Life with a Doberman

By Beth Fox

Rocket, our Dobermen

I researched breeds for nearly a year, mostly medium to large dogs and living on a 1/2 acre I could accommodate a good sized one. I looked at the working dogs such as Doberman Pinscher's, German Shepherd's, Akita's, and Rottweiler's. I knew people who had these breeds and I knew some of these dogs personally, so I checked them out first. The Akita was the first to go off my list, to high on the biters list. German Shepherds were next, then the Rotty. I kept the Dobie but added a couple of other breeds.

I checked out the Standard Poodle, an elegant, intelligent breed but very high maintenance. But, they are great family pets, great guard dogs, great with kids and all people. And they are just so gorgeous! So the Poodle and Dobie stayed neck and neck on my list.

After talking to groomers about the cost of grooming a Standard Poodle, I was convinced a Doberman was the right dog for me. I began to search for breeders across the state of Florida, and found one in Vero Beach. Calling her up, she said she has 13 puppies that are 3 1/2 weeks old. I told her what I wanted and she gave me prices for pet-quality puppies and show-quality. At $950.00 a pet quality would do just fine! She interviewed me on the phone for over an hour; have you owned a dog before, will the dog be inside the home, will the dog be an only dog, will the dog be around children, are there other pets in the house, will the dog be taken to training classes, and other similar questions. But most importantly, THE DOG WILL BE SPAYED. As a reputable breeder of very high quality dogs, she did not want me to become a "backyard breeder" using her line of Doberman.

Two weeks later my then-husband and I drove up to Vero Beach to pick out our puppy. The breeder let us inside her home and we were in the family room when she started bringing in armloads of chubby, floppy-eared 5 1/2 week old Doberman puppies. There were reds and blacks, big and small and every one of them was cute and sweet and playful. They still couldn't stand up on their hind legs completely so they walked and ran with a little hopping motion that just made them cuter yet.

It was easy to pick my Ruby, she climbed into my husband's lap, licked his face and fell asleep. I reached into my purse and handed the breeder a few hundred dollars as a deposit and said "She'll take us!" We took a few photos and drove back home.

We picked Ruby up when she was ten weeks old and brought her home. It was the Thanksgiving weekend so we had four days to get her used to her crate, four sleepless nights, and a couple of days of upset stomachs while she got used to being away from her big family. The first, second and third nights were completely without incident. She never cried, she never barked, she never whined. The breeder had kept the pups in crates so it was familiar to her. When I took her out for bathroom breaks, I used the same door and same verbal command and within 4 days she was housebroken. She had one pee pee accident in her entire life and that was my fault for not paying attention to her.

I had eleven years of sheer joy from my Ruby. She was the smartest, most amazing dog I have ever known. I could tell her that my mother was coming over to see her, and she would stand outside by the front gate watching passing cars. When she'd see my mother's car she would start barking and dancing around, running in through the doggie door and letting me know "Gran" was here!

When Ruby was six years old, I adopted her nephew, one-year old Rocket. He was purchased as a show dog by an acquaintance of mine, but did not like crating or the show ring so he was given to me. Ruby and Rocket loved each other, but not so completely. Ruby kind of bossed Rocket around and he took it from her. But, the day after Ruby died, Rocket's true personality came through. He became more my dog, more affectionate, more obedient. He was definitely second banana to Ruby all those years!

Dobermans are probably the easiest dogs in the world to take care of. What you see, is what you get. I spend about 30 minutes a month on their grooming. My dog gets a hose bath out in the driveway, lathered up and rinsed, then a good toweling off and a walk around the block for an air dry. I use an old washcloth to wipe out those enormous pointy ears and we are done! Rocket is a very big Doberman, 95 pounds, and his toenails are very thick and hard. I find them nearly impossible to trim so I purchased a Dremel and use the little barrel sander to shorten his nails. He lies on his pillow with his paw in my lap and lets me go to it.

I brush Rocket probably more often than I ever brushed Ruby because I have a small malti-cocka-poo-poo who needs nearly daily brushing and Rocket likes it so he gets it too. But otherwise, I would only brush him about once a week or so.

Dobies are very devoted dogs, and usually not a one person pet. My dogs have always loved every single person who walks into my home! That's both good and bad I guess, but since they are such large dogs, it's good. All they to do is please you, please you, please you. They are not dogs with their own agenda and need to be stimulated intellectually when they are young. They will always remember their training. To this day, when I take him out on a leash, Rocket walks around me in a circle as if we were in the show ring.

These dogs are extremely active, high energy animals, especially when they are young. I used to walk Ruby about 45 minutes a day, and I walk Rocket 2 miles a day. He could probably use more than that, but we do play "catch the puppy" in the backyard nearly daily. He runs towards me full tilt and I lunge towards him trying to touch him on his back. At the last second he will veer off to one side causing me to miss him completely. I have been knocked down a few dozen times, a racing 95 pound Doberman can sometimes do that! He also plays hide and seek with my small dog, Amber in the house. She can crawl under things like the bed and sideboard where he can't go, to tease him. Then she darts out and he chases her to the next place only she can go.

Each Doberman is different in certain temperaments. Ruby loved adults but not kids, Rocket loves kids and is shy with adults. Both loved to tease the cats and get along very well with them (I have 5) but Rocket occasionally growls at them if they come too close to him while he's chewing a pig ear. I took Ruby to a dog park once and she absolutely hated it and would not leave my side, Rocket loves to go. He has never had a problem there and is usually the biggest most formidable dog in the park. He just runs and runs and runs, but never chases other dogs and shows absolutely no aggression.

When I take my two dogs for their daily walk, all the little boys in the neighborhood know Rocket's name. They come running up to him, throw their arms around his neck and hug and kiss him. He sits down and smiles a big doggy smile! My little niece, Tyler, has been trying to ride him like a pony since she was 18 months old. I sometimes have to lock Rocket up to keep Tyler away from him as I am a little afraid she may hurt him. But she's nearly 4-years old now and treats him much kinder and gentler. The one command I first taught my dogs is "give kisses" because these dogs look so vicious and are really such sweet gentle dogs. I love to hug my Doberman every day, kiss his head and ears and just look into his eyes. He looks back at me with such love and devotion, it makes my heart sing

 

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever –
A little known dog that’s too good to keep a secret

Maggie May, our Duck Tolling Retriever

Maggie May, my little Duck Tolling Retriever may be a midget – or “little dog” to be politically correct. Tollers, as they call them, are classified as medium sized dogs that by 18 months should average a weight of 35 to 50ish pounds and a height of 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder. Maggie May, now 13 months, won’t stop long enough for me to measure her but I can tell you she’s pint size. She came from a very reputable breeder who, in fact took the top two breed awards at the 2008 Westminster; Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex. But Maggie was the runt of her litter and perhaps is going to stay that way. Or maybe she’s still growing? It’s not really important. What is important is that I wouldn’t trade her for the world.

Maggie May joined a family of one very large Golden Retriever (Jake) and three cats. Although Jake is five years older and almost 70 pounds heavier than Maggie (I told you he was big) they are best friends that play together until one of them wears out – usually Jake. Golden Retrievers are the only breed I’ve owned in my adult life until Maggie, so as I write about her I can’t help but put her personality traits in perspective by comparing her to our wonderful Goldens.

Maggie has a lot of the same characteristics as a Golden. She has a sweet temperament and is very smart. Our Goldens were easily trained because they wanted so much to please their masters. Maggie May, on the other hand, sometimes couldn’t give a damn. However, she’s so smart (probably smarter than either of our Goldens), that she seems to enjoy both learning and discipline. By contrast, Jake is so sensitive that discipline can turn him into an emotional heap. So in spite of occasional independent streaks (which seem to be passing with her youth) she’s probably been easier to train than any of our other dogs. By all signs, she is maturing much faster than the average Golden Retriever. Of course that may not be saying a lot – Goldens typically take years…

Maggie May and I have started basic training lessons at our local Petco. I highly recommend this to all. In our case, this experience has taught me just how smart and capable Maggie May is. I just wish I was as quick on the uptake as she. The trainer often has to correct my commands but rarely has to correct Maggie’s response. Additionally, Maggie loves this private time with her “Mom” and it’s helped cement the bond between us.

