DOGGY DUDE RANCH:IN THE COMPANY OF DOGS

2011-05-26T10:45:00.000-06:00

Low Pressure and Dog Behavior

2010-11-01T14:09:00.000-06:00

Great blog on behaviour and changes in weather. I see it a great deal in my life and business as well.

Low Pressure and Dog Behavior

Whiskey and Rowdy

2010-10-27T22:39:00.000-06:00

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

2010-10-21T18:33:00.000-06:00

News from APDT

There is more than one good way to train a dog

2010-10-15T03:18:00.000-06:00

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

2010-10-05T11:10:00.000-06:00

It is such a joy to watch dogs play.

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

HOW TO HELP YOU DOG BE LESS STRESSED AT THE KENNEL.

2010-08-14T16:38:00.001-06:00

1. FAMILIARITY HELPS YOUR DOG FEEL LESS STRESSED. IF POSSIBLE HAVE YOUR DOG STAY FOR A DAY ONLY SEVERAL TIMES , THEN AT LEAST ONE OVERNGHT BEFORE LEAVING THEM FOR A LONGER STAY. FOR LOCALS THE FIRST DAY IS FREE (W/ A RESERVATION) AT THE DDR FOR THIS VERY REASON!

2. BRING A PERSONAL BED OR BLANKEY . IF YOUR KENNEL DOES NOT DO THIS THINK ABOUT CHANGING. DOGS LOVE SEEING OR SMELLING SOMETHING FAMILiAR FROM HOME.

3. BRING THEIR OWN FOOD AND DON'T FOR GET THE GOOD STUFF. YOU WANT YOUR DOG TO ASSOCIATE GOOD THINGS WITH GOING TO THE KENNEL. CHANGING THEIR DIET FOR THEIR STAY AND THEN AGAIN WHEN THY COME HOME IS HARD ON THEIR STOMACHS. IF YOUR KENNEL DOES NOT DO THIS CONSIDER CHANGING KENNELS.

4. PROVIDE ENOUGH MEDS ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE IN PAIN. CONSIDER PUTING THEM IN A HUMAN PILL REMINDER.

5.. IF YOUR DOG HAS VERY HIGH ANXIETY DOG TO YOUR VET ABOUT ANY MEDICATIONS THAT THEY MIGHT RECOMMEND. SOME DOGS WILL ALWAYS BE A LITTLE STRESSED. ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE BOARDED VERY INFREQUENTLY. CONSIDER HERBAL REMEDIES THEY HAVE A SOOTHING EFFECT.

AT THE DOGGY DUDE RANCH WE USE MUSIC, LAVANDER AND SPRAY TO HELP OUR ANXIOUS PETS. IT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THEIR EXPERIENCE.

6. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR DOGS DAY AT THE DAY CARE IS NOT TO MUCH FOR THEM. MOST DOGS CAN HANDLE SEVERAL HOURS OF PLAY AND THEN THEY WANT TO CHILL OR BE SOMEWHERE BY THEMSELVES. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR DOGGIE DAYCARE PROVIDES A RESTING AREA FOR YOUR DOG. MANY OF THE MORE ADULT DOGS DO NOT WANT TO PLAY ALL DAY LONG. ASK YOUR KENNEL HOW THEY DEAL WITH OVER STRESSED OR TIRED DOGS.

7. MANY SMALL DOGS DO NOT LIKE TO BE AROUND LARGER DOGS. CONSIDER THIS WHEN LOOKING FOR A DOGGIE DAY CARE OR BOARDING. LARGER DOGS CAN HURT A SMALLER DOG WITHOUT MEANING TO JUST BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT DIFFERENCE.

8.ALSO CONSIDER YOUR SENIOR DOG. IF THEY ARE SOCIAL AND THEY LOVE TO BE IN THE GROUP. MAKE SURE THAT IT IS THE RIGHT GROUP FOR THEM. AND THAT THE AMOUNT OF PLAYTIME IS ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS. THIS SHOULD GO FOR ALL DOGS.

