tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55748475213375810762024-03-12T23:07:20.001-04:00Growing Good DogsDog training and behavior specialists Jenny West Schneider and Tracey Schowalter have green thumbs when it comes to canine cultivation. They're here to share advice and ideas, as well as the wisdom and humor that come from decades of living with dogs and helping them to live happily in our human world – because learning should be fun for you and your dog.CampCanineGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497401069375932626noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574847521337581076.post-72899404043052214012017-08-18T11:03:00.000-04:002017-08-18T11:03:11.401-04:00What Did She Say?<h2 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While browsing through the Natural Awakenings August issue, I came across an article about communicating with animals through meditation and "Animal Communication" ("Animal Talk: They Have Lots to Say if We'd Only Listen" by Sandra Murphy) It was a hopeful article. I would love to be able to have verbal conversations with the animals who share my home. I don't think I want anyone else to be able to, though, as they would likely share every embarrassing moment I have, with every person who enters our home: "Hey, air conditioning guy! My mom just ran into a door when you rang the doorbell!"<br /> <br /> While I can't factually address whether Animal Communication works, I can happily report that it is possible to interpret what your dog is "saying" most of the time through another method. You only need to take a little time to learn about dog body language.<br /> <br /> To be able to do it well, you will need to learn to objectively observe your dog. You may have to let go of some assumptions you have previously made about her behavior. Try not to anthropomorphize (to ascribe human form or attributes to [an animal, plant, material, object, etc.] - dictionary.com) when you look at her. In other words, don't assume she's acting guilty because she chewed your favorite shoe. (She's probably just nervous about your reaction.)<br /><br />So let's get started. Turn around and look at your dog. Look at her: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ears </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">eyes </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">mouth </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">tail </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">muscle tension </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">body posture </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">body orientation</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul type="disc">
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDvsLlddeCMYHb2q1OaEDQ2-6602VP1gnZ4Q9ZCgkPopyIZqJDi2kTEwkHf735k5i2tQEEax2WXiPvclgkYx1yFCmzb0KCntRoFlEun_3AfshNhbvooXLSNDN8jzEjDIaISPFB5BUfCg/s1600/aussie+head+tilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="It's important to learn how to read your dog's body language." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDvsLlddeCMYHb2q1OaEDQ2-6602VP1gnZ4Q9ZCgkPopyIZqJDi2kTEwkHf735k5i2tQEEax2WXiPvclgkYx1yFCmzb0KCntRoFlEun_3AfshNhbvooXLSNDN8jzEjDIaISPFB5BUfCg/s320/aussie+head+tilt.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Simply note what you see; are the eyes wide open or soft with half closed lids? Are the ears forward, </span></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">up, back? Is the tail wagging slowly or stiffly upright? Are any teeth showing, are the lips relaxed or pulled back? Is she gripping the floor with her paws? Is she leaning forward or backward? Is she facing you or lying prone on the floor?</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now get up and take a couple of steps toward the door. Look at your dog again. Look at all of the same body parts and positioning. There's a good chance that something has changed. What changed and how? You're on your way to learning to objectively read your dog's body language.<br /> <br /> There are reams of information about dog body language available on the internet and in books. For instance, go to this link for a fantastic downloadable poster on dog body language by artist Lili Chin: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilita/5652847156/sizes/l/. I won't go into detail here about what every change means, therefore. If you have a club or group who would enjoy a presentation on this subject, Affinity Dog Behavior & Training, LLC offers this service.<br /> <br /> With practice, you won't even have to think. You'll see your dog or another dog, maybe with stiff body posture, a closed mouth, ears forward and staring, and you'll think, "that dog is worried about something." You may look around and see another dog approaching and you can then make an intelligent decision (maybe based on the other dog's body language!) about whether you should remove your dog from the situation. <br /> <br /> You will feel so empowered once you take the time to learn to interpret your dog's language. Notably, you will be able to improve the relationship you have with your own dog. And, by now, hopefully, you know how important that is.