I'll admit it, I'm a reality TV junkie....
Some of it I recognize as a little ridiculous but get a little sucked in. Others are just silly, yet have an underlying positive message. And then some are incredibly difficult to watch, but have a huge positive message. One in specific would be Animal Precinct on the Animal Planet channel. I fully realize that some people just can't watch this and ask themselves "why would the Animal Planet display such cruelty on TV and how can you bear to watch?". Well, I guess I watch it (only once in awhile, and even then it's difficult) for a couple important reason's. One, to remember that there are dedicated people out there that are working to bring justice to the cruelty of animals and two, to just remind myself that we unfortunately don't live in a fantasy world. It could very well be happening right here in our little corner of the world.
My message here? Awareness is powerful.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Are you CRAZY?
I recently read this article from Dog Living Magazine.
As stated in a previous post, I left my rather unstable corporate job. Yes, I thought that I was crazy and second guessed this decision several times, it was a struggle. However, once I got the word out about starting up my own pet business the out pouring of support was unremarkable!
If you haven't heard, the economy is lacking and I was feeling that I was going to loose my management position. But in my research I noticed that the pet industry was still thriving. Going into a local pet store I was pleased to see that it was incredibly busy, even on a weekday evening. Because of my 50 hour work week, we made cuts and compromises in other areas of our budget to provide for our two dogs, it was "no brainer"! Yes, I have heard of and read stories where this hasn't been the case for some people, having to give up their loved ones after losing their jobs. It's saddening but I then read of tear jerking stories where the community or neighbors came to the rescue of these pets.
All in all, it's still a great time to be a pet!
As stated in a previous post, I left my rather unstable corporate job. Yes, I thought that I was crazy and second guessed this decision several times, it was a struggle. However, once I got the word out about starting up my own pet business the out pouring of support was unremarkable!
If you haven't heard, the economy is lacking and I was feeling that I was going to loose my management position. But in my research I noticed that the pet industry was still thriving. Going into a local pet store I was pleased to see that it was incredibly busy, even on a weekday evening. Because of my 50 hour work week, we made cuts and compromises in other areas of our budget to provide for our two dogs, it was "no brainer"! Yes, I have heard of and read stories where this hasn't been the case for some people, having to give up their loved ones after losing their jobs. It's saddening but I then read of tear jerking stories where the community or neighbors came to the rescue of these pets.
All in all, it's still a great time to be a pet!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Dear Gentle Leader...
Of course I've heard of and seen the Gentle Leader but always thought that with my reinforcement and training that any dog can be taught to heel or not pull out in front. Well I've been proven wrong! My German Shorthair has been taught to heel since before the age of 1. He's always been pretty good at it but it's very short lived during a walk. After all, he is a bird dog, 60 lbs of PURE muscle and is in constant "hunt mode". I thought about trying the Gentle Leader after using one with a client of mine (also a little energetic bird dog). The difference has been phenomenal! With both my dog and my client the Gentle Leader directs the dogs attention back to me, keeps them at a controlled heel yet allows them to explore and sniff on our walk.
I would say that both of these dogs have the same demeanor....high energy, not stubborn and submissive to voice command. So the true test will be using the Gentle Leader on a dog that is none of those!
Another client of mine uses the Easy Walk Harness. This is a great alternative for a dog that just can't or doesn't want to get used to having something around it's face like the Gentle Leader. The Easy Walk Harness goes around the dogs mid section and your lead hooks in front of the dogs chest. If the dog pulls you just pull back towards you gently and the harness tightens slightly around the dogs midsection and directs the dogs attention back to you.
Remember, always use your preferred voice command when you direct the dog back to you and always, always REWARD....whether it be with small treats or physical rewards!! My guy gets both!
Happy Walking!
I would say that both of these dogs have the same demeanor....high energy, not stubborn and submissive to voice command. So the true test will be using the Gentle Leader on a dog that is none of those!
Another client of mine uses the Easy Walk Harness. This is a great alternative for a dog that just can't or doesn't want to get used to having something around it's face like the Gentle Leader. The Easy Walk Harness goes around the dogs mid section and your lead hooks in front of the dogs chest. If the dog pulls you just pull back towards you gently and the harness tightens slightly around the dogs midsection and directs the dogs attention back to you.
Remember, always use your preferred voice command when you direct the dog back to you and always, always REWARD....whether it be with small treats or physical rewards!! My guy gets both!
Happy Walking!
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