Sweets Spot: Opportunity Barks

Dinner time (teachable moments)

2011-08-12T12:48:00.002-04:00

We're tawlkin' dinner time, because we seem to have seen a slew of well trained dogs that totally lack manners when it comes to dinner time (with the humans that is).
Take you pick! While you eat, is your dog...whining, pawing, nudging, laying against you, barking or army crawling towards you as you eat? My personal favorite- a
dog square staring at you or panting heavily in your lap, (just kidding). Well, look, there are a lot of dogs that get aroused when the food hits the table.

Here are a few sanity savers to begin with:

· Proactive management- (prevent annoyance behaviors/and ignore your dogs)
Yes, ignoring your dog works, (really). The harder part for most two footers is totally committing to IGNORING the dog (no eye contact, no talking, no touching).
Often using a short leash (or tether) can work well to empower the "ignoring" part and keep them in a spot (near a dog bed or a comfortable place to hang out).
How? Wrap a leash to a heavy piece of furniture a door knob or put an eye hook in a baseboard for the beefcakes.

· Ignore
Yep, just ignore!

· Enrich
Before your dog begins to whine, bark or otherwise try old tricks to get your attention (and maybe a piece of food)- give them something to alleviate stress and nosh on- a frozen stuffed dog bone or Kong toy is a great start.

· People food
If you want to feed a bit of something from the table- you could always do this- BY putting it in a Kong or bone before you settle in to eat. Or better yet, as you begin to build and get a
more reliable, calmer behavior at the dinner table...you can simply reward calm, cool behavior by a good ole' dinner plate licking if you'd like.

Dogs usually beg because they have been reinforced for it- hey- that means the two footer- has given them food or attention (positive or negative). So keep in mind, most dogs that
get a taste of "human food" if it's used to reward in the correct context (i.e.- "hey you're being calm and cool- here's a french fry") won't turn into human food begging monsters.
Remember folks, everything in moderation :) And those highly tuned noses won't miss a whiff.

Hiking, beaching and being off leash

2010-08-30T14:32:00.006-04:00

This August I spent a week with my family and my dogs at Dewey Beach, DE- a beach and dog lovers paradise (second only, in my experience with San Diego's Dog Beach). I'd love to live within walking distance of the sand and be able to enjoy it year round (and off leash) with my dogs.

And, however, I live much closer to trails and parks and wooded areas where I can hike (and I relish those weeks and weekends where we are 'living' at the beach!) I think all of us want to allow our dogs to be dogs, but the reality is, that only the well trained or "reliable" ones afford these off leash freedoms. So, how do we develop or foster off leash reliability or at least work towards it?

Here we go:
1. The relationship. Sorry folks, but before you bust out the hot dogs or take off the leash, what kind of "check in" do you regularly get from your dogs? Do they look to you or watch you or hang near you?

If not...spend some time working on eye contact and name recognition.

2. If your dog has lousy name recognition. Stop, change and start again. Choose a nick name and start to reward the dog for being reliable to their nickname RIGHT in front of you- just say their name, and click or "good" and a bit of food.

3. Passive eye contact and attention. For me, this is an integral part of developing a relationship with my dogs, communicating leadership and simply using my real life to shape the behavior I'd like...
Please (voluntarily) look to met to get this door to open, this get this bone, to get off a leash (without asking). Also if I disappear or hide behind a tree (will the dog come back and find me, scent to me?) Try that around the house!

How do you get "there" from "here"?
Good question.
Start with eye contact in the house and outside of the house. Train it, wait for it voluntarily and see if you feel that your dog is more connected, simply by doing the work.

If you are the broken record calling your dog again and again as they ignore you...zip it and do a lot more relationship building work before loosening up that leash. Relationship building? Yep! More to come in later posts...

Fireworks, Stress & Sound Sensitivity

2010-07-01T16:38:00.002-04:00

For those dogs that are noise, thunder or large car backfiring phobic, the 4th of July can be rough. For others, it's a walk in the park. Wherever your pooch may fall on the sound sensitivity continum, there are a few things you can do to help them cope, encourage confidence or to help prevent a possible firework phobia down the road.

For the sound phobic dog...
Imagine have ultra sensitive hearing, being left in charge to guard the house... and then there is an invisible invader! Yikes!
Many times a phobic dog will choose avoidance- and will hide or burrowing under a coffee table or lie in an open closet or a crate. On the other hand, folks can get into serious trouble if their dog is off leash and chooses to run away (think flight response). In this state of mind, your dog is literally in survival mode, and often finding a dog that is running scared can be a tough.

So, nobody wants to be sending out a search party for a scared, lost animal, so let's talk about what we can do to prevent drama and to sooth your dog on the 4th.

If you know your dog is sound sensitive...
• Keep walks to a minimum and make sure your collars/halters are fitted properly with identification.
• Create a safe haven where your dog can squirrel away if they'd like.
• Play a radio or white noise to provide relief in the house.
• Give your dog very high value, long lasting chewies (beef marrow bones) in their safe space.
• If you have a severely noise phobic dog that is on anxiety medication, you may want to consult with your Vet about
something for "acute" situations such as the 4th.
• A tight fitting garment on your dog may help them relax a bit as well (gentle pressure on the body can release endorphins, the "feel good" drug).

Even if your dog isn't totally stressed on the by sound, you want to keep an eye out for signs that they are stressed.
Stress signals include things like:
• Ears or tail plastered to the body
• More than normal drooling or salivation
• Pacing and panting
• A foamy beard of drool
• Whining
• Trembling or shaking
• Lots of "choppy" movement

If you see your dog displaying multiple stress signals, give 'em a break from the action. Take them inside and give them a quiet place and a good chewie! Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

doing nothing...with your dog

2010-03-16T12:02:00.005-04:00

So often with our dogs there are expectations that we are attached to. For many of us, we begin to build a relationship by using a very common tool- training. In this sense, there are a LOT of expectations. We immediately begin to operate from a "should" conversation as in, this dog "should" sit, learn to lay down, be quiet when told to be quiet and should do these things in a class with other people and other dogs or when visitors (though we rarely have them) come to our home, he "should" not jump or pester them.

Hurm..

I think for many of us we are under extreme pressure in a class, especially at week 1, or when people visit our homes- we don't want to be embarrassed, we want to look good, we want to be liked, we want people to like our dogs. Oy- all of this swirling around in our heads AND we're supposed to teach the dogs something?

I'd like to suggest that we do a little less "skills training" in our own lives and a little more of this- getting a life (and allowing our dogs to get a life too). I'd like to suggest that if you want your dog to be relaxed- find some activities that YOU enjoy and begin to enrich YOUR life. So often it's all about the dogs (and heck, that's okay too), but when do I feel best and at peace? After a good hike in the sunshine. As a trainer do I spend minutes a day training my dogs? Nope, it's just here and there and as part of the routine. When do I feel like I'm most connecting with my dogs? When I'm being goofy, when I'm playing.

Play? What's that?
Give and take with no expectations.

So, lighten up. Commit to doing some things for YOU, that you've been putting off. You'll feel better, you might even been happier and I guarantee your dogs will notice too. Better yet, find activities that you both enjoy (and have no expectations).

tongue in akc cheek

2010-02-22T15:23:00.005-05:00

Just saw this commentary from www.deadspin.com- behind the scenes at Westminster...
Wow, Toddlers and Tiaras anyone?

Lost Dogs- Prevention First

2010-02-11T14:46:00.003-05:00

When a dog goes missing, it's hard to know what to do or where to start, especially in harsh conditions. This is the first in a series of lost dog recovery tips. First and foremost, we're starting with prevention. We have had at least 3 dogs that we know go missing in the last few weeks!

It's part of our commitment to pass along info that we feel will help you, especially when it's so practical and needed!

1. Get id tags on your dog! If you don't like the sound of clinking tags, get a tag silencer and you'll be set.

2. Microchip your dog.

3. If your dog is microchipped, make sure you register the chip.

4. . Regardless of what company your dog is chipped with, have a second registration with "Home Again"- they are the ONLY company that sends out an "Amber Alert" within 25 miles of your zip code when your dog goes missing and they provide pet insurance for your missing pet- should they be injured when out. Trust us, it's worth the $25.

5. In severe weather conditions- rain, snow- bump up your management- and keep your dog on a leash! Many
dogs wander off in the excitement of the snow and then many not have a clue as to where they are- especially
when you have 2 foot drifts!

6. Get a good picture of your dog, a close up! This is great to have on hand if you need to begin distributing
flyers or posters. Think ahead!

Stay safe and always keep your eyes open. You never know when a 'stray' may be a lost dog. If you have a sighting of a dog and the dog will not approach you (which is very common), post it to craigslist.com with a location and description- it just may reunite a lost pet with a heartbroken owner!

off topic

2009-10-28T12:05:00.002-04:00

I notice when I'm incredibly sad or moved...I have to write! So, my apologies to anyone that has clicked and thought that this was just a dog trainer writing about trainery things. Not today. My thoughts and love goes out to the Dimmack family of Washington, PA who just lost their oldest son, Richie, husband a father of three. His death has brought together a lot of hearts and thoughts- messages posted here and there from high school and family friends and "summer" friends from the pool and such. I will remember Richie fondly as a curly headed cutie with a smile that lit up a room- every room. Peace and love to his family.

boys, dogs, scarcity and hope

2009-10-16T13:44:00.002-04:00

I got a call today from a local mental health counselor who has a client that is a little boy, (14 years) that is hitting his dog (a pit bull). She has been working with the family for a few months and routinely asks about animals in the home to get a sense of the overall "history" and dynamic of the household. The dog is living in a fence yard and chained near a dog house. He or she is jumping, biting and likely pent up and under exercised- a recipe for avoidance because the dog is probably unpleasant to be around.

This universal "neat-o" factor is that she immediately saw an opportunity for this little guy (the boy, that is). Despite the fact that he hits his dog, he also said, "we keep the dog outside, and I wish he could sleep in my bed."

Bingo, flashing lights, and an "in".

She got on the phone and started calling local dog folks.

Perhaps I'm the only one naive enough, nah, I don't think it's naivete, because trust me I've fire and I've seen rain, as Sir James Taylor would say, especially in the realm of animal welfare.

But, the possibility that we could change something, even if it's just teaching this boy and family how to properly care for their dog, how to help him or her burn energy, to chew on something appropriate, to learn some manners, well it lit me up. It's been a long while since I've felt pulled toward something... but this grabbed me. She'll be giving them my number and we'll see!
Stay tuned.

do your homework (and trust the process)

2009-10-04T18:33:00.008-04:00

Whew, it's been a while since I've posted, more a lurker than a writer lately, and with things a swirling around in Philadelphia- the animal welfare ups and downs, the never ending puppy mill seizures and a Mr. Vick riding into town, the dog folks have been tense. I, in the meantime, have just buttoned up and continued on with my work. More and more these days, I'm working with challenging cases (i.e.- not your run of the mill 5 mo. old puppy with a jumping problem, if you catch my drift). Lots of stress, anxiety, reactive behavior, controlling behavior and the like. And I wonder- is it the dogs, the people, a fateful combo?

