I don't know what has happened, but my images seem to have gone on vacation. Since I put an image in every post....that's a bunch.
Give me time, I'll get 'er fixed.
2/18/09
2/17/09
Housebreaking Revisited
A friend posted recently that she felt it was time to kill her dogs. I asked her, "what did they do this time?" The dogs had apparently used the living room as their "personal toilet". She was kidding about killing her dogs, of course, but we can all identify with the frustration she was feeling.
I thought about this and it occurred to me, this friend has relocated several times since becoming a dog owner and both her canine companions are still rather young. It seems that relocating to a new environment is what's disrupting the housebreaking and causing serious setback. It makes sense that the dog no longer knows what door leads to the great outdoors, everything is unfamiliar.
Any new environment should be coupled with reintroducing the dog to proper and expected bathroom behavior just as you did when initially housebreaking him. There is the preferred door for going out, the timing (first thing in the morning, after meals, before bed, etc.), the praise; all that. With the dog being more mature, the reintroduction of bathroom duties should not take as long as it initially did when he was a youngster but it is just as important to teach the dog that "this is how it's done" in the new environment.
Therapy dogs visiting a new facility need the same reinforcement. Making an initial trip to the new facility to learn your way around, meet staff and locate a "bathroom area" for your dog is time well spent. Figure out if you'll need plastic bags for cleanup, or if the area is remote/vegetated enough to not worry. When you take your dog to the facility for the first time, visit the "bathroom area" before entering the facility. Any therapy dog should be given the opportunity to relieve himself before going to work.
Note! I've taught all my dogs "key words" for elimination, "go potty", "go poop", etc. Just as with the post bath command, "shake!", this is taught as the dog is doing said activity. The dog learns to associate the word "potty" with urinating. Eventually, you can give the command and if the dog needs to go, he will.
Keep plastic bags in your car for fecal pickup. This is a must for all public areas. If I can't find an outside waist receptacle for it, I tie it to the bumper of my car. Using grocery plastic bags makes this easy as the handles are long enough to tie around a ball hitch securely till I get home and can toss it in my own garbage can.
Picking up poop 101: Use clean plastic bags. Get one (or two) plastic bags (if two, put one inside the other). Place your hand in the bag(s) like putting on a glove. Using your "gloved" hand, pick up the poop. Turn the bag(s) inside out and "voila!" the poop is in the bag. Knot securely.
I thought about this and it occurred to me, this friend has relocated several times since becoming a dog owner and both her canine companions are still rather young. It seems that relocating to a new environment is what's disrupting the housebreaking and causing serious setback. It makes sense that the dog no longer knows what door leads to the great outdoors, everything is unfamiliar.
Any new environment should be coupled with reintroducing the dog to proper and expected bathroom behavior just as you did when initially housebreaking him. There is the preferred door for going out, the timing (first thing in the morning, after meals, before bed, etc.), the praise; all that. With the dog being more mature, the reintroduction of bathroom duties should not take as long as it initially did when he was a youngster but it is just as important to teach the dog that "this is how it's done" in the new environment.
Therapy dogs visiting a new facility need the same reinforcement. Making an initial trip to the new facility to learn your way around, meet staff and locate a "bathroom area" for your dog is time well spent. Figure out if you'll need plastic bags for cleanup, or if the area is remote/vegetated enough to not worry. When you take your dog to the facility for the first time, visit the "bathroom area" before entering the facility. Any therapy dog should be given the opportunity to relieve himself before going to work.
Note! I've taught all my dogs "key words" for elimination, "go potty", "go poop", etc. Just as with the post bath command, "shake!", this is taught as the dog is doing said activity. The dog learns to associate the word "potty" with urinating. Eventually, you can give the command and if the dog needs to go, he will.
Keep plastic bags in your car for fecal pickup. This is a must for all public areas. If I can't find an outside waist receptacle for it, I tie it to the bumper of my car. Using grocery plastic bags makes this easy as the handles are long enough to tie around a ball hitch securely till I get home and can toss it in my own garbage can.
Picking up poop 101: Use clean plastic bags. Get one (or two) plastic bags (if two, put one inside the other). Place your hand in the bag(s) like putting on a glove. Using your "gloved" hand, pick up the poop. Turn the bag(s) inside out and "voila!" the poop is in the bag. Knot securely.
2/15/09
Always Welcome
Dog lovers will agree that when a canine companion pays a visit, it's always welcome company. One of the reasons that pet assisted therapy is so valuable. Dogs never judge. Jazz is clearly happy for the attention as is the gentleman happy to enjoy her company.
Special thanks to the facility for this wonderful photograph and thanks to the kind gentleman (name withheld) for allowing us to use it.
2/4/09
First Snow for The Babies!
