tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34882433162261904602024-03-05T02:47:54.152-08:00Southwest DogsThe adventures, trials, and triumphs of one human and her beloved dogs, JoJo, Dolce, and Zenzi.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-80364849099585779332017-11-27T15:21:00.001-08:002017-11-27T15:21:12.341-08:00Introducing Takoda!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Takoda at the breeder's house<br />
Thursday, October 19, 2017.</td></tr>
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The night Zenzi died, I had a dream of her. She was romping on clouds above the Earth, happy and free, like she was on the secret trail we walked that day. She stopped at a hole in the clouds, dancing excitedly with her front feet as though she'd found a ball. When I followed the hole down to the Earth, I entered a home where a single golden retriever puppy remained in need of a home. It then went backwards in time, showing me the ad on Craigslist from the small family/hobby breeder to find the puppy.<br />
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I couldn't get the dream out of my head in the morning. Though I had no intention of replacing Zenzi and was determined to go back to being a 2 dog household again, I couldn't get the dream out of my mind. Sure enough, I found the ad exactly where Zenzi said it would be. The breeder bred primarily for military families of Camp Pendleton, but any extra puppies were available to the public. The parents were health tested, rated excellent on their joints, and cleared of heart/eye defects. I arranged to meet them that night, and was quickly in love. The Mama met me first, and just laid at my feet, belly up, and grinned while I rubbed her belly. The Daddy came out second, and while utterly friendly, was most interested in the treats one of the little boys was holding. When I met the only remaining puppy from this Mama's last litter, I knew he was special, and I quickly fell in love, despite my broken heart. He passed all my service prospect puppy tests with flying colors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad: Bumblebee, 10yo, left<br />
Mom: Rose, 8yo, right</td></tr>
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I arranged to pick him up that Sunday (I met him on Thursday), and he had a big day: first puppy class, meeting everyone in my life that is here in California, and coming home to meet my pack and begin house training.<br />
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Takoda has been home just over a month, and has settled in like a champ. Dolce wrestles with him constantly. I swear Takoda will keep Dolce young, his muscle tone is already improved! Maya has been recovering from steroids/MRI/spinal tap and is starting to open up to the puppy.<br />
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Takoda is incredibly easy. He was crate trained in a couple weeks, has since been house trained, and has started obedience training, public access training, and service dog task training. He's excelling in all of them. Videos of his training are available on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaLI9h34GDvxbFPae66-6nQ" target="_blank">Hounds in Harmony Youtube Channel</a>. I intend to document that training here from now on.<br />
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Meeting Auntie Linden</div>
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Instagram: @Takoda_golden_SDiT</div>
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Together at last, on the way home.</td></tr>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-80971753862795228552017-11-13T07:27:00.001-08:002017-11-13T07:27:10.990-08:00RIP Zenzi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On October 18th, 2017, a Wednesday, Zenzi attacked Dolce for being in the kitchen. Zenzi's neurological aggression issues have been worsening over time, despite all the training and medications I could provide her. When Dolce's bite turned out to require surgery and a drain, I made the gut-wrenching decision to put Zenzi down.<br />
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Zenzi reacted to sprinklers, dogs outside, the sound of the poop station lid slamming outside, animals on TV, food being nearby -- and she always redirected onto Dolce, or else "killed" a toy. She'd never done serious damage, a nip on the ear here, and scrape there. So I told myself it wasn't really that bad, I didn't need to consider rehoming her or euthanasia. But when she attacked Dolce for being in the kitchen, and she wasn't even in the kitchen, I knew it was time.<br />
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I considered waiting to place her with my parents, people she knows and loves, who could take her when their dog passes. But they have family and children come over on a regular basis, and that wouldn't be possible with Zenzi in the house. They would likely give that up for her, but I highly suspected she'd find something else to redirect on, and didn't want to risk it being one of them. Experienced dog people as they are, she was a lot to handle, even for me, a professional. I always knew I could never rehome her outside the family. She was so attached to me, I knew that she would rather die than start a new life with strangers in a strange place. Her mind wasn't built for that.<br />
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So the kindest thing to do was to end her suffering. There was definitely a chemical imbalance in her brain, perhaps from an invisible tumor, and she didn't like being on red alert all the time, reacting to things, and becoming so aggressive. I arranged for some sedatives to take her to the vet that evening. As much as I prefer an in-home euthanasia, that would have made Zenzi FURIOUS. That's not how I wanted her last moments to be.<br />
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I spent ALL DAY spoiling her rotten. Trail walk, ball play in the field, trail walk again -- just us, exactly how she liked it. <br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/BaiiItGjDGP/" target="_blank">View on Instagram.</a><br />
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I ended the evening walking her in the eucalyptus forest and giving her the pills. Once those were taking effect, we went to the vet. I gave her 2, because I knew 1 wouldn't cut it. When we arrived, she should have been asleep, but instead, she was just "drunk." When he gave her the first shot, he had to come back and check on us 3 times. Definitely something chemically wrong with her brain that she lasted as long as she did. "She shouldn't even be blinking right now, let alone worried about me." the vet said after the 2nd check, when Zenzi bark/growled at him. She had some twitches, and I worried she was having a seizure. Finally, she experienced some peace. Her tongue was lolligagging out of her mouth, her expression completely relaxed. I'd never seen her so at peace. She just drifted away when he gave her the last shot.<br />
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I felt her all day the next day, saw her in my dreams the night before, saw her when I closed my eyes. I ended up impromptu collecting her ashes when I brought Dolce in to have his stitches removed. It all wrapped up so very neatly.<br />
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Rest in peace, my panda tutu puppy. You can guard me as my angel now, sweetheart. Always know you were a GOOD DOG. My heart breaks, but I love you forever. Until we meet again... wait for me at the rainbow bridge.<br />
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<br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-18628810405314786112015-07-01T13:53:00.000-07:002015-07-04T10:37:31.751-07:00A Positive-Reinforcement Trainer's Favorites from Cesar MillanAs a clicker/positive/progressive/least invasive, minimally aversive/marker/reinforcement trainer, I am constantly working to find ways to communicate with my dogs that do not inflict pain, fear, or intimidation. I have several tools in my tool belt already, but I love learning and keep looking for more to answer questions I don't have a sufficient answer to yet. Especially dealing with reactive and/or aggressive, so-called "red zone" dogs.<br />
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So my colleagues will be surprised to hear I do have favorite sayings from a trainer such as Cesar Millan. My reasoning often differs from his, but I feel they are worth mentioning. As professionals, there has long been discussion of a line being drawn in the sand between "modern" training and "traditional" training. I have been frowned upon by many trainers for following "traditional" trainers in social media networks. But as many of my clients, friends and family have this methodology as their primary or even sole background, I feel it imperative that I be fully immersed to best relate to and help the dogs.<br />
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Without further ado, here are the pearls of wisdom from Cesar Millan's show The Dog Whisperer, and why I feel they are worth repeating:<br />
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<li><i>No touch, no talk, no eye contact.</i> Contrary to the myth of dominance, I feel this is a crucial approach to take with insecure, shy, reactive, and aggressive dogs. All of these behaviors are signs of respect, calm, and help put the dog at ease. By not touching the dog, you're not forcing your presence on them; perhaps triggering an unpleasant memory, or causing stress. By not talking to the dog, you allow them to think and process your scent and how you look without distraction nor the pressure of greeting. By refraining from making eye contact, you're being polite in the dog world; where in the human world making eye contact is a sign of respect and attention, in the dog world, it's a potential threat -- as a predator, you never keep your eye off your prey.</li>
<li><i>The power of the walk. </i> Walking your dog can be a very good way to build a bond, but not because of establishing a leadership role over your dog. By going on a walk, if you structure it correctly, you are your dog's gateway to the wide world of wonderful smells, new people to love, new dogs to greet with a wagging tail, small animals to chase and practice hunting, as well as the simple joy of novelty. By being the giver of all good things, you become more interesting than what you give, and your dog will love you for it. How to structure a walk properly is worthy of its own entry later.</li>
<li><i>Correct the dog before the behavior can escalate.</i> I would modify this to be more like "interrupt the dog before the behavior can escalate," but it's essentially the same message. Instead of allowing your dog to stare at what is making him/her upset, interrupt them so they can make a better choice -- calm down and walk away. Poking, tapping, kicking, leash popping, etc. are all forms of physical influence; while I'm in favor of being able to physically handle your dog with utmost comfort, I find these forms of touch too frightening for most dogs outside of a play setting, if at all. Instead, I prefer to use a positively-conditioned sound, such as a kissing noise or whistle, that can pierce through any distraction and remind my dog to pay attention to me.</li>
<li><i>The power of the pack.</i> Dogs surely are the best teachers to their own kind. Humans don't have the same vocalizations, physiology, or scent -- no matter how hard we try to mimic it, the dog knows better. Allowing the dog ample opportunity to learn from their own kind can work miracles. Scientific studies have proven that dogs can learn by example. However, it is dangerous to put an aggressive, fearful, shy, or in any way "unbalanced" dog into a situation where they are surrounded by [well-behaved] dogs, and not actually effective in teaching the unstable dog the lesson they need most -- trust. This method is called flooding, and while it can be effective with people who have phobias, it's not the same with dogs, because we can't possibly explain to the dog <b>why they're in this situation</b>.</li>
<li><i>Project calm, assertive energy.</i> The power of intention is one of the hardest lessons I've ever had to learn, but certainly one of the most powerful and influential. I don't know if it's a foundation for influencing behavior, but it certainly helps to go out into any activity or outing with your dog with the full picture of an ideal in mind. It's impossible to improve "bad" behavior without first defining "good" behavior.</li>
<li><i>Human goes first through any doorway.</i> Cesar wants the leader to go through the doorway to reinforce the dog's follower position; but I say it works better to keep our dog safe. If we're the first one through the door, we're the first to see what is beyond it. If we have a dog afraid of other dogs, for instance, rather than allowing our dog to be the first one to see the dog beyond the doorway and thus likely make a "bad choice" as in reacting to the dog, if we're the first through the door, we can manage our dog to get past its trigger.</li>
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My hope in writing this post is that the line between traditional trainers and modern trainers can begin to be blurred. Science evolves just as the world does, and all we can do is make an effort to stay up-to-date. Dominance has officially been debunked, at least in the common sense as it applies to canines. Let's move forward with what I feel both sides can agree on: mutual respect, teamwork, partnership, and companionship.</div>
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So, what are your favorite Cesar Millan sayings? How about other trainers? Have you adapted any to suit you and your relationship with your dog you'd like to share? Leave a comment...</div>
Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-72289459455685218172015-05-12T13:52:00.000-07:002015-05-12T14:23:51.771-07:00Maya's Quivering Hind Legs Mystery - SOLVEDEver since I adopted Maya, I've noticed that her hind legs quiver if she's been standing a while. Not sure if she were just excited or sore or what, I've let her settle in before thinking anything of it. Naturally, all my greys have had shaky legs after a hard sprint -- that adrenaline rush, there's nothing like it. But this is even after mild exercise, and then standing for a while.<br />
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Maya is insured through Healthy Paws, and I confirmed they cover alternative treatments like laser, hydro, and chiropractic therapies. Not wanting an unknown old racing injury to be causing her discomfort and thus the source of her quivering, I made an appointment with our wonderful new vet, Dr. Morgan at the Quail Animal Hospital in Irvine for this morning.<br />
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Dr. Morgan gives wonderfully thorough exams, and I feel very lucky to have him. He's the one who discovered Dolce's loose tooth -- I had no idea! Dolce had his first ever dental a month ago in Dr. Morgan's care to have it removed, and since the tooth was likely loose from playing bitey face with his sister, Zenzi, Healthy Paws covered most of that. So when he met Maya today, he gave her a similarly in-depth exam. Her hind legs were already quivering, though she was rightfully nervous about being at the vet's. He check her hip range of motion, which was excellent. He checked the solidity of her knees, which was fabulous. Then he started pushing on the vertebrae of the back of her spine. It was like 1... 2... 3... BOOM! The fourth vertebrae, Maya screamed in pain. She'd been wonderfully stoic up until that point, so we knew we had something.<br />
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Dr. Morgan said that she should see a neurologist and have a CAT scan and MRI done if I wanted to get an absolute diagnosis and/or pursue more invasive treatments like surgery, but it seemed clear to him she has the beginning of spinal disease, IVDD. I brought up Kibeth's lumbosacral stenosis, and he said yes, it's like that, just higher up in her spine. He didn't mention a cause, but I assume it's from Maya's racing career. She raced 112 in Mexico, and won 11 of them.<br />
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I don't want to pursue surgery. It's risky, and she's already 4-years old. If she were a puppy, maybe, but I ruled this out for Kibeth long ago. My opinion hasn't changed. I don't need a definitive diagnosis, I feel that scream being the only scream was tell-tale enough. So we started laser therapy today, on-the-house first trial thanks to Dr. Morgan's generosity. She whimpered a few times when we first started. I suspect that's due to her paranoia that the last time he pressed there, it hurt A LOT, as he assured me everyone in the office has tried the laser and although it gets warm, it is certainly painful or uncomfortable in any way. By the end, she was starting to hang her head over my knee and close her eyes, so I think it was comforting. I'll see how her walks go for the rest of the day, but I expect we'll make that a regular part of her management/treatment going forward. It could be as little as once every other week; just depends on her needs.<br />
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From laser, we turn to herbs like turmeric and supplements for anti-inflammatories and joints. I started giving her JoJo's leftover liquid joint supplement, but it's expired and not agreeing with her; she has had loose stools since I started her on it a few meals ago. Thus begins our exploration into supplements to help manage the inflammation. Hydrotherapy seemed to be a no-go as it's not really joint or muscle-related, and chiropractors are hit and miss, Dr. Morgan advised. ETA: acupuncture was another option to consider. I do plan to use my rice-filled heating pad for several minutes on her back at night when we're all settled in. I'm grateful we caught this early -- my only tip off was the shaking. She has no neurological symptoms as of yet, we checked her nerve that runs across her back and hips, as well as how she corrected her back feet if they were turned under, and she's completely normal.<br />
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*****</div>
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Maya holding a mat stay.</div>
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She only broke it twice, and self-corrected within 20 seconds.</div>
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No treats required or present.</div>
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After the vet visit, I took her to meet my husband at his work, and from there to lunch. She was perfect outside Subway. I don't know what I did to deserve this good girl, but I love her and want to keep her happy and comfortable for many years to come. If anyone has any experience with this, please feel free to comment your much-appreciated wisdom. I'd really appreciate all the input of what worked and didn't work.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-74158175238411145502014-12-20T08:27:00.001-08:002014-12-20T08:27:57.908-08:00Plans for MayaWhile Zenzi is mid-growing up, Maya starts to take the front seat in training. After having her meet my vet for the first time, and seeing the smiles she brought to all the staff's faces, it hit me that she needs to be a therapy dog. Yesterday being her first day in daycare, she proved that when all the staff announced she's an instant favorite. So here's what's going on to meet that end:
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<ul>
<li>I've registered for and begun <a href="http://www.petpartners.org/page.aspx?pid=183" target="_blank">Pet Partners</a>' online <a href="http://petpartners.ontidwit.com/ContentItem/View/dfae4670-33c6-432d-b5ee-b89aa5dac59b">Pet Partners Handler</a> course. It's step 1 of 4 to <a href="http://www.petpartners.org/document.doc?id=750" target="_blank">become a registered Therapy Dog team</a> with them.</li>
<li>One of the requirements is that the dog has been home with the handler for at least 6 months. That means we have 5 months to train.</li>
<li>Maya is slated for her first <a href="http://www.wagsandwiggles.com/#!obedience/c1asw" target="_blank">Obedience</a> class in January at <a href="http://www.wagsandwiggles.com/" target="_blank">Wags & Wiggles</a> in RSM, where I work part-time.</li>
<li>Once we complete Obedience 1, we'll progress through the two other Obedience classes prerequisite to take the <a href="http://www.wagsandwiggles.com/#!cgc/c19lx" target="_blank">Canine Good Citizen class</a> and subsequent CGC test.</li>
<li>Schedule-permitting, I'd like to put her in a <a href="http://www.wagsandwiggles.com/#!sport-dog/cgeq" target="_blank">Sport Dog</a> class, too. I think she'll have a lot of fun and it'll be very good for her physically.</li>
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Maya spreading love and happiness to the vet tech.</div>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-24048557974960545192014-11-25T16:36:00.000-08:002014-11-25T16:48:07.772-08:00Maya's First Dog Park Video<div style="text-align: center;">
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-50921234834425892982014-11-25T15:44:00.002-08:002014-11-25T16:09:26.152-08:00Getting to Know MayaWhen Darren said "Lauper's got a home!" and things were about to be finalized, Maya gave me one of her famous hugs. It's like she knew, too.<br />
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On the way home, I called my Mom to tell her all about the intro: how great it was, how I instantly knew Lauper was my Maya, how happy I was at how well Darren handled everything, how relieved I was that everyone was so happy to have such a perfect fit for our little family. I cried happy tears as soon as I started getting into it. I couldn't stop, I had to put myself back together to drive. Maya really is amazingly perfect for us.<br />
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We stopped along the way for dinner, where I let Maya out. She peed right there in the parking lot. No shame. She took treats, even as she took in the loud, busy city world she'd never really experienced before. She was mesmerized by a man on a bike -- also probably not something she was accustomed to seeing. She rides in the car well, though doesn't know how to jump in yet.<br />
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Since we've had her home, there were a few issues that needed sorting out:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Dolce needed to learn how to share his toys with ANOTHER dog besides Zenzi.</li>
<li>Zenzi needed to feel comfortable enough to have her gear put on for walks without going into bitchy mode.</li>
<li>Maya refused her food from the rescue. She barely ate for a few days, and I decided to go all out and give her JoJo's leftover frozen Instinct raw bites. She lapped it up, and now eagerly/happily eats an Orijen 6 fish kibble + Instinct raw bites mixture.</li>
<li>Maya has sleep startle (mildly, not nearly as severely as JoJo) and we're working on counter-conditioning by gently waking her and then immediately giving her a treat. No thrown socks, toys, treats, or anything to trigger a reaction. Just creating a positive association with being awoken and disturbed.</li>
<li>Maya needed to learn house training. She has never been in a home, so why should she know?</li>
<li>Maya had almost zero leash-walking skills, so I installed those with no issues. She walks almost as well as Kibeth and JoJo now. Perhaps it's an instinctual greyhound thing to walk nicely on-leash?</li>
<li>Maya learned her name in a couple hours, and we turned it into a pretty good recall in just a few days.</li>
<li>Maya learned how to climb up onto the couch, one paw at a time. She has jumped up onto it a couple times in the heat of play with Zenzi and Dolce, but doesn't seem to understand how she got there out of context yet. ;P</li>
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It's currently day 10 of Maya being home. I'm happy to say she's had a grand total of 4 accidents, and seems to be 90% house trained. She, Zenzi and Dolce all play nicely together, with and without toys. Maya can hang out in the living room with my other two while I'm gone, no more being segregated behind a baby gate in the bedroom. We can all get ready for a walk without bitchy Zenzi emerging. Maya loves to snuggle when it's on her terms, and enjoys being treated for disturbances during a hardy slumber.<br />
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This past weekend, she went on what I believe to be her first dog park outing. She had a great time. She was a little unsure at first, but warmed up quickly, and was giving all the humans hugs and all the dogs play time in a few minutes. She's the fastest grey I've ever owned, and the tallest. I've made a video, and it's processing on YouTube. I will post it soon in a separate entry.</div>
Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-79819778051492015042014-11-23T19:20:00.000-08:002014-11-23T19:20:48.266-08:00Introducing MayaNot a week went by after JoJo's passing I realized the entire balance of my household was askew in an unhealthy way without a greyhound, a "normal dog." I talked to my husband, and we agreed...<br />
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We will always need a greyhound in our lives.<br />
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It caught me by surprise. I was ready for the hole JoJo would leave behind. I was ready for the desire to fill that hole with another dog. I expected to want to fill that hole, however, with a border collie. I thought I was making a transition from greyhounds to border collies. I was wrong.<br />
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I applied to GreySave on Saturday morning. Didn't hear back by Monday, and applied to Greyhound Adoption Center and Fast Friends. <a href="http://www.houndsavers.org/" target="_blank">Greyhound Adoption Center</a> got back to me first, so I explained that to Fast Friends and GreySave when they eventually responded to my application. A couple days later, we were assigned an adoption representative in our area, and made an appointment for the home check. We passed, and then nothing for weeks.<br />
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I started to panic. Why were they putting us off? Why were they taking so long? Why couldn't I request to meet a dog? Why couldn't they tell me who the short list would be? I started inquiring at other rescues, but no one would work with me as part of a mutual non-compete the rescues have out here. I started considering other breeds, golden retrievers in particular. I even applied for a few dogs and inquired with a couple breeders, but that didn't go anywhere for one reason or another.<br />
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Finally, about 4.5 weeks later, we got word late Tuesday evening via email that they were ready at the GAC for us to come down to the kennel and meet some dogs. Eager as I was, I inquired if NOW there would be a short list?<br />
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Nope. No idea. Just go down and see what happens.<br />
