Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Vacationing Strays

Every once in a while, even a dog walker finds the time to enjoy a vacation. And that's exactly what I did over Thanksgiving week! I packed my bags and headed down to the Caribbean with my family.

It's easy to say that the lifestyle on the islands that we visited are very different than the lifestyle in North Andover, MA! And that's not just for us two-legged inhabitants, life for dogs in the Caribbean can be a little less glamorous than our spoiled pups. I saw plenty of stray dogs laying along the streets, as well as dogs with collars walking around without a leash, or tied to a car. Most females looked as if they had a number of litters of puppies...apparently spaying and neutering dogs in the Caribbean wasn't the trend!

However, there was something different about the stray dogs compared to the dogs that I walk back at home...and I'm not just talking about the fact that they didn't have a warm roof over their heads. These dogs were well behaved!

Ok, before I go further, I'm not saying that the dogs that I walked are BADLY behaved. But, even my two girls will jump onto a guest or beg at the kitchen table once in a while. And plenty of dogs pull on the leash. It happens!

But while in the Dominican Republic, I watched a young dog, tied to a truck, lay patiently for his owner. No crying, no pulling, no barking. Just laying patiently. If Reese were tied to that truck, boy would she make a fuss! So why doesn't this dog do the same, as his owner sat nearby at a booth selling jewelry and tourists walked back and forth?

The blame goes to us. This dog has been conditioned. His owner doesn't spoil him and see him as a family member like we do our pups. So when the dog cries, or is unhappy being tied to the truck, he just doesn't care. He doesn't go over to comfort his dog or give him a Kong to keep him busy or take him for a walk. He ignores the pup, so the pup learns that crying does no good. He might as well just lay down and take a nap.

There was another dog that I saw at a beach in Tortola. The beach was filled with beach chairs and tourists swimming, playing, and lounging. This dog plopped herself right in the center of the beach and took in the sights. When she saw someone eating some food, she politely walked closer to the person and sat patiently. She didn't beg directly, didn't jump on him, didn't try to grab the food out of his hands. And he gave her some food.

But what if the stray did try to grab his food, or jump onto the guy? He would not be happy! He'd shoo her away, and she would not get any food. Most tourists aren't going to bother to cater to a stray dog that's being a pest. But...if they were back at home though and their lovable little maltese was barking and jumping for a piece of a sandwich...the case may be different!
So perhaps these strays can teach us a lesson or two. They certainly seemed content with their lives, though I'm sure a haircut on the stray at the beach would do her good! And a warm home and loving family beats living on the streets. However, what they have that many of our dogs don't have, is rules, expectations, and structure. They behave because they benefit from the behavior, and because misbehaving gets them nowhere. Our dogs misbehave because we put up with it, deal with it, and cater to it!

I guess maybe I should had brought Elsa and Reese on my trip to learn a thing or two : )

Monday, November 2, 2009

Pet Dogs vs Show Dogs

Pet dogs versus show dogs (A little humor)

Pet dogs raid the garbage. Obedience dogs are very food motivated.
Pet dogs shed. Show dogs blow coat.
Pet dogs are in heat. Show dogs come into season.
Pet dogs run around the house. Show dogs show tremendous reach and drive.
Pet dogs stand. Show dogs stack.
Pet dogs get a bath. Show dogs are groomed.
Pet dogs beg for treats. Show dogs animate for bait.
Pet dogs jump the fence. Obedience dogs demonstrate problem solving intelligence.
Pet dogs bark at other dogs. Agility dogs show excitement before showing.
Pet dogs are hyper. Show dogs are high-drive.
Pet dogs steal socks and laundry. Show dogs show natural retrieving ability.
Pet dogs find and chew up their owners’ shoes. Show dogs are practicing scent articles.

- Author unknown

Monday, October 5, 2009

SuperZoo 2009

On September 15th, 2009, my husband, Chris, and I packed our bags and took a flight out to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2009 SuperZoo pet industry tradeshow! Having both previously working at PetEdge, a pet supply manufacturing company, we were not strangers to these remarkable shows. Filled with the latest and greatest products in the pet industry, the shows are geared towards pet store owners looking for ways to improve their stores. In additional, doggie daycare owners, groomers, and dog walking businesses attend the show to increase their knowledge of the industry and find ways to expand their businesses.

