Picture Fun

An interesting bent tree.

     Give me a camera, and I will wander the woods.  More specifically, the woods and pasture areas near the creek by my house.  

     Grace and I took a few days to meander the nearby acreage, and try to see it from a different perspective.  

     Instead of just thinking of it as "Forest" in general, I tried to really see each tree, flower, animal, and even (ick) a bug.  Here are a few of the results.

A Luna Moth I spotted on my way out of the yard one day.

A spiderweb I almost ran into. (sans spider)

A messy web high high up in the trees.  This spider must be an awful housekeeper!

The front of my house puddles heavily when it rains hard.

Most of the wood looked dead in this area, but for this patch of green!

Thought this root was pretty awesome!

Close up of cut wood.

My constant companion, Grace.

Tippy the Tom Cat, who taunts my dogs.

Close-up cow nose!

A curious cow, who came to see what we were up to.

I took this shot laying down, staring straight up at the canopy high above me.

Buttercup!

Honeysuckle

Pet Population

     I have worked with and around animals for much of my life.  I have learned how to care for them: train them, condition them behaviorally, general health awareness.  As I became a trainer, I was reminded frequently that for all the issues I helped find solutions for the owners, I was helping save that dog from going to the pound.

     When I worked for a large company, I donated a few dollars from each paycheck to "save a homeless pet".  I was made aware that as a corporation it had saved "1 Million Lives and Counting!" through donations.  I saw the adoption groups that came into the stores on weekends with dozens of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats desperately searching for homes.  If I had completed my other duties, I would help the groups by holding a leash, or talking to shoppers about the joys of rescuing a dog, and how I loved my rescued dog.

Photos by PawsThenPlay courtesy of Gaston Animal Control

     When I worked for a small company,  I was too bogged down helping start the business to give much thought to rescue at all.  I was the only employee in the company. Our main focus HAD to be finding paying clients to start the new company.  One time the company decided to help a rescue by boarding and training a dog for a month at a slightly reduced rate.  The owner decided it was too much hassle when the potential adopters backed out suddenly at the completion of the training period.

     If I thought about it much at all, I figured I was "doing my part" to help stray and surrendered animals in my area by helping problem-solve for dogs to KEEP their places with the families they had.  


     What a minuscule piece I was contributing.  The problem is so much larger.  






A study done in 1993 showed that about 70% of people in the area surveyed were unaware of the pet overpopulation in their local area.

Do you know about the pet population in your city?  In Charlotte, North Carolina, one estimate is  162,482.341 pets.

Last year in Mecklenburg County, NC 17,880 animals were listed as "Incoming" to the Animal Care and Control facility.  Over 60% of those animals had to be euthanized.

It is estimated that $2 billion of taxpayer monies are used yearly to try to contain the serious animal overpopulation in the United States.

In the US, for every human infant born, there are approximately 7 puppies or kittens being born, and each day, approximately 10,000 humans are born.

There are local low cost and FREE spay and neuter clinics in Charlotte, and Gaston County (and many other places, but I looked up with ones were closest to me just to verify they existed).  There are also clinics for vaccinations.

     These are just a few of the numbers I pulled.  The links are listed below.  The reason rescue organizations can only save a few is because there are simply TOO MANY.  Until more people realize the gravity of the situation, and take decisive measures to control animal populations, there will continue to be millions of animals killed each year in shelters.  Please, spay and neuter your pets.

Sources:
 Public Data from the US Census Bureau
 Formula to calculate pet population from the American Veterinary Medical Association 
 Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control
 Humane Society of the United States
 Thebillfoundation
 Humane Society Animal League for Life of Madison County


*As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions.  click here for my e-mail address.

Having a "Crate" time!

I thought it may be helpful to share a bit about how to allow your dog OUT of a crate, to give yourself the most opportunity for a stress-free walk. So many issues can be prevented by crate manners! Starting each day out on the right paw can remind everyone involved how wonderful dog ownership should be!

First thing in the morning, many people are in a hurry. We have places to be- work, school or other appointments that are time sensitive! Don't let your stress transfer to your pup. Having a routine that emphasizes calm from the moment your pup steps out of the crate ensures your dog has the proper attitude for interaction and exercise throughout the day.

Below is a video of a student named Peanut.

I use minimal vocal commands, so it becomes a routine that the dog must memorize. In the mornings, I am not always thinking clearly myself, so less words means less confusion.

