the dog teacher

Catching up

2011-12-06T09:52:00.001-08:00

Here's Mac-my new puppy. A puppy was not in my future but I was in the right place at the right time and so was he. He's 4 and 1/2 months old and a Shar Pei mix. We lost our Shar Pei mix-Baby Girl in August at 11 years old. We miss her so. It was a combination of missing her and adopting out Louisa my foster dog of 6 months. Mac has met tons of people and kids and dogs. Been to tons of classes and is the best little dog ever. Except for jumping in the Explorer. Hates it. I have to lift him and he gets heavier every day. Time to bring out the hot dog training.

Summer Update

2011-08-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Park classes going great. I love working outdoors. Got a rain cancel for Level 3. Long time since that happened. Lots of loss-my cousin's dog passed, a receptionist at the Animal Ark's dog passed, couple of long timers in Doggie Day Care at the Ark passed (Snickers and Trixie). So sad.

Level 2 class is grown to HUGE. I'm offering a free tutoring class from 5-6 at the Park for the next 3 Mondays to help out. I want to make sure everyone gets all the help they need. I hate to see owners give up. Or switch to a punishment type training because they've lost patience. There are many things we can try if you are running into difficulty but punishment is not it.

I'm incorporating some of the principles from Natural Dog Training into many of my classes. You can check them out at www.naturaldogtraining.com Very interesting. Works with our dog's drives and emotions. And ours. Check them out.

Need more puppies in class-tell all your friends and neighbors. Especially if you are a puppy class alumni. You know how much it helped you so tell all your new puppy owner friends and send them on over. Have a great rest of the summer, I can't believe it's almost over. Enjoy...

It's so hot!

2011-07-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Wow is it ever hot! If there is a heat emergency during the time of our park classes-consider the class cancelled. If it is just hot-no heat emergency-use your best judgement. I don't want dogs or people getting heat strokes. Seriously. There is always next week. We will be in the park probably till Labor Day. As long as the light holds out.

Odds and Ends

2011-06-27T07:09:00.001-07:00

Lots of stuff happening-my mom had a heart attack and is recovering, my kitchen flooded, toilet runs constantly (I'm learning way more about toilets than I ever wanted to know), electrical circuit blew, daughter home from vacation in Jersey. Whew! Makes me tired to just list it all.

Training with Louisa going great (picture above). She's ready for a new home. She goes with me to client's sometimes, attends lots of classes and is friend to all at Animal Ark. Thanks Darlene for the brushout. Thanks Steven for the walks and playtime.

Still can't believe the reports I hear about trainers still using pain to train. One account was a prong collar jerk till the dog yelps. Another is an adolescent dog that the owners have to go out and buy a shock collar for the trainer. We ask dogs into our homes-they don't ask to live with us. Would you invite a guest to your home then slap them around when they don't know where your bathroom is? Makes no sense to me. Then months down the road I get the call to undo the harm the painful trainer did. Sometimes I can. Sometimes not. Sometimes they are so shut down from the pain and stress it takes them years to recover. All in the name of training.......

Waiting for the sun

2011-05-18T08:51:00.001-07:00

Rain, rain, more rain, drizzle, more rain, cloudy, rainy. I can't stand much more and I bet neither can you and your dog. The last time I said that it soared up to 86degrees and then I was sorry. 70's would be good and lots of sun, although I have to wear 50 spf forever because I had melanoma last year. But that's okay. It just needs to dry up so we can get our yards in order and our dogs can enjoy the outside without getting wet each and every time. Is there a sun dance like there is a rain dance? If so, me and my dogs are doing the sun dance. Come on sun, stay out longer than 1 minute every couple days!

Quick and easy way to train-GUARANTEED!

2011-05-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

Time to post again. Seems like time goes by and I haven't posted in a while. Way busy with Therapy Dog classes and STAF classes and regular classes. I also have to say I got some interesting posts and comments on my No Shock Collars rant. I knew I'd lose a few clients over it but I'm passionate about dogs and their training. I'm passionate about the bond between dog and owner. And shock collar users need to know that it can cause long term problems down the road. THEY don't tell you about that. But I say shock away if that's what you want to do. Go unleashed about town if that's what you want. But know we have leash laws in our city and counties and townships and even in the parks. The rangers at Otto Armleder park are all to eager to pass out their $170 tickets for unleashed dogs. The only place you are allowed to have dogs unleashed is in your yard (under voice control) or in a dog park within the fences. Period.

I personally would not take the risk of having it fail and my dog getting hit by a car or attacked by a not so friendly dog on leash. They GUARANTEE it. Really? Any trainer that guarantees your dog will do this or that or will not do this or that is setting themselves up for a lawsuit. And any trainer that guarantees like that you should run fast AWAY from. Check out Association for Pet Dog Trainers. They say that also.

You have to speak for those who can't speak for themselves. We asked them into our homes.They did not ask to live with us. It is our responsibility and our moral duty to do right by them. I've been training for over 10 years. There are many methods to train dogs. Some take the high road and some the low road. Some take the easy road and some the hard road. Do what's right for your dog. Find out what your dog is good at and go from there. Don't try to fit a square peg into a round hole. Go with what is right in your heart for your companion, your friend, your best buddy.

An update and some comments

2011-04-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-02-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-13T18:40:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-11T07:43:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-02-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-27T09:04:00.001-08:00

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.

New Look

2011-01-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

I changed my blog a little. Not real happy with that pic of Sage. He doesn't look happy and looks a little stressed. It was a couple years ago and now he never looks like that. He must have been an adolescent then. You know how they are. Looking for a better pic. Stay tuned....

No class tonight

2011-01-20T13:37:00.001-08:00

No class tonight in Anderson. The little puppies will have to wait till Saturday or next Thursday. Too much snow! I have another post coming on loss. I started it the other day and got interrupted so you will see it soon. Take your dog out and play in the snow. Mine love it!

On Losing Your Friend

2011-01-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

Lots of loss recently. Ruby Rodrigez from my classes a few years ago, only 5 or so years old, beautiful Shar-Pei died from cancer a few weeks ago. Bennie Norman the boxer from my classes a few years ago from Rosa's Rescue died last week after a long bout with cancer. Another client just lost her blind Pekinese. She's very upset over the loss. My daughter's dog died unexpectedly last week. It's really hard to recover from a loss of a canine (or feline) friend. I think it's because they love us so freely and unconditionally. They are always there for us unlike some humans in our lives. They never complain (unless whining counts), they take life as it comes and each moment at a time. I don't know about you but a loss of a dog takes a long time for me to recover. Even though I have other dogs, it's not the same. The pack changes forever. Even if it's client's dogs that pass, I take it pretty hard. When I got the news about Jamaican's passing (a board and train dog of mine), I couldn't even talk about it for weeks. Maybe months.

I guess I hold to the hope that I will see them again, in another place and time. Heaven couldn't be complete without these beautiful creatures that God places in our lives. Having their pictures around me helps. Also remembering the funny things they did or songs I used to sing to them. I will always remember them. I'm sure you will always remember yours too.

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

It's always fun to welcome a new year. It has so much potential and promise. It can be anything you want it to be. Resolve this year to be a better dog owner, this will help your dog be a better dog. Practice training, take lots of walks, play, play, play with your dog. Then relax together and watch a good movie. Or a episode of Seinfeld which is what I do. Laugh, play and train together. Click, yes, good dog owner!

What is wrong with people?

