New Years Eve

Good morning, it is New years Eve day. I cannot believe that an entire year has once again flown past us. It seems like only yesterday that I was transferring notes from my 06 Calendar to my new 07 one. With each new year comes new memories and my most prominent ones are of moving to a new home, switching career gears in a new direction and of course starting my blog. I love dog behavior and to be able to write a bit about it each day is very enjoyable and I hope helpful in some small way.

I am focusing on my books in the new year and trying to stay on track. Being that I am very geared to dog behavior can be sometimes a hinderance when I need to just sit down and work. I'd much rather be out there getting dirty. But if my books are ever to get done I will have to buckle down. I have a book on training which will very soon be done and several photo books in the midst.

The next blog I write will be next year so all the best to everyone. I know that 08 will be a good one and I hope that all of you with your great dogs have a wonderful kick off to a New Year.

Sympathy

Do dogs seek sympathy? Dogs don't know what sympanthy is; so I don't think so but they sure seek attention. And what they learn is the association between an injury and attention. What happens when Luke turns his ankle for the 100th time, I kiss and hug him and he knows that. Immediately when he hurts his leg he comes to me to kiss it better. This is completely the result of my own behavior, I did this because I baby him. Yes I have a very strong paternal drive and now that my children are almost all adults I need someone to take care of.

Luke is the baby at the moment until a younger dog appears. So when a dog injures herself and allows you to fix whatever has happened why is that? Trust. Trust is the most important factor in anything with dogs. Does your dog know that you would never and have never hurt her? This is essential if a dog is injured. Sometimes you have to do weird things that would make any dog nervous so they must have complete trust in you.

Luke is an emotional guy and when he has an injury is very off. He does not keep on ticking like the girls do, he curls up into a ball and babies and doesn't speak to anyone. All dogs show some signs so that we can know they are hurt but some are very difficult to read. Like my girl Tilley, she is tough as nails and goes on like nothing is wrong when she is injured.

Just like people they are all different; boys seem to need a few more hugs and kisses than the girls.

The regret setting in

It is now several days past the "big one." The special day has come and gone for another year and many people who got what they thought they always wanted for Christmas are now having some doubt creep into their minds. Many are parents who may not have heard that you should NEVER give someone a puppy for Christmas. Some may have heard warnings but ignored the idle thoughts of others. Well, this is when either the gifter or receiver can have regret.

Christmas morning was amazing with those big brown eyes peering up at you. Your dream had come true; you got your puppy for Christmas. All day long you played with the newest family member; even gave her a name of her own. This was your big day and your new puppy's big day. The love of your life came into your life just when you wanted her to. But now she is making a mess, biting everyone, barking and being a general nuisance.

I'm really hoping that there are not alot of minds that have been changed. It is a sad day when a puppy must leave a home where they are just growing accustom to and start anew. I'm not saying that all rehoming is bad; far from it. I would much prefer someone to rehome a dog that they don't want. An unwanted dog is not a happy dog; there is no special bond, no special care or treatment from a person who doesn't want you.

So yes, rehoming can sometimes be a good thing but mostly it is something which could have been avoided. Adding a puppy to your family is HUGE; it is a life. You are adding a new member to your family; one which needs to be thought out and rethought out. I have written many articles about being ready for a dog and I truly wish I could send them out to everyone contemplating a puppy a month before Christmas.

Everything these days seem to be far too easily disposed of. Dogs come with heartache, headache and frustration. It takes alot of work on your part to make sure that this new little bundle of joy has enough education to be the great dog that they can be. I have talked people through "getting rid" of their dog. Some people I have coaxed to place their new amazing little canine package. Homes where I see mistreatment and no patience for the regular antics of a puppy. There are alot of homes where puppies are welcome with open arms and surrounded with love, this is where they belong.

TGIT-to touch or not to touch

Good morning, I'm hoping that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We had our Christmas dinner lastnight; I had one piece of plain turkey and some potatoes while Luke stood drooling awaiting his turn. Yes of course my dogs had turkey, but with basmati rice, green beans and ground flax seed. They loved it. I cooked two turkeys this year because I couldn't get one large enough so I'm happy that we have lots of turkey left overs.

After dinner we watched a great movie; I lay on the leather couch surrounded by the dogs. As I lay watching the movie I rubbed Tilley's feet; which is oddly enough something she has loved since the day we brought her home. The first time the breeder came to visit her at our house she took Tilley's foot and rubbed it. "She is just like her Mother," exclaimed the breeder. Most dogs are very against having their feet touched and I have had to work with many of them so that they do not bite the hand that touches their feet. But if you do it correctly even the most foot sensitive dog can be turned around.

On my other side lay Luke with his face mashed into the blankets. Luke loves to have his face rubbed; he regularly knocks me down as I bend down to see him and he rubs his face on me with the force of a typhoon. He also loves to have the strip of his face from his nose to his between his eyes rubbed. It puts him in a sort of trance; and I believe this motion simulates the behavior a mother performs to clean her puppies. It is a behavior he adores but is reserved for family alone as it is a very up close and personal moment.

