Getting Along

The most common question we've been asked so far is, "Is everyone getting along?"  My response is always some variation of "Of course!  We would allow for nothing else!"  I realize that to some my answer may sound overly optimistic or confident, or even clueless as if I am completely unaware of dogs fighting.  I am confident, and I am aware of fighting among dogs, but I do not believe I am overly optimistic.  I believe I have have been preparing My Pack for harmony from the moment each member arrived.

There isn't one particular thing I've done since Atticus arrived to ensure harmony.  Our family's harmony is a family value!  To be My Pack's Leader, I have had to earn each member's trust, and I have worked to do that by being fair, being kind and by protecting him and her.

Foster Dog arrived a year and a half ago.  We helped him adjust to the new family dynamic by always being fair.  We do not allow one dog to take toys from another.  We do not allow one dog to intimidate another to force one to move from a favored bed or location.  We do not favor one dog over another by showing more affection, allowing differing behavior, or giving more treats.  We also do not give treats and praise based on seniority.  We reward good behavior from whomever it comes.

Jason makes special shakes twice per week.
Each dog receives a sampling.  What one dog gets, all dogs get.
Atticus received his first, and chose to enjoy it by Fosse.

We are also kind.  When a canine family member arrives, there are bound to be a lot of "No"s.  I don't yell, "Noooo!!!!" for every infraction.  I not only try to show what behavior I want instead of yelling No, I save the big "Noooo!!!!" for things like counter jumping.  When Atticus went up the stairs without permission, I did not yell, "Get your butt back down here! Atticus, COME!"  I said, "Attie, come down here, buddy.  Come on," and he came down the stairs.  I said, "Good boy buddy.  Stay down here with me," and then I blocked the stairs so he couldn't make that mistake again.  When he showed curiosity with upstairs again by trying to scale the barricade, I calmly said, "No, Attie.  Come over here," and I interested him in a toy to chew on.

Atticus & Foster Dog chewing on high value items.
Next to each other.
By choice.
On Day 2.
I love my family.

When Foster Dog first came to us, he was underweight and unsure.  I would cover him with a thick fleece blankie when he relaxed, and he'd tuck his nose under.  So cute!  He was sweetly accepting of the kindness, and could feel both physical warmth and emotional trust created by Me.  The kindness bonded us.

When Fosse first came...My Little One...

Possibly the most important way I've earned My Pack members' trust is by protecting them.  While my safety provisions of seat belts are not overtly appreciated, I keep My Pack safe in great part with supervision.  Luna and Foster Dog have free reign of the house while I am gone, but since Atticus' arrival, he has not been unsupervised.  When I have had to be away from home, Atticus has gone into a crate.  This keeps him safe and it keeps Luna and Foster Dog from having to witness his TomFoolery!  When I am home, I supervise Atticus and work to teach him how to behave at home.  Luna and Foster Dog see this and hopefully feel protected from the shenanigans of a new dog who is learning about not jumping on counters, not busting out of doorways, and not howling at chipmunks.

Something I've done hundreds of times, and continue to do, is probably one of the most powerful.  When the dogs and I are out walking and a less than well-behaved dog enters our happiness bubble, I direct my dogs to my side farthest from the less than well-behaved dog.  I become a barrier and I am protecting My Pack.  They see that, and feel it, and it bonds us.  They trust me to block whoever is not safe, and to allow  around us only those who are safe.

Atticus is allowed around us, with supervision, and he's learning The Ways.  Hopefully he's learning that I am fair, kind, and will protect him.  So far he seems pretty comfortable, and Luna and Foster Dog seem pretty accepting.

They all fit on one dog bed.
This was on Day 3.

It's A Boy! Atticus joins The Pack!

I've been working at a dog training/boarding/day care business for six months.  It has been a busy busy six months including a lot of doggy slobber and snuggles.  Everyone has her favorites that bring excitement and happiness to the day, and then we say goodbye.  Twice per year, a group of shelter dogs lives at the kennel while they participate in an 8-week obedience program called Teacher's Pet.  Through Teacher's Pet, shelter dogs are matched with school-aged children who work with their dogs two days per week.  The children gain confidence, compassion and school credit, and the shelter dogs become more adoptable upon completion of the obedience training.

The shelter dogs usually come soon after school starts in September.  In late September, I wondered why the dogs had not yet arrived.  We learned that we would have to select the dogs and they would arrive in mid-October.  Five adorable dogs arrived, and we loved them all.  So sweet. So cute.  Great diversity.  Just adorable.

I am asked in a number of ways at least 40 times per year if I want another dog, know someone who wants a dog, if I can foster a dog just until someone finds a new place to live, gets through a divorce, settles into a new state or job, etc., etc., etc.  I have no problem saying, "No."  I know when to say, "No."