I'd say both. And what I'm finding is that whatever may have "worked" in the past with other owned dogs, isn't working with the current dog. Worse are the novice dog owners with hearts bursting at the seams ready to hunker down and enjoy dogdom, and a few days into dog ownership, they have rescued a dog that isn't a good fit, is often a training project at best and seldom has been temperament tested (surprise). Grrrr....

That actual scenario has happened more than I care to remember and the latest victims in the "adopt this dog or it's going to die" game were an amazing family, with a young son that were absolutely committed to this dog in every way. Within a week of having adopted her, she needed cruciate surgery and they didn't blink. Within two weeks of adopting her, they noticed that she was scared to take walks, reactive towards people and other dogs, biting dog walkers, shadow chasing, protecting/defending the house and though she was amazing with the family, was often anxious and unpredictable around new folks in the house. She had snapped previously...then she bit. And they (understandably) we're done. They examined their options, got several opinions and ultimately decided to humanely euthanize.

The odds of her being successful in many homes, were slim, and the option to return her to the shelter (with a bite history) and place her were...dreadful.

These adopters wanted a companion. And our shelter system failed them.

And it happens again and again. While we're yelling, "ADOPT!" from the rooftops. If there is no quality control, it's no different than selling a car with no warranty that is suddenly bursts into flames when you pull it off the lot. There is no integrity and it doesn't work. And it's the people that get burned. And when they get burned, they often never adopt again (and why would they?)

"Excuse me Waitress, can I have an order of completely smitten followed by conflict, heartbreak and total devastation?"

In the wake of all the emotional roller coaster, there was a miracle.

The miracle was that this family was willing and open to adopting again.

And there was a happy ending.

They were willing for a second roll of the dice. This time on a 2 year old, temperament tested pit mix that was being fostered by Philly's finest- Portia Palko.

After her first day in the house I got an email update...

"I'm sitting on the couch with her big head in my lap. I love this dog.

Thanks so much for putting us in touch with Portia and telling us about Betty.

We've gone for a walk, destroyed a soccer ball. Met some people and been very calm, including people coming into the house, kids, people on the street. Met some very large dogs -- two St. Bernards, two big Dobermans, a Great Dane -- and did great. She kept getting up on a bench, I think to meet them eye to eye. She's been great in the car, she's nibbled my chin a bit. I am so glad she's here. We're working on sitting. She's doing very well.

Love. Her. Thanks again."

Cheers to Betty and her new life with an amazing family who's hearts are as big as her pittie head.

Cheers to the shelters and rescuers that are doing the work with integrity.

Cheers to many more happy endings.

comedian Charlie Murphy on Michael Vick

2009-08-20T10:03:00.005-04:00

Finally someone that is keeping it real! From 8/19/09 interview on the HS Radio Show.

"With this whole dog fighting thing, (because I have pit bulls), the whole dog fighting culture is way is bigger than Michael Vick, it's way bigger than just dog fighting, ok? You also have chicken fights too. And you also have human fights. Ok? Part of our, part of the human psyche, we're are entertained by combat. And the pit bull terrier, God did not make him, he's man made. Any breed of dog that you can name that we have as a pet, he's man made, he's not made by God. God made the dingo and the wolf. He didn't make pit bulls. We made the pit bull. And when we made the pit bull, we've made him for that. Now, as time has progressed, society has become, you know, less tolerant of that. But that is a billion dollar industry, man.

If you are really, really, really (and I put this challenge out to anybody) if you really, really, really what you say you are when you say express your distain for Michael Vick, I want to see to start seeing you become actively involved in stopping dog fighting. Don't just sit back and go, "I want to see Michael Vick thrown under the bus for the rest of his life," if you could feel that passionate about him, cause you love dogs so much. Get out there and stop dog fighting. Don't just sit back and point at Michael Vick. You are part of the problem, if you ain't helping. If you really love dogs that much, you should be pursuing all the people involved in dog fighting."

play more

2009-07-29T17:29:00.004-04:00

This past summer I had two amazing clients, two young girls...and their dogs. It was our first "Kids and Dogs" Camp and we tailored a program for these two gals and their pit bulls (gasp, yes pitties).

Day one we sat down and got to work. The dogs, Jed, Stella and Roxy suffered from a case of "happy tail" which could at worst leave welts on your legs! We got right to working on some "self control" or basically- rewarding the dogs for doing, well, nothing (but being calm).

Once the dog settled in, we got to talking.

I asked the girls, "do you have a favorite teacher in school?"

"Yep!"
(ok, ok, we're getting somewhere)...

"Well, why are they your favorite?"

"Well, Mrs. So and So is really nice, she doesn't yell a lot."

Note to self.

"Ok, what about a favorite Uncle or Aunt?"

Emma says, "Oh yeah, my favorite Uncle lives in Colorado."

"Why is he your favorite?"

"Well, he's a really busy guy, he has this real important job, but when I'm with him, he always makes time for me."

I waited a second while I was impressed by the sheer brilliance of what she said, so simple, right?
Making time (with your dog or your favorite Uncle).

So, thanks for Emma and company, I've been making sure I'm making time for my dogs and having more fun. The last few days we've taken swimming breaks during the day. And instead of slowly tip toeing down from the shallow end of the pool- I jump right in, (and yeah, I've done a few cannonballs). And yes, my dogs are having fun.

houston we have a ratter!

2009-06-15T13:06:00.002-04:00

Sweets was flagging her tail by the pool fence today and at first I just blew it off, "what does she know?"
Then my sense kicked in, and I thought, well, if the tail is moving in true propeller fashion, there is something in those weeds. So I helped by pushing the Queen Anne's Lace out of the way and I saw a pounce, and then a mouse running towards the pool- drop! into the water and paddle.

Meanwhile, Sweets had missed the mouse completely. So, on borrowed time, I fished the little guy out, he heaved and was dead.
I called the dogs over- Tater runs immediately for a good sniff from the pool skimmer. Sweets is still obsessing in the weeds.
So, I let the little guy linger, she gives up and then comes over for a sniff from the skimmer.

RIP little guy!

dog dog interaction

2009-05-05T11:06:00.005-04:00

Navigating the waters of off leash dog play can range from being easy breezy to socially awkward or embarrassing depending on your relationship with your dog.

Relationship with your dog, wha?

Yep, your relationship with your dog can in many cases influence their behavior off leash. Do you set any boundaries? Do you have clear communication or consequences (times outs or leaving the park)? How do they enter a place like a dog park- like a freight train or tail tucked having to be coaxed inside the holding area?

Dog parks have often sparked controversy. They are mostly great for very tolerant dogs, afterall, it's a never ending cocktail party, sometimes with very limited space. If the drinks aren't great, and the dogs at the party aren't your dog's cup of tea, that's fine, hit the road.

If you find yourself with a wall flower or a dog that appears to prefer the human social scene, that's okay. Scan the dog to see if the DOG is having fun or if they appear stressed. Common stress signals include: more than normal panting, pacing, sniffing the ground or body language that appears "shut down"- tail tucked, ears plastered, body hunched. No number of Cosmos is going to work with this dog, perhaps find some size appropriate play mates and an meet up at off peak times at the park.

If on the other hand, you find you have the rowdy rover at the park, that's tenderizing Bichons or "he's just trying to play", the crux of the problem is that if it doens't look relaxed- it ain't. Or, if your dog doesn't read cut off signals from other dogs (head turning, sniffing, avoidance) and still is coming at them to "play", that's when human intervention IS needed.

Really, is his just trying to play? Don't think so. Mom? Dad? Where are you?

In an ideal canine-human relationship, dogs will look to their owners to determine how to react. If you feel like you have "no signal", connection or little control with your dog, I'd take a step back and look at what you can to do cultivate a connection.
If you abide by the "let them work it out" mentality, that can work, but it depends on the other owner's idea about what's play and what's "aggressive". Trust me, it can get very sticky before your dog is even IN the park!

And sometimes, you have ultra sensitive dog owners that expect that your 80 lb dog should be able to play football or dance ballet with their very small dog. It's not that we don't like our small dogs folks, but just as the big boys need size appropriate play mates, so do the little guys. And not everybody at the party always picks on someone their own size! It's just as important for small dog owners to be aware that their dog could look like running prey and therefore larger dogs are practicing prey sequences- stalk, chase, muzzle tap. Just be aware and protect your own dog as well.

So back to navigating this dog eat dog world. Here are my words of advice: Be proactive; be sensitive and watch the body language of other dogs (and their owners); cut your losses and leave before you outstay your welcome; don't be afraid to have rules and boundaries. After all, clear communication can be the key to cultivating a connection.

find sweet meat

2009-04-20T10:25:00.001-04:00

Alas- a rainy day, plenty of running with our house guests and one of two tired dogs...Find Sweets!

peepers and ducks

2009-04-16T09:33:00.003-04:00

I've been routinely woken up by the "cardinal" alarm these days. A female cardinal that keeps flying or faux "fighting" with her mirror image in my dining room window. The first day, Tater mistook her beak hitting the glass as a, "knock, knock, knock", which sent him out of bed yodeling at the top of his Tater lungs. A few days later- hardly a head lift.

If you live in the country or near some water in the country, "peepers" may be a familiar term. No, we're not talking about the "Tom" variety, but rather small frogs- spring peepers. In late March, when you hardly think any frog would be a' singin' they start to sing at night. Probably some approaching spring mating ritual, because they barely make a peep after late May.

Laying in bed last night, I heard one wayward "peep" and could only assume that maybe there was a frog living in the "pond puddle" in the driveway...

This morning on our way down to the barn, we had a little surprise. A pair of ducks landing or fleeing into the water on top of the pool cover...Sweets was on a mission to eat grass and barely noticed, while Tater just stared, front paw raised as if to say...um...Mom...ducks... They soon waddled out of the water and back to the concrete and pebbles that surrounded the pool.

We also have a mourning dove nesting in the scraggly bush in the front that we'd like to cut down (but apparently not this year). She watches us come and go with a slight head turn and a blink of the eyes.

So, while we have nature happening all around us, Sweets and Tater are content to nap in the sun spots and soak up the rays.

Cold Weather Can be Fun

2009-01-28T21:05:00.006-05:00

When it's chilly outside, may folks may see slip ups in house training, or simply more destruction from your run of the mill cabin fever. If you're dog certainly doesn't love to romp outside, here are a few things to ease the pain.

1. Try an all weather or rain coat. It may look silly, but can make all the difference.

2. Slippery sidewalks? Paw wax can be used as needed to give your dogs a little extra grip on the icy streets.

http://www.amazon.com/Shaws-Paw-Wax/dp/B00078Y2UE

3. Find it! If you have a pup or a dog that is new to the snow- toss bits of hot dog or cheese outside to make the outside a bit more attractive and a "good thing".

4. If you see an increase in house training mishaps, go back to basics and keep an eagle eye on your dogs (or simply use gates, crates and tethers to manage and prevent accidents).

5. Also if your dog refuses to go in the back or front yard- try mulch or a piddle pad to give them options outside (that may save the carpet).

Now that we curbed the accidents, let's look at what we can do to keep our dogs busy.

1. Feed your dogs from toys that dispense food- Kongs, Tricky Treat Balls, Kibble Nibbles or even containers headed for the recycling bin.