Luke is a regular foot dog; he is not keen on having his feet touched but if I do it correctly he will allow me to massage his feet and enjoy it. You have to take it slow and you have to be very matter of fact about it. If you are sketchy at all, they do not like it. I usually take hold of his leg up higher as he is laying down and move down to his foot. He may resist a couple of times and then settle for a rub.

And my little Jessie, she likes to have anything rubbed.

Have a great day all.

BOXING DAY

Good morning, it is Boxing Day and I am feeling some better. It is 7:30 and I just woke up, had a few sips of coke and water and my stomach sounds like the roaring of a bull elephant. I will eat today; yesterday I had a whopping 1/2 cracker for Christmas Dinner. I will be cooking Christmas dinner today and hopefully no one else will be sick. I spent the day with my dogs yesterday in bed.

Luke doesn't leave my side; even when he received his first Christmas present he left it in the middle of the floor to join me in bed. This year my dogs received two toys each, one that I purchased and one that their Dad purchased. When we give them their toys we are very clear on who's toy is who's. Both Jessie and Luke wreck their toys but Tilley keeps her; treating them gently and kind.

Luke has a very hard time leaving Tilley's toys to her. He will quite literally do his best to steal them but he's is sly about how he goes about stealing. He will drop his toy right on top of hers so that "hey, its not his fault that her was there and got chewed as well." Lastnight he carried her toy downstairs to be with me; when I saw him I told hi to drop it and leave it. He did for a while but the toy was calling to him. He picked it up again and I said "don't make me get up." I did and gave him a startling push away from the toy; he didn't see me coming and was completely consumed by the toy when I poked him.

He fearfully jumped away from the toy; clearly he had not thought I would get up off the couch to enforce. He then made large circles around the toy in an attempt to stop himself from taking it again. I kept the toy in my sites and he left it alone. We all want stuff, even dogs but we do have to learn to take other peoples stuff.

Looking to the future

Well, I'm still here in my bed sick as a dog. Luke has been by my side since the beginning and Jessie is now enjoying the sunbeam coming in my bedroom. I opened presents over a couple of hours today when I could manage to make it downstairs. I got a new video camera from my husband which I am very excited to use on canine behavior. I will then be able to download it so that I can better explain things to you.

Holding off our big dinner to perhaps tomorrow.

Crappy timing

Good morning and Merry Christmas all. On my favorite day of the year, with a month and a half of preparation behind me I have the stomach flu. There will be no unwrapping, cooking or eating today. I am in bed listening to the family open Christmas presents. I did not think I would be writing today but here I lay.

Have the best Christmas, maybe I'll have mine tomorrow.

The locals

Yesterday we were down by the ocean at a very popular local spot to walk dogs. I often take my dogs there and have written about the squirrels who tempt my dogs into a frenzy and stretch my arm to the max. Yesterday we had just gone out for a bite and headed down with our visitors, without dogs.

I felt strange walking without my dogs so of course focused my attention on all of the other dogs. I would have to say that at least 90% were small in stature., and about 70% were of mixed heritage; interesting facts to ponder. So as I took in the statistics and thought about it; the size of the dogs made perfect sense. Most people who walk here are older, many live close by and may have downsized their canine choice already. Many people who choose to live with smaller dogs do simply for the reason that it is much easier to bring them everywhere with you.

With shelters and rescues popping up all over the place there are more and more mixed breed guardians. One couple had three very different mixed breeds, small, medium and large. All dogs were very well behaved and obviously much loved. The idea that these dogs may have been waiting in a shelter for that special someone to come and save them is sad. But seeing the three enjoying a walk together with their guardians put a smile on my face.

One gentleman passed us with his what looked to be a little black pug mix sporting a Santa coat. It was hard not to find this adorable. The man told us that his dog was reading peemail; I have referred to pee as doggy email but never heard it called peemail before; very appropriate. I stopped another lady to ask her if her dog was a Tibetan Terrier which made her very happy. She had got her dog from a rescue and was told that it was a Tibetan terrier but she never really knew if he was actually a Tibetan. So my question sealed the deal that she does indeed have a tibetan terrier or a least a dog that looks exactly like a Tibetan.

It was a nice walk and I did enjoy the other dogs but I sure missed mine.

quick note - busy, busy

Hi all, at this time of the season I'm running around like crazy. I will be back on track after the holidays but wanted to wish everyone the best Holiday. Give your dogs lots of great food, comfy beds to sleep on and hugs.

All the best from me Sherri and my three very wonderful canines. Jessie, Tilley and Luke.

The art of deception

How good are dogs at deceiving one another? They are actually very good although I do not believe that they have pre-thoughtout their deception. Dogs learn through association; everything is associated to something.

Lastnight as we sat in the livingroom Luke stood up and barked looking at the door. He is not a nonsense barker and only barks when he truly feels the need. He definitely deceived me and Tilley who was the planned deceivy.