</span><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">© Tracey Schowalter</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Originally posted on<a href="http://www.affinitydogtraining.net/the-dogvocat" target="_blank"> http://www.affinitydogtraining.net/the-dogvocat</a>, 8/25/2015</span><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>Puppy Adepthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626305331291117336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574847521337581076.post-54509733496701874182012-03-07T13:52:00.008-05:002012-03-07T14:44:41.188-05:00LEASH UP! Your Dog's Safety Matters<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> This is a cautionary tale. It’s a little longer than usual, so Sit. Stay. Please.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Of all the personal pictures I have of me with dogs, one of my all-time favorites is this one. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4KVklQkXrpCbh5qePWClkTYmoWBcBVUk_sgVdp1eETYuhd4lV23nWdr8Rw9f6N4ZmdAgs2XeVaJFVaOnJZD6vTdkvxGZ5qijtFsiYKpMhypkLMwgAfGWh3o_slJWt5PspEt4KFFiL_o/s1600/PeteyandMeCropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4KVklQkXrpCbh5qePWClkTYmoWBcBVUk_sgVdp1eETYuhd4lV23nWdr8Rw9f6N4ZmdAgs2XeVaJFVaOnJZD6vTdkvxGZ5qijtFsiYKpMhypkLMwgAfGWh3o_slJWt5PspEt4KFFiL_o/s200/PeteyandMeCropped.jpg" width="137" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's a shot my husband captured six years ago when my friend Petey came from a shelter to live with us.</span></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Petey and I had a special connection, and still do to this day. He was adopted just a couple of weeks after moving in with us by a wonderful, loving couple, Barbara and Joe, who, in turn, have become treasured friends.</span></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fast forward to last month and a heart-wrenching phone call I got from Barbara. She, Petey and her other dog Blossom were taking their daily walk (on leash) in a park near their Stone Mountain, Georgia home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, two loose dogs – a 100 pound Boxer mix and a 70-pound English Bulldog – came seemingly out of nowhere and attacked Petey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blossom, I am told, stepped in to help fight them off and became a victim, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barbara courageously threw her body on top of her two dogs to protect them and to fight off their attackers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you, Barbara is tiny and in her early 70’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is one of the bravest people I know. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After what seemed an eternity of screams, snarls and battling bodies, the dogs’ owner finally arrived to call them off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their leashes were in his pocket.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> WHAT!?</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There were police and an ambulance. Barbara’s hands were bitten and required stitches. Blossom was badly wounded on her back.</span> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxr_oDojPf6kwC5Ksd9ZtDYrpVFMPU0LOeWNPLMwh_F2dBwKAWNWz6AmSYfXKx-88s2Cpqu1XgP4_upXjsYsIc4ed6bsvo8iewLhT-l9NY-tYNdKzLfReK87sgArAcqhWZjqykPsip08/s1600/BlossomHurt+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxr_oDojPf6kwC5Ksd9ZtDYrpVFMPU0LOeWNPLMwh_F2dBwKAWNWz6AmSYfXKx-88s2Cpqu1XgP4_upXjsYsIc4ed6bsvo8iewLhT-l9NY-tYNdKzLfReK87sgArAcqhWZjqykPsip08/s200/BlossomHurt+-+Copy.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blossom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And Petey --- Petey got the worst of it. He suffered wounds to his back and legs so severe that they required many stitches and seven drains. He may have permanent nerve damage to one of his back legs. Thankfully, he was not killed.</span></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsFsdFM3MZKiwtl1tYjbIe_0ci6O6D0-__FxI0zA3F_M3pm-1JQk-vE1xWoNxK4QPChyphenhyphenaJRROmNAsPbGpfUpqv7ojTjQ1-L5ey8eLIUdSjAXzPFUg5ET08flCW9Be_LJLlaq_ZEEwLIs/s1600/PeteyHurt5+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsFsdFM3MZKiwtl1tYjbIe_0ci6O6D0-__FxI0zA3F_M3pm-1JQk-vE1xWoNxK4QPChyphenhyphenaJRROmNAsPbGpfUpqv7ojTjQ1-L5ey8eLIUdSjAXzPFUg5ET08flCW9Be_LJLlaq_ZEEwLIs/s320/PeteyHurt5+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petey in recovery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The dogs who attacked them were impounded and placed in quarantine. Their owner was charged and fined. The medical costs for Barbara, Blossom and Petey are in the thousands of dollars. The legal repercussions have yet to be fully reconciled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do know that the two offending dogs are still alive, because Barbara did not want them put to death. They now have a record, though. If anything like this happens again, they won't get another chance. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All of this could have been avoided if these dogs’ owner had simply followed the law and kept them on leash. What was he thinking? “My dogs are different; they’re harmless”? Maybe even… “It's okay. They’re </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">friendly!”</span></div></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Perhaps they were, but not that day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All it takes is one event, one mistake. