A day in the life...

Bailey and I have been slowly getting back into the groove of working together. Now that he is two, well time we resumed with training and a few tricks. As they say...life happens...or in Bailey and my case health issues.

The dog learns... once the handler "gets" it.
Many of the mistakes a dog makes during a training session is due to the handlers mis-communication with the dog. If you watch our video...today I started working with Bailey to get into the bin (yeah, there is a reason for this ).
I started out using a kennel lead to help him along...placing him where I wanted him to be. I also used a clicker to mark wanted behavior. Once I started holding the camera, well things did not go as smoothly. With camera in one hand, ball in the other to lure, no kennel lead for I was out of hands and holding the bin so it would not topple....and of course bad hands. There was just no way to use the clicker... Sloppy to start but we will both improve our skills with our daily practice.

The images tell the tale and breaks all he has to learn...positioning. The best way to get in is head on, not off at an angle. Learning to get in....effortlessly...we will work at it...and getting out....he has this down. Of course the reason he does it....a toss of the ball is a wonderful reward.
Notice how I was using his ball to lure and as his reward!!!




I find making use of the video helps teach you to be a better trainer....though I suggest having a helper, or in my case using a tripod (we shall see about that).
In my case... I really need to work through how to manage with bad hands, and forget how I used to do things...which is very frustrating for me....and Bailey to sometimes learn new things. There is a 100 ways to get it done....Bailey and I will find our way...together!





So...back tracking where we left off. We are in major need of distractions. Training will consist of traveling about...practicing our sit, down and stays....of course heeling with distractions will be a huge challenge for him. Also...working around other dogs as part of our distractions.



With the cooler temps there is just no reason to not work with him. Slowly agility equipment will be moved from Atlanta to Fl. For that helps to improve attention, and is also so much fun for both dog and handler.



Happy training !



"To err is human,to forgive canine. ”

A Dogs ABC's

It is no surprise that the majority of people I know are dog people. I do have a few friends that are really into cats, horses and or birds...and a few that prefer to not spend their time with or on a pet...preferring to do something better with their time then vacuuming up after, caring for etc.
Nothing wrong with any of those choices.

Some would say those that do not have pets are missing out....while I would agree they are indeed missing out on the bonding experience....a good bit of work goes into the basic daily care of sharing ones life with a pet. On a day I am tired...not feeling well there are those times I will think to myself....I would not have to vacuum daily....more time to do what I want....when I want....can leave the house anytime I want....for as long as I want...with no worries....no more outings in the middle of the night....even... more money to spend on... "ME" ;-).

These thoughts that I have on occasion are very short lived for I truly cannot imagine my life without a canine friend or two by my side. My life would indeed have less love in it...not to mention just how empty my home would feel.
I am afraid without them my life would be filled with eating bon bons and watching TV.

Yes...sharing ones life with a pet is work....the longer we do it the better we get at it....then my dear friends it is a way of life. Those that do not put the time in working at it will often times complain about the dogs behavior...eliminating on the floor, pulling on leash, destructive behavior and the difficulties in performing basic canine care.

Basic canine husbandry skills...many people do not at all possess these skills. While it matters very little whom you have clip your dogs nails, or express your dogs anal glands, etc....the fact that many would admit that their dog will not allow them to handle them is very telling on that relationship.

These skills are indeed so easy to obtain for it is in the basic daily care....
daily exercise, daily training, daily handling/ grooming (really, I am not suggesting you should clip your dogs nails or express their anal glands) and massage, teaching "settle" and rewarding calm behavior that will truly enhance the love, respect and trust between canine and human.

I know...so much easier to just share your home with your furry Friends then having to do all that work....the rewards will definitely out weight any work put into it....I promise...just ask Rocky and Bailey!!


"My goal in life is to be as good a person my dog already thinks I am ;-)"

A life filled with eating bon bons and watching tv...

During a late dinner last night Michael and I sat at the dining room table discussing the days events as we both nibbled on our meal. Two golden's resting under the table, one eye open for you never know when a tasty morsel will tumble to the floor....Niki wandering about, Gemma napping without a care in the world.

Our conversation tuned to an interesting topic....talent. When I worked full time as a dog trainer most people would watch me work with their dog and they would say...wow....I was so "gifted" to have the ability to understand canines. The same with my camera.....then later with my painting....and now with writing a tale or two.
Talented/ Gifted are not words that I use....I remember so many years ago reading an article in a magazine about dog training...I gave it a try and could not believe how the relationship with my dog improved. I read every book on animal behavior...and with each dog that joined our pack....such wonderful teachers, they taught me well. Soon I was training other peoples dogs, teaching group classes....I worked hard....as did my dogs.