2010-12-20T05:19:00.000-08:00

What is wrong with people? On Facebook I wrote about a 9 week pitbull puppy that needs a home. She came from an abused first home. Seriously? 9 weeks. They tell me she has burn marks from cigarettes, curling iron and who know what all over her body. Can you believe it? She was "found" on the side of the road. Thankfully she is in a safe place with a great foster mom. I just gotta ask-what is wrong with people? Maybe it's what is wrong with this world? They tell me she still loves people and wags her tail and her whole body when she's happy. With the right forever home she will thrive. If it were me I'd hate people but dogs aren't like that. At least at 9 weeks. And a pitbull at that-the feared dog of the communities.

The Bad Dog Special

2010-12-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Hope your dog's not this bad! I'm offering a special on gift certificates from yesterday to 6pm on Christmas eve. Instead of 10%off it's $20 off $100 10 class package or $25 off $170 20 class package. Limited time only. Checks (to me) or cash only. Best deal anywhere. Give the gift of education, you won't be sorry.

Thursday Dec 16th-Classes cancelled!

2010-12-16T14:03:00.000-08:00

No classes tonight. Some roads are okay. Some not. My trip home is 40 miles one way and I don't think the roads will be good when I leave. I will be there Saturday-Level 1 at 2pm, Level 2 at 3pm and Level 3 at 4pm. I hate to cancel classes. I don't usually but sometimes it's better for all. Be safe and keep warm. Keep training those little pups. Especially the bonding part. It's so important when they are that young. You want them to think you are the best thing going.

Update

2010-12-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

Haven't updated in a while. Today doesn't look very promising outside unless you are a snow dog. Some of my dogs love it and some not. I lost my diabetic beagle Gable on Dec 7. He was 12 years young. It sure is different because for 6 years twice a day he got insulin and constantly I watched to make sure he ate and bathroom habits were regular. It was hard but a labor of love. We got him as a little pup, I have some cute pics that I'll try to post. Miss him, a lot.

Water heater went out. Thanks to the help of some, it is up and running again. Furnace not so good but it will make it another year (or not). Classes have not be very full so I need to get out there and market some more. We need to get those puppies in class.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

We all have so much to be thankful for. I am very thankful for my clients and their dogs. They teach me with every class. I enjoy them and enjoy watching their relationships grow. As they learn to communicate better with each other, behaviors change. I see it all the time.

Three Questions

2010-10-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

When working, playing or training your dog, ask yourself these great questions:

1.What can I learn from my dog today about dogs and training?
2.How can I tune into my dog’s energy and use it in teaching him (or her) how to obey me?
3.Is there anything my dog’s behavior can teach me about myself so that I can become a better trainer or owner?

They can help you be a better training partner for your dog. Try it!

(taken from Lee Charles Kelley-trainer)

Health issues-darn it.

2010-09-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

Recent health issues have kept me too busy with tests (Ct scan, MRI, PET scan), doctor visits, surgery and such. And my computer is dying. I need a new hard drive and busy trying to obtain one. So sketchy posts till everything settled down. The good news is that I feel fine and only cancelled two nights of classes. Actually I'm working on reformating my classes on Nov 1. New stuff and prices coming soon so watch my website for more info. Exciting stuff.

Run in with a Park Ranger

2010-08-24T14:44:00.001-07:00

Class interrupted by a Park Ranger last night. Came huffing and puffing over like he wanted to arrest the bunch of us. Like we were drug dealers or something. Offense: Dog off leash. Technically correct because one dog's leash got badly tangled in the other dog and the best way to undo it was to unclip the dog, hold his collar, untangle the dog and reclip. Park Ranger was nasty and said there is no warning at this park just a $140 citation and did we want to risk it?

Are you kidding me? We were not practicing with dogs off leash. We NEVER do. They are always under our control at all times. And heck, we are training our dogs, not like the other 100's of dogs at the park with little to no training. MANY times during class people cut through the field where we are training with THEIR dogs off leash. And I have seen many, many dogs entering and leaving the dog park with dogs off leash.

So what did we do? We just said "Okay, thanks." and let him walk off. Seems like a fight not worth fighting because we knew we were not in the wrong and he was just in a very bad mood that night. Maybe he had a bad night or has a bad life, who knows. Just better to walk away from that one. Eh?

Juno the police dog

2010-08-13T22:32:00.001-07:00

No, this isn't her picture but I always picture police dogs as german shepherds. I just had to write something about this because I just saw it first hand at Walmart on Sunday. Guy left his boxer in his truck on a hot afternoon with windows just inches down and boxer was suffering. Walmart employees-uncaring and useless. Passerbys-concerned and upset. Now a policeman leaves his partner in a hot car. I don't know the circumstances and I know he's gotta feel horrible. She trusted him with her life and would have given her life for his and he let her down. I went home tonight and hugged all my dogs and told them I loved them.

I know I felt horrible when my Oreo died and I did all I could possibly do for him at the time. It's never easy to lose a best friend but this was avoidable. I wonder if he could have just put her in a down stay OUTSIDE the car. Wouldn't she be trained to do that? They get SOOO much training I wouldn't believe she couldn't do that. Or why couldn't he take her with him to the door of the people's house or whereever he was? Or even quickly tied her leash to the steering wheel or seat and shut the door on it? I guess we could ponder it forever but the bottom line is we lost one of the city's finest.

Facebook

2010-08-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out my Fan page for Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training. I'm trying to post graduates of my classes. I've had over 1500 owners and dogs come through my classes so I'm sure I can't post everyone but I'm going through old pics and trying to pull them and post them. If you are a graduate and have a picture, email it to me and I'll post it. And check out our adventures each day in training class. Lots of fun and learning too!

Internet Blues

2010-08-03T18:57:00.001-07:00

That's me since Thursday. Internet connection is down and men from Bell have been working dilegently on the corner near my house to try to bring it up to stay. Maybe the latest effort will work. It is holding up production-my blog, facebook entries, my newsletter and checking and returning emails. So if it looks like I've been away, no, not me, Cincinnati Bell! Maybe I can return to a happy face soon. : )

Feast or Famine

2010-07-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday had just 2 pups and owners for 3 classes total. It was in Anderson so that's a long drive, gas money and etc.... Today I had 10 dogs and owners for 4 classes at the Animal Ark. It's 5 minutes away, I could almost walk. Something not right here. My Park class on Mondays is well attended (if it's not too hot). I think it has a lot to do with space, noise, comfortable surroundings. Of course there are things we can do at the park we can't do in Anderson and things we can do at Anderson and not at the park. But all in all, I may transition to the Park for half the year and the other half indoors. I think it can work and could save money at the same time. Hmmmmm.

Interupted by storms

2010-07-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

We were have class at the Otto Armleder Park and here came the rain-and lightning. I don't care so much about getting a little wet but lightning is another story. It stopped but the lightning kept coming so we cancelled the last class. Save it for another week.

Sign on Phone Pole Alarms Me

2010-07-11T21:43:00.000-07:00

Went past a sign yesterday "Hybrid wolf pups for sale. Males and females-beautiful. Rare breed. Don't miss out. Call xxx-xxxx" This is so wrong on so many levels. First it is incorrect. Hybrid means different species cross bred. Wolves and dogs are the same sub species. Second it's not a rare breed. It's a mistake that should never have happened and yet people continue to mix these two. I called him and he accidently let his timberwolf and AKC german shepherd breed. Now he has 8 wolf/dog pups. They DO NOT make good house pets. They are unpredictable and destructive. They can tear up your house in a heart beat. In their defense, they are not mean and can be friendly and a good companion for those in the know (about wolf/dogs). But he will sell them to unsuspecting families with small children or dogs or cats and it will be a disaster. And if it doesn't work out-where do you go with them? You can't send them into the wild-they are too domesticated. They would never survive. You can't take them to the SPCA-they will put them down and most rescues and shelters will not take them.

