POIDOGZ

Checklist for New Puppy or Dog

2009-12-08T12:41:00.000-06:00

Before you bring home that Christmas Puppy:

Shots-Puppies need at least 4 sets of vaccinations and an adult set. Can't afford it? Don't bring puppy home. Consider an older dog-who will need yearly vaccinations.

Food-dogs and puppies need high quality pet food to live a long and healthy life.

Exercise-backyard time alone is NOT exercise. Dogs and puppies need sustained play-and they need YOU in that backyard to play with. Don't want to go outside-don't get a dog, or consider a smaller dog who can do well indoors.

If you are going to leave the dog alone for hours in the backyard, for whatever reason, please do not get a dog. It isn't fair to the dog.

TRAINING

Crate Training-I consider crate training essential to living with a dog. There are just going to be times when you want them in a quiet place. Waiting till then to shove them in a crate isn't going to be a happy time for you or the dog.

Leash Manners-another essential.

Car Manners-yes, essential.

Recall-you have to have a good recall-a dog that you can call to you is likely going to end up lost or dead.

All the other stuff, agility, obedience, etc, is fun and I recommend it-but if you can't do these minimal things, please reconsider owning a dog.

Do not use a dog or puppy to teach your children that life is disposable or worthless. If you do not have time to honor the life you are contemplating bringing into YOUR life, please reconsider owning a dog.

Groups

2008-09-09T04:52:00.002-06:00

I've been putting the dogs out to play in different groups-by age, energy level, size, etc.

Putting the pups out together first seems to work best. The go out, piddle, run off some energy without the added burden of having to behave. Then the elders come out and their energy level pretty much matches the pups and they all play nicely until they are tired.

Prissy and Cody seem to be less domineering if the pups have toned it down some. This means less discipline is needed and it's better for everyone. I really think Ollie is such a soft dog because Prissy and Dottie and Lily just bossed the living crap out of him.

Lily in particular is blossoming-if I group them by size or sex she's always with Prissy-the boys are far less domineering. She's become far more confident and outgoing, and Prissy is coincidentally less of a bully.

Random Update

2008-09-08T09:52:00.002-06:00

I moved the crates out into the sunroom (that I'm having heated this week for winter.) I'm trying to organize my house and get all the dog stuff in one area, instead of everywhere.

The sunroom has less of a "den" feel than the bedroom, but they have their crates and I don't have to parade through the entire house which is a problem with messy paws-although, honestly, my dogs are angels about not detouring and not jumping on the furniture when muddy.

It opens to the front part of the house where they can see me more and it allows me to expand my various experiments with them. It's still a crated zone for now, although when it gets really cold I've tiled part of the floor for the little dogs who struggle with snow. I've also put down some rubber flooring stuff for a training area-more for me than the dogs. Heel work and such on concrete is tough on my old bones.

They've done really pretty well with the transition-which involved shuffling crates as well. Greta and Lily had a bit of relapse on the idea that I could walk by and there should be no barking etc, but they figured it out pretty quickly. It never ceases to amaze me that someone will have a wonderfully trained dog that they can't leave crated while they work another dog. "He just loves me too much".....uh, no, he doesn't respect your wishes enough.

Moonie was funny as heck with his crate training. He got the concept immediately, would willing enter the crate, then protest.......and protest.......and protest some more. The fearful part was over quickly, but the bratty, let me out stuff lasted a looooooooooooong time. I had to make the rule that I never entered the room and released him when he was bawling-ever ever ever, even if it meant he piddled in his crate. Even if someone ELSE piddled in their crate. Oi oi oi.

Then I generalized it to the other dogs-no crate door is opened if there is noise. Even Lily, the deaf dog, and sure enough, when I started demanding the behavior from her, she started giving it to me.

The next phase is pulling the dogs in one at a time, in the Xpen in the kitchen where the crated dogs can see THAT-and then getting all parties to relax, even if the Xpen dog prances to make sure they are noticing. My goal is to make the Xpen kind of a status place for the dogs-which will be oh so helpful for the ones who travel.

Rainy Day Training

2008-08-18T12:12:00.002-06:00

Rainy days are good for setting up an X pen in the kitchen and rotating the dogs in and out. That's really pretty much it. The idea of the exercise is
1. We don't always do every thing in a pack
2. I am the decider
3. Howl all you want, but I am going about my business
(not everyone howls)

One of my pet peeves is people's pets who will not stay quietly in a crate or a pen even if the person is 2 feet away. Seriously, don't wait till you hit the campground to work on the skill.

A Riddle

2008-08-13T01:35:00.001-06:00

What do you get when you take one part Sage:

Add one part Vibe

And mix them well? You get

Blastoff Blue Moon Doggie, bred at Blastoff Border Collies and now residing with me.
He's an amazing puppy, truly amazing. He already knows sit, down, heel (not the walking part, just calling him into position). He's going to give Oliver a run for his money in who can learn the fastest-but Oliver doesn't mind. He's grooving on having another able bodied, ready to rumble kiddo to play with.

Prissy shows off her flashy Blue and White Coat to the newcomer.

More about Blue.

Another comment.

Oliver is not a bit jealous.

Like big brother Oliver, Moon was the house child's favorite. Krystal did a great job of making a socialable, easy going little fellow. The right kid is such a plus when it comes to puppy raising.

As you can see, after losing two of our senior members this year, the crew is really excited about this new pup. And so am I.

Listening by looking

2008-08-05T06:44:00.003-06:00

It's fascinating, at least to me, to observe my deaf dog Lily and try to figure out what visual clues she is using to tell herself to growl or bark or run. Now, if the other dogs are growling, barking or running it's pretty easy to suss out.

Tails are problematic-Greta's tail is curved. Cody has a magnificent tail, but a lot of nervous energy and ambivalence, so it's usually waving no matter what the situation. Prissy's tail is in a permanent state of asserting dominance.