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My candidates included all the dogs that were small dog friendly, + Jonny, a beautiful brindle and white girl who was too newly rescued to have been tested yet. Jonny's picture captured my heart the moment I saw her, but Lauper's profile was the winner of the bunch. It described her as small dog and kid friendly, as well as cat workable. She loved to give hugs, and wanted nothing more than to climb in your lap.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICby1MbmOD-p2zZIc51zAPkc9mHAI6bwGu8JRf5MxfSxnvOxsf18RH8elc6JJyfUUtq0nt5udEjlJoW91YRArX1fVdcu2jCuQaFWfblB4UVpmGq74HUx46qDiOx-hZ5uPfgglA9fe1vx7/s1600/Lauper+Profile+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICby1MbmOD-p2zZIc51zAPkc9mHAI6bwGu8JRf5MxfSxnvOxsf18RH8elc6JJyfUUtq0nt5udEjlJoW91YRArX1fVdcu2jCuQaFWfblB4UVpmGq74HUx46qDiOx-hZ5uPfgglA9fe1vx7/s1600/Lauper+Profile+Pic.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Lauper</i></div>
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Best-fitting profile.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10730873_10152807824790910_6369384805760189285_n.jpg?oh=434ec83d9464b2f6d365a9d80f4e613e&oe=54D780F8&__gda__=1427451118_5ad0917917192a99e8523cf21db89759" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10730873_10152807824790910_6369384805760189285_n.jpg?oh=434ec83d9464b2f6d365a9d80f4e613e&oe=54D780F8&__gda__=1427451118_5ad0917917192a99e8523cf21db89759" width="239" /></a></div>
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<i>Jonny</i></div>
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Captivating eyes.</div>
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So we were told to show up at 1:00 on Saturday, November 15th. On our way down, we ran into 45 minutes of traffic, which made us 30-minutes late. I was panicking, but needn't have. They were just clearing the agility equipment off the field when we arrived at 1:30. Darren was the guy in charge of handling the potential greyhound(s) and introductions between my two crazy furkids. He handled Zenzi's alarm barking at his hat with aplomb, and took Dolce's reactivity in stride. He made both of my dogs feel very comfortable in the big open field and with him before bringing out the first dog.</div>
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I inquired about Jonny, and he said she wouldn't be ready for another 6+ weeks. She needed some time to get healthy, as they all do. He said that they saw I had expressed an interest in Lauper (I had mentioned that she seemed a good fit on my application), and that she was their top dog for the day. He just hoped Dolce's reactive noise wouldn't scare her away. If she could ignore him, we'd be off to a good start, he said. When the kids were tired from fetch and zoomies, he went to get her from the kennel area. Dolce was to be off-leash, and he would bring Lauper down to the fence, turn her rear, and let Dolce have a good sniff.</div>
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As soon as I saw her, I wanted to cry. I knew she was the one instantly. I crossed all my fingers and hoped with my whole being my dogs would agree. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced before when seeing a dog. When I've told people this story, they've questioned whether I'd cried seeing any greyhound again, since the passing of JoJo; or whether it was nerves and anxiety about the forthcoming introductions. I assure you, it was nothing like that. This was soulmate seeing soulmate, and love at first sight.</div>
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Dolce took off like a shot when he noticed her approaching the field, and charged the fence, barking like a fool. Lauper did absolutely nothing, and tolerated having her rear end turned to the fence for this mad dog to sniff. She stood like a statue while Dolce sniffed a good long time. He quieted as soon as he sniffed, and barked again when they started walking. Zenzi remained on-leash with me, and was so tired from fetch, she couldn't care less there was a new dog coming in. In fact, she was lying down when we started parallel walking: Darren with Lauper, me with Zenzi and Dolce (who was back on-leash).</div>
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The parallel walk, or low arousal walk as Darren called it, went very smoothly. We gradually worked our way closer together. Dolce snarked a couple times when he and Lauper made eye contact, but nothing too serious, and he always stopped as soon as the eye contact was broken. Zenzi was actually fairly interested in her. We had a few polite butt sniffs, and then Darren suggested that when I felt comfortable, to casually take off the leashes from Zenzi and Dolce. I did it as quietly as I could, and they sort of walked with us a bit, then trotted off. Lauper was last to be let off-leash, and things remained pretty low key. Everyone was in close proximity to each other, and there were no more snarks. Darren wanted to go to a medium arousal, and get Lauper doing some zoomies, to see how everyone responded to that. So he had Rick jog a bit along the fence line with her. She happily pranced at his side, then took off with glee around the field. Dolce tore after her at full speed, and Zenzi said "Want to play ball?!" to me. Dolce had to cut some corners, but eventually caught up to Lauper, and they just sort of stopped together. Dolce had tagged her, end of game. Darren said, "That's it, that's what I was hoping for." So now it was time for some medium arousal off-leash play time, and he wanted to go into a smaller enclosure they have to make sure if something did happen, they couldn't get too riled up speed-wise.</div>
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In the smaller enclosure, everyone did great. Zenzi pooped, Lauper pooped, I cleaned it all up. It was pretty low key, even with a thrown ball. Dolce was reactive to some barking dogs and passersby from the kennel, which was very close and definitely in sight now. So back to the field we went for some high arousal play time. Darren used a Chuck It to throw a ball for Maya, who fetched it, then did a victory lap of zoomies. Dolce was having a blast chasing her, and Zenzi continued to politely sniff, but remain more interested in playing with me. After passing this phase, Darren said:</div>
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"So, do you want to see another dog?"</div>
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To which I replied, smiling, "No! I was hoping that'd be optional!" They'd been talking about possible alternates to bring out, I heard Pajamas and Iron mentioned:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZHCKyjX4f4UOjQ08pW-MplGjY_ouD2NW6_OyYooy5CYv5Oxnh-s_9mNmh_uq15nb_h15d03FI8FdLVrqY9uh88BWkpmP7j6cTF1PIzKaMNDp_wB6ETkXONMXouJQyGWZv9K88DD0i6Xx/s1600/Pajamas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZHCKyjX4f4UOjQ08pW-MplGjY_ouD2NW6_OyYooy5CYv5Oxnh-s_9mNmh_uq15nb_h15d03FI8FdLVrqY9uh88BWkpmP7j6cTF1PIzKaMNDp_wB6ETkXONMXouJQyGWZv9K88DD0i6Xx/s1600/Pajamas.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>Pajamas</i></div>
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Small dog safe, 2 year old male with a broken leg.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WIjuifRo2G6VuTa0u10Wq2YV5YkPzouv9VigW7vhO5TR3HaUQwXYUQgUctNtnjRNVaDL4jznuPXGOpp7z5GKcHKR7JKC0T4Qz7FZGMHcS8I9LHszSeUqCuZt8l4X3mQsnCw3CFfKXh0j/s1600/Iron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WIjuifRo2G6VuTa0u10Wq2YV5YkPzouv9VigW7vhO5TR3HaUQwXYUQgUctNtnjRNVaDL4jznuPXGOpp7z5GKcHKR7JKC0T4Qz7FZGMHcS8I9LHszSeUqCuZt8l4X3mQsnCw3CFfKXh0j/s1600/Iron.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Iron</i></div>
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4 year old male that needs work with cats and small dogs.</div>
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But I knew going in Lauper was the one, and I didn't want to put my dogs through another introduction to confirm what my heart already knew. Lauper was family. I already had the name Maya picked out, named for Maya Angelou, a hugely inspiring and strong woman for me. The entire introduction took about an hour, paperwork took another 15-20 minutes, I handed over my check for the $295 adoption fee, waived the included collar and leash (I already had a set and planned to purchase something they didn't sell) and told them to consider it my donation, and we were on our way home.</div>
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Here's the photos from the day:</div>
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Zenzi and Dolce's hammock in the back seat of my Honda Fit.</div>
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Soon-to-be Maya's bed in the back.</div>
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I put a blanket up over the head rests</div>
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so nobody could bother anybody else on the way home.</div>
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Zenzi loved having a big, green field to run in!</div>
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That's her true element, and not one she gets to experience often.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihRJMUBhTn243xkMFKZ1IIeU8q5wzSPb6r3ZOS4pjAEazDbu7xUXbkzG9uLLRYfNAxiTs3L1ut_ew0xQErzVw-tmFcRSS9975Go5BtiNeQ4QXSz0hD9tTu1-QfSZMUrEglUoB2M-AIC6X/s1600/IMG_0004_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihRJMUBhTn243xkMFKZ1IIeU8q5wzSPb6r3ZOS4pjAEazDbu7xUXbkzG9uLLRYfNAxiTs3L1ut_ew0xQErzVw-tmFcRSS9975Go5BtiNeQ4QXSz0hD9tTu1-QfSZMUrEglUoB2M-AIC6X/s1600/IMG_0004_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dolce was his typical perimeter checker self.</div>
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He also enjoyed a good set of zoomies.</div>
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Richard loved her right away. :)</div>
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I've waited 21 years for a brindle greyhound.</div>
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Fell in love with them when I was 8 years old</div>
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at Michigan's Ann Arbor Art Fair.</div>
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She was as happy to have someone to constantly hug</div>
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as we were to add her to our home.</div>
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<br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0Greyhound Adoption Center32.785543 -116.8455109999999932.6787655 -117.00687249999999 32.8923205 -116.68414949999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-85190268601042139952014-11-19T13:43:00.004-08:002014-11-19T13:43:56.552-08:00RIP JoJoIt is with great sadness I am ready to announce the passing of my heart dog, JoJo. She was the hippie dog to her last day, spreading peace, love, and happiness to everyone everywhere she went. I had her from 5 years old to 11 years young, and can never be grateful enough for those nearly 6 glorious years.<br />
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She was diagnosed with a possible tumor in her urethra when a blood clot showed up in her urine at daycare with no other explanation, and then a mass started growing on her toe. She was grumpy with Zenzi and Dolce approaching her whenever she was laying down, not just her usual sleep startle. Walks hurt so much she was panting within seconds, and she flinched if I even lightly touched her hips. No more hip scritches, and she started not eating, because of the pain meds that were making life bearable for as long as possible. I knew it was time, my girl never wanted to be on drugs, and was suffering.<br />
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She went in our home, experiencing her first true relief from the pain in years, and then dozed off to sleep peacefully. I felt something, wind that wasn't wind, brush my left cheek as she crossed the rainbow bridge, and I knew she was gone.<br />
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Run free, my best girl. Though I cry to write this, my heart rejoices having known your love.<br />
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Phoney Jonie, Alabama racetrack</div>
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Born: September 19th, 2003</div>
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She came home perfectly (intuitively on her part, I'm sure) trained for all occasions.</div>
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JoJo</div>
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November 11, 2008 - October 16, 2014</div>
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<br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-30172206620412774432014-02-03T11:57:00.002-08:002014-02-03T11:57:53.659-08:00Social Rehab at the Laguna Beach Dog ParkThe Laguna Beach Dog Park (LBDP) is my favorite dog park in the area. The setting is lovely and interesting, excellently groomed, and the people are always on top of their dogs. The dogs, for the most part, are excellently socialized. It's a wonderful place to go.<br />
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Zenzi and JoJo have been going here and there ever since Zenzi was old enough. They always have a good time. Zenzi follows JoJo's example, and is fine with other dogs off-leash. Zenzi actually doesn't really care about the other dogs or people, she is only thinking about...<br />
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... BALL</div>
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Anyways, I used to take Dolce once a week to try to work on socialization. I gave up on the idea. He wasn't ready. He was just over threshold and not learning or enjoying himself. It was flooding, and not useful. Lately, he's been SO MUCH BETTER on his walks, I decided to give it another go today.<br />
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Since food is banned in the dog park, I couldn't use treats to help him over the initial reaction to the environment. So I brought my handy dandy "butt blaster" (Spray Shield citronella dog fight spray) and hoped that would suffice when paired with praise and petting...<br />
