I just set up a cable trolley in the back yard for Daphne. I can't leave her in the fenced yard for too long for fear of digging, scratching on doors, or chasing chickens. I don't normally approve of back yard dogs, but when I watch her out there she frolics around, chewing sticks and chasing bugs. So I figure she could use more time to play and less time lying under my desk.
Immediately when I clipped her to the leash, her behaviour changed. She stopped barreling into Mona chasing the ball. She was more timid and seems afraid to walk. She has used the entire run (100 ft.), but only when I am with her. When she hears the high pitched whir of the pulley it scares her. So she is laying still. I am sure a little bit of familiarity will make her bold. I'll give her half an hour and then go let her off and play with her.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Bored Collie
A large fly got into the house, and Mona has been chasing it. I have been utterly remiss in providing the level of activity and interest for her that I hold myself responsible for,
so she has found a way to make things interesting. She still huffs around, indicating that it is high time for a Dog Activity. I do agree, but with my neck pain and my job search, I just have to work it in. I consider Mona a barometer for how I am doing, like a canary in a coal mine. Honestly, there are many ways that I am barely holding together. That means I can't make Mona as high a priority as I'd like, and when that shows on her, I often find I am more able to maintain us both. She motivates me, and the things that are healthy for her also help me.
The key to keeping these dogs happy is to take them individually. It isn't always easy. Today I plan to take Mona to the bus stop to get Kayleigh, but not Daphne. I cannot hold a leash if she pulls because of this severe neck pain. We'll have to take her out later in the car to an off leash area.
so she has found a way to make things interesting. She still huffs around, indicating that it is high time for a Dog Activity. I do agree, but with my neck pain and my job search, I just have to work it in. I consider Mona a barometer for how I am doing, like a canary in a coal mine. Honestly, there are many ways that I am barely holding together. That means I can't make Mona as high a priority as I'd like, and when that shows on her, I often find I am more able to maintain us both. She motivates me, and the things that are healthy for her also help me.
The key to keeping these dogs happy is to take them individually. It isn't always easy. Today I plan to take Mona to the bus stop to get Kayleigh, but not Daphne. I cannot hold a leash if she pulls because of this severe neck pain. We'll have to take her out later in the car to an off leash area.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Scooping: actual technique, the flat instance
I mentioned briefly in my last post, the usual scoop technique, which I call the Claw. Fingers are slightly spread with a curve to them, like a rounded rake. In some instances (such as for large dogs like rottweilers), a two-handed system is required, with the two claw hands coming together and allowing grass to slip out of the grabbed material. This works for piles in tall grass.
Flat piles:
If you have not scooped your yard in a long time, and you live in Seattle where it rains a lot, you will need to handle piles that have been spread flat. There is still enough material that you need to scoop it. Another case when you might encounter a flat pile is when your dog is not feeling too well or has eaten the wrong thing, if you know what I mean.
For these you will need a two handed technique. The two hands come together from opposite sides of the pile, through the walls of the bag. When the hands meet, the bag and hands are inverted so the poop falls into the bottom of a fresh bag. (I suggest using this technique with fresh bags until you have enough experience to be confident and adept at using a bag for multiple piles.) When you are scooping a flat pile, use the side of your hands, though the bag of course, and try to get under the pile as much as possible. If it is totally melted into the ground, you will at best get a squigi effect. It's still worth scooping because you can get most of the material. Using the pinky-finger side of your hands, squigi the two sides of the pile together.
bag position:
Position the bag with the opening pointing down toward the pile and your thumbs pointing up toward the closed end og the bag. Make sure the sides of your hands are still on the plastic! A good choice would be about half way down the side of the bag. You'll need enough space to contain the material, with plenty of room for closing the top of the bag. Place the bag over the pile, squigi your hands together, and invert the bag. This may sound easier than it is.