The weird thing is I know this person. I knew after a few minutes who he was but I did not let on who I was. He called me last year after buying 2 wolf pups at a "breeder" and they tore up his house, pottyed all over inside, would not go outside much and did not even like people to touch them. AND HE BRED ONE OF THESE? Man what a mess. I don't know if I even want to get involved. But look at all the people it can affect?????

A Dream Job

2010-07-09T22:06:00.001-07:00

Just because I have a dream job, or so I like to call it, does not mean it is easy or that I make tons of money. I'm right up there with starving artists. I do it for the love of dogs and their people. I do it because I feel called to. It is my passion, where my spirit is calling me. It is a place where I can do the most good. Sure I had and could get again a job pushing paper, probably for lots of money. But what good is that? Just so I get weekends off and do the daily grind like everyone else? So I can take lots of fancy vacations every year? Been there, done that. Not fulfilling at least not as fulfilling as doing what you love. The money may come or it may not but it's not about the money. Dog training is not about making tons of money unless you are Cesar Milan or Victoria Stillwell. It's about enjoying every day of work and every person and dog you work with and hoping you make their lives together just a bit better.

Another hot day

2010-07-08T09:49:00.001-07:00

A Jon Katz photo from his blog www.bedlamfarm.com/blog/ Even the sheep struggle in the heat. He is a great photographer as well as an author. Check out his blog. And his art. And his wife's art www.fullmoonfiberart.com Great stuff.

Racket-Rest in Peace, buddy.

2010-07-06T20:36:00.001-07:00

Just found out today that the horse I was working with at the Outlaw Basset and Equine Rescue passed away on July 4th. He had mini strokes and just could not get up after this one. Poor Racket. He was old and a retired race horse. Beautiful and noble. I'm going to miss you. My sincere sympathies to Sarah and her group. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Hot, hot, hot!

2010-07-05T12:33:00.001-07:00

I love summer but the really hot days are no fun. The dogs don't even want to go out let alone walk. I give them lots to drink and ice too. We had a baby pool for them but only two liked it and then proceeded to tear it up. Keep cool and keep you and your dogs hydrated.

Fourth of July!

2010-07-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Have a great and safe 4th of July! Keep your dogs safe as they do not understand fireworks and the noise can scare them. Especially young dogs. This the worst holiday for dogs running away. Mostly the fireworks noise. Keep them in and secure.

No training classes Saturday July 3, Sunday July 4 and Monday July 5. Have a great holiday!

New Look

2010-06-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

I kinda like it. Now I need to set to work on my website. I redesigned it but I don't love it. It's just okay. I'm working on another and also working on my newsletter. Just takes up a lot of time that I could/should be spending on other things. Went to a survey yesterday about social media marketing. I may try facebook again for my business and also twitter. I tried to get on twitter yesterday and had all kinds of problems. There is something called Linkedin that everyone uses so I need to find out more. So much out there and so little time.

On a good note, the park classes are doing great. Everyone loves it. I'm contemplating more classes out there at least till the time/weather changes. We have such a good time, there is so much more room and less noise. I love it.

What a week!

2010-06-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a week! Storms, TV studio with Sage, three times to the Bass Pro Shop with classes (almost getting kicked out one time), humongus baby shower for Nicole, took my Therapy Dog class to a retirement home, and classes at the park on Mondays. Can't wait for some days off over the 4th to just chill although I try to take some time to do that every day for at least a few minutes between cutting grass, doing housework, taking care of and playing with my dogs. Just sat out in a chair and watched the storm come in. Pretty awesome. I hoped to see the space station (or was it a satellite?)come over head but the storm clouds made it impossible. Now I need to drum up some business as classes have been sparse. Probably the summer vacations and stuff. It picks up.

Fun in a TV studio with Sage

2010-06-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

We got an invitation from Waycross Community TV to be in a video about dog training for their summer camp for high school and jr high kids. I brought Sage today and he did so well. I was just a little anxious because it was someplace he had never been before and would have lots of kids talking and petting him. He did very well and was even good in from of the camera. They will be showing it on a cable station sometime soon so I will let you know. It was soooooo much fun. I felt like I was on the Today Show or something. Maybe someday.......

Car Fail

2010-06-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

Yep, it finally happened. Or should I say it happened again? I stopped for gas and went to turn the car on. Click. Click. Click. Waited a while and tried again. Click. Click. Click. Most miserable feeling ever. Waited yet a while longer. Click. Click. Click. Right at the pump at a super busy Speedway. I told the cashier and she came out and pushed me back into a parking spot. Well, almost. I took two. Many failed attempts later at banging at the starter with a hard object, I called AAA. They sent a help truck and tow truck. The guy banged on the starter a good one, then it started. SOOOOO, I guess I know what we're doing today. That's right, replacing the starter. Actually it's a really good car for being 16 years old. How old is that in human years? Probably like a hundred. Which is how I feel today.

This and That

2010-06-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

Just sent out my newsletter yesterday. Wrote a little piece about people hitting their dogs. Nothing bothers me more than that. There is no reason to hit a dog. None. If a dog does not know what he's supposed to do, it's not his fault, it's ours. We haven't trained enough or proofed enough or rewarded enough. Generally people hit dogs out of frustration or stress. That's not fair to the dog. And there goes your relationship with your dog-right out the window.

DogFest is coming up this weekend. I hope to go and maybe take Mary. She used to be my training dog. She's 9 now and she might like getting out a bit. I walk her but the excitement of a new place and new people might do her good. I can only go Sunday at 11am as I teach all weekend.

I really miss having a doberman. I never thought I'd say that. I always swore I wouldn't own another one but I really miss Flame and Frankie. Maybe someday....

Three Things

2010-05-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

I saw a blog today where people share 3 (or it can be any number) of things you never knew about them. So I'll share 3 things about me that I bet you never knew:

1. I used to lift weights. Bench press and all that. I had a gym set up in my family room and used to belong and attend gym frequently.

2. I used to sell Mary Kay. It was so much fun. I had parties at client's homes and made everyone look Beautiful!

3. I am terrified of tornados. One went over my house some 20 odd years ago and hit quite a few places after that. I saw all the destruction and am now terrified. If I hear a tornado warning or sirens, you will see me panic.

There you go. Feel free to tell me three things I didn't know about you. And as a side note to my last post: I'm going to bring some special treats for the horses next time. If it works on dogs, it can work on horses. They will think I'm the treat lady. Worth a try. Any suggestions?

"Riding" lessons

2010-05-18T08:05:00.001-07:00

It should be more aptly called "Building Confidence Around Horses and Bonding 101". I never realized that I really didn't know horses all that well. I owned a horse some 30 odd years ago. A Palimino named "Billy Jack". I rode him some (in a ring) and groomed him and cleaned his stall. I can't really remember how long I owned him but it was maybe a year or so.

Now I find myself slightly fearful and not knowing how to bond with them. My daughter thinks it's funny that I will take on almost any dog without hesitation but I jumped out of the ring the other day because a horse came running too close for comfort for me. She is a beautiful Arabian like in the picture. I guess their size worries me. But I want to get to know them and all their body language and personalities. They are just so different than dogs both in size and species. It's fun in a big way but scary at the same time. I'm not sure what I think is going to happen but taking these lessons from a kind an patient trainer is really helping.

It's also embarassing in a way because little children come for their riding lesson and get right on and go riding. Me, I'm in the baby pool just getting my toes wet. Stay tuned for more horse tails as I really want to do this. Just takin' baby steps.

