Subscriber Archive
Last in a series Inviting a pet into your life carries risk. They love us completely and they’ll never leave but their lives end. The grief can send you down a dark hole. It can be hard to find the support you need. Friends and even family might wonder, some of them aloud, “Hey, it’s just an animal. Get over it.” We can’t change them. They’ve never felt that connection. But there are those who do get it. After her beloved cat Poupon died Cheryl wished she had talked to people who understood about pet loss, rather than keeping her pain to herself. She avoided sharing a lot of it with her husband Michael because he was in pain too. That’s when she started helping others who had written to her. It helped her to know she wasn’t alone. A year after their cat’s passing they buried some of his…
Read More
Third in a series Find Out How Life is precious, especially those shared with joy and acceptance. As Cheryl sat on her deck to meditate, Poupon waited at the door-every day. A 10 year old, robust, lifelong family member, he followed his person everywhere. A constant presence. We know it will end but who is ever really prepared? Cheryl and Michael weren’t. In my long career I have encountered nearly every disorder known to veterinary medicine. Like all of my colleagues I’ve accomplished a few saves. I’ve also learned some humbling lessons along the way. We are all temporary. I sent Cheryl a sedative gel to apply to Poupon’s gums prior to the arrival of the house call veterinarian. The family conducted a personal ritual and held their cat close to say their goodbyes. It was a peaceful passing. Cheryl recalled her feelings from the hard time that she and…
Read More
Teaching “Down” – Step 1 Dogs love to work for food. You don’t need to push a puppy to ground. Give the “Down” command as you use a treat, as a lure, to show that kid what you want. When Mick “follows the money” he earns the payoff. You’ll know when your dog is catching on because she’ll start dropping when she hears the command. Then give her the food when she’s completed the job. Take baby steps with the babies. Teaching “Down” – Step 2 Mick is getting clear on the concept of “Down” on command but he still needs a little hint so he can succeed every time. There’s no point in putting an early skill to a test too soon. After a canine student of any age has the idea, the food lure can be a partial movement. After a dog gets that right, you can…
Read More
Do you know a dog who freaks-out when home alone? Incessant barking, frantic escape attempts, maybe even soiling while you’re away? Join me Friday, June 17, at 4 PM for my Facebook Live event on separation anxiety. Go to Facebook.com/drjeffnichol.
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More