal.  

ie.  A dog who is left alone, decides to chew up the sofa.   The owner comes home and throws a fit because their beautiful sofa is now destroyed.  When they explain what happened they tell others that their dog was mad that they went out, so they chewed up the sofa as revenge.  Or a dog who pees or poops on the floor when you are gone; may be seen as spite.  Dog is mad that you are gone so pooped on the floor.  There take that, right?  Wrong.  This is anthropomorphism.

Dogs do not do spite and they do not do revenge.  The dog may have chewed the sofa because there was no one supervising or due to anxiety over the fact that you were missing.  They may have pooped on the floor due to anxiety that you were missing.  Dogs respond to anxiety with many different behaviors.  But they are not like us and respond out of spite.

It boggles my mind when I see people who should know dogs but don't.  Veterinarians, vet techs, groomers, breeders, doggie daycare workers etc. etc.  It is really amazing how many people really don't "get" dogs.  

Dogs are quite simple to "get."  Simple in that they don't lie like humans.  They don't put on masks or try to be someone they are not.  Once you learn dog behavior it is only then that you can realize how individual each one is.  Once you get passed the "simple" aspect you can see the depth of complication within each.  They are amazing creatures and definitively worth the time and effort to learn about.  

Tails you win!

My new favorite, or I should say Elsa's new favorite bone of choice is the oxtail.  I have been giving my dogs different raw bones for years and have found that the longer narrow ones to be the best.  I switched from knuckle bones to rib bones and now from ribs to tails.  Elsa is not a huge raw fan; she has never gotten onto the flavor and texture so I need to work around this.

I get most of my meat at Trader Joe's and Sprouts; my bones come from Sprouts typically.  I head right to the back to talk to one of the meat guys.  "Do you have any uncut oxtail?" I ask.  "Isn't there any out there?" the guy behind the counter asks as he heads out to check.  They always check even when I tell them that there are indeed packages out there.  I tell him that the pre-made assortment are no good for what I need; I need longer sections.  He turns his head and asks "how long?"  I reply "8 inches."   "I'll check what we have" he replies. 

He heads to the back, but just before going through the door he says "what are you doing with it?"  "It's for my dog," I reply and he smiles.  Then he says "wow, can I come to your house?"  A common response when people hear how Elsa eats.  I'm use to it and give my customary reply; "yep, she eats well." I don't know why, but it seems that I get a new person every time I order tail.  I am always given the option of "which end?" and I take the skinny end.   

I keep most of my meat and bones in my deep freezer.  After the bone is thawed I heat up a pan with either coconut oil or olive oil in it and toss the bone in for a quick flash fry.  I don't want the inside cooked, just a little mmmmmmm beefy flavor on the outside to get Elsa going on it.  Because she doesn't prefer the flavor of raw; giving it this flash fry offers a "cooked" flavor that she likes.  

She often takes forever to get going on a bone.  When Luke was with us, he'd be on it immediately.  She would sit and stare at hers for the longest time until finally getting to it.  This time was different; with that yummy beefy flavor on the outside she got to it.

  I like tails because they are mostly cartilage with very little bone. She eats the entire thing and it cleans her teeth amazingly.  

It didn't take her long to finish the 8" section of tail.  Plus she didn't get as much on her face that she can with other bones.  So tails it is for us.  I bought two pieces of tail on my last visit so the next one has more meat on it.  The cartilage in the tail is much easier to digest than bone and her poop the following day was the proof.  Poop perfection.  Clean teeth, happy girl and happy Mom.  :) 

Mirror mirror on the wall. Dogs and mirrors.

Yesterday Elsa and I hit an outlet mall close by our place.  It is a beautiful outdoor shopping area with an ocean view.  The facility is newly opened so we have yet to visit when there are many people around.  My sister and I had a great shopping day there last week; but, I had something to return this week.  After about twelve hours of rain I thought it might be a good time to hit it; with even fewer people than normal.  Having been to the specific store just last week; I knew the layout to the cash for my return.  

I decided to take Elsa with me.  She'd already been to this mall once to meet a good friend of hers and have a leisurely walk.  So I harnessed the lady up; strapped her in and away we went.  When we arrived, I did the normal safety scan before letting Elsa out.  I could see less than a handful of people; this was going to be an in and out deal.  