Back when we were at PetEdge, Chris and I had to work the PetEdge booth. We would talk to people as they walked by and looked at our products. But we could never walk around the show! Every excuse I had I'd try walking down a different row to take a peek at all of the new products...dresses and costumes for small pups, beer for dogs, canned food that was sampled...to people! But I only got a glimpse of all of that and used to dream of being the business owner who could walk the floor looking for ways to better my business.

Flash forward a couple of years and there I am!


It felt amazing walking that floor as a business owner and I was able to spend all the time I had to look at new products and see where the industry is going. I saw Magic Color, a dye used to color dogs. There was Out of the Box, a card game filled with training games for you and your pup. A bottle cap that you put on your water bottle so that your dog can take a drink. And lots and lots of new dog foods....dehydrated foods, frozen raw foods, organic foods...you name it, they had it! What I enjoyed seeing the most were all of the interactive toys that are now available to keep our pups busy and thinking. With a little busy body of a dog at home (Reese) I know how wonderful those toys can be. Not only that, but all of my client's dogs are home alone until I show up, these toys would just be wonderful to keep them occupied while no one's home!

What was even better about the show were the informative seminars held everyday. Boy did I learn a lot about customer service, management, and running a successful business. I couldn't wait to get home to work on improving my business!

And on top of all of that, we were in Vegas. I had never been! What an amazing city. My feet were tired and sore after walking the trade show floor all day but that didn't stop us from exploring the city at night. I can't say I'm any lucky in the casinos...but I had fun regardless!

What an amazing trip we had! And how lucky I am to be on the other side of the show...walking around as a business owner, with a supportive husband who is just as excited as I am! I learned so much about the pet industry and all of those new products that are available for our lovable pups. I have the luxury of working in one of the best industries I can...I mean, who doesn't love their dog?? I'm very excited for BlueDog's future...there are BIG things to come!!


Monday, September 21, 2009

Tops Dogs of All Time

Happy Anniversary AKC!

In celebration of 125 years, the American Kennel Club has posted the top 10 most popular breeds of all time. Congrats to the Collies!!

Top Dogs of All Time

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

How's Your Dog's Short-Term Memory?

Recently Chris watched a show discussing the intelligence of dogs. Unfortunately, I missed it. He did his best (in a guy sort of way) to fill me in on the interesting stuff (I bet it was all interesting!)

The part that he thought was the most amusing was a short-term memory test given to the dogs. It's simple enough. They showed the evaluator in a room with a dog with a handful of treats. She showed the dog the treats, then proceeded to hide them while the dog watched. Under a couch, on top of a table...easy to find but somewhat hidden. She made sure the dog saw her place each cookie. Then she took the dog into another room and distracted it for 30 seconds by playing with the dog or practicing some basic commands. At the end of the 30 seconds she let the dog back into the room with the cookies.

The concept is that if the dog finds the cookies, he has a good short-term memory. The less he finds, the worse his memory. Well, Chris and I couldn't resist testing our own two girls. They watched as I hid a couple of cookies in the living room, then we headed to the kitchen for 30 seconds of playtime.

Anxiously, I brought them back into the living
room...hoping to prove that Elsa and Reesie are two very bright girls with amazing memories! Well...not quite. Upon entering the room, both girls began sniffing around...so they must've remembered that cookies were in there! Reese found one cookie, gobbled it up, and began sniffing some more while Elsa just sniffed. But it didn't take long for both girls to lose interest and find better things to do.

One more try! I was sure that my girls must be able to remember after only 30 seconds where I hid the cookies! This time Reese sniffed briefly and then looked at me for further instruction. Elsa seemed more intent on finding something to eat and did manage to find one cookie, searched some more, then gave up.


So lesson learned...my girls don't have good short-term memories! Apparently a short-term memory isn't necessary to win obedience titles : ) Try it out, how's your dog's short-term memory??

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Way To Go Reesie!!


Congrats to Reese for passing her AKC Canine Good Citizen test (on her second try.) My smart little girl has learned NOT to bark, and was perfect throughout the entire test : )

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Why Touch?

I had mentioned in a previous post about the benefits of clicker training with your dog. Now for a trick that not only creates a game for your dog, but also provides a number of additional training opportunities!