Luke knows that when he barks the other dogs will get up to see what is what. So, when he barked Tilley dropped the bone that Luke was so anxiously waiting for and he swooped in and snagged the bone. This left Tilley standing boneless in the middle of the room as she watched the whole scene unravel before her.

This happens alot more than we know and it also works with humans. Just watch closey and you will see that even your dog knows how to deceive.

Wet dogs

Its raining again here in Sunny California, but again we need it. With all the fires of this year; I'm hoping the rain will make a dent in the dry scrub. Although my husband will none to happy about the muck he will be contending with on the weekend if the sun does not come out and dry the canyon out.

Having poodles I do have the luxury of no shedding in my home except for my tiny Jack Russell. Who for a dog of her size rains white hair anywhere she rests. And if she happens to get mad, it blizzards white hairs. She basically sheds the same amount as a labrador but in a smaller package.

My poodles on the other hand act as very large chunks of velcro. Their coat picks up anything and everything from burrs, grass, bugs, even slugs, and holds a ton of water. So in exchange for hair on my floors I have debris in my dogs, which I choose.

But rain and poodles does not go, you can wipe dry a smooth coat but these guys soak it up. Yep, soggy dogs for several days now. I truly love poodles (not sarcastic, much anyway.)

Your dog is watching you

Yesterday I bathed the dogs. One by one they went into the shower and came out nice and sparkly clean. Everytime I give the dogs a bath I think first as to who I want first and who should be last. Yesterday I was in a hurry so decided on the munchkin first; she takes all of a minute to give a bath and dries up quickly. She likes to lay in the sun after her bath so thought I should make sure she was done while the sun was still out.

Then the poodles; Tilley's coat is much thicker than Luke's so I opted for her next. She has an amazing coat that would protect her against the worst weather; although Luke's is much nicer to snuggle down with, it lacks the tight curls that Tilley's has and is much less dense.

The moment Jessie is in my arms the poodles were on full alert. They know that this means they are imminently doomed. They watch me; they watch for the smallest sign that they are on their way next. With just one finger Tilley is reluctantly guided to the shower; once done she is set free outside to shake most of the water off. This is when the watching really happens.

Luke is a watcher; he has shown me just how much dogs watch us for signs. He is always watching and although many dogs do not watch as much as he does; they all watch. Some are not as obvious with their visual studies; some like Luke are much more less subtle. But if you are not watching your dog, you will miss them watching you.

As Tilley flew around the yard in her ritualistic afterbath fit Luke was in hot pursuit; with one eye on me. As I approached his body dropped, ears dropped and his eyes got that "no, not me" look on them. As I passed them onto something else he resumed his reserved playing.

I was doing a ton of laundry along with bathing the dogs so had to wait for some more hot water before it was Luke's turn. For an hour he anxiously watched; cringing at each movement towards him. I picked up a towel to hang it outside and worry then took over his face. Each step towards my worried boy made his signal to me that he was submitting and not voluntarily going into the shower.

I find it interesting that a bath does this to dogs that love water as much as they do. Tilley is one of those dogs that goes completely under water and holds her breath for a very longtime but still does not want to have a bath. Luke is a trembling mass of blonde hair until about half way through his bath.

Dogs communicate through body language so it makes sense that they are always watching us; are you watching them?

Monday, Monday

Good morning; just as I was signing on I saw 210 posts. Wow, that's alot of writing. I have to admit I love to write about dogs, your dogs, my dogs and everything in between. I didn't realize I had written that many posts already, pretty cool.

This morning I am planning my day, with the holiday season in full craziness I have decided of late to think about each day as it comes. Trying to go over the week ahead puts me into a state of panic so this day to day thing has kept me on track and actually accomplishing more of the things on my to do lists.

Today is dog wash day; although poodles do not have a doggy smell like other breeds like my little Jack Russell they can get pretty smelly. The smell comes from all of their runs in the canyon. When it is dry they turn up all the dirt and it stays in their coats. Poodles resemble very large velcro pieces and like velcro everything sticks to them.

So before my holiday guests arrive they will all be cleaned up today. Luke and Tilley had their feet shaved yesterday and surprisingly LUke was a very good boy about it all. I like to keep the bottom of their feet shaved and the top I just scissor. Tilley had her face cleaned up a little; she is just too beautiful to have a big mop of hair hiding her face.

First thing this morning I will be baking again with what I'm assuming will be a full audience. The dogs will have their meal prepared and then after that, baking time. Once I'm all done that and cleaned up it will be into the shower for all. It's cooler today which means I need to blow dry the dogs. They all love it and both Tilley and Luke will often come into the bathroom in the morning to be blow dried while I do my own hair.

First they will have their ritual zoom around the yard jumping and biting anything in their path and then the dry. Jessie does a couple of quick shakes and then it is a sunbeam for her. Even with her short hair it takes a while to get all dry.

Busy, busy, busy.

Little helpers

Good morning; yesterday I spent the afternoon doing some much needed gardening. The Canadian gardener in me shuts down once the colder weather arrives. In Canada when fall arrives everything in the garden is cut back and that's it until spring. It is hard for me to muster up the energy to garden in the winter. At least everything slows down and you really aren't suppose to fertilize for a couple of months giving everything a break.