2. Play games- tugging, hiding treats, toys for shredding are great for stress relief.

3. Tricks and Training- 5 minutes of basic training is probably equivalent to about 10 minute walk. Train some tricks and tire out the dog.

4. Long lasting chewies- frozen beef bones can be a good 30-40 minutes of chewing!

Stay warm, and keep those puppies tuckered!

beach dogs on the loose

2009-01-05T20:53:00.003-05:00

This past Saturday we took a day trip to Delaware to let the dogs live it up running full out on the sand, while we eat, drank and were merry (and relaxed) for the evening. The Delaware shore points are very dog friendly. In fact, Dewey beach is dog friendly in the peak season (almost unheard of unless you go to the Carolinas- where people can fish WHILE you swim, and have dogs and fires on the beach). On Dewey, peak season: before 9 am and after 5:30 pm.

I was disappointed at the scant number of gulls to chase into the air (or rather I was disappointed for the dogs). But we had a great time. Tater had a short lived fling with a female english pointer, while Sweets met some cool dogs and fetched tennis balls like a pro.

all things must pass

2008-12-18T20:08:00.002-05:00

It's been a weird few days for me. About a week ago, Nimitz a 10 year old, essentially orphaned, 10 year old Ridgeback came to Sweet Spot Farm for a little reprieve. He spent the last few years living with his owner, who had declined significantly health wise. When she died, there were four dogs and two cats in the home- the cats were more or less feral, while 3:4 dogs were beyond aggressive and not placed for adoption. Ironically, Nimitz was the owners dog that she had since puppy hood. When she died, he had no place to go and a neighbor kindly reached out to try to find a place for him.

So he went to a kennel for a few days- the kennel had indoor/outdoor runs, icy cold concrete and no bedding for a bag of bones that was emaciated. His stress was off the charts and when I met him he was wild eyed, panting and actively pulling away from me.

While we were seeing what the next move was - we thought moving him to the farm was our best shot at stress relief and something close to a normal life. We worked through anxiety howling and a little redecorating, GI blow outs, tape worms and maybe his first ever rib bone.

After 11 days at the Farm, I watched him stretch in the country sun, sniff the air and get as many butt scratches in as possible. However, with increasing medical complications and no place to go, his interim owner decided that the most humane thing to do was to euthanize him. I agreed.

Knowing the impending "doom", I was reminded of the heaviness of decisions like this. He spent the last of his days, snoozing on a dog bed, trotting around the pasture, even running a little agility.

He left he farm around 4pm today.

As the hours wore on I kept thinking, "is it NOW? this minute? Did "it" just happen? I wondered if the little ping of awareness I felt was somehow his way of letting me know he was at peace? Or if it was just the story I was telling myself.

Who knows.

That guy left his mark on my heart.

times are a changin'

2008-12-08T14:23:00.002-05:00

You can always tell when there is a little jockeying going on between dogs. It may seem subtle at first, but last night and again today, it was beyond noticeable.

Here's the deal. Sweets will guard items from dogs- she'll growl and stiffen which is usually effective in getting dogs to back off and that's that. That has almost always worked with her little brother Tater.

However, last night, Tater brazenly walked within striking distance of his bitchy, bone chewing sister. I was sitting between the dogs on the couch when Tater stepped over my lap and began to sniff her face/bone. I noticed his ballsy attempt to, push the envelope so to say. I asked him to "off", be backed away and that was that.

Today, the rawhides are distributed. Tater not only is eying up his sister's rawhide in addition to his. I also watched him chew near his sister and growl/warn when she looked at him. Quite a role reversal, as Tater is usually deferring. For the time being I'm playing the role of regulator and manager...Stay tuned.

well, that's a new one

2008-12-04T15:37:00.002-05:00

I saw a streak of "something" running down the road. It just started to rain in this neck of the woods and the two free range beagles were hi-tailing it home. They ran past the house, and made a hard right down their driveway (and apparently to some dry place). This explains how things worked when nobody had fences (well, and a lot more litters, I'm sure)

big day

2008-11-25T15:00:00.004-05:00

It's funny how nature reveals itself, especially when the leaves fall and old branches die off. The fence line of the pasture is thick with honeysuckle, weeds and birds now and again. When I took a closer look, I discovered some beautiful bird nests, one made with horse hair from the neighbor's barn (how cool is that?).

Last week a mouse went bounding in the pasture when I turned on the flood light. For a moment I thought it was a frog. It jumped four times, then stopped. I could see it in plain view and watched it's ears twitch at the sound of the dogs barking as they played, then poof! Under the barn stall door. I tried to get Sweets to get "hot" on his trail, but she had no interest. Bullying her brother and eating rabbit poop seem to be top priority these days.

Then today on a hike, their noses went right past a dead mouse, smack in the middle of the trail. So, as part of their "home schooling", I called them back to have a sniff, then tossed the mouse off the trail. He seemed to be all "intact", perhaps a death from "natural" causes? Why not?

So, on we go, over wet leaves, marking here, there, sniffing tall branches and spots where leaves have been visibly moved by what we don't know. Sweets stops to full on snarf, snort, smell a small branch.

"She's on to something", I think.

So, I pull up the short branch she snorts again and I hear a high pitched shriek!

A grey mole pops up and scurries under the leaves. That's a live squeakie toy (and a big moment in Sweets and Tater-dom).

I watch as the little guy blindly wobbles over wet, fallen leaves and branches to find another hole to climb into. He finds refuge under a larger branch and Sweets and Tater in their excitement seem to have missed the big get away. I watch to see if they will track the little guy and they get close, begin to dig and I end the party. I had no intention of letting them kill him or her. Though I may employ their services in the barn this winter.

the Obama dog

2008-11-10T09:22:00.001-05:00

BBC reporter Laura Smith-Spark gave us a call asking with the Obama's should be looking for in a new dog. What a great question. There are many important aspects in choosing a dog, we boiled them down to our top three!

If you know anyone looking for a new puppy or dog, we offer FREE phone consultations to help them find the best fit, to know what to look for and to make an informed decision- pass it along!

1. Sociability: We recommend that anyone looking for a dog, choose a dog that is HIGHLY social towards people. Social dogs are naturally drawn to people, as a function of their temperament and experiences.

2. Temperament Testing: Whether you work with a breeder or a animal shelter/rescue, temperament testing is a must. This helps make a a good dog-owner match and serves as way to gauge and screen for aggression.

3. Contract/Support? We have had many a client with the magic, disappearing breeder! When you have questions or hit a rough spot, it's nice to know that the breeder or rescue will pick up the phone! How 'bout it? Read any and all contracts for detail and ask what happens if you as an adopter has an issue? Do they have resources? Can they help? This is often what separates the good from the great.

Read the BBC article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7714480.stm

why I love "story people"

2008-10-26T20:39:00.002-04:00

why aren't people dogs? he said & I said because we can pick up newspapers with our hands & that made sense to him.

everyday I get a "story" from story people in my inbox, well it gets sorted to junk, but occasionally I retrieve it. Today it struck a chord, as it often does. Then I get distracted and a few keystrokes later I'm attempting early holiday shopping (well not really), but start digging around the site. I'm just so inspired by what artist, Brian and his "peeps" are all about. Read it and weep.

http://www.storypeople.com/storypeople/WebStory.do?storyID=1380&action=whoweare

fall sun

2008-10-10T10:33:00.002-04:00

I think this is Sweet's favorite time of year. She basks in the sun, and opens her eyes when a fly or bee flies too close. Then a heavy chested sign and back to her nap in the sun. Tater meanwhile in his pumpkin colored glory looks a bit more red than usual, but it could just be the leaves. His newest terms of endearment- "pumpkin lips" or "bologna ears". Trust me, his ears are kind of bologna like ;)

big problem in Tater town

2008-10-07T12:53:00.003-04:00

So trainers usually joke amongst ourselves that we always end up with screwed up dogs. And it seems like the dice have rolled my way...I don't tend to think that I live in denial-ville, and in fact was patting myself on the back for making proactive moves on my part. A phone consult with a great trainer, management, teaching some skills here and there. And sadly, the trainer has failed. I've failed to protect my dog and to take his issue seriously.

This morning on a hike, a man with a old chow on a flexi lead was walking towards us.
"Wait", I told Sweets and Tater (both off leash)
The obliged, stayed put while I leashed them.

The man with his dog showed no signs of slowing down...

We pulled off the path and this guy just let his dog come into their space.

Sweets is alarm barking...

"She's friendly."

"Well, they're not, pull her away."

By this point, Tater is in full on meltdown mode.

He pulls his panting dog past, I let my dogs go off leash and then start to cry.

Mourning that I have no bomb proof dog. Mourning that I have work to do.
I don't have dog park hopes, and never had. I do have attachment to how things "should" be.
And I can see that he was always uncertain even from a young age, this is not "new". It's intense as
he has gotten holder...

Off to work we go.

killadelphia

2008-10-06T10:48:00.005-04:00

Philly's animal welfare community has had their hackles up for the past few weeks. The Health Department posted a new RFP for the Animal Control Contract, proposing 20 less staff and a smaller budget. Not to mention verbiage that simply says the contractor is to "hold and dispose" of animals. Whereas "adoption" as a form of disposal wasn't mentioned. Hum. Apparently the word on the street is that the RFP has been reworked to have "adoption" as a form of "disposal"- nice try guys. But the fate of this city's animals is beyond vulnerable. Why? Philly Animal Control operates with about 60 staff, and "processes" about 30,000 animals a year. So, what can a facility do, short of "catch and kill" with less money and less staff? That's where the question lies.

I watched dedicated PAWS volunteers with their dogs at an outdoor adoption event yesterday. Pit bulls, and a lab mix or two that really was a lab mix...and friendly, social dogs. One of them was ironically named, "Heaven". This was their big day out- grass, sunshine and a shot at finding a home. If not in foster care, or hitting the jackpot with a impulse adoption...they get loaded onto the van and go back to the shelter. Their outcome will be unknown. A few folks jotted down names and tag numbers, but there were no big winners from the day. There they strolled, back to the van, wearing their "adoptable" vests, handlers giving them last minute hugs, kisses from their day in the sun.

To learn more about this and to read Stu Bykofsky's article in the daily news, click below.
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/stu_bykofsky/20080924_Stu_Bykofsky__Has_Philadelphia_signed_a_death_sentence_for_innocent_lost_animals_.html?viewAllLatest=y&text=#comments

coolest FedEx guy...ever

2008-09-19T10:19:00.002-04:00

Tires crunch the gravel and the dogs are going ape to alert me to the inevitable- "mom, there's someone in the driveway".
Yep, I see those old purple and green letters on the side of the truck. "Wait", I tell them as I slip out the door to prevent the knocking, door bell ringing and what have you mayhem.

"How many are in there?" the driver asks.
"Just two, why does it sound like more?"
"Let 'em out", he says...

My ears do a double take...um, sure!

Sweets and Tater stroll out the front door.

"One for you and one for you". He hands them two gigantic bisuits, which, Sweets in her picky taste, happily put in her mouth.

"They're probably going to jump in the truck", I said as the rock and roll kept blaring out of the open door.

"That's happened before. I have lots of dogs that will jump on my truck before I can even get the package to the door."

"Because you've given them treats before?"

"Yep!"

Now that's the power of positive reinforcement.

