<![CDATA[I Heart Paws - Pet Community - Pet Forums - Dog Forums - Cat Forums - Blogs]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com en-us N/A admin@iheartpaws.com Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:29:39 MDT 20 <![CDATA[A Funny Realization]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/13/A-Funny-Realization.html
For as long as I've worked closely with dogs, today at work was the very first time I've ever been bitten. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm fine, the dog is fine, and all I have is two small scratches on my stomach, just below and to the right of my belly button. He broke skin, however, and I therefore had to file a report.

For those of you who don't know, I work at a boarding facility. We do "playtimes" with the dogs and get to work pretty closely with them.

A coworker of mine was cleaning out one of the cages. This kennel happened to belong to two German Shepherd Dogs, Tyson and Duke. I was in the playroom with them while she cleaned out the kennel. Tyson looks like a typical GSD, Duke is white with black markings, with two different colored eyes. Duke is an absolute sweetie- he's very lovable and is kind in the kennel, Tyson is a bit more assertive and will act shy and try to be tough while he's in the kennel. I guess you could consider him "cage shy".

Tyson is a very playful dog, and keep in mind, had been locked in a kennel pretty much all day. Him and Duke were all over me for attention, which is perfectly okay. I was acting excited and trying to get them to play, after all, we're supposed to interact with the animals, and I was hoping Tyson would come out of his shell a little because it would make his stay less stressful. Duke was happy to be near me, and Tyson soon warmed up and was happy to jump all over me. Tyson started to nip at my clothing and jump up on me, and soon I was backed against the wall, with a 50+ pound GSD jumping on me and nipping at my legs, chest, and clothing. He was being playful, but also being somewhat bossy. When I tried to correct him, he would bark and continue the unwanted behavior. (Of course, any attention is good attention- that was my fault, I should have ignored his behavior or put an end to it right away and put him on a lead.)

He nipped at my shirt and caught my stomach with his teeth on his way back down. When I assessed the damage later I found that I had two small, barely bleeding gashes on my stomach. He broke the skin. I wouldn't even consider it "bleeding", more like "seeping." However, I knew that since he had broken the skin I had to file a report.

Now during this whole experience it got me thinking. If I had never been around dogs before, or even been around them half as much as I have been- I probably would have been scared out of my mind, with no idea what to do. If I were not familiar with dog behavior, I could easily think that Tyson had intent to hurt me. I wouldn't know that that's how dogs play with each other and show dominance, and would have therefore not understood that he was just simply being a dog. It's possibly that I would hit the dog, or scream or do something to cause one of two things...

1. Make the dog more playful, or
2. Aggravate the dog to the point where it really would bite me.

So it just made me curious as to how many dog attacks out there are truly "attacks". We had lots of people at the animal shelter come to us and say "This puppy bit me, we don't like it," and we would get aggravated that they didn't understand the puppy was playing- or teething. One dog was returned because he growled at a family friend that came over to the house. Now, this may be an unwanted behavior, but it's typical for a dog, especially a shelter dog- in his mind his was protecting his territory and his family from an intruder. But the owners returned him with the reason of "Not friendly".

I wonder how many dog bites, or even true attacks we could prevent simply by educating the public about animal behavior. Even people WITH dogs sometimes don't understand why they do the things they do.

Now I do understand some people really do get bit and attacked seriously, it's inevitable, but I want to know the percentage that could have been prevented with knowledge of canine behavior, even if that means "Wow, this dog is in a very dominant stance, perhaps it would be better to not pet it, since I don't know if it's friendly or not."
]]> no@spam.com (Kayla Kevilus) Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/13/A-Funny-Realization.html <![CDATA[Ramblings on Shaping and CT]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/12/Ramblings-on-Shaping-and-CT.html So I was sitting around thinking about Dodger's new tricks and had one of those flashes of clarity.  Shaping and trick training are the keys to Dodger's success.  There is no way around it - without shaping and tricks my poor Foxhound would not have learned to enjoy training.    Tricks and shaping mean a high level of reinforcement (which created a motivated puppers) and my carefree attitude toward tricks only added to the positive experience.  The same goes for shaping, there was no "he has to learn this" - it was all about enjoying training with your dog and encouraging him to learn.

Our latest shaping exercise is one that completely stunned me - the "magic" of the clicker and Dodger's initiative were overwhelming.  I recently saw a video of a dog shutting the door to her crate with herself inside. I immediately wanted to teach this to Dodger but knew it would be nearly impossible as he's scared of crates. Aside from that, I never thought Dodger would offer a behaviour that was similar enough to the end result to be clickable. I was also stumped as to how he would be able to eliminate and piece together all the possible behaviours and come up with the final behaviour of closing the crate door.  Boy oh boy that had better be the last time I doubt the power of a clicker and an active thinker!  By the end of our first 3 minute session, Dodger was already offering the end behaviour (gripping the crate door with his claws and slamming it in his face). Since I know how scary Dodger finds the crate - that was a teary moment!  Even though I place a lot of faith in the clicker, I never expected Dodger to be offering the end behaviour so fast. I am still in awe!