Unlike our other dogs, Maggie May has never had any major chewing issues -remarkably our furniture, shoes, etc. have remained in tact. However I should issue a disclaimer about her chewing humans. My husband and I suffered multiple wounds from her puppy teeth. This should be a consideration for families with young children. Those little puppy teeth are smaller, sharper and more painful than those on larger puppy breeds such as a Golden or Lab.

When I was considering getting a Toller as a second dog I did my research and liked everything I read about them. The one thing I wasn’t sure I liked was that sad look in those golden brown eyes. Boy was I a Toller novice. Those eyes don’t say “sad”! “Calculating?” Yes. “Intense?” Yes. “Strategizing how to train you to make the next move that will make them happy?” Yes. They have beautiful eyes that only look sad to the unknowing stranger.

Maggie May does a couple of cat-like things that are totally foreign to me as a dog owner. First of all, she’ll get up on the back or arms of the couch or chair (yes, we allow it) and lay there like a cat, especially if this provides her a better view out the window. At first we thought this might be the result of being raised with cats and emulating her tabby buddy, Rascal. But it turns out that Tollers have no sense of vertigo and can get themselves in trouble because of it. This factor combined with their excellent agility, has led many Toller owners to describe some of their movements as cat-like. Secondly, while Jake always wants to be as close to humans as possible Maggie May sometimes likes to be alone. When I don’t know where she is I generally go to the guest bedroom at the other end of the house and find her lying on her back on the guest bed with all four legs sprawled in the air. She cracks me up. She enjoys her private time.

Maggie May did something pretty extraordinary about a month ago. As I was unloading groceries from the car, I heard a long screeching bark coming from her in the side yard. We have a dog door so the critters can come and go from the house to the fenced in yard as they please. As I walked in the house I yelled, “What the heck is the ruckus about?” Maggie May came running in to meet me and turned around and somehow - I don’t exactly know how, I only remember that it was clear as day - gave me the signal to follow her. With groceries still in hand, I followed her to the bathroom where Jake was reaching the end of a seizure. She periodically tried to lick his head as poor Jake laid there on his side, foaming at the mouth and his long legs still peddling uncontrollably. Soon my husband came in. It turned out he had been working on his boat which sits about 40 yards from the house (and in the fenced in yard). That screeching bark I heard was Maggie May running outside to try to alert my husband to come to Jake’s rescue.

The one surprise that has us stumped is that thus far Maggie May has no interest in swimming in the pool (much to Jake’s disappointment). Perhaps that will change. Our 1949 pool, affectionately known as the cement pond, is really big. And Maggie May – well – not so big. But who knows? Perhaps when she reaches 18 months she’ll have a new perspective. In the perfect world she’ll be bigger, the pond will look smaller, and Jake will convince her it’s time to jump in.

I think I’m hooked. I think I’ll always need at least one Toller in my life.

 

Calling All Women Dog Owners

www.dogsforwomen.com Wants to Hear from You!

Dogsforwomen.com is embarking on a mission to gather first-hand information about different dog breeds from - who else – the every day people (like you and me) who live and care for these breeds. Do you have a Lab, Doberman, Shitsu, Yorkie, Collie, Terrier, Poodle or mixed breed that you’d like to write about? We want to hear from you! Every dog has a story…but it’s up to his owner to tell it.

Our goal is to give others who are shopping for a new dog a sense of how much work and care goes into raising a certain breed, and what are the pluses and minuses, rewards and risks of living with that breed. We want to help match the right dogs to the right owners, and visa versa. Other web sites give plenty of information about what the professionals say about different breed, but there’s nothing more helpful than learning from the testimonial and experience of an every day dog owner. And by the way, different dog owners might have very different experiences with the same breed so we welcome and will publish multiple perspectives on the same breed.

Here’s what we need to publish your dogs story:

• We will need a photo of your dog (yes, you can be in it too), a jpg file is best,
• We need you to fill out the “Doggie Data” survey about your dog (see the word document at the bottom of this page),
• Write 1000 words or less about your dog. Keep in mind that you should address in the body of your copy what you mean by “other” if you checked it for any category in the Doggie Data survey. This is your moment for you and Fido to shine. You’re the story teller, so have fun. Just keep in mind that our goal is to share information about your life with your dog that will be useful to others considering a dog like yours.

OK – so now you have your jpg photo, your story saved in a word document – next you need to fill out the Doggie Data survey below by writing YES next to the appropriate answer, copy it and paste into an email addressed to me at deb@dogsforwomen.com (add your photo and word doc attachments and send). It’s that simple. You’ll hear back from me about your publish date. Your story will be featured on the home page for approximately two weeks and then move to the permanent Dog Breed database to help guide future dog shoppers on this site.

The first breed to be published is my new favorite (I have a ten month old puppy – she’s the “Angel” featured in the photo above), the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Yes, it’s a mouthful for a relatively small dog. Most people call them Tollers for short. We have a Golden Retriever too. The two have differences and similarities that I’m going to try to sort out in my story about the Toller.

By the way – if your wondering how much of a story you can tell in a thousand words or less, maybe it’s helpful to know that this article, including headline is a total of 549 words.

 

Travels with Charlie… or Duke… or Sasha…

By Beth Fox

Courtesy of Harvey Bilt Photography
You know that look… Those big brown eyes that say “you’re not really going to leave me!?” give way to the sinking pit in your stomach as you pack your bags to take a vacation. Vacations are supposed to be a fun time - but the anxiety, guilt (not to mention expense) of leaving your dog(s) behind can get things off to a rocky start. Whether you’re boarding your pup or you’ve hired a pet sitter, little Fido knows how to do a number on you.

So maybe there’s a better solution? Maybe you should consider planning a vacation with your pooch. Florida is a great vacation destination and a great place to do just that.

My friend Susan recently loaned me her copy of “The Dog Lover’s Companion to Florida”, by Sally Deneen and Robert McClure.  This book provides information from the panhandle to the Keys for dog friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, beaches and recreation areas.

The book breaks Florida down to 22 different regions.  Each section of the region is broken down and rated on the author's "Paws Rating Scale".  One paw print is the lowest rating, while four is the highest.  For example, in Pensacola, Bears Park is given a two and a half paw print rating but Bay Bluffs Park is given a three paws rating and is a leash free   Wekiva Springs State Park, which is a few miles from my house here in Longwood, is listed under Apopka, and receives a three and a half paw rating.  I have to wholeheartedly agree with that rating, Wekiva is a gorgeous park.

The authors offer tips for just about everything you will need to travel by car with your pup.  They suggest bringing plenty of food and water, making frequent bathroom stops, and even suggest a harness or seatbelt for your dog.  Some smaller breeds that are used to traveling around town in the front seat might be resistant to now being strapped in, but if they are crate trained, you can put them in the crate and secure it.  I have a little seatbelt for my Amber, it fits over her body like a harness and the end snaps into the seatbelt clip of the car.  She can stand, turn around, sit and lie down and is quite comfortable.  It's also safer in case you have to stop quickly.  For a large dog, like my 90 pound Doberman, Rocket, I can't fit a crate his size in my car so he rides in the back of my SUV, usually standing up.  That is probably the worst thing I can do, but he is so large he can't go any other way.

Traveling around Florida with your dog(s) can either be a great deal of fun or a great big pain in the neck.  I think it is a great way to bond even closer with your dog, see how gorgeous Florida really is and meet some very interesting people.  After all, dogs are a great way to meet people.  So get out there with your pooch and see the sights!