They both headed back towards the door, so I opened it, and they ran to the rug to devour their treat from the happy stranger.

one eyed and bra less

2008-09-08T09:04:00.010-04:00

Did you ever notice that when dog hi jinks happen, they seem to happen when you are most unprepared? Which of course, points to why training is great, because you seemingly train for more responsiveness, even if you yourself are handicapped. For instance, last week, I'm walking the dogs out to the pasture, off leash, as per usual. Half way down the back yard, I blink my left eye- ow! Pause, take out my contact lens, that is ripped in two and promptly toss it in the grass. I'm blinking and watching them, pseudo enjoying the now half fuzzy morning view. So it goes. They chase a few sparrows, do the usual sniffing/marking routine and we're on our way back up to the house.

Wait a minute...they walk back to the front of the barn.

Hey, it looks like Sweets is behind the fence? How did that happen???

Crap! The wire fence popped off the split rail...that's how that happened.

Tater circles with great intention- as if to say, "Hey mom, pretty cool, eh? Hey where you going?...."

I walk back into the barn, cucumber cool and grab a roll of Natural Balance dog food. Ha! Dog hi jinks, I'm all covered!

I watch as Sweets sniffs intensely in hind brain mode in the woods- probably rabbit scenting, who knows.
What I do know is it is fruitless for me to call her to me when she's glazed over and "gone".

So we keep our eye on her, Tater munches on food for sitting, lying down, staying near. And a few minutes later, she returns to us- major reward time and we're FINALLY on our way back to the house.

Then...I spot a wandering beagle in the back yard, peeing on the landscaping...my brain goes....
ok, strange dog...they will chase...off leash...road...
Here guys! And I escort them into the fenced pasture.

Then I have my bone to pick with the beagle. In classic Paul Morgan fashion (my dad), spine aligned, front facing, I walk toward the beagle, doing my best to communicate "get the hell out of here and stop peeing on my bushes". With no more than a wayward glance over his shoulder, his lifted leg hits the ground and he's off and running.

Back to the pasture.

But, there I am, half blind, bra less, the taste of doggie trainer/management victory in my mouth. And there is another damn beagle in the yard. Sweets sees him, stops and pauses, I order her into the house. Tater rushes up to him, postures and the disappear into the front yard.

All rationale out the window now...

TATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All I can imagine is my unidentified dog chasing a beagle for miles and miles and miles away from home.

They run to the far edge of the front yard, right by the tall pines the boarder the road. Magically he runs off the beagle and stops. He turns back towards me and is still.

I crouch down and he hauls buns back to me. Followed by jackpot celebration a la Natural Balance.

And I got it, sometimes it is lack of training. Sometimes you train for moments just like this. One thing over rides all of it- dogs will be dogs.

Look, if a strange car pulled up in your driveway, you are likely to peek through the blinds or get out on the porch, posturing and thinking, "who the hell are you?".

In the dog world, my young, intact male does his best everyday to leave his calling card around town, advertising his eligible status and come hell or high water, no goofy free ranging beagle is going to mark his territory or compete for the ladies. I found it amazing that his hard wiring did just that- the minimal amount of "force"/chasing to get the dog off the property line. And let me tell you we hardly spend ANY time in the front yard, because I don't want my dogs dancing near the road.

As a trainer, we often pass along what we know and how we learned to our clients. And it's usually all about the mechanics and skills. Forget the skills. I can see now what is necessary is to have people understand the species first. Because it so explains many things that we would call "bad", simply as dogs being engineered to do what dogs do, and after all, they are a different species.

mourning dove

2008-08-16T10:52:00.003-04:00

Thursday night we were bringing the dogs back from a run at the lake when I saw a rustle of feathers on the road...
"injured bird, we gotta go back"
My husband says, "you know what you should do..."
I'm thinking...what?
"run it over"
Kind of a surprise coming from my husband who is as much a critter lover as me. When his gerbil, Rocky was on his way out, his parents took him to the vet. The vet prescribed some "medicine" (asprin) and Scott was told later in life by his parents, "the Vet pulled us aside and said, 'look there was no way I could tell that kid the gerbil was going to die'" So a few asprin and a few days later and Rocky was peacefully buried in the back yard.

I pull in a random driveway, the neighbor's dogs come out barking me away and the neighbors are eyeing me up like a terrorist.
Oy- welcome to the country!

Anyway, it was an adolescent mourning dove with what appeared to be an injured wing, lameness in the back legs and missing tail feathers. No matter what the outcome, I couldn't bear the thought of that bird flapping around to be run over by a Chevy with Sammity Sam mudd flaps- double oy.

Meanwhile the "bird" dogs are in the car, I drive with the bird in one hand and the other on the wheel and we promptly find a box, some towels and a google search to find out what doves eat. We blend dog food and water, whole grain crackers and serve it on a plate about 1/4 the size of the box- no dice. So I move the food into an empty tin mint box (much smaller and bird friendlier) and but him/her in the barn for the night.

When I lived in Virginia, I stopped at least 4 times to help a turtle cross the road (as the pace of life isn't likely to slow down, or the BMW's to break, well, not when there are black berry messages to send). Once on 95 I saw a bird flapping against the jersey wall as hundreds of cars whizzed by, and more and more that's what life seems like- busi-ness with thing "getting in the way" or the unfortunate getting run over and left to flap.

Thursday morning I peeked in on the box and there he was, blinking and looking up at me. The woman at the Schuykill Wildlife Rehab facility said he had a 20% chance, apparently doves get dehydrated easily, go in to shock and lose feathers as a result of stress. But, better to have a second chance then to have not at all.

agility for confidence and lessons learned...the hard way

2008-08-01T14:15:00.006-04:00

When I took my first agility class, I was casually referring to my dog, Sweets as "sensitive" and I wasn't quite sure how she'd do in classes. Sweets usually is startled by loud noises, will avoid the baby gate like the plague (as it's fallen a few too many times).

This is also a dog that I've seen running off leash with wild abandon, hiking and climbing boulders and jumping fallen trees like a deer.

Flash forward- Sweets is now participating in Agility without the slightest bit of stress. Is taking jumps with glee, and climbing the A frame and dog walk for fun. What gives? Read below for lessons learned (the hard way) by the trainer herself.

1. Know your dog's Sensitivities

Look, nobody knows your dog like you. Here's what I "knew"- Sweets was sensitive to things falling and to some noises, so she would startle if the bar fell on the jump. She was also space sensitive- going between the uprights of the jump was a big deal for her.

So, I took an agility class with her as a pup. On one occassion we were late to class (it happens). Anyway, she had no time to acclimate and the instructor immediately had her get to jumping. She was reluctant. Then a bar fell and she was in stressville.

Lesson Learned:
Don't begin working with your dog until they have a few minutes to sniff around and get comfortable.

2. Read and Respect your Dog’s Body Language No Matter What Someone else Tells You

Though we may all have different thresholds of what we consider acceptable play behavior, remember, body language seldom lies. If you know what to look for, then you know stress often looks like this- tail dropping, panting, whining, scratching, head dropping and refusing food, eyes “bugging out” and generally a dog that appears shut down and is not a willing particpant.

There we were in class ready to try the weave poles. Remember our space sensitive issues? The weave poles are set up, using an accordian gate to guide the dog (think a cattle chute). The instructor promptly drags her on leash into the gaunlet, she puts on the brakes, refuses to go while her eyes are bugging out of her head.

Lesson Learned:
It is okay to say “nope, not doing this”. In any future classes we took, she was NEVER forced onto a piece of equipment.

3. Interpretations, Stories and other Disempowering Stuff

So we’re about to try the teeter now, you know, the big see saw for dogs. Given her near heart attack with the weave poles, I was praying for a miracle. In fact, I never thought I'd ever get her on the teeter, period. While the teeter is set low, and we are attempting to lure her with hot dogs- Sweets refuses to follow the food.

The instructor says, “is she the only dog at home?”
“Yes”
“Well if she had other dogs to compete for a resource with, she’d probably wouldn't refuse food"

Huh?

"Sees how she gets stressed and you help her out and she doesn’t have to figure things out on her own? It's learned helplessness.”

Huh again?

Apparently the “story” was hotdogs should motivate to get her on a moving 12 inch board. And because she refused to walk the plank or eat the food, she had learned to act helpless and I had reinforced this?

Lesson Learned:
Good story, but a little thin on plot. This kind of thinking about our dogs does NOTHING to empower having a good relationship with them. Going with the “Keep it Simple Stupid” Principle, perhaps she was not motivated or stressed? Sounds much more believable to me.

Three years after our first and only agility class, I began to think of her as incapable of excelling at this sport. So, I gave up.
I bought into the “she’s too sensitive” and figured that Rally-O was her thing. I also happened to begin working with a great trainer and colleague, Ali Brown of Great Companions. I think it’s much due to Ali’s commitment to not having limitations on our dogs, that had me get her back in the game. And she looks now to be much more of a prospect in Agility then I’d ever thought possible.

Lesson Learned:
Sometimes the limitations we impose on our dogs, simply are our own!

charpei or pointer? sweets gets buzzed!

2008-07-11T10:35:00.006-04:00

Sweets was up to her usual morning routine- sniffing in the pasture, doing her "duties" and getting rowdy with our lab guest, Montana. Everything was okey dokey....Then we're on our way back up to the house and she spots a rabbit- game over!
I'm yelling her name, scooting Tater into the house...ahhh. All my brain is thinking is "DON'T CROSS THE STREET" to that little known land, where she risks driving cars and a buffet of other critters to chase I'm sure. I run to the front of the house, the rabbit darts in front of me and Sweets is nowhere to be seen. SWEETS!!!!!!!!! And just like that, I'm reassured by the sound of rustling bushes. There she is- Old Faithful sniffing the scent of her now long gone bunny.

So we get in the house, I go about by business and come downstairs and notice she's pawing her face. Double take.
HOLY SH&**T what happened? Her muzzle is swollen about 5 times it's size, she looks no longer like the friendly rabbit chasing pointer and more like a dog that got mugged on her way to the woods. All I can think is Spider bites, snake bites....turns out, yellow jackets. There were no visible insects, no immediate reaction and poof! swelling about 20 minutes after the incident.
Turns out the Vet is seeing lots of this lately. So buzz beware!

Houston we have a problem

2008-06-06T13:57:00.006-04:00

If there is one thing you can count on with your companion, it's that their behavior is always changing. That dog that was happy and easy going 6 months ago, may not be the same dog that is walking beside you today.

As your dog gets older, things that have become well rehearsed or have become a part of their behavioral repertoire, are likely to stay in place or intensify. So, what to do when your notice a mole hill is becoming a mountain?

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt
Behavior is behavior is behavior. Stop making excuses for what you're seeing. If you've been saying...."he must be tired or crabby today", "that other dog started it", "it wasn't his fault", it's time to give it up!

What behavior is your dog exhibiting that concerns you?
It's now time to get clear about what your dog is doing that you don't "agree" with. With my dog Tater, it's "posturing and growling at other dogs when greeting".

Is the behavior appropriate in context?
For example, if Tater as growling when a dog approached him frontally, barking lunging, then his response would be appropriate, in the context. However, if the context is the other dogs is soliciting social contact and he is growling and posturing- then, in my opinion, then it is not an appropriate response in the context.