Which brings me back to my point - I've always thought that trick training is an integral part of training but why can't all training be tricks?  Tricks are fun for both dog and handler, there's no pressure and above all keeps us motivated.  If only I could train formal obedience commands with such lightheartedness!!

]]> no@spam.com (Melissa Smith) Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/12/Ramblings-on-Shaping-and-CT.html <![CDATA[My thoughts on puppymills and backyard breeders]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/11/My-thoughts-on-puppymills-and-backyard-breeders.html I know many of you may be thinking, "what is wrong with her is she a fanatic???"  The answer is NO, what I'm trying to do is stand up for those that don't have a voice and say "NO MORE ABUSE!!!!".  No matter what pet you have, you can fall victim to animal mills.  All I am asking is that you educate yourself and be aware of what you may be promoting when you buy that cute puppy or kitten from a pet store.  Yes, that animal needs a forever home just as much as one in a shelter, but when you purchase that pet from the store you are lining the pockets of a mill which allows them to keep abusing and producing animals.  If you purchase a pet from a pet store that animal is definitely from a mill or BYB because no reputable breeder would allow their animals to go to homes they haven't personally considered and researched.  So now, you get a pet with substandard health and temperament, nor do they match the breed standard you expected when you got this supposed "pure bred".  Not only are you losing on the deal, but so are the animals.  Your overpriced fee for this substandard pet now makes the pet store and mill rich.   http://www.nopuppymillscanada.ca/the_truth_about_pet_shop_pups.htm
 
NO pet store owner will admit that their animals are from mills.  Obviously, they don't want to lose business. So you can NEVER believe a pet store owner when they say "I would never sell puppy mill dogs" or "All my animals come from REPUTABLE breeders".  A reputable breeder would never give them a pet to begin with.  That's a FACT.
 
If everyone stopped buying from pet stores, the mills will stop getting orders and they will have to stop producing.  Eventually they will go out of business and the rescues and shelters will be there to help find these poor animals the homes they've always deserved.  For every puppy born to a BYB or Puppy mill... THREE perfectly healthy, friendly, loveable and certainly adoptable dogs die in shelters.
 
If you must have that purebred pet, there are several avenues that you can take.
1.)  There are purebreds at animals shelters. 
2.)  Check with the HELP league or Kennel Club for the breed you are looking for. http://www.malamuterescue.com/choosing.html
3.)  Find a reputable breeder, there are reputable breeders out there. http://www.nopuppymillscanada.ca/breeder.htm
 
We have domesticated animals and brought them into our lives, it is our responsibility to protect them.
 
"There are many breeders out there of fine dogs and pets of all kinds . They all have cute kittens and cute puppies or maybe even birds. So again I can't stress this enough ,be sure you are ready for all the responsibilities of companion animal ownership. There are so many animals in rescue now that I truly wonder what is happening to this world when people are so unaffected by their choice to place an innocent animal in a shelter all because they failed to be mature enough to at least find a new home if for some reason they can no longer keep the dog. The indifference some people express is truly baffling to me. Has God not created these wonderful creatures for us to care for ? Are we not their Ambassadors !!! We are obligated to take care of all Gods creations, he has given them to us for our enjoyment ,to take pleasure in their peaceful ways and how they make us feel and enrich our lives ."  - Tammy Urs, Yukon Jak
 
 
 
 
 
 
The only animal without a chance is the animal whose chance is taken away. Ban Bill 132
 
If you think physical abuse is all that affects pets, your wrong!!!  See articles below on Breed Specific legislation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With the pet food scare recently, I though I would put on these articles that give advise on choosing a pet food.
 
 
 
 
 
FYI, some of the above links are disturbing, please be advised.
]]> no@spam.com (Trina Harper) Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/11/My-thoughts-on-puppymills-and-backyard-breeders.html <![CDATA[Ignorance and dogs]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/10/Ignorance-and-dogs.html
I for one have learned that if I don't know much about a subject, to admit it!  Even if I hear "stereotypes" or "rumors" I would never consider them to be true until I KNOW.  If someone wants to discuss American Pit Bull Terriers I can sit for hours with factual knowledge and experience with the breed, and like breeds.  That is not only because I have experience with Pit Bulls but also because I've done my research. 

