A Medieval Tale: Of Moats and Castles

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner Stands at his Invisible Fence

Line, Awaiting a Passerby

Once upon a time there was a royal family who wanted another member. The King summoned his court's most wise advisers, and they bade the King adopt a homeless animal to round out their family. And so it was that the Queen and the Princess rescued a furry little, 8 pound Retriever mix from the Land of Pets--Petsmart. The King's second son named her Xena, Warrior Princess.


Soon Princess Xena began to escape from her castle to play War Games with the natives. Otherwise known as squirrels, these natives were too wily for Xena, yet she continued to make chase.


Finally, the Queen implored the King to allow her to build a mote around the castle to keep Princess Xena from becoming lost in the Kingdom. For outside these boundaries lies a busy area where the Princess might fall into harm. The King at last, allowed the Queen to hire the work to be done, and an Invisible Fence was installed around the castle. This action was viewed as neighborly by the King's subjects and soon proved to bring peace to the King's castle and the subjects who lived outside the castle boundaries.


No longer did the Princess escape into danger. She now played happily within the King's land and enjoyed her new outdoor playground. Passersby often stopped to visit and pet her, and were not impeded by the Invisible Fence, which would have caused difficulty for the Princess to socialize with her admirers.

As the Princess grew older, she took a housemate--young Tanner, a Prince. Xena and Tanner became fast friends and enjoyed playing tag and wrestling in the grass around the castle.


This youngster learned his new territory quickly and also enjoyed his outdoor play place. However, the King and Queen became distressed by his irritating habit of notifying the kingdom each time a passerby did not stop to greet him. Being a friendly fellow, he felt hurt whenever a potential friend walked past without a proper hello.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner Stays Within his Fence Well

The Queen ordered that trainers be consulted to assist with this loud and enthusiastic adolescent behavior. The trainers gave this behavior a long name and suggested positive rewards for appropriate behavior, coupled with correction of boisterous, loud announcements of passersby. Practicing this with the lad worked well when the Queen was able to invite the passersby to greet the Prince. When potential friends for the lad ignored his imploring requests for a visit, he simply implored more vigorously. Alas, the Queen was ready to give up.



She purchased ear plugs for the King and enrolled the Prince in Agility classes, to help him focus on his athletic prowess. The trainers at Agility classes were skilled at their craft. These trainers took time to help young Tanner, and his classmates assisted, as well.


Tanner found the athletic talents of Baron and Jackson to be inspiring and he began imploring these lads to join him in games. Finally, after an opportunity to greet masters Baron and Jackson, Prince Tanner was satisfied and settled into his training more like a gentleman.


His enthusiasm on the castle grounds continues to abound, if not supervised by the King's servants (ahem, the Queen). Training continues, yet the Queen is confident that her young charge will eventually understand that not every passerby will be able to stop to visit him. He still needs to learn that a slightly less enthusiastic announcement would make Prince Tanner appear less like the Court Jester and more like a Prince. And so the Queen persists in her supervision of his outdoor play in the kingdom.


Moral of the story: Prince Tanner believes himself to be the Town Cryer; therefore the Queen's work may never be done. His Highness, the King, may have been right that three dogs was too many for the castle. Yet, who dost though think the King's favored pup is? You guessed it! Tisk!

Congratulations, Kodi!

Kodi, pictured here, is a sweet foster dog who has now found a forever home. This is the sort of Cinderella story I love. Her foster mom found a gentleman who liked her interest in Frisbee play and took over Kodi's foster care. He did this to help promote Kodi among other Frisbee dog lovers, since that was his interest and passion.

Surprise! Kodi's new foster dad fell in love with Kodi's playful affection and adopted her for his own. Kodi now has a family to call her own. Aren't success stories wonderful?!

If you're interested in adopting a dog who needs a home, check out Fluffy and Zoey in the sidebar of the blog. They are available and adorable. What's not to like about that?!

Congratulations, Kodi!

