Just when you thought it was all good . . . SURPRISE !!

My Yorkshire Terrier has been battling “hot spots” for about a year.  I have tried topicals, sprays, shampoo, diet and medication.  The only thing that worked was a drug called VANECTYL.  After her prescription expired, she was okay for a week, but then SURPRISE – itching, scratching, biting.  Welcome back hotspots.  I just ordered enough Vanectyl to last a year, and my Yorkie is sporting her ‘cone of shame’ in the form of a blue donut.

I noticed my German Shepherd was paying too much attention to her hind quarters, specifically the base of her tail.  When I looked closely, a quarter-sized area of hair was missing and the area was red, inflammed and hard to the touch.  Was she bitten by a Bee?  I had seen her in the garden numerous times, chasing bees from my plants, so it is possible that the bees finally exacted their revenge.

This morning, the area was bleeding, and a toonie sized area of hair was missing.  Holy Smokes !!! I called the Vet – the earliest appointment is Tuesday evening.  What to do until then?  Off to my local Petvalu to buy an Elizabethan-collar (aka cone of shame).  I ended up buying a blue donut instead of the large plastic cone.  I didn’t want her bumping into everything in the house.

So here I am writing this entry (to keep me from going insane).  The Yorkshire Terrier is sporting her blue donut (awaiting delivery of her anti-itch pills) and the German Shepherd is wearing her matching blue donut (being supervised so as not to even think about going for her wound).

The moral of my story? If you have the priviledge of owning a dog THINGS WILL GO WRONG AT SOME POINT.  It isn’t always smooth sailing.

Until next time….

 

Vacationing with dogs

Ahh summer vacation. This year we decided to take our new RV up to the lake. Plans made, reservations made – what do we do with our two dogs?

Our Yorkshire Terrier is a seasoned traveller at 6 years of age. She has accompanied us to Florida since she was a pup.

Our 2 year old German Shepherd went on her first trip with us last Christmas (to West Palm Beach). She weighs 90 pounds so its like having another person in the RV.

With both dogs in the RV over Christmas, things got a little dicey between them. Both were trying to claim their territory and it finally came to a battle with the German Shepherd biting the Yorkie. Nothing serious, but the Yorkie was definitely put in her place.

I was reminded of this as we made Summer plans. I chose to find a good kennel for the Shepherd and came across Glen Saxon in rural Ancaster. They are breeders of German Shepherds, so I know Miley would be taken care of.

So here we are on day 5 of our trip and Chloe is shnoozing beside me as I type this. I am quite certain Miley is enjoying her stay at the kennel.

Don’t feel afraid to give your dog new experiences. They will be much better socialized in the end.

CHEERS !!

The BIG DOG Syndrome

Let’s face it.  We have all been on a walk when a ‘cute’ small dog approaches us, then instantly turns into Mr. Hyde – lunging, fangs, growls and barks.  This behaviour is usually dismissed by the owner as normal and quickly forgiven by the recipient. 

Same scenario, different dog – lets substitute the cute small dog with a 75 pound Rottweiler or German Shepherd.  That kind of behaviour would consitute an ‘attack’ by a very aggressive dog.  Perhaps one that should be put down.

Both dogs are equally behaving badly and not as balanced members of society.

Please do not make excuses for small dogs.  That chewing on your ankle as it passes should not be tolerated.  Owners: that is not the least bit cute and charming.  You must teach your small dog to walk properly and respect others using the sidewalk.

It’s time that we all got along – whether it be a 3 pound Chihuahua or a 120 pound Black Russian Terrier.

Postal Carriers

Ahh Postal Carriers – the arch nemesis of dogs. 

On my travels I have witnessed many behaviours – from the laid back to the ultra paranoid. There is one in particular that I admire and would love to give a shout out to.  His daily route is the area around Chedoke Avenue.  He is NOT the typical postal carrier.  This man goes out of his way to meet dogs.  Most of the dogs in the area know him as the man that gives them treats.  He carries a large bag of dog treats and he makes sure every dog on his route gets one (if the owner agrees). 

