Webinars and courses

I have just started into the world of webinars.  These webinars can be viewed on your phone, tablet, pc or mac.  They are a wonderful way to reach many, many people; and allow those people to watch at their leisure.  I will be adding more to webinar list in the near future so check back.


Poodle Grooming at Home with Sherri  (June 2016)
This June online grooming course is closed now.   If interested please register and you will be notified when it is available.  



-you can groom your own poodle
-in between or full grooms
-prep, before the grooming starts
-face, feet and tail
-top knot, poms and......

Canine brains




I opened the door to let Elsa out yesterday around 5:00pm; when she shot like a bullet around the corner and out of sight.  She was definitely after something.  Within seconds the cushions that had been stacked due to rain were strewn around by the wrecking committee, Miss Elsa.  Her prey was a lizard; it is her common prey in the backyard and she loves stalking and chasing them.  She does occasionally catch them but not often. 

I watched and saw the little guy make a run for it unnoticed.  I thought that he had made his escape while the curly blonde monster continued to dig in the cushions.  Suddenly her ears shot up; standing frozen she looked at one spot.  It amazes me that dogs can pinpoint something with such precision.  After following his scent of his very tiny footprints by freshness; she'd found him hiding just around the corner of her outdoor dog bed that was stacked with the rest of the cushions.  

 Elsa did get him out but and placed him on the ground.  He looked alive but remained frozen; a smart move on his part.  Elsa does not have much attraction to a still or dead lizard. Her trigger is movement and if it is dead; she doesn't want it anymore.   

Thinking that I might just be able to save him I told her to "LEAVE IT" loudly.  I meant it and I was not going to let her finish him off.  She was a mass of solidified muscle; her stare locked on her prey, waiting.  Not wanting her to make a grab for him I moved between the tiny guy and the hunter.  "In the house" I said to her and she never flinched.  She had no intention of leaving him and I knew that she would go in the house but not without grabbing him first.  I blocked the way and she gave me that "crap Mom," look and in the house she went.  

A few minutes later she came out looking for the lizard; but he was gone, saved.  She rooted through the cushions for a moment but knew he was no longer present; there was no fresh scent so she moved on.  She stared at me for a moment as I sat on the lounge; hoping for me to say the words she longed to hear.  "Go find your ball" I told her.  Off she went into the house like a flash once again.  Only seconds later she came out with her favorite ball; the one that has the most wear on it.  I've tried to switch it up onto a newer version but she likes the old yucky one.  

She got a few tosses of the ball and then I told her "that's it."  Without complaint or question she curled up beside me to relax and take in the evening.  She's smart, she is insanely smart.  An hour later as the chill dropped down on us with the darkening sky; I asked her if she was hungry.  Immediately she got up and head into the kitchen, looking back at me to follow.  Life with poodles is truly like living with curly coated people.  

Dogs are so much smarter than most people EVER realize.  You can go through life thinking that's it's just a dog.  Or you can realize that you are living with a creature so smart that it is mind boggling.  All dogs are highly intelligent.  Not all are driven the same; and what makes one tick may not be a bore to another.  It is our job, our privilege to discover each individual.  So much to be unraveled.  Are you up for it?

Oblivious and situational awareness


Out and about on a rainy day.
It's raining, so Elsa and I head out to a strip mall where we walk sometimes so that she can say "hi" to lots of people.  She adores when people stop to talk to her.  When I am out anywhere with or without Elsa for that matter I am always very aware of my surroundings. Those times when I do have Elsa with me I am on the look out for stray dogs, people who can't or won't control their dogs and general dangers.  I don't like surprises.

 It amazes me how many people go through their day to day, basically oblivious.  On our way home from our little walk today a really oblivious situation unfolded before us.  Driving down the street I saw two dogs on-leash with their owners.  A white German Shepherd and maybe a Rottie mix.  They were going off at a dog on the other side of the street.  The other dog was one that I see often; a very tall black doodle.  As I drove almost between them the doodle wandered out in front of my car on an extension leash; causing me to jam on the brakes.  The man startled when he saw me and waved pulling his dog in.  Really?
  
So, two things.  First he was just letting his dog wander over to the dogs on the other side of the street?  And two, he let his dog wander into the street?  OBLIVIOUS.  Don't even get me started on extension leashes.  I am to the point that I think they should be banned unless you are out in a field alone with your dog and don't want to let them loose.  

        Oblivious:  unmindful; unconscious; unaware.

 When I do walk in areas where there are buildings, walls or barriers of some sort I always run into dogs coming around the corner far earlier than their owner.  When I see a dog come around a corner, I wait.  Sometimes I wait and wait until finally their owner catches up; attached to the other end of an extension leash.  I did not intend this blog to be a bash extensions exercise; but they surely go with the "oblivious" topic. 