BACK TO THE DOGS,

FILOMENA DIAZ JOHNSON

OWNER/ OPERATOR

DOGGY DUDE RANCH

"Large and small we love them all"

HOW TO PICK A BOARDING KENNEL OR DOGGIE DAY CARE

2010-08-14T16:31:00.001-06:00

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOGGIE DAYCARE AND/OR BOARDING FACILITY:

FIRST VISIT THE FACILITY CALL AHEAD AND ASK FOR A TOUR. IF THE KENNEL IS NOT WILLING TO SHOW YOU WHERE THE DOGS PLAY AND SLEEP, PICK ANOTHER FACILITY. IT SHOULD SMELL CLEAN, AND THE STAFF ATTENTIVE, CARING.

WILL THEY GIVE YOUR DOG AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW THE PLACE?

ASK IF THEY REQUIRE PROOF OF VACCINATIONS? MINIMUM DA2PP, RABIES AND BORDETELLA. YOU MAY NEED OTHERS FOR YOUR AREA. CHECK OUT U C DAVIS VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY VACCINATION PROTOCOL.

HOW MANY IN A PLAY GROUP?

HOW DO THEY PUT THEIR GROUPS TOGETHER? AT THE DDR WE HAVE NO MORE THAN 10 IN A GROUP, WE PUT THEM TOGETHER IN SIZE, AGE, AND PLAY STYLE GROUPS.

HOW MANY PET CARE TECHS TO A PLAY GROUP? SHOULD BE 10 MAXIMUM TO ONE PET CARE TECH .

WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE CARING FOR YOUR DOG?

WILL THEY ALLOW YOU TO BRING YOUR DOGS OWN FOOD, BLANKEY, MEDS ETC...?

HOW DO THEY HANDLE FIGHTS?

WHAT DO THEY DO IF A DOG IS SICK? YOUR VET OR THEIRS?

DO THEY HAVE AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN? WHAT IS IT?

IS SOMEONE THERE ON THE PREMISES OVERNIGHT? THE OWNER LIVES ON THE PREMISES OF THE DOGGY DUDE RANCH.

IF YOU HAVE OTHER CONCERNS, ASK! DON'T ASSUME THAT THEY DO THINGS THE WAY THAT IS BEST FOR YOUR PET/DOG.

Great blog...............

2010-08-14T10:24:00.000-06:00

I like and have subscribed to this blog. Check it out. Today is a hectic day..............Yeah.

http://regardingrover.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/you-dont-have-to-say-hello/#comment-12

Work-A-Bull: We have the US Department of Justice on our side!

2010-08-03T15:00:00.000-06:00

Check this out. This is a great win for people against BSLs.

Work-A-Bull: We have the US Department of Justice on our side!

From service dog to SURFice dog - Inspirational video

2010-07-28T21:16:00.000-06:00

Often as a dog lover, steward and trainer I have wondered if a dog of mine or that I have met thru training was perhaps not meant to be a family dog or do a particular event or sport or behaviour. Dogs are so willing, do we sometimes push the envelope more often than not........................sometimes overlooking a dogs tendencies because we want them to be something else. The trainer in this video was willing...........to let go. And look at the results!!!

Cat Stevens - I love my dog.

2010-07-25T13:37:00.000-06:00

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

2010-07-11T23:26:00.000-06:00

This has nothing to do with animals but it is a must read for everyone. This happended to me!!

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

Overview - EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

2010-07-10T15:55:00.001-06:00

If you have or know of a dog or cat that is extremely thin and has cow paddy for stools. Please read the following website and pass it on.

Hope you are all have a great summer.

Overview - EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Kennel Cough, Dog Coughing Home Treatments and Remedies

2010-06-29T13:31:00.000-06:00

Kennel Cough, Dog Coughing Home Treatments and Remedies

I ran across this webiste and thought it had great info and care for your dog if they have KENNEL COUGH.

Collaboration Saves the Day, Part II

2010-06-29T13:27:00.000-06:00

Collaboration Saves the Day, Part II

Collaboration Saves the Day, Part I

2010-06-29T13:25:00.000-06:00

Collaboration Saves the Day, Part I

Saving one dogs life is really important to that one dog.

All About Foxtails PLEASE READ AND PASS ON..........

