6 of 8 Family Pets Killed, Because…

signs“6 of 8 Family Pets KILLED cuz you people REFUSE to SLOW DOWN”

I saw the sign while out walking dogs not that far from my house. The message was forceful, the anger palpable.
PETS.                    KILLED.                    YOU PEOPLE.                     REFUSE. 
The words jumped out at me as though an invisible fist had punched me in the stomach.

"An uninspiring person believes according to what he achieves. An aspiring person achieves according to what he believes." - Sri Chinmoy

Bones & HoldenWith regard to dog training if you only take the time to train a dog to sit, then that’s all YOU can achieve with your dog. It’s NOT the limit of your dog’s potential.

Tempting Training Treats (for dogs)Dog Begging

*Courtesy of Bullwrinkle.com

Ingredients:
2 1/3 cups flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup grated cheese (like parmesan)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder (Pure Spirit recommends using 1 clove or 1 tsp. Finely chopped garlic)
1/4 cup powdered milk (non-fat)

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix well. Roll the dough out to size of a cookie sheet. Pat the dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, bringing it to the edges. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut desired sizes into dough (just score through). If you're using as training treats, cut them into small pieces. Sprinkle a little extra cheese and garlic if desired on dough for flavor. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 15 minutes until golden brown. Turn off the oven and let cool for a few hours. They will keep hardening the longer you leave them. Break them apart; store tightly covered or in the freezer.



Got a Big Dog?  Need a Big Bed? Crib Mattresses are perfect!  They are less expensive than fancy orthopedic dog beds and offer good support and cushioning.  They are easy to wipe clean and don’t absorb body fluids that are sometimes part of life with elderly or ill dogs.  

How many names does your dog have?  Before you answer, “just one” think about it... 

Focus on what you want

Cues your dog must know: DOWN and/or STAY

Throughout your day focus on what you WANT.  If you want your dog to lie down while you and your family are eating your meals… FOCUS on your dog lying down during mealtime.

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." - Henry Ford

German Shepherd Dog in the snowLiving with an animal is about integration: bringing another species into your world, your family, your life then working with them to achieve a mutually rewarding and beneficial relationship.  Sounds lofty, but here’s a question… why would anyone not want to fully integrate their companion animal into their life? 

Check out our fabulous Halloween contest winners!

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Sally (owned by Mary Malone) as a ladybug and devil diva!




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Tina van Cleve shows off her dogs' style as well as the fantastic training they've received!

I always like to say, “Good thing puppies are cute… it’s what keeps them alive!”  I also like to say, “If your dog does something wrong, you are probably to blame.” Dogs don’t do things to intentionally irritate us or wreck our stuff… usually. Dog do things because they can; because they haven’t been taught otherwise; and/or because they are getting some sort of reward or satisfaction out of their actions.

This is a great video by OK Go!


Female German Shepherd DogSo you want your dog to be your ‘best friend’?  Well, we really want to be that for you, but it’s a two-way street! We canines can’t just give and give and give. We need you to be our best friend, too! So let me tell you how you can get to best friend status in the doggie world.


Spend active time with us! Really it’s that simple. There are other things you can do to be start with this.  It sounds easy, but it seems to be a colossal undertaking for you people!

German Shepherd PuppyToday I had a booth at the MN Boxer Rescue Boxer Walk Fundraiser and took Shayna with me.  What better way to socialize her and see where she needs work than around a herd of short-nosed boxers?

Boxer WalkBoxerWhat a blast at the Boxer Walk today (MN Boxer Rescue)!  So many wiggly, short-nosed, nubby-tailed beasts enjoying the day and keeping their people company!  It was fun to see the diversity in size, color and age.

Shayna's original petfinder pictureI started looking at petfinder.com, because my mom thought it was time to get another dog and asked for my help in finding the right one; a female German Shepherd Dog between the ages of 2-6 with saddle dog markings, good with kids and preferably house-trained.

I looked at all the dogs in Arizona, and since she was visiting me in last week, all the dogs in Minnesota. Very few fit the bill. One listing with a fuzzy picture and a sensational story

Samoyed Dogs Flirt & StellaAugust 27-29, 2010 - St. Croix Valley Kennel Club Dog Show at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, MN is always a big deal. Dogs of all shapes and sizes come to compete in AKC (American Kennel Club) events; Conformation, Agility, Obedience and Rally Obedience.  Dogs are coiffed and groomed and strut their stuff in the conformation rings looking to pick up points toward their championship status and vying for the coveted titles of Best of Breed and Best in Show.  Other dog and handler teams have worked hard training for Agility and Obedience titles.

RinTinInnWhat a wonderful weekend in Green Bay and the Fox Valley.  I gave a free talk Friday evening at Rin Tin Inn Pet Lodge. What a fabulous venue and host, Forrest Micke, could not be more friendly or accommodating.  I was in awe of the peacefulness and the beauty of the boarding facility. Frankly, I was ready to throw a sleeping bag on the floor of the boarding house and spend the weekend there! We had a nice turn out of people interested in finding out more about animal communication.

BoothPaws On Grand, St Paul, MN… no better place to be on Sunday August 1! Grand Avenue Business Association does a great job every year sponsoring this event of pets and their people, and this year was no exception.  From our booth on Dunlap and Grand we were able to do some serious people watching as their dogs proudly paraded them past a myriad of vendor booths and entertaining activities. 

"Hello!" I called cheerfully to the man moving erratically in my direction.

Bones & Holden"Muh shu u clenion u shih," the drunken guy mumbled as he came toward us (I was walking my two boarding dogs for their last potty break at 10:30P). I walk this same route multiple times a day, especially when I have visiting dogs at my house. It’s only a few blocks from my house and ½ block from a bar, although it’s rare that I encounter anyone walking down this road at night.

Winter in Minnesota means outdoor fun at it's best! Here's Conan with his big, red ball!