Diving into Facebook LIVE


We're live!
Cool, cool, cool.  I thought that I enjoyed blogging but man do I enjoy this new FB live stuff.  I've been noticing it here and there over the last week and finally decided to give it a try myself.  I made Elsa's dinner tonight and showed everyone watching how.  Of course like anything it takes some getting use to; but I have to say that so far I'm liking it a lot.

I decided to try it out on meal time because I'm pretty stationary; aside from the moving about cooking.  What I really liked about using it for cooking was that if anyone has a question right then, I can answer it.  Sure if you have a question when I post or blog I'll try to answer but it might be a few hours or days.  

 Link to the prep work for Elsa's dinner

Like this blog, my GO LIVE will be about dogs.  That means that the main home for my GO LIVE will be on my Just dogs with Sherri FB page.  

 I'm not a big schedule person and sort of like to be spontaneous so much of the GO LIVE will be as the feeling hits me.  Once I start being live more often then I may switch to a more routine thing....we'll see.  This is all new but so far very, very cool.  If you'd like to see more of my GO LIVE leave me a message or I'll see you over at my FB page.  

 Have a great weekend.  

Clicker Training for dogs


Jessie was so much fun to train with a clicker; she absolutely loved when it came out.  
Clicker training has been around for a very long time.  It started with the dolphins, their trainers and a whistle.  Yes it was a whistle that was used with the dolphins and that is where Karen Pryor came in.  From whistle to clicker; she introduced the art of clicker training to the dog world.

 Clicker training uses a sound to reinforce a behavior.  But first a connection must be made with the pre-conditioned "food is coming" response to a correct behavior.   The connection training MUST be taught before the use of the clicker will have the proper effect.  

 Most dog owners do not fully understand the clicker.   Those set loose with a clicker, are clicking all over the place.  

 Clicker training is all about timing.  Think of a dolphin being taught to jump through a hoop that is 10' in the air.  The behavior that the trainer wants to mark as "yes that's what I want," is the act of going through the hoop.  You cannot deliver a treat at the exact moment that the dolphin goes through so you must "mark it."  For this to work, there must be a pre-conditioned link of "whistle = food." 

 This is exactly how the clicker works.  You teach your dog that each and every time they hear a click, they get food.  The click=food.  This is where much of the confusion lies.  People are clicking for everything; not delivering food rewards when they should be delivered and the clicker loses it's power.  

 Sure it looks cool to use a clicker but it works much better if you understand how and when to use it.  Many people, including myself also use a verbal maker like "key, yes or right."  "Yes" is my word and I conditioned this word very early on with Elsa.  I like to have it in my training toolbox so that if I am out somewhere and need to mark something I can just use "yes."  

 Clicker training works amazingly fast.  But, if you truly want to utilize the power of a clicker; I suggest that you learn how they work.  Clicker training really is all about timing.  You must perfect your timing before adding a dog to the scenario.  First you need to learn how and when to click and then you add your dog.  

 A dog who is clicker trained learns to offer behaviors.  Bring out a clicker to a clicker trained dog and the offering begins.  As soon as I bring out a new item that Elsa has never seen before, along with the clicker, it starts.  She will immediately push it, bite it and paw at it waiting to hear the click.  Once she gets the click, she clearly understands that she is headed in the right direction.  

 Click is not a lure, it is not a pleasant sound making device that has magical and mysterious power; it is an amazing way to link reward delivery with a behavior.  That is it's power but to utilize it to the fullest the human must learn how to unlock it's power first.  


Hugging dogs


Elsa loves hugs.  Do the hug test, start with just one arm and see if your dog pulls away.  It is typically extremely subtle so you have to pay close attention. 
Psychology Today - Data says Don't hug the dog.  By Stanley Coren Ph.D. F. R .S. C. 

Since this article came out on April 16th, my Facebook news feed has been inundated with people freaking out over it.  Other behaviorists have stepped up to ask "should we hug our dogs."  I've written several comments when people offered up images of dogs being hugged; that received a barrage of nasty replies.

 So, I thought it was time for me to say something about this.  First let me say AGAIN, each and every dog is an individual.  That is a very important part of hugging dogs.   A hug is not a natural behavior for a dog to enjoy.  The only behavior equivalent for dogs is the dominance related behavior of mounting.  They may lie down beside each other but they don't grasp and wrap around like we humans do in a hug.  Okay, next.

 Being that all dogs are very different; some will tolerate a hug, some hate them, some love them but then again, it depends on who is doing the hugging.  

