Central Florida Animal Pantry Seeks to Keep Pets with their Families

Just a couple of months ago a young cub scout, Zach Wilson, wanted to help homeless dogs. He and his family visited a local shelter to look for a dog to adopt--a companion for their current dog, Brandi. Zach's concern for the many homeless dogs brought on a helpless feeling, and with it a new idea. Early the next morning Zach announced to his parents that he wanted to help all the dogs. No, not adopt them all. Zach wanted to find a way to help the dogs stay with their families, rather than being brought to the shelters during these tough economic times.

He was onto something. Nine year old Zach had a keen intuition that helping families feed their pets and provide necessities like collars, leashes and beds, would help families keep their pets. And so his dream began.

Zach's first effort was a one time collection of dog food through his school. The success and outcry for more of these events was so strong that Zach and his family decided to make this their mission.

The plan moved quickly, with local animal businesses offering to collect donations of pet food and other products. The first donation days were surprisingly brisk, as many needy families learned of the giveaways of food for their hungry animals and visited to pick up needed nourishment for their furry friends. When I dropped off my donation at Soapy's Dog Wash on 436, I was delighted to see a large washtub brimming with pet food and other necessities.

Zach's brainchild was named the Central Florida Animal Pantry, and now has its own website where you can learn more about how to help with this admirable project. There you will see just how many other businesses have joined Zach's efforts to help dogs and their families stay together. Hopefully you too can help. Click the link above this line to find your nearest collection location.

Doggie Quiz Day for Human Owners

Let's start with a cute quiz that shows dog body language and gives you a chance to label it. How'd you do? The movements are not always clear, but it sure is fun to watch. I laughed my head off, or as they say on Facebook: LMAO!

Purina's How to Speak Dog quiz

We've all heard that we look like our dogs. Me too. Everyone says Tanner and I look alike. I guess they're right. He's tall, slender and blonde, and so am I. Although, thankfully, I don't think of myself as a dog. I guess if I did, Tanner would be as good as any. He's a great boy! Send me a COMMENT at the link below the post. I'd love to hear what dog you are...
Dogster's "What Dog breed are you?" quiz
I think I'm going to put this book on my Wish List. Anybody out there read it yet? I'd love comments...........

Teaching Your Dog to Fetch

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Please Play Fetch with Me

After reading a blog post at The Happy Wag, a Roanoke, Virginia pet blog, I learned about Stormy, who hasn't yet mastered the art of Fetch. This post is dedicated to Stormy and all of the rest of his canine cousins out there who would love to learn to retrieve and return a toy to their human best friends.

Fetch is an excellent way to establish your bond and leadership, while building discipline and trust with your dog. A mental challenge is a great way to add to the physical challenge of retrieving the ball or other fetch toy. Learning to bring it back to you, drop it at your feet, and wait patiently for another toss, takes practice. Each of these tasks is a separate skill, and each must be patiently taught separately, before being strung together for a Fetch game. So be patient, Pack Leader, a truly great game of Fetch is well worth the effort of learning it the right way, and much less frustrating for you and your dog.

I highly recommend that all dogs who are able, learn to fetch and return a ball or other toy. The benefits go far beyond the fun factor, not the least of which is that it goes a long way toward establishing you as the Pack Leader. Let's get started:

You may have read the title and wondered how many lessons there can possibly be in a "simple" game of Fetch. Simple for you, maybe. But stringing skills together for a dog requires teaching each one by one, at first. Here are the steps we'll learn in the sequence.

Skills Required for the Ultimate Game of Fetch:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Drop It
• Leave It
• Fetch

These are all basic skills taught in obedience classes. However, they must be exhibited well by your dog in order to play Fetch without you getting mauled or the dog running off with the ball. If your goal is a textbook Fetch game, here are the sequencing skills, in order: (Notice my illustrations are with Tanner in a game of Pool Fetch. There is no difference between pool fetch and fetch in a field of grass. Pick your venue based on your dog's preference, or try both. Tanner's loves them all. Select a toy that your dog is enthusiastic about playing with, and that is suitable for a fetch game. It must have enough weight that you will be able to throw it a fair distance. If, like me, you throw like a girl, invest in a "Chucker" or other, similar throwing aid, which will allow you to throw a ball a good distance. This is especially important if you have a larger dog who needs the distance factor to get some exercise out of this game. Additionally, Fetch toys should be reserved for Fetch games only. Keep them on a shelf, and this will be understood by the dog. The toys belong to you. You decide when the game begins and when it ends. Don't let your dog get obsessive about Fetch.

• Your dog must master a "Sit, Stay". Remember to use plenty of calm verbal praise.


• Step away from your dog and remind him to stay. Don't throw until he is tuned in and attentive to you.