We didn't get much accumulation, but it was a lovely wet snow! This was Nestle's first and he was captivated by it (looking out the car window, above). Jazz really liked racing around the yard in the snow, but she shook it off her fur regularly so it was difficult to capture her picture! Below is the dock....and so much snow falling that you can't really see the lake!
2/1/09
Fit as a Fiddle!
Nestle is back to his old "wild puppy" self! Here he is this calm winter morning taking a (brief!) pause from racing around with Jazz. I can't convey nor measure the level of thankfulness I feel for his life being spared.
Bonus! This is one of my all time favorite things to see on the lake. Ring Billed Gulls take winter residence on the lake, which are a joy to watch. Sometimes they fish right off our dock though mostly the hang out in the cove opposite from us. I adore how they follow a tug (reminds me of fishing boats on the coast) and I finally got a picture of it:
1/26/09
Close Call
No matter how well behaved, how well trained, how loyal, there is still that one moment that can change everything. Today I had that moment and I was lucky.... Nestle was more fortunate.
Nestle had been ringing his bell to go outside for some time ("must be serious!"), so I let him out expecting him to urinate asap. Instead he ran towards the grassed area and was immediately obscured by my husbands' truck. I made tracks towards the nearby road to "block" Nestle from running out into the road.... only then to see him RUN INTO THE ROAD! A truck was right there. There was nothing I could do but watch in horror as my little dog died.
But, the Gods were with him. He hit the front passenger wheel and was knocked unconscious immediately. The force of the impact sent him spinning further underneath the vehicle, but thank the heavens above, he did not impact any other wheel.
I ran out to find him out cold and stiff. I carefully picked him up and was off to the vet in record time. Nestle came to as I put the car in motion and deficated in my lap (I didn't notice for quite some time!). He seemed alert and I held him close as I sped to the vet.
Nestle was seen by the vet no less than 30 minutes after his brush with death. Other than an apparent head injury, he is fine. He received a cortizone shot to help stave off any brain swelling and reduce any pain.
I am thanking God. Never again will that dog exit the shop off lead.
Nestle had been ringing his bell to go outside for some time ("must be serious!"), so I let him out expecting him to urinate asap. Instead he ran towards the grassed area and was immediately obscured by my husbands' truck. I made tracks towards the nearby road to "block" Nestle from running out into the road.... only then to see him RUN INTO THE ROAD! A truck was right there. There was nothing I could do but watch in horror as my little dog died.
But, the Gods were with him. He hit the front passenger wheel and was knocked unconscious immediately. The force of the impact sent him spinning further underneath the vehicle, but thank the heavens above, he did not impact any other wheel.
I ran out to find him out cold and stiff. I carefully picked him up and was off to the vet in record time. Nestle came to as I put the car in motion and deficated in my lap (I didn't notice for quite some time!). He seemed alert and I held him close as I sped to the vet.
Nestle was seen by the vet no less than 30 minutes after his brush with death. Other than an apparent head injury, he is fine. He received a cortizone shot to help stave off any brain swelling and reduce any pain.
I am thanking God. Never again will that dog exit the shop off lead.
1/23/09
Happy New Year!
Tiz been a month or more since Jazz has had a post! She hopes everyone had a lovely holiday season! Christmas is the time for depression as well as the new year.... so hug your dog!
Jazz went to Northern Virginia for two weeks followed by a busy, busy time in the life of her humans. Today... at long last... she visited with her elementary school children. What a treat! All the kids were delighted to see her and she heard from two very engaging readers that relaxed her right to sleepy land!
Jazz's dear beloved stroke patient was moved to another facility during the Christmas break. Good for him, sad for Jazz. We'll miss him. Jazz wishes the very best in his recovery!
Welcome to 2009...... here's to hopes for a bright and furry new year!
Blurry but cute....Jazz cuddled in a fav blankie
Jazz went to Northern Virginia for two weeks followed by a busy, busy time in the life of her humans. Today... at long last... she visited with her elementary school children. What a treat! All the kids were delighted to see her and she heard from two very engaging readers that relaxed her right to sleepy land!
Jazz's dear beloved stroke patient was moved to another facility during the Christmas break. Good for him, sad for Jazz. We'll miss him. Jazz wishes the very best in his recovery!
Welcome to 2009...... here's to hopes for a bright and furry new year!
Blurry but cute....Jazz cuddled in a fav blankie
12/1/08
Holidays and Therapy
Tiz the season and all that applies. Modern holiday activity seems to center around a bees nest of activities; anything from concerts to shopping, travel, meals, guests. Although it is traditionally "tiz the season" for giving.....we tend to get caught up in our own lives, our own selves.
Lest we forget those who are confined? People in care facilities not only miss their home, they are missing family, friends, every day activities and many are missing their own pets. Can you imagine being alone in a care facility over the holidays? What would it mean to you to have a smiling face escort in a fluffy, happy, calm, affectionate dog for you to snuggle with and provide some polite conversation that doesn't involve what meds your taking? Take time, make time. Share. Give.