During group classes I started photographing students on graduation night....the camera just felt right in my hands. Soon flowers were my subjects....while I will photograph everything, anything if the lighting is wonderful... my true love is animals....domestic and wild.
Again...my own little pack taught me well....for there is a little secret to getting the best shot.... patience.
You cannot rush the moment...the light....it just happens naturally....if your patient. The same with painting...the life that you can create with your lines, color....scribbles....one must have the ability to look and see what is not so visible to most. My paintings are often time not the exact likeness of the subject....my interpretation....what I see.

I no doubt there are those that have chosen the very same journey as I and arrived so much faster, achieved so much more...I suppose.some do have an inner gift....but still their craft must be honed.
Along my journey my furry friends have been by my side every step of the way...as teachers, as my subjects...and as students....and it all started with one dog, a magazine article and a lot of hard work....still ;-)

You've got talent...

Finally a dry day...a bit overcast but oh how everything is green and lovely.

After several more days of rain...time for a nice long walk. Looking down at my hand and wondering if I should take the two Golden's together...a second later I have better judgment. Taking them one at a time is the best I can manage at the moment. My hand does not seem to be healing....as the weeks drag on I am amazed at the pain that it is still causing me. I know I should not be walking them at all for one pull can further damage it, but they must be walked, especially the pup.
I look over at them....clearly the most wild and hyper dog will be going first....Bailey. At this thought I smile....he is six months old today, gone are the puppy features...he was such an adorable puppy. Not yet full grown....short legged compared to his body.
His behavior....more like Dennis the Menace ;-)



He is so very inquisitive, enthusiastic....and yes....he loves to stir up excitement within his pack....and at this moment in time I am almost certain he believes his name to be No No Bad Dog!
There are moments of such sweetness....it's there...he has learned if he looks at you in such a way it will just melt your heart. if you have ever loved a Golden...you know the look...head cocked at a slight angle....looking directly up at you...wide eyes, slight, oh so very slight goofy upper lip curl...they have learned with that one look you will pet, hug them, regardless to what your doing at that moment!

Bailey still seeks out the comfort of being near Rocky....at this point in time I am still so enjoying their relationship. Rocky...enjoys Bailey...simple. The other day I was busy, preoccupied....fed bailey lunch and then forgot about him in the crate. Funny how they learn certain things....I no doubt he would have eventually whined to let me know he was forgotten.....but they know they must be quiet to gain freedom...so not a peep. Rocky on the other hand did all he could to get me to let Bailey out of the crate. The addition of Bailey to the pack has made Rocky such a happy Golden....someone to play with....and someone to annoy....non stop.
He has helped me to raise Bailey....in both good and bad ways ;-)



Funny how they know it is time for a walk....Bailey loves going out...even if you just take him to the mailbox, it's an adventure. I start our walks pretty much the same....with a purpose to burn off a little bit of energy...and a little bit of training. I am so saddened at the timing
with which my hand is bothering me....he is missing out on working around other dogs, people....being socialized....It annoys me to no end to have to admit I just cannot control him with the one hand. Oh....and they do so know when you are weak, both physically and mentally.
This in no way makes him a bad dog, just a normal six months old.

The beginning of our walk was normal....heel, sits, downs....a few stays....walking at a faster pace, then slower pace....once some energy was expelled we start walking the neighborhood, hoping to not encounter any loose dogs, and if so....that they are indeed friendly. I walk with a walking stick, and attached to my hip a can of citronella spray...both of which have been used in the past....I would prefer to not have the need to reach for either.
As we walk I can not help but chuckle for it has been a few days that we have had a good walk and everything....sights, sounds....smells,,,all seemed new to Bailey. Our pace is now slower as we were taking in our surroundings....there is a corner house in our neighborhood and there are multiple dogs always out in the yard, chain link fence. They bark and bark and today I notice Bailey's fur hackle up...give a look in their direction. I pause and make him pay attention to me....look in the direction of the other dogs....if they seemed agitated, or were growling and barking....running along the fence we would continue along our way so that we not cause any trouble within their pack. They were quieting down so I took the moment to work with Bailey....put him in a sit, down....and we then resumed our walk and once again my thoughts were on the fact he was six months old. Since the majority of dogs that have shared their lives with me were rescues....I did not know how old they were....guessing the age....not knowing a birth date. I will celebrate the fact he is six months, acknowledge, pay attention to his behavior for a six month of male Golden....whew so much energy....oh...and the trouble they can get into if your not paying attention....or for that matter acknowledge their age and the puppy development stages. So, at six months the hormones are kicking in....yes....for all those that are going to be concerned over the fact that Bailey is an intact puppy. He will indeed be neutered in time. At six months he is so very easily excited....I must say he does get easily over stimulated and while I would prefer for him to be a tad bit calmer we will work though this stage. It is the enthusiasm at this age that I so adore...and the fact that they are truly sponges soaking up all that goes on in their pack and in their environment. So yes, I will indeed acknowledge the fact he is six months old...we will celebrate with an extra game of fetch, just he and I...then play time with the pack...a pretty great six month old celebration ;-)

Celebrating...Six Months...