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, my beloved pal Petey may never walk the same again. He and Blossom may now be afraid of other dogs for life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After many years of feeling safe there, my dear friend Barbara will never take them back to that park again for fear of what could happen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She can’t count on her neighbors.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">People like Barbara shouldn't have to look over their shoulders during a walk in the park. Petey and Blossom are on the mend, but they should not have endured such a brutal attack because of one person's carelessness.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrzktfmOj7y3lNIEnsBLYA6gkoHyyR8XT6rDv2YUTCvnxrhHQ2pCJbpS_zJv06ZrnG4P22mU4LAXsKQkPsCOOZ6Qxmf09Qx54RGPf9D0EQL7lY7FU2V7M-z_x5I3iufZwOTDW7qyBz3U/s1600/Petey+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrzktfmOj7y3lNIEnsBLYA6gkoHyyR8XT6rDv2YUTCvnxrhHQ2pCJbpS_zJv06ZrnG4P22mU4LAXsKQkPsCOOZ6Qxmf09Qx54RGPf9D0EQL7lY7FU2V7M-z_x5I3iufZwOTDW7qyBz3U/s320/Petey+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petey </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are leash laws for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all dogs are friendly to all other dogs or to people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, those who do observe leash laws must always be vigilant for those who are foolish enough to think they’re different, who think these laws don’t apply to them. </span></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">WHAT TO DO</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If you are among the vigilant, develop a plan in advance for coping with loose dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There are no guarantees, but that plan could buy you precious time. </span>Here’s something I and many other trainers teach:</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><ul type="disc"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Teach your dog to “Hold” on cue and step behind you … or <em>you</em> step in front of her.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Stand your ground. Thrust your hand forward in the universal sign to Stop, and speak directly and sharply to the approaching dog … “STOP!” or “NO!” or even, “SIT!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be enough to startle him to stop, run away or Sit for you.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If you have treats with you, throw a handful at him as a distraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could give you enough time to beat a hasty retreat. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Practice this routine until it becomes second nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may seem silly or awkward when the “loose dog” is imaginary, but it will serve you well when you need it.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It also doesn’t hurt to carry a stick, umbrella or deterrent spray with you on walks, just in case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> T</span>hat’s Barbara’s plan from now on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If you are among the foolish, the message is simple: Don’t be. Learn your community's laws and follow them! Leash your dog. Don’t give your dog the slightest opportunity to be a problem or, worse, a danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could cost <i>you</i> legal worries, lots of money, and it could potentially cost your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dog</i> his life.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Posted by Jenny West Schneider, CPDT-KA, PMCT, ANWI</span> </span></span><a href="http://www.campcanineusa.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Camp Canine USA, LLC</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></div></span><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div>CampCanineGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497401069375932626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574847521337581076.post-33213632989335101232012-02-09T00:08:00.003-05:002012-02-10T07:42:34.286-05:00WHAT A GOOD DOG! : Build Your Puppy's Social Skills Now<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I attended a 3-day workshop last weekend with about 30 other trainers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of them brought their new 9-week-old puppies with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those pups got tons of attention from all sorts of humans. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also got the chance to be still and quiet in a room full of people talking, laughing and running demos with other adult dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically, they learned that that kind of noise and activity was no big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a golden opportunity for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">socialization</i>, and their very wise “moms” took advantage of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The puppies had fun and socked away 3 days of exposures to people, healthy adult dogs and lots of different environmental elements and surfaces – dirt, grass, concrete, carpet, linoleum and tile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What lucky pups!