Score One for Organics: Xena's Success Story

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Twelve Year Old Xena

is a Faithful Porch Guard

I have to admit I've been keeping a little secret from you, my readers, about 12 year old Retriever mix, Xena. You'll understand if my reasoning was primarily to keep my material upbeat and educational. Today's post is definitely educational, so I'll let this canine cat out of the bag.

A year ago, when I took Xena into the vet for her annual vaccinations, they opted to run some screening blood work, because of her age. They explained that some vaccinations are tougher on an older dog's system, and can be considered optional after age 10 or so. The tests turned up an irregularity in her liver enzymes which was cause for further investigation.

We learned that Xena had a good sized, pre-cancerous tumor inside her liver, pressing on her hepatic artery. After tests, exams and opinions from 3 vet practices, we determined that her chances of surviving the surgery to remove the tumor were less than our comfort level, given that she was currently enjoying an incredible quality of life for a dog 11 1/2 years old. The risks of her age coupled with the location of the tumor, clearly increased the possibility that she could bleed to death in surgery.

Rehab from the surgery would have been highly challenging, with physical therapy, possible radiation therapy, and the daily rigors of carrying a 50 lb. dog outside for nature's call, while her abdomen was stitched and her back legs weakened.

After considering all of these possibilities we opted to allow Xena to continue with her currently excellent quality of life for as long as she was pain-free and able to get around on her own. While her prognosis was not sunny, the doctors each felt she would at least enjoy several months of continued comfort. Little did we know that we had given her the gift of a normal life span for a Retriever.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Xena Gives Me Her Profile View

Check out that Gray Muzzle!

In case you are wondering, Xena is 1/2 Golden Retriever and 1/2 Labrador Retriever/Chow Chow. As a younger dog, she was often confused for a Flat Coated Retriever. Age has thinned and shortened her fur, as well as dulling her coat, but nothing has yet diminished her spirit.

The doctors gave us a brief list of symptoms to watch for and one suggested a holistic liver aid called Milk Thistle, which has been shown to assist the liver's functioning. In addition to this supplement, I switched Xena to organic dog food, thereby eliminating toxins, food colorings, flavorings and preservatives from requiring processing in the liver. 

All these changes clearly took the stress off of Xena's liver, as she has just marked the one year anniversary since that diagnosis, and is still symptom-free. She continues her regular brisk walks, enjoys frisky wrestling matches with Tanner and loves to bask in the cool Spring breezes on our front porch, while dreaming the afternoons away. Isn't that what retirement is all about?

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Xena Takes an Afternoon Siesta

in our Geriatric Ward

We could not have asked for more. An additional year with our sweet girl remaining healthy, active and playful is more than we dreamed of. Although we know her time is coming, we now are assured that we made the right decision. We can see in her eyes the happiness of greeting each day with continued vigor. While Xena continues to visit the dog park, play with her housemates, enjoy our pool, and take her walks, I feel better each day that she and I are healing together.

Yes, I said together. My own battle with cancer has also been met with an organic punch. Next month will be 2 years since my diagnosis, and I, too, am still cancer free.

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about why eating organic is good for preventing and treating cancer, I invite you to join me on my journey at my other blog, Organic Journey Online, where I write about all things green and organic.

I also urge you to read the Hundred Year Lie, by Randall Fitzgerald, a well-known investigative journalist. This book will open your eyes to the many poisons we are stressing our lives and our Earth with, and could leave you asking, "Why do I eat this Big Mac?" It's the best ten bucks you'll ever spend on your health, or your dog's.

Let's Go Dog Parking!

Doctor's Dog Park Draws a Crowd

of Regulars Every Weekend

Tanner and his Friends

Enjoy a Game of Frisbee

So far Tanner can only catch a Frisbee when it is thrown TO him, but hopefully, we'll get there. I'd love to be able to throw it and watch him steamroll toward a big catch. It's fun to see others who can do that. Any tips?

Ginny and Her Housemates

Recently Enjoyed a Swim at the Lake

Thanks to Nancy for submitting Ginny's furry family photo. You might also enjoy Nancy's blog, Wayworm, as she is an avid dog lover also. I'd love to receive your dog park photos and include them here. You can send them to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.