 

The Key to Potty Training: Trick or Treat?

By Beth Fox

Amber, the potty-training-challenged multi-cocka-poo.
After 19 months of hair pulling, gnashing of teeth, scolding, penning and head shaking, Amber Lynn has finally decided to become housebroken.  I will wait while you all cheer.  Thank you.

I truly do not know why she refused to become housebroken, maybe it is the cocker spaniel in her.  But instead of trying to figure out a reason why, I worked very hard to just plain get her to do it. 

Every night Amber slept in a crate.  From the time I brought her home at 8 weeks old, she slept in a crate.  The saying "crate train or don't complain" has worked with every dog I have ever owned and has resulted in housebreaking in about 2 weeks.  I would go out and Amber would be placed in a "playpen", or X-pen which consists of a large 8-panel cage with no floor or ceiling that could be made in any shape.  This was Amber's "house" and when I need to leave the house for a longer period of time than going out to get the mail she goes in her house.

Immediately upon arrival home, she would be released from the pen and taken outside to potty.  She'd do her thing like a big girl, but a half hour later I'd find poop or pee on the floor somewhere.  I could tell it was not my Doberman's!

One day, a couple of months ago, Amber came up to me and put her little front paws on my leg and stretched and whined.  I said "Do you need to go outside?"  She started dancing around and ran to the front door.  I leashed her up and out we went!  Before we got to the sidewalk she made pee pee and poo poo in the grass!  "OK, wow, this is a good thing", I thought.  Let's see if she keeps it up.

Every day I tested her.  Every day she did the same thing.  She would either look up at me and whine, put her paws on me and whine, or walk to the front door, back to me, look up and whine.  Now I got it, I was trained!

Amber's reward for being a big girl and not going potty in the house -- she gets to sleep with me and the cats in my bed at night.  That is a pretty big reward I think, and apparently she does too because she has not had a single mistake in all this time.  Oh, I still leave her in her "house" when I go out because she still has that tendency and until I am 100% positive she won't potty or chew up my shoes, she will use the playpen.

Here are some tips to use for housebreaking your puppy.  These will also apply to an adult dog that has been kept outside or in a pen and is not used to a large space, such as the entire house.

• Buy a crate big enough for the adult dog your puppy will grow into.  Put an old towel or blanket on the bottom, something washable, and a favorite soft toy for "night-night" time.
• Keep a schedule.  Dogs love schedules.  Take your puppy out at the exact same time every morning, noon and night.
• When putting them in the crate at night, tell them it is bedtime, night-night time or whatever phrase you want.  Use this phrase only for your bedtime.  Use a phrase like "crate", "house" or "cage" when you want them to go in during any other time.  I could tell Amber "night-night time" and she'd s-l-o-w-l-y walk right into her crate at night.
• Give them a treat when you put them in the crate.  The look on their little face is enough to break your heart as you humanize them and think they feel lonely.  The truth is, they want a treat!  Amber loves chicken jerky.
• Wash their bedding once a week, more often, of course if they have an accident on it. 
• Take the puppy out of the crate each and every time on a leash.  Don't think for one second they will exit the crate and be able to hold their bladder until they reach the door.  They won't when they are very little but will as they get older.
• Take your dog to the same spot every time to go potty and give a command such as "go pee pee and poo poo" or "go potty".  Use this phrase each and every time you want them to go.  Stand there, with the puppy on the leash, giving the bathroom command.  Of course you look and feel silly, you are a dog owner and will do many, many, many more things to look and feel silly because of your dog.  (e.g., Halloween costumes) but eventually your dog will get the idea, hopefully long before Amber did.
• Limit the puppy's freedom in the house.  I do not advocate crating 24/7 but unless that pup is in your sight constantly, wait I mean CONSTANTLY  you will find mistakes hidden around the house.  So, you need to buy baby gates, a doggy play pen or, much simpler, get a long 10 or 12 foot leash, attach one end to the puppy and tie the other end around your waist.  Where you go, so goes puppy.
• Make sure no other animals in the house are soiling somewhere you can't see.  This is a problem I had with Amber.  At one point I had 6 dogs staying here, only 2 belonged to me, the others belonged to my friend Cary while she was house-hunting.  The other dogs were all adults but the smells confused Amber and she really didn't know what to do.  To add insult to injury, I have gorgeous Persian rugs that my Doberman was taking his frustrations out on and peeing on every day.  I did not know this because he was sneaky.  So Amber would smell Rocket's pee on the rug and think that was a place to go so she would.  So would all the other dogs.  I finally got smart and had all the rugs removed for cleaning and haven't put them back down again.  I probably won't EVER put them back down again until Amber is a little old lady.
• Walk your dog.  This sounds simple but this is the most difficult of all the housebreaking tips.  Dogs need exercise.  So do you!  So put down the Cheetos, grab your running shoes and walk your dog every day.  Even if it is hot, cold, raining, windy.  Walk your dog.  You will be able to monitor the dogs bathroom habits and you will be able to regulate these habits.  It will be during this walk that they will poop outside instead of in your closet.  Doesn't that sound great?  I know most people only have free time once a day, either before work or after work so pick a time when you can take your puppy for a half hour walk.  Go 15 minutes one way, then turn around and go home.  Everyone will be happier and healthier with this exercise regime.

I hope you have better luck housebreaking your dog than I did with Amber.  She was really a tough one but it was worth the wait because she has turned out to be such a sweet, gentle little dog with a cute personality and is a wonderful little bed buddy.  She curls up next to me on the covers and my kittens One-Eyed Jack and his sister Dee Dee snuggle down with her, while my big cats Frank, his sister Connie and  my calico Antoinette Marie lay on the other side of me.   And my Mom thought I would outgrow sleeping with stuffed animals!

Purebred, Hybrid or Mutt

By Beth Fox

Life just got more complicated when it comes to choosing a dog that is just right for you. So you've done all your research on breeds to determine which one not only appeals to you looks-wise, but also fits into you and your family's lifestyle. Let's say you have narrowed it down to about 6 different breeds: Poodle, Shih-Tzu , Maltese, Chihuahua, Pomeranian and Boston Terrier. All VERY different in looks, temperament, and personality.

Each of these small breeds has its pluses and minuses; they can be yappy, stubborn, nippy, too shy, difficult to housebreak. They can also have physical problems such as bad knees, eye problems and hyperactivity. On the other hand, they can be the perfect little lap dog for you; sweet, gentle, good with other animals and kids and easy to exercise. You can also take them with you on a plane trip by putting them in an approved flight bag and sticking them under your seat!

Now comes the difficult part. It seems the latest craze in dog breeding is hybrids. Take two not usually compatible looking purebred dogs and breed them to make an unusual looking mixed puppy. We've all heard of Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever/Standard Poodle) and Golden Doodles (Golden Retriever/Standard Poodle), and of course we've had cocka-poos and Malti-poos for years (Cocker Spaniel/poodle and Maltese/Poodles). But now breeders are taking this hybridization to the extreme and making up the most interesting names you've ever heard.

You can buy an Afador (Afghan Hound/Labrador), a Damaranian (Dachsund/Pomeranian), a Puggle (Pug/Beagle) or a Torkie (Toy Fox Terrier/Yorkie). Breeders have a specific breeding program for these hybrid, or designer dogs. The majority of these dogs are 50/50 pups - each parent is a purebred, the resulting puppies are half of each. Some breeders are experimenting with 25/75, say, a Golden Doodle bred with a pure Golden to make puppies that are 75% Golden Retriever and 25% Poodle, or two Golden Doodles bred together. Breeders are finding out that the first generation mixes, that is puppies bred with different breed purebred parents, have less of the genetic defects than same breed purebreds.