What now?
Well, now that we are over the Denial stage, we're gathering our collective history in my memory.
Here's what it looks like thus far....
1. Tater was always cautious and tentative around dogs- with his older sister, it took about 2 weeks for him to begin to play.
2. His appropriate response when conflicted is/was to sit down- appropriate.
3. Greeted at least 5 dogs prior to 10 months that were not socially savvy and he was scared in response
4. On hikes- rarely had the opportunity to greet dogs, and has barked at dogs in the past
5. When greeting dogs in the past month- stops about 10 feet short, gets stiff, still, hackles up and unsure of how to proceed. With puppies (males in particular) he will freeze, hackles up and growl- this has happened about 5 times.

Next Steps- the most important part!
1. Management-
Limited opportunities to practice this behavior with dogs and only controlled greeting with Ghandhi dogs.
2. Remedial Socialization-
For the next two months were going to intensely work on his reaction to greeting dogs on leash- only ghadhi dogs- dogs that will do everything RIGHT and not respond or get hooked by any posturing/growling:
Leeloo, Yumi, Jean's dog and Acacia (tons of butt sniffing) and Denise Bash's Peanut- a true Ghadhi.
3. Practiced greetings with our fake dog (facing away, then sideways, then front facing greetings)
4. Consider or schedule neutering- as with any intact males response- their reactivity will be more intense due to hormones (according to K. Overall).

Houston, we have a problem!
If you have concerns, jump the gun! Really, don't wait for something nuclear to happen to then determine that your dog is now in the danger zone. The earlier you can manage and modify behavior, increases your odds of success long term!

no magic wands

2008-05-30T10:24:00.004-04:00

Even as a trainer I think it's easy to want to tell people what to do, or to expect them to do what you recommend based on your authority. But, everybody will choose to do what they want. And it's really okay. The more I've been "in the game" the more convoluted things seem to be. We're all looking for that call from a owner of a 4 month old puppy that nips and jumps. And it seems those calls are farther and few between. I've been seeing several clients whose dogs who have anxiety issues, which almost always require medication. And it got me thinking, what percent of our dogs have now joined the pill popping nation?

Legitimately the medication IS what will make a difference for these dogs, so I don't question that as much as I wonder what would we have done with dogs that had these issues 20-50 years ago? Would they run off the farm not to be seen again?
Would we just accept that they'd rearrange our pillows and shred our garbage? I've heard several speakers say this and even a client the other day, "when I was a kid, all the dogs just ran and found a buddy in the neighborhood to run with, then they'd come home at night". Not with our fences- post and rail and underground. Our dogs stay within the confines of their rather boring back yards. Our leash laws have created a whole category of aggression too.

My friend Kevin came into town for a visit. When he's around, we make up corny songs, sign a lot, laugh while we rehash old times and eat too much. We did all that. And, he tells me about all the good music I've been missing. He's a funny character, and uprooted himself from Alexandria to move to Portland. With all of our assumed "busyness" we haven't seen each other since he moved. And that seems to be the "norm". For some it's kids to raise, geography or working. We're buried behind our laptops, blackberries and pda's- all "important" and unconnected.

When I was a kid the dogs would just roam the neighborhood and find their own dog friends. Somewhere along the way we are tethered to our own imaginary leashes.

Leave the yard.

dogs, foxes & insights

2008-04-08T15:11:00.009-04:00

A few days ago, we heard a horrible, screeching noise in the woods- at the time I was looking for injured wildlife- but to no avail. Sweets has begun to go on her spring flings to the creek in the back, obsessing under a large rock across the creek and a newly dug burrow near a tree stump.

After a little googling, it seems that foxes seek habitats hear marshlands and wooded areas- near water- check.

They can make an array of sounds that can be mistook for birds or other wildlife- check.

And now a days, Sweets is leash walked (bummer) to the back pasture. This morning, I gave her a little leeway and she was off. Without a leash it's checkered flag for her to sprint to the back of the property and sniff around the burrow. So, plan to fence more of the back property and allow her life off leash, and the foxes, can do their thing.

On another note, I've been thinking about how this Serbian mudd puppy came into my life and how she's really become part of my identity and who I am (not to mention that there are lots of similarities between us lately), when she bulked up and I thought- I need to run her more, cut back on her food- guess who's pants were also feeling a little tight? When she wants to "eat" small puppies (how I affectionately refer to how she can over-correct and is less tolerant of young dogs), hum, I'd just have to say that I can feel her pain. Actually it was a major insight.

I introduced her to a young, obnoxious, balls to the wall, type puppy last week. With her usual lack of tolerance, she tried to eat him several times (lots of noise, snarling, NEVER any damage). By day 2, she was ignoring him. Day 3, she saddled up against me on the couch and here he comes.

I'm ready for the canine, nose wrinkling nuclear holocust....

She stiffens, growls and rah, rah, rah! Corrects him.

Then I notice something. She starts to stress yawn, whine and her teeth start to clatter as she looks at me (can you say anxiety?)

OK, so the insight.

No doubt, puppies grow on her and it takes time for her to solicit or even want to play. But here's the thing. The close proximity of annoying puppy increases the likelihood that she will "explode". Post explosion- what follows- the surley look from her mother (me) and sometimes yelling to interrupt whatever she's trying to communicate- that embarrasses me and has her look like a she's about to dine on young dogs.

In short, the proximity of annoying puppy = mom may yell. Thus- annoying puppy, stay away, to avoid the wrath.
And, there she is, anxious, conflicted- wanting to give the puppy the smack down, but afraid that her human (me) may become unpredictable.

Mind you, this is the same dog that is stress yawning when my husband is watching TV and yelling at the Eagles or the 76'ers.

She is SENSITIVE.

So, I read her cues, vowed to "let it roll" and for the past few days, sure, she's acclimated to the young male in the house AND there have been no over the top corrections.

maintaining dog-dog sociability

2008-03-28T19:15:00.014-04:00

When is the last time your dog was able to greet a friendly dog on leash? When is the last time your dog played off leash with new/strange dogs?

Perhaps your pooch plays just fine with the dogs in your own home or near by, good enough, right? Well, “sociability” is defined by how your dog reacts when he or she meets and greets new or strange dogs. And maintaining sociability with other dogs can be tricky, especially if your interactions with dogs are far and few between. Whatever the case, her are some tips to maintain your dogs sociability and ways to identify things that may be problematic before they become chronic.

Step 1: There's a Dog, Now What?

Whether your dog is on leash or not, if you see a dog approaching, praise and reward your dog for looking at the dog and remaining quiet. If your dog has a habit of running the fence line and barking- don't let them. Leash 'em up or call them back to you to prevent this. If they bark a few times then happily sniff through the fence without further drama, then no biggie!

Step 2: On the Sidewalk and on Leash

Don’t assume all dogs want friendly interactions. In fact, asking, “is he friendly?” may be helpful, though there are many different interpretations of “friendly”. Rely on readying body language instead.

If a dog is inviting another dog to say hi, what you will see is loose, wiggly body language and the head will lower or look turn and look away. If the dog is stiff, still or at the end of the leash lunging and barking, even if the owner says, “ he wants to say hi”, the dog is very aroused. A dog that is really excited or worked up, may come on a little too strong for most dogs.

Look for dogs that appear to be easy going and loose. When in doubt, skip saying hi all together.

Trouble Shooting: My dog is barking or lunging at dogs!

Back away, don’t allow a greeting, and increase your distance and first work on rewarding calm behavior- look – good & treat – look back at you – good & treat. Then, work up to greeting known, friendly dogs.

Trouble Shooting: We had a Bad Interaction with another dog, now what?

Not to worry, you can’t avoid all bad interactions. This is damage control mode, remove your dog from the situation, good & treat- and hang loose. Work on reinforcing calm behavior at a distance and take a break for a few days.

Step 3: Where to go to Maintain Sociability?

Dog parks are great for SOCIAL dogs, but are not a place to “socialize a dog”. There is a major difference- one is like speaking French and moving to Paris- no big deal. The other is like speaking French and moving to Boise, Idaho. Big difference.

If your dog has regular off leash interaction with dogs, great, a dog park may be the place for you.

If your dog has taken to barking, lunging or you haven’t allowed them to greet dogs in a while, the dog park is not the place to start. Try highly controlled environments- training classes, play groups with dogs that are known to be friendly or even very controlled greetings at a pet store or on when out for walks.

Step 4: What to do, and do RIGHT!

When meeting and greeting- try to maintain a loose leash and walk with your dog. Use their name to try to call them away, vs pulling away and reward your dog for an appropriate, sniffing greeting, no matter how short. Don’t be afraid to get outta’ dodge if the dog doesn’t look friendly! And, don’t feel that your dog HAS to or SHOULD greet dog if they have recently seemed unpredictable around other dogs. Instead, call 888-opbarks and we can help!

fatal dog attacks and pit bulls

2008-02-26T10:09:00.004-05:00

After an interesting discussion this past Friday at an Animal Welfare Conference in NJ, I was forced to re-organize my understanding of Pit Bulls. The Pit Bull Crisis is essentially the overwhelming number of pits and pit mixes in shelters, and the overwhelming number of shelters that won't take in or adopt this breed, and the number of rescues that do the same.
A dog is a dog is a dog. However, one can't deny the bad press that the pits have received in the past several years. This media slam has also lead to pit bull bans in communities in the United States, Denver among them. Where even if you owned a pit with NO prior aggressive behavior, if you lived in the city limits your options were this- move or euthanize your dog.

Jim Crosby, fatal dog attack expert points to this- the average number of human fatalities from dog attacks is an average of 25 per year, 2007 was a record year, with a total of 33 deaths. Among the breeds that killed- golden retrievers, dauchsund, and others. You odds of being KILLED by a dog 1 in 15 million. You have a better chance getting struck by lightening. In many cases, the dogs that end up killing have a history of bites prior to the kill, and in some cases, there are NO prior offenses of aggression and the perfect storm of events has formed and thus, an unexpected bite or fatal bite.

Before they were dogs of dealers and fighters, they were the dogs of America, the Little Rascals, the Nannies for many families. I myself had the opportunity to meet and evaluate 11 of the famed "Michael Vick" dogs. You would have thought I learned my lesson. But I will never forget that my brain was clattering with all kinds of warnings "no sudden movements, don't smile or flash your teeth, they are unpredictable, and on and on".

And I will tell you that yes, there was some body language that was scary (still bodies, closed mouths), and after weekly meetings with these dogs they were great, dogs. Some would be great working for Customs, a few were so fearful that they had to be carried outside for weeks. I guess, my heart sinks for all those dogs that I've, as a professional, judged, evaluated and didn't have weeks of my time to spend getting to know them. It's a roll of the dice for many of these labeled "Pits". So despite the hell that the "Victory" dogs endured, I never would have thought that they would be "fine", perhaps dog aggressive or reactive, we didn't test for that. But that word "fine" is like nails on a chalkboard for many of us trainers. But, I'm happy to say that my prejudices were wrong, and that indeed most of those dogs would be an ambassador to shelter, abused, neglected pits anywhere. Just fine.

dogs and door drama

2008-02-08T11:17:00.001-05:00

In many homes, the door is a hub for a lot of activity-new smells, strangers, hugs, hellos,
mail slots and homecomings.