It really does...the little pup that I picked up from the breeder back in Dec. weighs in at about 50 lbs. Five months old and pretty darn full of himself. My once calm pup when out and about has turned into a demanding little fella. If you even look in his direction, well really you had just better come over and pet....oh and once there expect to be jumped on...oh, last week he also realized he can hit people with his front paws and get attention from them.



If you decide not to come say howdy....yes indeed that will be my pup with the deep "WOOF" demanding....again, that you come say hi. The puppy training that we have been working on....that perfect come....yes, he has figured out there is a world out there and it is so much more exciting then me. Training at this stage is soooo very important for young dogs...keep at it!



Five months old....getting to be a big fella...no doubt in my eyes he will be a puppy....always ;-)

Time flies...

Please know you can control the volume to the background music on the blog....scroll down to the bottom of the page, black player box and adjust the volume.

During one of our breaks this afternoon...a little training, agility and fetch, fun and basking in the sun took place...fun was indeed had by all!!!

In today's little video you will hear the word OK....this is my release word. When training your dog...you need to have a release word to end the command... and it can be anything you want. Due to memory problems ;-) mine is just a simple OK. It means command over and time for a reward. Since all dogs are individuals that reward will be different for each dog. My pack loves toys, play... food and attention from me. You have to know just what motivates your dog...and you must make use of it. Please note that while we are training off leash....on lead training takes place just about on a daily basis. All that is needed is a 6 ft leash, training collar. Mine sport a martingale collar...there are several collars on the market for those dogs that are really pulling. If your dog is food motivated some good tasty treats will be needed...I happen to use a little treat bag that attaches to my pants or belt. Not at all needed and you can just use your pockets, however I have washed treats left in my pocket on more then one occasion, very messy!!!In a few days I will be posting Raising Puppy week one....why not train along with us. This is for dogs of all ages...not just puppies. If your dog is already trained, however you have not worked with them in a while, use this as a refresher course, know you can teach an old dog new tricks ;-)

Train along with Dee, Bailey (& pack)...

Today finds the sun shining brightly...warmer temperatures...a big difference from our snowy Sunday. What to do on a lovely sunny winter day....sadly for the dogs I do have to work for who would keep them in the life style they have become so very accustomed too ;-)

Nothing in life is free...

I happened to speak with someone this afternoon looking for a new home for their dog. They told me how wonderful the dog was....how much they loved him....I wondered if so wonderful and so loved, why are you looking for a new home. At a year old it would seem the dog was not trained...seems now they could not afford to train the dog now....grooming was another added expense not to mention the vet care.

Yes, the economy has truly effected so many of us....still I wonder rather then looking for a home for the dog, what could be done to keep the dog in his home? Most local libraries have books and possibly a dvd or two on dog training. E bay is another place that I no doubt you could find a great deal on training material.

Grooming...I groom my own dogs and I must admit, I am not a groomer ;-)I call their trim Neat & Clean, we will not be winning any dog shows anytime soon ;-) Again....if needed a clipper for shaving, again, I am sure you can find something on e-bay....or like me hand sissor (again, Niki will not be winning any awards for her fur style. I jsut sissor away....clean and neat.

Also...I will have to look into this....there must be locations in the Atlanta area that offer vaccinations for those that cannot afford it. I know on the north side of Atlanta there is a store that will help those in need with dog food. I mean, rather then just look for a home, look at what can be done to keep the beloved furry friend in his home. I will do a bit of research and post more valid info at a later date.

I will also post little training video's....today is just to show how easy it is....stay tuned for our training series ;-)

Paws Atlanta : Low cost vaccination clinic.

Spay & Neuter Clinics:
Check with local Humane Societies.
• Project Spay/Neuter – Pet Vet of Cumming: www.tracylanddvm.com, 770-887-1565.

• Cat Care Hospital in Marietta: 770-424-6369.

• Atlanta Humane Society: atlantahumane.org, 404-875-6420.

• Fulton County Animal Services: Free spay/neuter certficates for Fulton County residents who can't afford the procedure for their pets. Www.fultonanimalservices.com, 404-794-0358.