Oliver's scruffy tail seems to be the one she watches for clues. His tail is the most fluent for expressing what is going on in the world of the hearing. It's also the biggest and easiest to spot after dark.

Now his ears, not so much. It's pretty hard to tell what movements are intentional and what is just flapping in the breeze-but the rest of the gang has very expressive ears.

Another interesting thing I've noticed is that the other dogs have clued in to the fact that Lily barks when she sees something she doesn't understand, which is to say she barks at a lot more things than THEY do. Anyone else's bark is usually given at least a look see by one or more of the guys. Not Lily's.

It will be interesting to see if she works out what is bark worthy and develops some street cred, or continues to vocalize. She is actually a month or so older than Oliver, but size and handicap has made her very much a follower-but not an unhappy one.

Hiatus

2008-08-03T21:42:00.000-06:00

I'm going to take a break from doggy updates for awhile (but not from the dogs).

Whew! Shade!

2008-08-03T07:25:00.000-06:00

Remember when you complained 'bout the rain?

2008-08-02T07:22:00.000-06:00

I find this blog to be very chi-centric

2008-08-01T07:20:00.001-06:00

Hot? Me? Naaaaa

2008-07-31T07:17:00.001-06:00

Ewww, he did it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-30T07:15:00.000-06:00

Remember the time Ollie farted?

2008-07-29T19:13:00.000-06:00

Hahahahahahaaaaa!

?

2008-07-24T08:03:00.000-06:00

Pay Attention!

2008-07-18T07:34:00.000-06:00

Do my feet stink?

2008-07-17T06:27:00.000-06:00

MMMM MMMMM Good

2008-07-16T04:24:00.000-06:00

I left it here somewhere.....

2008-07-15T20:32:00.000-06:00

River Dogs

2008-07-15T10:42:00.002-06:00

I took Greta and Oliver to the river and let them splash around. Greta demonstrated it is possible to get tangled up in a life jacket and potentially drown. She is talented. Oliver took the whole thing in stride in his stoic, solemn manner, but seemed to have a good time. particularly in the mud at the edge of river. Who would have thought that much mud existed in the entire world?

I was really pleased-there was a granpa fishing with his two grandsons, but my dogs stayed focused on me.

belly up to the sun

2008-07-14T06:58:00.000-06:00

happier than you will ever be

(Bit of my favorite dog haiku)

Make Up Class

2008-07-13T19:53:00.002-06:00

I took Ollie for a "make up" class to see if he could replace Prissy for the rest of the class sessions. He passed with flying colors-such a clever boy.

Living under one set of rules here and visiting my mother several times a week is just too hard on Prissy-and keeping Priss away from Mom is just too hard on Mom.

Oliver did really well in his first Petsmart visit and formal class-he should be star of the class by next Thursday.

Best picture EVER

2008-07-13T08:20:00.002-06:00

Bottom matters too

2008-07-12T11:03:00.002-06:00

I didn't think Bitty's departure would make any difference in the pack-but the bottom matters too, especially when no one wants to BE the bottom. I was hoping that spending a day or so alone would help Prissy and Lily get along better, but I am pretty certain Priss is going to try to assert herself and NOT be the bottom.

If she would stop with the ear biting, Lily would probably let her boss-but Prissy never knows when to stop. Eventually I think she'll figure it out, and Lily will gladly follow Priss and use her as her ears, but it's going to take a few go rounds for it to all work out.

Bye Bye Bitty

2008-07-10T11:51:00.002-06:00

Bitty is taking her last ride tomorrow. I really had hoped she'd just go in her sleep. Old age has taken it's toll-she has trouble walking without pain, going to the bathroom is painful, even eating isn't much fun any more. While the big dogs were at the kennel she perked up for a few days (she doesn't care much for them) but old age is just relentless and I feel mean keeping her around.

I will take her and hold her as I have all my dogs, so that her last breath is in the arms of someone she knows. I always felt like she liked me as much as she was capable of, but her heart belongs to her first mother-who I hope hears this and will be waiting for her on the other side.

Training the trainer

2008-07-06T09:55:00.003-06:00

We practiced a group sit. Since Lily was part of the group, to be fair, I tried not to use words. Prissy got a little frustrated because she figured out the game first, but Lily eventually caught on too.

If I said sit, and Prissy sat, I gave her treat-no need to penalize her for my mess up.

Did you hear the one about.....

2008-07-05T07:04:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it

2008-07-04T08:09:00.004-06:00

Last night at class there was an Oliver dog and I have spent the morning mooning over my dogs that aren't here. I'm pathetic.

But, I have done a good job of teaching my kids boarding is fun and to be enjoyed. I never mope when I take them-and they are always eager to go see their friends. The one exception is a solo trip-it rarely happens and is never a pleasing thing. At least a solo trip to the kennel. A solo trip with ME is a huge treat (go figure).

Back a few dogs ago, Dottie had to curtail her travel schedule because Cody didn't like being left alone. Now, as far as I can tell, any member of the pack will do.

I do draw the line at taking in a companion for someone having surgery-but honestly, I've considered it.

The Sound and the Fury and the SHAME and GLORY

2008-07-03T20:37:00.004-06:00

Prissy had a major meltdown in class tonight. We ignored her and she growled so loud and so long people from all over the store came over to watch. I seriously thought about leaving. Then we played pass the puppy-and Prissy came back a changed dog. It's like the exercise triggered something in her head "oh yes, this is a class, there should be other dogs", and after 3 months with no class she hit every command.

Said meltdown was likely due to being (once again) the only small dog in the class-we had a pit bull, a lab and rottweiller nearest to us. But, we can't quit every class because there are no little ones, so I just let her melt it all out.