Storms today

2010-05-12T07:24:00.001-07:00

I was letting the dogs out and all of a sudden KABOOM! Storms again. I kind of like them. It means I can't cut the grass or trim bushes today. Inside work or train/play with the dogs. It's also calming in a way. But it is not so calming to some dogs. Some dogs are panic stricken at the first sign of a storm. And this is the season for it. There is a lot you can do for storm fearful dogs from calming music to calming herbs to thundershirts or capes. Not everything works for every dog. Sometimes you have to resort to drugs if it is really bad. Our neighbor's dog Buster has always been terribly fearful. He will climb the walls-literally-and knock down lamps and such. The best they can do is give him meds and put him in the bathroom in the tub. It seems to ground him.

At last I can post again. I forgot my password. I hate when I do that and I had to reset it. I keep it simple but not simple enough I guess. Have a great day!

Sounds of Silence

2010-04-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

For various reasons, I no longer use my cell phone. At first it seemed like a great pain in the butt not to have one. But as time went on, it is actually kind of nice. Kind of nice and quiet. While driving I don't have to worry about answering or who to call next. When a cell phone rings, it's not for me. If clients leave a message on my business line, I try to call back as soon as possible. And there's always email. So now while driving, I listen to the radio (talk radio, old radio shows, classical). It's very calming. Also introspective. Especially on long drives. So I'm contemplating if I want it back or not. I guess in an emergency it can be helpful or necessary. But overall it's less stressful. I guess I'll think about it.

Frankie lost her battle with diabetes

2010-04-24T21:41:00.001-07:00

We lost Frankie this morning. She had been in intensive care for 3 days. I did find out from the vet tech that was caring for her that her last day she had a great walk with her, and came in and walked around the work room with her. It makes me feel a little better. She in fact was doing better which is why it comes as a shock. Her BGs were down and she was keeping food down. But like the vet tech said, maybe there was more wrong with her than we thought or knew.

Her previous owner did not have her tested for diabetes but suspected something when he decided he did not want to keep her any longer. She peed alot and drank alot is what he told us and he suspected diabetes and did not want to deal with all that entails. He was taking her to the SPCA. We intervened and had her checked and sure enough she had diabetes. We decided to keep her since I already had one diabetic dog.

I found out diabetes is different for each dog as it is with people. My other diabetic dog has different needs and he has been stable with insulin for about 3 years. He will be 12 this year. That's another thing. The previous owner did not really know how old she was. He got her as a puppy, why would you not know how old your dog was, even her birthday? Most of our dogs we know their birthdays. So she may have been older than he said which was 4 yrs old. The vet even thought she looked older. Diabetes usually doesn't set in dogs till 6-8 yrs although I know there is exceptions.

We will miss her. She was a sweet and gentle soul. And to let you know how karma works, her previous owner got diagnosed with diabetes shortly after he gave her up. What do you know.

Frankie's in the hospital

2010-04-23T07:06:00.001-07:00

Frankie's diabetes crashed 2 days ago. I took her to the vet's and they are doing all they can. She just stopped eating. Tons of weight rolled off of her, that's not good. I tried every kind of food. She did this last week and started eating so I did a wait and see. My other diabetic dog does this sometimes and he picks back up and goes one. Not Frankie. I guess diabetes is different with every dog. We are going now to see what the next step is. Her BG is down which is good but she is not out of the woods yet. She is such a gentle soul. We've only had her a year and a half. Her previous owner did not want her anymore and was taking her to the SPCA. We fostered her hoping to find her a home. We took her to the vets and found out she had diabetes. So we just kept her as no one will take a dog with diabetes. The cost and the upkeep is huge. But I have another diabetic dog so I thought I could take on another. It's been a challenge but she is worth it. Aren't they all?

Smile!

2010-04-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Don't be so serious about training your puppy or dog. Have fun. Enjoy the present moment because for your dog, that's all it is about. They live in the present moment. Dogs are doing what comes naturally to dogs-jumping, biting, chewing, digging, barking. We have invited them into our home and we want them to act human. We are really asking for tough stuff from our dogs. Some dogs adapt well. If yours doesn't, ask yourself-am I being consistent? fair? calm? Am I being the role model for my dog? Be calm, relax. Dogs are dogs and do dog stuff. Find out what makes your dog happy and do it. And smile. Be attractive to your dog.

We have to have rules and boundaries. But make sure your dog has enough of the stuff that makes them happy-not us happy-them happy.If it's chase,tug,running,playing or a million other things, you can use all of these in training your dog. And have fun doing it.
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Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to you and yours. Celebrate the day whether religious or not. Celebrate in your way. It's a beautiful spring day, enjoy!

What I've been up to

2010-04-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

Has it really been 2 weeks? Wow, how time flys. I'm taking riding lessons. Lotsa fun. Pretty awesome learning about another species. Lots to learn. Fun being a student and not a teacher for once. Also hard. I have so many questions. Now I know how my clients feel.

Also enjoying the wonderful weather. Playing with my dogs, trying new exercises. I'm investigating another training method-Natural Dog Training. Have a look at www.leecharleskelley.com It's interesting to say the least. It also has a different concept from most other training methods.

I'm a positive trainer but I use all kinds of methods to help dogs and owners. Of course you see me use a clicker but I also employ whatever we can do to help the dog. But first of all, do no harm. Hitting, yelling, punishing the dog never helps. But there are so many other methods. I'm always open to new things as long as they do no harm.

Just sent out a newsletter for Easter. Just as it went out, I saw a couple mistakes. Oh, well. I'm a dog trainer not an English major. Enjoy the day with your dog!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2010-03-17T09:27:00.001-07:00

It's the day for the Irish. And all those who wish they were. I'm half Irish but as my dad said "if you're part Irish, you're all Irish." He also smoked a pipe and was the Irish half of my parents. He had the traditional Irish smiling eyes and some of us (there were 10 kids) inherited them. Here's to you dad, and all the other Irishman (and women)!!!!!!!

Mud! And more mud!

2010-03-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hey, but I'm not complaining. I'd rather have mud than snow. At least the mud will dry up and spring will come. It's the spring mud and it's all over everything. Me included. I usually can't get out of the house without at least some spot of mud on me. But it's temporary as is everything in life. I'm just glad the snow is gone, spring is coming and it's warmer.

On another note, Lance Mackey won his 4th Iditarod! Yeah,Lance. I'd love to go see it one day. What teamwork. How neat to watch dogs do what they love. Hey, we can do that too. We just need to figure out what our dogs love most and go with it.

Hope for a Hero

2010-03-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a cause if I ever heard one. Read his story at www.hopeforahero.com See if there is any way you can help. We all depend on these guys for help. Now it's our chance to help them. I'm donating 10 puppy classes for the cause. It's the least I can do.

Asleep with the Doberman

2010-03-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

This is Frankie. We have had her about a year and a half. She was going to be taken to the SPCA by her former owner so we took her. Turns out she is diabetic. We have been controlling it fairly well for the last year. But in the past few weeks she has been losing tons of weight. And they are not that big of a dog anyway, weight speaking. We took her to the vet and after checking her out, she gave me a plan. We are upping her insulin, changing the time of delivery, upping her food by a cup, monitoring her ketones and adding fiber to her diet.

It seems to being working but she still wakes me up once or twice during the night to pee. I got the bright idea of having her sleep with me and maybe she would sleep through the night. It works but have you ever had to share a bed with a doberman? Thankfully she doesn't move much and it did help her getting up so much during the night. I used to never let the dogs sleep with me as I have more than one and they all can't sleep with me. But I guess since she is special needs, we'll see how it works out.