• Casper's Fund: From Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends, Inc., www.caspersfund.org, 678-318-1886.

• Friends of Animals: www.friendsofanimals.org.

• PAWS Atlanta: www.pawsatlanta.org, 770-593-1155.

• SpayGeorgia: Metro area. Www.spaygeorgia.org, 770-662-4479.

• Humane Society of Cobb County: www.humanecobb.org, 770-428-9882



Pet Food Pantries
Pet Food Bank Information

Help Save Our Pets Food Bank at P.A.L.S.
P.A.L.S.
2115 Liddell Drive NE Atlanta
404-536-8472, 404-876-2200 ext. 314
Donations accepted at:
Fulton County Animal Services
City Dog Market in Brookhaven
Highland Pet Supply in Virginia Highlands
Piedmont Bark
The Atlanta Dog Spa
See more about this story on Channel 2's People 2 People program Sunday, August 3rd at 6:30 a.m.
For more information about pet food help and donation opportunities in your area, here are several links:
Atlanta Area Help

Gwinnett and Douglas County Help

Cobb and Cherokee County Help

Please know the above info was gotten online. The phone numbers/ web sites were not tested. Feel free to add info in the comment section...Thanks!!

We work for food ;-)

Bailey turned four months old this week. He is indeed growing so very fast. Due to his illness we held off his last set of vaccinations, as is he still on meds. Next week he will receive his last set. I so love watching them grow....he is a fun little puppy....happy...bratty at times and when I write that he adores Rocky...well as I had to separate them due to the fact they play non-stop and can get pretty rough, I placed the puppy in the office with me so that I can work....little bugger must have top toed out and in my search for him, there they are...snuggled up together in my living room.



So...four months is a big deal to a puppy. Watching the other dogs...the two females are sooo tired of his puppy antics and are letting him know that he needs to grow up. Yes, they are revoking hhis puppy license!
Rocky will soon follow, especially because he is so very rough, and getting so very big. Of course he will always be my puppy in my eyes and of course he is not ready to grow up....yet.

Four Months...

When sharing your life with dogs, there are certain words, commands that one must take the time to teach. A release word is one of my dogs most favorite words for it means they can move after being placed in a stay or wait command. It also can mean a treat...when photographing them it most definitely means they are rushing forward to get their reward...be it a hug, attention...pat or of course a little taste of a tiny tasty morsel. The image taken right before this of course is great for they were paying attention, looking at me and the camera, this one is at the very moment I uttered "OK". i love capturing this moment....their expressions are priceless....now of course one must be mindful of the camera for you will have a dog or in my case dogs rushing you. Try it....the results are wonderful and so very memorable.

Release Word...

One of the questions I am asked when out and about with my dogs is "What do you feed them"?

What do you feed your dog....

On this very chilly morning I find myself sitting at my PC...coughing still. You probably have experienced such a cough, after days of coughing you dread just even the thought of coughing for your ribs, and internal organs hurt when you do so.

At a cool 28 degrees the pack and I were out side for our early morning play....well ok they played and I pretty much stood in place doing a little cold weather dance trying to keep warm...deciding on just one shot for todays post...and of course the two are playing tug. That poor stuffed toy does not stand a chance.

As I watched the pack do their thing I could not help but smile and have a daja vu moment....over the years I have stood, early... chilly morning...thinking of the warm cup of tea inside just waiting for me to wrap my cold hands around the cup...and take a few sip. The sounds of the birds, the dogs playing....it has been many years....and a few dogs....the memories of those dogs that shared their lives with me....oh what very special dogs each is...was!

Over the years I have read about those that have had one special dog. A dog that was so loved...and that loved so much....a Heart Dog. I have always smiled when reading such a thing....for I so understand the sentiment...

For a brief moment I stood trying to think to that one special dog and all I can tell you is that the faces that appear in my minds eye....all of my beloved furry friends. Bogie....oh my what a pain in the butt he could be...when he was sweet....he was oh so sweet. Lovely Jas, what wonderful soft, fuzzy fur....yes indeed....my heart dog for sure. Serious Montana....who at the sight of a ball would just light up with excitement and anticipation that you will indeed be tossing it for him to fetch. Bear, the white GS that stole our hearts and slept at the front door, protecting his pack....Tasha....beautiful blue eyed tash, so very independent but yet, put your hand under a blanket and move it around and just watch her, like a puppy try to get it. Mikey the Golden...what a funny sense of humor he had. Sparkie the Pit Bull....sweet funny Sparkie who could just melt my heart with just a look in my direction.... and of course My Phoenix....hyper, oh so very hyper Phoenix....the fun we shared together.

