Cop out…
Lots going on these days. Ronan and I are copping out of a thoughtful post to bring you a silly pic. Enjoy!
RONAN = BEST BROKEN FOOT BUDDY EVER!!!
Have a great week!
Stacie & Ronan
Do you Step over your Dog?
Do you step over your dog so you don’t disrupt his comfort? I got into the habit of doing that so much. I even found myself not using the bath mat after a shower because you-know-who was relaxing and I didn’t want to disturb him. Ho hum. Who is in charge around here???
Well, that has changed – at least for now. I BROKE MY FOOT!!! No, it didn’t have anything to do with Ronan – I missed a step and went right down on the concrete in the basement. I knew before I hit the floor that I did some damage to my foot/ankle. I still tried to “walk it off”, but 2 hobbles and that was it.
Ronan is learning a gentle command of “Look out” meaning “Get out of my way!” He is so used to being with me often and being active that it took a couple of days to understand why I am wearing a big black boot hobbling on 2 sticks. But, he has adapted.
We stayed at my brother’s for a few days during the fake “blizzard” last week and he got to play with Sapphire, a young standard poodle. Now back home he entertains himself in the yard with his vinegar bottle (see older blog about that!) from time to time.
I will heal in time. But when I do I will not completely revert to stepping over my dog constantly!
HAPPY SPRING!!!
Stacie & Ronan
Happy St. Patty’s Day!!!
Ronan and I wish you the best this St. Patty’s Day! As I write this a few days before, we are in the midst of a blizzard and some very bad weather. Stay safe and know that spring is not far away!
Don’t eat too much corned beef and cabbage!
XO,
Stacie & Ronan
Break Time with Pictures
I’ve been extremely busy and feeling very tired, so I’ve decided to give myself a little break from writing and just post some fun and recent pics of Ronan. See you next week ~ Stacie & Ronan Enjoy!
Young Puppy or Older Dog???
So…you’re ready to add to your family, and have decided to get a dog – congratulations! Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to get a puppy or adult:
Puppy Pros: cute, cuddly, starting from scratch, able to mold and grow (to some degree) with your guidance
Puppy Cons: house braking, teething, jumping, knows nothing – no commands or manners – everything has to be taught, chews, various stages to go through to maturity, will be awhile before you really know all about your dog’s true temperament
Adult Pros: may be house broken, may have been taught not to jump, past chewing phase, may already be crate trained, may know some commands, may have manners, you have a great idea of what the personality, energy level and temperament are like
Adult Cons: there may be little or no known history, there may be a serious reason why previous owners did not keep, if there are serious problems they may difficult to resolve or retrain, if the dog was a stray you MAY be starting from scratch but with a less impressionable dog
The fact is, there are pros and cons to both. Puppies can be tons of fun but also tons of work. Are you prepared to hire a dog walker if you work full time and your puppy has to go out every 2 hours? You may have a better idea of what you are getting with an adult dog, but it’s possible that there is little known about the disposition. It’s no fun to be bitten unexpectedly when a dog has an issue with something that you weren’t aware of.
What made me decide to write about this is I have a client who would never get a young puppy and can’t imagine why anyone would. She thinks there are too many unknowns. I’ve heard other people say that they would ONLY get a puppy so they can offer as much influence, guidance and training as possible. I think it really all depends on what YOU are ready for and what best fits YOUR lifestyle. They all require some time, effort and work. There are millions of dogs and puppies out there, and it is worth your while to do as much checking as possible to get one that suits you and your lifestyle. We want your home to be his forever home!
One final thought – where should you get your dog or puppy? Professionals in the dog business would suggest a reputable breeder or breed rescue organization if you are looking for a pure bred, and a shelter or rescue organization if you are looking to save a life. The large majority would NOT recommend a pet store or broker. If you are not sure of the differences, there are plenty of people who can help – DON’T be afraid to ask!
Best of luck in your search and let me know if I can help!
Nothing beats the unconditional love of a dog!
Stacie & Ronan
Appropriate Play
I am often asked what appropriate play looks like. Here is a great example of Ronan playing with one of his best buddies, Jack. Sometimes it gets more intense with play growls, jumping, and even some bared teeth (so the lips don’t get grabbed). If you are not sure about what is appropriate play, have another (dog) person there who is experienced at reading dog language. Also, it’s good practice to call the dogs off of each other from time to time, or safely separate them before things escalate too much.
It’s nice when dogs enjoy play dates, but don’t force the issue! Not all dogs want to romp with other dogs – some would simply prefer to be with YOU and that is AOK!
Keep it fun but keep it safe!
Stacie & Ronan
Westminster Wraps up Tonight!
1951 winner
Don’t forget to tune into station FS1 tonight from 8-11 to watch the conclusion of the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Which is YOUR favorite breed?
Ronan says “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Stacie & Ronan
Leadership Tips
Stand tall. It instantly increases your confidence and makes you look like a leader.
Watch your overall body language. Your dog is very tuned in to you and takes cues from you all the time. Make sure you are not accidentally “telling” him to do something you don’t mean to through your body language.
Command your dog – don’t ask like it’s optional. (SIT. vs. ssiiiittt???)
Give commands loud and clear without yelling.
Count to 5-10 before repeating a command. If your dog is staring at you wagging his tail freeze and wait him out and he may just give in (success!). If you’ve lost his attention calmly repeat the command.
IF you must repeat a command use the same calm, directional tone of voice that you started with – don’t escalate by raising your voice. No one wants a dog who only listens when they yell!
Praise WHILE your dog is executing the command. If your dog breaks the desired position stop praising and fix it.
Praise should be mostly verbal. If physical praise (petting) is too exciting/distracting, rely on calm, verbal praise.
Use good judgement with food rewards. Exciting rewards should be reserved for more difficult exercises. When teaching new commands start with small treats with the goal of weaning off the treats. If your dog knows the command, try to use verbal praise only. The exception to this rule: the recall exercise (use his MOST favorite treat!).
EVERY exercise must have a release command(s), or ending, such as ok, free, all done, etc. This really wraps up your leadership, as the exercise is not finished until you have given the release command. NEVER praise or reward after you have given the release command – you don’t want to praise your dog for jumping out of position. After giving the release command stand tall and look away. Your body language will help make it clear that YOU have ended the exercise.
Practice, practice, practice, but for short periods of time. If you only have 1 hour to practice each day, you would be better off to practice 60 times throughout the day for 1 minute segments rather than 1 time for 60 minutes.
ALWAYS end on a positive note. You want your dog’s lasting memory of each exercise to be performing the exercise correctly.
HAVE FUN!!! Your dog loves you and wants to please you. If he sees that you are having a good time he will be having a good time which leads to positive and productive training sessions!
Hope this helps! If not, give me a call!
Yours in good training,
Stacie & Ronan
Ronan Herding Squirrels???
Not exactly herding, but Ronan helps to keep the bird feeders open for the birds by flushing away the squirrels. I love how he looks back at me for approval each time!
Please note: NO SQUIRRELS (or other animals) WERE HARMED!
Have a great week!
Stacie & Ronan
Thanks!
Thanks for all of the amazing birthday wishes! They helped to make the big day extra special. This beautiful paw print cake was as delicious as beautiful! Stacie