I took care of the shelter dogs for weeks without feeling any unusual connection.  Two "Big Dogs," and three "Puppies."  Each sweet and showing its individuality, but no connection felt, until one day...  I walked into the "Big Dog" room and though I had interacted with "Harlan" many many times, we truly saw each other for the first time.  We literally locked eyes and he said to me, "My name is Atticus.  I belong to you."  As we continued to look to each other, I said out loud to all the other Big Dogs around us, "Did you guys just feel that?"  It was truly tangible.  I tried to ignore it.  Our foursome felt perfect, but I had noticed that it also felt as if someone was missing.  I had said our family wasn't full; I thought I was missing Koko and Satchel, but that kind of missing feels differently.  I tried to talk myself out of it.  He stayed on my mind.

My name is Atticus.  I belong to you.

I asked a co-worker to take a picture so I could talk to J about him.

He was so strongly on my mind, I talked to J about him.  Every concern I brought up, J made evaporate.  Every co-worker I talked to about him saw him with completely different eyes.  The efforts to deny Atticus' place in our family were weak.  He was ours.  The Pack has expanded.  We are now a Family of Five.

Seatbelted and on his way HOME!

On our first walk as The Pack

MISTAKES

I'm not even going to type about how I am off my writing schedule, and how too often I am too tired to think of anything worth mentioning...Jeez Louise, I can really put things off...

So I've been noticing something. I think I type and say fairly frequently that I am not a perfect dog owner, and I think I share my mistakes freely. I have been encountering some people who have been enjoying, a little too much in my opinion, pointing out some "less than perfect" behaviors within my pack. Therefore, I feel I need to clarify, or re-clarify, part of my pack-living philosophy.

I will not declare that my dogs will never ever do some things. I will say that I will never ever let unwanted behaviors go without a response from me. I will not declare that my dogs will never make a mistake or a bad choice. I will say that I will never see my dogs as anything other than perfect because with my efforts to provide a stable, nurturing environment, my dogs can be their full selves; their full perfect selves.

Everyone knows Luna is perfect! She's everything I could hope for in a dog. She's smart and fun and calm and strong and always up for any adventure the day may bring. She wants to be with me wherever I go, and she wants to make me happy as we experience everything together. I like to take her to as many places as possible because I believe that helps dogs be comfortable in multiple environments. If I encourage the same rules no matter where we go, life is predictable even if the people or the road or the house or the weather or the state is not.

I took Luna to a Fourth of July party at my friends' home. They have a beautiful patio and pool and there were dozens of people enjoying it all when we arrived. Luna walked with me down the stone steps to say hello to everyone, and when I stopped to hug a friend, Luna kept on going and jumped right into the pool. She never stopped. She never even looked back to me to ask permission. She jumped right into the pool. I nearly lost my mind!

Everyone at the party thought she was adorable and said she was so sweet and fun, and that she jumped in because it was so hot, and the hosts assured me it was absolutely fine. All of that was nice, but I ordered Luna out of the pool immediately and told her to Sit. Down. And. Stay. Everyone continued to laugh at how cute she was, and everyone continued to tell me it was not just fine, but great that she jumped in, and that she shouldn't have to sit there and be in trouble, and isn't she just so cute, and how could I deny her?

I wasn't livid with Luna, but I was surprised actually. How had my Perfect Peanut not even looked to me for permission before jumping in that pool? When we are at Lake Michigan, she has to wait until we set everything down before she is allowed to jump in. She knows this! Well, she's Luna and she's a dog and she was excited and she was in a new environment and I didn't give her any direction before we walked through the pool gate. It was me. It was my fault. But her behavior required a response from me. Since I hadn't given her enough direction to prevent the jumping into the pool without permission, I had to give her direction as quickly and clearly as possible to get out and wait for my approval.

It's not that Luna couldn't go swimming. It was that she made a choice that wasn't safe. Her ability to make that choice was my fault so I had to correct both of our mistakes. I did that by telling her very seriously to "Come!" "Follow me." "Sit." "Stay." I said my hellos and gave hugs all around, and then Luna was given permission to jump back into the pool.

We each made a mistake and I responded. My Perfect Luna made a choice I didn't like, so I had to tell her not just "No!" but Here's-What-I-Want-You-To-Do. Our relationship is not only intact, it's even better. She's so great. She's perfect. I am not.

Happy Perfect Luna Being a Retriever

CHOOSING A DOG - The Why & The How

I'm behind. I know. I'm sorry. I will find my writing and routine mojo again. I will.

Ok. Choosing a dog. The Why and The How; a myriad of reasons!