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re getting off to a really good start.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you don’t train your dog to perform a crisp, sharp Heel or to leap through a flaming hoop, no big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But ... of all the things we do for our dogs, the one <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BIG</b> thing is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">socializing </i>them – demystifying the world around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want them to live at ease in our human world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the rare dog indeed who can do it without our help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good, solid socialization is an important foundation for all good behavior that follows.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As soon as possible after your pup comes home, begin exposing him to as many types of people, other dogs and other animals as you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sooner, the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Puppies’ critical socialization period is roughly the first four months of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is during those important weeks and months that their view of the world is shaped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consult with your vet, of course, but start taking your puppy with you wherever you go, whenever you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll learn that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">going</i> is a good thing and going <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in a car</i> isn’t scary at all. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here are a few other ideas:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Go shopping!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some retail outlets – pet supply stores or home-improvement warehouses, for instance – allow well-behaved dogs in their stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Tip: don’t put him on the floor just yet; he needs all his vaccinations for that)</span></li>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4ZAORjdw5CWxjhs-R0IV2KQG9ofO0LROY_LUOZsDvzl_CkE82ZTIDVcCRILjGekYj6Y1kgXgcsU5Bf7T9ozZJYKi2XNcYDK9n3JtmmerFbcEOXRH2W0pdHpUbKY8Ffjeuwb7WBHu_zs/s1600/coffeedogpark+-+CopyCropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4ZAORjdw5CWxjhs-R0IV2KQG9ofO0LROY_LUOZsDvzl_CkE82ZTIDVcCRILjGekYj6Y1kgXgcsU5Bf7T9ozZJYKi2XNcYDK9n3JtmmerFbcEOXRH2W0pdHpUbKY8Ffjeuwb7WBHu_zs/s200/coffeedogpark+-+CopyCropped.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Go out to eat</i>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some restaurants with patio seating will allow well-behaved dogs to sit with their people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get together with family and friends!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Invite willing friends and acquaintances to your home and allow your pup to play with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Ha</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ve puppy play time!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arrange play dates with the dogs of trusted neighbors and friends – making sure that they (the dogs, not your neighbors) are the appropriate size and play style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yENY-mfqikBIRyf7YBzt7t2oHMF55wfab_cYpdGizVwGvwRzBvc0kS4yLbfiZ6d-ytRVDoSvT69rfKJ24pCYkxzpQW3no1573-3Kexr6TN5KSc794JE3f-M1yesw0KC9Bx_4T06e-zE/s1600/BlackPuppiesPlaying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yENY-mfqikBIRyf7YBzt7t2oHMF55wfab_cYpdGizVwGvwRzBvc0kS4yLbfiZ6d-ytRVDoSvT69rfKJ24pCYkxzpQW3no1573-3Kexr6TN5KSc794JE3f-M1yesw0KC9Bx_4T06e-zE/s320/BlackPuppiesPlaying.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Clean the house!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let your puppy hear the dishwasher or the vacuum while he’s hanging out in his crate, working on a yummy, stuffed Kong.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><li class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Go to school!</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take your little tyke to a puppy class with a good positive trainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Puppy kindergarten is all about puppies learning proper play, meeting new people and learning a few good manners along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be the most important class you and your dog ever take. </span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn154UY_46UHaC-uuOXOXjo6aQnEdfP873mPSwwkRwnKVSJlEBK5fm9jxOIyJA5Z2NNxWUlrwsjfmNQe2TricK7dpsHhcVbBe39T_7rpBT09Uodbn7Ew_J237fkm3wtsFAL7rufQUm34o/s1600/Puppy+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn154UY_46UHaC-uuOXOXjo6aQnEdfP873mPSwwkRwnKVSJlEBK5fm9jxOIyJA5Z2NNxWUlrwsjfmNQe2TricK7dpsHhcVbBe39T_7rpBT09Uodbn7Ew_J237fkm3wtsFAL7rufQUm34o/s320/Puppy+class.