The trick is "touch." It's simple enough, you teach your dog to touch something with his nose. Start by holding a clicker and a couple of treats in your left hand, out of your dog's reach. Put your right hand out, palm facing your pup. Likely, he's going to go straight for your right hand, checking it out. When he does, click the clicker and give him a treat. Once again, put your right hand out, when he goes to sniff it and touches it, click and treat. Keep doing that, and if he loses interest, simply help him out...make your right hand interesting by moving it towards or away from him. Continue over and over again, it takes lots of repetitions for a dog to fully understand what you're looking for. Once he gets 99% consistent, add your cue and say "touch" before you put your right hand out. Click and treat as you had been before. It's a great trick to practice at anytime...even while you're on the couch watching tv!


Once he understands the trick, there's lots you can do with it! If you have problems with your dog getting distracted on walks, bring a clicker and treats with you. If you see another dog approach, put out your right hand and say "touch!" Click and treat! Make it fun so that he's interested in the game...put your hand high, low, behind your back. Make that pup work for it! Try it when someone comes over the house to distract him from greeting and jumping up on your visitor.


You can also teach him to touch other objects besides your hand. Something as simple as a tupperware cover or paper plate. Hold it in your right hand and the clicker and treats in your left. Start like you had when you began the trick....put it in front of him, click when he touches it. It won't take long for him to realize it's the same game you had played with your hand, so you can quickly add your cues. Now hold it lower, "touch," click and treat. Lower and lower, until you place it on the ground. If he gets confused, help him out as you had before...hold it higher or make it fun by moving it around. Once he understands to touch it on the ground, you can start moving it! One foot away...two feet away. Make it a game, how far can he go!
Once he gets that, if you have a dog that doesn't like to go into the crate, teach him with touch! Put your plate into the crate and tell him "touch!" When he goes into the crate and touches the plate, click! When he returns to you give him a treat. Good boy! Play that game and suddenly the crate doesn't seem so bad to him!! You can do the same in the evening when you want him to settle. Put the plate on his bed and tell him to touch. Start clicking only after he's touched the crate and pauses on the bed. Longer and longer. Once he's standing on his bed for a while after touching the plate, you can add a second cue, "settle."

Making the game fun and interesting will make it easy for your dog to learn. And be creative with what you can do with it! It opens up a number of opportunities to expand your dog's training while making it fun fun FUN!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Albert Payson Terhune Quote

"Soon or later, every dog's master's memory becomes a graveyard; peopled by wistful little furry ghosts that creep back unbidden, at times, to a semblance of their olden lives."



Thursday, August 20, 2009

Garden Time Fun

To beat the heat, yesterday morning after Chris left for work I packed my girls up in the car and we headed to The Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover. If you live in the area and have never been, it's a fabulous to take a dog for a walk! Not only are there many places for a dog to explore and a field to run in, but the gardens are just beautiful to walk through. It makes for a fun, peaceful walk!

The Stevens-Coolidge Place

Yes, there's a Collie in this picture:


Elsa LOVES to jump up on anything, she's such a show off!



My little girl loves to run!

Taking some time to check stuff out.





Off to the field! Reese is always leading the way...


But Elsa's not far behind.

Here I come!!!

Once again, the show off. She should be a farm dog!

A minute to relax.

And then off again!

My girls...Reese

and Elsa

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Please Don't Bark! (continuation of "The Big Test")

We came back into the building just as it was our turn. Into the ring we went. First heeling, then greeting a friendly stranger with a dog, sit, down, stay, come when called...Reese did perfect! She was attentive, well behaved, she made me proud!



Then it was time for our down-stay. The evaluator sat in a chair in the middle of the ring and I asked Reese to lay down next to her. "Please don't bark, Reese," I said, then I gave her a firm "stay," handed the evaluator the leash, and left the room. With my fingers crossed, I waited. The seconds slowly ticked by. One minute. Two minutes. We're going to do it!

And then I heard it. A bark. Oh no. Another bark. Please Reese, no more. But it was too late, I could just picture her, staring at the evaluator and asking her to play by bark-bark-barking. Sure enough, 3 grueling minutes were up, I walked into the room and Reese was sitting up, head back, barking her head off. I approached the evaluator and she apologized but said she could not pass Reese, she shouldn't bark that much. I know...


Disappointed and frustrated, I packed Reese and Elsa into the car and we left without a certificate. But I wasn't defeated. Prior to leaving I learned a little trick on how to stop a dog from barking. A trick that seemed so easy, it was almost too good to be true. We retake the test in 3 weeks. This time, we'll be ready...and Reese will be quiet...

The Big Test!

