Pit Bull Myth Busters!

Thank you to Best Friends for writing another great post about Pit Bulls.  This one busts a few myths about the breed.

Pit Bull Myth Busters

Wordless Wednesday

Thankful For Six Pounds

Most of us aren’t excited about putting on an extra six pounds.  Even though it’s a small amount, six pounds can seem like a lot and can really change your life and how things fit.

As a post for Thankful Thursday, I am so grateful for the six additional pounds that changed not only my perspective on “little” dogs but also added a love that can’t be weighed.  Here’s my six pounds (aka Melody) at the shelter where we first met and at home.  Putting on a little weight turned out to be the best thing I could have ever done.  Add a few pounds - you might love it!

Are Dogs Just Being Who They Are?

Who else can they be?  I admit, along with most of my animal-friendly friends, it is easy to humanize our dogs.  The more science reveals about our canine companions, it’s obvious why that is so easy to do.  While I believe dogs do understand and communicate with us; unfortunately, for the dog, it isn’t fair to assume they think like we do.

I have walked by people with a dog they are less than happy with and can tell they have reached maximum frustration.  Really, the dog in that moment is good at being a dog.  It is up to us humans to learn what is triggering the undesired behavior.  That is not the time to expect them to understand and self-correct their behavior because of our obvious embarrassment.  They will do much better if we learn ways to work with them in a way they understand.  That’s why I’m here!

It reminds me of times I spent with my niece when she was around the age of three to four years old.  When I would start to feel impatient with her behavior, I would say, “you are acting like a four year old.”  She would look at my quizzically and respond, “I am four.”  I would just say, “I know, and you are good at it.”  It was my way of reminding myself that she was indeed four and to expect her to act like an 8 year old wasn’t going to happen.

It’s all about acceptance and it applies to how we work with our dogs.  Shelter dogs come to their new home with an unknown history.  Even if we start out with basic obedience, in every situation that is new to them, they will be showing us who they are and it is up to us to take that information and find positive tools to redirect and support them as though they are what they are - dogs.  That is in no way a less-than-us approach.  It’s only fair to them.

Next time you are walking your dog and it does it’s who-knows-why random bark at a person or dog, it might help you to relax when you remember they are being a good dog.  If you would like my assistance in better understanding your dog’s behavior, send me an email.  I am happy to help!

Wordless Wednesday

Dog Fostering

I’ve posted previously about my experience with fostering dogs.  I only have one at a time and with a senior dog of my own, the fostering program in my household has been put on hold.  There are a lot of opportunities to foster through the shelters and rescue groups.  I have done it on my own when the need (dog) presented itself.  Last weekend, I was invited to visit with Sam, a Goldendoodle I had fostered and who was adopted by an absolutely amazing and wonderful family.  Lucky dog…lucky humans.

How Much Time Do You Have To Train Your Dog?

Have you ever heard it said we show people how to treat us?  It’s not much different with our dogs.  From moment one, when you bring a dog into your home, they are learning from you.  If you have other dogs, they are learning from them (and vice versa).  If you provide no structure or “rules,” they aren’t likely to either.  They will be looking to you for guidance on where they fit in and what’s considered good behavior.

I receive calls often from those who just brought a dog home and feel like it just isn’t going to work.  The dog isn’t what they thought it would be.  That’s normal.  Ever heard of buyer’s remorse?  It can happen during that first 24 hour perid when we wonder what in the heck we were thinking when we got another dog.  So, how long should it take to train this new being of your affection?  I wish there were a simple answer.

If you read my blog you know I feature Melody, my Yorkie.  She is a perfect example of a dog from a shelter that was sure to be someone’s little cuddle dog - not even close.  I knew her from the shelter so her history of biting those that reached for her would not get her into a home that was looking for that immediate cuddle gratification.  How long would it take if she ever warmed up to a human’s touch?  

My question to dog people is how long do you have to train your dog?  You don’t train a dog to be affectionate and trusting by dicipline, you train by example and a lot of patience.  After  three years, she is still learning trust.  She had some great teachers with the other dogs she’s been around.  They showed her I was trustworthy.

Here’s an image that I love because it took Melody a couple of years to allow herself to be this vulnerable.  Don’t expect to see “this Melody” if you come to our house, but someday you might, and when you do, you will see she was well worth the wait!   How much time do you have to train your dog?

Can A Yorkie Be A Princess?

Only if she lives in a pink castle…

Why Foster A Dog?

“Saving the life of one dog surely won’t change the world. . .but it will certainly change the world for that dog.” Author Unknown

It always feels good to pay it forward, to share our strengths, and to give in any way we can.  I believe it’s our responsibility to do what we can when we can (and sometimes when we don’t think we can).  Why foster?  Here are a few of my reasons. . .

Join City Dog Magazine - TakeThe Puppy Friendly Pledge

Gotta’ love Seattle when it comes to dogs!  Here’s an excerpt from an article in City Dog Magazine (great magazine by the way):

Thanks to the efforts of local advocates, over 60 Seattle area pet stores have recently signed The Humane Society of the United States’ puppy friendly pet store pledge — committing not to sell puppies, and instead support local animal adoption programs and provide literature that helps customers learn how to locate a reputable dog breeder. We applaud these retailers because their actions prove it is not necessary to support the cruel puppy mill trade to operate a successful pet-related business. 

Read More About The Puppy Friendly Pledge. . .