Mac!

Mac!

Monday, November 23, 2015

Not just a dog trainer

Saw a situation the other day that inspired me to write this. I guess some folks think that a dog trainer just teaches sit, down, stay, come.......  I have been teaching dog training for over 14yrs, have owned dogs longer than that, read, watch, learn from folks way smarter than me at dog training, behavior and the like. I truly know a lot (but not everything, I admit) about fearful dogs, reactive dogs, aggressive dogs. So why was everyone and their brother, customer and their aggressive dog crowding around this shaking fearful dog that hadn't eaten in several days due to being newly adopted and very fearful? Putting this and that on him , standing in the front of the store where every passerby scared him even more? Hovering over him, trying stuff they saw Cesar do? This dog and owner were in the store for over half an hour. All I could do was watch from a distance and my head was about to explode. I know folks were just trying to be helpful but chances are they traumatized him even more. Dogs and their behavior. It's what I do for a living, folks. And not from watching Cesar on TV. I was able to give the owner my card and told him there was lots of help for fearful dogs before the crowd took over. And it's going to take time and space. Space for the dog to feel safe. Time for him to learn new behaviors when he does feel safe. Rant over. I just keep seeing this fearful , shaking  dog and folks saying-don't comfort him. He needs to build his confidence. What in the world..........

Friday, November 20, 2015

Lessons from Rocky




So yesterday Rocky crossed the Bridge. 15 and one half years old. Wow. I should hope to live that long. Just thinking about all he taught me.
Smile. A lot.
Go after what you want with all your might.
Never, never give up.
Bask in the sun whenever you can.
Enjoy the day.
Happiness.
Till we meet again, Rocky!