Resolved for 2016

by lennearbNo Comments
What will you train your pets to do (or not to do!) in 2016? A new year is right around the corner, and, like many people, my mind is turning to the things I want to do next year. Although I adopted Nefertiti in 2007 and Sirius Black in 2009, there are always more things I want to do with them. Some of these come from friends, training colleagues, and clients. Many others come from the part of the training process that i sometimes describe as whackamole (an inelegant turn of phrase that I promise does not involve any actual whacking). Inevitably, any training or behavior modification regimen will bring to light new things you want to work on with your pet. Some of this is because successfully addressing one issue makes one that seemed minor in comparison more pressing. Other times, some part of the solution or management routine can actually contribute to a new problem or solving one problem may allow...
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Something a Little Different

by lennearbNo Comments
And now for something a little different… Isn't that what the holidays are all about? Whether you celebrate a religious holiday, or just appreciate a respite from your daily routine, the holidays provide an opportunity to do something just a little different. Many of us have days off, we may travel, or dust off those old family recipes for a once a year treat. What could be better? In my opinion, nothing. However, changes in our own routines often mean changes in our pets’ routines as well. Sometimes planning for these changes can fall by the wayside in our intense holiday planning. So here are three new things that your dog might experience during the holidays and what you can do to be prepared: New places. Whether you are traveling with your dog, as I am, or boarding your dog in a kennel or private home, new places can be difficult. Are there new rules in the new place? Make sure you know what they...
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Training—This Time with Squirrels

by lennearbNo Comments
My husband and I refer to this time of year1 as "ground squirrel" season because of the number of squirrels we see in our neighborhood hanging out under trees; dashing across the street, seemingly as close to our dog as possible; and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Most of the year, when the squirrels are hanging out in the trees, Sirius Black will ignore them. However, when there are thirteen squirrels hanging out under a tree a few feet from where we are walking, ignoring them becomes a lot harder for him. Instead, he thinks it would be a good idea to chase them. Barking at them is also a good alternative. (Barking is also his reaction to sheep, deer, and geese that are not where they belong.) There are a few ways to deal with this: I can resign myself to being spun around like a top by an almost-fifty-pound Border Collie mix barking and pulling.2 I can take advantage of this...
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8 Years, 8 Photos

by lennearbNo Comments
Nefertiti arrived at the shelter with her four four-week old kittens on an early October day. The next day they came home with me for foster care until the kittens were large enough to be adopted. Eventually, the kittens were adopted out, but, in late November, Nefertiti came home to stay. Since then, she had brought joy and smiles into my life nearly every day. I am glad to have her in my life every day. (Enjoy a bonus ninth photo!) ...
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Giving Thanks for Dogs and Pie

Giving Thanks for Dogs and Pie

by lennearbNo Comments
I love dogs. And pie. The presence of both dogs and pie in my life are things I am definitely grateful for as Thanksgiving draws near. Like many Americans, my Thanksgiving will be full of dogs and pie and a number of other food items that are definitely Not For Dogs (NFD for short). That makes this the perfect moment to discuss how to keep our dogs safe this Thanksgiving. I have talked before about dogs at parties, but Thanksgiving has a few differences from other parties. Most of the guests are often family members. In my experience, family members can be some of the hardest to convince to follow your rules. So make your rules clear and explicit in advance. And make sure they are followed. Lots of food. Admittedly, a lot of parties have food, but Thanksgiving has some extra-delicious and very not-dog-safe food items. Like turkey bones. And pie. Not to mention, a lot of food that may be served in...
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On Being a Dog

On Being a Dog

by lennearbNo Comments
Fall is one of my favorite times of year, and one of Sirius Black’s as well. This is not a coincidence. The weather at this time of year is perfect for us, not too hot and not to cold, like Baby Bear’s porridge, and, like Goldilocks, we like to take advantage of it, usually by hiking. We try to go hiking year round, but our best hikes are usually in the spring and fall. This fall has been perfect. A few weeks ago, we spent a day on a glorious 8-mile hike with beautiful views and great leaves. I know long hikes are not for every person, or every dog, but this is there is something Sirius and I get out of these hikes that everyone should be looking to find a way to get with their dog: a chance for Sirius to be a dog and to be completely comfortable in the world he’s living in. Sirius is a rescue dog who...
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6 Things I’ve Learned from Cats

6 Things I’ve Learned from Cats

by lennearbNo Comments
In honor of national cat day, I thought I would share six things I have learned from cats. 1. Take time to see the world from new vantage points. You never know what a new perspective will teach you. 2. Don't be afraid to try new things. You never know when one will suit you better than you expected. 3. Go after what you want. Especially catnip. Don't wait for things to come to you. 4. Know when you look good. And own it. 5. Nothing is more important than a good friend. Provided said friend knows how to open a can of cat food. 6. There is always time for a nap....
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Quiz Time!

Quiz Time!

by lennearbNo Comments
Pop quiz! Scenario 1 You are trying to cutback in sweets. You walk into the breakroom at work and find a large platter of your favorite dessert sitting in the middle of the table. The sign next to them says: "Help yourself." Do you Say, "Thank goodness!" And grab a large helping? Say, "No thanks," and sit down a few seats down to eat your healthy snack? Say, "Uh-oh" and walk out of the room before you can give in to temptation? Scenario 2 You check your receipt and realize the store clerk overcharged you by a few cents. Do you March back into the store and loudly demand things be made right? Quietly approach the customer service counter, explain what happened, and request a refund? Shrug and decide it is not enough money to waste time on? The way you answer these questions depends on your personality and personal circumstances (health, finances), but it also depends, more than we sometimes like to admit on our mood and what else has...
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5 Things You Can Do to Be a Courteous Dog Walker

by lennearbNo Comments
Summer is over. Everyone is back from vacation. The weather is cooling off. You know what this means? That's right, dog walkers are back! Over the last few weeks, I've observed that spots that were nearly empty all summer long are filled with families and dogs all trying to enjoy the last of the warm weather and sunshine. I am right there with them. Unfortunately, along with more people come more potential problems. So, what can you do to minimize problems for yourselves and your neighbors and make sure everyone has the best possible walk? Leash your dog. I know, I know, your dog is friendly, or well-trained, or [your description here], but—unless you are walking in an area where off-leash walking is explicitly allowed—do everyone a favor and keep your dog on a leash. Why? Because you never know when the unexpected will happen: a loose dog, a family of deer running across your path, or a family whose children are afraid of...
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Practicing for Real Life

by lennearbNo Comments
I am going to admit this: I don't really like cleaning, especially vacuuming. Fortunately, there is a lot less vacuuming required by the hardwood floors of my current house than in some of the carpeted apartments I have lived it. Less, but not none. Sirius Black, like many animals, highly dislikes the high-pitched motor of the vacuum. We've worked on desensitization, so he is no longer afraid of it, just uncomfortable around it. Unfortunately, unlike Nefertiti, who also dislikes it, he won't head for the farthest reaches of the house when he sees me pull it out. Instead, he tends to lie down somewhere close where he can watch me. Most often, the spot he chooses is right on the rug or floor I am planning to vacuum. This is where training for real life has it's moment to shine. I have written before about training relaxation and down on a mat. I teach this exercise in all my classes and to most of...
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