Happy Doggies Make Happy Humans

Benefits of Dog Ownership--Dog Pack Energy

 

When people talk about the delights of having a dog as a member of their familly, they usually talk about the dog-human relationship. I'm grateful for the way our dogs provide us humans with ways to spontaneously get together and share our moments of the day. 

Our neighborhood dog pack is not nearly so orderly as the one in this photo. In ours, the number of dogs and type of dogs vary. We've got humans who are part of the pack as well. Membership varies, and is pretty much determined by when our dog walking times coincide.

 Last Friday evening about 6pm brought our pack of dogs and humans together.

I was walking Krystal, and suddenly she went on alert and began straining at her leash. I looked around, and sure enough, there was Krystal's friend Ruby--a rambunctious black Labrador Retriever. About that time, Ruby spotted Krystal and began straining on her leash. It was a lovefest.

Michele and I greeted each other while we watched our dogs go through their greeting rituals. We started chatting, dispensing treats and enjoying the soft warm weather.

In a short period of time, we were joined by a few more humans. Our pack energy began to flow. While the dogs relaxed on the grassy hill we humans began to share.

I was glad Krystal and Ruby were enjoying each other. Krystal had been on alert for the past few days. Jack the 13 week old German Shepherd puppy (who must weigh about 30 lbs) had been so glad  to see Krystal that in his puppy joy and entusiasm he pouced right on top of her. 11 lb Krystal was not pleased--in fact she felt physically threatened.

I shared how happy I was that Krystal's sense of self was returning and she could enjoy her time with Ruby, a much bigger dog--even bigger than Jack the German Shepherd puppy.

Michelle and her husband shared their weekend plans to go to Charlotte and take their nephew to lunch to celebrate his 21st birthday. They couldn't leave until about 11am on Sat, because Michelle wanted to do her water aerobics class first. We all agreed that was a good idea. I added I was going to Tai Chi on Saturday morning.

James and his wife were headed off Virginia Beach to visit a newly arrived baby in their family. James and I discovered we both do stuff on the Internet, so we had a short geeky conversation about that. In the background I could hear Maureen observing about our conversation to Michelle and her husband.

For her part, Maureen had joined us for the dogs. She's cared for both of them, so they know and love her. She was headed off to Philadelphia for a week's vacation. She wanted to say good bye to Krystal and  Ruby, and get slobber kisses and hugs from both.

I'm grateful for the dog pack energy the dogs bring us. Their gift is bringing us together and providing ways for us to step out of our busy lives, join in pleasant conversation and share with one another. What a wonderful gift.

Thanks dogs. I really like living life in a doggish manner.

Photo by: dregsplod

Graduating From Being Afraid of Other Dogs

I've got happy news to share. My dog Krystal has graduated from being afraid of other dogs!

Her "final exam" was doing the K9 3K walk sponsored by the Wake County SPCA. She passed with flying colors.

As we drove into the parking garage, I got a little nervous. There were dogs, humans and kids everywhere. Krystal had never been in the company of so many dogs or humans. 

I decided the only way this could work was if I had a positive attitude and was ready for fun. Before I got the car parked, I started telling Krystal what a good dog she was, and singing songs to her.

Krystal was amazing. She took it like a champ.

The first sign that things really were going well came as we walked down the stairs of the parking garage. We passed several dogs who weren't used to going down stairs. Krystal is fond of stairs, and she kept on task. She didn't start barking or get all territorial. She just kept going down those 4 flights of stairs. All that time I was letting her know what a good dog she was.

The bigger challenge was just ahead. We had to cross the street and go into Moore Square, which was filled with thousands of dogs and their humans. 

Krystal held her own. When we got to the corner, I followed our normal routine and told her to "wait." She waited. When I told her to "cross," she trotted straight across the street. She totally ignored everyone else--her little ears were back in full obedience. It was a sight to see.

As we stepped into Moore Square, I admit to more than a little trepidation. I'm not overly fond of big crowds, so I gave myself a talking-to about remaining grounded and calm so this could become a good experience for Krystal.

Once again, she surprised me. She's always been frightened of big dogs, but she didn't bat an eye. She walked right with me over to the line for the registration tent. There she stood calmly taking in the scene. I was feeding her treats and singing to her.

When the SPCA started the 3K walk, humans and dogs started moving together. I was flabbergasted at the sight of my self-confident little dog walking so peaceably and happily among all these other dogs. Never a whimper or sound of a fear-bark. She was so self-confident that she just moved away when she encounted a dog she wasn't comfortable with.

After about 1/3 mile, the pack energy took over, and all the dogs and their humans began moving in sync. Krystal was smiling, clearly enjoying herself.

I was floating with joy.  Krystal completed the walk with nary a fear-bark or display of territoriality. Our lives were transformed with every step.

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When Krystal came to live with me 2 1/2 years ago, the shelter told me she had been found as a stray. They thought she had been on her own for 6 weeks. I truly admire her ability to survive that ordeal.

In the world of stray dogs, and 11 lb dog doesn't have much clout. She clearly survived on leaves, twigs, and acorns. The big stray dogs did her no favors, and our first year was filled with massive fear-barking when we encountered any dog on our walks.