Somewhere after the embarrassment I remembered to be a calm leader and that transmitted itself down the line to Priss. She and (Dottie) are my best barometers to my own inner strength-cause if I show any weakness she will exploit it.

Next to Lily, who is deaf, Priss has to be the most challenging of my dogs. Now, remember, she was raised by my mother who catered to her every whim, and now Mom lives right down the street-so it has to be confusing....yeah, right. That little girl knows exactly what she's doing, systematically learning commands then testing limits with unerring precision. What a punkin head.

I signed Greta and Oliver up for a small dog/rescue dog meet up. Many of the dogs are pugs (I believe Greta to be a Chug, not a chi) and Oliver is just a sturdy, goodnatured fellow who will enjoy the outing.

Uh Oh

2008-07-02T08:12:00.003-06:00

I forgot to cancel the reservations I had for this weekend. I feel awful, so I am taking three of the dogs in. The kennel says that wasn't necessary, but honestly, when you reserve for 6 dogs on a holiday weekend....She said she hadn't had to turn anyone away. OOOOH.

So, I'm taking in Greta and Cody, who despise fireworks, and Oliver, who doesn't like to be too far from Cody. Lily and Bitty can't hear them (Bitty doesn't hear well either) and Prissy could care less-besides, she has a class tomorrow night.

It's funny, no one is bothered by fireworks when they are crated in the house-it's the daytime poppers that really get my dogs going. I don't like them very much either.

Random Romp Shot

2008-07-01T08:38:00.000-06:00

MMMMMM, Fiber

2008-06-30T06:46:00.000-06:00

Let's see what the fuss is all about.

Yurt

2008-06-29T12:53:00.002-06:00

This post from a forum, about a Doggie Yurt leads me to believe I am not the only person who likes small dogs.

No, I am not building them a yurt, I am too busy working on the coolest parrot stand ever seen by human kind.

But I do like the whole picture frame idea......

Snacking on a Tree

2008-06-29T06:44:00.000-06:00

Or the grass underneath a tree.

Congratulations Artist-AP Groomer of the Year

2008-06-28T19:59:00.002-06:00

I bawled like a baby when he won. Yes Artist has a great work ethic, yes he is a wonderful role model....but he's also a fantastic groomer and he deserved it on talent alone. Out of the 7 dogs, he blew the other fellow away with all but one (the cairn).

Congratulations!

Can you tell I'm facing the breeze?

2008-06-28T06:41:00.000-06:00

Floppy ears are good weather vanes

Go tear down your own stinkin Tree

2008-06-27T06:36:00.001-06:00

Prissy does not share

2008-06-26T07:34:00.001-06:00

Even if the ball is too big for her to pick up.

Look at ME...NO NO ME..NO ME ME ME

2008-06-25T08:27:00.005-06:00

Fun last night. Same angle, same shot, same cute dogs. There are worse things in life than endless cuteness.

Just another pretty face

2008-06-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

I love smooth collies.

Chewing satisfaction

2008-06-21T20:52:00.000-06:00

Concentration

2008-06-20T22:32:00.000-06:00

Hmmm, flooding issues

2008-06-17T08:29:00.003-06:00

That's what the weather guy is calling it. Looks like I'll be pulling out the piddle pads. I actually had to carry Oliver outside-he was having none of it.

What's funny as heck is all my dogs love water, love mud, love to splash. But rain on their BACKS? That just aint right.

Gang in Da Hood

2008-06-15T02:31:00.002-06:00

The gang disciplines its own.....

This is the crib....mostly used for "home base" in games of chase.

More Parts

2008-06-14T02:30:00.000-06:00

Bits and pieces

2008-06-13T02:26:00.000-06:00

Snow on the chimney

2008-06-12T02:22:00.001-06:00

Little old, little bent, some snow on the chimney, but still a beauty. Can't make a long term committment? Find an old dog that needs a home. Many beloved pets are becoming displaced as their owner's age.

Animals do not fear their own death, or bemoan their failing selves. Taking in an elderly dog may teach YOU more than you ever thought possible.

What a difference

2008-06-11T14:17:00.002-06:00

A little time and love makes so much difference.

I was sitting outside with the dogs and having us all together is Greta's favorite thing. She was just so happy we were all there.

When was the last time you made someone soooo happy just by being there?

Lights/Thunder/Lightening

2008-06-09T10:00:00.002-06:00

Lily is starting her flashlight clicker training. Since she can't hear, I am using a flashlight to communicate with her.

It's been raining here since 4 am and it's now 11 am. The kids have pottied, ran, eaten and are now snoozing-what's a dog to do on a rainy day?

Foraging for Fun and Food

2008-06-08T09:43:00.002-06:00

Several members of the pack came back too hefty for me to feel comfie having a carnivore Sunday-but I did relent and scatter low fat dog treats about the back yard. My guys love love love to forage, but the problem is, those that need it the least are the best foragers, and I didn't want to put the round pen up for Cody because I may mow today.

For a single dog, measuring and scattering a bit of kibble in the grass can be fun and entertaining. I often think that poor backyard dogs would enjoy their food scattered rather than placed out in a single bowl. At least they'd have something to do for 30 minutes of an otherwise boring day.

Chuckles

2008-06-06T18:33:00.003-06:00

The delivery men came to install my stove during Oliver the Parrot's chatty time. He amused himself making phone noises and the mimicing a one sided conversation....then he got quiet. Next came the sly chuckle and then FAAAAAAAAAAAART followed by a maniacal guffaw and another explosive fart.....and more laughter. "OOOOOOhhhhh" he howled, "YOU FARTED"

The delivery men looked a little shocked, so I laughed and told them it was a bird, not a human being. I didn't realize till later that I forgot to tell them I'm not the one who TAUGHT the bird that trick....

