Information on living with, training, and loving Dogs
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
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
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:
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
Crufts is the largest dog show in the world. It’s held in March every year. And while it has all the usual judging of Best of Breed, etc., I love watching the agility and freestyle parts of the program. Talk about a working and playing partnership with your dog…!
Here are this year’s winners, Richard and Pogo, of the HTM (heelwork to music) Freestyle.
And Mary Ray is one of my favorite performers. Simply amazing.
… Read MoreThere are a hundred reasons not to get a dog. And only one reason to get a dog. On the Don’t Get A Dog side, Reason #34 is:
Mud Season
Muddy Yard
Muddy Dog
Muddy Floor.
So don’t say I never warned you.
Oh, and the one and only reason to get a dog? If you can’t live a day without unconditional love and laughter. There’s nothing else in the world quite like it.
I always find it interesting how life events cluster together. Perhaps you’ve heard of this phenomenon known as “The Law of Threes.”
My little cluster at the moment has to do with healthcare. Within a few months of each other, my family doctor, dentist, and vet have retired. I’ve yet to find people to replace them. That’s because essentially they’re irreplaceable. They all came from the old school where they were human beings first and medical practitioners second. If any … Read More