I'm very grateful for my obedience instructors at Bon-Clyde Learning Center, who taught me how to work with Krystal. And who stayed for an extra hour one evening to teach me about terriers, and give me techniques to build Krystal's self-confidence and reduce her fear.

Thanks very much. It took us 2 years of love, dedication and training. I used your techniques the entire time. We're a much happier family now.

Iditarod: The Dog Sporting Event of the Year

Hey ya'll,

 

This is Krystal, reporting on the dog world's greatest sporting event of the year--the Iditarod.

 

In case you humans didn't know, we dogs keep a close watch on this event. We keep in touch with the news through traditional methods (dogs barking out the news to all dogs within hearing range) to the thoroughly modern. I've just spent several hours on Kaye's lap while we searched the Internet for the latest news and You Tube videos for this blog post.

 

For the canine population, nothing can compare with the Iditarod Dog Race. American humans have their March Madness, World Series, and Super Bowl, soccer players have the World Cup. There's the Olympics, and Harry Potter has Quiddich. We dogs have the Iditarod.

 

It's all about the dogs. We love those racers. They're the fittest, most competitive dogs in the world. They train almost all year long, and are light, sleek dogs with strong with long legs.

 

And, they love to run! Wow. The enthusiasm shown by those Alaskan Huskies (and other breeds) is beyond belief. I've got chills running down my spine just thinking about it.

 

Just listen to these dogs in this You Tube as they get ready to start this year's race. They are rarin' to go!

It's understandable that humans focus on their human counterparts in this competition. But, the human mushers all know who really makes this race work! Take a look at 4 time Iditarod winner Jeff King's website if you've got any doubts.

 

In order to win races, the dogs have organized themselves into various jobs and positions within their pack. Iditarod Musher (15 top ten places in 26 Iditarod races) DeeDee Jonrowe fills us in on her website:

 

Dog team members are given titles according to their position in the team relative to the sled. These include leaders or lead dogs, swing dogs, team dogs, and wheelers or wheel dogs.

Lead dogs steer the rest of the team and set the pace. Leaders may be single or double; the latter is more common now, though single leaders used to be more common during the mid-twentieth century. Exceptionally a leader may be unhitched (a loose or free leader) to find the trail for the rest of the team, but the practice is uncommon and is not allowed at races. Qualities for a good lead dog are intelligence, initiative, common sense, and the ability to find a trail in bad conditions.

Swing dogs or point dogs are directly behind the leader (one dog if the team is in single hitch). They swing the rest of the team behind them in turns or curves on the trail. (Some mushers use the term swing dog to denote a team dog.)

Team dogs are those between the wheelers and the swing dogs, and add power to the team. A small team may not have dogs in this position. Alternately, the term may be used to describe any dog in a dog team.

Wheel dogs are those nearest the sled, and a good wheeler must have a relatively calm temperament so as not to be startled by the sled moving just behind it. Strength, steadiness, and ability to help guide the sled around tight curves are qualities valued in "wheelers."

You've got to see this training run video with a mushing team in action. Notice how the dogs are all working together, matching their speed and pace, all lined up beautifully for aerodynamic results.

That's the beauty of a dog team. We're pack animals, you know. And, we know how to organize, work together, and happily get the job done with enthusiasm, courage and exceptional skill!

 

As I'm writing this Lance Mackey and his dogs are in the lead of the 2009 Iditarod race. He won the Iditarod in 2008, and gave his lead dogs full credit by having them on the winner's stand with him.

 

This is a fantastic race this year. Be sure to let your dog know what's happening, ya'll can check out  the official Iditarod website for race results and commentary. You wouldn't want your dog to be known around the neighborhood as being uninformed on this important event. 

 

Just so you can see the unbounded enthusiasm of these amazing racing sled dogs, I thought I'd finish with this special opportunity to view some exceptional James Mason photos of mushing race dogs and their humans.

Is that Elephant Really Tummy-Rubbing that Dog?

What a delightful sight. Watching this video of Tarra the elephant give a tummy rub to Bella the dog.

Now, that's trust. But that's really what tummy rubbing is all about. Trust and appreciation.

In my experience, each dog makes its own decision regarding to whom they will present their tummy, and when.

My dog Krystal has her own personal mission to spread happiness and joy to all creatures (except squirrels, rabbits and birds). Once she's met you, and you respond to her happiness offerings with petting and cooing, she'll go for the gold very quickly without hesitation.

Other dogs have other agendas. I know a Chow mix dog that's very dignified. Tummy rubbing is a very selective activity for this dog.

Breed and personality can also enter into the equation. Some dogs are focussed on their human companion, others on their immediate family-pack, and others are so independent that tummy-rubbing never enters into the equation.

One thing I know for sure. Once a dog has offered a tummy-rub, and I respond with tummy-rubbing love, appreciation and respect, things are different between that dog and me. A tummy-rubbing bond has been established--the essence of love and companionship. And, we've got bond of appreciation for choosing to be special to one another.