Delay

2008-06-05T09:37:00.001-06:00

Service delays keeps the pack away. Oliver and I miss the "slims".

Rise and Shine

2008-06-03T06:50:00.003-06:00

It's much easier to get up and get moving with a parrot to sing you awake. Oliver must have been reading this blog though-he mostly farted and belched until his music came on-now he's dueting with Patsy Cline.

The pack is due back today-I'm getting some appliances this morning so they are staying at the kennel till that is sorted through.

Little dog, big

2008-06-02T10:09:00.000-06:00

Little Dog Big Tree (Rusty blows in the wind)

Little Dog Big Air Compressor (Bitty hides from the wind)

Farting Dog

2008-06-01T08:05:00.000-06:00

After yesterday's tirade, and since I am posting this in advance, I'm going to post a picture of a farting dog.

Puppy Mills

2008-05-31T09:43:00.001-06:00

I missed the Oprah show on Puppy Mills the first time around, but I DVR'd it and sat and cried through the entire thing.

Yes, those religious people "view animals differently"....so that's supposed to make it OK? They know enough about the world to know what breeds sell well, what the people are buying them for (pets) and how to pick up the money and put it in the bank.

Bullshit to hiding behind religious beliefs but then cashing in on a "worldly" thing-people keeping pets in their houses...same person was shocked that the rescued dog was allowed in the house with "the family".

I hope there is a special hell reserved for pious people who nonetheless support themselves with suffering and abuse-they may be cashing in on "the world's obsession with animals" but THEY are the one's who are imprisoning and maintaining creatures in cruel conditions.

I have more respect for the bastards who are plainly doing it for a business and out for a buck. At least they know what they are.

Ok, I've sat here for a good 10 minutes trying to be non judgemental about this, and I just don't have it in me at this time. Wear your funny hat and your beard and all the rest-rock on with your religious beliefs-but KNOW that you are the bringer of suffering to helpless beings and be glad MY judgement cannot harm you because if I could I'd lock you in one of those hot cages with 10 of your smelly, frightened friends until you saw the error of your ways.

What it takes to leave

2008-05-30T06:50:00.002-06:00

Dogs are easy. Take them to the kennel, and pay a lot of money. For several days prior to that make sure they have extra outdoor time and exercise (even though they get it at the kennel as well).

Pasht Cat-clean litter box, leave enough food down for twice the length of stay (cats freak out if they can see the bottom of the bowl and the owner is gone) and 10 times the water.

Oliver Bird-set his CD player to go off, clean cage, layer his food in his bowls so that he gets surprises. Leave extra water and "lunch bag" of toys for him to tear into.

Carolyn Slowsky-leave plenty of water, hose down her enclosure (not sure why, in the wild if it didn't rain she wouldn't get wet)....hide food to encourage her to move around and hunt. There actually enough natural food in her enclosure to hold her easily for the length of time I'll be gone, but I added a couple of tomatos, peppers from the garden and some dried straweberry's for her to find. I wet down some kibble that either she'll eat or will draw ants and she'll eat the ants-her choice.

Snakes-feed a couple of days before leaving, make sure they have water, thermostats are functioning.

Feeder rats/gerbils-feed and water-ok, I brought them so clover too. They might as well live high on the clover while they live.

Water well and remulch all the plants.

This is a short trip-three full days, home early on the fourth. Temps are ok so no back up contingencies for power outages etc.

And Mom wonders why I wait till the last minute to pack.

Smackdown

2008-05-29T08:57:00.002-06:00

I took the bigguns to the kennel a day early, to divide and conquer. I want Priss to spend some time with Lily and see if we can resolve some of the issues. Part of the problem is Lily doesn't hear Prissy's warning growls, so she is completely shocked when Prissy goes after her. Prissy gets frustrated, and the ears get bitten and then Priss gets her ass WHOOPED by Lily.

Today I was defending the meter man and Prissy was the only one who had trouble settling down-so I know where my work is best applied. I am sure the meter man will have a funny story to tell his wife about the fat lady in a tank top who went out and said "I own that fence and I own that meter man-so back OFF"

Moving next to my parents has been hard on Prissy-her power source is two houses down. Worse, keeping her away just makes Mom miserable. So, we'll forge on-she definitely has the smarts to work out what she can and cannot get away with and with whom. But dear lord, it's been over a year and a half now.....not giving up on her though.

Peeps-dominant dogs and elderly ladies are a dangerous combo.

Just a pretty face

2008-05-25T09:26:00.000-06:00

Romping In the Sun

2008-05-22T02:40:00.000-06:00

Cool!

2008-05-21T08:04:00.002-06:00

It's been decidedly hot lately, so now cool weather is fun and new! It's cool and a bit overcast. Let's romp!

One of my dog watching ideas was to see if there was any pattern in how they disbursed in the morning. So far, none that I can see (other than pottying is pretty high priority first thing in the AM). But apparently, they burst into the yard, assess the situation, and go from there. We could probably learn a thing or two from that.

Ahhh, Lay Me Down in a Bed of Roses

2008-05-20T02:39:00.000-06:00

Roses have too many thorns, Cody prefers hostas.

Ehhh What's Up Doc?

2008-05-19T02:37:00.000-06:00

Ollie has a teenage crisis, he thinks he's a bunny wabbit.

Home is Good to Be

2008-05-18T03:35:00.002-06:00

Lily survived her spaying-although she was a sad little dog when I picked her up. Soon all the cares and woes left her as she was reunited with her buddies. Who needs ears that work when you have 10 of them that do listening out for you?

Oh Why Not

2008-05-17T06:48:00.000-06:00

I feed certain treats in crates or solo situations only, so that each dog can enjoy it without competition. But, then there is Prissy.