Back in the Stone Age, when I was a kid, we called these mixed breed dogs of complete unknown origin, mutts or Heinz 57 dogs. In the Bahamas where I spent many summers, they were called "Pot Cake" dogs, named after the rice that hardens at the bottom of a pot. Mongrels, strays, zone deer, or whatzits, they are all just one thing -- a mix of breeds that usually manifest themselves in a smooth short coat, medium length muzzle, a 40 to 60 pound animal, and a stronger, longer lived dog. Some people swear by these mixed breed dogs and go out of their way to adopt them from shelters.

When a friend of mine was raising her children, she adopted a sweet female mutt found on the expressway in the middle of traffic in the pouring rain. Sissy was obviously dumped because about two weeks later she delivered a litter of 5 puppies. Fast forward, the puppies were adopted out, Sissy was spayed and gave her family 15 years of love and devotion. No one knew how old Sissy was when she was found, but she was a companion beyond compare.

I own a Malti-cocka-poo-poo! My little Amber Lynn is a product of a Maltese/Poodle daddy and a Cocker/Poodle mama. She was from a first litter of a one year old bitch (never a good idea to breed your dog that young) that resulted in 4 puppies, two apricot in color and two black. My next door neighbor, Sue, found an ad in the newspaper for these puppies for sale and went and bought the runt of the litter, an apricot little boy she named Buzzy. When she came over to show me this little 2 pound puff ball, I fell in love and having lost my beloved female Doberman Ruby five months earlier, decided I needed a puppy also. Sue and I went back the next day and I bought this cute little black female I named Amber.

Amber has since turned a beautiful blonde color, weighing in at 16 pounds, and looks just like a miniature Cocker Spaniel. Buzzy stayed a gorgeous light apricot and looks more Poodle than anything. Both are sweet, gentle, highly intelligent little dogs. But, yes there is a huge BUT in this, both are very difficult to housebreak. That Cocker Spaniel stubbornness constantly rears its floppy, fuzzy head and affects every aspect of their training. They like to dig under the fence to visit each other, run away, refuse to come when called, poop in the house and chew whatever isn't theirs. Now that they are 17 months old they are much better behaved, but it has been a slow and very painful process (for Sue and me!).

At Amber's last vet visit, I was informed that she does have a slight knee problem with one rear knee. So far it isn't bad, but needs to be monitored.

I also own a spoiled, indulged, adored, absolutely beautiful 90 pound male Doberman named Rocket. Rocket is six years old now and is in perfect health. He is, of course, a high quality, show dog with a long pedigree. Doberman's can have eye, hip and heart problems. My Ruby died of Wobbler's Syndrome at age 11, but was otherwise in perfect health. She was Rocket's Aunt so her pedigree was also immaculate. Both of these dogs were so easy to housebreak and train it was almost as if they were adult dogs when they were puppies.

So which is right for you? Do you want to buy a pedigreed purebred dog, from a reputable breeder that if it does have health problems, those are common to that breed? Do you want to adopt a pound puppy or adult dog that may be a mix of so many different breeds you may never be able to tell what it is, and may never have any health or behavior problems. How about a Designer Dog, or hybrid that most likely will have some type of defect in either personality or health issues. The choice you make when you chose a dog is more important than what kind of car you drive. But whatever your choice, you know you will have a companion that will love you, unconditionally, for its entire life. Where else can you get that?

Some images in this article are coutersy of Free-Dog-Pictures.

 

 

Is the Right Dog for you a Cat?

By Beth Fox

Who’s Crate Is This, Anyway?!
	I always secretly cringe and roll my eyes when I hear someone say "I'm not a dog person" or "I'm not a cat person." Oh spare me! We all have our preferences in life, pets are a very personal one. Some people prefer one type of pet to another and that's a very good thing in my opinion. After my English Springer Spaniel, Benji, died in 1984, I decided not to own another dog at that time. I had a cat, Tristan and a little parakeet. That was enough for me, being a young single woman, and I loved to travel and go out with friends and all the things young single women do. I acquired another cat, Timothy and life was still easy because cats are easy.
You can set up a litter box and leave food and water out for them and actually go off for a short weekend trip without worrying about walking, feeding and treats.

I own two dogs, a Doberman Pinscher and a mutt (malti-coca-poo-poo), but I also own five cats, all rescued as kittens. Each time I brought new kittens into the home, the older cats hissed and growled and swatted the little ones, then after a few days they were all snuggling up together on my bed or a chair, arms and tails wrapped around one another, purring and grooming. Surprisingly, my big male tabby, Frank, was the first one to take the most recent little babies into his paws and act like a surrogate mom. Everywhere Frank went, so did One-Eyed Jack and Dee Dee (two little foundlings left starving out in the woods near my house). Little Jack got his name because he had one eye that was hugely distorted by neo-natal glaucoma and had to be removed.

Neither of my dogs cared one whit about the kittens, and actually, about the cats in general. Oh sure, my little dog will chase them around and play with them for a limited time, but she would much rather play with my Doberman, her brother next door or any other dog on earth. My Doberman simply can't be bothered, even as they rub on his legs and chest, he just stands there, barely tolerating the furry intruders, then walks away.

I've never been catless (cat-free?). I love cats because they can be babied and coddled and never become neurotic, yappy, snappy or nervous. The just purr and cuddle and lick your face with their raspy little tongues. Cats don't slobber, bark, chew up your shoes or cell phone, pull on the leash or have to be walked. But then again, they aren't much of a deterrent for burglars.

Maybe you are thinking about getting a dog and you came to this web site to research breeds and answer the questionnaire to determine what is the best dog for you. But why do you want a dog? Dogs take up a LOT of time with training, housebreaking and grooming. They are attention demanders and want to constantly be either in your lap or within three feet of you wherever you are, including the bathroom! I walk my dogs separately, one mile a day for the little one, two miles a day for the big one. That's three miles a day for me (keeps me slim and trim)! Those three mile walks take about an hour. Do you have that much free time between your job, husband, kids, housework, other family? Do you have any free time? I'm retired so it's easy for me, but when I was working I had neither the time nor energy for a three block walk, much less three miles!

If you are getting a dog for your kids, we all know who is really gong to take care of it, don't we? Unless you have a heart of stone you will feed, water and walk that poor dog when the kids get tired of it. You can threaten to get rid of it if they don't take care of it, but we all know you won't.

So maybe a cat would be the best dog for you. I've had cats that act just like dogs, they follow you around everywhere you go, play fetch and crave attention, but they are still easy and fuss-free. I had a 25 pound black cat once that acted just like a dog and looked like a panther but he still used a litter box!

What are you, a cat person or a dog person? I think I am a lot of both. The point is, both have pluses and minuses, but both give us what we want -- unconditional love. Feed a cat, he loves you. Feed a dog she loves you. This choice is individual and important. Your lifestyle should determine what kind of pet you should have, not your emotions.

 

 

An Old Dog Can Teach You New Tricks

A funny thing happened when we adopted a second dog… Our older dog Jake, a sweet but hyper Golden Retriever, started having fewer seizures.

Jake had his first seizure shortly after turning three, which is the common age for seizure onset. At first we tried to control them with natural remedies, but after months of watching him seize every couple of weeks, we turned to our veterinarian for Phenobarbital. For the first six or eight months after starting the medication, we thought we were witnessing a miracle. But unfortunately that wasn’t the case. He had a breakthrough seizure a year ago, and after that he started seizing once a month, usually on a Monday when our cleaning woman was here mopping, vacuuming and generally taking over the house.

Then four months ago I brought home a new puppy, Maggie May, our little Duck Tolling Retriever. The second day after her arrival, Jake had a seizure. We weren’t surprised - it had been a month and he was right on cue. Then I noticed that another month passed and much to my surprise, there was no sign of Jake seizing. He usually defecates and urinates when he has a seizure, so it’s not likely to go unnoticed even if we aren’t home when it happens.