Flea Season is Here: What's a Pup to Do?

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

No Itching Going on Here

Tanner Sleeps Peacefully After a

Trip to the Dog Park

Itchy. Itchy. They feel twitchy. Scratch! Scratch! Scratch! Oh the poor pups. It is Spring, and with Spring comes fleas. Those frozen eggs have begun to hatch and I'm hearing from readers that they need solutions.

Well, scratch no more. Organic and all-natural flea prevention and repellents have solved my problems that plagued poor 12-year-old Xena for so many years. I use a 4 part treatment to assure success; you can pick what you like:

1. As I told a friend, just today, I honestly feel that the most important change I have made was to switch to organic lawn care. No more chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides to cause her skin problems. Her prior skin issues were often 2-3 times per year, until we implemented this change. Now, for a whole year, she has had nothing but itch-free bliss. If you're interested in this option, check out my organic blog at Organic Journey Online. There is a search box at the top which will allow you to pull up all the articles on "organic lawn care".
   
2. As for on-the-dog flea prevention, I am using the following products, with great success: Neem Protect Shampoo and Neem Protect Spray (or other Neem Oil products) from Ark Naturals is a wonderfully soothing botanical that has helped Xena's hot spots calm down many times in the past, even before I went the organic route. You can spray it right on over an open area and it doesn't burn or sting. No concerns about licking or any danger to your pet. The mild scent is pleasant and doesn't seem to cause her any concern, whereas some of the veterinary preparations had no apparent effect and the smells bothered her. She continued to chew and pester the affected areas, as well.
   
3. A preventative or repellent is useful when you're planning an outing to the dog park or other wooded area for play. I like NaturVet's Herbal Flea Spray, which is made of Cedar oil and Rosemary. My indoor organic pest control provider tells me that he uses Cedar Oil also. It smells fabulous, making me want to snuggle my guys all day. Best of all, I can't help but notice that when I apply this before we go to the park, we have little problem with itchiness afterwards. That's got to be a good sign. You can pick up this product through Amazon, right here on my site for a little more than $6 a bottle. One bottle has lasted me about 9 months, with 3 dogs. We go to the dog park 3-4 times a week, so that should give you a good idea of how far it goes. I think that's a bargain compared to the vet products, which can run well over $20 a month. I spray their undersides, chest and the base of their tails each time we go "parking." I just ordered more today through this ad:


4. My organic lawn care specialist advised me to use DE, or Diatomaceous Earth, on the dogs. You may be thinking, "this is a pool filtering agent", and you are right. It is basically ground up seashells. For flea treatment, it is made into a food grade powder, which is safe if licked or ingested by your pet. The powder, ever so soft, acts like tiny shards of glass on fleas, killing them on contact. I buy Para Clear in a 3 lb. container, manufactured by Azmira, a holistic animal products company. All of their products are made in the USA, so think of this as your economic stimulus contribution. It is available at Azmira Greatland, for $15.50. This will last you a long time! If you're a bargain shopper, I will tell you I found it for as little as $14 on other sites. The problem was those sites did not have the kind of security I can recommend. I suppose you could call your order in. If you like this option, try a Google search. It's your choice.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

My Flea Prevention and Treatment Products

Then I keep a small amount in a shaker bottle and treat the dogs as needed. One tip: Place your dog on top of a sheet or old shower curtain, so you can collect the powder that falls off as you apply it. Rub into the fur, concentrating on the areas where fleas congregate--base of the tail, neck and shoulders, armpits and inner thighs. You can also sprinkle in on their bedding and around their crates or beds.

If, like Tanner, your dogs swims daily, you'll need to reapply it whenever going into the great outdoors. Any access to grass, trees and parks will necessitate an application to prevent attacks.


Repeated applications may dry some dog's skin out a bit, although Tanner has had no such effect over 9 months of use. One holistic professional who writes on this topic suggests that you can alternate with a re-moisturizing treatment or Neem Oil to soothe the dryness and any itching that comes with it.