 We are dealing with a coyote problem in the local parks lately.  This calls for heightened alert and situational awareness.  Coyotes lurk; they have been around forever but a few have decided to step out of the shadows and chase dogs now.  So armed with pepper spray I am aware.  If I feel the need, I will take the pepper spray out and hold it in my hand.  

 Everyone should always be situationally aware.  It is how many accidents can be avoided.  Don't walk through life in an oblivious state.  For those oblivious people who walk down a sidewalk with their dog on full extension (extension leash again!); open your freaking eyes.  Should people have to make a huge ark around you? Do I want your extension leash wrapped around my anklets or legs? NO.  

 Don't let your dog jump out of the car ahead of you.  Don't let your dog walk around a corner without you.  Elsa is always behind me when we move around a blind corner.  Don't stand and chat to a friend; oblivious to what your dog is doing. Don't let your dog approach another dog without knowing FOR SURE if the dogs is friendly and ASKING FIRST! 

 Be aware.  Sh*t happens in life and a lot of it can be avoided by being aware and not oblivious.  Honestly, it makes me crazy.  

Subtle and personal signs in our dogs


My view waking up this morning.  A good sign.  
I sat and stared at her; I used my peripheral vision to watch and followed along when she moved.  She was not getting out of my sight.  Yesterday Elsa was acting strange.  I awoke to the glorious sound of heaving.  Tearing down the stairs and fumbling with the lock, out she went.  I thought that maybe her dinner had been lighter than normal.  I quickly went over her meal in  my head and decided that it was pretty usual.  Hmmmmmm?

 We head back upstairs where I gave Elsa some morning snack.  "Now she'll be fine," I thought to myself.  She was off the bed in a flash with that "I gotta puke" face on.  Downstairs we went and she did puke.  Now I was worried; but assumed it must be an upset stomach from her antibiotics.  She did the usual perimeter check of her yard; sniffing the footsteps that each critter had taken during the night.  Not a step is missed as she assesses the visitors who come only in the darkness.  

 Later in the morning came the bows.  Elsa stretched herself out in a bow; along with her neck.  I watched and wondered.  She settled down on her bed beside me in the office for a nap; then shot up like a bullet and bowed again.  She quickly turned to look at her rear end and then arched her back.  All of these physical actions are quite normal for me; Luke use to have an upset stomach monthly.  But Elsa had never shown these symptoms yet and I realized that this was not normal, not for Elsa.  Her stomach was really bothering her.  

 When this happened to Luke, it was time to get food into him.  He never wanted food because he didn't feel good; but it was the only thing that would make him feel better.  I would go and get out his favorite food; and if he wouldn't eat it on his own, I'd get it into him.  I ran downstairs to get some food for Elsa; I could only imagine how her stomach was feeling, empty and on antibiotics. She wasn't interested so I coaxed and coaxed.  Nothing.

 I decided that I should get a  Gas-x into her.  Not that I thought it was bloat, but just in case.  I poured a bowl of turkey broth and mixed in a gas-x. Since this all started, Elsa has become increasingly aware and suspicious of anything I mix up for her.  She is insanely smart and knows only too well that pills are hidden in some of the best food.  Thankfully the Gas-x was candy flavored and she drank it down. 

 The stretching and general unease continued; so I made the call to the vet.  I'm thrilled to have found a vet who is close to me that will squeeze me in.  When you need to see the vet, the last thing you want to hear is "no, completely booked."  Though my new vet was booked solid he took my call personally and told me to come in. Though I was pretty sure that it wasn't bloat; I knew it was something, so off we went. 

 I could not believe that we were going to the vet again.  Elsa has been one of those "healthy as a horse," dogs.  I guess the saying "it never rains" is fitting for us right now.  We do not like to go to the vet and I am not one to run off to the vet at every little thing.  But when you need a vet it is really great to have one that you like.   

 Elsa trotted alongside the tech; off to have her x-rays done.  I sat with a churning stomach in the waiting room.  They were back very quickly and Elsa charged over; diving on top of me then up onto the seat by my side.  We waited and watched the other dogs in the room.  Soon my Vet came out and motioned for me to follow him.  Elsa and I were taken back to the back room to see the x-rays.  He said "her stomach is really unhappy."  Then proceeded to show and explain everything on the x-ray to me.  

 It seems that Elsa did not tolerate the Clavamox she was put on which again was very different from what I am use to.  Tilley was on Clavamox often over the years and never seemed bothered by it. The Vet told me that he had taken clavamox before and suffered with a very bad stomach.  So Miss Elsa is on a new antibiotic this morning.  Because of all the upset she will not have a procedure today.  It is not a good idea to put a dog out when they are in this condition.  Fine with me, as long as the antibiotics are working.  

 As always we will keep you posted.  


When Your Dog is Sick

  

Dealing with your emotions when your dog is sick, can be tough.  


