Dog Musings

  • Where’s Willy Wonka When You Need Him?

    I’ve always given Lilly about 300 x more treats than anyone else I know. I can easily go through a quart-size ziplock of of training food in an hour. It’s one reason she often eats small meals. So, now that we’re working entirely under the behavior modification model that says “food changes how a dog feels emotionally about a situation,” I’m going through even more food. Which makes me wish for a Willy Wonka creation — something like the bottomless bait bag. …

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    A sad (probably not true) realization

    Last Thursday was a long day. I worked all day, drove 2+ hours in the head up to CSU, met with our behaviorist for 2 hours, then drove home (another 2 hours). My head was reeling from her insights about Lilly’s behavior, especially about all the kissing being an anxiety outburst (just like snarking or hiding). And, here I thought she just LOVED ME a lot. One question, among the countless asked, echoed in my head as I drove home. My iPod battery pooped out, so I had regular radio and my own thoughts to keep me company during the …

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    She’s a Helper

    Summer 2008 is full of home projects aimed at bolstering the energy efficiency of our house, which was built in 1978. I mostly fill the role of snack provider, beverage purveyor, and clean-up crew. Lilly? Well, she has decided dropping sticks at Tom’s feet (no matter how high off the ground they are) is a HUGE help. …

  • A Matter of Perspective

    I had a brainstorm over the weekend. I simply need to think about Lilly’s recent and rampant displays of fear and reactivity like I would if she were vomiting. I wouldn’t get mad. I wouldn’t get frustrated. I would be worried. Just like an upset tummy or a bad limp, Lilly’s recent behaviors are merely tell me she does NOT feel well (in one way or another). …

  • 2 Girls Hiking

    Spurred on by a sense that summer slips away, Lilly and I went on our first real hike Saturday at Centennial Cone Open Space, a county open wildland-like park. Elayne at Days of Speed biked there recently too. Weekends can be busy, so we usually avoid them. BUT, we needed an outing since our
    usual foray to the Farmer’s Market isn’t an option right now. I’m happy to say the hike was
    uneventful. Nothing scary happened — no rattlesnakes, no mountain lions, no rude dogs (or people). We did, however, see another dog pulling …

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    Everyone is over-scheduled

    I’ve met many really neat people through Lilly. There are several with whom I’d love to enjoy a more social relationship. But, here the catch. Most are too busy training and trialing to
    ever accept an invite. And it’s hard to be buddies with people who can’t seem to squeeze you in … ever. Or, who almost never answer their phones. So, while all this training builds canine
    relationships (or at least strives to), I’m beginning to think it just might hamper human relationships, except in situations where everyone is at a dog event anyway. …

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    The less you know about dogs, the more you like flexi-leashes

    I hate flexible leashes. Hate them. Hate them. Hate them. Based on the pretty common sight of these leashes in the hands of what I’d deem as clueless (or lazy) people, I’ve concluded
    that the less you truly know about dogs, the more you probably like flexi-leashes. Those of us with fearful or reactive dogs, know all too well the sound of one reeling full-out and fast. If you are
    like me, you likely cringe when that zzzzrrrrr noise is followed by the clattering, skidding, scraping sound of the reel part bouncing down the sidewalk after popping loose from someone’s …