I’ve ranted before about encounters with loose dogs (some friendly, some not) that Lilly and I have on our walks in our rural neighborhood. When we talked about these events during our behavior consult, the recommendation for carrying a spray with stopping power came up. Earlier this year, I bought the citronella kind to carry. But, I’ve yet to use it. Maybe I’m just being too nice. …
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. …
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 …
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. …
Happy Independence Day! It’s a big holiday at our house since Tom loves fireworks so much. So, rather than proffer our usual Friday Training Update, we’re taking a holiday to celebrate freedom. In Lilly’s case, it’s sometimes the freedom to NOT do what I ask. Still, nobody looks cuter with a flag! …
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). …
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 …
It’s finally starting to warm up around here. Summer, it seems, may have finally arrived. And, that means … Lilly is losing her winter undercoat. I knew the winter was rough (cold,
windy, long), but the extent of hair she’s losing, tells me that her little body knew it too. …
Seriously. I’m putting my foot down. Lilly and I have a
veterinary appointment this morning, and I’m asking for them to draw
blood according to exacting standards, and I’m shipping the blood to
Dr. Jean Dodds at Hemopet in California for detailed thyroid testing. She’s considered by many to be the ONE WHO KNOWS when it comes to
canine hypothyroidism. …
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. …