 Elsa loves hugs; she is the most touchy, feely girl I've ever met.  She very much enjoys hugs from her family.  If a non family member tries to hug her; I can clearly see her pull away and I typically step in to help her out.  Elsa is a human loving fiend.  She ADORES people and she seemingly cannot get close enough to her family; but family is family and everyone else is not.  She adores people, even strangers; but she doesn't want strangers or non family members wrapping their body around hers.  She likes to get close and snuggle up; she even gives kisses.    

 When I talk about a hug I mean an arm around, wrapping the body type hug.  Our Tilley was not a hugger.  She loved to have her whole body across our lap or chest but hug her and you could feel the pull away.  Unless a dog is leaning into a hug; like my Luke use to do then you should take heed.  No, it doesn't mean that your dog is going to bite you; but it does mean that they are not so much a fan of hugging as you are.

 Some dogs simply don't like hugs; even from their loved ones in the pack circle.  We as guardians need to respect that.  But many people cannot wrap their human brains around the fact that their dog does not want to be hugged.  "What, you don't love me?"  Wrongo.  Your dog could be closer to you than any other dog or human but still not enjoy a hug.  It is truly up to them.

 I do believe in working with all dogs to get them "use" to some sort of hug for the "incase" moments.  Dogs can learn to love hugs from the inner circle members most definitely.  But just to assume your dog loves hugs just because you do is wrong.   

 You should never, ever hug a dog that is not your own dog.  That is a rule that should be cast in stone.  There are so many videos on the internet these days showing children hugging dogs; that also clearly show an anxious or stressed dog.  Dogs should not have to tolerate being hugged or climbed on by children.  

 Getting all upset at the idea of not hugging dogs is a silly human hang up.  In case you forgot, we are not the same species and that means that we do things differently.  Dogs in general do an amazing job at adjusting to living in our human world.  We put so many demands on them as far as our human emotions go.  

 Dogs are dogs and they can love us, follow us, protect us and be by our side without being hugged.  We humans needs to understand what a hug means to a dog.  I am not saying by any means that you should never hug your dog.  I constantly hug Elsa and she adores it.  In fact last night she shimmied her almost 50lb body into the smallest little spot beside me in a chair that I had to laugh.  We were actually entwined with each other; just the way she likes it.  But that is Elsa, Miss Touchy Feely herself.  

 We need to stop thinking about our dogs as furry people and realize that they are an amazing species that allows us to live with them in harmony.  Even with all of our hang ups.  :) 

About me



My life is dogs. Whether I'm grooming, training, photographing, writing about or just simply hanging out, it's with dogs.


Strawberry was the first dog to touch my life. After years and years of begging my parents; they finally caved and brought a tiny toy poodle home to my brothers (2) and sisters (2). He was a re-homed show poodle; not the best choice for a family of 7 but I adored him.


But even before Strawberry came the books. A stack of "Know Your Breed" books that I had collected. Know your Saluki, Know your Doberman, Know your Poodle etc etc.


Then at the age of 13 came the moment that changed me forever. I was handed the dog who started it all (Jake) and sent into the show ring. That was it; that was the quintessential moment that headed me to where I was meant to be, with dogs.

Dog communication and the importance of watching


Always, always watching. 
From across the yard I looked over at Elsa sitting on our double lounge.  She looked intent, like she was watching something crawling on the ground in front of her.  I watched and searched the ground, but could not see anything.  I put down the hose and head to the patio area where Elsa was still staring.  With her ears at full attention, her gaze frozen; I called out to her "leave it."  I didn't know what "it" was, but I wasn't taking any chances.

As I got closer to her I scanned the ground without result.  Not until I got right to the lounge, did I see it, a BEE.  There was a bee on the lounge, right in front of her.  I shouted out loudly "LEAVE IT," as I panicked and ran to it.  As soon as I was on the bee I praised Elsa like crazy.  She is allergic to bees and if stung, she can have an anaphylaxis response.

 She'd left the bee when I told her.  She clearly understands that she is not to touch bees; I have instilled that with a very frantic "leave it," anytime I see her watching them.  She is not like a foolish youngster who goes chasing after bees; she is more about watching the little devils.  I have seen her sniff them on the ground and walk away; which is what I want her to do.  

 The bee she'd been watching was right on the lounge in front of her.  It was crawling toward her which of course caused Elsa to sense a threat.  I think if it got too close she would have given it a bite; which may have resulted in a sting.  I would not have know that this was all playing out if I had not looked over to see what she was doing.  Even in the safety of our own yard; I am always watching to see where she is and what she is doing.  