The dog must be calm before I even open the door. I wait until Peanut lays down before opening the door (the first day, I gave the command so he knew what I wanted. After that, he knew and just did it automatically when I approached.). He then must wait patiently for me to put the leash on (which takes a few seconds when I am also recording). I invite him out, and we walk right past my other dog (this took practice too!).

At the door, I wait for him to sit (again, the first day I told him what I wanted, after that I expect it). Then we go on our walk!

Please feel free to contact me if you would like help initiating a routine for your dog too!

pawsthenplay@gmail.com

Re-Homing a Dog

An owner surrender at the Gaston County Animal Control 

     Since I began my career working with dogs, on average once a month I have the same request.  Someone knows someone who needs to find a home for their dog, can I help?  Usually it is because the person is moving, and "cannot take the dog with" them.  At times there has been a job loss, divorce, death, addition to or illness in the family.  Many are very worthy causes for stress.  But "Owner-surrendered" dogs typically have a pretty hard time, even if they find a new home relatively quickly.


     When I was left living alone in a three-bedroom townhouse that I could scarcely afford, I also worried about my pets.  At that time I had my Brutus, a hound mix, two corn snakes, two cats, and two leopard geckos.  The costs of food, vet bills and supplies to maintain these animals was a stretch some months, but manageable with two roommates.  As I struggled to find less costly living space, I found many people who were not open to my animals living at their property.  Those that were, had very high deposits to be paid for each animal.  So I kept looking.  I understand how difficult it can be when life throws a curve ball.  


     What I also knew, from working with animals, is that it is very difficult to find new homes quickly for displaced animals. There seems to be a general assumption that if the dog is purebred or young it should be very easy to just magically find someone who is willing to take them into their home.  At the shelter I visited last week, there were many pure-bred dogs (by appearance), as well as puppies.  Of those dogs I visited with, the majority were scheduled to be euthanized, due to lack of available space in the facility.  

Another owner surrender at Gaston County A.C.

     In the area of North Carolina that I live in, there are many rescue groups that are very active and effective.  I have seen firsthand how hard working and determined they are!  I have watched them save lives, nurse puppies and dogs back to health, and find loving homes for dozens of dogs.  But as diligently as they strive, there are just too many dogs that need homes.  Even with the hundreds of volunteers (rescue workers often do NOT get paid for their efforts!) donating many hours per day, weeks, months and years on end, there is still not enough time, space, people, or money.


     Dogs that have been abandoned or surrendered always experience stress from the separation from their original owner(s).  This period of transition lasts 3-6 months.  Some show this by becoming hyperactive, others lethargic.  Depending on the age and temperament of the dog, loss of personal attention (shelters and rescues are often overcrowded, with minimal time left for one-on-one interactions since the focus is to first provide for basic needs such as food and medical care) can permanently affect their personalities, and their future behavior patterns.


     When the lucky dogs go to foster homes, or their new families, they go through the transition process all over again.  Loss of confidence and lack of consistency in performance are very common as a dog is being introduced to a new household.  Dogs that appear "Meek" and "Mellow" are not actually low-key, but stressed while experiencing the transition.  The opposite can also happen- some dogs become overly alert or aggressive.  As they become more accustomed to the new surrounds, different behavior patterns will be displayed.  

A purebred Rottweiler at Gaston County A.C.

     I have two adopted dogs of my own, and cannot afford any more pets in my household at this time.  I have been unemployed since the end of February, and am struggling to make ends meet, but I will NOT consider leaving either of my dogs behind.  I see the stress it would put them through, and the high likelihood that it would be a death sentence for them both.  








     Unfortunately, I cannot personally do anything to help people re-home their dogs other than wish them good luck.  I pass along rescue groups' information, in the hopes that they have the manpower, funding and space to better assist those in need.  Thank goodness there are many in this area that do everything they can to help.  Please urge your friends and family to carefully consider all options before adopting or purchasing an animal, to prevent having to attempt to re-home an animal.  

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

"Silver" Photographed by Thomas Brown

     We are enthused to introduce our new puppy to the basics!  The first few days are a rush of new and exciting experiences for everyone involved.  How impressive that within the first few hours that tiny ball of fur can already "Sit" on command!  We see our new baby as perfect!

     Some of us can get pretty flustered when that same adorable furbaby seems unwilling to learn other concepts that we find pretty simple.  It is simple to us because we have had years to adapt to and learn from our society.  We speak the language and understand what is being asked of us.  Our body language is ideal for communicating with other HUMANS, and when we are frustrated we can often send mixed signals to our pups.  Training is about building a bridge of communication both ways.  If, as a handler we can learn how to better send our messages, teaching becomes more enjoyable for all involved.

