There are lots of trainers out there. Some certified, some not. Some positive, some traditional. Some good, and some bad. So how do you go about finding a good one that meshes with your values on dog rearing and training protocols?
If you’ve been a regular reader of this blog, you know that I favor relationship-based training. And you also know that I don’t think very much of Cesar Millan’s, or Jon Katz’s approaches to training. Just stating my … Read More
More than the economy is falling on hard times these days. A potentially huge problem is looming for gardeners and food growers everywhere.
I just had a friend share with me that, in her area, zucchinis aren’t setting full fruits. So I checked my plants and , lo and behold, found some developmentally challenged zukes in my own garden. Confirmed in newspapers and online sources, many zucchini and squash plants are setting miniature or quickly rotting fruits.
The reason? The … Read More
A visiting friend asks, “Do you want to me to let Graidy out? He’s pacing by the door.”
“Nah, must be around 4 o’clock,” I say, looking at the clock to confirm. “He wants to be fed.”
A while later the same friend, noticing Graidy at the door again, says, “Is Graidy hungry again already?”
“Nope, he wants to go out now.” I get up to let him out.
“This is like having a mother translate for her babbling baby!” … Read More
I’ve received several requests asking that I share how I introduced Finnegan, our Maine Coon cat to Kiera and Graidy, our two dogs at the time (Wink came after Finn).
First, a little background. When Kiera was a puppy, we had a cat with whom she got along just fine. And Graidy had been tested on cats by his rescue group. So I knew that both dogs, even with high prey drives, stood a good chance of eventually being fine … Read More
Seems aspiring writers want to know–Many people have asked me about the process of getting published. (There are a lot of stashed manuscripts hidden in those drawers out there!)
I advise finding an agent first. The process of getting an agent is the same as getting a publishing house. No matter which route you decide to take, there are two books you need to get. They are Writer’s Market (current year) and Guide to Literary Agents. They list what … Read More
From LiveScience: Scientists Decode Dogspeak: Software analyzed barks sparked by fights, strangers, playtime
Artificially intelligent Dr. Doolittles can understand dog barks as well or better than humans do.
These findings suggest computers might significantly help people comprehend animal communication.
Scientists tested artificially intelligent software on more than 6,000 barks from 14 Hungarian sheepdogs. Six different kinds of barks were taped:
Maybe you’ve noticed that life seems to be speeding up lately. It sure has sped up around here.
Cait has been going through a period where’s she’s been given the opportunity to practice not over-reacting. This is not an easy lesson for a teenager. What’s been interesting to watch is that what initially seems like disappointing or bad news has actually turned out to be a good thing in the end.
The most recent example of this was when she … Read More
I try not to overdue the “cute” dog stuff here. After all, I Can Haz Cheezburger has that market cornered. But I got such a good smile from this, I had to share.
Do these guys know how to have fun, or what!… Read More