I will be honest with you that this white powder will not make your black dog look great. It sort of dulls their shine. I tend to use more of the other products on Xena, my black Retriever mix, and I use the DE powder on her bedding and areas of carpet she likes to lay on. This has worked well as an alternative to powdering her beautiful black coat.

DE is a safe indoor flea treatment, as well. If you get an indoor infestation, simply sprinkle it over the carpet. Rake or sweep it in with a stiff broom and leave for several hours. Vacuum it up to revive your carpet and collect the dead fleas. This procedure will also help prevent an infestation. If you notice fleas in your yard, it is time to be proactive.

If you have found fleas in your home, I suggest you apply a second treatment in a couple of weeks and vacuum furniture and bedding well. This will take care of eggs and hatchlings that have appeared after your first treatment. Another tip would be to wash any bedspreads or rugs in hot water, if possible.

I hope this will give you all some options for an itch-free Spring. It works for my dogs, and no more Fipronil. My research on that stuff finds that it is a known carcinogen. I've had cancer myself. I couldn't bear to knowingly put my dogs through that. That's why we're an organic family now. Got questions? Concerns? Drop me a comment at the link below or write me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com .

My Pet Peeve: Dogs in Pick Up Truck Beds

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver and Xena

Check Out Brent's Truck

I'm on a bandwagon today. Or is it a soap box? Doesn't matter. I'm in need of letting off some steam after driving behind a truck with 2 big dogs in it. Traveling 60 MPH down I-4 those poor dogs won't have a prayer if that driver has to slam on brakes or gets into an accident. It scares me to be behind trucks with people or dogs in them.

Am I crazy? No. Of course not. Even my vet says "No dogs in the back of trucks." So, why is it so hard for some people to see the obvious danger to their dog, while riding in the back of a pickup truck?

Anybody got ideas on how to get the word out to these dog owners who travel with their best friends in the truck beds? I'm open to your thoughts. The comment button is at the bottom of the post.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner Seems Ready to Go for a Ride

Sorry, Buddy, No Pups in this Truck Bed

Not on the Road, Anyway

First Alert Xena, our Weather Forecasting Dog

It's raining outside right now. Rain, rain, glorious rain. You know, that fresh smelling Spring rain that leaves the world seemingly pure afterwards. Sort of like a bath in spring. Fresh!

I'm sitting in my office watching the rain barrel fill and say thank you to mother Earth for this gift. In the past week, we have had several rains, with this being the most significant. Xena, the thunderstorm weather girl, is sleeping peacefully at my feet. She is better than any weather man around. If she isn't disturbed by this downpour, then I know we're not in for a thunderstorm, just rain. Aren't animals amazing?

Even if there were thunder 10 or 20 miles away, she would be pacing nervously, letting me know that danger was about. Two days ago, when a violent storm ripped through our area, it was Xena who alerted me to the upcoming threat BEFORE my weather alert radio. Clearly she is a better weather forecaster than the National Weather Service.

Although sometimes her nervous antics during a storm can be problematic, I'm actually glad to have her around when a fast moving storm is coming toward us. She is the early alert--the one I get before the weather alert radio. I guess I should nickname her First Alert Xena.

This morning, we are so clear of thunder in the area, that she even asked to go outside DURING the rain. That's about as good an all-clear sign as any umpire could give at a ball game, when it is safe to play again.

The fun came when she was back inside, dripping wet. We have this game called "Dry the Doggy", which she loves. It's great to make grooming matters a game with our pups, so they can find enjoyment in this necessary activity.

I count myself as lucky when I look at my dogs and realize that Xena's weather nerves are our only "issue". Cesar Millan would probably have a cure, but I rather like having a weather forecaster in the family, especially one that is so accurate. Thanks, Xena. You get the Weather Forecaster's Award for best accuracy.

I suppose I should get her an award. Traditionally we humans would give a plaque or a trophy, but I could get her a rain coat. What do you think?

Amazing Talent: Gin, the Dancing Dog

You have got to watch this amazing Border Collie performing in Britain's Got Talent:



I know after watching that video, you're just dying to have some fun with your dog. I just posted a new article on the Central Florida Green Guide, entitled Green Family Fun: Let's Visit the Dog Park. I hope you'll stop in and read it. Comments, please!