Jake the 5 year old Golden Retriever with his playmate Maggie May, the 6 month old Duck Tolling Retriever.
	Then another month passed seize free when I had to take Maggie May to the vet for her last booster shot. Jake really wanted to go along. They had become best friends and playmates, and now he wasn’t used to being separated from her. But I was in a hurry and two dogs was more than I was prepared to handle. While at the vet’s I explained what I had observed. She hadn’t heard of such a thing affecting seizures, but as we talked, she agreed that if Jake is hyper and stress brings on seizures (that’s the common belief), perhaps their sociability and puppy rough-housing is helping relieve stress and having a calming effect that would help lessen the seizures. Later Maggie May and I came home and within a minute or two after being
inside the house, I recognized Jake’s pre-ictal behavior and he immediately went into a seizure. And yes, it was a Monday when our cleaning woman was here. Perhaps the stress of the vacuuming, etc. was harder to handle in Maggie’s absence? Or perhaps Maggie’s absence was harder to handle with the vacuuming etc. going on around him. I’m knocking on wood as I write this because that last seizure was two months ago. I’m tracking the calendar to see just how long he can make it.

But I noticed another change in Jake when I took him to the vet’s. In the past, I was never sure which dogs he would like and which ones he’d give a little growl to. The last time he went to the vet (after Maggie May’s arrival) he ran in and wanted to kiss and play with every dog in site and was surprised, but not deterred, when he got a little growl back from a dog about one fifth his size.

These observations are making me think more about the Dog Whisperer. I’ve now read and watched enough of Cesar Milan that he’s got me re-thinking our “pack”. And I’m thinking that if I had both dogs out for a long walk for exercise in the morning, that Jake’s seizures might continue to subside. We know so little about dogs and seizures (or people and seizures for that matter) that the changes I’ve observed in Jake are giving me new hope that I can do more than just disseminate medication to have a positive impact on Jake and his seizures. I’ve got my work cut out for me.

About Dog Seizures

Some of what I have learned about seizures in dogs I learned from my veterinarian. But the majority of what I learned came from the internet. And the best of what I learned on the internet came from the “angels” at www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com. This is a wonderful site for anyone who has a pet with seizures. People share their experiences, wisdom, trial and error, and most importantly – their empathy. And if you need support (beyond just visiting the site which felt very supportive to me), you’re invited to hook up with an angel who you can call and talk to as needed (which is usually after your dog has had a seizure).

 

To Visit a Doggie Park…or not to Visit a Doggie Park

That’s no longer a question for this week’s guest columnist, Beth Fox. The freedom of running, playing and interacting with both dogs and humans in an open space showed her a side of her dog(s) that she hadn’t seen before. She has great tips for others who are considering visiting a dog park for the first time. And as Beth has written between the lines, (in the words of the Dog Whisperer) you the “pack leader”, will need to enter the dog park with calm-assertiveness. If you don’t, you will negatively impact the quality and demeanor of your dogs big play day.

Parking it with your Pooch

By Beth Fox

Orange County, Florida is possibly one of the most dog friendly regions in Florida, what with the number of tourists arriving daily with their dogs. Each one of the theme parks has a beautiful, top of the line kennel so you can enjoy your day at Disney World or Sea World, and your sweet little Muffie can relax in style in a stress-free environment.

Dogs romping in the park at Amelia Earhart dog park in Miami.
	But what about those of us who live here? We can go to the theme parks any time we want, leaving our dogs at home in the comfort of their own homes, that’s a given. But, how about a theme park for dogs? A Magic Kingdom for canines? Well, on a smaller scale, they do exist and I'm sure there is one in your community if you look for it.

I'm talking about Dog Parks. A one or two acre park just for dogs and their people to play, run, swim and just relax unleashed and free.

Dog parks are a great way to socialize your new puppy so he can learn big dog manners and burn off some of that excess energy. If you have a well socialized older dog, she might enjoy just getting out in the fresh air and seeing everyone else having fun.

Recently, I took my little cocka-poo Amber Lynn to a gorgeous dog park in Winter Park, FL. This is a two acre park on a lake with wooded trails on one side, grassy picnic areas on the other, and a beach in the middle. We met some friends there whose dogs are dog park veterans. Amber wasn't too sure what to do at first, but she watched Max and Misty and all the other dogs and kind of figured it out. We took a stroll through the cool dark woods, and then ended up at the beach.

Happy Retrievers on the run. Photo courtesy of Harvey Bilt Photography, www.biltphoto.com
	While all the Retrievers and Pit Bulls were splashing through the water chasing balls and Frisbees, I walked out into the lake about mid-calf deep. To my utter surprise, here came Amber bounding into the lake and swimming like a little fish! I taught her to swim in my backyard pool when she was a little puppy so she wouldn't drown if she accidentally fell in, but she usually has to be coaxed into the pool with me. But
here she was, running back and forth into the lake. I think the gentle slope of the shore made it more tempting for her, not to mention the other 10 or 12 dogs splashing around in there.

The next day, I went back, this time bringing Amber and my friend’s little 6 month old Pomeranian, Dawson. Dawson’s “mom” had to work so I thought it would be a good outing for him to really have some fun. When we first arrived, he didn't know what to do other than run in a big circle barking his head off, but when he saw Amber running, jumping and flying through the air, he figured it out quickly.

We ended up at the lake, Amber and I splashing around in the water and Dawson watching from the bank. I only recently taught him to swim so he hasn't had as much exposure to water as Amber. Within a few minutes, however, Dawson was running in and out of the lake, splashing and swimming! Within ten minutes the two of them acted like old dog park pros, chasing each other and other dogs, being chased, barking and running and generally just having the time of their lives.

When we got home that night, Amber and Dawson immediately got shampoos. Lake water is quite warm so there are lots of microorganisms in there, plus they found a dead frog to roll around in. They were dried off and fed their supper and I had two wiped out little dogs on my hands. When I put them to bed that night, I'm sure they had dreams of running, swimming and playing at the dog park.

Tips for Parking It with Your Pooch:

• Make sure your dog is up to date with her shots, particularly for kennel cough.
• Start bringing your dog as a puppy so he can get better socialized. Yappy, shy, or aggressive dogs are really not welcome.
• Bring a folding camp chair to sit on. You do NOT want to lay out a beach blanket on grass that has been peed and pooped on a million times.
• Some dog parks have a large tub for communal water drinking. I don't let my dogs drink from that, so I bring my own water bowl and water for them.
• Don't freak out if some other dogs get into a tussle, it is usually just a disagreement over a toy or stick. There are rarely real fights at dog parks.
• Bring your own toys. Your Frisbee, ball or other fetch toy may end up in the mouth of another dog temporarily while playing, but you'll get it back.
• Don't be overprotective with your dog. Give her the freedom to run and play with other dogs without your intervention. I saw a woman bend down and pick up her small dog every time another dog got within 5 feet of her. Why bother coming to a dog park?
  Expect other dogs to come up to you. They are just curious.
• Police your poop! Bring your own bags and pick it up as soon as it leaves your dog. You can expect to step in doody at a dog park, but try not to contribute to it.
• Don't bring an aggressive dog to the park, you will spend a very unpleasant afternoon with him and most likely will be asked not to return. Get some specialized training from a private dog trainer to break that bad habit.
  If you bring a picnic lunch, take all your garbage that came with you, away with you. Rabies in wild animals is a big concern in Florida and garbage attracts animals that may carry it.
  

There are all shapes, sizes and breeds of dogs at dog parks and going regularly will give your pup a great opportunity to be well socialized, relaxed, and exercised. Not only will he meet and make new friends, but you will too!

Why are My Women Friends in Love with the Dog Whisperer?

By Marie Etzler
May 2007

I was at a party recently on a balmy spring evening in Ft. Lauderdale and joined a conversation with a group of women, some I knew, others I'd just met, and as we chatted at the outdoor bar before dinner, the conversation turned to dogs. Each woman had a dog she loved, as did I, so I added my lavish praise of my own dog, admitted he was spoiled just as the others did. We ooh’d and aw’d over stories of how cute the dogs were and what they had done. One woman said her dog had passed away, and we all offered condolences. The talk turned to training, and one woman mentioned the television show, “The Dog Whisperer” and the dog trainer, Cesar Millan.