I look to the dogs I share my life with currently and indeed, those same feelings and emotions....I adore each one.

Each having a different personality, sense of humor...I love each for who they are. Bailey....now he has been with us the least amount of time....really everyone loves a puppy. I can think back during the short time he has been a pack member and recall the exact moment he became one of my Heart Dogs....I had him in my lap and he was nipping at my hands and I was "trying" to teach him to be gentle. He finally looked up at me and barked....yep, a Woof. I smiled and hugged him....now indeed not many would find it endearing...but at that moment I knew my heart was his.

So, No....I have not had one special Heart Dog...I have been so fortunate that I have had a pack of Heart Dogs ;-)

Pack of Heart Dogs...

Yesterday was so lovely, sunny 40's. Pretty much the dogs and I were in and out either going for walks, training, agility and of course romping and playing....well ok, I do not get to romp but the dogs sure have fun doing so ;-)

Oh and yes indeed....I did get some work done as well as were the dogs groomed. Pedicures and good brushing for all. The puppy has finally gotten used to the dremel and all nails can be "sanded". Excess fur on paws, no problem...any attempt to trim any fur around his ears....oh boy, he does not at all like that at the moment....in time...he will learn to just relax!

Our Cardinals are pretty fearless, pretty accustomed to the dogs and will hang out feeding throughout our entire outing, so we get to do a little bird watching as well!

What can I say about the "girls" other then just how cute are they. As my pack is a four pack I will have to include them in my postings once in a while. Not sure how Rocky avoided my camera yesterday....I was bird watching when he and Bailey were wrestling and I did not bring along the camera when we walked. As I am once again coughing and coughing...just having a tough time shaking this.

Although I am not feeling up to par, training went on as usual....sure glad I am not the one having to climb, go through and jump over....whew. That A-Frame is so much easier to go up, then come down for a puppy. Since introducing it to Bailey I must say....he is doing well, although he would so love to jump and hop down. As mentioned in previous posts, the pause table is really one of his favorites...jumping up and sitting or doing a down....he is indeed catching on.

Not really sure just what it is about the Golden pups who have come to live with us....they always have very loose stool....not to mention on just how they can clear a room out for it seems they emit a steady stream of gas. All is well as far as tests....healthy as can be. He is on a low residue diet because it has become a daily thing for him. He is active, happy and never skips a meal...drinks plenty of fluids...no dehydration.
I no doubt it is one of those things that will just clear up in time....until then ...any one have any gas masks they can loan me?

A little Bird Watching...

Today found me very busy...and I must admit a bit cranky for I had dealings with an extremely rude individual. Funny how at time we allow such nonsense to almost ruin our day. As it was a very sunny day here in the Atlanta area...and I was looking longingly out my window I decided it time to just take a break. The dogs were ready for some fun in the sun time....with tug toy in hand we all went out. We walked around a bit, did a few fetches with the ball and stick. I gave them the tug toy sat and just watched. Amazing on how my mood was transformed into that of a very happy gal.



It seems to me the dogs like the softness and the stretchiness of this toy. If anyone out there know of another toy like this....that would possibly last a little longer....do share ;-)

And as the dogs were running out of energy....I noticed the pup find a quiet little space and down he went, out like a light.

Tug Time...

Daily walks are not only good for us....but also for our beloved furry friends. I find it so relaxing...and the affects it has on the dogs....wonderful. Keeps the pack together, peace and harmony. They so enjoy it....half an hour, to hour of my time every day....of course once the walk is over if weather permitting a little Agility is the icing on the cake. they are a little more relaxed, better ability to focus.

Daily Walk for R & B...

Today found Bailey and I headed to the vet clinic...nothing serious, just a puppy visit for his second set of shots. Something about a puppy makes most folks want to stop, chat and pet and love on the pup. Show the leash to Bailey and he is ready to go, or settle and nap. The leash....so amazing for when puppy get too excited in the house it can be used to quiet them down...and of course keep them out of trouble ;-)

Driving Lessons...

Yes indeed, the sun is shining and the property is drying out.
Wonderful for the dogs to get out and play, romp and just relax taking in all of the sights, sounds and scents.
While I have some work today I have decided there will indeed be many breaks throughout the day.

While we have gone for walks, played in between the rain...it is always better when the sun is shining. Time for all of us to get rid of all that excess energy.


 Bailey is growing like a weed...I can almost see it happening. One day he looks thinner, but longer....he is so loving training...going for walks and his most fun thing....playing and romping with Rocky...oh and climbing. We are starting to think he has some mountain Goat in his pedigree ;-)

Fun in the Sun...