Here are a few tips to manage your dogs near the door, to discourage jumping or nipping or to warm up a dog that is a little reserved with new comers.

Step 1: Management

If your dog has a habit of running to the door and barking, the first thing to do is interrupt this fun routine. This power packed charge is full or excitement and arousal. Instead, tether them near the door (on a banister or in the next room) or perhaps block direct access to the front door
with a gate, if this is happening several times a day.

Step 2: Reward what YOU Want

One of the easiest things to do before you open the door
is to give your dog a job. Set up a clicker and a treat jar
near the door and play find it (toss treats). This sends the
dog away from the door and helps reward sniffing vs.
jumping. Be sure to use high value treats!

Step 3: Don't get Caught in the Obedience Trap!

Many times we make the mistake of asking the dog to
do a "basic" command like sit, down or stay when
people come to the house. Sounds simple enough.
but MANY dogs are not yet trained to be responsive to
the basics with that much stimulation. Work on
rewarding calm behavior first, then focus on Obedience.

Step 4: Luke warm and Unsure

If your dog is barking, growling or backing away from
the person that just came into your home. Do NOT have
anyone try to pet them. Instead, either remove your dog
from the situation or put them on leash, increase your
distance and reward tolerance (looking at the scary
person - good! - treat).

Play it safe and give your dogs alternative things to do at the door,
rather than be rowdy. If you have any questions, feel free
to shoot us an email at info@opbarks.com

when old clothes become dog toys

2008-01-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

Wool sweater with a hole? Socks that have worn out? A scarf that you just shouldn't have left on the ground?
That's right, sometimes our clothes headed for the Goodwill pile (or trash) can become dog toys. I remember going to a friends house that had several dogs, there would be a sock or two in the back yard that the dogs would grab, chase, pull and toss. And I always thought, well, gross. Then as I invited another fur monster into my house, there would be the "dead" squeakie toys littered in the back yard (chickens mostly), now marrow bones like an archeological dig. A few weeks there was the oh so valuable frozen ski sock, and then most recently I found my other fleece glove as Tater ran around with it in his mouth. It's still lying on the ground somewhere near the briars, and will soon become a full fledged dog toy unless I get that baby in the laundry.

dog whispering and taco bell

2007-12-28T10:59:00.000-05:00

My friend who is in organizational development and always has a keen eye on the bigger picture often says "the world doesn't need another Taco Bell". Who wants that anyway? Or for that matter another Cheesecake Factory or another Bed Bath and Beyond. Does the world need more dog trainers? Well, surely the demand may be at an all time high, but how do you know if your "professional" trainer is of the Taco Bell or the Morton's variety? In this New York Times article by Anna Jane Grossman, she address the trend of dog trainers popping up like fast food restaurants. Some trainers with years of experience and apprenticing, and others pay 30K, have three weeks of training and are in business. Interesting stuff...

To check out the article, cut and paste this link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/27/fashion/27DOGS.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5070&en=3be1ca4b8b55692b&ex=1199509200&emc=eta1

touched moved inspired

2007-12-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

Tater has been busy trimming the house plants, keeping Molly the Plot Hound busy, while Sweets has been perfecting her winter napping under the covers. The dogs keep a smile on my face- inevitably squeaking a toy while I'm on the phone, snoring on the couch or racing in circles with sticks as long as pole vaults in their mouths. They are prana, energy and are full of life on every level. I was catching up with a friend this past week, in the time that had passed, her grandmother had died. The funny thing was, she was hardly sad, but beamed about it.
"It was unexpected"
"I'm so sorry to hear that, " (the usual, same stuff that we all say), "was it a relief?"
"Well, she wasn't eating...the MRI showed a large mass...and she said, 'I want to go home'"

So they took her home.

Then she said, "I want you to throw a party"

They did.

That Saturday relatives and friends came to toast and celebrate. She told what family member to bake or make. She instructed who she wanted to speak (well, she wasn't that uptight, but she made a few requests). It was a late night, laughter and tears and lots of conversation

"After the funeral, have people back to the house for sandwiches, that way they'll get a bite to eat, but won't stay late," she told them.

Three days later she died. No pain, no suffering, utterly peaceful. And, they did make sandwiches, and they did stay late. Toasting and still celebrating the grandma, mother, sister and friend that they loved.

i'm back!

2007-12-04T19:17:00.001-05:00

Ov vey, I've been out of touch with my imaginary blog readin' community, well, hey, who knows who's reading this.
Life is interesting, perhaps what I've been reading about the Tao is starting to seem more real then ever before.
In a nutshell, when your heart is aligned with your actions, things just happen. My evidence? My colleague, Liz and I submitted a proposal to speak at the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) Expo last fall....and our proposal was accepted!!!!!
YEEEEEEEEEEE HAWWWWWWWW! It's a total and complete honor, and in the wake of that news my creative juices have a' started flowing. It's what the say "being called into action", it's just amazing and we're so excited. Whoo! And the dogs are great!
I've started doing training sessions with them mid-day. We run across the tundra to the barn and have fun- jumps, tunnel, beginning weave poles, and they love it. I never thought of dog training as a stress reliever, because I suppose I always think it's stressful for people on the other end, but even 3 minutes messing around has been a lot of fun. I remember when Debbie Winkler suggested that I train my ferret to do something. Once I started working with her, something shifted, so I do think that working WITH your animal really does strengthen the bond. All is well, the dogs are wearing their fleeces, running among the snow flakes and cuddling under the blankies (with mom of course).
Be well!

the sun spot

2007-11-16T10:49:00.000-05:00

Those clean white sheets, the soft cotton comforter warm from the dryer. Add one Tater post pup class, and you have freshly peed on bedding...and so it goes. Life is funny like that. I was just reminded by one of those cliche sayings, "sometimes when you don't get what you want, it's a blessing." With Thanksgiving around the corner, I'm eager to head home, fall alseep on the floor with my feet pressed up agains the blower from the wood burning fireplace (did I mention I'm always cold?), hike in the woods with the pups and be with family, maybe hit a winery with my best friend, get out the t-ball set with her kids and pitch like I'm a pro.

So the pups are mischevious today. Tater has been pruning my house plants and tearing up the backing paper where the wood flooring ends. When they ran upstairs, I spied (to make sure they weren't dining on dry wall). They found the money spot, and were laying in the sun. So, I brought in the dog bed to make the nap more comfey. And away they snore.

crisp morning air

2007-11-11T09:59:00.000-05:00

This morning I slipped on my sneakers and took the dogs out at 7:30 am. Tater quickly did his business and ran back into the house while Sweets and Dante the Corgi ran for the pasture. I watched them sniff and do their thing. My hair was wet and warm from the shower and I stood there in my oversized barn jacket just taking it all in. Most of the leaves have fallen, thanks to a heavy frost last week and a morning where the only thing you could hear were leaves sailing thorugh the air like confetti. Lately I've been wondering what course to take. And this morning, as I sat on the big rock, sharing my coat with Sweets as she sat sniffing in the sun, looking regal as always, it seemed to be the right one.

cousin brucie

2007-11-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

This morning we had a nice romp in the pasture with Bruce the Dane, the last few days the neighboring horses have been very curious, thinking that a pony has moved next door. I took the pups for an off leash run at the Lake and we stayed on the paved path, hoping to attact less ticks. Well, that's not exactly true, we did run on the horse trails in the woods. Tater is keeping time with Sweets and has these unbelievable ear flapping, full out gallop recalls that I think are adorable and impressive. Sweets and Bruce have been keeping their distance (as our boy Bruce seems to completely disregard when a dog is not interested in having a 100 lb dog charge them.) They just had a session in the pasture, and what I'm seeing is Bruce sees a dog and his conditioned response regardless of what the dog is doing is to charge and start to play bow. That can be dangerous considering most dogs don't greet that way or would want to engage in play with a pony. We're working :)
Tater on the other hand is confident, keeps his distance in open field, but will snuggle with the big guy when given the chance. Three tuckered dogs napping in the sun, life is good!

guinea pigs, horses and danes

2007-10-31T09:43:00.000-04:00

It started last Sunday at a Halloween Pet Parade, there were the usual dogs, a few cats, even a bunny. But what took the cake were two little girls that hand made costumes for their guinea pigs. We chatted a bit, while Sweets layed on a dog bed (not noticing the pigs just yet).
"Is this their first public appearance?"
"Yep!"
Meanwhile, there are pit bulls and golden retrievers walking all around, while these two little critters get a "grass" break (thank you, thank you, thank you, the pigs left the event in one piece). I watched as their parents hung out with them. And I really got that must be what parenting is all about, it's going to the halloween pet parade with your daughters who dressed up their guinea pigs. It's just that simple, it's what you do when your a parent. They were such sweet kids too.

Bruce the 100 lb dane is with the family for a few weeks, we'll be working on his manners and seeing if the horses next door figure out that is isn't a pony. With the business, and the house and the million other things that I could boringly account for, I got a great reminder, again, of those important things....

A client's dog was diagnosed with stomach cancer, last week it was kidney failure with another...it's a new cycle for me, actually a first. To know these dogs, in some cases for years and hear such devestating news. I suppose it happens everywhere all the time, and when it shows up in your world, it gets our attention for a few minutes at least. It's been a year of a lot of firsts- first friends heading toward divorce, first friend who's parent died suddenly, first old friend that died before her time. With all the firsts, there have been lots of hurried moments, wasted time and worries.

So as I sit here with a puppy chewing a rawhide in my lap, a pointer girl sniffing my nose and a dane named Bruce napping on the couch, it's quite the scene. And it's what I do, type and check my email while the dogs nap peacefully. And I'm constantly reminded of the gift they are now and how again, a face lick, a cold nose, a napping buddy. It's what's important to me.

wild goose chases, gut checks and tick season

2007-10-23T21:04:00.000-04:00

This was probably ranks up there as one of the "best days ever" for Sweets and Tater. Start with the 9 am fun run in the woods, nothing unusual until...I saw turkeys/buzzards/geese in the distance and reminded myself for the upteenth time that I must microchip my dog (as I'm watching her bound into the woods, out of sight and earshot). Thankfully, Tater will happily hang near me wherever Sweets takes us. After 20 minutes of intense, eyes glazed over, tongue hanging out running, Sweets "waited" for me, lapped up a cold drink from the stream and then was escorted back to the house with my makeshift leash (my long sleeve shirt).

I was reminded today (gut check) that I will start writing something soon. As a kid I was published and wrote for our local paper (real important stuff like "should Michael Jordan be paid more than the President?") So, this is for Mike Smith my Creative Writing teacher and mentor, wherever he is.

Then back to the house to gather the pups for a run at the lake. We said hi to the Great Blue Heron we disturbed, ate some mudd, took a a dip in the water while mom checked the dogs for their first ticks of the season. Back to the house for dinner- raw chicken & turkey medallions (obligatory nail trim here) and then a raw hambone.

