Life on our small farm...

It's shaping up to be a very hot day at Wind Dance Pony farm here in Ohio. The heat was already oppressive early in the morning. As I finished up fly spraying ponies, filling water tubs, cleaning stalls and placing the barn fan just so for the ponies, I called the dogs to follow me into the house. My next order of business for the day is to have a cup of tea while checking emails and sending out confirmations for my lessons for the day. As I was sitting at my desk, my sweet collie Alli was doing her low talk and quiet bark at the back french doors. These are the doors where Alli keeps watch over her ponies during the day. I always check when Alli talks or barks at the door. My gaze was greeted with happily grazing ponies...one, two, three, four...all present and accounted for. No apparent problem. I smiled at Alli as I returned to my desk and let her know everything was as it should be. I sat back down and no sooner started typing and Alli started her low guttural talking/bark. It was kind of cute, as she was hiding a bit behind the couch from my sight as she knew I had asked her to stop. But thankfully, she would not be deterred. I'm such a silly human, as I know when Alli talks or barks something is amiss. She is the guardian of our farm and only barks when she is alerting me to something out of place, unlike my two sweet, albeit, goofy Jack Russells. Again, I didn't see a thing but my beautiful ponies enjoying their pasture... Okay, Alli show me. I opened the door and followed her. Alli went immediately to the pasture gate and as I followed her path it was then I saw her... Sweet Libby my smallest JR (pictured brown and white) was sitting on the other side of the gate patiently waiting for me to allow her to join us indoors. Thank you, thank you Alli, collie! The heat must affected me more than I knew...how could I have forgotten about Libby. Libby could have easily went under the pasture fence and went on an adventure, she was sitting in the hot sun waiting...waiting for me. We live on a very busy road and I shutter to think what could have happened. Alli saves the day again! Good girl Alli, atta girl!

Kids and Dogs...A Perfect Combination

I love the dynamic between kids and dogs, a perfect combination...or is it?  The answer to that question these days seems to be a bit more complex.  I do truly believe in the wonderful relationship that can bloom and grow between a child and a dog.  I have experienced that wonderful friendship throughout my life, since before I can remember...I've just always had a dog by my side.  I am blessed!  I remember a time when dogs shared our lives.  I remember my Grandmother singing and talking to our dogs, she taught me how to be with dogs and respect them.  Mostly by what she modeled before me rather than what she spoke.  I woke up early and my dog woke up with me...we played all day long in the neighborhood.  Took dogs on walks, invited them in our little swimming pools, attended  neighborhood pet contests and the list goes on.  I remember the dogs at the horse farm where I worked went with us on trail rides and swam with us in the pond.  By the end of the day both dog and child were tired and slept well.  It was good and a beautiful way of life.  I do remember the odd dog getting hit on the street or road, but I also remember neighbors looking out for not only me but the dogs in the neighborhood as well.  They shewed both dog and child home when it was time and no one felt badly about it.

Now, it would seem we can't be so free.  And certainly I am not advocating turning our dogs loose on the street.  It was the 60's and 70's a different place and time...  I remember the odd dog bite and we knew what dogs in the neighborhood were friendly and which to avoid.  I was never bitten as a child, I think because I spent so much time with my dog and others, I knew instinctively how to speak dog.  Maybe?  Not sure...  But it seemed like it was a more natural way of being with our dogs than it is now.

We buy our dogs the best of everything in 2013...food, clothing and bedding...they live in lovely large homes, with big beautiful back yards. But, it seems to me we've lost something in all of the money we spend on our dogs...we've lost our connection simply in time spent with our dogs.  As a dog educator (trainer) more and more I learn of dogs biting children, of having separation anxiety, of being dog aggressive...and the list seems to be growing.  I read an article recently that stated the number one reason 'American' dogs exhibit all these different behavioral problems is because they are bored.  I think they're on to something.

I am fortunate and blessed to continue to share my life with dogs...everyday...we work together.  I am thrilled that I have opportunity to teach children how to speak dog.  I am happy that my little Grand lady is learning how to respect her canine friends...to be kind and empathetic toward all the dogs in her life.  I hope I am doing my Grandmother proud in teaching or more importantly modeling how to interact in a good and kind way with dogs.