We all drew in a breath and said in unison, “I love the Dog Whisperer!”

There was a pause. It was the first moment of silence in the usual ritual of party chatter and what had been a warm conversation. We all seemed amazed that we were all in agreement, and a hint of jealousy perhaps crept in, as if perhaps each woman had thought she was the only one, that somehow he was theirs.

Why are all these women in love with the Dog Whisperer? I wondered if they meant the show or the man. I’m pretty sure they meant the man. My husband certainly thinks I’m in love with him. I protest when my husband says it. He walks in the room and catches me watching the show, shakes his head and laughs.

So I thought I would look more carefully at Cesar Millan’s interactions with people, especially women, and not just the dogs on the show. The way he is with the dogs I think is part of his appeal. The way he is with the people sometimes can be off-putting, especially when he tells them they are doing something wrong and that they are the source of their dog’s problem. Some people don’t like this. You can see them get stiff as he says it, and their replies get curt. But he usually wins them over at the end when they see how changed their dog is.

But I looked at what else he does, from when he first walks in to a person’s house. He sits down with the people, usually ignoring the dog, and asks them what they want.
When he says, “How can I help you?” that alone earns Brownie points because, really, in the course of your usual day, how many people ask you how they can help you? Don’t we more often get asked to help, especially if you are a woman and even more so if you are a Mom? That’s Mom’s job, to help, and that’s great, but once in a while a helping hand would help a lot.

Cesar teaches you to fish for a lifetime, as the proverb goes, not merely giving you a fish for a day. He gives you rules, boundaries and limitations – his mantra. In a world where you can have anything you want – even if it’s bad for you – someone tells you No and liberates you from the freedom. He’s an authority, and sometimes we like having an outside figure tell us what to do and not to do. We can then relay this information, these rules, to others with the weight of the authoritative person who established the rule. We’re off the hook. “It’s not me saying this, it’s the expert.” It’s the same with doctors. If you’ve been trying to talk your husband into losing weight, for example, but he doesn’t listen, all it takes is the authoritative edict from the doctor and bam, husband diets, at least for a while.

Cesar doesn’t pretend either. He tells it like it is. Often people avoid telling you something is wrong just to avoid hurting your feelings or being the one who was rude. Cesar tells you the truth, and he’s right. He can back it up. It’s like he has a special kinship with the dogs and can speak their language, hence the name of the show.

One woman he helped wiped tears from her eyes as she realized she had to demand respect from her dog, and she did it and it worked and her dog still loved her. Cesar gave her permission to demand respect. She said it herself, that all her life she’d let people push her around, and now she was going to be different. I believe her. It was a great transformation to watch.

That’s one of the things I love about the show. I learn more about myself and what I want from my dog as I watch them learn things about themselves. What do I want from my dog? Companionship, a buddy (although Cesar would caution me against this), and I admit I like that fact that my dog is so happy to see me when I come home and is interested in everything I do, even cleaning the bathroom. You know the joke: what’s the difference between a man and a dog after a year? The dog is still excited to see you when you walk in the door.

I’ll keep watching “The Dog Whisperer” and hopefully keep learning to be a pack leader, be “calm and assertive” as Cesar instructs. He’s confident and has air of command without aggression. I aspire to be more self confident. Cesar says dogs live in the moment. Maybe I could learn to let go of some things in the past and be like the saying goes: I strive to be the person my dog thinks I am.

Marie Etzler's blog, http://metzler.wordpress.com

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Our First Guest Column

We’re pleased to welcome our first guest columnist to dogsforwomen.com. When Marie Etzler emailed her “Why are my Women Friends in Love with the Dog Whisperer” article and asked if I’d be interested in using it on the website, I had only to get as far as the fourth paragraph before answering with a resounding “Yes”. You see, for a moment I wondered if we might be married to the same man. I quickly realized there are probably thousands of women across the country who will have the same reaction. Marie hit on a subject that is universal to women who love dogs...and, of course, the dog whisperer.

Do you have something you’d like to share with a community of dog lovers? Send it my way to deb@dogsforwomen.com. We don’t pay – we only share information, insights, laughs and resources.
Deb Eyerdam

 

How to Protect Your Older Dog from Your New Puppy

Typical Puppy Play
	What, you say? Protect your dog from a harmless puppy? Yes it’s true. Most people don’t know that if your older dog has floppy ears, they can be at risk around a playful puppy. If your dog and puppy play together, the floppy ears are a natural target for the little one. They’re fun to pull and dangle from – they beat any toy you can find in the pet store.
Crazed Pup Ready To Pounce
	The more patient your older dog is with this behavior, the more danger he/she may be in. Over time as the puppy plays and tugs at those ears, he can tear the cartilage that holds the ear (lobe) walls together and cause them to fill with blood. My explanation of this is in laymen’s terms – I’m not a veterinarian. But we did have this happen to our older retriever, Jessica, after we adopted our golden puppy, Jake.
We were so pleased with the way they seemed to have great fun playing together, and had no idea Jessica could be in harms way. Poor Jessica was fourteen years old at the time and had to go through surgery to drain the blood and sew her ears back together. She came through it just fine. Her ears healed perfectly (even at 14 years of age) and you couldn’t tell she’d had surgery. But had we known this was a hazard, we certainly would have worked to prevent it. Jake is now five years old and we’ve adopted a new pup, Maggie May. The two are constantly engaged in this same rough puppy play. Jake is so patient with this little vixen, we are often pulling Maggie May away from him as she gets too rough. But we’ve also taken a few precautions. First we put a big bandana on Jake. Often Maggie May would be content to pull on the bandana rather than Jake’s ears. However this is not a solution, just a preventative measure that has deflected some of the ear tugging. Second, we noticed balls of matted fur building up under Jake’s ears. Normally we would cut or comb them out, but in this case we decided to keep them until Maggie May outgrows this roughness. The reason? She tends to go for the fur balls under the ears more than she does for the actual ears themselves. Of course, this second preventative measure is useless for short-haired dogs. The final measure we’ve taken is one you’re probably already doing. We intervene during rough-housing with a toy big enough for them to tug on at the same time. Jake’s not out of the woods yet. We’ll have to take precautions to protect his ears for many months to come.
	For those who need to protect their pup from the older dog, I refer to an excellent Q&A in the American Kennel Club’s newsletter.
The photos in this article are provided courtesy of Harvey Bilt Photography, www.biltphoto.com

Steps to Keeping Your Puppy Safe

If you’ve chosen to adopt a puppy then you have to face the fact, you’ve adopted a baby… Granted, it will just grow up faster than your own kids, but your puppy will face a lot of the same temptations and dangers that infants do. And yes, you’ll even have to live through teething again.

Here are some very basic steps you should take to puppy-proof your home: Secure all cleaning supplies so that your puppy can’t gain access to them. Check your home and floors for simple things like fallen buttons, staples, screws, pins, needles – all of which could be very harmful to your pup. Do you have a kitty litter box? If yes, clean it often. Puppies love to eat kitty poop – it’s comprised of protein and they find it an irresistible treat. It may not harm your puppy, but the puppy may give you a big kiss or lick after their “desert”. Keep plastic bags, ribbons, yarn, etc. out of reach to the pup. All of these are tempting and potentially harmful for the little one. Never leave your puppy unsupervised. You need to be on the lookout for chewing of electrical wires…not to mention furniture. Remove all poisonous plants from the house. And check your yard, you may be amazed (as I was) to find out how many potentially harmful plants you have growing. The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a good list of toxic plants at www.aspca.org/toxicplants. Also remember that outside, any plant producing sizable nuts or seeds is a potential hazard that could cause blockage in your puppy’s tummy. If you are attentive, alert and use common sense, you and your pup should make it through this formidable time just fine. Don’t worry, be happy.