I am not one to bring Elsa into stores often.  I don't think large dogs belong in many stores; unless of course you can keep your dog in a shopping cart or bag.  Being that Elsa ADORES meeting people, her body and tail become a "wreck the place" thing, or "bull in a china shop."  This was a clothing store, not much to break.    Knowing that I had to just go in and out and the chance of other shoppers being in the store was low, I decided to bring her with me.  I was correct, there was no one in the store and the counter was just left of the door.  One sales girl seemed a bit apprehensive by Elsa's enthusiasm so we kept our distance.  The other one who was behind the counter and seemed well...oblivious.  

The return took only minutes but what happened when I was there was surprising.  Elsa peaked around the counter and discovered a mirror.  She stood still looking into it; I could see the wheels turning as her muzzle readied for a bark.  I called to her before the bark and she quickly came to me.  Now she was intrigued and she went over and peaked around again.  This time the bark came quickly; but it was not ferocious, more like "hey, you."  Before I finished up at the cash I walked  with her by my side we approached the mirror and knocked on it.  Elsa got goofy and her loosely, goosey wagging began.  

Elsa is not one of those mirror dogs.  The ones who seem to always be shocked to find a dog staring at them.  She sees herself all the time at home in mirrors and does not react.  But this was a new place, this was not home and there stood a dog staring at her as she stared at it.   Her bark was more of a warning or test.  After I took her to the mirror and knocked on it; she was calm and saw no reason for more barking.  I found it fascinating, because she is very accustom to mirrors.  

Puppies typically have mirror moments.  Some take longer than others to get that it is not another dog.  The occasional puppy will keep the fascination into adulthood.  But most lose it until something different occurs around a mirror, like the mall.  

This was a very clear and precise moment to draw on.  Dogs can be very accustom and comfortable to many things; but put into a new environment or strange and different setting and it can seem new.  It is very important to remember when working and/or dealing on a daily basis with dogs.  Much like dogs can be fine with people until they put a hat on.  Fine with children until they see them in strollers or carriers.  They can go through their learned behaviors in familiar surroundings but ask in a new and strange environment and everything changes.  

After seeing that the mirror was just that, a mirror; she focused on the clerk who kept her distance.  She was intrigued by Elsa and found her mirror adventure fascinating.  She was now chatting to Elsa and I  about her tiny pocket pooch she had at home.  We said our good byes and just as I started to leave Elsa pulled around the counter and gave the mirror a final look, just in case.  

Life is full of different things; more so for our dogs.  We need to remember that not everything is easily explainable to our dogs as it is for humans.  It is our job to show them the way.  I had seen what was going on and calmly walked up to the mirror with Elsa by my side; knocked on it and simply said "see nothing," and walked back to the cash.  

Lead by example, your dog is always watching.  

Humans really don't understand dogs.

So many humans really do not "get" dog language.  Just yesterday I commented on yet another of those guilt inducing, people pleasing videos.  This one had two black labs being coaxed into snitching on the one who took the cookies.  Obviously it was a set up and what it causes is just simply stress.  But what was so telling about the whole thing was the comments on my comment.  Humans are quite the species.  

After reading all the comments on my comment about it causing stress to the dogs and pointing out several of the stress signals in a further comment, people went on the attack of me.  I was called hysterical, a negative nelly, stressed and other things.  People were very angry at me.  Hmmmmmm???????  Why were people compelled to act so aggressively to my comment?  This is my exact comment put on the page about the video.  

"I cannot stand these videos and the sharing of them for entertainment. These dogs are showing many stress related behaviors. Please stop sharing."

Pretty simple, straight to the point.  I really hate these videos and they are becoming more and more common.  Why?  Because people don't understand what is going on.  Because people think that they will get their moment of fame by doing one.  So sharing these and promoting them as cute simply perpetuates the problem.

My comment came from being a dog lover; one who hates to see dogs put through these long and drawn out human entertaining videos.  But those who read it and disagreed because of their lack of understanding dog behavior felt something else.  They very quickly turned it around to me as a stressed out person who needed to take a chill pill.   

One woman even commented that I was reading human behavior into it.  On the contrary, I saw what they were saying as dogs; unlike what most others were seeing.  People get really nasty and on the defense with name calling and very insulting when you see something that they cannot.  It is really quite interesting.  