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... It did.</div>
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Dolce was initially off his rocker when we arrived. A combination of reactivity, excitement, and anxiety. Luckily, the place wasn't very crowded at all, and the small dog area was completely vacant. So we went in there to absorb the place in peace. Dolce did calm down after some initial fuss, and was getting sniffy and curious and polite, so we entered the big dog area with everyone else. He was never off-leash for this excursion. His greeting skills leave much to be desired. Until he can master them, I don't trust him off-leash. Now a lot of people will criticize that him being on-leash in an off-leash environment is a huge no-no. 99% of the time, I'd agree with them. Dolce is just... Special. So long as I was careful with my leash handling skills, it was not an issue. The only time he felt tension on the leash was when he made a bad decision and required restraint (initiating a chase after another dog inappropriately, getting snarky if greeted, etc.).<br />
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Dolce's initial greetings were iffy. He'd sniff, but he couldn't <i>be sniffed.</i> He would snark, I would spritz the air behind him, and we'd be on our merry way until the next opportunity presented itself. Mostly, we hung out on the perimeter and watched. I'd praise him heavily for looking at the doggies playing, and give him his favorite scratches whenever he checked in with me. He wasn't over threshold enough to not enjoy these things. It was plenty of space for him to feel safe. I was feeling better and better about my decision to bring him.<br />
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Eventually, much to my amazement, Dolce was greeting other dogs <i>appropriately</i>. He sniffed, even from face to face, and allowed himself to be sniffed. If he felt overwhelmed, he would make himself smaller instead of explode, and I'd get him out of there, praising all the while. When he discovered that retreating didn't make the other dogs hunt him down, he gained confidence. He became at ease, and even started to lower his tail. He really liked this little chihuahua girl, and he tolerated a Boston terrier puppy brilliantly. The chihuahua rolled over onto her back, and he sniffed her, then they play bowed, and chased each other around a bit. The Boston kept saying hi over and over, and Dolce learned to greet gently of his own accord. He even invited the puppy to chase, but they were interrupted by a big, white, fluffy dog. Dolce snarked at this dog, I spritzed the air, we retreated, and Dolce immediately approached at a polite curve to greet the big, white fluffy dog. They greeted nicely, and split peacefully. <br />
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I stood there with my jaw dropped. I praised Dolce heavily, of course, but with my mouth wide open. Dolce successfully greeted 3 off-leash dogs today. Dolce was HAPPY to be in the dog park with other dogs. Dolce played with the chihuahua. Dolce invited another dog to play chase. There must have been something magical about this chihuahua, because Zenzi liked her, too, and chased her around a bit for fun.<br />
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JoJo, of course, stuck to the perimeter, sniffing and marking. She hammed up all the people and got lots of love and attention.<br />
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We left on a total high note. Zenzi was just finishing playing with the chihuahua, Dolce had just greeted the big, white, fluffy dog, and JoJo was leaving a couple who had been petting her thoroughly. Dolce was getting eager to go play with everyone else, but we left to make sure he wanted to come back for more. Today was a glorious day. :)Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-61317013112905827452013-11-11T11:35:00.001-08:002013-11-11T11:35:26.833-08:00Herding 11/10/13<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenzi posing at Rancho Ventoso of SoCal Herding</td></tr>
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Zenzi had her second herding lesson at <a href="http://www.socalherding.com/" target="_blank">SoCal Herding</a> yesterday. She was again totally over aroused by the sight of the sheep running around with other dogs working. She was a barking maniac, but did manage to soothe herself effectively enough that we could hang out ringside if she sat behind my legs.<br />
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Her first session was pretty intense to start. She was very, um, eager to work. Kelly says that she's still working out what her job is, exactly. She definitely has figured out that if she runs at, barks at, and bites them, they run away. That's pretty nifty. Now she has to learn about the safety zone for the sheep, and not be so quick to bite.<br />
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While we waited for our second round, I got some photos. I was very proud of Rubble's session with Kelly, so you'll notice a few shots of her petting him. That was the first time, in nearly 2 months, he's allowed anyone there to touch him. Kelly said, "I have goosebumps. This is amazing." They're such good people.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know their names yet, but there are horses!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGewMIghLUvjjQF4FsingE8be3kwP5iZ-cCFjAf2oZaYYnQSx-jpWl4j7gLxaVVrMKzC22s2VfKk7ScsXGDE47pm4kEUXtkLdsQzV37fAxkFy75GWXxxRSSxsup2V7iMcwgDVcYrIRv9n/s1600/P1000808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGewMIghLUvjjQF4FsingE8be3kwP5iZ-cCFjAf2oZaYYnQSx-jpWl4j7gLxaVVrMKzC22s2VfKk7ScsXGDE47pm4kEUXtkLdsQzV37fAxkFy75GWXxxRSSxsup2V7iMcwgDVcYrIRv9n/s320/P1000808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I keep forgetting to bring them carrots. :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijreISuXbXRzEuJXTeqA65XqFZvS6BqKGBRKg_i3aotIOPi4iAR_l6GBhtXy8D1In-1pu-QJrFo67s06lJN6JW4Q0YcWSxC_1SDdfCADVUiAUBq-HfyxdSCt2iK8ylDbcsUXjauXS-eRe2/s1600/P1000810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijreISuXbXRzEuJXTeqA65XqFZvS6BqKGBRKg_i3aotIOPi4iAR_l6GBhtXy8D1In-1pu-QJrFo67s06lJN6JW4Q0YcWSxC_1SDdfCADVUiAUBq-HfyxdSCt2iK8ylDbcsUXjauXS-eRe2/s320/P1000810.JPG" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Rubble making friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmN5h9Zn-nbg5lXmYuP8iSRVuqB4iWUCk-sN9sQ6SerxRsd8JmYtnYOTAD4jM44e9bmiCHuOj35Mus6oO6FvW1FvEvS7qKC56rFUXTJILN27BAMD65ZeGscb0xHxAItK_b6EBquWecpdU/s1600/P1000811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmN5h9Zn-nbg5lXmYuP8iSRVuqB4iWUCk-sN9sQ6SerxRsd8JmYtnYOTAD4jM44e9bmiCHuOj35Mus6oO6FvW1FvEvS7qKC56rFUXTJILN27BAMD65ZeGscb0xHxAItK_b6EBquWecpdU/s320/P1000811.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristina grew up a farm girl, and now pursues that passion with her sheltie, Merlin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE4WRBUbRc5P4w41uYCwnzfGi92riPXwLfB0CwZ5jLZkpREgJuzIBYw8WaoZ-P2AOCUdk_TRiy0vctiw_Rqle_-h02g_uROnPxL9wdVnJUCvSDEHi7bIuL0aKUPsJRIDSyK-Q4Y-uCPvW/s1600/P1000813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE4WRBUbRc5P4w41uYCwnzfGi92riPXwLfB0CwZ5jLZkpREgJuzIBYw8WaoZ-P2AOCUdk_TRiy0vctiw_Rqle_-h02g_uROnPxL9wdVnJUCvSDEHi7bIuL0aKUPsJRIDSyK-Q4Y-uCPvW/s320/P1000813.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubble is growing up, and getting his fur back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4v2ZRmPza9jU7_d8Nt7RUDbmX1FJfofmuu0OtS4OeqDjlGBWv_CZkLmp2qbovSHmjoskjRjKjU7Q_qrL5dKCCXPGKj8dRIQG6dluKT2e4V_W247-C-Ufan8AUJaCs8dxlFa0ZxkEhF9_/s1600/P1000815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4v2ZRmPza9jU7_d8Nt7RUDbmX1FJfofmuu0OtS4OeqDjlGBWv_CZkLmp2qbovSHmjoskjRjKjU7Q_qrL5dKCCXPGKj8dRIQG6dluKT2e4V_W247-C-Ufan8AUJaCs8dxlFa0ZxkEhF9_/s320/P1000815.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What it looks like to wait by the arena and round pen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosKuahTrEnVTMxtY27WSdQ3uTLoJkCQ72ggANsMripI6M2dgTYREOBoXocWd9MvGw37b3-HFZJolbpehPsP4Ug1D5g5FzzENSDj6XIygF4ezqhbqQTI8ZY7ENqPhGtsiiS7QjXZbWILY_/s1600/P1000816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosKuahTrEnVTMxtY27WSdQ3uTLoJkCQ72ggANsMripI6M2dgTYREOBoXocWd9MvGw37b3-HFZJolbpehPsP4Ug1D5g5FzzENSDj6XIygF4ezqhbqQTI8ZY7ENqPhGtsiiS7QjXZbWILY_/s320/P1000816.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red & white border collie puppy boy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlPtVz1HXSDjR8Gyi0vn86vn0kHEhtm_VZjGJQI69QNWpHQklwjgoEz4zZp9HqvBowivzsw_MEJrWYC_qPERh9h1Rov29VTem5vDHVf09FvoZTGJVO4I0GFfgrKwrOojOx8jW1Hrfe8aJ/s1600/P1000818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlPtVz1HXSDjR8Gyi0vn86vn0kHEhtm_VZjGJQI69QNWpHQklwjgoEz4zZp9HqvBowivzsw_MEJrWYC_qPERh9h1Rov29VTem5vDHVf09FvoZTGJVO4I0GFfgrKwrOojOx8jW1Hrfe8aJ/s320/P1000818.JPG" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubble is posing. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1mIXsaBDfBFv9O4d7BCRgLV6rvUPSqavOf5nlQz9JttgOw4Zosk2OVrFV0zRP-F6ordGt8xhG0qeTqX4s7Idd1kPAW7pGta1SeWAvPiPFmOalliu4SHtMfoIvHyr4ZuVaRr4WI0d0mE8/s1600/P1000820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1mIXsaBDfBFv9O4d7BCRgLV6rvUPSqavOf5nlQz9JttgOw4Zosk2OVrFV0zRP-F6ordGt8xhG0qeTqX4s7Idd1kPAW7pGta1SeWAvPiPFmOalliu4SHtMfoIvHyr4ZuVaRr4WI0d0mE8/s320/P1000820.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He really enjoys a good wither rub. ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZlUSGuVOdDc-xyvPzQYtFWA49N_C1oipkhsjK7DsiEASmkBiJVa4ni7Sj9A3JZd6WZgT7vuDjrp92HUAQi7zfG5Ujc3dAXJoNsKkHW3M3QqXgxOevcuds-iKGFL9e-aJbiS348vkjl4j/s1600/P1000821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZlUSGuVOdDc-xyvPzQYtFWA49N_C1oipkhsjK7DsiEASmkBiJVa4ni7Sj9A3JZd6WZgT7vuDjrp92HUAQi7zfG5Ujc3dAXJoNsKkHW3M3QqXgxOevcuds-iKGFL9e-aJbiS348vkjl4j/s320/P1000821.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristina and Merlin are practically pros now!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at Rubble go! His confidence to experience the world has grown leaps and bounds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not, he actually jumped over the sheep when they wouldn't move.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokChauA63U_0AJ02RTdsIDxtoIryF_8hGFWAOrwdiTOEAUIgku8KyMCHnytfZmItp_NSMYSf78lThko780HYtfkG8OTFUIy2B4pYsqjptTCBVxENAwDuY92xbHquLcwl1qNl1F_vjnDQr/s1600/P1000832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokChauA63U_0AJ02RTdsIDxtoIryF_8hGFWAOrwdiTOEAUIgku8KyMCHnytfZmItp_NSMYSf78lThko780HYtfkG8OTFUIy2B4pYsqjptTCBVxENAwDuY92xbHquLcwl1qNl1F_vjnDQr/s320/P1000832.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes the ranch dogs help less experienced dogs get the sheep moving. Meet Drew.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly's first time petting Rubble. Mama Sarah was right there. She shed a tear. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mailbox WILL be mine someday. ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly working a GSD. They have a totally different style. It's fascinating!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristina and Merlin (left) wait to train while Ted pets a student GSD.</td></tr>
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So then it was time for our second run, and you can see Zenzi's frantic beginning mature into a much sweeter, more controlled finish. Kelly was impressed! She says Zenzi is progressing very well. I don't know much about any of this, but I'm glad to hear. Kelly also says that Zenzi's confidence is growing, and now that she's seen that Zenzi will bite and grip, Kelly plans to increase her wand pressure to discourage that. I love how they're so careful about any sort of correction they plan to do. I'm 100% behind it, though. When you're dealing with instinct and using real-life rewards, there's no way around corrections. The corrections are totally fair and correspond to the level of the behavior. Zenzi did get her first tap on the nose with the wand. She's decided that she'd just as soon bite the wands as the sheep, so... Anyway, here's our second run!<br />
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Once again, we had a glorious time. Zenzi allowed several people to approach and pet her, without running away or barking at them. The socialization aspect is, again, just as valuable as the actual herding! We're making friends ourselves, Rick and I, and discovered that they board dogs over there. Any time our dogs need boarding, that's the plan. Wags & Wiggles is wonderful, don't get me wrong, but not a perfect fit for a dog like Zenzi. She does not relish the company of other dogs the way she does "her people" and working sheep! Sarah is boarding Rubble there over Thanksgiving.</div>
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Next week, I'm flying home to MI to visit family, so there will be no herding next week. :( After that, though, it's back on!</div>
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<br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-70278208636575275512013-11-07T11:04:00.003-08:002013-11-07T11:05:10.796-08:00Agility Class Summary 11/13/13<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Zenzi, want to play Agility?"</td></tr>
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I'm seriously going to have to do this every week. This is SO MUCH FUN! I want to remember it all! So today, Zenzi and I had a challenge of a course with 12 obstacles. TWELVE. Last time, we had 5.<br />
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O_o</div>
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We didn't finish the course today. But that's okay. We got over halfway!<br />
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<b>Here's the course:</b><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Zne5mx8i1OTGtMd05aSUhwSTg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Agility Class 11/13</a></div>
