Here’s another little 30-second video I shot and tried to edit. It shows Lilly doing her SHAKE and OTHER HAND trick. Whichever hand she gives me first is SHAKE, which makes the other one OTHER HAND. I did not teach this as right-left thing. You also get to see her worried, round head … when Ginko comes into the room behind me. …
Through Twitter, I’m finding all kinds of interesting dog-related news items. Once in a while I’ll share. For example, there are reports of these energy-efficient, compact fluorescent light bulbs freaking dogs out. I guess it’s either flickering or a high-pitched noise. So, if you happen to hear about any dogs suddenly flipping out, be sure…
For several weeks now, Lilly has been in a funk. Showing more fear around the house, getting easily upset by somewhat normal things, and just not being her usual self. At first, I blamed it on a split in the big pad on a front foot. Then, there was that week-long tummy upset scenario, after (we assume) she hunted and ate a vole. I wondered if her concern took root in my own energy and mood. I considered the fact that after a long, dry winter we were suddenly mired in a snowy, cold spring. But, now I’m wondering if …
You’ll have to stick with me, as I figure out the new camera and video editing software, but here are a couple clips of our do-over initial scent work, where I’m simply rewarding Lilly (click/treat) for paying any attention to the single container with the beer scent inside. BUT, I’m still not sure she is using her nose for real. …
Last week, veterinary blogger Dolittler posted a piece entitled “Top 10 Pet Owner Excuses for Aggression in Dogs.” And,
while I understand the tone and intent, it made me feel really sad
because so many aggressive dogs are actually fearful dogs, who need help. I also noted
in my comment to her post that I felt terribly unwanted as a
veterinary client. It wasn’t so much what Dr. Patty Khuly wrote, but
some of the comments took blame and derision to a level I did not expect. For
example: …
I wrote a piece last week for Healthypet magazine. Set for publication in fall 2009, I can’t tell you what it’s really about, but I can say that I learned a couple interesting things about teaching dogs about scents. If you want to start doing scent work with your dog, BEER is the best place…
Lilly’s trip to town Sunday went better than last time, where noises conspired against us. She never went into flee mode from fear, but there were several times that my sweet, fearful girl became molasses s-l-o-w, which means she’s stressed. The problem was Trail Hogs. But, the day got better when we ran into Tom and talked him into taking us to lunch. And, when we went for a walk with Katie, Lilly’s best dog friend. …
We first began using the Relaxation Protocol in fall of 2007. Back when I first posted these audio files, I wasn’t entirely sold on the idea of this detailed, tedious form of behavior modification. Today, some 18 months later, let me be clear. A Relaxation Protocol provides critical baseline training for fearful (or reactive or aggressive) dogs. I honestly think it sets such an important foundation that I will likely use it with all dogs in my future — whether they are fearful or not. …
Longtime readers know that Lilly and I often take little trips off the mountain for Mommy & Lil dates. We run errands. We take walks in town on busy paths. We share patio lunches at our favorite local restaurants that allow pups to dine outside. Now that the weather is warmer, we try to get out at least once a week. Even with spring barely underway here in the Rocky Mountains, we see more and more people and dogs out during our adventures — much more so than in the winter. Recently, a couple of things have really started to …
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior released a position statement against the use of dominance theory in behavior modification of animals. The lengthy statement provides good scientifically based talking points you can use if/when you find yourself in a discussion with someone who believes in methods like those espoused by people, who we will NOT name. …