Last Monday was the big day, Reese was taking her AKC Canine Good Citizen test! We had practiced for 7 weeks straight and were as ready as ever! She had excelled in class in nearly everything, she heeled perfectly, came when called, waited patiently as a stranger petted her.

But there was one tasked that Reese didn't like: the 3 minute down-stay with a stranger while I left the room. I'll hand it to Reese, in my opinion, it's the hardest part of the CGC test. However, Reese found it especially difficult! She's a busy little girl and doesn't like to have to wait, laying down is just no fun!

And Reese has quite the approach to expressing her opinion: she barks. And barks. And barks!! And that was just our problem during practice. Once I'd leave the room, Reese would look up at the woman she had to lay next to and in her way of saying "hey, let's do something!" she'd bark!


So we practiced at home over and over again. Elsa would help. She'd lay right next to Reese, 3 minutes straight. I'd go upstairs, into the kitchen, in and out. And there they'd lay. Perfect. We were ready for the big test!


It was really hot that day, but Reese joined me the entire day on my dog walks. I wanted her good and tired...and tired dog is a well behaved dog! We got home after the long day, met Chris and Elsa, hopped in the car and made our way to American K9 Country in Amherst NH where we were taking our test.

However, upon arrival, my little girl who was supposed to be nice and tired was entirely NOT! She bounced around with excitement in seeing all of her family members (both 2 and 4-footed) who came to watch. Not a good sign. And then she began to bark. "Look at me!" she'd say, "let's play!!" I tried to get her focused by practicing some basic tricks but my little girl was just too excited. And barked barked barked. It was then that I decided I just had to tucker her out....

...so outside we went, into the muggy heat. And I began to run. We ran around and around the building, over and over again until we were both tired and hot. Now we're ready!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Calendar Quote


"I wonder if it is heretical to believe that when at last my tired feet shall tread the Other Shore, a madly welcoming swirl of exultant Collies-the splendid Sunnybank dogs who have been my chums here-will bound forward, circling and barking around me to lead me home!"
<3

~Albert Payson Terhune

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Can You Teach an Old Dog a New Trick?

It has begun. Elsa and I have taken the giant leap from Rally-Obedience to regular AKC Obedience. And boy do we have a lot to learn!

Our new "teacher" is Celeste Meade. She has been competing in obedience at the national level for over 25 years with unbelievable accomplishments, and travels the nation promoting her "attitude is everything" approach on dog training. Last night I met a woman who drives a 6 hour round trip from Connecticut twice a week just to work under Celeste! I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from such a successful dog trainer!

As I've mentioned before, regular obedience differs from Rally-O in many ways. Mostly, everything has to be perfect in obedience! Whereas in Rally-O you can talk to your dog and minor "oops" don't matter as much. Not the case in obedience! Elsa and I have to perfect everything we know, and it's my job to keep it all fun fun FUN!


So can you teach an old dog new tricks? Elsa's already 5 years old. I'll have to basically start from scratch to bring her to the level I want her to be at. Most people tell me it takes 2 years of training before their dog is ready for the show ring! Here we go Elsa...we've got a lot of catching up to do!!


Thursday, July 30, 2009

Oyster Cracker Magic

While Chris was down in Florida for a work meeting this Tuesday, I avoided a boring evening at home by myself by packing up the girls and heading to my parent's house in Atkinson, NH. I didn't get my love from dogs late in life...I grew up in a household filled with dogs, and nothing has changed.

My parent's current senior dog is a big...BIG...11 year old Collie named Timmy. Timmy's flamboyant, happy, and stinks. But we love him regardless. Next is Levi, the only non-Collie of the household. He's a 7 year old pug and meets the breed's standards to a tee...loves food, loves people, snores and snorts. Mollie is a 5 year old Collie, "daddy's little girl." She loves my dad so much it's scary. Lastly there's Jack, Reese's brother. Like most male Collies, he's big and lovable, a real sweetheart. So sweet, I sometimes wonder why I opted for the difficult, bratty little female instead of her laid back big brother!

Elsa & Reese just love to hang out with their "cousins" and were ready to play as soon as we arrived! We hung out by the pool, went for a walk, and chilled out on the porch...a perfect evening in my book! Following dinner, my dad broke out the oyster crackers...my parents treat of choice for their spoiled dogs. Before long, all six of our dogs were doing all that they could to impress my dad enough for him to give them a cracker. Sitting, laying down, jumping up (Reese!!)...anything for a cracker!