Luke loves when I'm gardening; I'm not sure why but it seems that the boys have always enjoyed gardening along with me. Clyde; who was my heart dog for 13 years loved going from garden to garden as I tended to the many perennial gardens we had. Now Luke loves it although he is a more active participant and makes me laugh everytime we garden.

Luke loves to help and I know that in his mind he figures "okay; we're gardening today." He likes to get his nose deep into whatever I'm doing. If I am weeding he loves to help; pulling anything he thinks should not be in the garden. Although his choice of what gets pulled out is not always correct. Actually he is rarely correct and has to be redirected by me.

He loves to dig but he is not a crazy digger for no reason; if I'm digging he figures we're digging today, so I keep a close eye on what gets dug up. Every so often I have to jump up on the hill beside the house to weed; Luke then patiently watches and waits until I get back. He is an amazing gardening guard as well. As I become lost in what I'm doing, not a single soul could sneak up on me without my guardian alerting me.

He makes me smile as I watch him watching me to see what we are doing. If I am rustling through the garden he will take his long furry face and root through the garden as well; doing his part. Ince in a while I will look up to see him standing inches by me; his body quickly lowers as he delivers a kiss smack dab on my lips.

Yes he has dubbed himself my assitant and although he is not the best gardener; he is the best companion anyone could ever wish to have.

Baking up a storm

Yesterday afternoon and into the evening I was in the kitchen baking up a storm. With the holiday season comes the special Christmas baking at our house; it's a tradition. Before I was a dog trainer or photographer I was a baker; I was known as the cookie lady. Each weekend I would arrive at the local Farmers Market with all my cookies and each weekend I would sell out. I love to bake and I find it very relaxing; so I was thinking lastnight that I should start making dog cookies for my guys.

I regularly give my dogs cookies; Blue Dog Bakery cookies are by far their favorite. Trader Joe peanut butter cookies are now made by Blue Dog so every week I grab a box while I'm shopping. But I would like to make a cookie or treat for them that is higher in protein that could be used more as a snack than a treat; so the search is on. There will first be hunting for the recipe, then the test of who will eat these.

Pretty much the girls will eat anything I give them, Luke is my big challenge. But I tell you this dog is more human than any other in his preference in food. I made a family favorite of coconut squares lastnight and Luke pretty much sat and drooled at my husband while he ate them. Finally my husband decided to give them all a very small taste to see if they would like them. Typically; like I said my girls will eat anything so of course they ate the squares. But Luke normally takes quite a while sniffing and test licking before he consumes anything new; this he knew already was something he wanted to eat after sniffing the coconut air filled kitchen. He gobbled down a piece and was ready for the next.

Yes Luke like dairy products and sweets; they are his favorite. He is also a big meat eater but not all meat, his preference is roast or steak. He likes things with flavor; not just the fact that they are meat. So the snacks I make must taste good and they will be made preferably all organic. As I know what Luke likes I will be tasting them as well to make sure that it is something he will eat over time and not just once and then be over them.

If anyone has a great high protein snack treat recipe for dogs; send it over and I'll give it a whirl.

Dogs as accessories

Okay, I had to talk about this today. Having spent a good part of yesterday at the mall with my daughters; we saw several accessory dogs. Yes I guess Paris and Britney have had quite an impact on the whole k9 world that has lasted a good long while. The trend started along time ago and it was one that I hoped would fizzle out quickly.

But no, it is alive and growing. Tiny pocket pooches in a very expensive doggy duffle bag thrown over your shoulder while you shop. Give me a break; first I notice the dog of course, I have a very sensitive dog radar. Next I look to see who is carrying this little munchkin; and as always it is a surgically altered blonde human.

You can tell right away that this gal has money; either that or to look this way and portray the image she is trying so hard to portray; she now has no money. One of the girls dog was yapping up a storm and her solution was to just keep whapping it in the face; funny it didn't work. This whole trend bothers me to no end.

Do these dog carriers understand that these are animals? Do they spend quality time allowing their dog to engage in dog type activities? Do they even know that dogs have amazing personalities? I'm thinking not; I'd like to think otherwise but watching Paris and Britney sport their dogs in their arms or the ultra expensive dog carrier portrays a very different image.

The image that is portrayed is one of pure accessory. Even the smallest of dogs are dogs, not little furry statues that look cute with a new outfit. Not only does this have many other wannabe's sporting munchkin sized dogs as a status symbol but most are obtaining these dogs from the very high class skamming pet stores. Where we all know that the puppies come from Millers.

These places that prey on the rich and famous can boast that their puppies do not come from millers but only from breeders but we know better. I am here to tell everyone that any pet store that sells puppies gets them from millers. There may be different sized millers but no "reputible breeder" sells their puppies to pet store. That's it, that's all. There is no debating the fact.

I have been involved in the dog world for over 30 years and the good breeders who are concerned with the Mothers nutrition, health and temperament testing, have pups checked at the vet are not going to casually send their pride and joy off to a store where who knows where they will end up.