 

 

Adopting a Second Dog

	Many people think a dog is a dog is a dog… As long as you find a relatively smart and friendly one to bring home to Fido and the rest of the family, you’re in good shape. Unfortunately, that’s an understatement. Dogs are a tad more complicated than that. Dog breeds interact differently. My dog Jessica taught me that first hand. I refer to Jessica a lot because she was such a sweet, loving, even-tempered Golden Retriever. She loved other dogs, people, kids, cats, you name it… But she surprised me twice. The first time was when I was thinking about adopting a cute mutt that my friend had to get rid of. He was scruffy and long bodied, perhaps had some Bassett Hound and Terrier in him. Jessica, who I thought loved everyone, wanted nothing to do with him. After a long weekend, she was clearly showing signs of wanting him out of the house. I didn’t adopt.
The second time was when we dog sat for my neighbors Doberman, Ruby. Jessica didn’t have anything against Ruby, she just didn’t have much in common with her. And although they were both young and close in age, they didn’t know how to play with each other. Frankly, they just didn’t “get” each other.
	When adopting a second dog, there are a number of things to consider. As a general rule, the second dog should not be the same gender as the first. There’s less competition if they’re the opposite sex. If you want dogs that are going to play together, look for dogs with the same instincts. For example, you might start by looking at the groups on the AKC site.

If you’ve got a Terrier, maybe you should look at another Terrier. If you have a “working dog”, check out other working dogs, etc. There are numerous websites where you can learn about the instincts and temperaments of different breeds.

If you’re adopting from a shelter, call ahead and see if you can bring your dog to see how he interacts with you potential new pet. Depending upon the size and management of the shelter, this may be an option.

When I was researching breeds to adopt our second dog to join our Golden Retriever (and three cats), the obvious choice would have been another Golden or maybe a Lab – because their temperaments are so similar. However I wanted a slightly smaller dog this time – so I was considering a Goldendoodle (size may vary), Flat coated Retriever, a Springer Spaniel, Wheaten Terrier, and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, among others… I ruled out the Springer Spaniel when I finally faced the fact I’m not good at devoting time to grooming a coat. At least the Wheaten and Doodle I could just keep clipped. I then ruled out the Wheaten because I read in various places that they’re not suggested for a home with cats. If something darts by them, their natural instincts could take over. Plus – they’re not water dogs – and I wanted a dog that would swim with Jake and me. So I ended up with a little Duck Tolling Retriever – and what I got is a smart little dog that shares Jake’s Retriever instincts.

Despite the difference in size, they’re having a great time playing together. Hopefully this will continue. I tried to do my research – and so should you.

 

 

The Dos and Don’ts of Puppy Training

Potty Training

When I was young, I was taught whenever our dog had an “accident” to rub his nose in it. Today this is not considered conventional wisdom. Some have witnessed aggressive or shy behavior that resulted from this treatment. Puppies have very short attention spans and by the time you discover the “accident”, your dog will not make the connection between their behavior and yours (rubbing of the nose).

Some professionals recommend that during training you keep a six foot leash on your dog at all times they are with you both inside and outside of the house. With a leash on, you can hopefully catch the behavior immediately, give a gentle yank on the leash and instruct “No”, pick the puppy up and take it outside to show him where you want him to eliminate.

While outside, you give the dog the same instruction each time. The choice of words is yours. Let’s say your instruction is, “Do your job.” They should be taken to the same spot in the yard each time you want them to go and be given the same instructions. If your dog obliges you by “doing his job”, you wait until he is done (so as not to distract) and give him great praise the moment he’s finished. If your dog does not do his job, wait five minutes while repeating the instruction. If you do not have success, bring the dog back in the house when the time is up. You don’t want this to turn in to a battle of the wills. You’re training the puppy. Don’t let him train you.

Consistency is Key

Remember that routine and consistency are keys to success with your dog. They will learn quickly if you are consistent and keep to a schedule that accommodates their bladder. As a general rule, puppies will need to be taken outside to eliminate first thing when they get up in the morning and any time they awake from a nap, within 20 minutes after eating, and every two to three hours from morning until bed time.

Crate Training

Crates generally make training a dog fast and pleasurable for all. But you need to follow the rules. Misuse of a crate will be traumatic for both you and your pet. Remember you must get a crate large enough for your dog to be comfortable and change positions. Do not place the crate in an isolated part of the house – you want your dog to be a well socialized member of the family. Create a warm comfy environment with towels or some soft cover on the bottom and his favorite toys inside. For safety reasons always take his leash and collar off when he’s in a crate. NEVER punish your dog by putting him in the crate. This should be his “safe space.” NEVER scold him if he relieves himself in the crate. He doesn’t like it any better than you. Dogs much prefer a clean crate – that’s part of the reason this is an effective training method. At the same time, don’t expect that you can put a puppy in a crate while you’re at work all day and come home in the evening to a clean crate and calm dog. That’s too much to expect. If you’ve decided to adopt a puppy you should have made alternative plans for his care while you’re at work. You may consider doggie day camp or you, a friend, relative or neighbor should check on him, feed him lunch (if he’s a young pup) and take him outside (on a schedule) to do his job and get some exercise. Young puppies can not endure long periods in a crate. Even adult dogs should only endure 4 to 6 hours maximum in a crate.

Remember…

DO:

• Get a crate large enough for your dog/puppy to move comfortably inside.
• Remove leash and collar before placing your dog in the crate.
• Make the bottom of the crate comfortable with old towels or other safe material and place his favorite toys inside.
• Place the crate in a part of the house that will be frequented by family members.
• Be consistent and keep the puppy on a routine.

DON’T EVER:

• Use the crate as punishment for your dog.
• Scold your dog if he relieves himself in the crate.
• Expect a young puppy to spend an entire day in a crate. That is neglect.

My Personal Experience – a “Hybrid” Approach

I never intended to crate train my new puppy. However I bought a crate with bedding to accommodate her for a long drive home from Alabama to Miami. Then I realized the crate was home base for her so I put it inside the portable kennel I set up in my home office. I keep puppy housebreaking pads inside the kennel (outside of the crate) in case of emergency. The door to the kennel and crate remain open when we are home and our pup has the option of coming and going as she pleases. When we are not home, we put her in the kennel where she has the option of coming and going from her crate. At night, depending upon our schedule and hers, she has the option of sleeping with us if she’s ready to go to bed. If she is still wound up and doesn’t want to settle down, she goes in the kennel where she pretty quickly learns to settle in her crate. The puppy housebreaking pads come in most handy at night – whether she’s sleeping in the kennel or sleeping with us but has access to the kennel – if she can’t make it through the night without eliminating, she goes on the puppy pad.

This system is working well for us. But it’s only been a month and she’s only three months old - hopefully we won’t have repercussions down the road. I must admit I tried keeping the six foot leash on her at all times and we lasted a whole day and a half! I just don’t think it’s realistic for the pup or the owner. Proponents of this method instruct that whenever the pup is not on the leash with you, he should be in the crate. I fear if one takes this leash training too seriously, you’re puppy will end up spending more time in the crate than he does with you. And I think it’s healthier the other way around. Sometimes we all need to use our best judgment and go with what works for us as individuals.

Truth and Consequences

As I was writing this, my puppy Maggie May was sleeping by my foot. Just as I finished writing, the mailman rang our doorbell, and our big dog, Jake, went non-stop with his greatest, deepest watchdog barks. Soon my husband was dragging a big mailing tube full of fishing rods (shopping on Ebay again!) through my office and out the French doors to the back shed. Suddenly we realized Maggie May was missing. We spent a half hour in a panic when we couldn’t find her in or out of the house. Granted, if I had her on a leash or in her crate or even her kennel, this wouldn’t have happened. So you have to be prepared to suffer the consequences puppy freedom can allow. Fortunately, this had a happy ending. Maggie May found a new hiding space in an open closet.