When is it going to be Spring?

2010-02-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

I know the calendar says March 21 but when is it going to get better outside? I am waiting for the warmer weather, green grass, bulbs coming up, trees budding and birds singing. Hopefully soon. I know my dogs have not gotten out for as many walks as many of my clients dogs also. And we want to get on those trails. Here's hoping it's soon.

Therapy dog in training=Teamwork!

2010-02-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

I'm getting excited about my new classes-Therapy dog in Training. I can't wait to see dogs and owners even more closely bonded in this endeavor. I have a training plan and am about to come out with a press release of dates and times. It will be a new adventure for me and for them. It will start in a few weeks so I'm getting the paper work together and talking to retirement/nursing homes and more to set up field trips. I can't wait.

Got Snow??????

2010-02-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

Again, another snow day off for my classes-tonight in Anderson. Enough snow already! Turn off the snow machine already. If you're like me, I've had just about all the snow I can take. It was pretty and fun at first but now, even my dogs dread going out in it. They come in covered in it. I guess I'm going back out to shovel some more........

Snowing, snowing, snowing, snowing, snowing......

2010-02-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Wowee, more snow. It just won't stop. Most of my dogs love it. Some hate it. Some you have to push out the door. Some you have to drag in. I'm pretty sure my classes tonight at Animal Ark are cancelling. They might even have closed early today. I'm sure they don't have doggie day care today. I guess I'm going out to shovel. Yippee! Can you tell I'm not a winter person? I guess I'm more of a Spring/Fall. Be safe and have fun with your dog in the snow. I'll expect some funny snow stories when we get back to classes. Take some snow pics too. Send them to me and they might appear in my newsletter. In the terrible heat of summer.

Puppies Class in Anderson Saturday Feb 6 Cancelled

2010-02-06T09:39:00.001-08:00

I hate cancelling classes. But we are still under a Winter Storm Warning and supposed to get more this afternoon although not much. I had to cancel some last week due to a medical emergency. Keep practicing those goals. We will meet next week and I want to see how all my puppies have improved and grown.

Saturday morning puppy classes cancelled!

2010-02-06T04:37:00.000-08:00

Yep, I looked out and boy, what a mess. Inches of snow on tree branches alone. I'm not so worried I'll lose a tree branch but that it will fall on the fence or house. See you guys (and pups) next week!

Snow, snow and more snow!

2010-02-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

Looks like tomorrow's puppy classes will be a snow day. Probably at least the morning classes and possibly the afternoon classes as they are in Anderson-45 minutes away. I usually wait till I wake up on Saturday morning early and assess the situation. I'll then change my voicemail, cell and notify Animal Ark. I just don't want anyone and their pup or me getting hurt coming to class.

I was just out with Sage at 10:45pm and he LOVES snow. He danced and pranced and played. He tried his best to get me to come out. I did some but it is still nasty with snow and ice coming down. He ran and ran around the yard. I got a couple cute snow pics of him but it's on my camera so I don't know yet how to send them to my computer. I threw biscuits in the snow and he'd dig and try to find them. I never knew a dog (wolf/dog) to love snow so much.

Here is a pic of him from a different year in the snow.

Winter!

2010-01-31T22:20:00.000-08:00

Brrrrr! I am not a cold weather person. I like winter for about 2 days then I'm looking for spring. I'm poking around in my garden looking for crocus. In 2 days it's Ground Hog Day. That means it's a little closer to spring. Although it can mean 6 more weeks of winter. I could stand it if it was 30-40 degrees. But this cold is way too cold for me. And my dogs. They go outside to potty and right back in. And my daughter's had some medical problems that has meant some trips to the ER in the middle of the night. Brrrrrrr! Nothing like coming out to a frozen car at 3am. Hopefully things are getting better and I'll be able to spend more time planning my new classes and planning my new endeavor of a training team. It always helps though when it's warm and sunny. At least maybe I can get sunny!

Back to Blogging

2010-01-27T06:05:00.000-08:00

Alot of family issues have kept me busy these past few weeks. Now it seems to have calmed down alittle so I can be back to blogging, planning and teaching with more creativity. I have some plans for building a training team of trainers-coaches, team leaders and trainers. I also would like to open a few more locations. This will all take time. First step is scouting for some dog savvy, people and dog loving, positive training people full of enthusiasm, ideas and energy. I have a couple in mind and looking for more.

The reason for this expansion is that I can't be everywhere. And we need more positive trainers all over the tri-state. There are many dog events all year long that I don't have a presence at because I teach 7 days a week. I think it would be fun to have a group of trainers, have meetings and outings, attend training classes and tag team train with.

We'll see. I'm excited and I know it will take some time to build. I guess I'm looking down the road a couple years but it starts with one step.

Check out this video!

2010-01-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome video. (cut and paste in address)You will love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o8tCZmESWk&feature=player_embedded

No Puppy Classes Tonight

2010-01-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

I'm cancelling the classes tonight due to the weather. I hate doing that but my drive to Anderson is long and the chance to be in an accident greater. AND I don't want my clients risking an accident with their puppies in the car. There's always Saturday puppy classes or next week. I'll miss my puppies. They are such a joy. See you all soon.....

Can I help?

2010-01-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

Love this picture!

Ponder this!

2010-01-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

“All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it.” ~ Samuel Butler

Happy New Year! Make it a good one!

2010-01-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's a new year. Full of promise and excitement. Full of undiscovered joys. It can be anything you wish and imagine it to be. Make it a good one. Happy New Year to you and yours!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-20T07:16:00.000-08:00

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! With the holidays so close, it gets crazy with last minute shopping and guests and everything. Sometimes I get away from blogging at those moments. I just wanted to take this minute while I drink my yummy coffee on a snowy Sunday morning to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May it be all you want and wish it to be!

Best Christmas presents for your dog

2009-12-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

Best gifts for your dog? Exercise, routine, training, rest and fun toys. More exercise instead of less during the holidays. I know it's hard to fit in and cold outside. But a tired dog is a good dog. Especially when you have company coming. Assign one family member the task of: long walk for dog before company gets here.

Next, keep their routine as close to normal as possible. This is also hard during the holidays but believe me, it will really help as dogs thrive on routine.It will help them to remain more calm and stress free. Also, keep up your good training during the holidays. Don't let the excuse of: too busy, too tired, out of town guests, parties and etc keep you from practice. Just let it be a part of everyday stuff. And have company help you. Show off what your dog knows. And be sure he does not jump on company. Sit to be petted.

Which leads to the next one, rest. Be sure he gets some time to chill away from all the hustle and bustle of the celebrations. That way you don't have to keep a constant eye on him and he can be successful and good too. Give him a good chew or stuffed Kong and retire him to the crate or spare room. You both will benefit.

Lastly, fun toys. There are so many interactive toys out now. Thinking toys that are fun for dogs include kongs, food dispensing balls, balls that you can record your voice, puzzles that they figure out how to get the food, little squirrels hidden in a tree trunk, rope and bottle toys that include food and many more. These kind will keep them busy for a longer time than a plush toy with a squeaky that lasts one minute.

Jerk and yell method vs Reward based training

2009-12-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

Would someone please explain to me why oh why people still use the jerk and yell training method? It's proven to hurt dogs, hurt your relationship with them and is not very effective and can even make dogs more aggressive? They don't want to use "food" because somehow this is going to hurt their dog? What is it that they eat and need every day? Food. What is it that most dogs love? Food. Why not use something they need and love as a reward for work well done? Why is this a bribe? Does your boss "bribe" you to come to work? No, he rewards you for work well done with something you need and want-money. I am so tired of seeing people yell and jerk their dogs around. And with a metal collar no less. It's medieval and unnecessary. I want my dog to be my working companion, my team mate, not my slave or robot-obeying because they have to. I want my dog to listen because he wants to, because I hold the key to all that he needs and wants. I guess some people will forever jerk and yell at their dogs, I just don't want that kind of relationship with my dog. I want a happy face like the dogs in the picture above. Dogs deserve it.