Suddenly my mom and I realized that this would make just an adorable picture. My mom grabbed her camera and we were faced with the difficulty of getting EVERY dog to sit still! We tried everything...each of us taking a shot at it. We tried having them all sit...nope. All lay down...still not working. We'd tell them to "stay" but not everyone was being obedient.

Suddenly I had an idea. Instead of telling them to "stay," why not "leave-it?" I took a cracker, told everyone to lay down, placed the cracker in front of them and said "leave-it!" Sure enough, we got the attention of all 6 dogs...no one was going anywhere while there was a cracker in front of them!

And so finally, we got our picture!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

A Swim at Kennebunk!

Collies are definitely not known for their swimming abilities (Ok, well maybe with the exception of Lassie.) But Reesie proved all wrong this weekend! She joined me for a dip in the ocean up at Kennebunk, Maine this weekend! AND Elsa celebrated her 5th birthday! We all had a blast...so much fun that maybe we'll head back to Maine next weekend too!









Thursday, July 16, 2009

THIS is why I LOVE my job!

Every day I experience as a dog walker is filled with laughs, surprises, and on occasion, frustration. However, it's not very often that I get so delighted I get a chill...on a hot summer day!

I've mentioned Gracie before, she's a "retriever-mix," I couldn't even guess what she's made up of. She was adopted by her "parents" as a pup and has quickly GROWN up! She's tall, athletic, and absolutely FULL of energy. I spend most of my visits with her "playing soccer," which is basically a fetch game with a soccer ball...the entire half hour. I stay in her fenced in yard most of the times because her "sister," Petunia, a little pug, can't really handle keeping up with her BIG sister. Of course, we go on the occasional walk, but we can't go too far, Petunia's little legs just can't handle it!

So opportunity knocked when Gracie and Petunia's "mom" told me that because she's a teacher, she'll be around during the summer. But she still wanted to give her pups the opportunity to get exercise and play with me over her vacation. So I mentioned taking Gracie for a run once a week...no Petunia...just her and I! Her mom agreed, and we've already enjoyed two wonderful runs.

Gracie has never been polite on the leash, so for our first run, it took a while for her to figure out what I expected. After walking a half a mile, treats in hand, Gracie got it, and we started to jog. The run began with quite the climb...up Sutton Hill Road...and boy can that girl RUN! I am an avid runner myself, but I've never scurried up a hill as fast as she did. We continued to test each other, she'd try to stop and sniff, I'd want to keep running. Or she'd run up ahead, and I was lagging behind. It wasn't until we were about a mile into it, turning toward the park at the Old Center, when Gracie "got it." And when she got it, we made a great pair! She finally settled at a loose lead by my left side, we went the same pace, we weren't distracted. We were just a girl and a dog out for a run. That's when the chill hit me...boy do I LOVE my job : )

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Elsa ROCKS at RALLY!

I've talked in the past about showing Elsa in an AKC sport called Rally-Obedience. There are 3 levels of Rally: Novice, Advanced, and Excellent. Elsa recently earned her third title in Rally Excellent, we can't go any higher than that! I absolutely love the sport and Reese will soon try her luck in the Rally show ring as well. And instead of trying to describe it, below I've posted a video of Elsa and I at a show this winter, you can see how much fun it is! The greatest thing about competing in Rally with Elsa is that the two of us must work together, she must watch and listen to me, and I must tell her exactly what to do. In this video we're competing in Rally Advanced, Elsa did a wonderful job and placed 1st in her class! However, you may notice that I was quite nervous! Rally-O is something that anyone can get involved in and your pup will LOVE working and competing with you! You can also read additional information about Rally-Obedience on the AKC website: Rally


Thursday, July 2, 2009

Rain Rain GO AWAY!

At this point, anyone living in New England has just had enough of this rain! Lucky you, being nice and dry in your cubicle...(ok I take that back, I'll walk in the rain before returning to a cube.)

But not only have we enjoyed weeks on end of constant rain, but our icing on the cake has been some recent thunderstorms. And I know there are some pups who just aren't too happy about these recent storms...Elsa being one of them! She insisted on cuddling with me in bed the other morning as a severe storm rumbled above us. But she wasn't always that way, in her early years she didn't bat an eye as a storm passed us by.