More than one animal means choice for all:
Jazz is one of 2 dogs who regularly visit the transitional care center. Both dogs happen to visit the same day though at different times. One patient is a relatively young individual who's recovering from a second major stroke. This gentleman is quite the dog lover, however it's clear that he is far more receptive to Jazz than to the other dog. Why? Possibly because the other dog reminds him of a recently deceased dog he loved. Pet therapy with Jazz is so successful with this gentleman, everyone is quite thankful that he enjoys, responds to and works to pet her. We make extra time for patients like this fellow. It's worth it.
A wee bit on "snuggle": Way back when I mentioned that snuggling with a therapy dog is key to developing a snuggly dog. How true this is! We've had Jazz nearly 18 months now and I have been very snuggly with her. As time has passed she has gained in snuggle strength to the point of now being "very, very snuggly!". She's gotten better at snuggling in general and with other people. Keep the snuggles going!
Lest we forget those who are confined? People in care facilities not only miss their home, they are missing family, friends, every day activities and many are missing their own pets. Can you imagine being alone in a care facility over the holidays? What would it mean to you to have a smiling face escort in a fluffy, happy, calm, affectionate dog for you to snuggle with and provide some polite conversation that doesn't involve what meds your taking? Take time, make time. Share. Give.
More than one animal means choice for all:
Jazz is one of 2 dogs who regularly visit the transitional care center. Both dogs happen to visit the same day though at different times. One patient is a relatively young individual who's recovering from a second major stroke. This gentleman is quite the dog lover, however it's clear that he is far more receptive to Jazz than to the other dog. Why? Possibly because the other dog reminds him of a recently deceased dog he loved. Pet therapy with Jazz is so successful with this gentleman, everyone is quite thankful that he enjoys, responds to and works to pet her. We make extra time for patients like this fellow. It's worth it.
A wee bit on "snuggle": Way back when I mentioned that snuggling with a therapy dog is key to developing a snuggly dog. How true this is! We've had Jazz nearly 18 months now and I have been very snuggly with her. As time has passed she has gained in snuggle strength to the point of now being "very, very snuggly!". She's gotten better at snuggling in general and with other people. Keep the snuggles going!
11/4/08
Nail Trimming with a nail grinder
Most dog owners have experienced the various kinds of nail trimmers readily available for trimming dogs' nails. If you're like me, you've experienced pinched, broken skin from some of these awful things, and most certainly have experienced a nail trimmed too short and the profuse blood that resulted.
Not much fun, is it?
The dog agrees.
Two things led me to using a Dremil tool. One, I have rather arthritic hands, most especially in the thumb joints and I can not squeeze those nail trimmers. Two, therapy dogs encounter all kinds of people, some are elderly and have quite delicate, thin skin. Toenails with sharp edges are simply unacceptable in those circumstances. So, the nail trimmer had to go.
Recently, a new nail trimming device came onto the market promising an easier time of trimming nails, a special guard to protect all involved, and no more quicked nails. Pretty cool, ya? Maybe not. According to animal health professionals, many folks are returning to their vet for nail trimming duties as their dog simply did not accept this new tool, AT ALL.
Here's the scoop folks. You didn't get in the drivers seat of the car for the first time and hit the Indy 500, now did you? Learning new things takes time. Learn incrementally. Small steps..... one step at a time. "Small victories" is what you're after.
Your friendly hardware Dremil tool is precisely the same as a specialized pet nail grinder and the new and improved "Pet-i-cure"..... who's claim to fame is the protective cover. This is good if your dog has a long coat that can easily become entangled in a normal dremil tool.
First, there's the noise. Why would any dog want you to come at their precious feet with a whirring monster, grab hold of their toes and make them vibrate uncomfortably with this loud machine? ........ A first time experience with a dremil tool should be nothing more than turning the dremil on, letting the dog investigate and giving him treats. That's it.
Once the dog is comfortable with the sound of the dremil, touch the dog with the handle end of the machine so that he can feel the vibrations.....praise and give treats. Allow the dog to sniff (safely) if he chooses.
Once the dog accepts the noise and vibration and the tool touching him with ease, begin "some" nail grinding. It's important to note that at this stage getting the nail short enough is NOT the goal. Touching the nail with the grinder successfully IS the goal. Praise and treat. Bonus points if the dog allows you to briefly touch each and every nail.
It's at this stage of learning that you will be doing a lot of nail grooming. If you do these exercises weekly, it's going to take a lot longer for the dog to accept the dremil and by the time you can really grind the nails, they're going to be rather long. At this early stage, you should be sitting down with your dog daily or every other day.