We live in a different day and age...but I believe we can do it! We can supervise, model and teach our children how to be kind and most importantly empathetic toward their animal friends.  I believe we can think of creative ways to allow our kids and dogs to enjoy life together even in our busy, over extended schedules.  I hope so anyway...  When I watch my Grand lady (pictured above) with my small pack, I have to smile...I love the way they are learning to be around one another in a good and kind way...it takes supervision...but well worth the time invested...nurturing a lifetime of friendship!   Kids and dogs, a perfect combination? I say a hardy YES!

Monday morning meeting

As we sat down this morning for the beginning of our weekly meeting...  Libby called the meeting to order with Ezra quickly seconding the  motion.  Alli reminded me right off the bat at the top of our meeting agenda was to remind people about hot weather and dogs.  Please, please tell people, Alli implored, that this heat is so very hard on dogs. She went on to add...remember to fill water bowls with cool drinking water.  I agreed and interjected that in this type of heat you can change the water in the bowls several times a day, especially for the dogs outside.  Ezra piped in, don't forget about shade especially for those dogs outdoors. They must have somewhere to get out of the sun!  Libby looked at Ezra out of the corner of her eye and said in a very strong tone...wait, in this heat it would be best to bring your best friend indoors to enjoy the air conditioning or at the very least a fan!  Agreed guys!  Libby went on to say, please remind people not to leave their dogs in hot cars...and remember the little kids too.  It gets hot very quickly and kids and dogs can die in a hot car.  Alli added...Mom tell the people that kiddie pools make great pools for dogs.  We love to cool off in the pool too!  And tell them about giving out ice cubes...I LOVE ice cubes!  Ezra added, tell the people that pavement can get very hot on our paws, so walking in the early morning or evening is best.  All great suggestions guys, I will get the word out!  Happy tail wags all around the table...I could hear a collective sigh of relief!  I then made a motion for us to finish our meeting indoors - Libby, Ezra and Alli second the motion simultaneously!

Remember your best friend during this hot weather!  This has been a public service announcement from the staff of  Pawsitive Journey!  :)

Ezra's Determination

                                                   Pictured is Ezra after treeing a squirrel. 

 I heard the little squeak just about the time Ezra did and the next thing I saw was the squirrel high tailing it, literally, up this tree.  Ezra is a dog of determination.  He does everything with gusto.  Treeing a squirrel, tearing out after a ground hog or doing agility...he does it all with such determination and dare I say passion!

It was a hot day today.  One of those days you want to hide in the house, but at our little farm/training center there were things to be done.  Matt and I decided to take the dogs on a walk in our favorite woods early in the morning before we cleaned stalls and mowed the fields. Mowing the training field means that all the agility equipment; jumps along with the contact obstacles need to be moved.  After mowing all the jumps and equipment need to be set up all over again. It's a job and a half, so it didn't take much for my hubby to twist my arm to take our walk.

 It felt maybe about 10 degrees cooler deep in the woods on a path that winds it's way around a small creek.  It was lovely and just what I needed.  As I was thinking about my busy week with my training business, replaying the interactions with dogs in my mind and how I could do this or that differently or more effectively, I heard the squeak.  It brought me crashing back to the present moment in time to see Ezra tree his squirrel.  I took the picture above...smiling as I thought about Ezra's determination. It struck me how it takes a great deal of determination to keep focused...to meet the training challenges that are presented to me weekly with gusto and passion!  It might sound silly but Ezra's example brought much encouragement to me.  IF Ezra doesn't give up on the thought that one day he will catch that squirrel...how can I.  Each day as I work with dogs and their humans, I will continue to strive to make that connection and truly make a difference in their lives.  It doesn't always happen...but when it does and you see it all click...it truly is a satisfying feeling!

I won't give up...one dog and one human at a time...my goal is to make it a kinder, more gentler world for dogs and their people...it's a worthy endeavor!  Knowing the heart of my dog Ezra, I can say for certain that he is not going to give up on that squirrel...  I'm following your lead E.Z.

Thank you, Sergeant Rex!

I recently read this wonderful book, "Sergeant Rex" The Unbreakable Bond Between A Marine and His Military Working Dog by Mike Dowling.  I highly recommend this book, excellent, one of those books that you pick up and barely put it down until every last word is read.  I haven't had the pleasure of sharing a moment with this type of book in a very long time...it was a wonderful journey!

