This Dog Used To Hate Me!

Marley the ten year old Chihuahua at first would not even look at me. It took with all my best efforts and my dog smarts two weeks to have her even look at me....Marley is a perfect example of love and patience in working with dogs. Who said you can't train Chihuahua's ?

The Art Of Begging

We all know that dogs are very good at making us think that we are starving them.......look at Bud and Hannah as proof they both at the time of these pictures

just got feed!

My first time meeting a Rhodesian Ridgeback

Being a dog trainer is my calling in life. Recently, I was visiting friends and I got to know these two dogs. They are litter mates named Jewel and Hunter. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very sturdy breed. These dogs originated in Africa. They were breed to not be aggressive, but to help the hunter distract the lion in the wild. These dogs are easily trained, and above-average in intelligence. Because of their innate ability to protect the family. A Ridgeback should not be trained as a guard dog. A Rhodesian Ridgeback is loving, loyal, smart, clean and easy to maintain.

I noticed right away upon meeting these two dogs that they were sad. These dogs are extremely sensitive to what is going on around them. Upon speaking further with their owner, I found that she spends, days on end sick in bed with illnesses. Both Jewel and Hunter pick up on this weakness and are sad. The first day I started working with the male (Hunter) I came into the room with too much animation for this dog, Hunter took his mouth and placed it gently on my forearm just to let me know too much intensity and to dial it back. We regrouped, and I showed the owner how to do clicker training to get the dogs mentally stimulated when you can't give them the physical stimulation that the need.

In the next few weeks, I will do more training with the owner and both the dogs to bring them to the next level. Pictured below is the female (Jewel) which I did not know while I was visiting was that she was in pain due to a slip disc, the dogs are ten years old.  I recommended that the owner take the dog to water therapy. These owners love their dogs and they will do what is needed to make this dog comfortable. They started Jewel on anti inflamatory meds, fatty acids, glucosamine, MSM & Chondroitin. They spare no expense in feeding special food for these dogs. If all dog owners were as devoted to their dogs as these owners are, the world would be filled with happy dogs.

Shortly after my visit Jewel one day could not walk and 2 days later she died.  On hearing this sad news my thought were on Hunter her brother. He is being cared for with love and kindness. Jewel was a very sweet dog.

Everyone Meet Rascal

This dog is a Rascal! This dog is stinking cute, and he knows it. His owner is in love with him, and is very permissive with him. I did some clicker training with Rascal. He is very smart and can be naughty at times. He often does not come when called and he recently started marking. He is neutered and approximately a year and a half old. His owner did not do puppy training classes with him, she thought because he was a small dog, he didn't need training. All dogs need training no matter what their size. I recommended she start from the beginning and take obedience puppy classes to start fresh and get Rascal on the right track. (A name change might be in order, so he does not feel he needs to live up to his name RASCAL). All good mothers know their children need rules, boundaries, limitations and love. Happy Mother's Day to all you moms.

Great Gatsby Post Surgery

I see this wonderful three legged dog at the beach with his loving family having the time of his life. He is chewing on dead seabirds and he is the knuckle head of knuckle heads. When I see this very happy, very strong Weimaraner pulling his owners around it warms my heart. I think of my Weimaraner dog Misty. This is one of my favorite breeds.I love Great Gatsby's owners because they had the faith to know what to do to make their dog have a happy life. They did the right thing by him by amputating his leg. It was a difficult and expensive decision for them, but they made the right decision out of pure love for this dog.

A story about beautiful Stella Ann

I have had the pleasure of watching Stella Ann on the beach for most of her life. Stella Ann has a disability. She wears a brace on her leg so she can walk. I have watched in awe this dog's enthusiasm for life. Stella Ann is coming to the end of her life approaching the "Rainbow Bridge". Today I saw her as I do most every day on her street, she can no longer walk on the beach due to her age and disability. Both Stella Ann and I share this in common. I also find it difficult to walk on the beach. I am not able to go the distance like I use to. Stella Ann shows me it doesn't matter. The simple things in life can still give us pleasure. Her owner's adore her and she is still the diva in the neighborhood. She makes her rounds visiting all the neighbors and recently I was told a young chocolate lab is going to have pups. The cycle of life! Dogs do not fear death, they live in the moment. As I age I no longer fear death.

Meeting Hannah Another (Second Chance at Love) Rescue

Hannah is a very charming dog she bosses Bud around and Bud lets her. Hannah is part Poodle and part Schnauzer. She was placed in a home in the LA area with a family, but she was too bossy and started fights with the other dogs when on the walk. Holly took her in as her own. Hannah is devoted to Holly and has some anxiety when she is not in her sight. Hannah is feisty and I find her totally irresistible. Holly said Hannah is a  "Hall Monitor".

Poodles are very intelligent, playful and like to do tricks and show off. Poodles are proud, active, have good stamina and are resilient. Grooming Poodles is essential.

Schnauzers are ideal companions. They are plucky, agile, and a very faithful dog. The dog's size is ideal for city dwelling or for country dwelling they chase vermon. They are peaceful in nature, but will defend themselves when confronted with aggression. They will not back down from a fight.

One last thing about Hannah, if I could steal her from Holly, I most certainly would.