Location, location, location. Pick a quiet area for nail trimming time free of other dogs, kids, typical household activity. I use a bathroom where all the bathing, grooming things are kept. Your own energy is key to this activity as well. You should be calm and light of heart. If you are nervous and on edge, the dog will feel there is something to be frightened of and you're job just got much more difficult. Singing to your dog works well to calm both you and your dog.
With time your dog will come to accept the dremil in fine style. You'll be able to carefully and accurately trim each nail with expert care. Getting to this stage varies by dog, but it's energy well put to good nail/foot health.
So, if you spent hard earned $$ on one of those fancy new Pet-i-Cure nail trimmers, don't loose hope. It's a learning process. Those dogs in their commercials? They've been getting their nails trimmed regularly for years and are very adept to it. Your dog will be too.....in time.
Not much fun, is it?
The dog agrees.
Two things led me to using a Dremil tool. One, I have rather arthritic hands, most especially in the thumb joints and I can not squeeze those nail trimmers. Two, therapy dogs encounter all kinds of people, some are elderly and have quite delicate, thin skin. Toenails with sharp edges are simply unacceptable in those circumstances. So, the nail trimmer had to go.
Recently, a new nail trimming device came onto the market promising an easier time of trimming nails, a special guard to protect all involved, and no more quicked nails. Pretty cool, ya? Maybe not. According to animal health professionals, many folks are returning to their vet for nail trimming duties as their dog simply did not accept this new tool, AT ALL.
Here's the scoop folks. You didn't get in the drivers seat of the car for the first time and hit the Indy 500, now did you? Learning new things takes time. Learn incrementally. Small steps..... one step at a time. "Small victories" is what you're after.
Your friendly hardware Dremil tool is precisely the same as a specialized pet nail grinder and the new and improved "Pet-i-cure"..... who's claim to fame is the protective cover. This is good if your dog has a long coat that can easily become entangled in a normal dremil tool.
First, there's the noise. Why would any dog want you to come at their precious feet with a whirring monster, grab hold of their toes and make them vibrate uncomfortably with this loud machine? ........ A first time experience with a dremil tool should be nothing more than turning the dremil on, letting the dog investigate and giving him treats. That's it.
Once the dog is comfortable with the sound of the dremil, touch the dog with the handle end of the machine so that he can feel the vibrations.....praise and give treats. Allow the dog to sniff (safely) if he chooses.
Once the dog accepts the noise and vibration and the tool touching him with ease, begin "some" nail grinding. It's important to note that at this stage getting the nail short enough is NOT the goal. Touching the nail with the grinder successfully IS the goal. Praise and treat. Bonus points if the dog allows you to briefly touch each and every nail.
It's at this stage of learning that you will be doing a lot of nail grooming. If you do these exercises weekly, it's going to take a lot longer for the dog to accept the dremil and by the time you can really grind the nails, they're going to be rather long. At this early stage, you should be sitting down with your dog daily or every other day.
Location, location, location. Pick a quiet area for nail trimming time free of other dogs, kids, typical household activity. I use a bathroom where all the bathing, grooming things are kept. Your own energy is key to this activity as well. You should be calm and light of heart. If you are nervous and on edge, the dog will feel there is something to be frightened of and you're job just got much more difficult. Singing to your dog works well to calm both you and your dog.
With time your dog will come to accept the dremil in fine style. You'll be able to carefully and accurately trim each nail with expert care. Getting to this stage varies by dog, but it's energy well put to good nail/foot health.
So, if you spent hard earned $$ on one of those fancy new Pet-i-Cure nail trimmers, don't loose hope. It's a learning process. Those dogs in their commercials? They've been getting their nails trimmed regularly for years and are very adept to it. Your dog will be too.....in time.
10/2/08
HABIT Informational Meeting
For Jazzie's readers in the East Tennessee region:
Hope to see lots of faces there!
HABIT Informational Meeting
Saturday November 1st
Doors open at 11:00 am, program begins at 11:30 and goes till 1:00 pm.
First United Methodist
214 Cedar Street, Sevierville, TN 37862.
Saturday November 1st
Doors open at 11:00 am, program begins at 11:30 and goes till 1:00 pm.
First United Methodist
214 Cedar Street, Sevierville, TN 37862.
HABIT is a nonprofit group of volunteers working together to promote the bond between people and animals. As a program of The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, HABIT sponsors animal-assisted therapy programs for those of all ages in a variety of settings such as nursing and retirement homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, physical rehabilitation centers, and area schools.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR PET
For liability purposes, attendance is required before a person can become a HABIT volunteer. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. People are encouraged to attend, even if they are just interested in knowing more about HABIT.
All are welcome. There is no cost to attend this meeting.
Please send me an email if you plan to attend, or contact Ruth Sapp at the HABIT office: 974-5633 so that there will be enough handouts for everyone.
Hope to see lots of faces there!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)