Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Good Dogs

The morning started out chilly but the dog were raring to go when we hit Southland park.  The morning group was big but very well behaved as a couple of people noted at the park.  We walked with Acara from See Spot Run and her group and people were amazed at how well the dogs got along.  Now that does not mean that they were perfect animals by any means.  Copper still rolled in something that clung to his coat in smelly lumps for the majority of the day (boy did he ever get mad when I took him to the river to wash off!!) and Nicky still bossed all the young boys around and Everest lost his expensive chain and all his tags.  (At least I now know that choking by a training collar is not likely.)  Penny, Bruin, Georgie and Ryder just hung out.

The afternoon brought the sun and a temperature of about 17C.  This group was dominated by the little guys - Cheetos, Harley, Frank, Copper and Diego and everyone was really well behaved.  We almost lost Vinny Link in the tall grass but he eventually emerged and a little miffed at being left behind but none the worse for wear.  Whistler joined us this afternoon and she participated in a study being done by a vet student at U of C (well actually, her poop did).  The young woman was studying parasites in dogs and coyotes and the subsequent or possible transmission to human.  Kinda gross but necessary.  She asked if she could take photos of the dogs to use on their website.  I will let you know if they show up. 

Cesar Tip:  By worrying that a dog attack might happen, you can actually contribute to creating a dog attack.  Remember to live in the moment and trust that you can handle any situation that occurs.*



* Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, The Ultimate Episode Guide

Monday, August 30, 2010

Sugar Daddies and Ball Chasers

This morning started out cold but that did not stop Bruin from finding a new sugar baby and Sydney from finding a sugar daddy.  Although I am not sure how that union came to be as Sydney runs so fast that his back paws could actually be seen beside his ears.  Sydney was the life of the party this morning.  He and Everest went a bit nutty in the back of truck on the way to the park and they chased and wrestled each other until poor Baby E had to take a break.  We welcomed back Penny S. this morning - so very happy to have her mature and loving personality in the pack.  As well Ryder is back from a summer with his teacher "daddy."

The weather improved this afternoon and the sun came out for Frank, Gabby, Pina, Sam, the Boxer sisters and Everest to enjoy some fetching.  The first 15 - 20 minutes was spent throwing the ball as far and as often as I could.  This is a high energy group and they needed to have the edge taken off before the socializing can begin.  It is funny to see the boxers engaging in fetch.  They put on a good show but are not quite sure why they are running. 

Frank was with us on both walks today and is feeling much better.  A little exercise and friendship goes a long way to making a guy feel good. 

Cesar Tip:
Humans who spoil dogs are not doing the dogs any favours.  Usually, the behaviour is simply to make the human feel better.*

Have you got your tickets yet?

* Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, The Ultimate Episode Guide

Thursday, August 26, 2010

30 Degrees

What a hot day especially the afternoon.  The morning group and the afternoon group both went to Southland.

This morning Hollie the collie and I were stuck with a pack of boys.  Copper and Diego chased each other and found several placed to roll around.  Come the afternoon there wasn't as much frolicking by these two (both come out with the group for both walks on Tues and Thurs).  They were so hot!  Georgie thought that a dust bath would cool him down.  It just made him dusty.  Ryder (schnoodle) refused to move beyond the shade and Cheet's (pug) tongue was hanging pretty low.  Cheets barked in the truck.  I have only heard him bark once before and he has been with the pack literally since the beginning 3½ years ago.  Nicky and Guiny mostly played together.  Penny Schiaroli and her mom, Trudy, walked with us.  Penny is coming back full time on Monday - YAY!

This afternoon most of the dogs enjoyed getting into the river even if they weren't necessarily water dogs.  Maya (pitt bull-ish), Taylor and Destiny (boxers) and of course Sam the ham (GR) spent quite a bit of time wading in or swimming in the water.  I did not even have to throw anything.   We moved from water hole to water hole along the Bow.  Even little Harley enjoyed getting is feet wet which is something I haven't seen before.  Franky wasn't feeling good so he missed the walk however, he seemed OK when I checked on him on my way home.   Vinny Link was feeling the heat and it affected his mood - boy was he a cranky boy!  It's a good thing that he is so handsome - makes it easier to forgive.