The comment was made by me, Sherri.  No one reading it knows that I am a dog trainer who specializes in canine behavior modification.  Would this information change the way that they felt about my comment?  I believe so.  Of course some would not care in the least and those are the ones who tend to throw stones the fastest and hardest.  

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion; I simply stand for dogs and try to enlighten as much as I can.  Dogs do not speak human; they can most definitely be taught to communicate with us to the highest degree of perfection.  But shouldn't we really try, just a bit to understand how they communicate?  

Canine behavior is a passion of mine.  Human behavior?  Simply perplexing and yet fascinating.  

Driving lap and window dogs.

Unhooked from the xterra and hooked up for the beach.

As I sat at the red light, I turned to see the dog in the car on my left.  An adorable white miniature poodle mix sat on his owners lap in front of the steering wheel.  I cringed and wanted to yell over to her,  "not safe, not safe at all."  Sitting on your lap while you drive is probably one of the most dangerous places that your dog can be.  Oh I know, he loves it, he will only sit there and no where else.  Well there is where he may lose his life.

Just imagine for a second; what happens when you are hit or hit someone else.  Even if you have to jam on your breaks and you are pushed towards your steering wheel.  Between you and the steering wheel is nowhere for your dog to be.

Hanging out the window is also not where they should be; yet how many dogs do I see hanging precariously out of the car window?  Some are so far out the window that if their owner pushes the brakes at all, they are going out.  Elsa and I have walked down the street beside cars with dogs who are almost all the way out as they throw at fit at her.  It is an unnerving feeling imagining the dog jumping out.

There are things that dogs love to do that are not wise or safe.  It is our job as their guardians to keep them safe and out of harms way.  So, your lap is not where your dog should sit when travelling.  They should also not be hanging out the window.  

Two of the most dangerous places a dog can sit it where I typically see them.  On the drivers lap or hanging out the window.  If you have a dog and allow either, stop.  

Not only can your dog fall out of an open window if it is down too far; they can also get foreign objects in their nose or eyes.  It is one thing to open a window just a few inches so that your dog can smell where they are.  But it is entirely different when you allow their whole head out when driving.  In fact I often wind the windows down, just enough to let Elsa know we are headed to the beach or specific destination that I know will excite her.  

When you are driving with your dog, keep them off of your lap and out of the window.  Think of them as you would your child safely buckled in or restrained by a secure containment gate.      

Sherri Lynne Designs

I thought that I would talk about my newest passion today; my line of comfortable, wearable jewelry.  

Sherri Lynne Designs

This came about after many years of wanting to give dog lovers a way to wear what they love.  :)  There were many mock up designs and hours of pondering before I settled on these personalized brass plate and silk custom bracelets.  

Subsequently, Sherri Lynne Designs was born.  I wanted something that was so comfortable, that you could wear it everyday; and these are just that.  I typically have one, two or more on daily and they have been through a lot already.  I'm not careful with them; they get wet and go with me wherever we happen to be in a day.  

My criteria for my own jewelry is comfort.  If it gets in the way or is uncomfortable, I won't be wearing it.  Of course there are some things saved for "special fancy times" but these are not that.  These can be piled high along with your favorite sweat or yoga pants.  

I have many bracelets and designs pre-made and available on my site but personalized ones can be ordered at any time.  Many different colors of silk ribbon are available and you can choose what your bracelet says.  Wear your favorite breed, your own dog, your canine activity or passion of any kind.  My own go to bracelet is the white one pictured above.  Each time I put it on, I smile.  

My passions are family, dogs and working out; so many of my pre-made designs revolve around these.  Hashtags are very popular.  

Sherri Lynne Designs FB page.  
Follow on Instagram - Sherri_Lynne_Designs

The sky really is the limit as far as personalizing.  Wear your passion.  

Greeting dogs. Friendly or not?

As I stood outside the shop, I noticed a standard poodle.  I walked over slowly and asked "is she friendly?" The woman on the other end of the leash said "oh yes".  Not one for taking anyone's word, even about their own dog I stood and talked to the woman and watched the dog.  She glanced over her shoulder at me, very quickly and without any desire to further the greeting.  She was panting and uncomfortable.  There was no way that I was going to push a greeting on the dog; she wanted nothing to do with it.

