I know a lot of advocates for the raw food diet for dogs. It makes sense considering what they would eat naturally. Some buy the meat already ground, grind it themselves, or purchase the pre-packaged, pre-mixed, thaw-and-serve portions.
I now know of a much easier way to serve it. Less odor, less time, a lot less preparation. Serve it frozen! Some dogs get excited over chewing on an ice cube. What could be better than a raw meat popsicle? Not much, according to Mac.
While staying at Mac’s other home, he decided to save his human friend a little work. She had left a completely frozen roast in the sink to thaw for later preparation. She left for a short period of time, as the rock-hard frozen roast lay unguarded in the sink. Who needs preparation if you’re a dog?
Mac ate the frozen roast and all evidence was removed less a tiny square of what was the wrapper. I’m sure this particular popsicle also served as a remover of tooth decay! In more ways than one, Mac knew he was on to something. Meat Popsicles! Since he can’t speak in words, he used his own form of sign language - a demonstration of sorts - to communicate his exciting concept. Brilliant idea!
For those of you who contact me because your dog counter surfs, I say, “hmmmm? I don’t know anything about that.” =)
Maybe your dogs are like mine and know the furniture is off limits. Well, unless they are invited. I can step out the door to water the plants or do laundry and return within minutes to this scene:
I, of course, look at them authoritatively as I sincerely ask them to, GET OFF THE COUCH! But, first, let me get the camera. They are so cute when they disobey!
Usually, when you think of a dog enjoying a breeze on its face, you think of them riding in the car with their head out the window. Some dogs really love it. I can only imagine the 1000’s (that’s a modest number) of scents they are aware of as they stick their muzzle out as far as they can.
In California (and other states) there is a $500 fine if someone reports you for having left your dog in a car. I understand the law was made for those who are inconsiderate or perhaps naive to think that when it is 100 degrees outside, there may be temperatures double that in a closed car - and in a very short period of time. I’m not writing to talk about this; however, maybe it’s a good reminder or information for those who don’t know this law exists or if someone needs a law to prevent them from accidentally endangering their dog. Whether or not this law is necessary year-round is a topic for debate.
This time of year in the desert, there aren’t many places to take your dog where you can have the window down as they ride along feeling the wind in their faces. As I sat in my living room, I witnessed how my dogs also love this experience but they don’t have to leave the comfort of the ottoman to have it! The fan was oscillating and little did I know (until now) how much they enjoy it.
I love to watch the antics of my dogs after their bath time! If given a chance, most dogs will roll around and frolic after their bath. While it appears they feel great and are doing a dance of joy, my guess is they are trying to get their stink back on!
Here’s Melody, my little Yorkie, after her bath. She always makes me smile. I like to think I’m smiling with her.
There are so many options when it comes to purchasing a collar for your dog. Should you use a harness? What type of harness is best? If using a collar, is the flat nylon style adequate? Some trainers will only train using a prong/pinch (or power steering collar, as I call them). My personal
favorite is the Martingale-style training collar.
Let’s face it, dog training is dog training when it comes to basic commands. It’s what happens when the leash and collar come off that is the true test. A lot of dogs go into their training mode when a specific collar is used for training versus the one used for a walk. They quickly learn what is expected depending on their “jewelry.” Much like a service or search and rescue dog knows it’s working when wearing a vest. Dogs are smart! We train them well (or they train us well). =)
I make certain that any dog I work with knows their commands regardless of their collar or harness. The collar and leash are tools. The end result is not that your dog responds nicely during the 15 - 20 minutes of training, but rather they listen, respect, and want to please you when training is done. Training becomes a way of life. Aren’t we always teaching others how to treat us!
After the basics, I suggest switching to a 15 - 20 foot leash to perfect “stay.” It’s also beneficial for teaching them to “come” and for distance learning. Too often, after puppy class, the leash and training are set aside until the dog does something not so pleasing to the human. I can assure you, the dog is always great at being a dog and not so great at thinking like a human. It takes (a lot) of time and consistency to create a mutually respectful relationship with your dog.
As a side note, I have seen too many dogs who were broken (for lack of a better word) by harsh training using a prong collar. Not every dog is the same, and it’s important to be willing to try different tools to see what works for your dog. If a trainer/behaviorist only does it one way, I’d find another trainer. No two dogs are the same any more than two humans.
I am happy to answer any questions you have, and if you live in the Palm Springs area, I would love the opportunity to work with you and your fur family.
Usually when we think of a dog and its instincts, we don’t think in the context of us (dog) versus them (instinct). A dog may never be truly separated from its instincts, however, it may have to grow into them.
While working with puppies, particularly male puppies, it is interesting to observe their response to their instincts particularly as it pertains to their developing hormones. Until the hormones align with maturity, it is as if their instincts work against them. Some males never lift their leg and others…well, could use a father figure saying something like, “son, never pee into the wind.” In the case of some male pups, it would be, “son, lift the other leg.”
I watched as a six-month-old ALL-MALE pup, sniffed a place where another dog had gone, and rather than lifting the leg next to the targeted rock, lifted the wrong leg. Too funny. I, of course, would never laugh at the dog.
I had him out for socialization, and as he focused on the scent where another dog had marked, he began to mark. What was so entertaining, is he doesn’t yet know to ration his urine so he went freely as he was walking away! Another time, he looked down as he was mid-stream and the urine hit his chin. He jumped with a startled expression as if to ask, “who just sprayed me and why?”
He will get his brain soon and his body will mature and the hormones will stabilize. Until then, I will enjoy the maturing process of this beautiful (when he is sleeping) boy.
Ever noticed how you can easily identify a dog as a specific breed because of their grooming (hairdo)? Now, with some of the mix breeds, it can be very tough to identify a dog unless it has a familiar cut. People are offended when I say, “what a cute Cockapoo (Cocker and Poodle), and they look surprised that I didn’t know it was a Bishon and poodle mix. When they are puppies, it is very tough. The shape (curl, length, cropped) of the tail is a good indicator, but if the dog is sitting, that’s of no help.
I guess if having a specific breed is important, it could be offensive if no one gets it right. I saw a guy at the store with an adorable dog in the shopping cart. Judging by the grooming style, I asked inquisitively, “Labradoodle?” He wasn’t offended at all and informed me it was a Havanese. He kept the hair cut for comfort for the dog and easy care. I liked that. He told me that a woman who also has a Havanese scolded him for not giving the dog a proper hair cut! Too funny. (I don’t really think it’s funny - I think it’s sad).
Since I am their groomer, I don’t groom my dogs so they can easily be identified as their breed, but for their comfort and, quite frankly, ease of care for me! It is much easier when it’s obvious that Melody is a Yorkie and then they look at Moby and wonder. I’m not offended in the least. I get the same look from people trying to guess my nationality(ies)?
I think it would be fun if for one year everyone had their dog’s hair cut like that of another breed dog! This would present a challenge for most groomers and especially for the humans when they go pick up their dog and don’t recognize which one it is!
None of this really matters except to say with all the mixes now and most of them containing some fraction of poodle, you aren’t alone in not knowing what dog is what. You can never lose, by just saying, “what a cute dog!”