 If you don't watch, you will never see.  Dogs are creatures of constant communication.  They communicate with body language so if you are not watching them you will not see what they are saying.  Elsa happens to be a big and loud communicator.  Added to that is my constant vigilance and you have great communication. 

 As I took of my gardening shoe to capture the bee and throw it over the fence, Elsa stiffened.  I had to give her a low mmmm, mmmm meaning "no."  She acts like a team player and wants to help rid the beast from our yard.  But I let her know that I'll deal with it and she relaxes.  

 She is always telling me something.  This girl has a lot to say so I am always listening.  




Dogs and children


This child wanted desperately to meet Luke and Elsa.  The mother was amazing and stepped in to show him how to do it.  I also reigned Elsa in to control her exuberance. 
A discussion on one of my Facebook groups has inspired this blog. I've written about dogs and children many times and I will continue to do so.  I cannot tell you how many times a post has come across my feed detailing a dog bite inflicted to a child.  Who then is blamed?  The dog.  

 I am a mother and a grandmother and I adore dogs, obviously.  I love dogs in general; as a species and not just poodles.  I find them utterly fascinating; watching and reading canine body language runs to my core, it is who I am.  After years of training people and their dogs I have a lot of experience.  

 One of my most common and recurring calls from many clients sounds like this "I think the dog is going to bite my child."   So out I go to meet the family; the parents, child and dog.  After a general greeting I sit and ask questions.  The entire time I am asking questions, I am watching.  The answers to the questions contain far less information than what is playing out before my eyes.

 There have been several times when I've had to jump up and stop what was unfolding before me.  Indeed the family dog was going to bite the child.  But why?  Because the parents don't step in and discipline the child.  A child who continues to annoy a dog; climbing on, pulling at or simply interacting without parental intervention may very well be disciplined by the family dog. 

 So who's at fault?  The parent carries 100% of the blame.  How many times have I heard "my dog would never."  No one should EVER say NEVER with regards to their dogs behavior.  Dogs are not robots; they are living creatures with boundaries and limitations.  Sadly most people don't get this.  

 Even a quick and low level disciplinary action from a dog can be extremely dangerous.  If you do not protect your dog from children, then you fail them.  

                                 Please understand this.  

 If you do not stop your child from annoying your dog you are giving your dog the go ahead to discipline the child themselves.  

 I am extremely cautious when children are in the company of dogs.  I do not care how amazingly wonderful a dog is when children are involved.  Things happen and dogs can react.  Just because a dog does not want to have a child sit on them or pick at their feet does not make that dog a bad dog.  Actions are the only way a dogs has to stop a child who is being left unsupervised by an adult.  

 Children do not hear or heed warning signs.  Low growls, frozen posture, licking lips or whale eyes.  They continue on with their desire to interact and the dog is forced to take action.  Why?  Because the adult in charge was not paying attention or did not intervene.  

 I do not want to hear anyone EVER say "that dog is going to bite you if you don't stop."  I have heard this too many times.  If you think that a dog is going to bite a child; it most certainly is.  Why?  Because you are not stopping the child.  You should not put the responsibility of not being bitten on the child.  "Stop that or else."  You need to stop the child, bottom line.  

 It is our job to teach our dogs how to properly interact with children.  It is also our job to teach our children how to interact with dogs appropriately.  We are guardians; the ones who take care of both our dogs and children.  If you cannot watch all interactions between the two then put your dog away somewhere safe.  

 It takes only a moment for a catastrophic accident to happen.  Sadly some accidents are just waiting to happen from a lack of supervision and intervention.  Don't have a lackadaisical attitude when children and dogs are together.  There should always be an extremely high level of caution and safety; no matter what dog it is.

 The worse thing you can ever do to your dog is not respect them enough to protect them.  Don't be one of those people who think that your dog would never.  Don't be one of those people who think your child would never.  They can and they do, both of them.   

Happy Fur Mother's Day


Furkids from the past, still sit in my heart.  Mother's Day bring lots of memories with it 
I put a stuffed rabbit on the counter with a few other things.  I was at HomeGoods; one of my favorite places to shop.  The cashier smiled when she picked up the big grey rabbit to scan.  "So cute," she said to me.  "Can't forget my girl," I told her.  We then got into a long discussion about how many toys our dogs have.  Comparing her bags of toys with my baskets full; we both smiled and agreed that they are indeed our furkids.  