As I walked Sox yesterday afternoon we heard some distant rumbling which caused a temporary pause, but he quickly got back to sniffing. Then as I walked Bailey J. and Bailey O. together we heard some louder thunder. Bailey J. paused at the sound, looked at the sky, and then continued her walk. However Bailey O. got startled and ran to the end of the leash, crying a bit, but soon realized that the storm was not heading our way and got back to enjoying our walk. But not all dogs can tolerate a storm. Upon trying to discover why Wallace, a sweet, hound-mix rescue dog, was being fearful on some of his walks with Lauren and particularly on a rainy day, I learned that he has an over-sensitivity to thunderstorms, which could likely affect his behavior on some days.

But what is it that makes dogs fearful of thunderstorms? The easy answer to that question is that they don't like the loud sound of thunder. But why, then, would Elsa become increasingly fearful of thunderstorms? There is another theory out there which may better explain our dogs' fear of storms, called the static-electricity theory.

The static-electricity theory is that dogs become statically charged during a thunderstorm and receive electric shocks, unless they ground themselves.

Hm interesting...so what's the evidence? Well, first off, a lot of breeds that are more susceptible of a thunderstorm-phobia are herding and retrieving breeds. Many of these breeds carry larger, heavier coats (that favor buildup of an electric charge) such as a Collie. As well, during storms, many dogs can be found hiding in a bathtub, shower stall, or pressed behind the toilet...all excellently grounded due to plumbing. And it's been found that many dog owners who seek help in relieving their dog's phobia will say that they've received electric shocks from their dogs during a storm.


The theory also explains why dogs like Elsa will progressively gain a fear of t-storms. Dogs learn based on experiences and trial-and-error. Elsa was never extremely fearful of loud sounds, so thunder never effected her. The likelihood that during a chance storm, there was a crack of thunder that was so severe and scary that it has made her fearful of all storms is slim. What's more likely is that during a particularly severe storm, she gained such a large charge buildup that she received an electric shock that startled her and possibly hurt her (think of when you touch something and receive a shock, ouch!)

So why, then, do dogs react to the actual sound thunder in a fearful manner? It may be a secondary fear that came about as an association to the charge buildup. Some dogs that have a serious phobia may also become fearful of dark skies, wind, and rain...all because they associate them with the static charges.

Of course, this is all just a theory, but it's supported by more and more evidence. I recently read an article written by Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a behavior veterinarian who heads the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinarian Medicine and author of multiple books on dog behavior. Though he's found it difficult to completely omit the fear in some dogs, there are a number of preventative measures that have been found to increase the dogs' comfort during t-storms. He suggests that prior to or at the onset of a t-storm, rubbing your dog with an anti-static laundry pad, misting your dog with water, or putting them onto a nonconducting surface such as a tile or linoleum floor. And most interestingly, he suggests putting your dog into a car (shielding your dog from static buildup!)

So if your dog is fearful of the thunderstorms that we've been experiencing recently, you may want to try some of those options to see if they work. Looking out the window, it looks like right now is a perfect time to try it out....WHEN will this rain go away!?

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Another Collie!

It doesn't require much reading for you to realize that I absolutely LOVE Collies! Not only have I grown up in a household filled with Collies and currently own two myself, but I find every bit of their personality to be absolutely perfect! (Sorry to any offend anyone, but we're all titled to our opinions!)

And so you could only imagine my excitement when I received a call to take care of Abby, a sweet, 10 year old blue-merle Collie. During our week together, despite the awful weather (ugh this rain!!) Abby and I had a wonderful time together! She was a quirky old girl, every time I'd snap on her leash she'd grab it and carry it as we walked out of the house. And whereas my girls would tip-toe around puddles (they don't even like to walk in wet grass!) Abby would slowly make her way through a puddle, enjoying every moment! She also loved to roll in the grass, even as it was pouring rain. And of course, she got along wonderfully with Elsa and Reese, I truly believe that dogs recognize others who are of the same breed. We were lucky with one sunny day and I was able to snap some great pictures of the three Collies walking through a field at Spring Hill Farm. Enjoy!!