• Maintaining eye contact, the owner throws the toy and gives the Fetch command. The dog usually understands that this means to chase the flying toy. Not much skill involved in this action, except to leap over any obstacles or off the side of the pool:

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko
Tanner Leaps to Fetch

If he runs toward the toy, give verbal praise and encouragement. If he picks up the toy, get even more boisterous with your praise. Begin calling him to you. If this is unsuccessful, extra training in "Come when called" is needed.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko
Tanner Collects His Prize
and Heads Back to Return It

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

I'm Almost There...

Can We Do It Again?

• Never, ever discipline a dog when he does not come. Would you come if you were spanked when you came slowly? No, of course not. Always praise your dog when he comes. Use more vigorous praise, petting, treats and other affection when his come is more immediate and successful. Ideally, your dog should come straight to you and sit. This should be your ultimate goal.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko
Tanner Returns the Fetch Toy
for Another Throw

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Sit, Tanner

The next goal is to get the dog to return the toy and drop it at your feet. Praise and a treat are earned when this occurs. If you are successful in getting the dog to come back to you, try this. Ask him to sit. Step toward him and give the drop it command while looking down over him. This establishes your dominance and will usually be respected, if you are seen by him as the leader of the pack. Be prepared to practice this again and again, as some dogs may have difficultly giving up the toy. If they refuse, do not try to forcibly remove it from their mouths. Turn your back and end the game. When he drops the toy, step on it and ask him to leave it. Put him in a sit and place the toy up on a shelf again. End of game. Lesson: Drop it or I end the game. He'll catch on fast to this, if you are consistent.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko
Drop It. Good Boy, Tanner!

• Eventually, Fetch games can move into advanced mental games like: (1) Start with the "Leave it" command, that asks dog to stay until you give the Fetch command. Throw the toy and have him leave it...a second or two at first, and then with increasing length. As the dog gets better, you can require him to wait longer periods before giving the Fetch command. This is a good mental challenge for him. (2) Give each Fetch toy a name. Practice the game using the name, so the dog learns them. Multiple toys can then be thrown. The dog is asked to Fetch the correct toy by name. This game is lots of fun when your dog has an audience. He gets a chance to show off; He knows the names of his toys! (3) When your dog really gets good at advanced game #2, you can work on this game: Show him 3 toys. Tell him to Leave It when showing 2 of them. Throw all 3 and then ask him to Fetch the last one. This will take lots of practice, but when he gets it, he'll beam with pride. Be sure to use lots of praise, pats and even treats to encourage these skills, until your dog is performing them "for the love of the game". (4) Finally, many dogs enjoy trying to catch the fetch toy before it hits the ground or the water. This is a great challenge and loads of fun for the dog who is motivated to try this. Tanner isn't terribly talented at this game, but occasionally he gets lucky:
  
  

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

I Caught It Mom!

• I often allow Tanner one "Take It" at the end of a Fetch game. I extend the toy in my hand and he proudly takes it from me and basks in the sun with it. This is one of his favorite rewards--being able to be in charge of the toy, even if only for a few minutes.

Tanner Relaxes after a
Game of Fetch with "Red"

Be sure to keep these opportunities short. Ask your dog to drop it and leave it and return the toy to its storage place for the next game. This is ample motivation for him to look forward to it again. You're on the right track.

Did You Know I Love Dogs? And Dog Parks!

I love wondering what they're smelling when they sniff a spot for a long time. Their noses are supposedly a million times more sensitive than ours. I think, if they could talk, they'd tell us that Midas was just at this spot. Where is Midas today? Hmm!

Tanner and his Husky friend greet the white lab that just arrived. It's such fun making new friends, and helping your dog to learn to socialize is one of the best reasons to take him to the park. What's better than lots of friends for a pup to learn to enjoy them.

I love playing fetch with Tanner. He'll fetch a stick, a Frisbee, a ball, or even an orange. One day I used an orange off the tree in the park to play fetch. Tanner didn't seem to mind at all.

Oliver makes it his mission to greet all the humans in the park with a kiss. His are gentle and sweet, sort of like a kitten. Tanner has that same mission. He, unfortunately, likes to do his on a "run by jumping kiss" kind of motion. Sort of the dog kiss version of a "drive by shooting". Cesar Millan wouldn't approve, but I'm working on it. Tanner is almost three years old, and I am beginning to see signs of maturity setting in, but not yet in his enthusiasm for socialization. There seems to be no end in sight for my party animal's talent for working a party.

I love German Shepherds whose owners always provide fresh water at the dog park. Tanner has a bad habit of washing the fetch ball in the bucket, and standing in it while he drinks. I guess this is a habit that comes from fetch in the swimming pool. Aren't all his toys supposed to get a dunk before we play again?

