Lagging Behind While Healing
Every once in a while I hear the opposite of what I usually expect from people who are having issues with heeling. Usually people have forging issues. This is where the dog is pulling you ahead, instead of remaining at your side. Correct healing position is where the dog’s shoulder blades are in line with the seam of your pants. This is when the dog is sitting, standing, or in motion, heeling. Lagging is where the dog is out of correct heel position behind you. I have experienced this myself with my six year old yellow lab. Once puppyhood was behind ...
Shedding in the Summer Months
So not all of us were wise enough to decide on a dog breed that does not shed. Most of us choose our dog because of character, temperament and appearance. The breeds with terrier in the name are very light shedders as are the poodles. Those of you who chose to fall in love with these companions are sailing through summer with the occasional vacuuming. The rest of us, well, it is vacuuming several times a week, dusting every level surface a couple of times a week, sweeping out the garage each week, etc. We may have fallen in love with ...
Cool Wraps
Last summer as I was spending a few days with my son at Worth Scout Ranch here in Texas (which I quickly nicknamed Molten Lava Scout Ranch), I decided that I have never been anywhere so hot, so humid and so utterly unbearable weather-wise. Thankfully I love scouting, so I made it. But the high temperatures, lack of shade and virtually no wind made it a tough week for this city girl. I had a friend introduce me to something that saved me. Cool wraps. It is a bandana like tube filled with gel crystals that when soaked in water, ...
School is out: Let Summer Go to The Dogs!
Now that school is out, the fun factor for your canine companion can really go up a notch. Kids just need gentle prodding and fun suggestions to interact with the family dog. Here are a few I came up with, please mention more that have created a fun for both your dog and kids. Try turning on the sprinkler and include the family dog in the running, romping and chasing through the water. This is a great place to fetch a ball or frisbee! A great way to increase physical fitness for the kids and the pup is to institute an early morning ...
Predicting Personality in a Puppy
When faced with a litter of precious baby puppies, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your family. A decision this important cannot be made quickly or ruled by emotion. Choosing a puppy with a stable personality is a great investment and a wonderful start to this long term relationship. While this cannot be done with absolute certainty, there are a few things to look for that will provide you with information on personality. The first and best clue, according to Karen L. Campbell, DVM and professor at University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at ...
Stopping Food Aggression in Dogs
Food aggression in dogs can stem from many things. A dog who was jail broken from the shelter who may have had a questionable past as far as food availability could be an example. In a multi-dog household, a more dominate breed could exhibit aggression over the other dogs is another example. Sometimes there is just no obvious explanation. However, there are solutions to this problem. These solutions should work no matter the source of the problem. Food is a very powerful reward. Dog Trainers have used food as a reward forever and some believe that food was the way mankind ...
Featured
Lagging Behind While Healing
Every once in a while I hear the opposite of what I usually expect from people who are having issues with heeling. Usually people have forging issues. This is where the dog is pulling you ahead, instead of remaining at your side. Correct healing position is where the dog’s shoulder blades are in line with the seam of your pants. This is when the dog is sitting, standing, or in motion, heeling.... [Read more]
Shedding in the Summer Months
So not all of us were wise enough to decide on a dog breed that does not shed. Most of us choose our dog because of character, temperament and appearance. The breeds with terrier in the name are very light shedders as are the poodles. Those of you who chose to fall in love with these companions are sailing through summer with the occasional vacuuming. The rest of us, well, it is vacuuming several... [Read more]
Cool Wraps
Last summer as I was spending a few days with my son at Worth Scout Ranch here in Texas (which I quickly nicknamed Molten Lava Scout Ranch), I decided that I have never been anywhere so hot, so humid and so utterly unbearable weather-wise. Thankfully I love scouting, so I made it. But the high temperatures, lack of shade and virtually no wind made it a tough week for this city girl. I had a friend... [Read more]
School is out: Let Summer Go to The Dogs!
Now that school is out, the fun factor for your canine companion can really go up a notch. Kids just need gentle prodding and fun suggestions to interact with the family dog. Here are a few I came up with, please mention more that have created a fun for both your dog and kids. Try turning on the sprinkler and include the family dog in the running, romping and chasing through the water. This is a... [Read more]
Predicting Personality in a Puppy
When faced with a litter of precious baby puppies, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your family. A decision this important cannot be made quickly or ruled by emotion. Choosing a puppy with a stable personality is a great investment and a wonderful start to this long term relationship. While this cannot be done with absolute certainty, there are a few things to look for that will... [Read more]
Stopping Food Aggression in Dogs
Food aggression in dogs can stem from many things. A dog who was jail broken from the shelter who may have had a questionable past as far as food availability could be an example. In a multi-dog household, a more dominate breed could exhibit aggression over the other dogs is another example. Sometimes there is just no obvious explanation. However, there are solutions to this problem. These solutions... [Read more]
Dog Show through New Eyes
As you can imagine after competing in dog shows with two labs for 4 years, approximately 40 times in the show ring, my family is a little immune to the sights, sounds and “ambiance” of the dog show. The competition, the bond exhibited between dog and handler, and the idiosyncrasies that are inevitable at the dog show have become common place to my family members. A perfect example is last weekend... [Read more]
Teaching the “Stay” Command
The stay command is one of the most useful and necessary commands you can teach your dog. Imagine a dog that sits and does not move when you stop to talk to a neighbor. Or a dog that stays still while you are shopping for treats in the pet store. Even better, imagine a dog you can leave safely in the back yard while you go around to the front yard to retrieve your yard tool. The stay commands gives... [Read more]