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Update on Reese

What a busy week! I haven't had much time to post anything, I've been busy walking in the rain and in my spare time, I'm researching how to take care of a dog with epilepsy. Reesie went to the vet on Friday and it seems as though she likely has Idiopathic Epilepsy. We don't know the underlying cause of her partial seizures, but I'm doing all that I can to prevent anymore from occuring. And the very first thing that I'm doing is changing her food. Reese has been on Merrick dog food, which contains grains. Grains are not a natural food for dogs and can cause all kinds of problems, including allergies and seizures. So Reese is currently transitioning to a new, grain-free diet. She had a bloodtest taken but nothing of alarm was found. She did test positive for Lyme disease, however seizures aren't a common symptom of the disease. For now, the best thing that I can do is provide Reese with the healthiest diet and supplements possible, offer a healthy dose of exercise, and keep a detailed diary every day. I'm starting to get used to the idea that Reese may experience additional seizures in the future, but I'm still watching my sweet little girl very closely (and over-analyzing everything, just as any other over protective mother would!) She's certainly enjoying the extra attention! I hope that I can provide enough changes to prevent anymore seizures and as I find time, will certainly post what I've learned to help everyone provide healthier lives for their lovable pups!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

The Nose Knows

The other day as my husband, Chris, and I were walking our girls, he brought up something that he said really amazes him. He said he was amazed that dogs, such as bloodhounds, can be used to track people. He asked me if people really have a scent that is strong enough to be picked up by a dog. I agreed, it is quite impressive! And it's not just bloodhounds and other tracking dogs that have impressive noses.

I was thinking about what he said while I was out walking dogs. I see them sniffing constantly,
but I always wonder what exactly it is that they're smelling, and if our pets can actually distinguish what those scents are. Well, Carmen showed me that our dogs do indeed recognize and react to the scents that they're smelling! Carmen is a little "cavapoo," a mix between a mini Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. So really, his pedigree does not include any noted trackers! There's another little dog, Codi, who lives near Carmen, and the two just don't get along. Codi is a little bully and Carmen has learned to react to him in a defensive manner...he barks, his hair goes up on his back, and he runs around.

The other day we were on our way back to the house when we passed Codi's owner. Carmen, in his super friendly way, went over to her to say hi, tail wagging and jumping with excitement! After the initial hello, he did what most dogs do, he started sniffing her all over. It didn't take long for Carmen to catch a wiff of his nemesis, Codi! Immediately Carmen started barking, his hair went up, and he started looking around for Codi! Not only could he smell another dog, but he recognized Codi's smell and reacted to it as if Codi was there.

I was unhappy to see that the initial happy greeting was ruined, but just amazed that little Carmen can make the association based on his nose! No doubt he could land a job in search and rescue!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Elsa & Petunia

A Scary Moment

Well this weekend didn't turn out as we had hoped. It all started off well. Early Friday morning the girls, my husband Chris, and I all got up early and headed to the Topsfield Fairgrounds for Elsa to compete for her final leg in Rally Excellent. And though it was a dreary, rainy day and Elsa missed a jump, she still managed to leave with a red ribbon and her RE title! We've gone further with Rally-O than I had ever imagined but it's time to move on to obedience...classes start next Monday!

That afternoon we headed off for a weekend at my parent's lake house on Bow Lake in NH. The girls had the chance to play with their "cousins," my parent's three Collies and a pug. Saturday was beautiful, we took lots of walks and both Elsa and Reese got to swim in the lake. They had a wonderful time.

However, Sunday had a gloomy, rainy start and my parents headed out early with their dogs. Chris and I decided to make the most of our weekend, he had taken Monday off, so we stayed and began a game of monopoly. After a little while I went into the kitchen to get a drink, Reese following me, when I suddenly heard her trip into the water bowl on the ground. Finding this odd, I had her follow me into the living room to see if she was alright. But she wasn't. She began to stumble to the left, her back leg unable to hold her up and her front leg folding under her as well. Chris bent down and Reese tried to cuddle with him while trying her hardest to regain her balance and began whining. Her left side just wouldn't support her. I sat close to her on the ground and my poor little girl fell into my lap, whining and scared. She rested for a bit as I calmed her. After resting like that for some time, she tried to get up, and with my help was able to stand and walk. Chris took her outside and she trotted around as if nothing had happened.

We believe that Reese had a partial seizure. I have an appointment with my vet on Friday this week. It was a scary event and we hope that she doesn't have another episode in the meantime. There are many things that can cause a seizure and their prevalent in Collies, but I can only hope for my little girl that this is something that we can prevent in the future. In the meantime, she'll be taking some time off from walking other dogs with me. But of course, that doesn't mean she won't be going on walks when I get home, and Elsa will stay around to keep her company during the day! I'll continue posting updates on Reesie <3

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Am I a Boring Dog Walker?