Sometimes I give a little toss to get the material to go into the bag, and then scrape the ground again with my fingertips to get the rest. Again, through the plastic of course! There will probably be some material you cannot get, so don't worry too much about it. Once the bag is right side out with the poop inside, don't try to get any more with that bag. I mean, feel free, but be prepared to go inside and wash your hands with soap without touching anything on the way. Also note, with any use of fingertips, to mind that your fingernails do not puncture the plastic.
checking hands for contamination:
First look, and then smell. Sometimes eyes miss what the nose doesn't. For an accurate reading you may have to walk several steps from the pile and the bag.
Bag management:
Immediately after inverting the bag with poop inside, squeeze the bag together at the lowest clean point on the sides of the bag. The technique includes squeezing the air out to prevent tears from popped bags. Then twist the plastic tightly at that point. Assuming your handles are clean enough, go ahead and twist up the bag and tie a knot in the twisted rope-like section. Getting the bag twisted ASAP will significantly reduce the odor, and makes scooping much more bearable.
Flat piles:
If you have not scooped your yard in a long time, and you live in Seattle where it rains a lot, you will need to handle piles that have been spread flat. There is still enough material that you need to scoop it. Another case when you might encounter a flat pile is when your dog is not feeling too well or has eaten the wrong thing, if you know what I mean.
For these you will need a two handed technique. The two hands come together from opposite sides of the pile, through the walls of the bag. When the hands meet, the bag and hands are inverted so the poop falls into the bottom of a fresh bag. (I suggest using this technique with fresh bags until you have enough experience to be confident and adept at using a bag for multiple piles.) When you are scooping a flat pile, use the side of your hands, though the bag of course, and try to get under the pile as much as possible. If it is totally melted into the ground, you will at best get a squigi effect. It's still worth scooping because you can get most of the material. Using the pinky-finger side of your hands, squigi the two sides of the pile together.
bag position:
Position the bag with the opening pointing down toward the pile and your thumbs pointing up toward the closed end og the bag. Make sure the sides of your hands are still on the plastic! A good choice would be about half way down the side of the bag. You'll need enough space to contain the material, with plenty of room for closing the top of the bag. Place the bag over the pile, squigi your hands together, and invert the bag. This may sound easier than it is.
Sometimes I give a little toss to get the material to go into the bag, and then scrape the ground again with my fingertips to get the rest. Again, through the plastic of course! There will probably be some material you cannot get, so don't worry too much about it. Once the bag is right side out with the poop inside, don't try to get any more with that bag. I mean, feel free, but be prepared to go inside and wash your hands with soap without touching anything on the way. Also note, with any use of fingertips, to mind that your fingernails do not puncture the plastic.
checking hands for contamination:
First look, and then smell. Sometimes eyes miss what the nose doesn't. For an accurate reading you may have to walk several steps from the pile and the bag.
Bag management:
Immediately after inverting the bag with poop inside, squeeze the bag together at the lowest clean point on the sides of the bag. The technique includes squeezing the air out to prevent tears from popped bags. Then twist the plastic tightly at that point. Assuming your handles are clean enough, go ahead and twist up the bag and tie a knot in the twisted rope-like section. Getting the bag twisted ASAP will significantly reduce the odor, and makes scooping much more bearable.
Labels:
bag,
flat piles,
grass,
hand check,
scoop techniques,
twist
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Scoop topics, backyard issues
I scooped the yard today, and it was so easy with just two dogs and maintenance a week ago! Just one bag full. With four dogs and not help from the owner of the other two, and a backlog of weeks at a time, the job was just horrible. I would come out with a good 20 pounds of poop in 3-4 bags, two in each hand, gingerly navigating the steps and opening the trash can lid. Hoping not to have a mishap and let the open end face down or scrape the sides.
Anyway, one way I am approaching this book idea is to compile the topics I want to write about:
1. The whole physical process of the scoop.
2. Twisting the bag for odor control
3. Holding bag to the side, and back, preferably downwind.
4. Untwisting, scooping dried out ones and then re-twisting.* Good fur sunny days like today.
5. How to deal with grass
- to try to tear grass and keep in bag? or
- to scrape what you can off the blades and leave some (stinky process)
6. Beware twigs! How to prevent tears, how to decide whether to remove or keep in bag.
7. It's so old and dried out, I can leave it, right? (why would you! Just get rid of it. You'll miss enough by accident, and dog shit does not make good fertilizer.)