Here is a good video to watch, just copy and paste.

https://community.hsus.org/campaign/stoppuppymills_poba/e666bu4p7nk5357?

I mean "STAY!!"

Do you use the word STAY alot with your dog? Do you actually mean for your dog to stay until you say they can move when you do use it? Have you taught them what the meaning of stay is? Most people use the word stay as a sort of pause instead of the real meaning. This casual use of the word stay leaves your dog with a cloudy understanding of the term and you with a less than confident feeling about your dog doing an actual stay.

Stay means to stay in the exact spot I put you; until I say you can move. This should never be used as a casual "hold on a minute" term. Like many verbal cues we use for our dogs you must follow through and enforce a behavior so that your dog understands it to a T. Stay is a behavior that starts out very small, no distractions or great expectations. As your dog learns what stay means; you lengthen the time and then the distance between the two of you.

When I teach a stay the dog is never called out of it; the person always returns to the dog to release them. This way there is never an anticipated mixted message "did you call me?" A stay needs alot of "proofing," meaning that you add many distractions and temptations to get your dog to break a stay. That is; once your dog understands the full meaning of stay and can handle each level of distraction. There is no point in trying a new stay with your dog around high level distractions like other dogs.

If your dog does not have a solid stay then make sure the distance between the two of you enables you to return to your dog in short order. Once your dog is up and out of a stay; a game of chase is not going to help the situation. Only move on in difficulty and distance once you master each level. Choose a word that will be a release and this is the only word that gets your dog out of a stay, no matter what.

Even with my youngst dog being 7 and the girls both in the senior years I constantly proof my release word in the use with a stay. I talk to them with fluctuating tone and volume using words that sound very much like my release word. This causes them to pay close attention to me; which is what I want. That and using stay; at odd times during the day ensures a solid stay behavior when I need it.

So before you casual tell your dog to stay; consider your follow-up. Are you going to supervise, enforce and release? If not then don't utter that word, use another word that just means "hang on for a second," like "wait," and don't tarnish your very serious and very formal STAY. Believe me, you will need it someday.

Begging 101

Good morning; begging came to mind this morning with all the yummy food that is starting to be prepared and consumed this holiday season. And the fact that I had quite a begging situation lastnight. So how bad is begging and how far should it be allowed to progress or encroach?

Begging is a very natural behavior for dogs. Watch any documentary on wolves and you will see the exact same behavior within a pack. Begging goes as far as the "alpha" wolves will allow it. The act of begging is how a dog asks for the food that you are at the moment; eating. Begging in general is not a bad behavior; infact I consider it to be quite an amazing behavior.

Most trainers think of begging as simply unacceptable; but how well mannered is a dog that sits and watches you consume a delicious meal without attempting to remove it from you? I think it is a very controlled behavior when a dog can accomplish this; especially if they are drooling at the sametime.

When it is not acceptable is when they do attempt to take your food from you; whether by charm or cheer force. Dogs who try to take food from you forcefully by grabbing or jumping probably lack manners in all aspects of their life. Training and rule enforcement is a must to get this under control.

Even the ones who sneakily attempt to take your food; inching up on you without notice then ever so slightly moving their head forwards. If you give in at this point you have not only been had but you have just lowered your status within the pack. Eye contact is a great way to let your dog know they are way too close to your food. Moving towards them if eye contact is not enough and when they move back you sit and eat.

It is essential that you should be able to complete a down stay with your dog while you are eating so you know that if you desire this amount of control, you have it. So rethink the whole begging issue; does your dog watch you eat from several feet away? Do their eyes watch every bite you take? Then that's pretty amazing to me. Having them not watch at all is a difficult task and needless in my mind.

Always reward your dog for good behavior, do not give in to those sad eyes moving in on your food or you have been had and out brained by your dog.

Dog beds

Good morning; as I sit here in my comfy bed I'm thinking that beds just might be a great subject to discuss. I'm a huge fan of dog beds; not only for the comfort of our dogs but as a great way to keep the dogs off the furniture. Over the years I have met many people who role their eyes at the idea of giving their dog their own bed. I don't understand the reasoning behind having "dog bed" issues but I believe it must go way back to when dogs slept only outside on the porch.

Have you ever taken off a jacket or sweater that accidentally ended up on the floor; only to find your dog curled up on it? Dogs love comfort plain and simple; oh there are a few out there that are just as happy on cold hard ground but most are much happier with a little cush under them. And rightfully so, why should they not be comfortable? Have you ever slept on the ground, a wood floor or concrete patio? It is not comfortable and when you get up you will be constantly reminded over the day that you slept on a hard surface the night before; believe me. I have slept several hours on the floor when I've had a sick dog; not good.

As I have said many times before I have dog beds all over my home; all are used. If I had a bed that was just never used I would get rid of it to make floor space. With the addition of our Christmas tree to our livingroom we had to move around the dog beds. Right now there are two on top of each other which the dogs find very acceptable; except that it means only one or two can lie on them. I have to figure out this bed situation this morning.