These tummy rubbing companions, Bella the dog and Tarra the elephant, fill me with tummy-rubbing happiness.

Here's wishing you a great tummy rubbing day!

Three Dogs, Four Adults and Two Children--One on a Scooter

Last night was a delighfully balmy spring evening. I took Krystal out for a stroll around 8:15, anticipating a soothing walk after a busy day.

Early in the walk I had indications that "soothing" probably wouldn't be part of that evening's experience. We had come to a T in the road, and decided to turn right. Immediately Krystal started deep sniffing, straining on her leash, and barking up a storm.

She's a hunting dog (half West Highland Terrier and half Poodle), so I recognized the symptoms of a "dog on the hunt." There are several dogs in the neighborhood that trigger this reaction in her, so I knew no commands to sit, leave it, etc were going to distract her from following this scent with the utmost of enthusiasm.

I turned around and started walking in the other direction. Krystal easily joined me, and calmed somewhat. She remained distracted, sniffing the extraordinarily interesting scent of that dog who had gone in the other direction.

About 2 blocks later, a man approached us asking if we had seen a Golden Retriever. I suggested he go the way we had come thinking maybe his Golden was the dog Krystal had scented. Off he went.

On our way back home, we ran into the man again. He was more distracted than Krystal, worried about his dog, Jake, and told us he was going to drive around the neighborhood.

Thank goodness I made him point out his house to me. I was just coming up on that T in the road when I spotted several of my neighbors. They immediately asked me if I knew of anyone looking for a Golden Retreiver.

by Bonnaboo

We started walking back to the Golden Retriever's house en masse. Our caravan consisted of a mom and her two kids--one was on a scooter. A grandfather, unrelated to the mom and two kids, Krystal and myself. As we moved down the street the story came out.

The mom and kids were outside playing when the Golden approached them, tail wagging. The Golden was a friendly dog with no tags. Everyone knew the grandfather further down the street had just brought a new Golden Retriever into his home. So the mom took dog and kids in tow, and walked down to what she thought was the Golden Retriever's home.

The little street party arrived just as the grandfather was driving up. He was mystified as to how his own dog got out of the house, but opened up the front door and the stray Golden walzed right in as though he belonged there.

Within moments the grandfather realized he now had two Goldens in his home, and one of them belonged elsewhere.

I believe the boy on the scooter was the first to arrive at the Golden's house. With the car still gone, we began knocking on neighbors' doors to see if someone would take the Golden (who remained at the grandfather's house.) While we were calling on the neighbors, the man drove up.

With leash in hand, he joined our moving street party, as we walked toward the grandfather's house. Each of us told our part in this story of community--a pack of people and dogs watching out for each other.

A New Pack Member

We had a major event in our household this weekend.

My dog Krystal became a member of a dog pack.

A little background might be helpful. Krystal had been rescued as a stray, and I adopted her from a shelter. After the honeymoon period, Krystal began to show her intense fear of other dogs.

She would go into an absolute frenzy of fear barking. The dog on the receiving end would respond accordingly. I began to cultivate dog walking routes and times when other dogs wouldn't be around.

We went to obedience school, which helped a lot. I cannot say enough about that wonderful experience. We learned some new tactics for dealing with fear barking (more detail in later blog posts.)

These tactics worked (sort of,) so I kept them up. Over the last few months I've noticed them finally taking hold--consistency does work! Lately, I could see that Krystal was moving out of her dog-fear based world.

Then my friends came to stay for a week--Anne, John and their dog Winnie the Pooch.

Winnie's a very large Bearded Collie. Elderly, grounded and gentle. Krystal was wary and tetchy. Thankfully, Winnie was unflappable, regardless of Krystal's tetchiness.

There were no major incidents. I regarded the visit as a major success. With Winnie, Anne and John now living nearby, we had more visits and dog-sitting sessions.

Last weekend started out pretty normal. Krystal was pleased to see her new friend Winnie. But not especially overjoyed.

After all, Krystal was still a bit afraid of Winnie. If Winnie were sprawled in a doorway Krystal wanted to walk through, Krystal would consider for a long while before making several false starts to walk around Winnie and through the doorway. Eventually, Winnie would tire of Krystal's fretting and get up and move, so Krystal could go where she wanted to go.

The atmosphere began to change on Saturday. I was at the computer when Winnie decided she needed to go out. I didn't see her standing at the door. Krystal leaped from my lap, barking up a storm. She ran to Winnie at the front door, ran back and forth barking away, until I got up to see what was happening.

Suddenly, Winnie had her own personal "alert dog." It worked quite well. Krystal was pleased to perform the service. There was a new respect between them. I noticed Winnie did not devour the food Krystal left in her bowl.

Sunday morning I was in the kitchen, putting honey in my oatmeal. Something made me turn around. And there they were.

Two dogs standing side by side. Staring at me. A pack. Exchanging information in that silent unfathomable way dogs do. Four feet on the floor, in a standard dog stance, staring at me. Without any discernible signal they turned as one, and moved on to a more interesting part of the house.

I was breathless. Taken by surprise, my prayers had been answered. Krystal had found companionship among her own kind.