Prissy, like Dottie before her, is a saver. She eats a bit now, buries some for later. In the spring, later is best when it's outside and in a sunny spot, in winter, a sunny floor will have to do.

Prissy has amassed quite a collection of stubs and has started bringing them out each morning. At first I put them back, citing "it's not fair, I'm not giving the others a treat"...but you know what, it's not fair to Priss either. If she chooses to wait to enjoy her bone in the grass, why the heck shouldn't she?

I don't lock Cody up-it isn't fair to him becaue he won't be getting a treat. But you know what, sometimes Prissy gets her entire bone, sometimes she has to share. If the other ignore her to soon, she'll walk in front of them with her bone waving.

Sometimes it's best just to let dogs be dogs.

Let them Romp and Eat Cake?

2008-05-16T06:14:00.000-06:00

I really had intended to do some dog walking yesterday, but when I went out back the gang was having a rousing and joyous romp. They would have been delighted if I had wanted to join them, equally delighted to go on a walk, but I chose instead just to watch them roll and bark and cavort.

It was kind of coolish outside, but sunny and no wind, perfect romping weather. Each dog had lunched on a sparerib in his or her kennel, enjoying the entire (tiny thing really, not great at all) thing without worry from a maurader. This was after a morning of light kibble.

This afternoon I gave them pickings from a cornish hen and some baked carrots-so no doubt they will be a bit dismayed at the bedtime ration of....a little kibble.

I'm not maniacal about everything my dogs eat, but if they get treats, it's generally food quality something or another, and they get a reduction in standard issue rations to compensate. Since I've learned to pen Cody up for Al Fresco dining, he has a waistline again and the rest get their fair share.

Everyone has their own philosophy, mine is that it is possible to feed a varied diet and still maintain a healthy dog. They have really cool programs to calculate that, but I just look at waists, coats and eyes. And while they all eat pretty much the same thing, I take in age, activity level and current weight to gauge relative portion size.

It's really not as complicated as it sounds....

Spay Day....Yay!

2008-05-15T06:11:00.000-06:00

Yesterday (Wednesday) was spay day for Lily. She was not pleased with the morning's activities being interupted, and the solo trip to the vet. Solo walks, solo trips to Starbucks are welcome events-solo trips to the vet never bode well for a happy outcome.

Lily also has another challenge that makes it trickier for her-she's deaf as deaf can be. So, for her, living in a pack is a very comforting thing-she can take cues from the other dogs. The vet and the entire staff know each member of my pack very well, so she will get extra solo care while she's there.

There has a been a huge bruhaha in the chihuahua community about merles, breeding for merle, whether or not there were outcrosses and so on and so forth. Because of the research on Aussies, I think it's pretty apparent there is an association with the merle gene and some physical issues-eyes and ears mostly. However, I am not a scientist, and that's just my opinion and I really don't even want to debate it.

Now, Lily is not a tragedy by any means. She's a lovely dog, her life is good, she's well cared for. Tragedy comes when people end up with a handicapped dog and breed it anyway.

If you recall, Lily had a traumatic birth as well, so her deafness may not be genetic at all. But when in doubt, don't breed. If you can't make sure that all pups are rehomed responsibly with homes that will spay/neuter-don't breed.

If you are breeding because you need to show a profit-don't breed. It is not a profitable business if done correctly and with the dog's best interest. If you need to make a profit-go buy designer purses at the goodwill and sell them on e-bay-it's easier, the money is better, and no one gets hurt.

If, however, you are looking for a companion animal, please consider shelters and rescues. KNOW what you want from a dog and what you are willing and able to give the dog in return, and match yourself to the appropriate dog. A warm fuzzy idea that you'd like a dog is not enough reason to go and obtain a dog-dogs need planning, space, time management and money.

Ok, today's post was a lot of blah blah blah, but I feel like if I post pics of cuties I also want to post the other side of the cuteness so that people are informed.

More simple pleasures

2008-05-14T06:14:00.000-06:00

A nice friendly snuzzle to the ear.

Simple Pleasures

2008-05-13T06:10:00.000-06:00

Nothing like a good sniff in the grass.

Strange Pack Indeed

2008-05-12T06:57:00.000-06:00

Oliver the parrot is a pack member. It has happened over time-he knew dogs in his previous homes and he's told stories of dogs being yelled at and hit. He wakes my dogs each morning and then supervises their activities in the backyard. If there is a fuss or a ruckus, he runs to the window to inspect.

When they come in for midday naps, he expects his treat as well before he settles down in his cage for his nap.

They are all building various degrees of trust for each other, some allowing him to sample their nose and ears with his powerful beak. All of this is carefully supervised and so far through cage bars-he is more a threat to them than they to him.

When I started holding the dogs up for his inspection was also the point he came to realize that humans and holding could be a good thing. We've come a long way in our own trusting bond since then.

As for the dogs, they aren't quite sure what to think. He's clearly much bigger than the birds they chase out of the yard, he's in the house, he talks bird AND human....One of the good things about having a pack is pack rules apply-Leader (me) allows a new member, then that new member is a pack member, feathers and all.

When the pups are older and have more self restraint, I'd like to bring a gerbil into the house and see what the pack makes of it....or the ultimate test of the pack structure-a squirrel. I get shivers just thinking about it.

In actual fact, it might not be that difficult. Cody has always had a thing for picking up grass snakes if he can find them, but has never acted agressively towards any snake I was holding, no matter what the size. Still, I would love to see what he'd do with a pesky flippy tailed squirrel....hee hee hee.

Wind?

2008-05-11T06:25:00.000-06:00

I was reading a book on whole foods cooking for Parrots (yes indeedy I was) and most of the pack let themselves in the back door (or perhaps it was the wind) and announced it was time for dinner.

Oliver the parrot was delighted and I had to hold each one up for his inspection and then they all filed in to their crates, were fed and went to sleep.