2010-06-24T16:25:00.001-06:00

All About Foxtails

Dog Owner's Guide: Bloat

2010-03-19T23:45:00.001-06:00

This is a great explanation of bloat ? All large dog owners should be aware of this condition and what to do.

Dog Owner's Guide: Bloat

How long is to long to foster a dog? The Butters and Elvis Presley.

2010-02-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

A while back I was sent photos of ex foster dogs, Butters and Elvis Presley. A flood of memories and feeling about them came back to me.This also brought to mind the question how long is to long to foster a dog? I would like to share their stories.

Butters took 18 months for her to find the right home. She was around 3 to 4 years old yellow lab girl,found at the side of the road just hanging out and if she was sure they would come back for her. We put up posters and call shelters for up to a 100 mile radius. But no one came. We named her Butterscotch . There was no dog sweeter with humans or dogs. She was a delight to foster...........every one loved her. But for some she was to old, to big to something. But for Cynthia she was just right. And they loved each other from their first meeting. Butters now lives with Cynthia in Washington, DC. She has earned her CGC( canine good citizen). Who says you can't teach an old dog new things. Butters continues to be loved by all who meet her spreading her very special kind of sunshine.

Elvis Presley, walker hound, handsome with a great voice. He was found wandering GooseBerry mesa. We sensed that he was a lion hunting hound reject. But we still put up the posters etc.......... But no one came. Elvis was around two or under, and also great with dogs. He did not like everyone he would mostly ignore those that came to meet him. And so it took 2 1/2 years for Elvis to find his right home.

The day came and this family from Neveda came with the kids and the two small dogs. Dad was a tall easy going man, Mom attractive and friendly, the kids confident and sweet, the dogs just good little dogs. They drove up in the familie's diesel truck ready to meet Elvis. Quick note here: Elvis is petrified of diesel trucks they make him go frantic in the opposite direction.

But as I wrote before Elvis is not that friendly to new people. But this was his family and as soon as they walked into the play yard he walked up to the man and acted as if he knew him forever, I just about lost it then and then he loved on the woman, and the kids where able to lead him around by his leash. The dogs acted as if they knew each other from before. It was a beautiful scene. And then he had to get into the diesel truck, the staff of the DDR held their collective breaths and you know he behaved like nothing was wrong and everything was right. And off they drove............

A side story to this story makes the hair on my arms stand up to this day. The family had brought with them a collar they had bought a year early for their future dog. The collar was a beautifull tooled leather with real silver conches. The collar fit Elvis Presley as if it was made for him. And I believe it was.

We have many more stories of dogs finding their homes eventually. To often it take longer than a week or 10 days to rehome a dog especially an adult dog. We are fortunate to be able to foster the dogs long term. With plenty of space, love and attention.

Remember in these tighter ecomonic times to lend your support and or time to the groups/shelters that care for these dogs and cats for the long term until they find the right home .

In the Zion National Park area the group name is ZION ANIMAL LOVERS, they help the DOGGY DUDE RANCH with financial help for food, medical care, spay and neutering of the animals being fostered and in the area. ZAL is a 501c3 organizationa run 100% by vounteers and 100% goes to the animals.

All donations gladly excepted.

Come by and visit the Doggy Dude Ranch were many of the foster dogs(right now have five) are loved and live till their right home comes along. We are a Boarding,Training and Rehab faciltiy for dogs( cats real soon) check out our facebook page for@ DOGGY DUDE RANCH and @ZION ANIMAL LOVERS. Back to the dogs..............

2009-12-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

I love this word , I love the sound of it, I love its meaning. The is going to be my word for next year all year long. Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year!

The coming year 2010

2009-12-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

In the year 2010 the Doggy Dude Ranch will be 20 years old. Whoa! time has flown by,
I feel that we need to mark next year with a really great event/party.............If anyone out there has a great idea please pass them on. I was thinking of a woofstock or something with demos of fun things to do with you dogs and an adoptaton etc.................

I feel that the next year will be a big year of change and growth for me and the DDR. Photography and training are going to take a bigger part of my work time. And I plan to visit Europe for the first time in my life.And I am going to do events with my own dogs and finally get my certification of dog trainer. Wow it gets me all excited just writing about all this.

How to have the best dog ?