 

 

“Bringing Home Baby”

My husband thinks I’m nuts. And I’m not sure I disagree. I was in communication with a non-profit dog rescue group and ready to arrange a visit to look for a pup to adopt when I found out that my very swollen and bruised foot also contained a couple of broken bones and I’d have to wear a big black boot for a month or so. I decided this was not a good time to adopt a puppy that I might need to chase around the house or yard.

As I was on the phone with a friend in Orlando catching up about my foot and plans for dogsforwomen.com, etc., she said, “You know if you want a dog like Jessica (our loving departed golden) I know just the one. My friend has a dog, Jessie, that is so sweet and so smart and so much like Jessica. She’s a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.” Bingo. I had researched this breed earlier and was enticed. It’s smaller than a golden but seems to have many of the same traits except that it is more aloof around strangers and visitors. Not a bad thing. Jake can overwhelm any intruder in our house with an overload of love and affection. My friend continued on about this dog. She even said, “Forget my dogs (a great big dobie and little multecockapoo, a.k.a., mutt) – next to your Jessica, this Jessie is the best dog in the world.”

The hunt was on. While talking on the phone I went on-line and found two breeders in Florida and immediately sent emails asking if they had a female puppy available. Shortly after I hung up with my friend I got an email back from one stating she had one female available that was currently 6 weeks old. As instructed, I went to their website, www.kdskennels.com, looked at the pictures of the puppies, filled out the adoption questionnaire, and I was hooked. Then I noticed the address on their website said Alabama, not Ft. Myers, Florida as I had thought! They moved.

I checked flight schedules – ridiculous! No non-stops and really expensive. So I emailed my friend in Orlando to let her know the perilous path she had led me down and asked if she wanted to drive to Alabama. In no time she replied, “Tell me when to pack my bags!” The plan was hatched.

I sent the breeder my deposit and continued to look at the pictures on the website daily. Mine was little pink girl. She’s the only one of the litter that is a “pet”, not a show dog, which explains why she was still available. Poor girl is flawed. She’s the runt of the litter and has a white patch on her shoulder – a no-no in the Toller world. Of course it all made her more endearing to me, even though we hadn’t met.

The “hadn’t met” part is what started making my supportive husband nervous. As we approached the daily count down to the drive, he would insert words of wisdom such as, “You know if she’s not what you expect, you don’t have to take her. I know it’s a long drive and that would be a difficult decision. But you don’t want to make the wrong decision.” It’s true – that would be one tough decision. We picked Jake out of the litter because he crawled up on the couch next to my husband to present a stuffed toy he was holding in his mouth - and that was it. It was emotional. What if I’m introduced to an aloof puppy? What will I do? That’s never happened to me before. Of course the breeder is reputable and has a policy that if you change your mind they’ll fully refund the deposit. They want to match the right dog to the right owner.

I had no choice but to continue to think positive.

 

“Bringing Home Baby, Part 2”

I headed to Longwood on a Friday and stayed with my friend, Beth and her clan of 5 dogs, 7 cats, 7 sugar gliders and 1 skunk. Actually, she’s not that crazy. More than half of the critters belong to her friend, Carrie, who was staying with her until she moved into her new house.

Saturday morning, Beth and I hit the road bright and early and headed for Grady, Alabama, tossing around a list of names for the new little girl all along the way. I called my husband and announced that if it seemed to fit when I met her, I was going to name her Maggie May. He gave his vote of approval. Saturday night we stayed at a hotel in Troy, pigged out on great barbecue and hit the beds early in high anticipation of meeting the little pink girl Sunday morning.

And little pink girl did not disappoint. She was in the house with her father, Wizard, while all the other dogs were in their kennels. She looked and acted like Wizard, which I found a delight because Wizard was a sweetheart who enjoyed playing with his little girl. I found their interaction a good omen for things to come with our dog Jake back in Miami. Whew – I was glad to get past this point and have absolutely no qualms about taking home this little character of a fluffball. She was everything I hoped for in a little 8 week old puppy.

Rocket at forefront, Jessie the Toller that started it all in back with Beth and two of her kitties.

I figured if she could handle that 8 hour ride back to Longwood and not be intimidated the first night by the multitude of animals roaming Beth’s house, I’d have a winner. She was just amazing - so confident with the other animals I could hardly believe it. Made me wonder if I might have an alpha female? I didn’t see too many signs of subservience… And when you consider that one of the dogs was a 90 pound Doberman Pincer named Rocket, you really would expect at least a little subservience! Being the pushover I am, I had to have Maggie May sleep with me that first night. I have to admit, neither one of us got a whole lot of sleep. But that ended up working out well. Monday we had a 4 ½ hour ride back to Miami, without the aide of “Aunt Beth” to take care of Maggie May. Maggie May was exhausted and slept the whole way. Except for somewhere around Boca Raton when she pooped in her crate, and was so tired, she just laid in it.

How do you wind up this toy?

Once we got home, my first job was to introduce Jake to Maggie May. I did that by bringing Jake out to the car to see her before bringing her in the house. I think the “eau de poop” helped her score points with Jake. Although she was absolutely miniscule next to his 90 to 100 pound frame, he seemed to “get it” from the getco that this was a baby you had to be gentle with, no matter how much he wanted to make her run and play. It is all working out wonderfully. Maggie May has only been with us a couple of weeks, but she’s settled in and all of the animals are getting along.

Jake and Maggie hanging out
	Well, except for our only female cat, Julliet Fluffy Butt Baby Girl. Her nose is a little out of joint – I guess because we brought another girl into the house. But she’s coming around. Below you’ll see a lazy Sunday morning with Rascal in the forefront, Romeo, Jake and Maggie May. Notice we’re “sans” Julliet.

As Maggie May grows I’ll keep you tuned with photos and stories. And I hope you’ll share your critter photos and stories on our blog…

 

About Jessica

We never counted how many words Jessica had in her vocabulary, but I wish we had. We had a journalism professor friend who swore her vocabulary was larger than most of his students’. You didn’t just tell Jessica to get her toy. You had to specify which one. Was it the cheeseburger, football, teddy bear, kitty, tennis ball, bunny? She would roam the house looking for the one you had requested and reappear with a wagging tail and the toy in her mouth. Jake, our 4 ½ year old golden has a much more limited toy vocabulary. It consists of Frisbee, Frisbee, Frisbee and Frisbee. He’s obsessed.

I remember one time when Jessica was young my mother came to visit. We were all sitting in the family room when my husband commanded Jessica to “lay down”. Jessica just looked at him as if to say, “You talkin’ to me?” My mother came to Jessica’s defense and said, “She probably doesn’t understand incorrect English. It’s ‘lie down’.” I’m sure I remember this so well because of the secret joy of hearing my mother correct my wordsmith editor/writer husband.

Everyone listened to my mom and so did Rick. He looked at Jessica and sternly said, “Lie down.” No problem - Jessica did just that. The two of them never had a problem with that command again.

I’m looking forward to working on little Pink girl’s vocabulary…

 

“How can I find the right dog?”

That’s the question I asked myself as I started researching the perfect pup to join our family of two humans, 1 male golden retriever, and 3 cats. I was looking for a bond like the one between my husband, Rick, and our golden, Jake. Don’t get me wrong, Jake loves me and I love Jake. But Jake and Rick, well, they’re soul mates… So the search began. How could I find “my” dog – one that would fit our lifestyle and not only bond with me but with our other pets?

My husband said, “Google ‘dogs for women’, I bet you’ll find something.” Low and behold, nothing was there. So I figured if I’m searching for help finding the right breed for my circumstances, odds are women around the world are doing the same. So “Dogs for Women” was created to make your search for the perfect pup fun, easy and informational.