Fix it

2009-11-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

Vacation has been full of fix its. Sage chewed the cord on the Shop Vac, toilet leaking and new smoke alarms need installing as my furnace is old. Shop Vac was easy enough-put on a new plug and dig out the extension cord from the garage. Toilet possibly needs a new seal-simple but not easy. I've not done that before and will need a strong person to lift it but it's doable. Smoke alarms I'll put where the old ones were. Always something isn't it. And, got to play some with my dogs. That's always fun. We play every day but more so on vacation.

Also we play outside everyday as I pick up the dog doo every day. You know I have multiple dogs so there's multiple dog doo. And you can't just leave it there. You would think it just dissinegrates into the ground and I guess if you had one small dog that would not be an issue. But we have piles every day so every day I pick it up. At least then we can run and play and not step in it. And also keep the neighbors happy.

Tis the Season

2009-11-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for me to take vacation. I haven't taken much this year and many people are busy this week anyway so attendence in class is down. I will be closed Monday 11-23 thru Sunday 11-29 resuming classes on Monday 11-30. Just cleaning and resting are the plans. I just need a break to catch my breath. I also rest so I can clearly and creatively come up with more exciting things to do in class. I plan to also get out with Sage on the foot trails so I can plan that class also. We may also do some beginning scent tracking this spring. I think that would be fun. Sage is a natural at it. Have a great Thanksgiving. Christmas is just a few short weeks away. I can't believe it but I love it. This season is the best.

Good bye sweet girl.

2009-11-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Just got an email from a client informing me that they put their dog down over a bite incident. I'm sure it was serious and I'm sure they thought long and hard before putting her down. I take it very hard when a dog from my class is put down. I always wonder if I could have done more, said more, trained more, warned more. She was a beautiful little aussie and just had a problem with kids and strangers. A big problem. Her owner worked and worked with her but I still think we could have possibly saved her somehow. People will argue-why save the problem ones when there are so many good ones with no home. Because all problem dogs started out as normal puppies and a human messed them up somewhere along the way. Usually not intentionally just misinformed. I'm going to miss you sweet girl.

Back to Blogging

2009-11-15T07:37:00.001-08:00

Took a break from blogging as other things have kept me busy. Such as out of town company, brochure designing (having a terrible time with it) and just general busyness. I'm working on two new classes for after the first of the year: Therapy Dog Training and Adventure Trails. I have to do tons of research for both to get ready. I was inspired by Moments with Baxter, a 19 yr old therapy dog that passed away a couple weeks ago. If you go to YouTube.com and search Moments with Baxter you will find a few videos of him. Lots of my clients want to do therapy work with their dogs but do not know how to get started or certified.

Adventure Trails was inspired by my Leash walks in the Park which no one was interested in but every one needs. We are going to hike the foot trails of the Hamilton County Parks. There are lots of them and Sage and I have to go and explore them first so I can plan the classes. Each course will be 5-6 weeks and have a one time charge. Possibly $60 or $70.

Other concerns for me have been clients that just don't get the whole positive training thing. They still yell, jerk and worse and their dogs keep misbehaving. They don't understand that their dogs aren't being stubborn (they're just puppies). The pups really don't get it yet. It takes repetition after repetition after repetition in a calm, confident tone with lots of rewards. Lots of practice over lots of time. Dogs are easier to train than people, unfortunately.

A Whole New Meaning for Fall (or Dog Trainer Fail)

2009-10-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Took a hard fall today. Adolescent Great Dane about 100 lbs took me down and busted my knee good. (or is it bad?) Hurts like hell. I put ice and more ice on it. Took some ibuprofren and rubbed Soothenal on it. I don't think it needs xrays or anything but hurts like hell. Slammed my face too. All on concrete too. Booo. Hooo. Might have been funny on video but I don't think I'd be laughing. It's the chance I take when I train. I've been bit before but not often and not recently. And you all know the problems I have with my knees anyway. Oh well. It could have been worse.

Horseback Riding on a Beautiful Fall Day

2009-10-18T19:05:00.001-07:00

It was a great fall day to horseback ride. I got a dark horse named Phoenix, Mom rode a white and brown horse named Squanto and Kitty rode a light horse named Tucker. It was a hour long. It was about 20 minutes too long for Mom. She got wore out just riding. But she had great fun and now wants to take riding lessons. Sue took pictures which I will post later when Kitty gets home and sends them to me. Horses are so different than dogs. The biggest being that they are so BIG. You can't yank them. You guide them gently. They could throw you off if they wanted to. I kept talking to Phoenix but when he wanted to eat tree branches and leaves and we needed to go, I had to press in my feet and make kissy noises and say "Walk". When we came upon very muddy parts of the path that went downhill, I didn't try to guide him. He knows the trails and he knows how to get through the muddy parts-I didn't. I just gave him reins and let him find his best way through. It was interesting working with a different species. All in all a great time.

Brrrrrrr!

2009-10-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Why does it have to be so cold? I have fall home improvements I need to do before winter comes and it feels like it's already here. It's quieter now with Flame gone. I used to say I would never get another doberman because they are whiners and attention hogs. I think that's the very reason I loved her. I would love another dobe and I would get a red one again. But right now as my pack gets older and grayer, I'm just going to enjoy them till it's time for them to go. That's the bad thing is when you have a pack that is around the same age. You are going to lose them all around the same time. I just lost Oreo last November, Barney in February and Flame in October. Mo and Mary in the picture above are 8 and 1/2 yrs old. Their legs are starting to get arthritic (so are mine). They are Great Pyrenees mixes. Actually Mo (aka Smokey) seems to be down or depressed since Flame's been gone. He's kind of moping. I sent away for some Nzymes for Flame but she won't need them anymore so I'm going to give them to Mary and Mo. It can only help their old legs. I don't want to lose any more babies for a while. A long while.

Good Bye, Flame.

2009-10-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

We lost Flamey this morning. Sometime between 4am and 7:30. She woke me up around 3am and she had peed her bed. I changed her pads and got her new blankets and tucked her in. Gave her some water and chicken broth. She seemed anxious but not sick, not struggling or anything. I did t-touch on her face and ears for a hour and she loved it and did not want me to stop. After I went upstairs, the next thing I knew the dogs were barking because it was morning. I came downstairs and she was gone. I sincerely believe when she went down 3 weeks ago, she had a stroke or seizure and at that time lost her back legs. I know if she could have gotten up, she would have. She was that kind of dog, proud, pleaser, people dog. Loved attention. Drama queen. But drama queen only lasts so long. If there was anyway she could get up, she would have. I sincerely believe that. I guess it was her time. Way too early.

Cancelled-Leash walks in the Park

2009-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry about cancelling classes. I never like to do that. But if there is not enough interest, I have so much to do, I need to prioritize cuz it's just me. I had many folks ask about the park classes and then nobody shows. It happened in the spring the same way. After about 4 times to both sides of town with only 2 people showing, I decided to cancel it. This time I just did 2 times. I hate to do that because it was going to be a lot of fun and I had a lot of fun things planned. Maybe next spring. You never know.

Howl o ween!

