Whiskey and Rowdy

Today was a great day for Whiskey. He laid in my lap totally relaxed. I felt a great sense of accomplishment since he had come home from living with my Mom quite a bit nervous and neurotic. No kissing, no handling, no stoking. But not today, today I could to all of that without him stiffening or swarming out of my hold.

Earlier this year I had made a commitment to my dogs especially my really young dogs. To work and play with them more often. Today the work has definitely panned out. He is enjoying touching much more than before I am so proud of him. It took time and consistency, more consistency than time.

Rowdy is one of the other reasons that I have cut back on  fostering long term.  He has grown by leaps and bounds.   And I hope to do Rally and Splash Dog with him.  Since Rowdy is a reactive dog I work often on his meet and greets.  He just recently got to meet the lastest member of our pack Millie it was great to see him just nuzzle her gently and when I ask him to leave it ,Rowdy returned to sit in front of me like th happy boy he can be.  A very rewarding few days.

We are also getting ready  for Splash Dog event in November in Las Vegas, Neveda.  Our first we will be attending with my husband and his retreiver named Boomer.

Boomer is a prince among dogs.  It will be exciting to see how they both do.  My husband Stephen is every nervous about the dogs embarrassing us.  I believe we should just expect it our first time out. LOL

News from APDT

News from APDT

There is more than one good way to train a dog

In 2006 I met Cesar Millan, his family, and then crew from his show the "Dog Whisperer".  I found him to be real, charming and open .   I did not find that he felt that his way was the only way.  His way was the way that worked for him and many of the dogs he had  dealt with in his behaviour work.  I listen to him tell us at the dinner table how interesting it is to learn someone else's techniques and that each one of us should find our path of what works for us in our dog training businesses or more so in being good behaviourists.  He is quick to say that he is not a dog trainer but a psychologist (behaviourist).  

Cesar had learned from his everyday interactions with dogs and the dogs of his youth in Mexico.  No real formal education in behaviour.  Does that negate his innate talent with dogs, I think not.  Would I do or follow all of his techniques, I think not.  But have I found gems to use with dogs and their humans, absolutely.  I am an animal lover who specializes in canines. I also love people.  I have empathy for people, I feel this is important if we are doing to help their dogs.  If we don't reach the people we will not be able to help or reach the dog.  I feel that this is one of the great attributes that Cesar shares with his clients.  Empathy not to focus on that the human may be handling a situation all wrong with their dog,  but why are they doing this.

And so to move quickly to today and the radio interview of Ian Dunbar the godfather of dog training and behaviour about his collaboration with Cesar on his new book was great.  Ian saw the impact he could make on the people that read the book and perhaps also add to Cesar knowledge,which I believe he is still very much open to.

Thank you Ian for leading us by example into sharing your knowledge, because in doing so you are helping reach more people and their dogs,  And after all isn't that what we are all about.

To be continued.....................

Dogs of October

It is such a joy to watch dogs play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO3GPIOUkog