Continuing a discussion with the woman; I discovered that the dog was a rescue.  She was rescued from a mill situation as a puppy, placed and then re-homed as a an adult.  I like to hear about other people and their dogs but it means nothing to what is in front of me.  I read the facts in the moment.  The past makes no difference, it is the here and now that we deal with.  Yes the past may give us the why but we must deal with present.

If a dog doesn't show a desire to greet with relaxed and willing body language then don't.  Even if the owner tells you that the dog is friendly, read first.  Many owners think that just because they think that their dog won't bite you means that they want to say "hi."  So as I stood talking to the woman on the end of the leash about poodles I just watched the dog.  A person came out of the store and reached out to say hi, and I watched.  The dog pulled back and averted their eye contact left and right.  Nope she wanted nothing to do with any strangers.

So does this mean that she was unfriendly?  No, it just means that she doesn't want to say hi and be touched by strangers.  She didn't look like she would bite at all; but she did give obvious messages as to how she felt.

Don't push.  Why do we push our dogs into doing things that they clearly do not want to?  Do we want to say "hi" and shake every stranger's hand who walks by us?  No.  This dog was fine just being in public; albeit a little nervous of the situation.  She was doing pretty darned good in my opinion.  Pushing too hard very often backfires.  

Let's let our dogs be who they are.  It is our job to assist, education and be their support system.  If they don't want to say hi to people then why push the issue?

Sleeping with dogs

Elsa's new bed in the office/spare room.  :)  She approves.

Sleeping with dogs is very controversial.  There are those who say that you should never; others who say you should always and everything in between.  I love sleeping with my dogs (when I'm not being crushed that is) but, there are rules and there should be for you as well.  

1.  Your dog must get off of the bed quickly and promptly when asked.

The bed belongs to you, not your dog.  One thing that dogs will guard is prime real estate and the bed is just that.  So getting off when asked is essential.  If you cannot get them off then they should not be getting on.

It is easy to teach your dog to get off the bed when asked by rewarding the behavior.  If they do not want to get off of your bed; rewarding them for doing so will create a more positive association to the act.  More training in general will probably also be required.  

2.  If you move around at night and are dealt some punishing growls; then your dog should not be on the bed.  That's right, no bed for growlers.  

3.  If you ask your dog to move over at night, they should not growl or grumble about it.  Remember who the bed belongs to.  Sleeping in your bed is a privilege not a right.

4.  They should ask before leaping.  Having your dog wait for the "okay" to get on the bed is an excellent way to instill who's bed it is.  Funny all my dogs have known that they can get up on the bed throughout the day without asking; but at night they have to wait until I say they can get up.  

Teaching your dog to ask simply requires them to stay off until told that they can get on.  Sitting on the floor staring at the bed is their way of asking. 

These few essential rules are very important when sleeping with your dog.  The other issues will be if you want your dog in your bed.  Dogs should at least sleep in the same room with you (their pack) but they do not have to be in your bed.  I have had clients over the years state that they simply cannot sleep with a dog in the bed.  Then the dog should not be in the bed. Sleep is VERY important for everyone.  

One couple who was struggling with the yes/no in the bed thing came to a very simple solution.  She wanted the dog in the bed, he did not.  He said he could not sleep with yet another body in the bed.  He also didn't want the dog in the room; the noise of the collar would awaken him and then he couldn't get back to sleep.  My solution was a simple one - take collar off, buy big comfy bed for the dog.  :)  He now sleeps blissfully by his Mom's side of the bed on his beautiful and very comfortable bed. 

Sleep is important.  A pack sleeps together but they don't have to be on top of one another.  It is very important that everyone have a good night sleep; but if everyone is going to be in the bed, there must be rules.    

Downtime for your dog

A garden day from the past; when Elsa found a caterpillar.  

The fog is lifting, very literally.  I'm sitting here in bed with a coffee and Elsa by my side.  She is dreaming; it's her favorite time of the day.  This and night are the only times that she sleeps soundly.  She cat naps throughout the day but if I make the slightest motion to move, she's up.  Watching her under her blanket dreaming away, it is clear that she is content.  Mid dream she stretches her neck out and curls her toes, then back to sleep.