2009-10-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

What a great picture! I love this time of year. It's not my favorite, spring is my very favorite but I love fall. I love burning earthy scented candles, walking and raking leaves, pumpkins and mums and all that. My dogs seem to enjoy the cooler weather. Speaking of which, Flame is still not walking. She is half way up which is good I guess. She is pitiful but also plays it to the hilt. I think she likes the extra attention. She's still eating, drinking and whining as much as ever. Is it a dobie thing? That whining, whining, whining. I swore I never get another dobie. Then came Frankie. Another whiner. Oh, great. And she is a diabetic. And as sweet as ever. Never say never.

Flame

2009-09-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

I haven't written much on my blogs lately as one of my dogs is sick. Flame is my old red doberman and she hurt a bone in her neck. She is down and not walking. She is on 3 kinds of meds and our hope is that she will be up in a couple days. Till then, lots of turning her over (to prevent bed sores), changing bedding and doggie pads. The pullups did not work well. I'm doing t-touch and massaging and working her arms and legs. She wakes up and barks several times during the night so I haven't had much sleep in a week. She is about 10-12 yrs old. Possibly older as we got her from the SPCA 7 yrs ago. She's a character and a whiner. A drama queen. I just hope we get to enjoy her longer.

A Home for Otis

2009-09-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Some wonderful people expressed an interest in Otis the black and tan coonhound. They already have a redbone coonhound whom they love. We tried them out in a play room and they did great. They took him home for a home visit and he and they did great. Looks like a match made in heaven. They are bringing him to puppy class to pick up where he left off with me. I'm so glad. This little guy deserved a chance at a forever home. This is just the chance he needs. Go Otis!!!!!

Back in the saddle again!

2009-09-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

We took my mom horseback riding for her 75th birthday three years ago. It was so much fun we are going to do it again. And family is invited. We are going to Marmon Farms in Zanesville. I enjoyed it but horses are way different than dogs and riding them is such a skill. Maybe I will ride a bit before we go so I don't look like such a doofus. Six weeks till showtime. It'll be great!!!!

Saving Nemo

2009-09-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Ugh. Got a call today on my day off (of which I never hardly take) about Nemo. Snapped at their daughter today so he's gotta go. This is not his picture but looks very much like him. He's six years old and has some food aggression with kids around his food bowl. I don't know the details yet but I gotta wonder what she did or didn't do. It won't matter but she's young, like under 5 so you never know. What chance does he have at 6 years old with some food aggression? I can't even place a 5 month old puppy let alone a 6 year old red husky. Huskies aren't the easiest dog either. He however is a great dog except for the food aggression. That can be worked with and is one of the easiest to deal with as far as aggression goes. I've known this dog for years and it seems like the family is just really too busy to deal with him as far as I can see. They love him, I can tell but just really busy. I guess that happens to a lot of dogs. The families get busy and the dogs are left to do whatever. And they when they have problems, they gotta go. I'd take him in a heartbeat but I have 8 dogs. My guess is if I don't help place him, he'll go to the SPCA. Great.........

Today feels like Fall

2009-08-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

It feels like fall today. Great, really. I turned off the air and opened the windows. And August is almost over. So fall is really near. I love fall. I guess I love the inbetween seasons. Inbetween as in it could be cold, cool, hot or warm. Unpredictable. Like life itself.

Still thinking about a german shepherd puppy. Not yet though as I don't want to add to my pack just yet. It's not fair to my old guys (and girls). They deserve calmness and peace in their old age. And lots of dog cookies. And lots of love. The puppy can wait, there is always time. And I can investigate and find the best place to get her. I like the name Ariel. But I guess I'll name her when I see her. She might not look like an Ariel. I named Sage on the spot. He just looked like a Sage. And that's not his picture to the left. It's not quite fall yet here.

Stil

Lazy Days of Summer

2009-08-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Finally sent out my August newsletter. I've been working on it and working on it but just couldn't get it all together. I have fun doing these. Now I'm archiving them. You can go to http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs049/1102258079501/archive/1102676771533.html and see all the archived newsletters. I added it to my website and it will be in my next newsletter. And due to some changes in Constant Contact who sends them, they will no longer be marked DANGEROUS. Why it was like that, I'll never know.

More puppy classes tonight. I love teaching them. They are so young and impressionable. I just want to make sure it's the right impression. All adult rescue dogs were once normal puppies. Just think about that.

Otis, the coon hound

2009-08-17T22:01:00.001-07:00

Had Otis now for about a week. His owner gave him up as he was not a good family dog. He can be a resource guarder when it comes to rawhide. I have been working with Drop it, Leave it and Take it and he does well. He has attended several of my classes and does well except for the baying which that's what coonhounds do. And he's very good at it:) He loves, loves, loves puppy class. I might keep him another week so he'll have another week of puppy class. Hopefully we can find a forever home with people who know and love coon hounds (and their baying).

Ozzy

2009-08-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

Just received new today that Ozzy of "Puppy Chow is Better Than Prozac" died a couple weeks ago. He was instrumental in helping his owner cope with Bi polar and severe depression. The book is wonderful and the pictures adorable. He was 13 years old and lived his life well. He will be terribly missed.

10 Things that make me happy

2009-07-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

I saw another blog with this so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

1. Spending time with my loved ones: mom, daughter, dogs

2. the color yellow-sheets, towels, candles

3. german shepherd puppies-saw one the other day-too cute. And of course, Jamaican.

4. Warm but not too warm days with some clouds.

5. Good coffee with lots of cream.

6. Peaceful music: Native American fluke, celtic, south African, classical

7. Dogs and owners working as one team. Beautiful.

8. Chimes ringing, binging, clonging, pinging. I have 7 chimes in my yard.

9. Wolves. Especially when they howl.

10. Macaroni and cheese. Just had to add that one.

New Stuff

2009-07-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

I just thought of a couple things I want to try in class. One is talking about the Invisible Leash. It's not a new gadget or letting your dog run loose. It has to do with the relationship you have with your dog. The invisible leash that connects your heart to theirs. The one that is always connected and continues past the grave.

Another idea is to have most of the commands or behaviors that we work on printed on big cardboard signs that I can put out during class. It will signal when we are moving from one thing to another and at the end of class I put up all the ones we worked on that day.

Also playing music when clients and dogs walk in and the stop to the music indicates the class started and at the end when class is over, the music comes back on. It can be a transition from one level to another.

Another one is more emphasis on the head turn, graduating to the Whip lash head turn. I swear it works, worked on an Aussie in Focus class today. I have to remind them to use a "I have something really wonderful for you" voice and not the "You're really in trouble now" voice. That's huge.

My last idea-I need a digital camera bad. I see so many opportunities for pics in class and with my own dogs. Pics that I can post here or my website or my newsletter or graduations or just perfect moments in class. Well, I will add it to my list, right after a car, a dryer and a new pair of shoes. Some day.......

Bootsie

2009-07-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

Had a fun time this week training Boots (aka Bootsie). He is a foster dog and his foster mom went on vacation and asked if I'd work with him. He was so much fun and such a pleasure. It is refreshing to work with dogs that love people and other dogs. He is about 8-9 months old, mixture of: Plotthound, Akita, German Shepherd and who knows what else. He's big and adorable. He came to 4 of my classes this week. We also did private training. He's walking well on an Easy Walk harness. We even walked in front of Animal Ark today and he did great. He's not going to have any trouble finding a home. I wish I had a picture to show you. He is such a mix and soooooo handsome. If you are looking for a great dog, check him out at Safe Haven.