 For some people out there, their dog is just a dog.  But for many, and I'm assuming those of you reading this; your dog is your furkid.  Included as one of the family; encircled with the love, caring and safety net that goes out and covers your family.  

 Dogs are not humans.  They need different things than we do to be happy; and I do not like when people treat dogs as furry humans. They are so much more.  Dogs are an amazing species that has adapted to life with humans.  They do a spectacular job and learning the ropes of how to live by our side.  A dog gives us their all; and in turn we should give them what a dog needs.   

               To truly know your dog you must fully understand the differences between our species.

On this Mother's Day weekend I want to wish all of you amazing Dog Moms out there a very happy Mother's Day.  Being a Mother means to care for, love and keep safe; it's what we do to whomever comes into our care.  That includes our furkids.  No matter how big, small, furry or hairless; they are all our furkids. 

 So, Happy Fur Mother's Day to you all.  Life is just better with a furkid in it.  :)

Taking pictures of your dog


These days just about everyone has a cell phone.  I have to admit that I was probably one of the last stragglers to get a cell phone capable of taking good images.  The moment came when I needed a replacement small pocket camera and a new cell phone.  Considering carrying both, I opted to get a better phone and use it as my pocket camera.  I haven't looked back.

Yogi was over to play yesterday with his Mom.  As his Mom and I sat chatting and watching these two, I pulled out my phone and snapped.  

They charged around the yard.  Elsa chased Yogi, then Yogi chased Elsa.  I could watch them for hours.


I am a long time professional dog photographer.  I have two big cameras with all the bells and whistles.  Lots of gear and many powerful lenses but they are not always by my side.  If a shot is going to be enlarged and put on a wall then I will most definitely pull out the big guns.  When I am shooting for a publication; out comes my pro camera.  But for much of my day to day life and blog, my cell phone does the trick.   


No, the quality does not compare to my pro cameras but it does capture.  Capturing a moment is what it is all about. 

Elsa's tail is hard to capture with my cell phone in low light.  The translucent blur of her tail show a great deal of emotion. 


Don't worry about blur.  Many people toss a blurred image but an image is more about content and emotion than sharpness.  My cell phone camera is much slower than my pro cameras so I must deal with blur often.  Sometimes blur is a great thing.  It most definitely shows how fast the play was in the above image.  


Yogi is Elsa's best friend.  Their play is amazingly matched and I don't think Elsa could enjoy herself more with anyone else.  

We completed our first webinar yesterday where I expected Elsa to be in attendance.  She was there but slept through most of it.  This is why!!!  :)


I love this shot.  The blur of Yogi wrapped around Elsa.  Her face showing pure joy; it doesn't get much better.  

At Home Poodle Grooming Tools Webinar


Grooming Webinar Registration Link
I'm stoked this morning.  Today is the first of many Webinars that I will be doing on dogs.  

 At Home Grooming Tools Webinar - I will be covering what you need as far as equipment to groom your poodle at home.  From the very basic equipment to doing full grooming yourself.  I've been grooming at home for 35 years.  Much of my grooming was done with the very bare minimum of equipment.  I will show you what you need to do in between grooms or just the touch up stuff.  When and if you are ready to do full grooms is up to you; but I will show you what you'll need.  

 Like anything, at home grooming typically starts with just one toe dipping into the waters.  Once you get into it the sky is the limit as far as all the bells as whistles you get.  I'll show you the necessity equipment.  

 There will be a Q&A session at the end of the webinar.  And Miss Elsa will be making one or more live appearances.  :) 

 Please join Elsa and I at 5:00 pm PST today May 5th, May 12, May 19 or May 26 for this free At Home Poodle Grooming Equipment Webinar. 

 Register for the webinar by clicking here.   

 Hope to see you all there.  

Dog's that talk



Your dog speaks to you.  Are you watching?
I was standing in the kitchen doing dishes.  Looking out into the sun filled yard; I watched Elsa wander around her back yard.  Leaving the sunny view for a moment I turned around to grab a few more dirty dishes then returned to the sink.  As I looked out to see Elsa again; she stood at the back garden, twisting her head around to look at me.  She stared at me in the kitchen; tail wagging with a "hey Mom," face on.  

 I watched her for a moment then called out to her "what's up?"  Her tail wagged harder and she looked back over the fence.  Drying my hands, I knew that something was up.  As I walked to meet where she stood Elsa became more animated.  "What do you want?" I asked her.