THE WHY

Some people grow up with dogs and rarely live without one (me, dogless during college years), some find their first dog during their adulthood, and some decide their kids need a dog and adopt at least one as a family. In any situation, I believe dogs provide great things, and each one is a worthy Why.

A short list:

1. Dogs provide sweetly supportive companionship.

2. Dogs teach compassion, patience, responsibility and how to be a caregiver.

3. You'll do things for your dog that you wouldn't for yourself - you may not be motivated to get up and go for a walk, but you'll do it for your dog.

4. Dogs inspire confidence.

5. Dogs provide structure and purpose in your life.

6. Dogs build bridges between you & nature and you & other people.

7. Dogs exemplify true love - they love you simply because you walk through the door.

8. Dogs are healthy - they lower your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol, and reduce your stress.

9. Dogs are wonderful listeners.

THE HOW

1. Research

Research breeds and dog needs, vets, rescues and breeders. Read books, interview rescue volunteers, dog owners and dog walkers.

2. Apply

You'll be interviewed too!

3. Expand your family and remember - Dogs are addictive!!!!

I am not me without my dogs, and even if there was a dogless me, I know a dogful me is a super enhanced me. Something I say to My Pack every day: Everything is better when we're together.

Choosing A Dog - THE WHERE & WHEN

WHERE

There are many options available to you for welcoming a dog of any age into your life. I am a fan of rescue, and within the world of rescue there are many many roads to take. There are high-kill and no-kill shelters, as well as organizations dedicated to specific breeds. All of these are run almost entirely by volunteers who are devoted to homeless pets.

If you want a Border Collie puppy, there are Border Collie rescues who have puppies. Many rescues list their pets available for adoption on websites like PetFinder.com as well as individual rescues having individual websites like Almost Home (almosthomeanimals.org), from whom we adopted Foster Dog, or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (bestfriends.org) in Utah where my sister and I volunteered in 2009. Wherever you live, and whatever kind of dog you would like, you can find a rescue to help you.

Rescue doesn't mean free. Adoption fees are a fraction of the costs incurred in rescuing, healing and caring for homeless animals, and rescues fundraise for these expenses, but your application and/or adoption fee helps tremendously. There is never enough money available to them to rescue and care for all the dogs who need them. Some people criticize other avenues of canine adoption. I will not do that, especially here, but I'll type again that I am a BIG fan of rescue!

Breeders voice their dedication to high standards of conformation and temperament of particular breeds of dogs. Most breeders are passionate and devoted to dogs, but of course, there are unscrupulous breeders who make a lot of money off of people's inability to, or lack of, research. Luna, whose first owners purchased her from a breeder, has two birth defects that veterinary specialists informed me would not have been first generation defects, meaning the breeder from whom she was purchased was not dedicated to the health and standards of Labrador Retrievers. We didn't care, but Luna is one example of how "breeder" doesn't mean "reputable."

Pet stores are another option for adoption. They are controversial as potential supporters of puppy mills which are commercial breeding centers operated for profit with little to no attention to canine welfare. Dogs suffer horribly in puppy mills, and many people believe no reputable breeder would every supply puppies to a pet store. I have done little research on this myself. In my opinion, it is up to dog owners to do the research, and to do more than you think is enough.

Breeders and rescues often have lengthy application, interview and matching processes with policies for you to return dogs to them if the adoption is not successful at any time. They would rather you return the dog to them, even years later, than for you to abandon it or drop it off at a kill shelter.

WHEN

I recommend volunteering at a shelter, dog-sitting, or fostering an adoptable dog to learn about your readiness and ability to include a dog in your family life. Something some families don't consider is preparing a budget for their new family member. There are several variables in adding to your family, and I think it is important to consider the potential expenses.

Will you feed your dog high quality food that can cost $1000 per year? Will you take your dog to daycare or boarding which can cost $25-$30 or more per day? Do you know how much an average veterinary visit will cost? Just some things to consider.

I was in deep grief after Koko and Satchel died within one year of each other. It was frequently suggested that I get at least one other dog to help me cope, but I didn't think I was ready. Many people have success adopting a dog the very day after they say goodbye to one. I felt I'd be a more focused Pack Leader if I lived through, and with, some sadness for a while. I cried for about eight months and then Foster Dog came into our family.

Our where and when worked out wonderfully for our family. I hope you are on your way with the Who What Where & When. The Why and How are still to come!

CHOOSING A DOG - The What

Are you ready for a puppy, a young dog or an older dog?

PUPPY

Puppies are so cute. So so so so cute! They are also a lot of work, and they require a lot of supervision. You will probably have at least a couple of things chewed, a lot of things peed on, and a few teeth stuck into toys. They're so adorable, any shoe destruction is forgiven with a snuggle and a sniff of their sweet puppy breath. How do they make us do that?!?!