Meet the First Dog!

Bo, the First Dog

Bo, the new first dog, has finally appeared. He is a boy, given his name by the Obama daughters. Bo was a gift from Senator Kennedy. He is a Portuguese water dog, a breed known to be especially good for children with allergies. Bo is 6 months old.



Portuguese water dogs were bread to retrieve the fishing nets from under the water for fishermen. They are known for their diving abilities. I would love to have Bo or one of his cousins come here and teach Tanner how to retrieve his sunken pool toys from the bottom of the pool. Any offers?

Xena, Tanner and Oliver would all love to play with this adorable fella. Perhaps we'll drop in for a visit next time we're in DC. Woof! Anyone home? Can Bo come out to play?

Seniors Get More Than Companionship from their Dogs

Joan Enjoys Helping Oliver and Jacque

Learn Socialization Skills

About 6 months ago my mother adopted a Papillon puppy whose owner could no longer take care of him. Never having trained a puppy, she has had her hands full with so many things to learn.
Socialization is at the top of her list, thank goodness, and little Jacque is learning well. She visits the dog park with him regularly and he has proven to be a confident and well-mannered playmate for most of the dogs. He is still working on his vocalization, though. That's a nice way of saying that he needs to bark a bit less.

The many challenges of a new puppy have given mom a new sense of purpose in her life, and she is enjoying this immensely. Many senior citizens who are able to care for a pet, find that this responsibility breathes new life and energy into their days. A host of new tasks and challenges await and each one is a new adventure.

With many dogs available for adoption through shelters, at little cost to the owner, a senior citizen, on a fixed income can often afford to adopt a smaller dog, whose food requirements will be considerably less than my 4-cup-a-day Golden Retriever. A minimum investment of a crate and vaccinations necessary for good health can bring a lonely person a sense of importance in their new job of nurturing a dog.

Adopting a mature dog can often mean that the task of house-training is already accomplished. Even more, that puppy hood trait of chewing everything in sight is often also a thing of the past. With a daily walk, adult dogs can find happiness with a new owner who gives them the appropriate discipline, rules and finally...affection.

The latter is good for both dog and owner, but the whole package is necessary for a dog to become a bonded member of the new family. Take the lead and show your furry friend the boundaries of his new home, and he will become a good companion.

For a bit more information on bringing home a new family member, I like this DVD by Cesar Millan. His approach involves more leadership than training, and is very no-nonsense. Good luck!

Dog Park Greetings

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

This Brittany Spaniel Puppy

Is Having His First Dog Park Visit

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Hi! I'm Handsome

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Hey, You Up There!

You're Too Big for the Bench.

Oliver is Always Right in the Middle

of the Excitement

Every weekend is another adventure at the dog park. My pack comes home and sleeps half the day afterwards. There is nothing like working a party to wear out my gang.

If you are a dog park enthusiast, I'd like to invite you to visit Adopt a Dog Park, where you can learn how to help keep our dog parks clean and healthy during this difficult budget-crunching time for our local parks departments.

I collect dog park photos and have displayed many on Care 2 Adopt a Dog Park, where you can also start a discussion with other dog park lovers. We'd love to see your dog park photos, and you can share them there by creating your own photo album. Hope to see you soon.

Late Breaking News: My latest post has just been published on Central Florida Green Guide. I hope you'll find time to stop in and check out Green Family Fun: Let's Visit the Dog Park.

Got Easter Bunnies?

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver Has Big Ears

Like a Rabbit

Carrots are a healthy, vitamin packed snack for dogs. This big organic carrot was meant for Tanner, but Oliver wanted to give it a try. I did not really believe he could eat the whole thing. What do you think?

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner and Oliver Wait

Permission to Eat their

Organic Carrots

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver Ate the Whole Thing!