I also have dog beds outside; I bought three Old Navy role up type at the end of the season for like 6 bucks each. They are easy to wash and move all around the yard following the shade. I also have a very large cushy one from Costco that is out there if the dogs have to be out for a long while. Yesterday we again had workers in the house so the dogs were outdoors. With the recent rains the beds were all tucked away under a tarp. I noticed the dogs all standing staring through the back door; when I realized there were no beds out there for them.

I say that a big ole comfy bed is the best thing you could get your dog this Christmas and you do not have to spend a ton of money for them; I never do. So I have made a list where I buy my beds. I am also a "master discount shopper" ;) so I always check the clearance rack before looking elsewhere. You can buy beautiful beds at any pet store but they can get pricey.

TJ Maxx, Marshall's or Ross - these places always have an array of great beds, colors, textures and sizes.
Old Navy - these are not the big cushy ones but they are dense enough to give comfort and they can role up to go.
Costco - they have different sizes and colors. They also have a great sofa type that I finally was able to get for my dogs. The arms serve as wonderful head rests and the whole thing unzips to wash and only at 24.99. My dogs love it.

Make sure the bed cover can be zipped off for washing, beds get pretty stinky really quickly. Also check the cush factor; not all beds are made alike and although they may look comfy; they may not be. Push the bed down just like your dog would. If you can feel the floor through the bed don't bother. The more dense the bed the better; the whole idea is comfort and keeping your dog off the hard ground.

If you have a new puppy? Save your money for now on the bed and give them a big "OLD" blanket. Just until they get their little chewing issues in order.

Christmas tree destruction crew

We got out Christmas tree up this weekend. What a beauty; after much family debate in the tree lot with everyone wanting different trees we ended up bringing home a tree that had not even been unwrapped yet. None of us could agree on a tree so after being at the lot for what seemed to be hours we chose a tree that no one could see and took the plunge. Well; it is the best tree we've ever had. As my husband unwrapped the tree and its branches start to peek out from the ropes in the back door we all held our breath. Ta Da gorgeous. I think this will be a new tradition.

Jessie joined us at the lot; she went crazy with all the smells and was quite literally crawling into all the trees. Who knows what sort of critters had been in the trees but she sure knew they'd been there and was hoping a few might still be in there for her to devour. Everyone smiled, ahhhhed and pointed at the little munchkin in her fleece jacket. No one would ever know that she was from Canada and had lived through some of the worst freezing winters by her shivering in the California winter.

My dogs have all lived through many Christmas trees; so worrying about the destruction of the tree via a dog is not a concern at all. There is a small amount of curiousity when it first comes in; I allow a bit of sniffing and then thats it, away with you. I probably shouldn't even say this; you know what happens when you brag about something. Sure enough the day after it will all come crashing down around you but here goes. Our dogs are great with the tree even when we go out; no one touches it. Now the gifts that will be under the tree is entirely different; more on that at a later date.

So what do you do if you have a new dog that doesn't know about the tree rules? It is sad when a dog destroys a tree; especially because there is no reason for it. A few simple steps will keep your tree intact.

1. do not leave your dog alone with your tree if you are unsure; if you go out make sure your dog is safely contained away from the tree

2. supervise at all times; it only takes one great experience of pulling off a bobble and chewing it to engrain an unwanted behavior for the future

3. use body language to discourage tree interest; stand up abruptly and walk towards your dog making them back off.

4. if your dog knows and understands the leave it exercise; use it.

This is truly my favorite time of year.

Saturday morning

Saturday morning has come and gone already. The poodles had their run around the neighborhood; its raining again, weird but welcome. The weather is cool and their coats are coming in nicely for the winter months. This morning the dogs had roasted beef, cod liver oil, flax, carrots, orange pepper and potato. Luke ate every bit; leaving Jessie nothing but a slimy film in his bowl.

Today I wanted to discuss customer service. The topic has stemmed from a non dog situation; although the dogs do love sitting on the couch(yes its about my couch set). But dog services should also have great customer service. Is customer service not one of the most important issues for a business? I think it definitely is and I have always tried whether in training, writing or my photography to always make the customer happy.

I always go the extra mile; because I know if the customer is not happy then what is your business worth? If one of my training clients does not understand or cannot get a behavior with their dog; its my job to make sure they do get it. Even if that means adding another session at no charge or staying way late until they do get it.

Animal products and services should receive as much PR as human products and services. I have started training with people who hired and paid another trainer up front only to have that person never call or come back again. I don't even get that; how can people live with themselves.

Word of mouth is the best advertising there is and if it's bad; it gets around even faster. I for one make a point of spreading the word of bad service; especially when animals are involved. One of the worst things someone can do is be rude to a client; hello. How can anyone think that this is a good idea?

Anyway, enough of my rant. Customer service is huge for me so if I receive bad customer service; believe I will spread the word. And if I receive great customer service I will return to that business and spread the news as well.

general stuff

Good Friday morning, its raining here again which is much needed. We could really use a full week of rain but best to get a bit at a time with all the steep hills that got burnt out. There have been some evacuations of people who live close to the now bare cliffs. And once again the dogs are not going to want to go out. Having two senior canines and one well into adulthood at 7 everyone loves to sleep in and no one is real interested in going out in the cold morning rain.