Luna came to us at 10 months old

OUT OF PUPPYHOOD - ADULT DOG

They've been spayed or neutered, house trained, and no longer need to chew on everything. They may know basic commands and how to walk on a leash. They may have habits from their previous lives, and you can decide which ones are acceptable and which ones are not.

Satchel came to us at 3&1/2 years old

OLDER DOG

An older dog who has slowed down a bit can be perfect for a person who wants to relax after work with her faithful companion. Yes, older dogs can need health support, but they've already been spayed, neutered, skunked, stuck in mud, and stung by bees so they know better and just want to be with you.

Koko came to us when she was 13 years old...we think

Regardless of age, here is something to think about. Some people are concerned about adopting a dog with a history. They worry that the dog will have habits and behaviors that cannot be changed. Adult dogs are often seen as dogs with problems created by other people. So people adopt a puppy, puppy proof their homes, participate in puppy socialization classes and the puppy becomes a dog that has habits and behaviors people don't like. The puppy is now seen as a dog, but a dog with problems. The dog with a history is a problem because of someone else. The puppy is a problem because he grew into a dog. When is it you? All canines come with needs - varied needs - and we can meet them...or not.

CHOOSING A DOG - The Who

During my recent travels, I felt confident that if a name of a location or street or bridge or restaurant or meal stuck with me I would need to be on the lookout for our next family member. This was a new experience for me. First, I have a list of over 30 names waiting patiently for a family member to be matched, and second, I've never thought, "I'm ready for a new family member. Let's go find him or her." I realized I have a lot of opinion about how to assess being ready for and choosing a canine family member, but I have not actually formally followed my own guidance. I think I've learned a lot over the last 15 years about creating a family, and I'll share some of the Who What Where When Why and How of it.

Vecchio just didn't stick with me as a potential family member name

WHO

Many people have a vision of the breed of dog they want to bring into their families. They may have had a particular breed in childhood, or they may have researched breeds or even taken a test to match them with a particular breed. I appreciate people having experience and researching who will be a match for them and their families. Bringing a dog into your family is a commitment, and the more a family researches and prepares, the more likely there will be success.

Only recently have I begun to think about breeds. I've never looked for a particular dog in my life. We happen to have been found by two Labrador Retrievers, and for a long time I described us as a "Lab Family." The rhythm of our life as a family seemed to hum perfectly with the tune of a Lab. The activities we liked, the behaviors we didn't, magically meshed when Satchel and Luna became our family. Since adding No-Lab-Foster Dog to our Pack, I've re-assessed what our family needs are and I realize it isn't so much breed that defines our family, but energy, vibe, and personality.

When I am asked to help a family welcome a dog, I suggest they focus on energy - the dog's and theirs. Some things I ask: What is the rhythm of your family? Will you be able to meet the high physical and mental demands of an Australian Shepherd or Cattle Dog? Do you want a Labrador Retriever that hunts or one that sleeps in the sun? Do you want a Golden Retriever, but not have to spend time dealing with hair? Do you want that puppy because it is cute or because you can fulfill its needs? How much time will your dog spend alone or have to be boarded? You have to be honest about what you can and/or are willing to do for your dog every single day of its life which could be 15 or more years.

So for me, choosing a dog isn't based upon what my dog looks like, but more what my dog feels like, and this presents another challenge. The dog you meet, particularly at a shelter, usually is not the dog you actually get. I'm not saying shelters or pet stores or breeders switch dogs on you, but that the dog presented to you is often changed by your energy, and your family's rhythm and routine. I fully believe that you don't get the dog you want, you get the dog you need. Your family's personality is reflected in the family member you create and foster. Luna is not the ill-behaved, neurologically damaged dog her first family predicted. Foster Dog is as wonderful as Almost Home reported, and more. We hope that the environment we provide encourages our dogs to be their best, most fulfilled selves. I always want a joyful dog who is interested in anything the day can bring; what I have received is a joyful life guided by curious, faithful, happy dogs that brighten my every day.

Making the sun shine in Florida

TRAVELING WITHOUT YOUR DOGS - The Binder

It's gonna be just J and the dogs for a while...

In addition to detailed feeding and supplement instructions, and the hour-by-hour day-by-day calendar of events and responsible parties, "The Tutorial" binder contains several lists. They are in plastic protector sheets. They are printed out from the "Dogs" folder on the desktop computer. They are updated whenever necessary and include:

Phone Numbers

Usual Behavior

Unusual Behavior

Emergency Information

Turn-by-Turn directions to primary vet and emergency vet

PHONE NUMBERS

Everyone who is helping is on the list as well as people who know my dogs in case there is a question. Of course, I always have my phone with me, but some people have anxiety about interrupting someone's vacation, and I'd rather my dogs' caregiver call someone other than me than not call at all.