8. Bag diagrams, bag assessment
9. The basic hand motion-- the claw, the two-handed rake, inverting the bag and using one side to scoop and dump into the other corner of the bag.
* Not recommended unless conditions are suitable, ie, new pile to scoop is dried out and easy to pick up.
Anyway, one way I am approaching this book idea is to compile the topics I want to write about:
1. The whole physical process of the scoop.
2. Twisting the bag for odor control
3. Holding bag to the side, and back, preferably downwind.
4. Untwisting, scooping dried out ones and then re-twisting.* Good fur sunny days like today.
5. How to deal with grass
- to try to tear grass and keep in bag? or
- to scrape what you can off the blades and leave some (stinky process)
6. Beware twigs! How to prevent tears, how to decide whether to remove or keep in bag.
7. It's so old and dried out, I can leave it, right? (why would you! Just get rid of it. You'll miss enough by accident, and dog shit does not make good fertilizer.)
8. Bag diagrams, bag assessment
9. The basic hand motion-- the claw, the two-handed rake, inverting the bag and using one side to scoop and dump into the other corner of the bag.
* Not recommended unless conditions are suitable, ie, new pile to scoop is dried out and easy to pick up.
Folklife Festival
Yesterday I took Mona to the Folklife Festival at Seattle Center. I used to take her out on the bus and to business districts in the city regularly. Living in the U district, I had a busy street to visit all the time. I haven't taken Mona to Seattle Center, let alone to a really crowded festival in years. She did really well. We have worked out pretty good communication so I could steer her a little bit on the leash, sometimes giving a lot of line for her to forge ahead, and other times keeping her close to my side to protect her.
I could tell she enjoyed being out because she pushed the limits a few times, and also laid smiling and panting on the grass with us. She ate some gyros that fell on the ground. That's the best treat ever, I'd say. Dry, salty, meaty. She broke the belt loop I had tied her to, straining for the gyros. That was the only acting out she did. She visited with people sitting near us and made friends all around. Twice people kindly tried to help bring her back to me after she wandered 10 feet or so, but when I called her, she came before they could reach her. She lingered long enough for me to say, "Right now!" and then some, but moved just as the stranger came within reach. This is the kind of behaviour that screams manipulative bitch. She is always on top of the important issues, though.
There were at least 4 intact male pit bulls. what are these people thinking?? Mona was appropriate with all the other dogs there, of course. Many folks liked her, telling us about their border collie at home. One commented that she didn't seem very stressed out. A booth vendor had water out for dogs. That's always nice. I taught Mona to drink from fountains early on. I had taken her into the Center House to the fountain, and she had that weird reverse sneezing thing after drinking. I think she feels weird drinking from a bipedal position. So a bowl on the ground was nice for her. We hung out so she could take a couple relaxed drinks and not ahve to hurry. You know a booth that flags you down to share their dog water likes dogs!
All in all, I really enjoyed having Mona there. I wish I had the energy to bring Daphne,
but I just don't. I have worked hard to be single-handed with Mona and Kayleigh (my 6 years old daughter). I have to pack hats, coats, an umbrella, water, bags, snacks, and a leash. It would be a great experience for Daphne. I have not even taken her on the bus. With her fear of slick flooring, and submissive social position, she might need a lot of looking after to help boost her confidence and make it a positive experience for her.
I am still looking for a home for Daphne.
I could tell she enjoyed being out because she pushed the limits a few times, and also laid smiling and panting on the grass with us. She ate some gyros that fell on the ground. That's the best treat ever, I'd say. Dry, salty, meaty. She broke the belt loop I had tied her to, straining for the gyros. That was the only acting out she did. She visited with people sitting near us and made friends all around. Twice people kindly tried to help bring her back to me after she wandered 10 feet or so, but when I called her, she came before they could reach her. She lingered long enough for me to say, "Right now!" and then some, but moved just as the stranger came within reach. This is the kind of behaviour that screams manipulative bitch. She is always on top of the important issues, though.