Life is good, all is well. Hug your dogs,
Luv,
Sweets & Tater

floors get four paws up

2007-10-18T15:19:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist posting this picture of Vanna showing off the Rubber Roofing that I purchased online. I hoped that my 400 lb prackage would arrive via freight as proimsed (the salesman was way too quick to get off the phone). It did indeed arrive and last night Scott and I wrestled with 200 lbs of rubber roofing/flooring. Imagine trying to glue and smooth a bed sheet to your floor, and the sheet is 200 lbs. Oh yeah. So after being a little light headed and crazed, the floor was officially tested this morning by yours truly...Sweets and Tater. They played like the nuts they are and gave it four paws up. I also think that I should be recognized for "most creative use of a paper cutter" for 2007. Box cutters? exacto knife? too time intensive...bring on the paper cutter. So life is good, the floor is down, the dogs were playing. What else? Well, we also want to plug some pretty cool products by a fellow dog lover and business woman. First aid kits for dogs and more. We always think it's good to be prepared, especially if you're away from home. Check out http://www.wagn4u.com! And get Waggin!

st. francis badge

2007-10-11T18:37:00.000-04:00

A few years back I had a good run with turtles. I'd be cruising around Virginia and see one slowwwly crawling across the road, be it Walter Reed or a winding county road. I'd always stop, pick them up and move them across the road way and hopefully out of harm's way.

Tonight Sweets was on point. She ran to the bottom corner of the pasture, then back to a large rock and stood there. She looked at me, she looked at the corner, back and forth a few times like a tennis match. It wasn't noticeable enough to me at the moment. "I really should move that stump," I thought. So, I picked it up and headed for the corner.

No sooner then I got to the corner did I see a small yellow bellied bird that had one wing tangled in a few "burr" weeds that I had haphazardly tossed in the briars a few days earlier.

'You've got to be kidding me", I think.

Don't get me wrong, I love this stuff. Talk about the trickle down effect- my weeding=injured wildlfe.
So I step up on the stump (perfect step stool don't cha know) and pull the bird out.

Injured bird and two bird dogs...great.

I pull out a few of the long burr branches and he falls...

Noses come over to investigate...

"Off"

I pick him up and can feel his heart pounding. I'm working on picking our the small burrs, ack! there go a few feathers, c'mon let me try to smooth out those feathers and just like that...he chirped and flew off. Meanwhile, Sweets was waiting a the gate, mesmerized, hyptonized by a real, live bird one moment and poof- gone the next.

It's those intense, suprising moments in life that I love. We earned our St. Francis "Yellow Bellied Fly Catcher" Girl Scout Badge at 5:35pm this evening.

fall fun with the dogs

2007-10-03T17:08:00.000-04:00

It's beautiful out there, get out and smell the crisp air, the smell of freshly fallen leaves and everything so undeniably "fall".
Here are our recommendations for things to do this fall.
1. visit a winery, chill in the sun, while fido lies in the grass and chews on your cork or the brie!
2. corn mazes! bring your pal (on leash) and sniff your way to the end
3. pumpkin patches! let your bud sniff our the best and biggest pumpkin
4. leaf piles! drive your inner ocd crazy by jumping in leaf piles!

Enjoy this beautimus time of year and Sweets urges all the humans to play more!
Luv, Sweets

recalls that work

2007-09-30T21:06:00.000-04:00

Tired of chasing Fido down the street or begging for him to come home? Sounds like management is missing. Management is setting your dog up to succeed by not allowing them to scew up (run away or be off leash if they are not reliable to come to you).

So does that mean your dog is on a leash always and forever?
No.
So where do you start?
1. start with rewarding your dog for looking at you when you say their name
2. when outside, have your dog drag a leash or line that you can step on if need be. If the go to the end of the line, and then look back at you or come back to you- reward them
3. if your dog is frequently looking at you- begin to reward this as well

That's it for starters...more to come on how to take the next step.
Happy Calling!
Sweets

good people

2007-09-27T17:44:00.001-04:00

Though Sweets hasn't met them, I'm grateful to be networking with some awesome positive trainers and dog folks in the Philly area. And on the same note, Tater and Sweets are getting along swimmingly, mouth wrestling, squeaking and romping like the nuts that they are. Tater may have a new nickname- occassionally he will pee in his sleep. He doesn't wake from sleep squat and pee a river, but will go while he is sleeping and wake up wet...after snoozing in his own little lake. Today there was a little leakage that he had slept on, and that wet spot on the side of his face and on his ears...well, it wasn't drool. So, Pee-ear or Pierre may be his name sake for a few days, but is much to stuffy to stick as a nick name for my little Tater Lou.

critters return

2007-09-21T14:40:00.000-04:00

Well, if it wasn't in the pasture, then it's got to be the woods. Sweets has begun obcessing at a new spot, and today indeed, as she was leashed up and shamefully (I imagine it's like being caught sneaking out), walked back up to the house, we heard some' "thing" making noise in that hole. So, once again, the live trap is set- for what we don't know.

Again, it's a perfect example of single event learning. Ever since one scuffle with a ground hog, she is 99% of the time will run directly into the pasture. Now, that she has discovered a new critter, about 50% of the time, she runs to the pasture and 50% of the time, breezes by the barn and heads for the woods. Which made me think- if I planted something that she is motivated by- turkey feathers, etc. in the pasture, would she be more likely to continue to run there...

We'll see. There is nothing that competes with whatever is under that rock. How do I know? Physically she is panting, eyes bulging, nose trailing on the ground and will consistently try to circle back, break loose and go to that spot. No meatball will fit the bill, so, in the meantime, the trap is set, the leash is on and romping in the pasture will be handsomely reawarded.

people for inspiration

2007-09-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

We can't deny that along the way we have met some extraordinary people in our lives. Though this was well before Sweets was my live in, full time mutt companion, in a fomer life I had some awesome times, swimming competitively though my middle and high school years. What really shaped my drive as an athlete and competitor was swimming on the Washington YMCA team with Coach Steve and Cathy. I literally went from swimming in lane 1 to being picked out of the pack and put with the "big boys" (and girls) which upped my game considerably, had me anchoring the relay events and time trialing for Nationals. During those years I was surrounded by some of the best athletes and people that I've come to know, among them Marissa Boyan. In the off season, we'd see each other at track meets, as she truly was just as amazing in the pool as she was as a distance runner. A humble soul that was encouraging, goofy and always at the top of her game. After 7 years of battling recurring brain tumors, and one old swim buddy swimming the English Channel to raise money a scholarship fund in her name, she has died at 26. So, it's not always about the rainbows and unicorns, or even the puppies right? Marissa was just as inspiring when I knew her at a teenager, as she was at 26. So, it's here that we recognize an old friend and forever an inspiration, and we're grateful to have known her.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07258/817793-122.stm?cmpid=localstate.xml

making a difference

2007-09-14T09:29:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since Sweets has gone to work with me at the shelter, about 7 months now. She didn't mind much, would just sleep most of the day. The job was rewarding and heartbreaking. I saw the "worst of it" when we would take trips to the rural south or to other open admission shelters in our back yard or a few hundred miles away. I really got the scope of the problem when on one visit to a shelter in rural Ga, the shelter manager was showing me around. When I asked her what the stats were for the year, she said, "8000 in, 100 out".

I got it. I really got it.

It's called the animal overpopulation crisis, because that's what it is...a crisis.

I'm moved my people that are out there making a difference on this front, as volunteers and as change agents. Locally, Lori Bentz of Last Chance Rescue has plans to expand her exisitng facility for more dogs, cats, lizards, what have you that she rescues from Philadephia Animal Control.

And Denise Bash, founder of Animal Lifelife raises funds so that the people working tirelessly in rescue and sheltering, have financial support. Not to mention her work in Appalacia- trucking in supplies, dog houses, creating shelter for stray animals, with a goal of 50 animals placed this year. Blown away. Keep it up ladies.

Check them out at www.lastchanceranch.org and www.animallifelineonline.org

client compassion

2007-09-06T16:13:00.000-04:00

For as many times as I've heard this "he's just not like my last dog" and for as many times as I've thought "well, he's not your other dog". Holy Moley, let me just tell ya folks, my new pup is NOTHING like my 3 year old gal. And I've found myself going there, thinking, "he's so needy" or "I wish he'd just learn to chill out like Sweets". Oy! I can totally get how disempowering it is to have an experience of your first dog or your last dog and simply expect the next pup to be the same. It really does not make sense, but when you get used to that relationship, you can find yourself frustrated, up the river and the puppy ate your paddle.
Sweets, in essence was "easy", she peed in the house once, munched merrily in her crate after a whine or two, rarely picked things up with her mouth (well, there was that dead mouse, but she did "off". And there was that poo eating phase that threw me for a loop), okay, okay. She was easy to crate, oh yeah, and was a fear barker for a while (we worked through that). She is sensitive, owner focused and is a great girl.
On the other hand- Tater is confident, climbs flights of stairs at 10 weeks, slams the teeter, tap dances on the wobble board while Sweets watches, eats dirt and twig appetizers on a daily basis and is having some trouble "chilling out" when crated or left alone. He is a total sweetie, social with people and IS a different dog.
My friend, Dacia (mom of 3 God love her) and I were talking about it. She found the same thing with her kids. Auggie, the first boy was responsive, just "gets it" and was a sensitive guy that would take direction and cause little trouble. Lucie, her second girl is a firey girl after my own heart, eats bowls of "no" for breakfast and guess what? Didn't respond as well or respond at all to Dacia's training. Go figure.
Don't get me and Sweets wrong folks, we love the little guy for sure. And Sweets wouldn't be caught dead tap dancing on a wobble board EVER, so it's give and take. One thing is for sure, Sweets was awful happy that we snuck out the last two days for a run and Mom was hardly upset when she swam into the lake today and relocated about 40 geese, she came back to shore, waited when I said "Wait" and I leashed her back up. Of course I was a little embarrased, but hey, not too bad for the "perfect girl".

land shark

2007-08-28T14:10:00.000-04:00

Sienna Point's Red Bliss "Tater" is official. He arrived on Saturday and is a total nut! Sweets is digging him, but really prefers that he grow quick, so he can chase her. So far, we've been peeing and pooping outside (well, the dogs have) no problem and he's just confident and curious. This little man has no fear! Yesterday we stopped by Woofs! to visit with Auntie Ariana and Laura, who confirmed his coolness and his vigor! At 10 weeks he retrieves, follows, sits, and wants to eat and pick up and chew everything! Whew, he's been keeping us busy. We need to work on crating by himself, my man has some pipes!