Our dogs need down time; some more than others like ourselves.  What is downtime?  It is a time with no agenda; a time to relax, sit and ponder.  We need it and our dogs need it.  Today will be a garden day which I'd say is downtime for both Elsa and I.  Sure she'll be retrieving the entire time that I am working in the yard but there are no exterior distractions.  No traffic, other dogs, leashes or anything else; just Elsa, the yard and me.  I love garden day.  

Luke loved garden day.  If he saw me pull out the garden gloves he'd come running with his head held to the side, huffing.  He would just follow me around the yard waiting for the tender grass to be pulled and offered to him.  He taught this to Elsa and she waits patiently for them as I weed the garden.  But more of her time is spent retrieving; dropping her ball into my weed bucket and waiting for the toss.  

It is very important to take and give downtime.  A time when the outside world stays outside.  A time to regenerate, bond quietly and reconnect.  We often forget about these quiet times in lieu of "gotta get'r done." Depending on you and your dog/dogs will factor in how much downtime you need.  You also need to consider your lifestyle.  If you have a hectic go, go, go life then you probably need more downtime.  

Downtime means unplugging as well.  Take the time to be in the moment.  Far too much of our life these days is all about everyone out there in cyberspace.  Being in the moment is good for you; it can give you the time to have a look at your life as well as your dog.  Be there with your dog; watch the little things, experience.  If you are always "plugged in" then you are most definitely missing out on a many little things. 

Downtime does not have to be on the weekend but it does have to be when you have time.  Don't force downtime, take it.  Take it and give it, be in the moment.  It's good for you and your dog.  Now the garden and ball awaits.  Have a great weekend.   

The good breeder

Many of you reading the title of this blog are saying to yourself "there are no good breeders."  The whole idea of dog breeders has changed drastically over the years.  Way back when I was a kid, breeders weren't shunned like they are nowadays.  Most of us got our dogs from what is now called a backyard breeder; you know, the guy down the street who had a litter.  He wasn't in it for the money, his dog just had puppies.  

Like most everything in this world, it changed.  Being a breeder can mean many different things.  When the money grubbing folks caught on that people would pay good money for a dog they jumped on the band wagon; and that my friends is where it all began to go downhill.  The millers started pumping out puppies by the thousands; that added with it a lack of paying for health and welfare of their breeding stock and they were raking in the dough.  Sad, very, very sad.  Greed is a bad thing.

Luckily there is are facts being spread about these horrible places now.  Pet stores are being stopped from carrying puppies from the cruel millers; but the help is slow and people still buy from them because they have what they want, when they want it.  Instant gratification.  The people buying the puppies don't have to think of the breeding parents; they are out of sight, out of mind.  They can live with that.  Sad, very, very sad.  

Many people who are involved with rescues only, point fingers and throw verbal stones towards all breeders.  But they are doing an injustice to those who are the good ones.  Are there good breeders out there?  Oh yes.  But they are the few scattered in among the many. 

Finding "a good breeder," takes time, effort, lots of research and dedication to find one.  A good breeder cares; that is probably the biggest thing to remember.  If they care about their dogs then they will do the best for them.  It is not all about the money.  They care about the health and welfare of the dogs that they breed and their offspring.  The caring never stopped even after they leave the nest.  

Many people start breeding on a whim; seems like a good idea.  From that moment it can go right or wrong.  Greed can grab hold and from there it spirals downhill.  If the person stands strong, ethical and in their belief to do what is right; they will always be learning, listening and trying to do their best.  These are the ones you need to find.

Bad breeders come in many shapes and sizes.  A bad breeder can produce one litter.  They aren't concerned with health; never health checked their dogs and have not educated themselves about much of anything with regards to breeding, whelping and raising puppies.  There are huge millers filled with cage after cage; where the dogs are hungry, sick and alone.  Many bad breeders try to look like a good one by posting nice pics on their website.  But if you look deep you will see clearly.  

Many bad breeders have a long list of litters on the ground at any one time.  They breed whatever they have, when they can as long as the money is coming in. Other bad breeders charge an arm and a leg for their dogs... because they can.  Bad breeders research trends and go with what the people want.  People will pay just about anything for what "is in".    

A good breeder strives to do what is right.  They will learn from mistakes.  We are all human and we all make mistakes.  Mistakes can make great people; that is if we learn from them instead of ignore and keep going. 