We have a veterinarian who often comes to us. It is called a "farm visit" and has to be arranged weeks in advance, but our vet is always available to answer questions. I tell her when I'll be gone, who our dogs' caregiver is, and that her number is on the list for phone consultations!

USUAL BEHAVIOR

I observe everything I can about my dogs, and I'm one of those annoying dog owners who puts all my dogs' quirks onto a list. I include how many times they poop each day and when. I include the number of seconds it takes Luna to eat (32-47). I include the bump on Foster's back (He came that way. It's always been there. We know it's there. It's a sebaceous cyst. It's fine.) and how he likes to walk on your right side, where to find Luna in the morning if she climbs down off the bed in the night because she gets too hot, what Foster is saying when he talks to you, and how they will cuddle up to sleep if you turn on a nice sitcom. This is just a sample of the things on the Usual Behavior List.

UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR

I think it's important to include descriptions of things that could be concerning like if Luna didn't eat. While it wouldn't be unusual for Luna to sleep by the front door for a night or two after I leave, it would be unusual for her to not hop up into bed by night number three. It would also be unusual for Luna to not want to go for a walk, for Foster to not want to eat mini marshmallows, or for either of them to not want to get in the car.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

For each dog, I provide all the information an emergency or unfamiliar veterinarian would need to know. Some of that information is their birthdates and weights, DNA, previous ailments like Giardia and dates experienced, surgeries and those dates, treatments tolerated or not tolerated, and their primary vet details. And I leave a credit card for payment. You know an emergency vet visit is going to be expensive.

TURN-BY-TURN DIRECTIONS

I provide detailed directions to their primary vet's office which is 17 miles away, as well as the detailed directions for how to get back. I do the same for the emergency vet that is 4 miles away. If my dogs' caregiver has had to go through the stress of making the decision to take them to either vet, the least I can do is provide the directions so she doesn't have to think about how to get there, how to get back, or how long it's going to take.

I've been teased over the years for the detail within "The Tutorial," but thankfully, I don't have to leave my dogs very often. The fatigue we've been feeling is in part due to my having to leave my dogs for 10 days starting May 21st. They are staying home with Jason, who no longer has to refer to "The Tutorial," but he always smiles when I take it off the shelf to update it. He knows it's just one way I let out the explosion of love I have for my dogs.

Hope to see you reading I'm a D.O.G.! again in June!

xoxoxo from Me, Luna & Foster Dog

TRAVELING WITHOUT YOUR DOGS

I don't take many trips without my dogs. It's not a vacation to me to be away from my family, but sometimes, dogs are not allowed. When this occurs, I make very detailed arrangements for the care of my dogs.

I prefer to have someone come to stay at my house so my dogs can be in a comfortable environment. If they can't be with me, wherever I am, then home is the next best place. I am lucky in that I have family and close friends who are willing to help me when I have to be away from My Pack. I work to make it as easy and as organized as possible.

I have a binder that is known as "The Tutorial" that includes feeding instructions, a daily routine, important phone numbers, directions to the nearest 24hr emergency vet, information on my dogs' typical behaviors, a list of some behaviors that would be considered unusual and/or concerning, and each dog's health history that provides all the information an emergency veterinarian visit would require.

Feeding: I make packets of food including their powders for each dog's AM feeding and PM feeding. All a person has to do is dump the Ziploc bag's contents into the dog's bowl, add water and voila, meal made! Within the feeding instructions, I list how many treats the dogs usually get in a day, but I also say, "Do what you want!" but don't feed them any of these - and there is a list of foods that are harmful to my dogs, dogs in general and foods my dogs don't like. I also have pill containers with their supplements, and include a schedule with the supplement instructions.

Daily Routine: I make a calendar table for each day to identify what usually happens when and who will be responsible for the task. For example, when my sister stays with my dogs, I have someone come to the house mid-day to let them out while she is at work. If my sister has a late meeting, or wants to go out after work, I have someone come to feed my dogs their dinners and take them out or for a walk. Scheduling their days hour by hour may seem extreme, but I believe it makes everyone feel more secure knowing what needs to happen when and who is going to do it.

Our daily routine says we have to go to sleep right now. We're worn out and I'm unsure if I'm even making sense. Hopefully, I'll make sense in the next post when I type about some of the lists included in "The Tutorial." Until then, let me know some of the things you do to prepare your dogs for a trip without you.