Yesterday we also knocked a few things off our socialization roster- construction, noise, friendly dogs, goofy kid toys (thanks Newphew Nick) and car rides. I'll post pictures on the wiggle worm soon. Until now, here's one of his mom, big brothers and sisters. Check out http://www.siennapointevizslas.com/current_litter.html for more great pictures and info on this fabulous breeder and Vizsla lover!
More later,
Luv,
Sweets

free willy

2007-08-21T10:20:00.000-04:00

Our little ground hog was safely caught (being a ground hog) in a live trap yesterday. He did enjoy appetizers before his release in the Sate Game Lands a few miles away- carrots, peaches and apples were his first, and last course. Sweets ran down to the pasture and I saw a brown tail flick in the trap, so I quickly escorted her back to the house while I tended to the Hog. I assured him I wasn't the kind of gal that would leave him entrapped in the rain, so we quickly loaded him up in the back of the car and we were off. The little guy seemed pretty calm during his short ride in the cage, no complaints and just a little teeth chattering. I pulled up and put the cage on the ground at the entrance to a path, fiddled with how to get it open and viola- I waited. He hung out in the back of the cage...
"turn around bud"....
more waiting....
my arm is getting tired....
"turn around bright eyes", I jokingly sang.
He poked his head out, looked back at me and I thought "oh please don't now decided to go for my ankles"
And he made a break for it.
We free'd Willy. Sweets is still in denial and has increased her ground hog security rounds in the pasture. Even after many sniffs of an empty cage, she's still like to believe that there is a Hog in the Pasture, like ole' Nessie in Loch Ness.

puppy social parties

2007-08-16T12:29:00.000-04:00

Come one, come all. Sweets is eager to meet pups under 5 months, considering she will be having a full time baby brother (of the furry sort) moving in soon. Puppy Social Parties are a free community program for dogs under 5 months to socialize with other pups their age and meet new people. Dog owners often make the mistake of creating "bubble dogs" that later in adolescence or adulthood have fear based behavior or aggression issues as a result. We want to avoid that by taking early preventative measures. Check opbarks.com or email us at info@opbarks.com of more info. We have parties starting Saturday mornings Herndon, VA and Philly, PA as well as weekday evening parties at our Bucks County PA Location.

green boy

2007-08-06T20:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Sweets jumped out of bed at 3:30 am and was a little confused as to why she was woken up. No midnight pee breaks, but in a few weeks, that will change! I flew to Chicago yesterday to watch temperament testing of the Jolie/Chase litter, born in early June. Cathy and Larry (Vizsla breeders) gladly put me up for the night and were gracious hosts.

I finally got to meet the crew! All were very different pups and sweet peas at that. They all evaluated well with handling- not one stress yawn or "I got cooties" shake off when restrained. Yellow girl is the spunky monkey and of the three males, the winner is...Green Boy! He's the smallest tater of the three males, is inquisitive and curious like his spunky sis, Yellow Girl and seems like he'll be a great match for us and for Sweets. He's an appropriate little man that we're looking forward to welcoming him to the casa. Cheers to the little guy and looking forward to agility and flushing those birds!
Luv,
Sweets

ups and downs

2007-07-31T12:45:00.001-04:00

The Ups: this weekend Sweets hung out with her new Cattle Dog friends, Lilly and Forrest (Forey for short). Besides the excitement of just having new fur in the house, Sweets embarked on probably her most adventurous trip to date- chasing (and nearly killing) a chicken that happened to live near a public hiking trail (a trauma her mom will never forget). The Downs: Hannah (ferret), Sweet's older sister was buried today. Though their relationship as mostly of the "can I steal your kibble" nature, Hannah was quick to correct her new house mate, nearly 2900% bigger. She was a spunky, joyful girl, michevious, and really seemed that every nook and cranny was a newly discovered day in and day out. She gave us all an appreciation for really "livin" and she will be missed. She was suffering greatly and no doubt lived a long life. We will forever miss her goofiness. Love, Sweets

Jack: part deux

2007-07-18T21:17:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Sweets surely earned her kibble! What a long day it was. Playing with Lib and Stelley in the morning, meeting Miss Boo through a fence to practice her self control around dogs...(especially dogs behind fences). Ok, she did have a nice long afternoon nap in the a/c. Then off to work with Jack and Maria in Old Town.

Jack is a dog that will bark and lunge at other dogs and Maria has been doing great work with him, seeing a reduction in the frequency of his behavior. So, Sweets is there at session three to practice walk bys. We're working on practicing with a 'live target' which isn't hard to come by in Alexandria. However, Jack is keeping it together, as we walk in and out of view. Then we go for it with a nose to nose greeting...drum roll...

And Jack does awesome, no aggression. All that barking and lunging appears to have started with wanting to say hi, not having access to other dogs, and heck, he doesn't look friendly when he's barking. These two walked together, sniffed, rolled in the grass together, went to the dog park to sniff and play a bit. Jack even invited Sweets up for a drink after their date. She gladly drank her water on the rocks and took full advantage of the cool kitchen tile.

So, kudos to Maria and Jack and we're hoping that this positive interaction will carry over and mean more social interaction and doggie friends for Jack. Look for Jack and Maria soon on ABC News Channel 7!

ground hog fight

2007-07-13T11:04:00.000-04:00

Yes, it has been quite the dramatic turn of events. Yesterday Sweets (as per usual) was sniffing like a mad woman near the bushes in the back. I saw her point, saw those eyes get big and thought I heard some chirping. Then game on- the groundhog dashed from the den and all I could see were rustling bushes. She chased him into the pasture, then muzzle punched him up against the fence. "OFFFFFFFFFFF!" "NOOOOO!" "OFFFFFFFFFF!" I'm screaming. I jumped over the fence, the gound hog dashed away "WAITTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I screamed. She stopped.

"Wait, wait, wait..." I grabbed her collar and we walked out of the pasture. No harm done to dog or hog, thank goodness. Today we purchased pepper oil deterrent, sonic gopher be-gone stakes and a live trap, if need be. Power to the Porker. Yikes...

little brotha'

2007-07-12T10:45:00.000-04:00

Piglets or puppies? What's cuter than that? Soon Sweets will be a Big Sis to a Lil' Tater Boy. I did assure her that she will never lose her Queendom.

diva dog genius!

2007-07-11T00:06:00.000-04:00

Sweets had her big on set debut for the Dog Genuis taping for National Geographic. She made me proud. We arrived at 10 am for an 11 am shoot, and actually started taping at around 2 pm (lots of time to kill). Long story short, she filmed three scenes- 1. sniffing around a bunch of blocks 2. pushing the letter "S" to spell the word "Genius" and sitting 3. laying down near the blocks and doing her infamous "Diva" dramatic head cock.

At first I was very green on the set, nervous maneuvering behind cameras and concerned that she would flap. Then, I settled in, we worked nicely as a team and she acclimated to the swinging overhead camera that spooked her a few times. Diva did me proud (and now she has a resume). Move over Diana Ross...

pva-a-palooza '07

2007-07-09T18:41:00.000-04:00

10 jumps, 2 tires, 2 pause tables and 2 sets of weaves later...whew it was a long, working weekend. My dad and I made wobble tables and boards for classes and fun, fun, fun with the dogs and it was all good. Our first few hours working together were disjointed, a yell here and there, but by the Saturday afternoon, we were like clockwork. After a few trips to Home Depot, (where apparently my father is like a local celebrity), he ran into at least 5 other people he knew, swapped fishing stories with an old high school buddy, and then we filled the back of the Ford with...you guessed it...more PVC.

Sweets on the other hand napped, ran, barked and practiced a for our bit on Nat. Geo. This morning I took her into the neighbor's woods where she flushed a deer, that just looked at us for a few minutes. I held onto Sweets and we let the deer do her thing, then returned to the trail. Much to her delight, we found a genuine turkey feather to shred back at the homestead. Life is good!

gorillas in the mist

2007-07-05T17:41:00.000-04:00

It's pouring rain and Sweets is looking out the back door intently. I say, "I know you don't wanna go out there, it's pouring. Here..." The second I open the door, it dawns on me how arrogant I am! :) She bolts down the back steps to chase a rabbit, that she'd been eyeing up (and I stupidly missed). Gone, outta sight into the woods. I'm feeling like Diane Fossey in Gorillas in The Mist, getting poured on, flip flopping around with my "great recall" not at all working. Dogs keep ya humble, and about that "great recall" a few posts back, it's time to go back to work. There is a happy ending, she did come back in a few minutes and ran right to the door (so that work has paid off!)

road trip

2007-07-05T10:56:00.001-04:00

Sweets and I will be heading west to my hometown, Washington, PA to make agility equipment with Pappa Morgan, (my dad). We'll get in out sniffs on local trails while where there, and perhaps even chase a duck or two at the local dam. Who am I kidding? She'll redecorate the clean sheets with dog fur and get fed pepperoni on the sly from Grandma and Grandpa (after her trail runs, of course).

Making anything with my dad is always fun...and abusive. My dad is a master carpenter that does not use positive, reward based training when working with his daughter. We've collaborated on two house rennovations, but never agility equipment. This is usually how it goes...

Dad, "You cut it"
Leigh, "Okay"
Dad, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG. You've GOT to do it like this, here gimme that..."

We yell, we laugh, we make stuff. That's always how it's been. He asks me to do something, I start doing it my way and get corrected. Not the most effective training technique, (just ask my 2 year old nephew). But it really is in good fun.

Tuesday we're off to National Geographic to have Sweets perform for the cameras for the first time. Wish us luck and let's hope that lamb lung treats do the trick on set.

op barks on the news!

2007-06-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I shot a piece for DC, ABC Local Channel 7. Maria Campiglia and her little man, Jack did awesome. The story was on reactive dogs, positive training/clicker trianing (I hope!), that was my agenda anyway. Here's the scoop on Jack- will bark and lunge at dogs when being walked and let's just say Man is not his best friend. Ahem, so of course, Jack has a cameraMAN with a large camera, and he was certainly showing stress signals- head lowering, tongue flicking and not eating. He bounced back and really did well tolerating a camera follow trailing his every move. I was kicking myeslf for not bringing something better than hotdogs (which he wouldn't eat).

The goal when working with a reactive dog is to not put them in situations where they rehearse their behavior and get that adrenaline junkie rush. And...life happens...we're all talking, civilian dog is walking by that we don't see, Jack starts to bark and lunge! And...it's the "money shot" (I'm thinking, "my career is over"). Not really, but a perfect example ofwhy management is so critical.

Lesson learned: only use the best food, be more vigilant even with cameras around AND the moral of the story is: behavior modification takes time, there is no magic wand effect. So, kudos to Maria and Jack for putting themselves out there! And we'll all keep working to raise the bar.

The good news: Maria is now able to better read Jack before he reacts (she can predict and interevene) and she's been able to significantly decrease the number of times he is reacting.

Next steps: Increasing the value of our reinforcement, decreasing arousal, and desensitization with a calm dog (Sweets).
We'll be going to work! Stay tuned...

a hard day's nap

2007-06-18T08:48:00.000-04:00

Sweets is already chilling in her dog bed, she's no snorer, but I can hear her breathing (to me that's like the sound of the sea), it just reminds me of what's really imporant in life.

I assume her early morning nap is a result of last night's Father's Day Festivities, where she gladly layed down by the kitchen table for bbq chicken. Good girl. Love my Diva!

And...there may be an addition to the family, a baby boy Vizsla, to chase and run wild in the fields and on the beach.
Stay tuned.

ground hog day

2007-06-15T22:33:00.000-04:00

I wondered why Sweets was glued to the fence around the horse pen. Seems that a fat ground hog has moved into the vacant stables. So we'll need to patrol the pasture and play fetch closer to the barn (though I don't think a 35lb Diva pointer is any match for a chunky ground hog). At any rate, we said hi to the horses grazing next door and she sniffed her way to bliss!

We're not entirely fenced in, but her recalls have been great (I've become a left-overs dispenser when she comes in the back door), and seems like I found a new dog treat- left over french fries! Although, I swear I won't ruin her girlish figure.