Bitty and Lily couldn't figure out the door thing, so I carried them in, took them to see Oliver too (why should they be denied) and then tucked them in as well.

What was so amusing is how amused THEY all were. Sometimes a little change in routine is just the bomb, isn't it?

Trash Can Trifecta

2008-05-10T07:03:00.000-06:00

In response to Oliver the parrot's good mood, I decided to take the big dogs for an early morning walk yesterday. We did a pretty fair job of doing a mile with minimal tangles, no tantrums and a brillaint, if slightly skitterish, three dog pass of a loading trash hauler.

None of this was obedience quality work, but day to day life doesn't require perfect form, and sometimes we (I) forget that. Greta is the least formally educated, but has the most desire to please of any dog I've ever owned, and is the easiest dog of all to take on errands. With her limp and faulty hip, competition is not possible, nor is the rigourous training, but for a stroll or a car ride, she is companion par excellante!

Grave little Ollie is showing the same skills. A desire to be with his human or his pack, a desire to please and follow orders, true delight at praise.

Cody embraces the spectacle of the walk more than the other two. Tail high, he struts and makes eye contact with the other, less fortunate dogs who are not able to walk down the street. A little large for the show ring, he has the perfect demeanor for it, aloof, but wanting to be noticed. Yet, because he doesn't like cars or crowds, strolling down the street with his pack is the perfect show venue for him.

A city dog needs the emotional release of a walk. My backyard can provide the physical exercise for my small dogs, but nothing but the act of strutting can provide the emotional release that is equally important. I am pleased to see more suburbian dwellers walking their dogs in the evening. A backyard really isn't enough for them or for us.

Early Bird

2008-05-09T06:08:00.003-06:00

Oliver was up a full hour early this morning to explore the tonality of his new bell. He dismissed his usual waking routine and got right to work, chuckling happily. This new bell is silver-his other, beloved cowbell is brass. He examined the inner workings of both, played them both, played them both upside down before waddling over for a morning seed. Then it was back to the bells.

When the other lazy birds finally woke up, he joined their chorus with an exhuberance usually reserved for mid afternoon.

I'd really like to get him a small keyboard, and yes, I probably will.

I DO need to work on howling "Quasimodo Quasimodo" when he swings on his bells-it isn't a dignified accompaniment for the master of the bells.

Tidying Up at The End of a Day

2008-05-08T19:29:00.003-06:00

The sun is setting and dogs are settling in. The doves are cooing their last and going to roost wherever it is they go to roost. Oliver the parrot is clanging his new bell a few more times-he loves his musical instruments, and he loves a clean cage and peanuts, and getting all within the space of an hour is just birdy ecstasy. The dogs are worn out because they got rawhides to destroy this evening. All is well.

I went in to clear a path to my bed so I can go in tonight without turning on a light and waking up the early birds. As I was walking out Oliver coo'd "I love you Oliver"....ok, maybe the words are not quite right, but I get the drift.

Perspective Into Each Life Rain Must Fall

2008-05-08T04:14:00.001-06:00

Big Boy

2008-05-07T05:48:00.000-06:00

Ollie is going through his second fear period. There is nothing really exaggerated about Oliver in any way, so his fear period is fairly mild.

Last night we went for a long walk without a warm up walk with one of the older dogs first. He was a little apprehensive at first, making lots eye contact as if to say "are you sure about this?"

As he relaxed into the walk he became very proud of himself. I picked a loop that had no scary things at first then we walked by the herd of chihuahuas (another one, not my pack) and lo and behold, their cousin the pit bull was visiting. Oliver was a little unnerved, but we kept on keeping on. Then we paused at some construction going on across the street. Finally we walked over to Mom's front porch for treats and a visit. He was a fine little citizen, accepting his treats solemnly and then stretching out on the front porch while we chatted.

I give all my dogs one on one time, because if something were to happen to me it is unlikely someone would take the entire pack. Therefore, as a responsible dog owner, it is up to me to make sure each member is well behaved and social with people and other animals.

I love all the drama and chaos and upheaval that comes along with living with a group. But I also cherish the solitary walks and the road trips with a single good friend.

Whenever a member leaves and returns, there is always good and excited energy throughout the entire pack. They roll around with extra joy and no jealousy, glad to be together again.

Rain and chicken feet

2008-05-06T08:22:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I baked chicken feet so the dogs could have a chew. This morning it is raining, but will hopefully dry out early afternoon so they can romp.

Chicken feet are a hug hit in my house-enough bone to gnaw on, but not enough to be daunting to chihuahua jaws.

I just toss them in a pan in a hot oven if they are frozen, then cool them in a slow oven for an hour or two. I've never been successful at drying them out completely for indoor consumption, but the kiddos seem to enjoy them best as a messy outdoor treat.

Don't Mess with Big Mamma

2008-05-05T12:06:00.003-06:00

I've never had Gerbil agression before in my house, but there is a first time for everything. As near as I can put it all together, Big Mamma, tired of Big Daddy spending time with Little Momma, destroyed a newly pregnant LM. Big Mamma is more heavily pregnant and I guess she was securing resources for her litter.

I'm going to do some more research before moving forward with my planned Gerbil colony, compost offerings sometimes snake food project. I thought gerbils would be a lower volume compost source than rabbits, but I didn't take into account the agression factor and frankly, I've never seen it before.

I have heard of it running in rodent families though, so Big Mamma and her offspring will probably be moved to the perimeter of the colony and watched. The fiercest Momma animals are often the best Moms, so I will just watch what happens.