Lastnight we we watched a cool show on two rescued diliquent dogs who were turned around by giving them a job. Both dogs ended up in the hands of kind and loving trainiers which I was really happy to see. Some dogs leave bad situations only to find themselves in the hands of al harsh trainers hands which must truly be a nightmare. I missed the very start of the show so I didn't see the situations they came from but both trainers kept talking about the destructive past of these dogs.

One of the dogs was a bloodhound which was after being a destructive pet; going to be trained as a police dog here in the States. In just 12 weeks the man who took her in turned her into an amazing scent dog. The show demonstrated in a condensed version how she went from a troubled pet to a much desired police scent dog. At the end of the show the trainer who was very emotional turned the dog over to the Massachusetts police department. He had bonded with this female bloodhound over the weeks of training and she had wiggled her way into his heart. Much kudos to people who do this type of work.

The other was a Bearded Collie somewhere in England who had been quite a handful and finally been passed onto a sheep farmer/trainer. The woman was amazing; she turned this headstrong "bad dog" into an amazing working dog. In just 12 weeks he learned how to herd sheep and was very good at it. Although she took him to a herding trial where all her training fell apart; she knew it had been too early to try this with him. At the end of the show just before the credits; it stated that three months after the show he had herd a flock of 80 by himself. And this lucky dog was going to live out his years with this woman.

It was a great show and both trainers talked about how you must be patient and kind with your training. The woman with the Beardie stressed how a recall must be the most wonderful thing in the world and that you must create an amazing bond with your dogs for them to want to stay with you. She discussed how dogs that run away have not bonded with their owners, which I totally agree with. Mind you there are dogs that run off but have every intention of coming back; these are different than dogs that run away completely.

I was very uplifted to see this show that showcased these wonderful positive trainers. There has been much too much emphasize put on physical control in dog training on television these days. Leadership is extremely important in the dog world but physical leadership has been pumped up to a status where it does not belong. With all the work of positive trainers to use your brain rather than brawn it is nice to see shows that keep us moving forward instead of going backwards with the choke'm trainers.

Tilley, Jessie and me with Luke

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season, so here I am with the three canines that make my life complete. My daughter took this shot and we were done in less than 2 min. My guys are so use to being shot on a weekly basis that they are a dream to work with. Not all dogs are the same to work with though and some need alot of coaxing and or patience on my part.

Often the guardians of these dogs think their dog must be the worst I've ever worked with. All people are different and all dogs are different so just like in training dogs; there is no set rules on how to shoot them. Many people think their dogs are amazing and the best I must have ever worked with. Usually these people couldn't be further from the actual fact. Then there are the people who are sure that their dog is the worst and they become flustered very easyily if their dog acts up.

My job as a photographer is to calm everyone and have an enjoyable shoot. The expression on a dogs face is the most important part in a great shot. I usually don't care what the rest of the body is doing of course unless it is doing some weird funky thing. The eyes are where the impact of an image is. So making sure a dog is comfortable is very important. I have seen many photos where you can see that the dog is stressed or not happy and the shot is lost.

Some dogs are extremely intimidated by having a huge camera in their face so I pull out the big zoom. Others get so excited that there is a human crouced down in front of them that they cannot sit still; so I try to become invisible and silent. I have seen dogs do a fabulous shoot for 15 min. and then decide that this huge eye staring at them has been staring long enough and I get the barking routine. You never really know how a dog will act; everyday is different and every solution different.

So just like in my training, it must be fun. As soon as it's not fun, there is no great shot.

Misread signals

Miscommunication, do dogs ever misread each others body language? Yes they do. The other day I had my poodles at the field for a run; which is somewhere I have been taking them for probably 8 years now. The field is a place where I can let them chase the frisbee or ball without interruption. They love it there; Luke makes his marking perimeter rounds and Tilley fetches the ball; its what she lives for.

We have a routine at the field which keeps the dogs from getting out of control. They can easily become over excited but with the rules instilled we keep the chance of that happening down. So when did the miscommunication happen? I do random obedience with my dogs and they know it; I often will ask them to down stay as I go to the exit of the field and then release them. This keeps them on their toes.

But what happened the otherday was a total canine miscommunication. Tilley had a ball in her mouth which is the norm; Luke was running around her being annoying, again the norm. Tilley took a frozen posture; not an aggressive posture more like a please leave me alone freeze. I walked ahead to the exit and turned to see both dogs at the other side of the park standing watching me.

Why were they not with me? With Tilley freezing in position; Luke misread this as "she must be in a stay." So he stood beside her thinking that he probably missed my stay command. Tilley then thought that they were doing a stay because Luke was staying. I never told them to stay, I never signaled a stay or even accidently conveived a stay visual cue. This was all their doing and even as I stood watching them watching me it was obvious that they thought they were in a stay.