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In short, expose your pup to as many <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">different</i> people, places, sights and sounds as you possibly can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The list could go on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be creative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here’s the big secret to successful socialization: </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Make every effort to ensure that each new experience is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fun and pleasant</i> for your dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the first 100 days of his life with you, make it your job to give him at least one new, different and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pleasant</i> encounter each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like money in the bank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you teach him that the world is full of different and interesting people, animals and places, he won’t fear them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he’ll be so “vaccinated” against the world that when a strange, new experience does come along, it won’t throw him for a loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr2tpHnFQQMeVBuYbgaaANZQSnY0PNzgGHPeLl7KJsUPg3Lyr5Rr33fMorTs-lq5-mTKnKPWZkMtgqQTauxjI2VrwPP3T1xkfjU96Uu4p-w03fsil7ruM5W4rMbPw6rGQVPTAFQ-cU6s/s1600/HSFCChampatthePetFair+-+CopyCropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr2tpHnFQQMeVBuYbgaaANZQSnY0PNzgGHPeLl7KJsUPg3Lyr5Rr33fMorTs-lq5-mTKnKPWZkMtgqQTauxjI2VrwPP3T1xkfjU96Uu4p-w03fsil7ruM5W4rMbPw6rGQVPTAFQ-cU6s/s320/HSFCChampatthePetFair+-+CopyCropped.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This simple gift – the gift of self-assurance – will help him become a happy, well-adjusted adult dog for the rest of his life.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Posted by Jenny Schneider, CPDT-KA, PMCT, ANWI </span><a href="http://www.campcanineusa.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Camp Canine USA, LLC</span></a></div>CampCanineGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497401069375932626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574847521337581076.post-23317373816784224482011-12-05T19:33:00.004-05:002011-12-06T05:52:32.581-05:00<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDsKeIwlaoTo8yVeRHlFCC9mg8pcKVbsSqAI850gp9fMbQ_-7Y2OlGDeCPWmK92hKvgGy-ZyhtyUvxYUnxSxm-bIiw_7M_7iVgLJnPOVhEGItX2JEpGmgyNm4vEUPjoWu-VlBBOiXDVU/s1600/no_christmas_puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDsKeIwlaoTo8yVeRHlFCC9mg8pcKVbsSqAI850gp9fMbQ_-7Y2OlGDeCPWmK92hKvgGy-ZyhtyUvxYUnxSxm-bIiw_7M_7iVgLJnPOVhEGItX2JEpGmgyNm4vEUPjoWu-VlBBOiXDVU/s200/no_christmas_puppy.jpg" width="200px" /></a><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span></b></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">GIVING A PET FOR CHRISTMAS? DON'T DO IT</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Think of all the times you’ve received a gift you didn’t want or like. Now, imagine that the unwelcome gift is a pet -- a living, breathing creature who needs care, feeding and constant attention. Now what!? The choices are few: either the recipient returns the pet or reluctantly keeps her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Because dogs are my specialty, I’ll discuss them specifically. Here are some reasons this is more of a problem than a simple inconvenience.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqVDTNbHYK1RECao-78c8V8Z4H65Oe23-oyI7ihaDhlR0jD2oz_vCP9y3yDDTl7CXJb3LHnVMog4z9Q0fHZYvEYq73teEpnxtrHygJoSxRWNpf3KGQNkdrBFuGUred42XCJiLAZX0AC0/s1600/shelter_dog_for_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="10" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqVDTNbHYK1RECao-78c8V8Z4H65Oe23-oyI7ihaDhlR0jD2oz_vCP9y3yDDTl7CXJb3LHnVMog4z9Q0fHZYvEYq73teEpnxtrHygJoSxRWNpf3KGQNkdrBFuGUred42XCJiLAZX0AC0/s200/shelter_dog_for_blog.jpg" width="132px" /></a>If the dog is returned: </div><ul><li>The dog now has a history of being returned and is harder to re-home.</li>
<li>The dog was away from the adopting agency or breeder when potential adopters were looking and may have missed an opportunity for a good home.</li>
<li>If this puppy was between the ages of 7 and 16 weeks, part of her critical socialization period was missed or worse, damaged because the recipient probably didn’t want to spend any extra time with her.</li>
<li>Finally, and most importantly, this emotionally complex animal has just experienced rejection, and the stress of changing “homes” several times.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">If the (unwanted) dog stays:</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol;"> </span>If the dog is a gift for a child, think about how long it takes a child to tire of her toys. (A dog is not a toy!)</li>
<li>Who will take care of the dog when the child loses interest?</li>
<li>Chances are pretty good that the recipient won’t bond well with this dog, because he wasn’t part of the selection.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>The dog may not be the right match for the person; too active, too sedentary, too big, too much grooming required, etc.</li>
<li>The recipient may not have enough time to spend with the dog which would likely lead to problem behaviors.</li>