2009-11-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is a question that I get asked almost every day. Most of us want a dog we can take everywhere. The answer is not a simple one. First we need to take the time to pick the right dog for us and our family. Research, ask questions of professionals, and perhaps foster the dog first. Most rescues will allow this.

If we already have pets and we would like them to get along them give them a chance to be part of the picking process. In a neutral area. Not your pets home grounds.

Love is a very strong emotion but it does not guarantee that an animal will be the right one for us. A pet is a long term commitment, to be a happy dog or cat etc....... their needs must be met. Mental as well as physical.

Many people will tell me that their dog has a big yard where they spend most of their days in and out. Rarely a walk or consistent mental simulation. I point out that no matter how great our home is and how much we love it to stay in the house day in and out would drive most of us mad or neurotic. Dogs are very forgiving but does that mean that we don't need to make an effort to make sure that their lives are what they would like it to be.................

What dogs do not have.............

2009-10-29T17:45:00.000-06:00

What dogs do not have is an abstract sense of fear, or a feeling of injustice or entitlement. They do not see themselves as we sometimes do, as tragic heroes, battling ceaselessly against the merciless onslaught of time. They also don't mythologize their lives. Got to love them.

Adopted dogs having fun at the DDR

2009-09-25T01:37:00.000-06:00

Musings.............

2009-09-15T02:56:00.000-06:00

We say that dogs are part of the family and yet we leave them in the car. And many of us expect them to get along with all dogs, people etc.... and when it comes to their minds we also expect them to do nothing for days on end and then wonder why they are acting out or sleeping all day. Neither is normal for a young healthy dog that has enough to do or think about. So perhaps we do treat them like property.

2009-09-13T02:34:00.000-06:00

Fun at the DDR.

Boomer says

2009-09-05T17:18:00.001-06:00

Boomer says: That it is not true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Motivation is key. And it may take a bit longer. Uh same goes for humans to.

Life ...........

2009-09-05T02:32:00.000-06:00

It seems that around your fifties people and friends that you know and care about start to get serious illness or die. It does make me feel that it is not a bad idea to cultivate younger people as friends. For more than one reason, their perceptive, energy and sense of fun. Every important that sense of fun. I have a pig valve and I don't worry about it everyday but I am grateful that it is still working. I do worry about how would I pay for my new valve if I should need one.......................

Down time

2009-09-05T01:41:00.000-06:00

Boomer says: It is not easy staying quiet and no swimming. OMG No swimming:( Well my time is almost up and I will be back with my dog buddies in a few days yippee. The photo is of me blowing off some steam in my back yard. Later gator.

2009-08-30T13:15:00.000-06:00

Boomer says: Life is great but dogs make it better!!

Boomer says

2009-08-24T11:03:00.000-06:00

Train don't restrain. A dog that is given and knows their boundaries and limitations are welcome everywhere.

Facebook | Home

2009-08-23T17:01:00.000-06:00

Facebook Home: "P. Filomena Diaz Johnson"

2009-08-23T01:47:00.000-06:00

Dogs have minds please use them.

2009-08-23T00:11:00.000-06:00

My dog sister Pinky is doing much better. A warning to parrot or bird owners do not let your dog chow down on bird seed and/pellets Pinky did and came down with pancreatitis in short order (she also got a bad case of canine cough). So Boomer says : Don't let your dog eat bird seeds or pellets it can be very painfull for them.

Sick dog ..................

2009-08-17T23:58:00.000-06:00

My girl Pinky is not doing so well and I am really really worried. She is still coughing after a week of treatment. I feel she is to old to be in such distress............ She is eating fine and drinking okay but still we are missing something. She is my heart.

2009-08-17T23:39:00.000-06:00

Boomer says ADOPT DON'T SHOP. Who knows maybe you could find another just like me.

New day new dog

2009-08-09T18:08:00.000-06:00

Hi World,

My name is Boomer and I am a very lucky dog. My new humans name is Stephen Johnson and he is wonderful. He loves that I am a giant boy. And my best news is that I am now the mascot for the nationally known Doggy Dude Ranch near Zion National Park in Utah. Soo.........stay tuned I have much to say about dogs their humans.

Boomer (Prince of the Labradors)