Trying to keep up

It isn't easy trying to keep this blog updated. Especially when there are so many great photos to share! My week started with this little lady.


She is an Irish Setter puppy named Bella. She is learning some manners.

Then came Auden. She is polishing her manners and practicing her recall. She looks so sweet and innocent in photos. (She is really quite the clown!)

Then I had to run an errand at Critter Outfitter in Rockland and ran into this beauty. Her name is Orli. She is a ridgeback mix that was rescued by her owner. Not only is she adorable, but she is as sweet as they come as well.


Here is another pic to show just how tall she really is.


Here is her equally sweet older brother Bauer. He wasn't as thrilled about being photographed as his sister. (I could almost hear him thinking "Damn papparazzi!")


And this is the reason I had to shop. Missy has once again worn her favorite nylabone down to the nubs. Or should I say no nubs. She is a serious chewer!


Due to a small heat wave, and the generosity of a family friend, we got to escape to camp with the beasts to relax by the lake for a couple of days.


Jack loved the water. (Sorry no swimming pics. I was in when he was in.) Even Missy layed her belly in to cool off when we got there.


Ahhh what a way to relax. Normally Jack would be off leash and fine too but the neighbors had a rabbit. Jack is friends with our rabbit but might freak a strange rabbit out saying hello. (Just guessing.) Hence the tie out line to keep everyone happy.

Marshmallows anyone?

Maybe some fishing?
Whatever it is I want to join in too!

Is that a boat I see?
We all had a great time. A lake is a great place to be during a hot spell!

Getting over stimulated

Over stimulation doesn't just happen to dogs. It happens to people too. I know because it happened to me the other day. I am pretty sure I made a complete idiot of myself. So what caused the commotion? One of these:

This is a Dogue De Bordeaux, also known as a french mastiff. You may recognise them from the movie Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks.

There is one of these in my town and I ran into him on one of my daily exercise walks. His name is Moxie and he is only 6 months old right now. His owner said he was about 75 lbs. They get BIG.

I had seen this dog on his walks before and was so happy and excited to finally get a chance to meet him in the flesh that my brain went on vacation. It isn't everyday that you see this breed after all.

He was a typical puppy and was jumping around to say hello. The owner was trying to hold him back from contact (appropriate) and I said, "That's ok, I'm a dog trainer and am used to it". (doh!) First mistake. It isn't ok if he doesn't want the dog to be rewarding for getting over excited. I know better than that! Then he tried to get him to sit and I said "Oh don't bother" (Doh!!) Yes he should make him sit! That is basic training! And here I was petting him and rewarding all that bad behavior. (hanging head in shame)

My second mistake was giving unsolicited advise. I have learned over time that it generally only serves to make you look like a know it all. It also usually isn't recieved all that well by the owner. Note to self, DON'T! (Especially after you screwed up the initial meeting. Now I'm a know it all that obviously DOESN'T know it all!)

Once I walked away and got my brain back I felt like a complete moron. Not my best first impression for sure. The dog was awesome and I hope I get to see him again. I promise I'll be much better behaved.

So owners take heart, even us trainers screw up easy stuff sometimes. We're only human after all.

Catching up

Sorry I have been remiss in my blogging duties. I have started a personal workout program (long overdue) and had to adjust my busy schedule to fit everything in.

This is Leo. Isn't he absolutely adorable? He is a long coated blue Shar-Pei. Now before you run out and buy yourself one "just like the pic I saw" do some research on the breed. They aren't for everyone and you NEED to find a reputable breeder to avoid health problems common to them. (Every breed has health issues, find a breeder that admits that and works to avoid continuing those problems in their own lines.) Getting a dog should be about more than the cute face since it is a lifetime commitment.

That said I think he is just so freaking cute!! He is a real sweetie to boot.


Here is his sister Kloie. Now who couldn't love those faces?


This little guy kept me busy for awhile. He went to live with a fantastic family in CT.

This is Goldie. She is learning how to walk nicely on a leash for her owner.

Here is the new prison dog Hope. She is a German Shepherd and Rottweiller cross. She is doing great and learning quickly. She is also very sweet. I have a new handler I am training as well so that always keeps me on my toes. Here she is during one of our breaks.


These next pics are dogs that come to my sons baseball games and practices. Here is Willie in his stroller.


And his equally adorable sister Sadie. They are Boston Terriers.

Then we have Racer a 3 month old lab. He likes to dig holes. He's darn good at it too!

And here is Trouser. He's a yorkie that likes to strut his stuff. (don't they all?)

I hope all the great pics help make up for my lack of recent posts.