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So we made it through 1-8 by the end. We <i>could</i> have finished it, but we didn't want to push it. Zenzi isn't totally committing to the obstacles yet, and that particular go was a HUGE improvement over our initial runs, so we stopped there. Yes, we did all those front crosses rather neatly. :)</div>
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Meanwhile, between runs, I'm working with Zenzi on being quiet in her crate while we wait. She won't just nom on a bully stick in her crate anymore. She will chew a bully stick waiting on her mat, but she won't <i>stay</i> on her mat through exciting agility goings on, even with a barrier. It takes almost constant reinforcement now. I can wait two seconds, I have to reward for every noise, and I can now sit on top of the crate instead of in front of it. </div>
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Laurie keeps saying she's becoming a border collie. She's becoming less food-driven, and more toy-motivated when we're doing agility. Food is great for walks, obedience training, trick training... </div>
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Zenzi says,</div>
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"Agility = no more foods, Mom."</div>
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>:-(</div>
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"Let me TUG something!"</div>
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:-D</div>
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After the coursework, we started PVC box targeting in preparation for contact obstacles (A-frame). Zenzi already knows how to target a box with her four paws, so we progressed to naming it "Hit It" today. The box was about 10 feet away, and I would click when she put all four paws in, then toss a treat out and away to the side to restart.</div>
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<b>Proud Mama Moments:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Ranaye said, "I love watching Zenzi run. Her tail is beautiful."</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Laurie said, "Yep, she's [Zenzi's] talented."</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Zenzi remembered our box work from baby puppyhood!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I'm getting better with my cue timing.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Terminology:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Deceleration is a cue</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Maneuvers (lateral step means a gradual turn)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Body cues: shoulders, arms, stance, eyes, mouth/speech</li>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-34220430894159426352013-11-06T14:28:00.001-08:002013-11-06T14:28:33.692-08:00Training Project: Sue Ailsby's 4 Training LevelsI go on and on about these to my dog-loving/owning friends and colleagues. I just haven't really <i>done them</i> all yet. So begins our first project: Conquering all Four Training Levels by Sue Ailsby.<br />
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You can view what we'll be working from <a href="http://sue-eh.ca/resources/TL-CHECKLIST.pdf.zip" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I will be training both Dolce and Zenzi, but Zenzi is priority. Dolce is much more "livable" right now, so Ms. Zenzi gets the most work right now.<br />
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After we finish the levels, we'll do Rally Obedience. Concurrently, of course, we will continue our Agility and Herding lessons. I have ordered the Train 'Em Tasks cards for AKC Novice, Advanced and Excellent levels, and they arrived yesterday.<br />
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I also intend to implement a much more vigorous workout regimen for Zenzi. We will play ball or frisbee at least once daily until she's fully tuckered out. This will take the edge off her hyperactivity anxiety. Kind of hard to have self-control if you're jumping out of your own skin with constant cabin fever.<br />
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Dolce and Zenzi are working on their territorial barking with the front patio door open. Using a gentle leader has proved very useful to discourage barking in as positive a way as possible, so I implement that if she doesn't respond immediately to my Enough cue. I ordered a purple deluxe GL to be as soft as possible. I bet she looks adorable in it. I may go back to using it on walks if it doesn't irritate her fur as much as the old nylon one did. It got stiff when she drooled in it or drank with it on and then it dried out.<br />
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I intend to video each level once we've completed the most challenging elements per topic. Stay tuned!<br />
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For now, I leave you with this angelic photo:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenzi & Dolce bask in the afternoon sun.<br />What's remarkable is the fact that this is right in front of the patio door.<br />They're not at red alert. They're relaxed. Yay!<br />Good pups.</td></tr>
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<br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-69460237471179285402013-11-06T12:46:00.000-08:002013-11-06T12:50:00.807-08:00Zenzi Herding LessonsThis past Sunday, Zenzi, Rick and I headed out to Palmdale for a herding lesson at <a href="http://www.socalherding.com/index.html" target="_blank">So Cal Herding</a> with friends, Kristina and Sarah. Kristina and Sarah are already regulars, having gone at least a handful of times before. It's almost 2 hours from us, but we wanted to give it a try. Zenzi's behavior recently was telling me that she needed to do what she was born to do more often. Here's what I've been noticing:<br />
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<ul>
<li>That bark she gets when she was herding sheep at Robin's for her instinct test? She's applying it to other dogs and crows on walks.</li>
<li>Loss of respect for me coupled with an increased threshold, and an overall "bitchy" attitude.</li>
<li>More anxious in general.</li>
<li>More crabby in general.</li>
<li>More pushy and bossy toward her humans and other dogs (Dolce and JoJo).</li>
<li>More territorial of the home front.</li>
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So Rick and I got in the car and made our drive out to this new place. We had to stop for breakfast at McDonald's, and then again later for gas. But we made it on time for our 9:30 group arrival time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rancho Ventoso</td></tr>
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It's a place in the desert, but it's quite homey and beautifully set in the mountains. It's a modest little house with a big porch, filled with other dogs and their handlers. The owner's dogs were wandering around off-leash, perfectly happy with all the "intruders" being on their property. I kept thinking to myself, "Gosh, I'd love for Zenzi to have this someday..."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick & Zenzi in the waiting area.</td></tr>
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We found Kristina and Sarah in no time, and hung out in the waiting area with them for our turn. Where at Robin's place, it's just you and Robin, you do your lesson, then you leave, it's a much more communal atmosphere at Ted's. You wait with everyone else for your first run, then your dog gets a breather and you go again after everyone else has had their first go. I absolutely am so grateful for the social aspect. Being a complete and total newb to herding, I enjoyed meeting all the experienced students there. Many were big, burly men, so it was a great opportunity for Zenzi to start overcoming her fears. I could see her come out of her shell more and more. Especially with Ted. She let him pet her within minutes. I was amazed. She even approached him!<br />
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When our first run was finished, I felt like it was exactly what Zenzi needed to vent all her pent up frustration. She's clearly got more of the Australian Cattle Dog herding style with how vocal and nippy she is, than a border collie herding style with lots of eye and stalking. So we went back to the waiting area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenzi & me after our first run.</td></tr>
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I swear, I have never seen the girl looking so happy in such an unfamiliar, full of strange people and dogs, place. It was becoming clear to me that Zenzi was choosing Ted & Kelly, and we should go back more regularly. Weekly even, depending on pricing.<br />
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Our second run was after Kristina and her sheltie, Merlin. Shelties have all but had the herding bred out of them for the most part, but luckily for Kristina, Merlin is one of the few exceptions. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristina learning handling with Merlin.</td></tr>
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We waited by the shed next to the round pen. Zenzi got really amped pretty quickly when she saw the sheep being moved around, so we would get a glimpse then duck behind, depending on her behavior.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenzi's much more interested in the sheep than the men or off-leash dog behind us.</td></tr>
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I definitely think our second round was significantly better. It's clear that Zenzi leans on me for support, so we have to stay together, she won't just work for Kelly. While I really appreciate the loyalty, I do hope Zenzi can work with Kelly eventually. Having a totally novice dog and handler is hard enough in agility!<br />
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When we finished, we hung out and waited to hear from Ted about policies, payment, and registration. Prices are very reasonable, and policy is very agreeable. After looking at this face:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiest Zenzi ever.</td></tr>
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Rick and I decided this needs to be a weekly commitment for Zenzi's sanity, happiness, and well-being. The socialization, the influence from the other dogs, getting to play with sheep... It's who she is, and who she needs to be. She can be around horses, too! They have two beautiful horses on the property for Zenzi to get accustomed to for down the road, when Rick and I have a horse.<br />
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So we headed back home, and will be back next week. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenzi can't wait to go back!</td></tr>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com034201 47th Street East, Palmdale, CA 93552, USA34.505118 -118.046821000000028.9830835000000029 -159.35541500000002 60.0271525 -76.738227000000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-51322505890072823502013-10-06T09:23:00.000-07:002013-10-06T09:23:07.638-07:00Raising "That Dog"Everyone dreams of having <i>That Dog</i> when they design their training and/or lifestyle regimen for their canine companion. That Dog (TD) is a dog who you can trust in every situation to act appropriately, is reliable off-leash in any environment, loves everyone and everything, plays with you, comforts you, will defend his/her family and home without being rude to invited guests, is obedient to every cue, doesn't cause trouble by being a nuisance in any way, is perfectly house-trained, and does adorable tricks or maybe has some cute quirks.<br />
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I could describe all the ways in which my dogs have failed to live up to the TD ideal, but it's not necessary. I love all my dogs for who they are, regardless. Suffice it to say, none of the dogs in my life have ever had potential to qualify for TD status.<br />
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That is, until Zenzi.<br />
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Zenzi is proving herself more and more to possess qualities that make her a TD prospect.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Intelligent: Zenzi has been easy to train since I brought her home at 6 weeks old. Clicker training has been our way, and she is certainly an exceptionally bright dog. She always catches on quickly, and loves to work.</li>
<li>Work Ethic: Zenzi will work for praise, food, and toys/play. She is food and toy CRAZY, so the drive is there for her to just keep working until she drops.</li>
<li>Bonded: when Zenzi and I are together, she is all about me. She is not too terribly interested in other people or their dog(s). She doesn't mind other dogs, and does well in daycare as far as not causing trouble, but she doesn't need to socialize with them and doesn't play much with anyone besides her family at home. We can play frisbee or ball off-leash at parks and I never worry about her recall should there be a person and/or dog walking by. She is all about the game with me, and nothing else matters. Ever. No exceptions.</li>
<li>Perceptive: Zenzi knows how I'm feeling, and will adjust accordingly. If I'm in a bad mood and treating her rather bitchily, she responds similarly and helps me realize I'm over the top and need to calm down. If I'm sad, she runs over and kisses me. If I hesitate to get out of bed in the morning, she kisses me after my alarm goes off. If I'm happy, she brings me a toy and wants to play. If I'm nervous, she lays at my feet and keeps me company. Mind, I didn't train her to do <i>any of this.</i></li>