Okay, so he didn't eat the big one in the first picture. That would have been way too much natural sugar for a little guy like him. At 8 pounds, I give him a smaller carrot, more suitable for his size. Tanner can handle the big one.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Marc and Robby,

Our Family's Easter Bunny

Yes. We do have an Easter bunny. He lived with us for 5 years, until several months ago, while Marc attended college and law school. He belongs to Marc, my oldest son, seen here holding him on Robby's arrival back "home". Robby is enjoying his new digs with Marc. They share a cozy, urban historical home and keep each other company. I'm sure Robby is a great roommate; he is quiet and easy to please. He'll eat any veggie you give him and loves a good ear rub. Happy Easter, Robby. We miss you. (You too, Marc!)

Dog Park Days

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

This Adorable Bulldog has just

One Spot Centered on his Back

My closest dog park is also my favorite. It has beautiful trees to provide welcome shade in Summer. My dogs love the grass--acres of it that gives them good purchase when they're playing a tag game.

We enjoy seeing our regular dog park friends, both human and canine, each weekend. This weekend, one of our regulars decided to start a list of all the folks in the park, including their dog's names and email addresses. I guess she officially became our secretary, but this may help us address any problems that come up and need the attention of others. She and I seem to have become the official caretakers of the park, making our rounds with poop bags to collect unproductive piles around the park. No worries!


Occasionally, just like children on a playground, squabbles end up causing friction among "parents." Thinking about one such event made me realize that these squabbles are fleeting and we all need to learn to let go. After all, it is dogs we're dealing with. We can't reason with them. It is really the owners who need to figure out ways to get along when our dogs disagree over a ball or a stick or a habit of dominating that becomes unacceptable. Addressing these issues head on is usually the best method. Something like " I'm sorry Tanner likes to jump on you. He is a bit too friendly for his size. I put my knee up to stop him, and then ask him to sit for petting. Would you like to try this?"


Yeah. I know it isn't a cure all, but Tanner is enthusiastic about socializing with humans, almost as much as the dogs. I talked with another trainer this weekend who merely suggested that I keep that up...not give up when Tanner doesn't understand that the same rules apply for other humans. He is generally pretty good about not jumping on me; it's other people who really get his engine going. So, I'll keep on plugging. According to this trainer, it could take a while for Tanner to transfer the lesson that jumping is not acceptable on anyone. We'll see.

Do you have a cure all for jumping? My excitable Golden Retriever could really use your suggestions. He's a lovable oaf, but sometimes too lovable.


I remembered the camera this weekend, so I took a few pictures of the gang. Here are a few of Tanner, Oliver and Xena's playmates:

Oops! My software won't let me put any more photos in. I'll continue this photo album on the next post; just scroll down.

And More Dog Park Days

Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of all the dogs at the park yesterday. A few came out such poor quality, I had to leave them out. But you get the idea. We have a nice variety and a beautiful day brings everyone out for some fresh air and exercise for their pups.

If you are a dog park enthusiast, you can get involved in keeping your dog park clean and healthy for you and your dog. Check out Adopt a Dog Park, where you will find ideas and resources for helping to care for your dog's favorite playground.

Oh, and don't forget to bring a ball thrower if you're like me and throw like a girl!

National Clean Dog Park Awareness Day

The first annual National Clean Dog Park Awareness Day brought out lots of canines and their families to my local dog park on March 22. Several of us walked the park and cleaned up left-behind piles and other trash. We left the park looking great, and as clean and safe as possible.

My 12 year old girl, Xena, enjoyed her day at the park too. By keeping the park clean, I know I am doing what I can to provide her with a healthy place to play. You may think that at age 12 she can't be very playful. Wrong! She can put on quite a wrestling match and tag game with Tanner, her trusted playmate.

All sizes and kinds were on hand today to celebrate. To learn what you can do to help care for your local dog park, visit Adopt a Dog Park. You can also join our discussion forum and share your own dog park photos by joining Care 2 Adopt a Dog Park. It's free. There you will find photo albums of my dogs, my dog park photos, and my dogs' doggie daycare photos. You could say all of my favorite dogs are there. Well, almost. I still need to get photos of my dogs' agility buddies. That will come next.