There were at least 4 intact male pit bulls. what are these people thinking?? Mona was appropriate with all the other dogs there, of course. Many folks liked her, telling us about their border collie at home. One commented that she didn't seem very stressed out. A booth vendor had water out for dogs. That's always nice. I taught Mona to drink from fountains early on. I had taken her into the Center House to the fountain, and she had that weird reverse sneezing thing after drinking. I think she feels weird drinking from a bipedal position. So a bowl on the ground was nice for her. We hung out so she could take a couple relaxed drinks and not ahve to hurry. You know a booth that flags you down to share their dog water likes dogs!
All in all, I really enjoyed having Mona there. I wish I had the energy to bring Daphne,
but I just don't. I have worked hard to be single-handed with Mona and Kayleigh (my 6 years old daughter). I have to pack hats, coats, an umbrella, water, bags, snacks, and a leash. It would be a great experience for Daphne. I have not even taken her on the bus. With her fear of slick flooring, and submissive social position, she might need a lot of looking after to help boost her confidence and make it a positive experience for her.
I am still looking for a home for Daphne.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
chewing needs
I seem to have a thing with elderly rottweilers. I had a roommate with a rottie, and after she moved out, she took a job with frequent travel. I ended up caring for this old lady rott for several months. I learned quite a lot from her, actually, about the breed and about the kind of mellow energy they have. She was a real character, but it took awhile to really 'get' her. One funny thing she did was interrupt dinner with a crescendo of growling. It is frightening! I realized, though, that she was trying to include herself in the conversation. Nothing was wrong, once we looked at her and talked to her. But just conversing amongst the humans and eating dinner was not to her liking. (As a training issue, of course I wouldn't go for a regular dinner interruption.)
Anyway, this year I have cared for an 11 year old intact male Rottweiler, Salvador. He's a well trained dog and a big sweetie. Daphne loves him. He stands tall with a ball in his mouth, growling, while she wiggles up to him and licks his mouth. They give each other hours of entertainment.
I dropped her off at his house for an overnight, just to keep each other company. They seemed to enjoy it, but after I picked up Daphne, she was wanting to have more action. I was just hanging out with the family, so I gave her a nylabone. She had not been very interested in it before, but she sat on the floor and chewed it up once she realized it was going to be mellow time. In fact, I had to hold onto it for awhile, sometimes playing with it and other times just keeping it from her. I finally made her sit and gave it to her, and shortly after, Mona had it and started to chew it. Finally, all this desire for the nylabone made Daphne suddenly find its value.
What I reflect on is the variety of activities she needs. She did not seem to chew at all in the two days at Salvador's house. But when it was time to just lay around and chill, she really relished that chew session. She holds the bone so it touches the floor and makes a huge racket. I suspect this is part of making sure she is in everyone's awareness. Sort of like when I pet Mona, Dapnhe suddenly needs to hack and cough, for attention.
Anyway, this year I have cared for an 11 year old intact male Rottweiler, Salvador. He's a well trained dog and a big sweetie. Daphne loves him. He stands tall with a ball in his mouth, growling, while she wiggles up to him and licks his mouth. They give each other hours of entertainment.
I dropped her off at his house for an overnight, just to keep each other company. They seemed to enjoy it, but after I picked up Daphne, she was wanting to have more action. I was just hanging out with the family, so I gave her a nylabone. She had not been very interested in it before, but she sat on the floor and chewed it up once she realized it was going to be mellow time. In fact, I had to hold onto it for awhile, sometimes playing with it and other times just keeping it from her. I finally made her sit and gave it to her, and shortly after, Mona had it and started to chew it. Finally, all this desire for the nylabone made Daphne suddenly find its value.
What I reflect on is the variety of activities she needs. She did not seem to chew at all in the two days at Salvador's house. But when it was time to just lay around and chill, she really relished that chew session. She holds the bone so it touches the floor and makes a huge racket. I suspect this is part of making sure she is in everyone's awareness. Sort of like when I pet Mona, Dapnhe suddenly needs to hack and cough, for attention.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Obedience training/competition
Mona and I began training classes in May or June 1999 with Kathy Lang, at her business Family Dog Training Center. Kathy Lang won the Training Instructor of the Year award from WSOTC for three years running until they abandoned the prize because nobody else won it. I love training with her. She is someone I truly admire on many levels. I have dropped out of the activities because I am looking for employment and cannot afford the hobby, but my heart swells with pride when I read the following show report:
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Keeper is the Belgian sheepdog that was the demo dog when I first started with Mona. I love those old bitches. She just has a special place in my heart.