DISCIPLINE - One More Non-Negotiable

I know I'm off on what week it is, and on finishing a topic. I'm trying to be disciplined about the topic of Discipline, but I have found myself unable to get to a computer, and even if I could, I've been in the tired realm of unable to think straight. This schedule is working us over. I'm not complaining, but I am stating that I'm strung-out over-tired. Luna and Foster are feeling it too. I'm looking to June to have an easier rhythm. Until then, I'm going to be a little off, and I'm going to be unable to post May 21-31. You'll be missed!

I have one more thing to mention about being disciplined. At times, I have felt overwhelmed and so tired that it seems like it would be easier to open the mudroom door and let my dogs run out into the yard and around the neighborhood and just assume that they would come back. All the time, I hope I am smart enough to know this just isn't safe or good for my family. When I am this tired, I find it even more important to follow through with the same rules I always employ in our life.

Luna has known for a long time, and Foster has learned, that dogs must receive permission before climbing into bed. Jason feels it is acceptable for our dogs to be in our bed without us. While I don't love this, it's not a deal breaker for me, and as long as our dogs continue to wait for permission, I'm ok if they are in bed even if I am not. But they are never to hop up into bed just because they want to. I know Foster has done this now and then in his learning process, and Luna has caught onto the fun of that, and I have caught BOTH of them being in bed without either of them having permission! When overly fatigued, I could just say, "Oh forget it. I'd like to be there too," but I don't. They each are told to "Get out of that bed!" and they jump down. Is it that they know I'm so tired? Is it that they think I should be in bed and they just couldn't wait any longer? I think dogs know when you're not on your A-Game, and they test the rules a bit. So far, The Bed Permission Rule is the only one they've tested.

There are lots of rules to our day though, and I don't let them slide just because I'm tired and extra busy. My dogs still have to wait in a particular spot while I prepare their meals. They still have to stay on the porch when a car engine is on in the driveway. They still have to have their nails filed and mouths Listerined and ears cleaned. They still have to wait until a house guest wants to be greeted before greeting them. They still have to follow me on a walk. We are still a pack and we still follow our pack values no matter how tired, crabby, sleep-deprived, hungry or irritable the humans may be.

My dogs make me so happy, and I love that our time together is rejuvenating. It has been mentioned to me frequently lately that, "You don't have to be so strict! Your dogs are soooo gooood!" and I say, "It is because I am so strict that my dogs are so good." I can be strict and fun, strict and loving, strict and kind. I want to be everything my dogs need, and I want them to know that no matter how strained my schedule may be, they are always a priority and their safety and happiness are non-negotiable!

DISCIPLINE - Some Daily Tasks

I'm tired. I'm really feeling the schedule of the last few weeks. I added 30 hours of work per week as I decided to learn a bit about the dog kennel and day care business. This, combined with a huge 10-day event I will be a part of at the end of this month, has me working about 65-70 hours per week. This doesn't include the travel time and the set up time needed for one of my jobs, nor the mental fatigue that comes with learning something new. I'm also tired because all of my work is physical, and there just aren't any breaks in the action right now. I'm on my feet, and moving and sweating 12-13 hours each day. It's a great fitness program!

I AM NOT COMPLAINING. I feel very fortunate to have work, and to be capable of meeting the physical demands of it. I feel productive when I work any job, and learning new skills is interesting and fun. I know many people work this kind of schedule every day for 30 years, and I am not complaining. I'm just sharing that I'm tired.

When we're extra tired, some daily tasks don't get done. Sometimes it's because we simply don't have the time. Other times it's that we don't have the mental or physical stamina to complete the tasks. I have some immovable tasks, meaning no matter how busy or tired I am, these daily events must occur. They must occur.

The first is walking with my dogs. I am familiar with getting up at 6am and starting the work day at 7 or 8. Lately, my work day has begun at 6am which means I have to get up at 4:45am to give my dogs the bare minimum. Instead of walking our usual 45 or so minutes in the morning, we've been walking 20 minutes. The walking time has changed, but our routine has not. We get up. We walk. Let me tell you - my dogs are getting tired too!

The second is feeding. To save time in the morning, I set up their breakfasts the night before. Though my work often includes my dogs, I cannot include them in my new experiences yet. This means I'm seeing my dogs less. It is stressful for me. I miss them, and I feel badly about their getting less of my time and attention. Some people substitute food for time and love. I fully believe providing high quality food and supplements for my dogs is a way of showing affection, but I do not give them more food or treats than is healthy for them. Just because I am not able to give them as much of my time right now does not mean I will replace my attention with calories. Overfeeding dogs to compensate for interaction may resolve some people's guilt, but it is harmful to our dogs - it is the opposite of love in my opinion. So I am continuing with our usual routine of walking and feeding, and I am attempting to keep their lives predictable, comfortable and disciplined. I am trying to show my love by not altering their schedules even though I've really altered mine. I am missing them though...

