Weekly Training Update (Feb 15)
Lilly and I had our first training date this weekend with another team using Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed” book as a training strategy. Here’s how it went. …
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The first time I saw her face
Do you remember that moment? The first time you saw your dog. Do you remember what it was that made you think, “That’s the one”?
I wish I could tell you what it was exactly that attracted me to Lilly. I look and look and look at this photo the humane society posted online. And, I try to remember that moment, but I can’t. …
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Just what I need
Typically, I’m quiet while I write. When things go well, time recedes, and I find myself in a whole other mental world. I regain my senses hours later. When things go not so well, I
must do something different. I don’t detect it, but Lilly does. Maybe my breathing changes. Maybe my body posture shifts. I’m not sure, but she’ll seek me out in these moments and try to crawl in my
lap for some kissing and cuddling. … -
The promise I would not make
I believe that in marriage everyone cuts their own deal. We agree to things. We put up with things. We accept things. That’s all part of love. I believe it’s true with all
relationships, really, including those with our dogs. That’s why when someone I “know” from another online community posted a note about a promise she made, I realized it was something I would not
do. … -
Weekly Training Update (Feb 8)
We ventured to a new pedestrian- and super-dog-friendly shopping district for this week’s class. Let’s just say it was an exercise in constant Sudden Environmental Changes (visual,
auditory, and otherwise).
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The trick with tricks
One of our early trainers required at least one trick during the final exam for the course. He used it as a matrix, I believe, for handler’s commitment to their dogs. Plus, he joked,
“If you teach your dogs tricks, I KNOW you’ll want to show off. And, if I can get you to train your dog when company is over, then I’ve done my job.” … -
The science of naming
The Denver Post Business Section ran a story January 18 about the marketing science of naming new drugs. The idea amused me, so here’s how it works and how it might apply to naming
dogs. … -
Dog registration fees more than double
Recently, my county dog license renewal forms arrived in the mail. Much to my surprise the fees went up — WAY up. I kid you not. It now costs more to license my dogs than it does to
register my car each year. I’m pretty sure my dogs have less of an impact on the county than my car. … -
Weekly Training Update (Feb 1)
Because I’m juggling about a dozen work deadlines right now, Lilly and I haven’t been training much … just playing. We even bundled up and took a walk or two this week on days that weren’t just miserably cold. She’s been feeling really cooped up, so I owe her some outings. BUT, we’re still working…
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Herding looks like hell
Here in Colorado, we’re lucky to host the National Western Stock Show each January. Sunday was the final day of this year’s 2-week event, so we popped down to watch some stock dogs
work. A friend was competing with her dog, and I’d never seen a herding competition. All I have to say is HO-LY COW! …