 When I woke up Wednesday I immediately checked in with Elsa.  The night before she had not been able to pick up her ball.  This of course was a huge red flag; something was not right with my girl.  She ate part of my Perfect Bar first thing; but caution took the place of her normal gusto. 

 We head downstairs where I tried to offer Elsa a normal treat and she whimpered as she attempted to eat it.  That was it, we were headed to the ER.  Something was definitely not right.

 The traffic was horrible; of course it was.  At 7:00am in the morning the traffic is horrendous in SoCal.  To be honest, it's almost always horrible.  I tried to calm myself; Elsa wasn't bleeding to death.  Anxiety started to rise as I got closer.  How many times had I pulled up to the exact Specialty Veterinarian building?  I tried to push away the angst that was brewing in my stomach.  

 A flood of emotion came over me as I opened the door to the building once again.  I'd done this trip only a year and a half before; and it had been the last time with Luke.  We signed in and sat awaiting our turn.  Then a nice girl came and got Elsa and brought her to the back to check her vitals.  

 After a bit of waiting alone; I was brought back to sit in a room to talk to a Vet.  It was not just any room; it was the very same room where I had sat with Luke on our last visit.  Out of all the rooms they had to bring me to that one?  I remember it clearly as the walls are covered with cat pictures.  Luke and I had had a conversation about the horror of sitting in a cat room.  

 As I waited I monitored my emotions.  I was actually surprised that it was all flooding back; and doling out such weighted anxiety.  I realized then that being back in the same building was far more difficult that I had anticipated.  Perhaps if I'd brought Elsa somewhere else it might have been easier.  But if she had something seriously wrong, there was where I'd wanted her to be.  

 I ended up having to leave her there at Vets; to wait her turn to be sedated and checked out.  I left and headed for home.  I worried beyond worrying and then some. The level of worry was caused by the fact that I had no idea what was wrong with Elsa.  My mind went from one thing to another and the day turned out to be a big housecleaning event.  I could not focus on anything mentally; so physical work was all I could do. 

 This moment in my life, is the very first time since I was eighteen years old that I have only one dog.  Walking into my house that was now dogless was like stepping into the twilight zone.  No one came to sniff me; wondering where all the new smells had come from.  There was no one to care for; just an empty house to dwell in all day.

 Finally I head back to the Vets where I was not really enlightened as far as what was going on.  We talked about Masticatory muscle myositis; which he did not think was the cause of Elsa's problem.  It could be a mass, like a tumor; an abscess or any other number of things.  Because it is not something that you can easily see other than visually checking the outside and in the mouth; she was given antibiotics in hopes that it is just an abscess.  

 As of this morning there is no change; she remains painful but I have gotten some turkey bone broth into her with her meds and she is now sleeping.  We wait now.  It is all we can do.  

Canine dementia

                                 Our little old lady, now gone. 
We were talking about Elsa; as in Elsa the moment that she arrived in our family.  She was an amazing puppy.  She popped out of her crate and introduced herself to everyone person and dog in the family.  She ran around the place like she'd lived here her whole life.  Elsa was a truly phenomenal; and as such she is what I measure puppies against now. 

With our conversation about Elsa came some moments that got me to thinking.  "Remember when she met Jessie?" I asked my hubby.  It reminded  of how bad Jessie's dementia was at that point in time.  Each time she met Elsa she would react as if she'd never met her before.  Jessie would startle at Elsa's approach; her hair would go up and she'd act like her typical terrier self.  Jessie would stand on her toes trying to show Elsa that she was indeed the reigning Alpha bitch of the house; but it was short lived.  Elsa would run off to see someone else and Jessie would just wander away.  

 Thinking back at Jessie's dementia; she clearly had long term memory but was lacking in  the short term stuff.  Elsa would come around the corner and face Jessie several days after she arrived and the first greeting would start again; at least for Jessie that is.  

Jessie suffered from canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome along with the  accompanying sundown syndrome.  It happens to human Alzheimer patients and dogs as well.  Jessie most definitely suffered from the affliction; but hers ran deep into the dead of night.  It hit around the 2:00am hour and she would turn and turn and turn; walking in tight circles until the sun came up.  It was horrible and because of this she had to sleep in her crate down in the dining room so that we could sleep while she walked her circles. 

 Several times we attempted to change things up for her; to give her a bit more space to move around.  But it only made matters worse.  One time we used an ex-pen on a tile floor down in the family room.  We made her a makeshift kennel with her crate inside of it.  When we woke up in the morning we awoke to a circle of poop.  She'd pooped and then walked in circles through it the rest of the night.  The clean up was awful.  

 The next time we left her the run of the kitchen.  Thinking that she might enjoy being in there instead of just her crate.  We put up the baby gate and left her crate inside; filled with blankets and the door open.  Bad idea.  Upon waking we discovered a track of poop once again.  This time it covered a larger area and the clean up was even worse.  Both times she'd poop with more space and she had never pooped in her crate; so for the remainder of Jessie's life she spent her nights in her crate. 