A third life element I am not altering is my disciplined attitude toward using my dogs' seatbelts in the car. I'm worn out, and the three minutes it takes to put their harnesses on feels like an irritant sometimes, but I put them on, and attach them properly, because my dogs' safety isn't negotiable. I've heard owners say, "Oh, we're only four miles from home," as they let their dogs ride in the car with no safety restraint. I know an accident can happen anywhere, anytime, so I hook 'em up. It only takes like three minutes.

Tired and Seatbelted

DISCIPLINE

I have been really busy the last three weeks or so. I'm so tired I can't think clearly, but I have been thinking about how I don't want my busy-ness to have a bad effect on my dogs. I have been working to keep their routines intact. We may not be doing everything at the same time each day, but we are doing all our same things and we're doing them in our same order. I think we're being disciplined.

People expect and demand a lot of their dogs, and I'm not sure that people expect and demand enough of themselves. I don't think it's right to demand more of our dogs than we are willing to do for them. I feel 100% responsible for my dogs, but I also feel we're a team. We're a family and I need to provide for my family. They give me such loyalty, trust and happiness, and I need to be worthy of it all.

If I can find a few minutes during the day, or stay awake long enough each night this week, I'd like to highlight some ways we can be disciplined so that our dogs will be well-behaved.

The Canine Good Citizen Test - I Love It

Luna and Foster are so great. I know it. I live it. Everyone should think her dogs are the best dogs in the world, and I love when my neighbors, or people at the park, notice that I honestly do have the best dogs. Sometimes, the CGC test comes up and I often hear, "Oh, my dog can do all of that already!" Sometimes it's obvious that that statement is completely untrue, but regardless, I think people underestimate the unique experience of being tested as a team.


The cooling off team after some training time in the yard

Test conditions include a new environment and all its smells, sights and sounds, new people, new dogs, new distractions and you, probably stressed. The CGC is a test of more than just the tasks you have to complete. It's a test of the strength of your relationship. I love it. I think it's great.

The Canine Good Citizen Test - The Elements

Here are the elements of the Canine Good Citizen Test and a little bit about how I think they are each important.

1. Accepting a friendly stranger: The Evaluator walks up to you and your dog and says Hello to you, but ignores your dog. Your dog must not break her position, approach the Evaluator, or show shyness or resentment.

Important Because: Not everyone thinks your dog is as cute and fun as you do. Not everyone wants to be licked or slobbered on. Sometimes you just need to have a quick conversation and your dog doesn't have to be a part of it.

2. Sitting politely for petting: The Evaluator pets your dog on her head and body. She must stay in place and show no shyness or resentment.

Important Because: To keep your dog, she must have better manners than people. Most people don't ask, or don't care, if your dog is friendly - they are going to pet her. If she doesn't accept the petting, she and you will be the ones in trouble, not the rude person.

3. Appearance and grooming: The Evaluator inspects your dog to determine his cleanliness and grooming. The Evaluator will brush your dog, lift his feet, and touch his ears and paws.

Important Because: You need to care for you dog and your dog needs to be able to accept care from you, veterinarians and even groomers or friends without fear or aggressive responses.

4. Walking on a loose leash: The Evaluator observes you walking a pre-determined, or your choice, of course to determine if your dog is attentive to you and following your movements and changes in direction.

Important Because: You need to be leading your dog instead of following him. You need to be in control, or better yet, have the relationship in which your dog wants to follow you.

5. Walking through a crowd: The Evaluator observes you and your dog moving through pedestrian traffic in public places.

Important Because: Again, you need to be leading your dog, and you need to be in control of him so the public has no reason to be concerned your dog will lunge, jump up on, or trip anyone. If you want to be a Therapy Dog Team, you need to be able to walk through buildings and halls with many people, and possibly a lot of activity, with your dog safely and politely following you.

6. Sit and Down on command and Staying in place: Your dog must sit and lie down on your command and follow your command to stay in one place until your Evaluator instructs you to release him.

Important Because: This shows you've worked together as a team and you value training manners.

7. Coming when called: You walk 10 feet away from your dog and call her to come to you.

Important Because: Your dog should want to respond to your direction and return to you when you call her. There should be safety and happiness in coming to you, not a sense of punishment as to why she is being called. So many people yell at their dogs to come to them and their dogs just don't want to. Would YOU want to come to someone who was yelling at you to get your butt over to him so he could smack you and throw you in the basement?

8. Reaction to another dog: Two teams approach each other, stop, humans shake hands and teams continue on. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other.

Important Because: Dogs behaving politely around each other keeps everyone safe. Secure dogs enjoy the company of other dogs. They know we are not dogs and they can learn so much more and quickly about being a dog in the world from other secure and balanced dogs than they can from us.

