Teaching one dog a boundary (i.e., waiting at an open door) can be challenging and needs to be taught with minimal distraction as you work up to the major temptations. Teaching it to three dogs….well, the pictures tell the story. “Oscar, Balboa, and Argus, good dogs.” I even tossed out a toy and a ball and the most difficult challenge of all…having their dads walk past them as if greeting a guest at the gate. So smart!
Of course, sit and down are easy in comparison. Don’t tell the senior he isn’t lying down (he gets a free pass for putting up with the new, young adoptee). Such a great family!
Meet Chloe and Coco. Chloe is an adorable, smart, and amazingly mature 8 year old. Her new best friend and rescued pup is Coco. Chloe’s family already had two larger dogs who are very well trained and the addition of this little one was new territory, so I was called. I am more than delighted to have the pleasure of working with this family and their commitment to having a stable, well behaved small dog (not always an easy task with a nervous rescue).
As some of you know, my heart is with assisting timid dogs in gaining confidence and feeling secure in their new homes. Initially, Coco was afraid of – well, as they say, her own shadow. Now? I will let the images do the talking. This is Chloe and Coco after we walked to school (with a lot of distractions) and are waiting for class to start. I am truly amazed and impressed with how bonded these two are and how this little (a-lot-less-nervous-now) pup looks to Chloe for guidance. A reminder that good things come in small packages – and, I’m not just talking about the dog.
The images below are of two of my recent pupils. Moxie is the male Yorkie-poo and Matilda is the female Coton de Tulear. I was going to write about the reason I was called to their home – the reactive behavior to some dogs and the not-so-happy gardeners (not that the dogs were happy being reactive). However, if you are like me and are more of a visual learner, you would benefit more by watching me work with your dogs prior to you taking the leash. So, I will use the pictures to show you one of the positive affects of a training session. Before and after. . .I think they speak for themselves.
If you need help with a behavioral issue or just want a tired dog, give me a call!
…unless their last name is Terrier! It’s hard to understand why a cute, tiny girl would enjoy a snack of worm – be it dried, fresh, partial or whole. I’m surprised that kibble isn’t shaped in the image of a worm or bird poop, which most dogs find enticing. Here’s Melody (from a previous post) singing a sweet song with the same mouth that just ate a worm. Sugar and spice and everything nice. . .and perhaps a few other ingredients!
Dogs are of service to us in so many ways. This week, I noticed my grass and dandelion-filled lawn could use a trim. I sent the dogs out in the yard to serve as a gauge and measuring tool of sorts. This was their report of findings: “If you can’t find the dog, the grass is too long!” I thanked them for yet another service and promptly called a gardener.
It’s true, your dog may need glasses. Rosie, a lovely Standard Poodle, was showing signs of impaired vision. She began to mistake friendly, nice humans as those who deserve her “words” (and maybe a few teeth) for approaching when they should know to ask before they pet her. A girl has gotta’ have some boundaries to be safe in this world!
Normally, as a trainer, I would suggest a head collar and some redirecting for when Rosie is passing people who just have to touch a pretty Standard such as herself. In this case, I told Susan we should try glasses. Maybe Rosie’s vision is shifting right along with ours, and clearer vision may do the trick. I know I’m far less likely to growl and bear my teeth when I can see clearly who is approaching.
There will be an adjustment period required in order for Rosie to adapt to her new look. Personally, I think she looks beautiful in her new specks!