     There are several reasons why periods of regression occur.

     As humans we are amused by novelty.  When the puppy has just come home, we are light of mood, and much better teachers!  It is very easy to forget that there are many things our new family member is adjusting to.  To expect perfect retention and recall of information from such a young doggie mind can yield mixed results unless you are limiting the amount of commands, and staying consistent.  The more relaxed a puppy becomes in a new environment, the more it may want to explore, thus it can be more easily distracted at times.  Frustration from a handler can be clearly understood by a puppy, and will make it less likely to respond.  Just because a puppy is larger (the most dramatic growth phase is within the first 6 months), does not mean it is not still a puppy!

     Dogs also grow through developmental stages.  As your puppy grows, it will discover that it can run faster, jump higher, and possibly bark or climb too.  Mentally, there is also progress made, and it is well known that dogs can be excellent problem solvers!  If hopping up and licking your face when given the command for "Sit" also earns attention, that new behavior can quickly replace the previously learned one!  Some breeds are more likely to test different behaviors (German Shepherds will normally try out barking as an alert/attention-getter around 4 months of age for example.), so if you are not sure what to expect, consult with your trainer or a Behaviorist.

     Humans tend to over-emphasize puberty and adolescence in canines, instead of recognizing that testing commands is only to be sure that they are fully understood.  If a different reaction is given from the handler, then the dog may consider the previous command as different, and discard the former behavior as no longer rewarding.  If the environment itself responds differently, your puppy may also learn to link unwanted behaviors to the stimulus present (for example, when other dogs are present, if you do not insist upon the "sit" command being followed and allow play time, the pup may learn to disregard your commands in the presence of other dogs).

"Riley" photographed by Thomas Brown

     Think back to when YOU were in school.  There are probably things you had to learn that you have difficulty recalling, and it is because these are the skills you no longer use in your daily life.  There are also behaviors that you have modified to suit your tastes, needs or desires (does anyone drive at exactly the speed limit all the time?).  Your dog will also learn to adapt.  Commands that you allow to "slide" will loose consistency.  If your training sessions are less frequent, or less rewarding, the behavior from your dog will be less reliable.

     One technique I use often with my own dogs, and my students, is to turn training into a game.  Most humans go through a mental shift when they are expecting to play a game (=expecting to have fun!).  This mood-lightener has an almost immediate effect on the dog!  With Grace, I play fetch to keep many skills current (run where I tell you to, sit, down, recall, front, hold the object, release the object, heel off leash, work accurately under distraction).

     One of my students was having troubles with walking her dog.  The dog was pulling forward constantly, and then barking and lunging at other dogs.  I showed her how I normally walked with dogs, not in a straight boring line, but I sometimes walk quickly, then very slowly, or stop!  I can even walk backwards unexpectedly!  I was sure to briefly verbally recognize the dog when it turned or slowed pace to stay even with me ("Good!").  When I re-introduced the walking exercises as a game- and she saw how fun and interactive it could be, we were able to have a great time, and even took a walk with my dog along as well.

*More tips and training bits to come! Keep checking back regularly to learn more!

Tales of Tails

     Growing up, I recall being told that a wagging tail meant a happy dog.  Now I know how overly simplified that statement is.  The truth is, the tail movement is only a small part of the communication of canines.

     How rapidly the tail is moving tells the intensity of the dog.  A rapidly moving tail indicates a high energy level.  The tail (or lack thereof) can move the entire body with it (have you ever seen a boxer "Kidney Bean"?).

     The set of the tail is just as important as the quickness of movement.  A high set tail indicates a lot of confidence in the situation.  I always picture a Husky for a high set tail example.  Many people do not realize that the Husky tail can also go down far enough to tuck under it's belly.  A tail that extends straight out along the back line (perpendicular to the ground) indicates an even-tempered reaction, and is desirable.



     The tail can also twitch back and forth in a stilted motion.  When it does this it is very stiff, and almost like a metronome.  This signal of extreme annoyance and stress can be a precursor to aggression.

     When you are teaching a new concept, it is normal to see the tail slightly lower when the dog is being fully attentive and submissive.  As the dog becomes more familiar with the concept and better at performing it, the confidence will rise and with it the tail.

     The tail is only a part of the full picture.  Overall body position, vocalizations and other movements will combine to give the full story.

     Pay attention to your dog's tail next time you are interacting with them!  If when you play fetch the tail is straight up in the air like a flag and waving wildly, that may be why it is harder for them to focus on other commands right then.  The tail can give you an idea of why they are acting the way they are!

     *To learn more, please feel free to contact me