9. Reaction to distraction: The Evaluator presents two distracting situations like a skateboard rolling by, a person darting across your path, or a loud noise from something falling. Your dog cannot panic, run away or show aggression.

Important Because: Your dog needs to be confident and secure. If you will be in public together, a calm dog keeps everyone calm. If you are wanting to be a Therapy Dog Team, loud noises and unpredictable events often occur in typical Therapy Dog locations like hospitals, nursing homes and schools.

10. Supervised separation: You and your dogs are separated out of sight of each other for 3 minutes. Your dog cannot bark, whine or pace. He stays with The Evaluator.

Important Because: To me, this is true discipline and confidence. Your dog trusts you will return, and she shows good manners with everyone, even when you are not there.

Foster Dog is still working on not excitedly approaching the friendly stranger and the other dog (he's so social!) and on our being separated for 3 minutes without being concerned where I am. We're up to 2 minutes before he walks to the door that separates us. If we took the test at his sleepy time of 8 or 9pm, that might ensure our success!

The Canine Good Citizen Test - Some Description

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is a two-part program created by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1989 that rewards responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. For some families, training for the 10-step CGC is their first step in training their dogs to be welcomed, well-respected members in their communities.

The AKC believes that "Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with as they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life."

In researching state and national park trails a few years ago, I wanted to know which ones would allow me to walk with Luna on our travels. I learned that some state park trails require proof of passing the CGC in order to able to walk off-leash. Also, many therapy dog organizations require you to pass a test very similar to the CGC before you can become registered as a Therapy Dog Team.



The 10 tasks you and your dog must pass are:
1. Accepting a friendly stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and grooming
4. Walking with a loose lead/leash
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit and Down on command and Staying in place
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reaction to distraction
10. Supervised separation

I will go into more detail about each of these test element requirements in the next post. Think about how many of these you can do with your dog already!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUNA!

Today is a super special day.
Today is Luna's 10th birthday!

I have a lot of love in my life; true, deep, forever love that is great. Luna is one of the truest, deepest and greatest. Everything is better because she is in my every day.

Luna brings an energy to the Earth that brightens every detail. Simple things become memorable events because she is there. She is the element that makes each moment in life shine with joy, and each heartbreak bearable and even serene.

Luna has been with me through illness and death, milestone and setback. She is in all matters of the present and she is an essential part of any future plan. There is nothing in which I do not include Luna. She hears it all and she makes it all better.

I never want to be separated from Luna. Everything is better when we're together. I pray that she knows, that she feels, the limitless love that she creates within me. I slather her with every bit that I have every day, and she replenishes my soul continuously.
She is Luna and she is Everything Good.

The Canine Good Citizen Test

The Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC) keeps coming up in my conversations lately. I've been asked about the test, how to train and prepare for the test, why it's important, if it's important, and what it means if someone says her dog is a CGC. Some people have never heard of the CGC, but those who are aware of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and their Vicktory Dogs, have been reminded of the CGC accomplishment. Georgia, the inspirational face of the many dogs rescued from Bad Newz Kennels, was adopted earlier this year. One of the legal requirements for the Vicktory dogs is that each one of them must pass the CGC test before being considered for adoption.

To me, the CGC isn't just a a test that shows your dog is under your control. I see the preparation for it, and the experience of performing the tasks under test conditions, as opportunities to bond with your dog. This week, I'll describe the CGC test, the elements of the test, and my opinions about why each element is valuable.

Luna earned her CGC in 2008

FEEDING YOUR DOG - Judgment

There is a saying that "If your dog is fat, you're not getting enough exercise." I like it, but I'm also saddened by it. I'm saddened because I do think it's harmful to make your dog overweight. We've created a relationship in which our dogs depend on us for everything. When we give too much food and treats, and too little physical exercise, the harmful effects of too much body weight on our dogs' frames and organs are our fault. I'm also saddened by the mean judgment of it all. Humans are always meanly judging other humans in an effort to make themselves feel better about their own faults.

I am sometimes judged as having a "vicious dog" because Foster looks like one of the several dogs described as "Pit Bull." My dogs are each a wonderful weight and they have excellent coats and cardiovascular fitness, but I am not judged as a great dog owner because of that. If my dogs were overweight, I'm sure I'd hear about it.

The judgment I care about the most is a judgment I'll never receive - the judgment of my dogs. My dogs don't judge me daily. They appreciate everything I give to and do for them. It's sentimental, I know, but it is one of the clearest facts in my life. So, I judge myself, and I feel how and with what I nourish my dogs is paramount. Without their health, there is nothing, and much of their health comes from how I feed them. They depend on me. I hope I'm the best person for the job!