tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698854690782559192007-05-06T01:23:51.101-06:00JTBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-469885469078255919.post-52295038460940614312007-05-06T00:38:00.000-06:002007-05-06T01:23:42.841-06:00

For the sake of a few less than capable readers, allow me to reiterate that the "shelter" would not allow me to keep this pup, insisted that I was required to leave her, and that it seemed, by that she was in good health, well behaved, etc., that she would have people looking for her. That is the reason why she was left there initially. Some angry, cowardly anonymous poster wrote: "Please get

JTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-469885469078255919.post-72958038376043747042007-04-13T00:45:00.000-06:002007-04-13T01:05:21.023-06:00

Shortly after writing the last post, entitled Illness, I looked out my window to see an adult dog and (presumably) her 4 month old pup running loose, and crossing the street, etc. I went out and called them to me. The pup came immediately, but the mother remained warry and I wasn't able to get her to come to me. In hindsight, I'm very grateful for that, or I'd have her blood on my hands as

JTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-469885469078255919.post-3887029786557222012007-04-04T16:04:00.000-06:002007-04-04T16:27:08.289-06:00

I think you know that I do not agree at all with Kill "shelters." I've posted on the Internet that "shelters" do not exist for the sake of the animals. They're there as a convenience to society. The dog that runs stray might get into the trash, or take a dump on the yard. It MIGHT be mean or bite someone, so it should be rounded up, and then if nobody wants it (or it happens to be a breed

JTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-469885469078255919.post-65799381301756342742007-03-30T16:53:00.000-07:002007-03-30T16:54:44.750-07:00

A brief comment on Clicker Training: I don't fault this TOOL, but have issue with those who claim that it is a METHOD, or that it's a quick-fix formula to replace real, qualified, competent training. Training happens in your head and between you and the dog, not in a party favor. How it works: The dog is given praise and/or treats while the Clicker is sounded. This creates a Pavlovian

JTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-469885469078255919.post-36666360941945100022007-03-30T16:48:00.000-07:002007-03-30T16:53:19.163-07:00

Your being Alpha is a facet of a well trained dog. Establishing a pattern/habit of commands and obedience is another facet. This is part of why taking a step back to ground that you and the dog are both doing well with is often a better idea than continuing to bash your collective heads against a brick wall. You return to the Win-Win situation of Command and Obey. (You get obedience, the dog

JTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-469885469078255919.post-90566109357917424162007-03-30T15:42:00.000-07:002007-03-30T15:46:40.674-07:00

I just saw someone anonymously attempt to appear knowledgeable over in the Pets AD section of the Chicago Craigslist. The post was titled Boot Camp warning or somesuch. The poster started off seeming to have a clue, but quickly went on to fault anyone who " 'pops' a correction on the neck". This person tried to use the methods used with dolphins to prove his/her point that ONLY positive

JTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-469885469078255919.post-15990514894998988952007-03-30T15:37:00.000-07:002007-03-30T15:41:45.687-07:00

I can't possibly say it often or loud enough: Consistency is the key to good results in animal training. As an animal training professional, not a day goes by that I don't see what happens when people ignore that rule. They end up with neurotic dogs, and can't understand why Poopsy doesn't read their minds and understand what they want. Nevermind that Mister Meyers doesn't have the same house

JTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-469885469078255919.post-21352185863406916892007-03-30T12:27:00.000-07:002007-03-30T15:41:22.896-07:00

Dogs can be trained at any age. In fact, you're training them (or they're training you,) whether you realize it or not, from the moment they lay eyes on you. Obviously, then, we have no problem with training very young pups with methods suitable to their age. . Puppy Classes, on the other hand, are largely a waste of your time and money, and teach the pup exactly the wrong

JT