 Jessie was the first dog of ours that had ever suffered from Dementia.  Like the human affliction; it is heartbreaking to deal with.  The little Jessie that I once knew was gone most of the time but there were moments when she would come back to us.  Those moments keep you going; the fleeting "there you are" times mixed amongst the lost ones. 

Caring for old dogs is a gift that many never get to do.  We were lucky to care for our lost little Jack Russell; and although it was not easy, it was my time to give back a little of what she'd given us in her almost 16 years together.  I hope to never see dementia again; it is an awful thing to work through. 

The loss of a canine


All are now gone but still very much in my heart and memories. 
I am working on a canine loss book.  It is nearing completion and I hope that it will be out this year.  It's not an easy write but it is most definitely healing.  I had a moment just the other day that I thought I would share with you.  It is has a place in my book as these points in life are so very important.  

                                       _________________

 I looked up at the television screen as I waited in line for my turn at the cash.  Horrendous tornadoes were hitting Kansas and I was quickly drawn back in time to Oklahoma.  Without a conscious decision of my own, I was taken back four years.  Standing in the parking lot in Oklahoma City, I remembered.  These are the moments that will fill many years after a loss; if not the rest of your years here on earth.

I let it come; you must let these moments in.  Let them in and ponder on them.  I stood waiting my turn near tears; but pushed them down as I often do.  I didn’t want to start crying while standing in line, in public.  So I thought about her, my little Jessie that we lost in Oklahoma over four years ago.

                               ___________________  

Writing this book has been very helpful for me.  Our family has lost three of our canine companions in four years.  Two were lost only a couple weeks apart; which was nearly the end of me.  Loss is a difficult thing and something that we all deal with differently.  I hope to help those who are having a difficult time with a loss or just want to know how others deal with a great canine love loss in their life.  

I have written many books over the years and if you are interested in reading a crazy story that is my life you can get them here. These two books are the first ones listed in my book store.  

PBJ and me
And Back Again

Leave a comment, I love to hear from you.  

Teaching Dogs Not to Touch Things


Learning not to touch is essential. 
"Don't touch," "leave it," "NO."  How many times have you either belted one of these or something similar?  How many times have you heard these or other phrases of humans pleading to our canines?  Hahahahaha, too many times.  How on earth do you teach a dog not to touch?  Easy.  Don't let them.  Yep, it is as simple as that. 

 Of course it takes consistent training; and any little slip in the wrong direction from you, may lead them down the slippery slope to touching again.  Just the other day I was so very impressed with Elsa at the park.  We were in the midst of a great chuck it retrieve session when a rabbit appeared from the bushes behind me.  As Elsa got closer to me her ears shot up and her body tensed.  "Leave it," I automatically said.  She stood statue still with the ball in her mouth.  There was a ponder moment from her; to chase or not to chase, that was the question.  She chose not to chase which is huge for a dog with high drive. I immediately chucked the ball out as far as I could to reward her.  

I have been working hard on the rabbit thing over the years.  Of course Elsa wants to chase them but I have attempted to make them a non issue.  The ball is much more fun and if she stays focused on it; "it" will continually be thrown.  

Once a dog understands "leave it" then you can implement it with just about anything.  Nice.  But what about when they don't know "leave it" yet?  I have trained many, many puppies who don't know much of anything when we start out.  When you don't have any formal communication sounds or verbal cues to fall back on you need to step in.  

 I remember working with several puppies who were having a very difficult time understanding that they were not to eat from the adult dog's bowl.  They needed to learn the rule quickly because I was going to leave and their guardian needed control of the eating situation. I do not like free for all, chaos eating and I also do not like having to separate dogs while they eat; so they must learn the rules of eating.

Puppies are stopped in their tracks.  That's it, that's all.  No passing, wherever the line is made.  This means physically being prepared to stop them.  This is not something that can be worked on willy nilly; you must be fully aware, highly alert and ready to stop.  One breach of security and you're sunk.  If you let your puppy get passed you then they will keep trying forever.  Typically puppies learn very quickly that they are not getting by you.  Oh they will try, those little smarties try to deek around you but you must be faster than them. 

 I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the moment of realization.  The very specific point in time when they stop trying.  Even when their own bowl of food sits on the floor; a puppy often desires what the big dog is eating.  Their reward for not trying to get the food from the adult is their own bowl of food.  

 Utilizing your arms and legs is essential in teaching dogs not to touch.  You need to stop them at all costs which often involves feet and hands.  You may feel inadequate tackling the job of just not letting them; but if you want to make sure that they understand "not to touch," you must make it very clear to them.  If it is cloudy at all, you're sunk.   

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.