<li>Puppies require a LOT of work to raise them properly. You must:</li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Socialize extensively between 7 and 16 weeks of age</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Housetrain</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Crate-train</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Train them for manners</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Exercise them sufficiently</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Teach them what they can and cannot chew on</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Teach them to enjoy grooming</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Give them adequate veterinary care </li>
</ul></ul><div class="MsoNormal">Adding a pet to one’s family is like adopting a child. This is a personal, time- and research-intensive choice made by an individual or family (<i>everyone</i> should be involved in choosing just the right dog or puppy for the family). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to get something special for that pet-loving person in your life, here are some suggestions for giving: </div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><u>Gift Certificates</u>. Most shelters and probably breeders have gift certificates for their animals</span></li>
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span">Your loved one can pick out his own pet.</span></li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a 1em;="" auto;="" auto;?="" clear:="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FqT4YBswwNQhMtFoiVTQdqt3o2QD3JUvvhUT452baIQSqUBtim4aeU4iygK_n4xFHKLxHTmFjwKmx9-nqXw9ls4vGz2qjdv580jtpMrSGb6Xqfs8zIztdOMMwu4NP7vhS3QD9R1HF_E/s1600/husky_felted_for_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" left;="" margin-bottom:="" margin-left:="" margin-right:=""><img border="0" height="140px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FqT4YBswwNQhMtFoiVTQdqt3o2QD3JUvvhUT452baIQSqUBtim4aeU4iygK_n4xFHKLxHTmFjwKmx9-nqXw9ls4vGz2qjdv580jtpMrSGb6Xqfs8zIztdOMMwu4NP7vhS3QD9R1HF_E/s200/husky_felted_for_blog.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Felted Wool Husky from AmberRose Creations</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The pets available during holidays may not be the right ones for your recipient.</span></li>
</ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><u style="text-indent: -24px;">Pet portrait</u>. If the recipient recently lost a pet, check out the many excellent artists on-line (e.g. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PerlillaPets?ref=seller_info" style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">PerlillaPets</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-indent: -24px;">) who produce beautiful reproductions from photographs in many price ranges</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><u style="text-indent: -24px;">Felted wool pets</u>. Amazingly realistic, just about any animal or breed you can think of can be reproduced in felted wool. (e.g. (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmberRoseCreations?ref=seller_info" style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; color: windowtext;">AmberRoseCreations</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-indent: -24px;">)</span></span></li>
<li><u -24px;?="" text-indent:="">Life-like toys for children</u></li>
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>“Breathing” dogs (<a href="http://www.breathingdog.com/" style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://www.breathingdog.com/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-indent: -24px;">)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span">Fur Real Friends (<span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; text-indent: -24px;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/bwreyyq"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://tinyurl.com/bwreyyq</span></a>)</span><b style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; text-indent: -24px;">Webkinz (</span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/bvwg3ns" style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; color: windowtext;">http://tinyurl.com/bvwg3ns</span></a><span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; text-indent: -24px;">)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span">Zhu zhu pets (<a href="http://tinyurl.com/8582mhz" style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://tinyurl.com/8582mhz</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-indent: -24px;">)</span></span></li>
</ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -24px;"> </span><u style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial;">Breed-specific</span></u><span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; text-indent: -24px;">. Support their love for a particular breed with any of hundreds of breed-specific items from t-shirts to Lladro figurines.</span></span></li>