I love my job and my four-legged friends!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Tuesday and Wednesday

Sometimes us old girls get tired after taking three groups to park in one day.  Sorry about no update but there was still plenty going on.  Like for instance Vinnie R. and his new red collar.  He looked so handsome and the colour really offset his beautiful blue eyes.  Speaking of eyes Vinnie only had them for Taylor one of our new boxer sisters.  Sorry Vinnie she not intersted in you that way.  Baby Rose decided that she needed a mud bath after working up quite a sweat.  She literally rolled over in the mud puddle and stuck her face in it.  She was so gross!!  Straight to the kennel for her (that stuff is so sticky.)  Rover continues to impress me with is patience and good behaviour as we work towards transitioning him out of his muzzle.  Way to go Buddy!!

The morning group was full of beagles/collies and mixes thereof which is always good for a laugh.  They all get along so well it is just fun to watch them.  I especially get a lot of interest in the two rough collies Hollie and Nicky.  People are impressed with their temperment and their good looks and they aren't even related.

Wednesday again brought the beautiful weather and everyone in the morning group enjoyed a quick dip in the river and then back to investigating the various smells in the fields.  Sidney and Bowie (from Lets Get Walked) enjoyed several rounds of wrestling and both were completely covered in dust and slobber.  The afternoon group (Gabby, Pina, Frank, Meeko, Taylor, Bailey and Destiny) enjoyed swimming and running in the shrubs along the shore of the Bow at Shouldice Park.  We love it there because there are no paved paths so it is hard for strollers and bikers to invade our fun. 

Cesar Milan is coming the Pengrowth Saddledome in November.  Tickets go on sale next Monday and I think they are $130.00.  Highly, highly recommend this investment in your relationship with your dog.  For those how might not be aware Cesar Milan is known as the Dog Whisperer.       

Monday, August 23, 2010

Beautiful Monday

It is starting to look a little like fall out there.  Not so good for August but it was a beautiful day for dogs!!

The morning group was almost too easy.  I had 2 seniors (Whistler and Jin), 2 very mature adults (Rover and Kip - joining us from Lets Get Walked) and one big puppy (Everest).  Everyone was really well behaved so it surprised me when a woman got snotty about Everest trying to wrestle with her dog.  Oh well, I guess some people just don't know how to have fun doggie-style.  Rover was so happy because he did not have to wear his muzzle today and he got to hunt for mice - his favourite activity.  And the best part for me was that noboby went in the swamp!!

The afternoon group was full of HIGH energy dogs and wasn't quite as easy but still lots of fun.  Our new baby, Rose, provided a lot of entertainment as she tried to wrestle and keep up with the big guys.  Gabby and Pina (goldens) and the other set of sisters Destiny and Taylor (boxers) along with Sam and Bailey greeted and insisted on being petted and admired by everyone in the park.  Super friendly group.  Sid the Kid just ran at full speed from one end to the other and back again. 

I love my job and my friends!!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Sunday at the Park

Today was cool again.  The temperature did not get over 12C which made for nice walking weather.  Fun for Dogs welcomed little Rosebud the yellow lab to our group today.  She is 18 weeks old and very well behaved.  She was wagging her tail so hard at times she could hardly walk!!  As well as being well behaved she is tough.  Rose had no trouble wrestling with Everest (who is about 5 times bigger than her). 

Rover enjoyed hunting and Whistler enjoyed shaking people down for treats.  All of them with the exception of Rose thoroughly enjoyed getting into the swamp and coming home filthy dirty.  They did not however, enjoy being hosed off in the back yard.   

We saw our friends Cisco and Murphy. 

Friday, August 20, 2010

Easy Friday

The weather was hazy, overcast (because of the BC Forest fires) and a little cool.  The morning group had a great time at Southland.  There were not a lot of people out today which made for a peaceful and quiet walk. 

Rover, Whistler, Everest, Miles, Penny and Frank enjoyed running through the grass and found a couple extra special stinky spots for a good roll.  Rover and Penny especially enjoyed this activity and we all had to wait several minutes for them to realize we had left them behind. 

The afternoon group was a bunch of ball chasers (except for Frank who was getting a bit tired) - Everest, Bailey, Sam, Georgie (welcome back by the way) and Vinnie R. got to enjoy Edworthy.  There were lots of other packs out and everyone was extremely polite and respectful.  Vinnie enjoyed wrestling and chasing anyone and everyone especially Georgie.  By the time we got back to the truck six long pink tongues were hanging pretty low and water was gratefully slurped up.  There was not one peep out of the dogs on the way home.