So I just mentioned Druno and Doobie yesterday. Well, those two little boys also have two big brothers, Dexter and Bogart. It's quite the dynamic group and let me tell you, I receive quite the welcoming when I walk into the house! Every one of them is a sufficient watch dog, so there's a lot of barking upon my entrance. However, amongst all of the barking, there's a sound that I've just recently begun picking up on. After his initial barking, Dexter will keep yawning! And it's not just any yawn, but it's followed by a high pitch whine. Once I noticed it, I'd listen for his yawn everyday, and sure enough that's what he'd do!

So yesterday, I decided to take note of any other dog who yawned upon my entrance. My day began with Kelsey the poodle. I thought back and couldn't recall ever noticing Kelsey yawning during any of my visits. However, she does have a silly habit of "stalling" before going out. Like any typical poodle, she'll bounce around, stretch, sit, get back up, sit, stretch! It goes on and on like that everytime I try to put her collar on and I must show a lot of patience as I wait for her to settle down. Well, sure enough, yesterday morning as I waiting for her "stalling" to finish, Kelsey let out a BIG, loud yawn! Ah-ha! Apparently Dexter isn't the only one whose bored by my visits.....

And it didn't stop there. Next I visited Gracie and Petunia. As soon as I went towards Gracie's crate to let her outside, she yawned and followed it with a whine. Once I saw that it wasn't going to rain any longer, I swung by my house to pick up Elsa and Reese. As I picked up their collars, both let out a yawn. And at the end of the day when I brought them over to play with Solo, sure enough, he also let out a loud yawn. Apparently I'm a boring dog walker.....

...But that's actually not the case! Dogs don't yawn for the same reasons as us. In dogs, it's referred to as a calming signal and is used to cope with excitement. A yawn fills their lungs with air and boosts their brain with oxygen and increases their heart rate. When I walk through the door, all of these dogs are excited and anticipate a walk and a good time! So to prepare for action, they yawn!

Studies also suggest, just as with people, that yawning is contagious and can be used to calm your dog down. In theory, you can yawn at your dog and he'll yawn back, making him more relaxed! Well, I just yawned about 15 times in front of Reese, she just stared at me as if I were crazy! And when I tried it out on Elsa, she saw it as an invitation to crawl up onto my lap. So, apparently my yawns aren't contagious...but at least I'm not a boring dog walker!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Haven't I Mentioned the Leash Law...??

I think the weathermen might've gotten a couple of things wrong today. I was prepared for downpours all day long, but instead, to my delight, there was very little rain! Which was the case when I arrived to take Bruno and Doobie for their walks. Bruno is the cutest little dashund you'll ever meet who is a splitting image of Max, the dog from "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." Yes, he's that cute. Doobie is a little Maltese who thinks he's the size of a Great Dane, he's the funniest dog ever.

We walk down to the Lawrence park on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the boys absolutely love it. Today, because the grass was wet from the earlier rain, we walked along the perimeter of the park on the sidewalk. The boys were having a wonderful time, but as we got to the far end of the park I noticed two very large dogs running around loose. Their owner was nearby but didn't appear to have voice control. Well, I know the dogs that I walk and if/who they'll get along with, but I don't know the two big dogs running around the park. Not only that, but I've walked Bruno and Doobie past these two big dogs before, they reacted horribly...barking, growling, and pulling at the leash. Therefore, I quickly turned the boys around to go the other way. We made our way back without being spotted.


However, that hasn't always been the case with those two. Last fall I was walking them down the street with Elsa, we were on our way back home when all of a sudden I heard lots of shouting. I looked across the street to find a dog running full speed towards us. He was a pit bull and showed no interest in listening to his owner's calls nor any signs of slowing down. Without hesitation I braced myself and stood square and tall in front of the three dogs, not knowing what to expect. Then, out of nowhere, a car came speeding down the road and collided with the dog! He yelped, was thrown into the air, and leaped back onto his feet and took off in the opposite direction, his owner running after him. I barely had time to realize what had happened and as much as I love dogs, I must say my first feeling was that of relief. I have no idea what that dog would've done had he made his way to us, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out. Based on the way he was running, the pit bull certainly didn't seem affected by the hit, and as soon as we got back to Bruno and Doobie's house I jotted down "buy deterrent" on my to-do list!
...maybe someone should've followed that leash law!....

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