Money, money, money, money

2009-07-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

It amazes me how some people are so money driven. It is over everything-people, relationships, pets, everything. I need money, we all do. But it is not the driving force of my business. I will talk to clients and help clients even before they pay me. Sometimes even if they don't pay me. Or take my classes. People and your relationship with them matter most. The money will come. And even if I'm not rich like Cesar Milan at least I can sleep peacefully knowing I helped people and their dogs live better together.

I don't say-money first and then I help you. You don't run a business like that. It's people and clients that drive the business. If you sincerely want to help them, and they know it, they'll come to you and they'll pay you. It just drives me crazy how people are money, money, money, money. It's just not my nature, it's not my personality, it's not how I choose to run my business. I love what I do and hope to continue for a long time. Even if I have to scrape and scrimp which sometimes I do. But having a job you love and love going to and love the clients is so worth it to me. I guess for the money people it's counting the paper money every night.

Just chillin'

2009-07-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Just had to add this pic. This was not today but it looked exactly like today. Me and Rock just chillin'. I had the day off so I rested and chilled. I never get tired of what I do. I just get tired sometimes. I now teach 24 classes a week plus privates and sometimes I get really tired. I don't have a regular day off but I have days when I just have a couple classes so I have most mornings and afternoons. And 2 evenings a week. So chilling time is important whether it's morning, afternoon or evening. I have to decompress and put everyone else's problems aside for awhile and enjoy my life and dogs. Just chillin'.

My New Campaign

2009-07-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

My new campaign is to heavily promote puppy classes. I'm not sure if I want to offer something free but I know I'm going to hit all the vet, groomer and pet stores with my new Puppy Packet. It needs to be cleverly designed to grab attention right away. It needs to have helpful info that new puppy owners can use. My aim is not to make money but to get those puppies trained before they start developing bad habits that are hard to break. I get so many calls from owners whose dogs are a year or two and their habits are so bad they are ready to get rid of the dog. I ask if the dog has had any training, the answer 9 times out of 10 is no. Most dogs are given up to shelters in the adolescent ages of 6 mos to a 1 year or 1 year and a half. That's because people don't take the time to train them.

And other positives are that they are with other puppy owners to help support them and they have a training coach to help them and the other puppies in class to help them. Sometimes that can make all the difference. I answer calls and emails as soon as I can. That is another resource outside of class. I tell them about a free book download from one of the greatest trainers ever. I have to start working on the puppy packet right away. Then I have to sell it to the vets, groomers and pet stores so they will give it out and not just sit on it. Lots of work to do.

We miss Michele

2009-07-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

Michele is on an extended stay in Nevada. She has been gone 3 weeks. Although fun, I miss her here. Her dog Ganja really misses her. She isn't eating much and last night she was crying and crying. I think it was part fireworks. I could tell by the look of the street when I came home that they shot off a lot of them and it isn't even the 4th yet. And we had a little thunderstorm. So at 3am Ganja came up to bed with me. Then Mary came up to bed. And the cat was already in bed. It made for little sleep for me. Hopefully she'll do better tonight. I think Michele will be home soon. She isn't having much fun. I didn't think she would but you can't tell kids anything.

I made a Vision board last night. It envisions what I'd like to see in the next few months to years. A converted barn into a home, a new Explorer, a training center with training assistants and lots more customers, 2 german shepherds and some land for training purposes and of course, more money. More to be added but it was a beginning. It is all bordered in yellow, a happy color and one of my favorites. The lettering in purple another favorite color. It gives concreteness to plans and dreams and helps me to vision them. Try it for yourself.

A Night Full of Students

2009-06-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight every class had 5 or more owner/dog teams. It was great! Six newbies in Level One. I love seeing new ones starting out. I know what they will look like in 6-10 weeks if they keep it up and it is exciting. I also love Level Two-building on basics with Stay, Wait, Settle, Loose Leash Walking and more. I love Level Three because they are doing amazing things that their owners never thought they would-like backup, roll over, some Rally moves, some Obedience competion moves, better and longer Stays and Comes and some Canine Good Citizen. I also love Level Four-they are just about ready to graduate and to pass their Canine Good Citizen. Which most do. I am so proud of all my graduates. They stuck it out 20 weeks and do wonderful and amazing things. Most of all the relationship between dog and owner is so beautiful now. I urge them on to bigger and better things like Rally, Agility, Obedience Competition, Therapy Dog, Flyball dogs and more.

My daughter is on an extended stay in Neveda and it is so different living alone. Or as alone as you can be with a pack of dogs. I haven't lived alone much in 28 years. Maybe in all of my life. I came from a family of 10 kids. So you were never alone. It's wonderful, quiet and different.

Saturdays

2009-06-13T04:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday is my puppies day. Six classes full of puppies. It is so much fun to be a part of their lives early on. And to make sure they and their owners get a great start in life. Saturdays are early, get up at 6:30am and keep going all day. Break at noon to let out my dogs, feed the diabetics and give insulin then back out for more.

I wish more people would start them this early in life. I see so many clients with problem dogs and most did not take them to puppy classes. It's sad because sometimes you can't turn them around. And even if you do, you gotta wonder how much better life would have been for everyone had they had early training. I guess people have these sweet puppies and they think of that old harsh training that trainers used to do and they don't want that done to them. They don't want their spirit broken. That's the people I want to reach. I want to tell them that it is full of learning and fun just like kindergarten for kids. We celebrate their puppy spirit-not break it. Ever.

Now you see it, now you don't

2009-06-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

My new (to me) SUV is gone. My daughter totaled it May 31. Lost control and crossed the center line, went into the woods and over the embankment-only 1/4 mile from home. Now I'm in a rental car (no smoking, no pets). Car is luxurious but not my SUV that I worked so hard for. Now I just have to keep going and find another one. And she is not driving it. Ever.

Dogfest is coming up. I was looking forward to bringing Sage but not in the rental car. I'm not as excited about going since I can't bring him. Maybe me and him can catch a ride with someone.

Classes are going well, they are well attended for the most part. Especially since it's summer and everyone is busy with summer stuff. I am starting a special class for Focus and Confidence. I have handpicked 10 dogs and owners to take a trial class and provide feedback. It is generally for dogs that can't pay attention to their owners for whatever reason-fear, excitement, no respect for owner, etc..... Typically they bark at people or dogs most of the class. It will be an intense 4 week class and they must be willing to practice everyday and do exactly what I say. They have to for me to know if it will work or not.

Still tossing around the idea of a german shepherd puppy. A female to play with Sage. Only a few of my dogs will play with him. The others ignore him or scare him off. We'll see.

My Sage

2009-05-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

Sage is almost 3 yrs old. He is the black german shepherd mix you see on my blog at the beginning and on most of my newsletter. He might be part wolf. I did not get him from original owners so who knows. I only know what people told me where they got him and the owners told them. He lives with dogs and I've trained him as I would a dog. I never lose sight of the fact he might be part wolf. He was going to be my training dog and go with me to classes and be a demo dog. The first sign that this might not work out is that he was carsick from day one. I took him in the car a lot and it is better but he still prefers not to ride in the car.

The second sign is that he guards the treat bag. He thinks it is ours not those other dogs hanging around (the class dogs). I'm working with that one. And I guess that knowing he might be part wolf, I find it hard to trust him off leash. Even in the classroom. If it is just us, he's fine. And dogs he knows like his brother or half sister. I should trust that he is a pack animal and he wants to be with the pack. When he goes outside, he does his business and is right back at the door to come in. We are very bonded and I hope to perhaps do some Rally with him and maybe compete if he's good at it. It is something we can do together like Oreo and I did agility. It really helped him in a lot of ways. Maybe Rally will help Sage.