Exciting and Random Trivia

2008-05-04T08:35:00.000-06:00

1. Cody has a verifiable waistline again! Yay Cody!!!!!

2. Ollie is now the tallest dog by about a quarter of an inch! Yay Ollie!!!!

3. Bitty is the oldest dog by quite a bit....Yay Bitty!!!!!!

4. Lily is struggling with her leash training-still. Go Lily!!!!

5. Greta still tries harder than any dog I've every had-Yay Greta!!!!

6. Prissy has the most self esteem of any dog on the place. Whoopeeee Prissy!!!!!

7. Pasht is reigns supreme as the cat goddess-all hail Pasht.

8. Oliver the parrot is still a hoot. His country and western tape came on today at 12:00-he likes it so I just leave it set to go off. Today when when Willie started singing he waddled over to the window, looked outside and said "yeah, looks like snow, heh heh heh..."......well, allright then Oliver!

Buddies

2008-05-03T07:07:00.000-06:00

Mocha and Rusty are still working out each other's place in the pack, but I know one day it will just click for them. There is no timetable for this and both dogs come from troubled backgrounds, but one day they will know each other as family, and then they will be home.

Leaning

2008-05-02T19:04:00.001-06:00

We all need something to lean on sometimes.

A Question of Balance

2008-05-01T19:48:00.004-06:00

I love this picture, not because it was a great picture, but because it was a great memory. I was walking down the street and was standing at the entrance to a goat and chicken farm. The farm dog, doing his rightful job, was barking and walking towards me. We headed towards each other until we reached the point of perfect balance-one more step and he would charge. There was no worries-he knew I had one more step, I knew I had one more step, and he knew that I knew that he knew...

Low Fat Mocha

2008-05-01T10:00:00.003-06:00

I got to go to doggy school with my cousin Cindy and Mocha. Mocha is one lucky little fellow-he's been through several homes before he landed with Cindy and Phil. Typical sad story-he's of the herding persuasion, some Corgie, some Aussie floating around in there. He needs a job, he needs things to guard, and he needs to feel like he has a place in this world. I really ache for the all the misunderstood herding dogs in the world. They are fabulous dogs if you have the good sense to let them be what they are.

I think poor Mocha ended up at one point in an apartment-he's so small he should fit in, right? That's the special hell that belongs to Corgies and Shelties and probably mini Aussies. Small dog, high energy, high drive.

Mocha is one lucky fellow-and pretty handsome too. Of course, I am biased because I adore him.

A Bad Hairday for Cody

2008-04-30T17:25:00.005-06:00

Fortunately, Cody is a dog of high self esteem and believes the new look will be in for the summer.

Lily seems to be thinking "what is all the fuss about, he looks like kaka"

All is well

2008-04-29T19:40:00.002-06:00

The kiddos are home. Oliver sat in the back seat and held on to my shirt sleave while we drove down the road. Greta rode shotgun, very pleased with her position of honor. Cody's haircut left a little to be desired, but who cares? Certainly not Cody, he's very impressed with his summer do!

Gone to Kennel

2008-04-23T09:07:00.000-06:00

Wednesday

2008-04-23T07:06:00.001-06:00

Lily

Tuesday

2008-04-22T10:03:00.002-06:00

Greta posed for a piece of something I'm doing on Animal Wednesday on the Scotty Blog.

Monday

2008-04-21T09:08:00.001-06:00

From a Snowy Day

2008-04-20T20:56:00.001-06:00

Oh the Ingratitude!

2008-04-19T16:34:00.002-06:00

I got up on Saturday MORNING to let the dogs out to have a good romp before I left for a bit this afternoon. Their holistic kibble w cranberry was met with a certain lack of enthusiasm.....spoiled naughty brat dogs......I love them though.

Spoiled Dogs

2008-04-18T16:46:00.001-06:00

Because they were so pleased with yogurt, today I thawed and gave them their short ribs. It's official, my dogs are really spoiled.

Yogurt!

2008-04-17T08:13:00.003-06:00

The dogs have had to eat kibble only, with a few treats, since the big pig ear/rib feast of last weekend. I have been forced to eat non fat yogurt because the store didn't have 2%. Thus, an idea was born.

I put a spoonful of yogurt in each dish with the night's ration of kibble. Omigosh! A feast!!!!! A probiotic filled repast of goodness.

I really love it that dogs are so easily pleased.

In the Dog Zone

2008-04-16T16:52:00.002-06:00

I indulged myself in one of my favorite passive activities. Sitting on a bench and making myself absolutely still, so still that the dogs just went about their business. It is really delightful to share in their quiet joys, not the big "Mom is here" celebrations.

They romp and play and make up their own games, and every so often make eye contact to check in. Greta in particular is always very pleased when I join them.

I do like celebrations and crowning moments. I guess the last big moment we had was Lily learning to climb the stairs. But the little quiet times are nice too. Not every day can be a stair climbing day.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

2008-04-16T05:49:00.001-06:00

Last night I was eating my greekish salad (it had yogurt and cucumbers, therefore it must be greek) and Prissy came in from the outside. I guess she let herself in. She hopped in my lap and at that moment Oliver the parrot indicated it was about time for a peanut.

I tucked Priss under my arm and we went in to visit with Oliver. They shared a peanut. Pretty soon Greta and Oliver the dog let themselves in (most likely Greta with Oliver on her heels) and they suggested we have an early dinner party. So I loaded the three dogs in their crates, gave them some kibble and went to look for the others.

All three were waiting expectantly by the back door. They couldn't work out how to nose it open and it was rattling in the wind. Besides, why bother when the Gravy Train will come to you, pick you up and tuck you in?

Old Age

2008-04-15T07:46:00.002-06:00

Bitty is really slowing down these days. On cooler mornings it's hard for her to get moving and her progress is very slow. It's time to begin applying the happy dog test to her.

Happiness for Bitty is difficult to measure, she's never been an exhuberant dog. I suppose for her, it's more of a question "do you still want to get up?" For me that's a hard measure-hell, sometimes I don't want to get up either.

