Dog Musings

There’s a whole community of people who train and run rescued dogs in agility and other sports. It’s a proud accomplishment for any dog once deemed unwanted (or unloved, or whatever).
Many of these dogs, just like Lilly, have some challenges, but for so many people that’s just fine. And, yet, sometimes when you talk about it with handlers of non-rescue dogs, there’s a sense that
they think we use “rescue” as an excuse … that we allow our dogs to get away with things we shouldn’t, for example. …

It started last winter, when I regularly enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream at night. In front of the fire, I’d hunker down with Tom and the pups to relax. Lilly began
showing interest in the whipped cream in my cup. So, I gave her some. Now, just like the sound of stainless steel bowls means dinner, Lilly learned that the sound of the spray can meant whipped
cream. It’s the accidental dairy version of click/treat. …

The popular dog training books and DVDs in the “In Focus” series
talk all about teaching your dog focus, but what about the handler?
What’s a dog to do when mommy’s concentration isn’t up to
snuff?
…

Over the weekend, I learned two things about people and dogs I love
— one happy, one sad. …

Last week, Lilly went to the doctor for a major blood draw in
preparation for our experiments with anti-depressants for her. Even
though there are no indications (other than behavior challenges) of
illness, we wanted to be extra sure. So, we ran about $150 worth of
blood tests. All is well, but after Lilly went back with the
veterinary nurses, she came back with a classic case of Stink Eye.
…

Here’s a game we often play to amuse ourselves. Give it a try
sometime with your own dog. If Lilly were …