Anyway, if you are able to attend training classes at Family dog, I highly recommend it. Theirs is the training philosophy I subscribe to and use.
Cheryl & Blaze -- Rally Nov B -- second leg, third place with a score of 98
Kathy & Flame -- Rally Nov B -- another bonus leg, first place with 100 score & fastest time out of 3 100 scores
Kathy & Tory -- Rally Nov B -- another bonus leg with a score of 97
Kathy & Flame -- Regular Obedience Novice B -- brain lapse heeling off leash, required a second command to get back into position, score of 189-1/2 and 3rd place
Kathy & Flame, with Cheryl handling on stays -- Veterans Novice -- 1st place score of 191 (I'm sure Cheryl will have a humorous view of handling stays; Flame gave her many dirty looks but did do the stays for her!)
Kathy & Keeper -- Veterans Novice -- 2nd place score of 163 -- must have been Alzheimers, but she didn't come on the first recall command. However, she was relaxed and happy and did everything else quite well!
---------
Keeper is the Belgian sheepdog that was the demo dog when I first started with Mona. I love those old bitches. She just has a special place in my heart.
Anyway, if you are able to attend training classes at Family dog, I highly recommend it. Theirs is the training philosophy I subscribe to and use.
My dogs
I posted a photo of Mona, my border collie, keeping track of Blackie, the chicken that thinks it is a dog. Blackie comes when I call the dogs and tries to follow them into the house. She once stood up to Mona, giving her a directed flap: wings spread, lunging. I reinforced that and told Mona to back off. Every once in awhile, Mona will get a big grin on her face and stalk and pounce at the chickens. She loves to make them flap. Immediately she looks away and comes over looking guilty, but not sorry. She just likes to raise a flap.
We have another dog right now, Daphne. Little Dafodil. She is a pit bull mix with the softest heart, afraid of linoleum floors. We call her Daffy, too. After raising a border collie, Daphne was a little dense (in more ways than one). Actually, the most dangerous thing about her is the potential for being bonked by her hard, hard head. Her tail is thick and meaty, and will make your leg sore when she wags her tail and it hits you. Otherwise, she's not that big. Just 50 pounds or so.
I took Daphne home from the Off Leash Area when she was 11 weeks old. A man was giving her away, along with 8 siblings. I could tell what a great dog she was, with symmetrical features, beautiful markings, a sound physique, and young enough to not have any problems yet. I picked the smallest of the litter, the one that was most wiggly and lickey like a border collie. I figured I would spay her, train her and find her a new home. We wavered back and forth on that, but now I seem to have found a suitable new home for her. I was able to see Daphne's parents because I took a woman to go get one of the other pups. The sire was a huge, friendly, light brown brindle pit bull who was tethered in the back yard. The dam was a large black vicious herding mix. Obviously she was not being treated too well. Daphne displays some herding instinct, crouching down to stalk dogs she is playing with. Being raised by a border collie, she has a lot more respect for personal space than most pit mixes. I have kept on top of her indoors training, making sure she does not step on toes or beg at the table. I used to a do a lot of training with her (stays, recall, etc) but since I was laid off, I can't justify the time spent on her. I haven't been keeping up on Mona's training either. But Daphne has a solid foundation of conditioning, and I am eager to help a new owner pick up the tricks I use and the language Daf knows. She's a great dog and I hope to keep in touch with her.
I posted some ads mentioning a dog-share idea. I got flamed a bit, but also had a radio interview as a result. One woman told me it was unhealthy for the dog. I disagree. My experience is that dogs are flexible, just like people. Some kids grow up and do just fine with two homes and different rules at mom and dad's houses. Similarly, I find that the dogs we once lived with as roommates are happy to come stay with us when their owners are out of town. My ex husband's dog still fits right into the pack even though we only see him occasionally. It is like extended family. You pick up right where you left off, and so long as there is stability in the primary relationship, the dog is not at all confused.