<li>Playful: as I've mentioned, Zenzi loves toys and loves to play. She loves to have "tug walks" where she tugs on her fleece leash the whole time. She will retrieve a ball or catch a frisbee until she drops. She likes doing her tricks for me.</li>
<li>On and Off switch: though sometimes it's hard to find the off position, Zenzi does leap to action the second I stand up or get something out for us to do; but she will lay down and be calm if I ask and insist. It's a work in progress, but how many teenagers do you know who have incredible will power and patience?</li>
<li>Distraction-Proof: if we're in a very distracting environment, we both work best if it's all eyes on me. It's so easy. Just a small utterance of her name, and she's working. Lots of people at malls, kids, dogs, strollers... so many things are not at all interesting enough to deter her mission of working with me.</li>
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Of course, she's not perfect. She's 14 months old today. She's got some growing up to do, some life to experience, some training to complete, some fears to overcome. She's naturally shy, she's vocal, she herds unfamiliar people in the house, she's pushy, she's opinionated/bitchy, she's leery of the unusual or unfamiliar, she's territorial (in a fearful way). But everything that makes her a good candidate is helping her overcome everything that disqualifies her from being TD.</div>
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I guess I'm just so proud. My Father (FIL) and Stepmother-in-law (SIL) stayed with us the last two weekends. The first weekend, they arrived Saturday night. We did manage to survive them seated, Zenzi on her mat, and Zenzi offering to look at them, me, and get her treat. God forbid they stand up and move around, though. The next day, Zenzi bonded with my SIL through frisbee. My FIL remained a work in progress until they returned the following weekend (this past Friday). Yesterday, though, we progressed to the point of her choosing to walk up to him while he was sitting on the couch and we were watching a movie, put her two front paws up on his chest, give him kisses and take pets. They had played with a toy earlier that day, and things just went up from there.</div>
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I have glimmers of her TD future. And it is bright. For the first time ever, I feel I have a dog I can trust in a variety of situations off-leash. She makes even better decisions without prompting when she's off-leash, too. She is very wiggly when greeting certain people now, especially women. She's in training to be my demo dog at Wags & Wiggles, and to help me with reactive/aggressive clients someday.</div>
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To my Craigslist, panda, tutu puppy: I love you.</div>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-51140092213529903822013-09-19T11:53:00.001-07:002013-09-19T11:53:53.505-07:00JoJo & Zenzi<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy birthday to you,</div>
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Happy birthday to you,</div>
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Happy birthday dear JoJo,</div>
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Happy birthday to you!</div>
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Today is my dearest JoJo's 10th birthday. Ten years ago today, my best friend, my heart, was born. To honor her, I took her to her favorite place, the <a href="http://www.lagunabeach.com/points/dogpark/" target="_blank">Laguna Beach Dog Park</a>. Since Zenzi has been so much better in daycare, I decided she was old enough for her first go. I was so apprehensive, but look!</div>
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She sniffed, allowed herself to be sniffed, went off on her own, engaged other dogs (a tiny bit), and even approached people -- including men! She played ball with a guy who had a ball, but his dog ran off, disinterested. Zenzi was an eager substitute!</div>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-26995039175088468772013-09-08T10:25:00.000-07:002013-09-08T10:25:23.837-07:00RIP Kibeth - 1 Year Anniversary<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kibeth ~ 10/26/2002-9/8/12</td></tr>
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September is a big month. JoJo's birthday, my parents' anniversary, my Mom's birthday, my Mother-In-Law's birthday...<br />
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It's also the month that we helped end Kibeth's pain from lumbosacral stenosis. Actually, on the same day as my parents' anniversary, one year ago today.<br />
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I still have her ashes. I don't have a yard, but I have a beautiful place picked out where I'd like to "bury" her nearby at a local park.<br />
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I remember the good times. How she would always bring me a toy when I walked in the door. How she was one of the few greyhounds I've ever met who loved to tug. How she detested snuggling, and would only tolerate it, because I asked her to. How she hated car rides, and the only time she ever bit me (besides anytime I had to bandage a wound) was when it was time to had back to Ypsilanti for a school week from my parents' house. I always loved winter time, because it would get chilly at night in the house, and Kibeth would come snuggle with me -- strictly for practical reasons, of course. I miss her graceful zoomies in the backyard and at the dog park in Ann Arbor. Her sweet, tender kisses. The windmill tail she got when she was excited to play or was asking for dinner. She loved everyone, but she definitely had an inner circle where her personality true shone through.<br />
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It took a couple years for her to come out of her shell from the Florida tracks, where she raced. The first couple days after I adopted her, she literally slept ALL DAY. I was bored to tears, eager to bond with her. She taught me an important lesson in patience, and getting my ego out of the equation. I had her from December of 2005 until she passed 9/8/12. Nearly seven glorious years together with <i>my</i> first dog, my first greyhound. Kibeth was never anyone other than herself. She never did something just to please you, she always had an agenda. I taught her how to sit in two weeks, by physically manipulating her back legs to help her body learn how a formal sit works. After that, if I asked her to sit, but did not reward her with something material (tug, pink ball, or treat), she would follow me around to help me remember.<br />
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She had the most adorable expressions, the most wonderfully perked ears, the sweetest face. She was my rock through a lot of change in my life, and I will never forget her unwavering support. Had she been a human, I am quite sure she would have been a philosopher, explaining to all the humans why their lives are silly.<br />
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To Kibeth: my friend, my confidante, my rock.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kibeth and me on our last day together in this world.</td></tr>
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<br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-40002587356978124042013-09-05T15:25:00.000-07:002013-09-05T15:25:04.242-07:00Obedience vs. Manners vs. Socialization<div style="text-align: center;">
DOLCE</div>
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When I got Dolce, I thought I knew everything I needed to know to help him. I knew how to clicker train, and I knew how to be tough to manage behavior problems. What could go wrong? I was wrong. Dominance theory, and the popularized TV shows that propagate its methods, lied to me. I soaked it all up, like the good student I am, and went to town. Tough love, pack leader, submission... It was all an illusion that poisoned my relationship with my beloved boy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolce and me, at the Irvine Animal Care Center on the day that we met.</td></tr>
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So I switched courses. I pursued positive reinforcement, clicker training, counter-conditioning, exposure, socialization, desensitization, operant conditioning. I became a Certified Trick Dog Instructor. Now my dog was happier, more willing to try, becoming bolder, and losing his fears of strangers, beeping sounds, and even dogs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolce, on the ride home from the shelter.</td></tr>
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Then I got stuck. I created IDOGS, a Meetup.com group that uses exclusively +R techniques to help other people's dogs overcome their issues. Without an identical twin to manage Dolce while I worked with all these possibly beautiful BAT and CU setups, I was unable to help my own dog. We attended group classes, even those designed for reactivity. He showed tremendous progress when he was able to just be around the same dogs for a period of time, but still no progress on walks with dogs he didn't know. We still have a lunging, growling, barking, staring mess to deal with.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable, cute, sweet, innocent... Such a good boy 90% of the time.</td></tr>
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So then I went pro. I joined the staff at Wags & Wiggles Doggie Daycare and Training Center. I work with dogs everyday who are as bad or even worse off than Dolce. I learn what works, what helps quickly... Stuff I already knew, I got to put into practice. I gained experience.<br />
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ZENZI</div>
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I got Zenzi exactly 1-week after Kibeth passed. She was a craigslist puppy. I'd applied for rescue Australian Cattle dog pups (looking ideally for a border collie, but happy with any sporty, intelligent breed), but was repeatedly denied strictly because I live in an apartment. There were no border collie puppies available for rescue, nor Australian shepherds. I really wanted a puppy, that was the whole point. I could do everything my way, do it right. Zenzi's litter's ad showed up on Craigslist the day after Kibeth crossed the rainbow bridge. I went to see the litter as soon as I could, that following weekend, and picked her out of her siblings for her boisterous, playful, happy, food-driven personality. She was the Tutu Panda puppy, because of her markings.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenzi at nearly 9 weeks of age, playing with Dolce.</td></tr>
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Zenzi was only 5 weeks, 5 days old when I brought her home. She was quarantined to an area in our dining room by an exercise pen. She had her crate, water, and a pee pad in there at all times. Dolce acclimated to her presence this way until she was 6 weeks old and got her first set of shots. Introducing them went fairly smoothly. He sniffed her rear as I held her, they sniffed noses, she kissed his... It was magical. He babied her, but she was hardy and liked to play hard. I knew he would be a great big brother, and a good substitute for her coming home, away from her family too soon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adoptive Mama JoJo, receiving kisses from baby girl Zenzi.</td></tr>
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JoJo is, of course, a perfect example for Zenzi. JoJo loves everyone, is tolerant of misbehavior, corrects Dolce appropriately, and is perfect in the house. JoJo was no different with Zenzi, and their relationship is clearly like that of a mother and her offspring. JoJo can correct Zenzi in an instant with a growl, look, or muzzle hold, and Zenzi always bows down to Mama Jo. To this day, Zenzi kisses Mama Jo in thanks whenever they play together. It really is darling. JoJo can tell the difference between "Thank-you" and "I'm a pest!" kisses, and responds accordingly. She has taught Zenzi so many good things. I am blessed to have such a pack.</div>
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But Zenzi's genetics play a factor in her behavior. Ever since her first puppy class, Stranger Danger has been a big stumbling block, despite my best efforts to safely and positively expose her to the world from day one. Clearly, genetics came into play. When I met her dad, he was a little nervous, quiet and reserved, but friendly. Her Mom was quiet, sweet, polite, and affectionate, but clearly all about work. These were farm dogs for a rural hispanic family, and they had work to do.</div>
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Zenzi does not play with any dog besides Mama Jo and Dolce. Zenzi is afraid of strange people, and is skittish around novelty; though she recovers quickly with some patience and treats. I taught her to Paws Up on objects that frighten her when she conquers them. She does not like having strangers come into her house, and gives them her best big girl bark. It took her about three days to acclimate to my mother's presence when she stayed for a couple weeks' visit. Zenzi has adapted to attending doggie daycare, and may even have built one bridge to a canine companion, Deacon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deacon, the mini-Aussie shepherd AKA American Shepherd.<br />That furry black blob leading up to the camera? Yeah, that's my Zenzi girl.</td></tr>
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Zenzi barks at things that worry her, even though she only had one experience that could be considered traumatic. She's territorial of the house, despite having my violin students come and go all throughout her puppyhood (they are part of her inner circle of trust, though!). She does not like to be indoors, in small spaces, or very crowded ones.</div>
