An update and some comments

Sometimes when it gets busy, I don't get to blog as much as I'd like. And the newsletter is another way for me to get info out. Classes are busy and life is good. What I don't like (or get)is that I hear more and more people that are training using the "shock" collar. I don't mean invisible fence "shock" collars. I mean like regular training. The ONLY time I would EVER consider the "shock" collar outside of invisible fencing is if I lived out west and my dogs were in danger of getting bit by a rattlesnake. Other than that, all other training is very possible only using non-punishment type training. I've seen it, I do it. It is possible and successful but it does not depend on "shock" collars or other people ("shock" collar trainers) to do that for you. If you are too lazy to train your dog, you get what you get. Dogs learn quickly but need consistant training. Not just when you have time. In every thing you do, you can put in a little training.

I'm working with a rescue dog with fear issues. Right now I'm concerned with her getting past that. But I'm not ignoring the basics. In everything we do, we do a little training. Yesterday, putting away chairs, I made her stay while I went to another room to put the chairs away. I never trained her with stay yet but it was a life lesson and each time she tried to come out of the big room, I put her back in and told her to stay while I left to put chairs away. Did it take longer? Yes. Did she learn stay? Yes, in a life lesson that will "stay" with her a long time.

For those interested in "shock" collars, you should wear one at work and everytime you make a mistake, your employer should "shock" you. See how long it takes you to develop a fear, an anger, or resentment. Wouldn't you love it better if ever time you did something good, your employer would toss you a $20 bill? How long would it take you to do many good things? And love it?

I just can't say enough about how much I hate the "shock" collars. They are inhumane and not training at all. Training is all about teamwork and working with your team mate to succeed in whatever you attempt. It's about a bond, a trust and never breaking that bond and trust by hurting your dog intentionaly. I'll get off my soapbox for now. Unless I see you use that "shock" collar on your dog around me.

Friday!

I love what I do. Who could ask for a better job? I get to work with fantastic dog owners and their awesome dogs. Weekends are my busiest. My feet hit the ground running on Friday morning and don't stop till Sunday evening. But I love it. Spring is just about here and that means more time outside (lots of sunscreen this year-boo) and cutting grass and lots of walks. There's something rejuvanating about spring. There's buds in my garden and buds on the trees. Due to the generosity of some wonderful people (like my last car) I have a new ride-a 1999 Explorer. And no, my daughter will not be driving this one.

Remembering Jamaican

It's this time of year I think about Jamaican. He came to me as a puppy two years ago this month and his owner wanted me to train him. Board and train. I usually don't like to do that especially with a puppy but he wanted to pay someone so it may as well be me. He was so cute and delightful. I spent 7-8 weeks with him everyday teaching him, taking him places, including him in my classes and my private in homes. He was a fast learner, loved tricks and playing "where's Jamaican?". He heeled at my side like nobody's business. And fetch-like a fiend. I'd have kept him in a heartbeat if they had decided they didn't want him for some reason. I wished it had turned out that way. Instead he jumped their fence when he returned home to them and was hit and killed by a car. Totally devastated me for a long, long time. And I so regret I never took any pictures of him. The one above looks just like him but not him. One day I hope to have a puppy of mine as wonderful as he was. Jamaican, I still miss you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Cutest picture ever. Not exactly a valentine pic but cute none the less. Warmer weather is the bestest gift ever. Walked outside today and just breathed in the warm air. Now to pick up all the dog poop that has been frozen for weeks. Yeck.

Great Expectations

It's important to have some goals and expectations of your dog. Things like good manners, house training and the like are crucial. Beyond that it is up to you and your dog. You should keep in mind your dog's personality and temperment as well as your dog's breed and size. The things dogs can do are endless from agility to obedience to therapy dogs, search and rescue, cadaver work, cancer detention, flyball, the list goes on and on. I encourage all my owners to explore every avenue of activity with their dog to find what they love and are good at. That's the key: what they love and are good at. You can't make a dog love agility. You can't make a dog search and rescue. They have to love it and so do you or it's a chore and a hardship for one or both of you. Find out what makes your dog happy and do it. Find your dog a job.

Ice, ice, Doggie!

Too slick out there for me and all of you and your dogs. The roads aren't bad but getting to and from the car can be dangerous. Cancelling classes tonight at the Animal Ark. I don't want anyone hurting themselves trying to come to class. My own dogs were slipping and sliding in the backyard today. Looked like Bambi but scary because I could see trouble like acl's torn or legs broken. And most of mine are old and it's all the more scary. Garcia my 12 yr old almost slid off the deck and would have fell a few feet and would not have been able to get his footing again in the ice. So better be safe than sorry. See you guys next week.

Like this better

Here is a better pic. Not of Sage but Sensa. She is on my website too. Getting ready for another batch of snow tonight. Have you ever seen so much snow for so long? Where is spring? March 21 can't come soon enough. I can't wait for my classes in the park. I'm going to the park 2 nights this year-Mondays at Otto Armleder and Tuesdays at Triple Creek Park. Should be fun. I could even walk to Triple Creek. That is if the snow ever melts. Grey and cold does not do alot for my creativity. Maybe I need a vacation to someplace warm. Anyplace.