Why is it that so often someone will say "I met a Pit Bull once- I don't trust those dogs".  What does that mean???  You met a Pit Bull once and you think you can assume what all Pit Bulls are like?  Puh-leez!  I don't care if you met twenty and didn't like any of them, it doesn't give you a right to assume that my dog is the same!

Even in this day and age I hear people saying that Pit Bulls have lockjaw, and you can only release it if you stick a finger in their butt (eek!).  One of the newest throw backs was that "Pit Bulls have a heart protected by a case of bone".  So that means Pit Bulls have more bones than the average dog? Pardon me while I giggle for a minute... okay - I'm good.

Are people really that naive to believe these things?  I guess so... *shrug*]]> no@spam.com (Christina Harvey) Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 MST http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/10/Ignorance-and-dogs.html <![CDATA[If I see one more fur wearing...]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/9/If-I-see-one-more-fur-wearing.html Inconsiderate, piece of crap that makes me embarassed to say I'm a human being. I am going to scream!  Really, and right now I don't care if I sound like a nutso fanatic- I'm sick of it!  I can be nutso once in a while... because I'm usually pretty rational!!

Sorry but I need to rant...

Would it be okay for me to walk around with a coat made of a humans skin?  Maybe I'll leave the head on, nice and flat like a fox's just for some edge.  Think anyone would complain?  Why is it okay for people to ruin my day and make me want to cry when I have to picture the hundreds of animals killed to make their UGLY fur coat?  It should be illegal.  If an animal is living a normal life, being used for food and the coat is made from it's skin in a sense to "use all parts" then I have some understanding as to why a living, feeling, breathing, loving creature lost it's life.  So when you sit down for a meal of chinchilla, baby seal and fox, let me know- okay?

EVERYDAY I have to bite my tounge.  Some people can't help but give the dirty looks, roll their eyes, even "accidently" bump into you a bit if your wearing fur.  Do you realize that people (with hearts, unlike you!) hate you based on what your wearing?  You may as well wear a sign that says "I have no regard for any lifeform, and will let you suffer horribly as long as I look "good'" across your chest.... because that is what you're telling us about yourself.

Ever hear of faux fur? It's really nice... and several poor defenseless animals don't have to be tortured and then killed for it!

 These people truly make me hate winter.  Thanks for ruining my Christmas in NY... you ignorant-heartless tools!

To learn more please read this article (written by me):
Don't Bring Fur Back This Fall

]]> no@spam.com (Christina Harvey) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 MST http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/9/If-I-see-one-more-fur-wearing.html <![CDATA[Agility]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/8/Agility.html Dodger had his first Advanced II Agility class last night...we skipped over Advanced I, so I was a bit nervous about how advanced everyone else would be.

The class was off to a bad start because it nearly started raining and Dodger and I were late - OOPS!  And since Dodger's buddy Kona wasn't ready to advance, we were both depressed about that!

There are 5 other dogs in the class, a GSD, miniature fox terrier, aussie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Sheltie.  The dogs are all pretty good but there was a lot of run-outs, mostly handler error.  The only dog-handler team that we like is Walter the GSD and his Mum!  The rest of them seem snobby!

Dodger was mediocre last night.  He completed everything but pretty much plodded through the exercises LOL.  Clearly I need to work on motivation because he was BORED and it was pretty obvious with his lack of enthusiasm!

A few other things that we need to perfect are play bowing on the contacts, speed through the chute, weaves, directional and distance commands...

Other than that I think this class is good for my anti-social Bubba-boy!   