When my K9 client spies him pulling up in his mail truck, she sits down and calmly awaits his exit from the vehicle.  She then puts her head down and walks towards him, finally sitting beside him to await her reward.  I always thank him (because my K9 client cannot in words).  We then proceed on our walk, my K9 client beaming with happiness (and a little strutting too).

This is what all postal carriers should do.  The paranoid guys and gals bring negative dog behaviour  upon themselves by exuding nervous energy – dogs feel this and respond in equally nervous ways. 

If you can’t beat’em, join’em.  Enjoy your weekend 😉

 

 

Elderly dogs

The elderly dog.  Those grey whiskers and muzzle are badges of honour. 

I have a K9 client who is getting up there in years – in his teens.  When I look into his eyes I marvel about all the experiences this senior has had.  Oh if dogs could talk !!! 

He’s less mobile then he used to be, but he still loves to have his belly rubbed.  He may need assistance in getting up the stairs every now and then, but he’ll still follow me for a ‘treat’.  I don’t get the ‘big greeting’ when I enter the house – and that’s okay.  He’s paid his dues, done his time.

I’ve owned many dogs, but have never had a truly ‘senior’ dog.  My last dog “Bailey” passed away from cancer at the age of 8.  Oh how I would have loved for her to be around a few more years.

Enjoy the time you spend with your dogs.  Sadly, their time on earth is fleeting, and no where long enough !!

Trust Your Dog

I was working a German Short Haired Pointer along with his brother a Miniature Poodle in a ‘marginal’ sector of my city. Our walk went as usual: 15 minutes of sniff time followed by a 30 minute structured walk.

As we were nearing the end of our walk, the dogs indicated to a ‘shaky-looking’ male who was walking up behind us. (I have learned that dogs are great judges of character, with almost 100% accuracy). Needless to say, this man walked passed us and met with a female who was standing at the corner.

They exchanged some words, and the female placed a wad of currency in the man’s palm. They both walked away in different directions. I had just witnessed a pimp receiving payment from one of his ‘ladies’.

The moral is: trust your dog. If he/she doesn’t like someone or something, neither should you.

The Dog Whisperer

I am an astute follower of the Cesar Milan “calm energy” training philosophy.  Have you ever watched him work a dog?  He says very little, if anything.  It is all ‘touch’ and ‘energy’. 

I have been having some trouble with a client’s dog lately.  Nothing to do with aggression, just plain old puppy energy where other dogs are concerned.  With the last incident, I promised myself that I would find a solution by re-watching the Dog Whisperer series again.  Well, the more I watched the more I was reminded about ‘calm energy’.  A dog can feel your energy as it is transferred down the leash to him/her (don’t laugh – it’s true).

So today, before I set out on a walk with this dog, I took a deep breath, asserted myself and began our walk.  Absolutely no talking on my part – just energy.  We had a most lovely walk (even passed a couple dogs without incident).

Thank you Cesar Milan for all you do.  “The Walk” is truly a ritual, that when executed properly is indeed a pleasure to watch.

Try chanelling your ‘inner Cesar’ and see what happens 🙂

 

 

Dogs will eat just about anything…

One of my K9 clients, a dear female shepherd cross is 6 years old and very calm, and stable. She exudes calmness to the point that other dogs calm down when she’s around. Well this old girl has a bad, disgusting habit. She eats poop. Not just any poop either – Canada Goose poop.

I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Canada Goose poop, but it looks like little green breakfast sausages. Perhaps that’s what draws her to it. I think she has her mind set on gobbling up every piece at the local golf course. I’m sure the grounds-keeper would be appreciative, but me? No kisses for you – just a bunch of hugs !!!

TA DAH !!!

Day one of what I hope to be a great blog.  I work with dogs for a living and God knows things happen when you least expect it.  I will be sharing daily experiences and photos of my K9 clients (and other dogs that cross our path).