</ul><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KGzS9JIb3SDZgC4Yr0R8ZKOi9JizTmjayAi3O8pMdlh1BVdbR-bAxY5drz53VCYAu6MBmCB9APJUZ26BjD36yvGZl8ZoYjXRnmC42Rv0VB9qrH4J1QWGeD8YF4tHZTorv_1FnpmQvgA/s1600/breathing_dog_for_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KGzS9JIb3SDZgC4Yr0R8ZKOi9JizTmjayAi3O8pMdlh1BVdbR-bAxY5drz53VCYAu6MBmCB9APJUZ26BjD36yvGZl8ZoYjXRnmC42Rv0VB9qrH4J1QWGeD8YF4tHZTorv_1FnpmQvgA/s200/breathing_dog_for_blog.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalmation: www.breathingdog.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Your intentions are the best. Make the most responsible choice possible for your loved one <i>and</i> for the animals involved.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Posted by Tracey Schowalter, <a href="http://www.puppyadept.com/">Puppy Adept, Inc.</a></div>Puppy Adepthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626305331291117336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574847521337581076.post-54903830802612372011-10-27T21:50:00.003-04:002017-08-08T19:32:14.644-04:00PLANTING SEEDS<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A lot of dog trainers are lured into the profession by a desire to solve a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a much-loved dog doesn’t play well with others, or maybe he has severe, debilitating anxiety every time he’s left home alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of giving up, these dog owners become so full of knowledge in their quests to find a solution, the next natural step is to share that knowledge with others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got into training, because it was<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> fun</i> and (I thought) pretty <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">easy</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ4tzf2whu7i909e-BgfdEaGMmaFfCgTc6717eWYTgijfzMkl6Pj5SZ_Cup-iTbVkHY9Dkjxh6mvV4kLKddoC887MK8my24mawSbBFlIl4aSvlcFPGFYLo2kCkqJcb2-oOslXakh7z6M/s1600/BozintheSnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ4tzf2whu7i909e-BgfdEaGMmaFfCgTc6717eWYTgijfzMkl6Pj5SZ_Cup-iTbVkHY9Dkjxh6mvV4kLKddoC887MK8my24mawSbBFlIl4aSvlcFPGFYLo2kCkqJcb2-oOslXakh7z6M/s320/BozintheSnow.jpg" width="243px" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My husband Bill and I adopted a little Shih Tzu/Terrier mix named Boz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He was practically perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked nicely on a leash, barked only occasionally, got along well with our 2 cats and was easily housetrained. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, Boz and I took a couple of classes in clicker training for fun, and I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hooked</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fascinated by the deep bond I had forged with this funny, feisty, gentle little guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also was blown away by his ability to learn and adapt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply wanted more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I sought out a teacher and found <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ü</span>ber-trainer Pat Miller of </span><a href="http://www.peaceablepaws.com/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Peaceable Paws </span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">fame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back then, she was just up the road in Chattanooga, Tennessee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest, I had no clue on that first day that I was on my way to meet one of the best positive trainers on the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fate was kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pat became my mentor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, I count her as a treasured friend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It wasn’t until I began my apprenticeship with Pat that I learned the depth of understanding I would need to be a good enough trainer to guide other, more-challenged dogs through our crazy, demanding human world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pat unquestionably gave me the best foundation possible to set out on my own and create <a href="http://www.campcanineusa.com/">Camp Canine USA</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now, years later, I have worked with countless dogs on every challenge you can name – from housetraining to serious aggression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I train, because I want to help others enjoy their dogs the way I enjoy mine, to have a better understanding of why dogs do what they do and to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teach them (the dogs) some manners along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tracey Schowalter of<span style="color: #00b0f0;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;"> </span><a href="http://www.affinitydogtraining.net/"><span style="color: blue;">Affinity Dog Behavior and Training</span></a></span><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-style: italic;"> </span>has been a special friend and colleague since we met through Pat Miller more than a decade ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am honored and just plain <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tickled pink</i> to join her in this venture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re proud to share our combined 30 years of experience and our passion for dogs and fun, effective, force-free methods of training them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let’s plant a few seeds and see how many happy, well-adjusted dogs will grow!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Posted by Jenny Schneider, CPDT-KA, PMCT, </span><a href="http://www.campcanineusa.com/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">CAMP CANINE USA, LLC</span></a></div>
CampCanineGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14497401069375932626noreply@blogger.com1