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There are a few things I did right. I must have the only border collie around who doesn't pay any mind to bikers, rollerbladers, skateboarders, or cars. Zenzi doesn't mind the sounds of big trucks, kids screaming, fireworks, or buzzing from a vibrating cell phone. Her food and play drive remain intact and perfectly healthy.</div>
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I think there needs to be a fluid, perfect combination of obedience and manners training with socialization in order to raise the perfect dog. Exposure is not enough, socialization implies a positive experience with each new exposure. Obedience, to me, refers to a dog's ability to obey cues given by its owner/handler. Manners are what a dog does automatically, because they know how to behave in that instance in human society.</div>
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What Dolce needs is more obedience and socialization. In general, he has great manners. Zenzi needs more of everything, being only a year old, but less-so in obedience.</div>
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Amazingly, what I'm finding helps both of them address their separate issues simultaneously is mat work. I completely negated the benefits of using a mat prior to working at Wags & Wiggles, and have witnessed the benefits with my own eyes as I carry out tasks to perform with each client's dog (many include Mat Relaxation Protocol or basic Mat Stays). So, what have I learned from these two very different dogs?</div>
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If you want a "perfectly behaved" dog, you need to do mat work. Desensitize a dog to weirdness and craziness while they're holding a mat stay. Teach a long down stay by using mat relaxation protocols. It's fascinating the feedback you receive as you do various things to tempt your dog to break the stay. If the dog breaks the stay, you can see how they do it, and get important information about the dog's emotional state to the previous stimulus. For example, when I spread my arms out, Dolce broke his down stay, because that's what I do when I want him to give me a hug. He was happy, eager. When I made silly baby talk and wiggled my fingers at Zenzi, she jumped up and yip yap barked; she was clearly upset and overstimulated. It's amazing how you can discover your dog's "weak points" and more easily decide how best to proceed with "fixing" them.</div>
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So, onward with training we go. I'm working toward CGC and competing in obedience and rally with both Zenzi and Dolce. I'm ordering Dolce a new tag. His fetching tag reads "Wishful Thinking." With our recent re-bonding via matwork, I've re-evaluated our entire relationship and come up with a new catch phrase for the little man: Spirit Guide.</div>
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Whatever the challenges in dog training, it is ALWAYS best to pursue 100% positive training methods. It is important to remember the bond with your dog, the importance of the relationship between you. What you mean to your dog, and what your dog means to you... that's what training is really all about. Building a line of communication to let each other know. So listen to what your dog is telling you about the training you're doing. You have a lot to learn. </div>
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I learn from my dogs every day, and I love it. They are great teachers with no formal education. I aspire to teach with such compassion to my own species, as well as any animals in my care. I hope every one else does, too.</div>
Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-83729889592296360212013-02-14T16:48:00.000-08:002013-02-14T16:48:39.146-08:00Reactive Dog Skills<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I would highly encourage anyone with a reactive or aggressive dog to seek professional help from a qualified +R trainer in your area. Missing critical readings of behavior is disastrous to training and the owner's relationship with their dog.</span></div>
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In working with my dog, Dolce, I'm finding the wisdom of <a href="http://www.trainthethirdway.com/" target="_blank">The Third Way</a>'s approach to ring true. Its founder, Chris Bach, says that dogs who are really scared of something can't ever be made to overcome their fear. If a person is afraid of the dentist, at best, they will likely be able to tolerate, maybe not even be too terribly bothered by going to their appointment. But there is always that nagging fear that whatever bad thing happened <i>will</i> happen again.<br />
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So, as we can't truly socialize fear out of a dog, we can teach the dog <b>skills</b> to cope really well. These skills are, in my opinion:<br />
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<li>Sit</li>
<li>Touch</li>
<li>Front</li>
<li>Watch Me</li>
<li>Loose-Leash Walking/Heel</li>
<li>Let's Go (180ยบ turn)</li>
<li>Look At That</li>
<li>Bounce (BAT principle)</li>
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These are the cues I teach at <a href="http://www.meetup.com/oc-idogs" target="_blank">IDOGS</a>. The +R manifesto states that you reward behaviors you like, and interrupt behaviors you don't. One form of interruption can be to teach an incompatible behavior. If a dog is in a Front position, facing its handler, staring into their eyes on a Watch Me cue, they can't be looking at a trigger. If a dog is walking on a loose-leash, and can be called into Heel position at any time, they can't be out ahead looking for a trigger around the corner so the handler has no time to prepare or react to the situation appropriately. Rather than continuing a dog who has encountered its trigger to stare at it, turning around and walking the other direction helps your dog trust that you will respect their discomfort, removes the threat, and will help the situation be a little less scary next time. If every time the dog encounters its trigger, the owner marks that moment with an enthusiastic, but fairly calm "Look at that" and then the dog is heavily rewarded while remaining under threshold, a new association can form between the dog and its trigger(s).</div>
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What then, is this Bounce exercise? It's how you can close the gap safely, at your dog's pace, while teaching them new skills. This is the tricky part. The handler must be able to read the dog's body language. We're looking for a calming signal when we approach the dog's threshold. This is basically anything that isn't freezing, lunging, barking, or growling. It can be things such as tongue flicks, lying down, sniffing the ground, turning away and looking somewhere else, an eye blink, scratching, or sitting. When the dog offers any of these behaviors, we mark with a word or clicker, and walk the dog away to safety and throw a party when we get there. It is imperative that as the dog becomes aware of the trigger and starts to exhibit any sort of worry, we stop immediately and wait patiently for them to make a good decision AKA display a calming signal. If we go too far, and the dog reacts, a simple "Let's Go" will suffice. That was our mistake, so we needn't be mad at the dog. Depending on how upset the dog is, we may have to practice calming down (take a break and go walk it off, give the dog a back massage, etc.), or try again another day.</div>
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So let's say a successful approach, calming signal, retreat has been accomplished. It's rinse and repeat time. If you were to draw your footsteps on a piece of paper, it would look as though you and your dog are bouncing off an invisible barrier. That barrier is your dog's threshold, and it can only be determined by the dog, on that day, with that trigger, in that environment. All these different factors contribute to the dog's state of mind for a given session, and we must remember that. Just because feisty fido got within 3-feet of the exact same trigger in the exact same spot yesterday, it doesn't mean they'll be able to repeat that accomplishment today or tomorrow.</div>
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Let's say you've closed the gap, but putting things in motion, especially in close proximity, is still overstimulating your dog. The Touch game can really help your dog stay focused on you while walking in heel position passed whatever trigger you're working with. Dogs seem to find Touch intrinsically enjoyable, especially with someone they know and love. If your dog is walking at your left side passed a trigger, cue Touch several times as you go by to keep your dog engaged with you and his/her mind off the trigger. Do this several times, and try cuing less and less until your dog can confidently, happily, and calmly walk by the trigger while maintaining focus on you.</div>
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These are the tools I'm implementing with Dolce and my IDOGS clients. Many people come for the first session, get the list of these tools and how to use them, and go on to come back a week, a month, or more later with drastically improved dogs. It's a method you can't really do wrong, except if you push your dog too far. You can't hurt the dog unless you get too close too soon. I tell everyone, "If your dog is yelling at the trigger, you've gone too far!"</div>
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What are your favorite tricks of the trade for your reactive dogs? Does teaching a skill, rather than truly desensitizing and counterconditioning, make sense to you?</div>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-17283444864654351812013-02-14T00:26:00.003-08:002013-02-14T00:26:50.333-08:00That was fun!The dogs are moving to their own blog. Follow them <a href="http://www.dreamcatcherdogs.net/" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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This blog will resume its training philosophy/thoughts/ideas/discussion/questions purpose.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-33059951808786263652013-02-13T13:51:00.001-08:002013-02-13T13:55:51.866-08:00Introductions ~JoJoHowdy, everybody! :)<br />
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I know I'm late to join the party. My apologies for my tardiness, but what a wonderful day! It's so sunny, warm, and relaxing here.<br />
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The youngsters have already mentioned me here and there. That's fine. I just wanted to let you know a bit about me, and they can carry on.<br />
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I was born to a track in a state called Alabama as Phoney Jonie. I was a terrible racer, had absolutely no interest in competing whatsoever. World peace is my greatest wish. I finished 7th out of 8 dogs in my first race, then 7th again in my second race, and the 8th dog had even less interest than I did -- he didn't bother to run at all.<br />
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From the track, I was rescued, transported to a state called Michigan, and put in a foster home for a rescue group called REGAP, where I got the nickname, JoJo. I really enjoyed snuggling with my foster Mom and my foster pals. We all got along great! I was adopted about 6 months later by a nice young couple. I had decent food, a home, family... it was great! When my human parents stopped getting along, though, my Mom had to give me back to the foster mom. I didn't mind too much, just tried to make sure everyone was okay.<br />
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A few months after that, I was five-years-old by this time, my real Mom came and met me. I loved how she smelled, and I leaned into her to let her know how much I appreciated the hip scritches! Her nails are nice and short, so it doesn't hurt my sensitive skin to get really deep ones. ;)<br />
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My Mom has taken me to lots of places. We lived at a house and an apartment in Michigan for a while, and when we were at the apartment, I got to roam in this beautiful dog park. I loved meeting everybody human and canine alike, but what I really loved was exploring nature! If a fight broke out, I made sure to interrupt it so everyone could just get along. Dudes, seriously, life is too short. Make love not war.<br />
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A couple years ago, Mom moved to a state called California to live with my new Dad. I miss my Mom 2 and first Dad, as well as the fenced in yard they made for me and my sister, Kibeth (RIP), but I do NOT miss the winter. No flowers to smell, no warm grass to lie in. Definitely not as good as it is here! I've walked in the ocean, run in the sand, and even broken up a few fights at the dog parks here; though we don't tend to visit those as often here anymore. So much anger and hate from the people and the dogs, it's just not a good place to be and fill yourself with peace and happiness.<br />
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My favorite things include: lying in the sun, eating breakfast and dinner, getting treats, playing with my little sister, Zenzi, and going for walks in the local parks.<br />
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I'm nine-years-old now, and I can tell that life is a slower pace at this age. I really like to just nap in my soft, warm bed all day long. Sure, I emerge for walks and meals, maybe to say hi to the family here and there, spread the love... you know?<br />
