Subscriber Archive
Second in a series Cheryl contacted me as soon as she and Michael were hit by the first wave of bad news. I learned long ago that what people in this fragile state need most is a brief sympathetic remark like, “Oh, gee”. They don’t need assurances that life will go on, platitudes like, “it’s better to have loved and lost”, or even, “tell me how you’re feeling”. They need us to shut up and listen – with kindness and empathy. My job was to support these folks as the bottom fell out of their life with Poupon, the pet who’d brought them so much joy and love. Cheryl and Michael tried desperately to understand the cancer that was stealing Poupon from them. They wanted to comprehend the how and why. They also knew they had to plan for the inevitable. How, where, and when was it best to but…
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Poupon was an almost constant source of connectedness and entertainment for Cheryl and her husband Michael. One night he snuck into their dining room and carried off a pizza box for his private lair. In the evening he’d creep up onto their shoulders and kneed before settling into the crook of an arm and then stretch out like a child to watch TV with them. I met Cheryl Richardson when she spoke at a writers conference in Boston. Over the next year I also came to know Poupon, Grey Poupon, that is. I learned that his love for her and her good husband brought them close. The Nichol family pets are that way. They break things, dig holes and make noise but they love us always. I’ve never physically touched Poupon, never palpated his abdomen, or listened to his chest but his people have shared enough photos and videos that…
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Who wants to stay? We may not want to but a dog can, if we motivate him. Mick is just learning that if he watches me, and then I show him the money (treat), he can wait for me to come back to his side to get reinforced with a snack and a hug and a kiss. He’s new at this so we’re taking baby steps. After giving the command, I stood in front of him for a few seconds to remind him of his job. They I backed up a about 4 feet and then stood there for only about 5 seconds before returning to our starting point. We want our dogs to succeed so we need to keep the challenge manageable for them. Mick is only 5 months old so we’re taking it slow. Repeat this short lesson only about 3 times per day. Increase the distance and…
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Last in a series Be ready for your excellent new pupster’s grand entrance. Have a covered crate for nighttime sleeping, food-dispensing toys, and a drag line (6 foot leash the kid will drag from her collar). Puppy food and a water bowl will also come in handy. These little tykes are not born knowing how stay safe or come when called, so bring a leash and a collar (no prongs or chokers, please) on adoption day. Just like people enduring a stressful time, canine babies need gentle handling and connectedness when facing the overwhelming changes of leaving the only lives they’ve ever known. Their tiny heads are spinning. She’ll be confused and easily wigged-out; a warm lap will ease the shock of leaving Mom and littermates behind. Bring a side kick to ride shotgun and avoid the perils of distracted driving. How necessary is the leash your puppy drags when…
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How much garbage and other poop should a dog eat on a leash walk? You can yell LEAVE IT! and jerk hard on the leash but your dog may only learn to move faster in his quest for dangerous junk. Besides, scaring your dog with a harsh reprimand could damage the trust you’ve worked hard to build. All dogs want to scavenge when they’re away from home because foraging is natural for them. Their survival in the wild depends on it. Never mind that great dog food is abundant at your house; our dogs are sure that the Great Famine will start in 20 minutes. They have to eat carrion of all descriptions ASAP. Rather than correcting and punishing a natural behavior, your dog can earn a better alternative from you – her reliable leader. Carry food in your treat bag (Karen Pryor Clicker Training Black Treat Pouch by Terry…
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We picked our boy Mick, in part because he has a social nature. It turns out that he’s never met a stranger. Mick visits this hen on a daily basis. Maybe she’s his chick. We shouldn’t ask; it’s really none of our business.
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Third in a series Have you chosen your own spouse or life partner? How about your friends? Me too. These relationships are imperfect but, gee, I would still never allow someone else to assign my friends to me. Don’t let anybody ask questions about your life and personality and then tell you which puppy should be your best friend. Just say, “Thank you. Have a nice day.” And then move on to a puppy source that will stand back and stay out of your way. You will be more than your dog’s reliable friend; you will be its leader. This species is hard-wired to earn life-giving resources like food, physical affection, access to the wide world outside the territory, everything. Whatever their age they absolutely must recognize us not as the big dog but as Superman or Superwoman. There are boundaries that should be respected but please don’t believe that…
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Dogs of any age can learn to walk well on leash and come when called. Start by setting the kid up to succeed with no distractions. I told Mick to heel, only expecting him to stay somewhere in the same county. Of course, he forged ahead. Already pretty good at coming when called (when leashed) I told him, “Mick, Come!” and backed up to remind him of what he needed to do to earn the treat, a kiss, and me telling him how good he is. He’s learning to stay closer when leashed and that the opportunity to earn great things can happen anytime. Notice the treat bag, my bringing the snack toward my eyes as I said Mick’s name, and then luring him forward with the food. You want to show your dog the “money” to keep his eyes on the prize – which always includes praise and physical…
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Many puppies are gifted with perfect homes. We love that. Sadly, some are the wrong fit from the get-go. When planning to puppy pick start with common sense. If you are not a robust physical specimen or if you have a small yard, get a small dog. A human couch potato and a mountain climber should be looking for different sizes and personalities. Puppy temperament testing is supported by science but it’s controversial, including among veterinary behaviorists. A lot can change in those developing, immature canine brains. Who knows what behaviors may lurk now and appear later? There are no guarantees but you can objectively evaluate each fuzzy candidate and find pretty good predictors of adult behavior, including future challenges. Relationships matter. I’m talking about you and the breeder/foster. These folks love their parent dogs and they’re proud as punch of those adorable offspring. If you are patient you can…
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