I waited for several minutes; they were doing a very good "non stay." I released them and they both charged to my side. There are many times dogs misread each other; this was a very good example.

Mistaken identity

Good Tuesday morning everyone. Lastnight my husband and I were watching Planet in Peril on the Animal Planet network. We had gone out for a while and I always leave Animal Planet on for the dogs. It makes for good background noise so that they don't feel so alone. Plus, Luke really enjoys watching shows about animals. So anyway when we got home this great show was on so we sat and watched.

Luke was laying by my side on the floor; there is a huge shag carpet in the familyroom which he really seems to enjoy sleeping on. I know what you're thinking; a purple shag carpet? No, its a modern version but not my favorite for sure; especially with dogs. As he lay there I noticed him starting to growl; I didn't know at what though. I don't like to interfere with natural behavior so tried to look around without disturbing him.

This was unusual because my daughter had said that he did the same thing on the weekend when we had been out. It didn't take long to figure out what he was growling at. We decorate our house bigtime for Christmas and on the couch opposite to where we were sitting was a Christmas teddy bear we've had since the kids were small. He was sitting upright; just staring at Luke or so Luke thought.

Luke's growl was deep but lacked confidence. How had he let this critter in the house without noticing him until now? As I watched his ears go up and down I wondered how long it would take him to muster up the courage to have a look. As his growling grew louder and more angry, afterall this guy was still staring at him he finally got up nerve and took the first few apprehensive steps towards teddy.

The bear was holding his very dominant posture which was inturn intimidating Luke. Stetched out forwards but in a "take off in a second" backwards position he inched closer. He had one scared moment where he flew away like he'd been bit but then went all the way and had a good sniff. As he left the bear he was up on his tip toes and stiff as a board, this was his house and he was the big protector.

schlogging along

My husband took the dogs for their weekend run yesterday; he hesitated whether or not to do the canyon thing. He loaded them into my SUV not knowing if the conditions would be good or not. It rained on Friday; it rained hard and steady the whole day so chances were really good that the canyon was going to be a mucky mess. Saturday he had only taken them around the block; although a block here is huge and steep so it's no leisurely run.

The entrance to the canyon is a steep dirt trail which has been maintained by the city. Once down at the bottom he realized it was as he thought; a muddy mess. So they did their run anyway; heck they were there, why not. The run was rough for them all as they collected huge mud boots to run in. It was an extra dose of exercise; running and sliding in heavy mud boots.

They all came home with mud caked feet after schlogging down the trails. The dogs were in the backyard with mud filled feet awaiting attention. I decided to first hose off what I could and then to fill a bucket with warm soapy water and get the rest of it. I thought I had gotten rid of quite a bit until I brought out the bucket and dunked Tilley's foot. Her feet and toes were packed with mud; each foot took at least a full minute of turbulent mud removal. The dogs are so good about this, being poodles they often have big furry feet when I have not been prompt about foot shaving. So they have had their feet submerged many times before. Even Luke who is not a fan of having his feet washed seemed happy to have his toes back.

They had a blast on their run; even though it was tough and very dirty. Dogs don't mind dirt; I have never met one who did. There are many guardians who mind dirt but it is definitely not the dogs who avoid it. My breed can be a high maintenance one if you allow it to be; we don't. My dogs are shaved right down, no pom poms, no poofs anywhere. They love to get wet and dirty and just have fun. Afterall its just dirt; it washes off.

Sunday morning

Good morning, its a fabulously cold morning. My little Jack Russell is laying the sunbeam beside my bed and the poodles are out with Dad on their run. Luke was like a torpedo this morning and he ripped out the front door to dive into the back of my SUV. http://www.nissanusa.com/xterra/ This is the exact image of my SUV although because of the rain on Friday, my xterra is pretty clean. It is the perfect dog trainer/photographer, dog lover vehicle and I have never loved a vehicle more.

Okay enough about my xterra. I wanted to discuss the common dilemma of many families. The whole "the dogs don't listen to me" scenario. Many of my clients have complained that although the dogs are wonderfully trained and listen to Mom amazingly; they don't listen to Dad or the kids. This is a problem that is very easily resolved by interaction. Everyone who is going to want your dog or dogs to listen to them must work with the dogs.

If the kids or your husband or wife does not work with the dog; never hands down any rules to be followed and is basically a play toy for your dog; then your dog is not going to listen to them. I as a trainer never expect someone else's dog to listen to me like they listen to the head of the household. I don't live with them and I don't make the rules in their house. If your kids ask the dog to sit, stay or come and they completely ignore them; this is a clear sign that your dog does not see them as an enforcer.

All it takes is a little interaction a little working with the dog and presto, problem solved. Have your kids feed the dog every so often; the dog must sit before eating. Have your kids do a sit stay and enforce it; teach them how to gently but firmly enforce. If it is either the hubby or wife that does not work with the dogs all the time then they need to do this as well. Everyone in the home should be able to control the dog or dogs. If not, then get to work.

And please, never expect someone else's dog to listen to you.