Good breeders do not fill the shelters with their unwanted dogs; that my friends is a fact.  It is all the other people who are breeding dogs.  So do not group "breeders" under one blanket; because to do so undoes all the good that they do for dogs.  Most good breeders do rescue as well; that is because they are truly caring individuals.  

So to you who throw verbal stones at the "good breeders," do some research before you point fingers.  For you do not know what a good breeder is versus a bad breeder.  The two are worlds apart with the only thing similar is the breeding part.  One needs to educate themselves in the difference.  It is like anything else in this world of ours; there are the really great ones who stand apart from the mediocre to the absolutely horrific.  

If we only support those who really care, things would be very different.    

How to greet a canine

Greeting - to meet or receive.

The man approached the Golden Retriever, looking into the dog's eyes; he bent over to say hi as the dog backed up looking for a place to hide.  The human pressed on, bending over further and reaching out to touch the dog.  The dog was speaking loud and clear; "no closer human," but the human didn't see the dog's communication.  It played out the like most greetings.  Human's really don't know how to greet dogs. 

From my vantage point I could clearly see that the Golden was stressed.  He had no desire to meet the human and could barely handle being in the store.  His Mom had brought him in for socializing but it was too much; it was going to do more harm than good.  I walked by without looking at the dog and kept on going.  

Dogs have accomplished a great deal as far as living in our human world.  We humans on the other hand can't seem to get that dogs deal with things differently than we do.  Greetings are probably one of the biggest differences and they remain vastly separated by our lack of knowledge and and desire to learn.  

Humans greet head on.  We approach other humans with direct eye contact, often a hand reached out ready for a shake and maybe a smile.  Great for humans, not so much dogs.  When it comes to greeting dogs, we do the same.  Direct approach, eye contact and the reach out for the top of the head. Stop greeting dogs like this. 

When I have a new training client I go to their home.  I walk in, greet the owner as humans do and watch the dog with my peripheral vision.  My body is relaxed and slightly turned away; I am watching the dog but not looking at them.   This moment is filled with information for me as well as for the dog.  I will not do an official greeting on day one.  Even later on I often never greet, I simply walk in and do.  

If I walked into a new home, stood straight on, looking into the dog's eyes while reaching over to touch the dog, things would unfold very differently.     
Why, why, why do we feel the need to touch?  Even when people tell others that their dog does not like people, the people keep coming.  "Dogs love me," they state as if something magical about them will change everything.  This was often the case with my Tilley when she was young.  She was never interested in a big hello.  Even very people friendly dogs do not want to be touched by everyone.  

Dogs communicate via body language and their messages come fast and furious.  Most humans do not see any of their communication and just approach with what they know about a dog, nothing.  

I regularly ask people "did you see that?"  And the answer is typically no.  Dogs sends so many signs to us; filled with so much information but we just don't see any of them.  It is often just the big ones that we humans see.  

There is much to be seen, even in very young puppies; there is much that can be missed if you don't know what to look for.  

As far as greeting, if you have the strong need to touch a dog; do it at their chest level.  DO NOT reach over a dogs head.  We humans cannot grasp this idea; even if we have read it and been told.  Dogs do not like to be pet on the top of their head.  But you will see it continually as you will see dogs moving away from the hand. Ducking and backing up are commonly seen when a hand comes over their head.  That is because it is a very rude human behavior; one that dogs do not do among themselves, unless their is a conflict. 

I could go on and on and on about how to greet a dog.  There are many levels of relationships and within those, many levels of greetings.  Of course the greeting with your own dog will be very different as will it be with friends, family and acquaintances.  Specific relationships hold limits and allowances for each. 

It seems funny, but the more extensive your knowledge of dog behavior becomes; the less likely you are to greet strange dogs.  

As a general rule of thumb; if it is not your dog:

DO NOT -

approach head on.

bend over as you approach.

give direct eye contact.

reach out to touch.

greet at all without asking.

EVER greet a dog tied alone outside a shop.

attempt to kiss or hug, EVER.

Do - 

stand sideways. 

hang your hands loosely by your side.

wait for the dog to approach you.  

remain calm and relaxed.

watch for signs that the dog would like to say hello.

Above all else, watch the dog's reaction to what you are doing.  Don't just blindly go in all human.