If you would like to adopt your dog park, you can email me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. I'll look forward to hearing from you. Our dogs are counting on us.

Bad Habits are What Puppy Behaviors Become

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver and Tanner

Watch Alan Eat Patiently,

But They Don't Beg

Think back to when your dog was a tiny puppy--the day your brought him home. Everything, virtually every behavior he exhibited brought joy and laughter. Even when he peed on the floor the first time, you probably laughed, rather than scolding him.

We're only human, and most of us have a tough time disciplining a "newborn". Puppies are no different. We coddle them; we make excuses for them; we give them affection when they're naughty by saying, in that adorable grandmotherly voice, "You naughty puppy, you!" Meanwhile, we're shaking our finger at him and he's thinking it is playtime.

I'm as guilty as most dog owners who have given more affection than discipline. But I am learning. With each new dog comes a few new lessons that sink in, even if too late.

After two large dogs, I finally understand that I should have taught them not to jump up immediately when they were first brought home. Now that Tanner is 2 1/2, I cannot seem to break him of this bad habit. Sure, it was cute when he was 10 weeks old. But now, when he wants to give personal kisses to visitors, he has no problem putting his paws on their shoulders and looking them straight in the eye.

I've talked to lots of trainers. Each have their own methods. Some of their ideas have worked temporarily. The problem is that I cannot instruct a strange visitor to lift their knee or shake a can of pennies or turn their back and ignore him. I really need Cesar to visit and help me to work Tanner through this, but I know that this is not a significant enough issue to get him here. Bummer!

I suppose I will have to make a deal with a friend to be my helper for a couple of hours. I'll help her practice with her dog issues, and she can do the same for me. It may be my only solution.

Today my mother was telling me about her concerns with Jacque's playful biting. Her skin is thin, and his biting is still quite uncomfortable. That's when it hit me that we should have worked with him on this right from the start. Although it is never too late, it is going to be a longer road now that Jacque has learned to love the game of chewing on mom's hands. Perhaps she will be my helper, and then I can assist her with Jacque's hand chewing issues. It's a lightbulb moment.

Preventing Food Aggression

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Food Aggression Starts when

Your Dog Thinks She Owns the Food

I guess this is one of those days when I'm going to get all Cesar Millan on you. You may laugh, but he's got the food thing down. Teaching your dog that the food belongs to you, right from the start, will assure that you will never have a snarling match when you take a table scrap or dog bowl away from your dog.

I may not be an expert, but if my 3 dogs could talk, they would tell you that I own the food. I started with adding my scent to their bowls by rubbing my body oil (from my forehead) onto the outside of the bowl. Then, when I place their food in the bowl, I handle it with my bare hands, making sure my scent is mixed in well.

Asking my dogs to sit or down and then STAY, I place the food in front of them and tell them to leave it. The length of this exercise depends on the age and experience of the dog. Oliver, the youngest, is not quite as patient, yet can still manage 2 minutes when hungry enough. They all know that if they make a move toward the food, the dish goes up on top of the refrigerator. Nothing is worse than that!
When given permission to break their stay with my "All done" command, they understand that they may get up, but still wait and watch for the final grant. Permission to eat comes when I say Take it. Tanner is still tentative about this. He likes a tap on the shoulder, sort of a "go ahead" before he takes it. He will drool all over the floor until I give permission. What a good boy he is.

If I reach for the bowl, he backs up and sits again. When done eating, he remains in his spot until his housemates have finished eating, at which time I probably break the rules. I give him permission to Do the Dishes. He licks out the other bowls, followed by Oliver. Sometimes they do the dishes together. I am still able to take those dishes, though, even when they are still licking. The understanding here is that I am the pack leader, which means I own the food. I like it that way, and they respect it. That is the most important part. No arguments over treats, meals or bones--ever.

Want to know more? This guy is the master. Start with Season I and work your way through.

Tanner is back in the pool at Organic Journey Online, where Woofing Wednesday continues to be a popular post each week. As usual, he is up to his favorite pool game: fetch. Stop in and have a look around. You can subscribe easily, just by typing in your email address at the top right.