Right now Bitty's big day consists of walking slowly to the back of the yard, piddling, then walking over to her blanket in the sun for a sun bath. But no one loves the sun quite like an arthritic old dog, and as long as she still enjoys it, she'll have it.

Not all Sweetness and Light

2008-04-13T07:37:00.002-06:00

Oliver has hit his teenage stage-the stage when most puppies get shipped off to the pound. But, this is Oliver, and it has mostly expressed itself with a little more energy and a disregard for the potty protocal as well as an interest in chasing the old cat.

His Bitty bullying is getting a little more intense-some of that is due to his age and some of it is due to the lack of Dottie. She was a tyrant who would tolerate no young dog foolishness except for Prissy.

Prissy's bullying of Oliver has abated because he's twice her size, but she will still give him no quarter in the battle of the pink spider tug.

Lily is sometimes a part of the pack and sometimes not. Sometimes Prissy is her role model, sometimes Bitty. (Remember, Bitty looks like her sibling)

Oliver looks mostly to Cody, his idol, for guidance now that Dottie is gone. Greta seems a little stressed and overwhelmed by it all. I really hope she firmly emerges as the alpha. Having Dottie artificially place as Alpha above All was a huge mistake for a normal pack of dogs, and it was probably bad for Dottie as well.

With Dottie gone, that places Cody as the eldest by about a year. (Bitty is so much the Omega that she cannot impart dog wisdom).

I need to focus on keeping Greta and Cody in line and the pack will follow. The day to day care and movement of so many dogs requires a little structure or no one would be having any fun at all.

A stray

2008-04-11T08:56:00.003-06:00

Maybe not a stray-this dog was well fed and quite self assured, walking down the middle of the street. He was black and white (one of my favorites) about Greta's size, with the same curled tail and yes the same bad hip. Unneutered, he was out and about looking to spread his bad genes around the neighborhood.

I considered a catch, neuter and release program. My vet already participates in low cost spay/neuters, but I doubt he'd agree to my guerrilla tactics. He's older, a probably wants to retire in peace.

As a former vet tech, I could do it myself if I had the sedative. I can see the headlines now..."Crazy Lady Found Neutering ever Stray Dog that walked Down Her Street...."

What a great book that would be. A story about setting up a mobile animal clinic in my travel trailer, going around the country neutering strays. But it would be sexist, I can only do the boys, the females are too invasive and there is too much other anatomy going on for me to figure it out.

Ah yes, thoughts of springtime are a little twisted for people who care about animals....

Rain

2008-04-10T01:11:00.001-06:00

The back yard is flooded sod
The piddle pads I bought for next winter
Will come in handy now

Oliver's Ears Make their Move

2008-04-09T07:02:00.003-06:00

After flirting with uprightedness, and jolly askewness (that should be a word), Oliver's ears seem to have settled down into a button ear. The button ear, is the folded over ear, not a dangling ear like a hound or an erect ear like a chihuahua. As a child that was my favorite ear to draw-my dogs had pointed ears and of course we always want what we don't have.

Oliver seems to have no interest in achieving the size I dreamed of, which is fine because he would be a horrible watch dog and protector of the pack. Come to think of it, his father was pretty laid by for a chihuahua too, and had no interest in protecting his puppies. The mother dog just wanted them gone, as did the people in the household.

It's so easy to rag on this people, but it isn't right. They are ignorant, not mean. I too had dogs that bred and I tried to find them homes and the mother wasn't spayed because I couldn't afford it. (That was pre low cost spay neuter clinics).

Oliver is the first dog to make use of the lovely cedar dog house I bought in Dallas thinking "if it rains they'll have a place to go". No one ever used it, but I liked the way it looked and always thought it would make a spiffy rabbit hutch or chicken coop. Oliver uses it for home base in his daily games of tag. He runs into the house, sticks his nose out and barks until all the dogs in the pack want IN because he's the only one who is IN. Then, he leaps out, runs around the backyard, the entire pack in pursuit. If no one catches him, he goes back and says "ha ha ha....I'm still the only one IN...." and the game begins anew.

Cody and Greta are both losing a little excess weight.

Ironically, I had a sunroom in Dallas as well as here, so that is where they go when it rains. Really, the dog house is my 895 SQ Ft. Mansion, complete with dog transport vehicle, dog exercise vehicle (one of my bikes is rigged for dog jogging), dog alarm clock (a punctual parrot) and alternate dog laps (my parents live two houses down). The best part of the alternate dog yard (my parent's house) is that after going into the house to get the treat Mom has for them, the lucky dogs can go out into the backyard and prance around let the pack SEE that they are HERE with the nice old lady who hands out bacon bits and chicken jerky.

Yet, to a dog, they always seem glad to come back home to resume tormenting their packmates upclose and personal. That is probably what love is.

I wonder about that girl

2008-04-09T01:27:00.002-06:00

Lily is hormonal right now-arguing with Prissy for her rightful place. She has learned to climb up on the steps and is quite proud of herself for that. But she does some odd things. Like, I put her food in her crate and she howled and carried on until I showed her it was there-she just doesn't think to look for herself.

Normally, I put her in the crate and then put her food in so she know's it's there.

She needed a few extra cuddles too. I was working on positive reinforcement, which meant no dog got a treat unless they were sitting quietly. Which meant Lily didn't receive very many treats. As with leash training, this comes a little harder to Lily who is used to having everything handed to her. The concept of "I need to do this in order to get THAT...." elludes her.

I didn't give her a treat that she didn't earn, but later, after the training session, I did pick her up and cuddle her a lot. It may be that she is learning disabled (remember, she was cut out of a dead dog at birth) or just spoiled. Whatever the case may be, she's a beloved member of the pack.