 Elsa looked back over the fence and down the hill.  She looked back at me and down the hill again. Ahhhhhh, her ball had gone over the fence when I was away.  We'd been out of town for a few days and her sitter was here taking care of her.  The great strip of grass in the yard is perfect for tossing and retrieving; that is until the ball goes over the little fence.  Obviously this had happened and Elsa needed me to know about it. 

 She is a communicator, all dogs are.  But, if you aren't paying attention you may miss a great deal of the communications.  I could clearly see that Elsa needed to tell me something.  I grabbed a rake and tried to get the ball; it was too far down the hill.  Next I climbed over the little fence and slid down the hill to where the ball lay after going off it's mark.  Tossing it up and over the fence to Elsa, she was now content.  She had her ball; the one that she had no doubt been antsy about since it's disappearance. 

 If a ball goes missing, either into the bushes, down a hill or up on roof, Elsa will not forget.  She needs all of her balls with her.  There are times when I can coax her away with another ball but she will not forget the lost one.  I have had to tell her to "leave it" and walk away.  She is hesitant and does not want to leave any ball behind.  

 Dogs tell us what they want, need or just need to tell us.  It is important to watch our dog; to really see what they are saying.  They don't often speak to us so if you are not watching you'll miss what they are saying.  Elsa let me know what happened when I was away; she's a smartie.  

    Do you know what your dog is saying when they look at you? 



Dogs beginning with 'A'

So many dogs.  As a professional dog photographer; I have shot a lot of dogs over the years. Many of my photos ended up on the cover of a canine magazine.  Sadly most of the magazines are now gone; having been replaced with internet content. 

To view a few of my magazine covers click here.  

Meeting all of the dogs and their person was a huge perk of this job.  Hearing stories about each and getting to know the dogs was wonderful.  I thought I'd share some of the dog photos from over the years with you.  There are literally hundreds and hundreds of them.   




Because there are so many images; I've decided to do display them by alphabet. 



I fell hard for this boy; he was a gorgeous inside as he is out. As a photographer, site hounds are like art with feet.   Afghan Hound.


This Airedale Terrier was pistol.  Sweet and friendly but ready to dive into the pond and chase the ducks in a heartbeat. 


I always feel honored to have met each and every dog that I shoot.  This Akita was friendly but astoic sort of guy and huge in size. I also got to meet and play with his beautiful daughter.


What can I say about this little man?  He had just joined his new family when they allowed to shoot him.  He was as cute as they come; an adorable little mischievous puppy. In fact he was so cute that he is the cover of my puppy training book.  Feedback for you and your dog.  Alaskan Malamute.  




Australian Cattle dog


Passion and drive.  I could have watched this guy all day long.  He reminded me much of my girl Tilley back then.  What a great dog and fun shoot.  Australian Cattle dog.  


Shooting for a magazine and private shoots is entirely different.  Many shots were taken like the one above; specifically for the cover of a magazine.  There had to be room left at the top for the name of the magazine and room on the left for all the magazine contents.  On this shoot I got to meet this gorgeous guy and his brother.  Australian Shepherd. 


On-leash canine greetings


Always ask!!!!
She was headed our way with a mission in her step. Her intention was to give her dog the chance to meet my little Jack Russell.  "She's not friendly," I called out to her.  "Oh she loves dogs and wants to say hi," she replied.  I was a little set back by her response and responded "NO."  Turning abruptly, we picked up the pace.  She was one of those dog guardians; the ones that have no intention of listening to my heed. 

 Approaching other dogs in hopes of an on-leash interaction without asking first is foolish.  Off leash greetings can go wrong; on-leash greetings can be even worse.  

 Leashes can cause all sorts of problems.

 1.  Leashes can take away our dog's ability to communicate freely.
2.  Leashes inhibit our dog's freedom of movement.  The inability of moving away can cause many behavior issues.
3.  Leashes are our line to our dog.  Wrong messages can be sent via that line when we deal with our own emotions. 
4.  Leashes can give people a false sense of a well behaved dog.
5.  Leash entanglement is a huge problem for many.

 Leashes and communication
- When we attach a leash to our dogs it decreases their ability to communicate freely.  A tight leash, pulling and tugging changes our dog's body language.

 Freedom of movement
- If a dog cannot move away, they can become fearful or aggressive. 

 Our message
- Our messages are sent down the leash to our dogs.  If you are uptight, anxious, stressful or fearful; your dog will know this and act accordingly.  It's our job to send good messages down the leash.