I will give you a little snip-it from the book, something I have tried to convey many times, a very important concept.  Mike writes about the ability of the canine nose.  Nothing matches it, although the armed services have tried to.  I so like his explanation...so much wisdom and truth when he writes -

"When it comes to tracking down explosives, nature has created in a dog's nose a device infinitely more precise than anything modern technology has to offer.  No one knows for sure, but people say that a dog's nose is one thousand times more sensitive than a human's.  Dogs have millions more scent receptors than humans, and the size of the part of their brain used for analyzing smells is 20 - 40 percent larger than ours.  They can literally sniff out the bombs.  A handler trains his dog how best to use his incredible abilities, so the dog becomes a bomb-detection device with its own mind and driven by a brain.  A good handler learns to trust his dog to lead the way, and to use his instinct and drive to track down the threat.  A mechanical bomb-detection device - like a metal detector - goes only where the operator takes it.  It offers a blunt, unintelligent form of search compared to a dog tracking a scent on the air."

Mike goes onto explain how often times when using a mechanical device you can be right on top of the explosive before it alerts you to danger...too late.  The dogs, on the other hand, tell you way before the threat can take your life!

This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat; crying, laughing and shouting "YES"!  I don't generally do book reviews, but this one has 2 thumbs up from me, plus four paws up from Alli, collie!  A must read!  It is always my pleasure in life to bring to light the wonderful ways in which dogs enrich our lives! And for those who know me well, you know how much of a soft place I have in my heart for our Military Heroes - one and  all.  My hat's off to Sergeant Rex..."atta boy Rex" and to his partner, Mike!!

I also want to take this time to thank all our Military Heroes; Men, Women and Canine!  I especially want to thank two very special WW II veterans - my Dad and Uncle - who are no longer with us - Robert H. Hankey and Robert Toomey (who fought in Patton's army).  I love you both and honor you here today - thank you!  Missed but never forgotten!

New Window Decal

Be on the lookout Pawsitive Journey Training has a new decal advertisement on my car!  So happy that a friend of mine knew a man who makes them and put me in touch.  Nice how you can just happen to say something and wha la...by just speaking up you are connected to someone who can help you!  I have wanted to do this for a very long time...

Really happy with the end result and just had to share!

Socialize, socialize, socialize

...did I mention how important socialization is for your puppy?  Socialization is top of the list important for your dog.  It would be great if everyone started when their dogs were puppies, but even older dogs can benefit from getting out and about.  Socialization isn't only about introducing your dog to other dogs it is much more.  Socialization is allowing your dog to have opportunity to use their five senses or at least, to see, hear, touch and smell the world around them.  I like to use the sense of taste too as I incorporate different treats and reward their good behavior as we travel and visit all types of people, places and things!

Here is what I share with my students, especially my puppy clients. Be sure all experiences are safe and pawsitive for the puppy.  Each encounter should include treats and lots of praise.  Slow down and add distance if your puppy becomes frightened by an object, thing or person.  By the time your puppy is 12 weeks old it should have

Experienced 12 different surfaces - wood, carpet, grass, dirt, mud, puddles, grates, sand, linoleum, stones, mulch, stairs etc.

Played with 12 different objects - fuzzy toys, big and small toys, rubber toys, cloth toys, hard and soft toys, cardboard, toys that make sounds, milk jugs, wood items, metal items etc.

Experienced 12 different locations - front yard, lake/pond/river, basement, elevator, car, moving car, other people's homes, school, vet (just to say hi), groomer (just to say hi), stores such a Lowe's, playgrounds, etc

Meet and Play with 12 different types of people (outside of family) - baby, toddler, young children, men, men with hats, men with sunglasses, men with facial hair, women with hats, women with lots of jewelry and perfume, people in wheelchairs, people with canes, people with walkers and crutches etc.

Exposed to 12 different noises(always watch puppies comfort level and stay pawsitive, be careful not to frightened the puppy) - garage door opening, children playing/laughing/singing, babies crying, loud motorcycles, car horns, sirens, vacuums, lawn mowers, clapping, washing machine, dryer, whistles, etc

Exposed to 12 fast moving objects/things/people(but remember don't allow puppy to chase) - skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, roller skates, scooters, people running, cats running, squirrels running, horses running, motorboats, fast cars/trucks, fast moving motorcycles, etc.

The skies the limit as long as your dog is safe at all times.  And the good news, it's never too late, you can go over this list with older dogs too.  Remember when you see a new person, place, thing, object or another dog be aware of your body language, don't tense up or put tension on your puppy's lead.  If you feel uncomfortable about a situation, take a deep breath and be proactive by redirecting your puppies attention to something else and ask them to follow you away from the scary situation (use a lure such as a treat to help redirect their attention).

Have fun enjoying life with your dog...a well socialized dog is a pleasure to take anywhere!