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Wishing you all love, peace, and happiness!<br />
~JoJo<br />
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P.S. Some of you were worried about me and my dental procedure on Monday. I'm fine, but thanks for the good vibes! I could feel the love all the way. ;)</div>
<br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-5644677433295436972013-02-13T13:18:00.000-08:002013-02-13T13:20:17.294-08:00My New Collar ~ZenziSo, remember how I said I outsmarted my Mom on that evil Elizabethan collar, broke it, and made it unusable? Well, I conquered the T-shirt, too! What do you know, all I had to do was bite the thing and pull it upwards to reveal the incision beneath. Nothing will stop me from licking my incision now. Ahahahaha!<br />
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But wait, what is this?</div>
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Ah! A new contraption!</div>
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Hey, this isn't so bad to live with... I can't quite reach, but I'll live.</div>
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I think it makes my head look big, what do you all think? At least now I can eat, drink, move around, and snuggle without that torture device on my head. I was a brave girl listening to the 'velcro' being ripped apart as my Mom adjusted it to fit me. I knew she wouldn't do anything to hurt me, so I just laid there, looking into her eyes.</div>
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Maybe this is defeat-able, too, if only I have enough time to think...</div>
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Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-89457271784021582922013-02-12T21:30:00.000-08:002013-02-12T21:37:44.745-08:00Cheers!How do you do? It is Dolce here, please allow me to welcome you to our blog! For the most part, I believe we have been candidly introduced. Onto the discussion.<br />
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Now that Mum is allowing us all a turn at writing, I have a few things to say, if you wouldn't mind. Primarily, I would like to remind everyone that although I am now the middle child and no longer the baby, I am still present and accounted for, ready for duty.<br />
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I like to think of myself as the helpful sort. I make me Mum feel better if she's anxious, nervous, or upset in anyway. How do I do it, you ask? Well, 'tis simple, really. I've discovered, through trial and error and my own creativity, that her mood improves remarkably with these human displays of affection called 'hugs and kisses.' These aren't too terribly difficult to replicate from similar behaviors in dog behavior, really. Kisses are more how we clean and groom ourselves -- but hey, whatever works! Hugs are generally an invitation of play; play is something you do with a friend, so I suppose it's not too far to reach that hugs can be comforting as well. Humans are a bit backwards, after all. Have you noticed they only walk on two feet? But I digress.<br />
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Mum has trained me to perform over 30 different tricks. I have what she refers to as 'titles' in the Trick department, and proudly display them in my folder. I am an Advanced Trick Dog, but am eagerly awaiting the time for Mum to explain just exactly what I must do to become an Expert Trick Dog. Once this prestigious title is claimed, I may then be crowned a Champion! Ooooh, how exciting does that sound? I don't mean to boast, but it would be a grand achievement for a dog like me.<br />
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You see, before me Mum rescued me, I was kept in a yard all day and all night for a year with my previous owners. Nobody bothered to teach me anything, and I didn't even realize there could be such a thing as house manners! Please forgive me, it's not my fault -- you see, I was never allowed in the house prior to where I live now. When I first set eyes on me Mum, I'd already been in several kennels at different shelters. I barked at my owners' fence line, and had been abandoned to these cold, hard, small, lonely places. Me Dad saw me first, and me Mum got me out for a walk. How I loved to be free of the kennel, but how big and scary the world was! There were people all about, walking dogs, running, yelling, talking to each other. Why did they stand still? Were they looking to hurt me? Why did they run so fast? Were they afraid of something I hadn't yet seen? I hid under the 'picnic tables' just to be safe, but I felt safest sitting beside me Mum. I leaned into her, feeling her warmth spread into my lonely heart. She left me there that day, and I thought I'd never see her again. The pain was awful. But a few days later, she was back, and I got to go to a <i>real</i> <i>home</i>.<br />
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I learned house manners, I got to play with my family, I got to go for walks, runs, hikes. They helped me overcome my fear of strangers, though I still find them scarily suspicious in the dark - <i>Why, sir, are you wandering about this late at night? -</i> On the other hand, this past Sunday, I met a delightful woman about Mum's age who taught me to put my paws on her arm. I am well-versed in clicker training, and I do believe I made a good go of it. Then she requested I put my head through my arms and under hers. Very strange request, this human made. I did my best to obey her, I am rather flexible and agile, you know. She seemed to enjoy my presence, praised my intelligence, so I offered her some kisses as I do me Mum. She seemed to appreciate them, too! I must be a good kisser.<br />
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I wish I could overcome this one last hurdle. I do love me Mum so much and I know she wishes I felt differently, but strange dogs are dangerous and so scary; I just cannot fathom accepting their presence in peace. Surely me Mum doesn't realize the extremely dangerous nature of some of my brethren? I am just a wee thing, very thin and light. Surely I'd be no match in a fight, should worse come to worst.<br />
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Me Mum has begun training me in agility with a woman I've never met before, nor has Mum. We have lots of fun doing the exercises, though, and I, for one, am looking forward to learning more! I got started on it with a kind woman from San Diego, I even got to meet and greet her three grand dogs. It took some work for me to be comfortable in their presence, but I felt reassured by this new woman. She certainly speaks dog.<br />
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Oh, and I must tell you of my wife! I have a beloved Auntie Pam who is the owner of Lily, my wife. Lily is always wearing her wedding dress, just as I am always dressed in a tuxedo! Surely we are a match made in heaven. It was not always so... I was afraid of her, and she seemed offended by me, but it wasn't long before my charms swayed her, and we've been best friends ever since. I don't get to see my dearly beloved very often, but when I do, I am a real gentleman. I kiss politely, respect her wishes, and cater to her mood. Surely a gentleman should know to do such things.<br />
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So I bid you all goodnight, and look forward to updating you in my adventures. I am proud to announce, for the first time publicly, that I am my father's favorite.<br />
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<br />Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-74669455613265674932013-02-12T16:56:00.003-08:002013-02-13T13:19:18.539-08:00Trying something new: From the point of view of the DOG - Being spayed ~ZenziZenzi here. Just wanted to let you all know I'm alive... barely.<br />
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Yesterday started off like any other day. We walked, we played a little, it was totally fine. Then Mom put me and big sis JoJo into her car without breakfast. - <i>Where are we going for training? - </i>I wondered, sure that's why we had been neglected the morning meal.<br />
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We pulled into the parking lot at the V-E-T's (whatever that is, I don't care for it much!). I was really scared. There's this guy who works there, he has a thick, black goatee. He's never been mean to me, but I don't know, he kinda reminds me of a grizzly bear. I'm suspicious. Anyway, big sis JoJo waltzes right in like it's no big deal. I sat my butt down on the cement just outside the door. - <i>Uh uh. I'm not going in there! - </i>I thought loudly. I even pulled at my leash, but Mom beckoned me in, so I obliged her.<br />
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BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER.<br />
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The goatee man tried to take me into the back room where they drew my blood last week. - <i>No thank you! </i>- I thought as I planted myself. Mom took the leash, and I felt a bit better knowing she'd be with me, so I walked politely, like I know how to do. Next thing I know, goatee man points into a large kennel, and Mom locks me in as big sis JoJo walks off with goatee man through a door to another room. The tall guy, I think he's the leader of the V-E-T, starts talking to Mom. She seems a little nervous, but she's not obviously upset in anyway. Then do you know what happened?<br />
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SHE LEFT US.<br />
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I was in this crate thing for hours. Just sitting there, hungry, thirsty, watching the action. Everything before the "spay" as my Mom calls it is kind of a blur now. I got an IV that gave me fluids and helped me not be thirsty. Then I got some sleepy medicine, and all I remember is waking up, back in my kennel. I was really loopy, but there was a nice person there with my bunny toy. That was nice of them. I felt safer having my bunny toy with me. It smelled like home, like my brother Dolce (who always tries and FAILS to steal it from me... hah!), like Mom...<br />
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Eventually, Mom remembered us and came back for us. I was really happy to see her, but I couldn't show her like I usually do. I had this terrible pain in my belly. Whatever happened while I was asleep, it hurts a lot! Stupid humans. What did I do to deserve this? Big sis JoJo acted like it was no big deal, but she had a similar patch on her front leg like I had on mine. Something happened to her, too. That she wasn't so upset about it made me feel better about whatever happened to me. JoJo is so strong, she acts like it doesn't even hurt! Though she says they messed with her teeth and they feel all clean now, they didn't cut her belly open and sew it shut.<br />
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So yeah. I've been "spayed." I'm coping as best I can. I still love food, which apparently, is a good sign. Mom always gets a big smile when I eat. Duh! Mom, I always like to eat. Don't ya know by now? I try to lick my wound, but Mom tells me "Leave it." She's pretty firm about it, but... it hurts so bad! After I eat, this food must be super amazing, because I feel better for a little while, and then I get another boost at the next meal. That's awesome! Some relief from the pain.<br />
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This isn't, like, permanent, is it? That would suck. I like running, jumping, playing fetch... definitely not up for those things with this cut in my belly.<br />
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I'll let you know if I'm still alive in a few days. The humans put this stupid cone thing around my neck. It blocked me from getting at my cut, but hey, I'm smart. I just pulled the damn thing, collar and all, off over my head. It kind hurt, but I think I broke it so it went eventually. Mom has one of her T shirts on me now. I like that it smells like her, but I can't get at my cut! Ugh. I have a smart Mom, but I'm smarter...<br />
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Stay tuned...Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3488243316226190460.post-63390165189719408032013-02-10T10:43:00.000-08:002013-02-10T10:43:00.996-08:00New Things in Zenzi LandWell, Zenzi's 4 new titles came and made a pretty addition to her collection. :)<br />
Anasazi Dream Catcher, AKA Zenzi NTD, ITD, BB, BN, BI<br />
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Zenzi turned 6 months old on the 6th (!!) and so gets spayed and microchipped tomorrow. Hopefully it's not too traumatizing for the little girl! She's been so much braver in public lately. She's getting over her stranger danger warnings nicely.<br />
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JoJo will be there to keep Zenzi company. She's overdue for a dental.<br />
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Zenzi starts <a href="http://www.wagsandwiggles.com/sport.shtml" target="_blank">Puppy Sport</a> class tomorrow, but obviously, will not be present for the first class. Unfortunately scheduling conflicts with the spay prevented her from attending, but I will be there. The trainer has kindly offered one of her MACH dogs for me to work! I'm so honored! We'll be attending a Control Unleashed workshop with this trainer for Dolce on the 17th.<br />
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[BTW, we have 2 new additions to the house! Budgies AKA Parakeets, two of them, have made their way into our lives and we're really enjoying their cheerful song and beautiful colors. I'll be starting a blog for them shortly!]Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14679446828075472157noreply@blogger.com0