]]> no@spam.com (Melissa Smith) Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:00:00 MDT http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/8/Agility.html <![CDATA[RATING DOG PARKS]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/7/RATING-DOG-PARKS.html      Question I have for you readers? Do you think dog walkers belong in dog parks? Secondly what kind of problems have you encountered at your local dog park?]]> no@spam.com (Harreitt Becktell) Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:00:00 MDT http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/7/RATING-DOG-PARKS.html <![CDATA[Chasing Llamas]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/6/Chasing-Llamas.html What an 'exciting' time it was last week. On Mother's Day we ventured into the bush, and needless to say, we got hopelessly lost.  Apparently Riley and Zoey didn't know the way back home! That's the last time I trust some inexperienced dogs to guide me home. After trekking through the black-fly infested it was decided to seek the flatlands as we headed home. Little did I know that 'flatlands' is an alias for the Swamp! Grumbling the whole way through, and not the least bit impressed at whole heavy soaking wet jeans really are, within 45 minutes or so, we finally spotted dry land. What a relief that was.
The next day I received a phone call informing me to prepare for the arrival of a llama. I guess word got out that my mum has been pining away for one for a decade or so, and when one was available at the local Stockyards, it was quickly purchased (I'm still puzzled at the notion that people eat llamas - eek)
The arrival of said llama went without too much of a hitch. The driver secured him to a tree so the llama could enjoy the lush green grass (a 'natural' lawnmower - great!).  Taking care of the dogs, I set out with Peekay to pick up chicken.  There were not problems picking up the chicken, with the exception that it took over an hour. But then again, most people do call ahead, and I simply show up. As I was driving home, rainclouds began to form, threatening rain, and bringing forth my need for a restroom.
Rushing home, I pull into my driveway to find the llama (I'm calling him Murray) lounging on the pathway without a care.  Necessity has me rush past him into the house to use the facilities and immediately after I go outside to deal with the stray.
Keeping in mind that it is now 5:30 or so, with a large amount of traffic as the commuters make their way home.  So naturally Murray decides to join them.  As I 'cautiously' follow Murray down the driveway, he quickens his pace to rush out to the road.  The driver of a pickup truck is forced to stop, and in good spirits he calls out, "Someone lose a llama?" And in like some slapstick comedy movie, I begin the pursuit of the runaway llama, as I tug at my loosely tied yoga pants and feet ached in my Birks (good running gear I must say). As Murray trots down the middle of the street, traffic is forced to a halt and with good intentions some of the cars try to block the llama from fleeing too far.  So now there are cars scattered about through a busy intersection, and people get out to join the chase.  Forcing Murray off the road, there are now three of us on foot trying to wrangle this llama. No one seemed to expect this guy to be so quick! So now he's darting through people's yards, around gardens and alluding now four people attempting to capture him.  I guess it was just dumb luck but I was able to corner him (this was after going through prickly bushes of course) and clip the leash unto his harness.  Oh, and did I mention the flood of mosquitoes that began their attack, and the 'gift' of droppings Murray left on someone's yard - how do you scoop that poop? All in all, this ordeal lasted about a half an hour and I was able to meet some of my neighbors. And this was only the first day with Murray!
Looking back I mentioned it was an interesting week; however, I realized that all of this happened in just two days. Where's the simple life?]]> no@spam.com (Tiffany E) Sat, 20 May 2006 00:00:00 MDT http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/6/Chasing-Llamas.html <![CDATA[27 years.....]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/5/27-years.html Today is my/our Anniversary, 27 yrs ago I married my best friend. Talk about opposites attracting!! *L* Let me tell you, I'm a silly, spur of the moment, animal loving nut...my husband, serious, hard working, neatnik and "tolerater" of my animal passion. I was thinking this morning of the pets he's had to put up with...a few months before we married  a "friend" had us over for coffee, her husband was about to go for a ride, now the funny part of the ride is that it was storming out (snow) and he had in his pocket an 8 week old chi/terrier mix. I asked where he was off to and to my surprise he was going to "dump" the pup off somewhere because their 2 yr old dropped it down the stairs and broke it's leg!!! Just like that! Well needless to say, I took the pup and lost the friends, She fit into a muffin pan, hense the name "Muffin", she lived with my hubby to be in our trailer till I moved in. Next came Eggmac, (get the idea? Eggmac and Muffin?) a white meat rabbit, given to us at the wedding table *L* an "inside" joke from an aunt.....so he built a hutch.....Muffin was lonely while we worked...so along came Mindy...my cat. Now remember, we lived in a small mobile home and the Rabbit lived inside most of the time. On a whim so hubby would not feel left out of not owning a pet, I bought him an aquarium with a couple of sharks, did I mention I also had two budgies when I moved into the Trailer? Mickey Mouse and Minnie? Oh and a new born cockatiel "Daisy", one of my dads. My mother in law mentioned how she hated mice.....yep, had one of them too *L* she ate hubs brand new long johns...well really?? who lays long johns on a mouses cage?? Zoom ahead 5 yrs...I'm finally preggers....we've bought a house, two months before move in , a friend calls "you said when you moved you wanted a large dog for the garage, I have a husky tossed from a car, he's about to be picked up for the pound, do you want him?" and along came Hobo....soooo you see what he had to put up with...and he stuck it out. All those animals in one small trailer...a pregnant wife....you think it could be love? (insert large smile here*L*)....My advice to anyone considering marriage....please, marry your best friend.....and don't forget...it's give and take...

]]> no@spam.com (Shelley Boisvenue) Fri, 28 Apr 2006 00:00:00 MDT http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/5/27-years.html <![CDATA[My start of rehabbing]]> http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/4/My-start-of-rehabbing.html http://iheartpaws.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=185   Hope that works.]]> no@spam.com (Shelley Boisvenue) Fri, 21 Apr 2006 00:00:00 MDT http://www.iheartpaws.com/blogs/4/My-start-of-rehabbing.html