Wordless Wednesday

Same tree only 1 week later. Winter she is a comin!

(new harness review coming soon)

Happy 234th Birthday

Semper Fidelis!!

Because I don't have enough to do already.....

I totally want to do this with Jenny:

Seriously I think she would love it. It combines her tracking ability and my enjoyment of the sport with her drive for finding food. A perfect match for everyone. And since I have access to plenty of deer parts, thanks to my husbands game butcher business, I have everything I need to get started. Well except for this book. (yet)

Order the above book here: http://www.born-to-track.com/book/order-info.htm

And here are some more websites with info on bloodtracking:

http://www.unitedbloodtrackers.org/

http://www.born-to-track.com/

http://www.deersearch.org/

I have added the born-to-track news blog to my blogroll. Check it out: http://borntotracknews.blogspot.com/

It's official, I think I have dog trainers ADD.

My own project runway

Today I went to the local home improvement store with my sister to pick up some supplies to make a ramp on my front steps. Winter is soon upon us and the addition of the frost and ice in the mornings has made getting back in the house tougher for Missy than it used to be. She can go down our steps fine but going back up them is a challenge so I knew it was time. I started with an 8 foot pre-cut board which made it just the right angle.

I added some cut cross pieces for traction.

Then I added some no slip tape and a cement block for extra stability.

A training session later and Missy was going up like a pro. If I had to do it over I would make it just a little bit wider. Total cost $21.71 which isn't bad. I'm sure it could be done cheaper with different wood.

I may also bolt it to the steps to prevent slippage once my husband gets home and gives me some feedback. (he might not want it attached for plowing reasons) She has suddenly become very touch sensitive and hates being picked up. She lets up know by screaming her displeasure as she skitters away. I don't want to freak her out any more than necessary so hopefully the ramp helps solve that issue. If her coordination gets to bad I also have the option of adding sides so it makes a sort of chute for her. Or I can outfit her with a harness so we can help her balance as needed.

It wasn't a big project but it was an important one. I probably should paint or seal it for longevity but that is a project for another day. I am grateful that today's weather cooperated for me to get this much accomplished.

Wordless Wednesday

Little dog love

His name is Milo and I loooove him. I mean seriously, isn't he simply adorable??

I went to my sons basketball game this evening and this sweetie was sitting behind me. (a 10 week old Chihuahua) I didn't notice him at first because he came in a canvas tote. (OK so the dog in a purse thing gets made fun of but I think some of that is jealously. I mean if I could sneak Jack places in a purse I would totally do it. Just saying.) I got to molest him at half time. He gave me kisses and puppy love while I got sweet nice cuddle time. It was awesome. Being the dork I am I requested a photo to share here. Yes I have no shame.

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Once upon a time I never would have considered having a super small dog. Now I find myself really liking them. I can even see myself with a tiny little guy like Milo someday. A pretty big change from the 100 plus pound akitas I've always had.

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There is something to be said for the lesser expense involved in having smaller dogs. The difference in their food bill and my akitas food bill alone I'm sure is quite substantial. I suppose that could translate to being able to afford to have more dogs. A herd of Chihuahuas anyone? VBG

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Speaking of food this was the scene here last week.

The lobsters were making noises in the bucket and Jenny couldn't quite figure it out since she wasn't tall enough to see over the edge. I'm sure they smelled pretty interesting too. (another 6 were already in the cooker) Jack was curious but not excited by the commotion and Missy could have cared less.
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The Missy Update: She is doing ok. She has good days and bad days at this point. We had to increase her prednisone recently as some her symptoms had returned. So far so good on this dose.

Continuing education

One of the things I get excited about is attending seminars to keep learning about training and behavior. I feel like there is always something more to learn in this field. I don't care if you have been in the business for 5 years or 50, you can always learn more. Check out Ed Frawley, a training veteran of 50 plus years admitting even he learned something new recently in regards to Marker Training http://leerburg.com/markers.htm Something he admits to making fun of in the past. I look forward to seeing more of his stuff veer in the positive direction after his many years in the force method training camp.
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Side note: Yup force training works, I just prefer to go the non-confrontational and sometimes pain inducing route with my dogs whenever possible. I am not actually against all force training. But many people use it unfairly for the dog in my opinion. I started in force methods years ago so am technically now what they call a cross-over trainer since I switched techniques. When you know better you do better is the way I look at it. (P.S. Positive does NOT equal permissive.) His marker training video is awesome by the way and I can highly recommend it.
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I have a hard time understanding why any trainer wouldn't pursue their continuing education. Learning more helps make you a better trainer. The more you know the easier your job becomes. Plus it is always good to get together with your peers to trade feedback on cases.
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There are some seminars I can't attend due to timing, cost, travel issues or for personal reasons but I try to make any that come anywhere near me whenever possible. I can't always make it happen however. I am going to miss a spectacular one in Boston coming up with Dr. Ian Dunbar and Dr. Nicholas Dodman due to a combination of timing with my husbands winter job and a sick dog. http://www.jamesandkenneth.com/store/show/EBT-001 I placate myself by trying not to think about it. (But pass the info on!!)
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Fortunately I found this gem in an ad seen in the local dog newspaper: Downeast Dog News. I am very excited that not only is it a fun seminar that will apply to clients dogs too, I can participate hands on with one of my dogs AND it is local to me. No long distance travel time necessary this time. Score one for me!



Yes I have her book already in my library. FMI on Dee Ganley: http://www.deesdogs.com/
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I'll most likely take Jenny as she is my high maintenance dog that could really use the work. She is also the one I need to mentally challenge more. I'll be sure to try to nab some photos to share during the workshop.
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P.S. Hey check out my new "search this blog" gadget on the top right of the page. I am WAY excited about this. Now finding past posts on other topics has become so much easier. Enjoy!!