 False
- Many dog owners think that their dog is very well behaved because they are on leash.  Being on leash and being well behaved are two entirely different things.

 Entanglement
- Becoming entangled with other dogs is a very common problem.  Even the friendliest dog encounter can go wrong if they become entangled.

 Leashes are a piece of safety equipment.  They are also a line of communication, a problem creator and cause of much confusion.  

 Use a leash but think about the leash when you are out with your dog.  A tight leash can do a great deal of damage as far as lack of communication, body language confusion and misread messages.


off leash dogs



"My dog is friendly" they shout out as their dog charges us.   How many times have I heard this?  If we have snuck up on someone off leash, which happens from time to time, I get it.  But typically even when people see us at the park, they unleash. 

 The other day I pulled up to one of my favorite parks when I saw a woman entering the park with her two dogs.  Neither were on a leash; so I waited to see what she was doing.  "Great," she was walking around the park.  I called out to her to leash her dogs.  Like most every person I run into with dogs off leash, her dog would not come.  She called and called while Elsa and I waited to head out on our walk.  

 I don't trust people.

 My big issue with dogs off leash is it is typically people who have no control over their dog and don't understand their dog.  I had a guy say to me "he won't come," when I asked him to leash his dog.  Ummmmmm...what?  Yep, true.  Like the woman in the park; she could barely get her hands on her dog.  

 She finally leashed her Golden Retriever up and had a straggling Doxie trotting behind; because she only had one leash.  Seemed like we could head out so I got Elsa out of the car and we started on our way.  Not minutes into our walk I turned around to see that the woman had unleashed her Golden and it was now romping in the park with an off leash pit bull.  I watched the interaction and it was too intense.  The two got into it, sounding like two Grizzly bears brawling.  The Golden was the instigator and after ending the first fight he immediately went after the other dog again.  Stupid, stupid, stupid.  

 The man with the pit bull leashed up his dog and head out.  Elsa and I were almost at the car at this point and got in.  I was furious.  

                          People like this ruin it for everyone.  

 Should you unleash your dog?  Perhaps.  But ask yourself this.  

 - Is there anyone else around?

This is the most important question.

 Even if there are no other dogs around; there may be people who don't feel comfortable around unleashed dogs.  At one of the parks where I walk there are a couple of people who are very uncomfortable around dogs.  Unleashed dogs are downright scary to them.  Respect that.  

 No matter how friendly your dog is; other people and/or dogs may not want an interaction.  If you would like your dog to have an interaction with another, ask first ON LEASH.  

 - look around, is there anyone else in the area?
- is the area a safe place to unleash?

 Just because others are out with their dog, like you; does not mean that they want anything to do with you.  This is something that always puzzles me.  If you are out for a nice dinner; do you want to interact with everyone else doing the same?  NO.  

 Think about it.  

Dog earth day



Happy Earth Day from me and Elsa. 
It is earth day and I  want to blog about a few things that we can do as dog lovers for the earth; although I really want to go off on a rant blog about a person at the park today.  But I will focus on the positive this morning and save my rant for my next blog.  Today is about doing things for our earth; we only have one so we need to take care of it. 

 What we feed our dogs matters to the earth.  It is good for the earth to buy organic products.  Supporting the farmers who choose not to use conventional and dangerous pesticides and chemicals is a step in the right direction.  Buying organic is good for us, our dogs and our earth.  

 What goes in comes out.   

Poop is biodegradable over time but it is also a pollutant.  So what are we to do with poop?  

 - use only biodegradable bags.  That means that you have to purchase bags unless the ones that are on the corners and at parks are biodegradable.  I get Earth Rated bags at HomeGoods or TJMaxx and always have a roll on me.  

 Poop bags rated

- you can flush poop.  Yep, I have done it and it most definitely makes sense to me.  You can find water soluble bags which are on the list above.  Great idea, I think. 

 - you can compost your dog poop; but you must learn how to do it correctly.    

Composting dog poop. 

When you clean at home, buy non toxic products.  There are many brands that clean without harsh and dangerous chemicals, choose some of these.  Good old vinegar and baking soda works wonders.  You really can clean without any toxic substances which is a great choice for you, your dog and the earth. 

Clean without chemicals.

Earth easy cleaning

As a society we have been brainwashed into thinking that it isn't clean if we didn't use chemicals.  All of these chemicals are so dangerous to us.  Often hot water is enough.  Read the articles above for other ideas.

One step towards a less toxic life is a step in the right direction.  Here's to green!!!!


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.   

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