In fact, When my ex went to live in Chehalis and could not take his dog, I had the dog for a few months. My ex lamented that he didn't seem like his dog anymore. But when he got a place where he could have his dog, the transition went seamlessly. Now the dog (Tucker) still obeys me but looks primarily to his owner even when they are here for the weekend. we have an extended pack, and I enjoy providing support for responsible owners. Everyone needs a break sometimes, and some freedom to travel.
Here is a photos of all three dogs taken in April. You can see Mona is aloof and busy while Daphne and Tucker play together. Tucker is amazingly beautiful and soft, with excellent manners. I call him our friendly dog. Total chick magnet.
We have another dog right now, Daphne. Little Dafodil. She is a pit bull mix with the softest heart, afraid of linoleum floors. We call her Daffy, too. After raising a border collie, Daphne was a little dense (in more ways than one). Actually, the most dangerous thing about her is the potential for being bonked by her hard, hard head. Her tail is thick and meaty, and will make your leg sore when she wags her tail and it hits you. Otherwise, she's not that big. Just 50 pounds or so.
I posted some ads mentioning a dog-share idea. I got flamed a bit, but also had a radio interview as a result. One woman told me it was unhealthy for the dog. I disagree. My experience is that dogs are flexible, just like people. Some kids grow up and do just fine with two homes and different rules at mom and dad's houses. Similarly, I find that the dogs we once lived with as roommates are happy to come stay with us when their owners are out of town. My ex husband's dog still fits right into the pack even though we only see him occasionally. It is like extended family. You pick up right where you left off, and so long as there is stability in the primary relationship, the dog is not at all confused.
In fact, When my ex went to live in Chehalis and could not take his dog, I had the dog for a few months. My ex lamented that he didn't seem like his dog anymore. But when he got a place where he could have his dog, the transition went seamlessly. Now the dog (Tucker) still obeys me but looks primarily to his owner even when they are here for the weekend. we have an extended pack, and I enjoy providing support for responsible owners. Everyone needs a break sometimes, and some freedom to travel.
Here is a photos of all three dogs taken in April. You can see Mona is aloof and busy while Daphne and Tucker play together. Tucker is amazingly beautiful and soft, with excellent manners. I call him our friendly dog. Total chick magnet.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Greetings and welcome
I was hoping to have The Dog Blog, but naturally that name is taken with no real content. Darn! So instead I am naming my dog blog "How to Scoop" in honor of my upcoming book on the ins and outs of effective scooping. This issue is something every prospective and current city dog owner must consider. Furthermore, it is something to consider when selecting the size of dog a prospective owner wants. I can give tips on making do (no pun intended) with inadequate scooping supplies while avoiding unpleasant mishaps, and evaluating the circumstances effectively to maintain responsible scooping despite adverse conditions. More on all that later.
As an accomplished trainer and dog behaviour enthusiast, I will address behaviour issues, pack dynamics, and training methods in addition to documenting my very special border collie companion pet, Mona Luna Diosa, GCG, RN, RA, CD. (All titles through AKC.) That is, Canine Good Citizen certified, Rally Novice, Rally Advanced, Companion Dog. The CD title, while sounding modest, was actually the most challenging. Since this is an introduction, I'll save the
bragging for future posts.
Please send me questions of any nature relating to dogs. Thanks for reading!
As an accomplished trainer and dog behaviour enthusiast, I will address behaviour issues, pack dynamics, and training methods in addition to documenting my very special border collie companion pet, Mona Luna Diosa, GCG, RN, RA, CD. (All titles through AKC.) That is, Canine Good Citizen certified, Rally Novice, Rally Advanced, Companion Dog. The CD title, while sounding modest, was actually the most challenging. Since this is an introduction, I'll save the
bragging for future posts.
Please send me questions of any nature relating to dogs. Thanks for reading!
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