I love watching Tanner greet a new Rottweiler friend. Just like Marley, Tanner's motto is "So many genitals, so little time!"

I love watching Oliver drink from the water fountain at the dog park. Sometimes Tanner gives himself a shower, using the top sprayer, but I haven't managed to catch a photo of that humorous episode yet. I'll keep trying.

That's enough for today. Clearly, we enjoy our dog park visits. If you have dog park photos you would like to share, I'll be happy to post them here on the blog. I'll crop out humans, so there won't be any legal issues. My son, the attorney, doesn't seem to have time for any more clients, so I have to stay out of trouble.
If you're thinking of venturing out to your local dog park for the first time, I encourage you to read my posts with helpful tips on dog parking:

• Child Safety at the Dog Park


• Green Family Fun: Let's Visit the Dog Park, Part I


• Green Family Fun: Let's Visit the Dog Park, Part II


• Green Family Fun: Let's Visit the Dog Park, Part III

There are also some great books out that would be helpful, like the one that follows. It really helps to know what you're getting yourself into.

And one more thing. In an effort to spread the word about diminishing funding for dog park upkeep, I have a website where you can learn how to help care for your dog park, while your dog enjoys playing there. I hope you'll stop in to visit Adopt a Dog Park to see how you can do your part, without adding extra work to your day. Your dog will thank you for it.

Water Safety Warning for Your Dogs

It's so sad. An online news program I was just reading had a report of a drowned dog in a swimming pool. :( So sad.



Think about it. Just like when you have a small child in your home, you do all of the following, when you have a puppy or dog:

• Child proof lower shelves, lifting dangerous objects to above the reach of your dog.



• Place all medicines in latched cabinets or above the reach of a dog.



• Keep cleaning solutions, detergents, etc. all out of reach.



• Place all foods that might be hazardous to your dog above his reach or inside closed containers and inside a cabinet.



• Put dog toys away that are dangerous for unsupervised play.



• Go through your houseplants, removing any that are toxic to dogs.



• Train your dog to stay in the house, or contain him while you go to the door.

There are probably more, but you get the idea. Keeping your dog safe from water is no different:

• Assure that all nearby water is surrounded by fencing or gates, or that your dog is on a leash and supervised.




• Lock your own gates and doors to the pool or lake in your back yard. Tanner would have your back door open in 15 minutes, if it were not locked.


• Consider a lifevest for all but stealthy swimmers, as well as anytime you are venturing away from shore in a boat.
  


• Finally, drown proof your dog. Even if your dog hates the water, and some do, it is imperative that you teach him to swim and to learn how to get out of nearby waterways safely.

Take your dog to any open water in your area for a "fun" day of swimming. Allow him to get plenty warm from play before inviting him into the river, lake, ocean or pool. If he balks, you'll have to use my instructions for swimming lessons. Be sure to include one step I haven't yet covered. This is the most important part. Your dog must know where to get out of the water safely. You'll need to make this decision for him, and then guide him in this direction when you are going through "swimming lessons". Getting out of a body of water can be hazardous, and even tougher for tall-challenged dogs like Oliver, so consider the depth, weeds and other growth, the condition of the bottom, and the current if there is one.

Most swimming pools have two steps, but for Oliver, there is only one that is shallow enough for him to reach the bottom. That meant that he had to learn to get out of the pool at the same place, no matter where we put him in. We simply had him follow me to the shallow step each time, until he did it automatically on his own.

On June 10, you may have seen my post Swimming Isn't Just for Lab-Lovers, where I displayed photos of Oliver (all 8.2 pounds of him!) learning to swim. His enjoyment of the water is growing, although I'm not kidding myself. He may never love the water like Tanner does. More importantly though, he knows how to swim, and he can get out of our pool. Hopefully, we have done the job well. But, if not, there are alternatives:

Helping Your Dog Adapt to an E-Collar After Surgery or a Hotspot

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Xena Models Her E-Collar

Poor Xena could write the book on E-Collars. She has had 3 of them in her lifetime, and spent countless weeks and months living in them. Why? Only now can I explain that. For years, Xena had a constant flow of hot spots. They were nearly always in the same locations--the places that came in contact with the ground, when she layed in our grass. This always was curious to me; I knew there had to be a connection, but didn't know what that connection was. Finally, we have our answer.

These pictures were take about 1-1/2 years ago when Xena had her last hot spot. Before this one, she had them almost back to back throughout her life. Our neighbors probably thought we were torturing her, as she constantly had to wear an e-collar, to keep her from chewing at the spots and infecting them.
Oh, sure, we had cute names for the thing. Lampshade head. Megaphone girl. Conehead. You name it. But it didn't make her feel any better.

Now, after 18 months since I stopped our chemical lawn care, it is clear to me that this was the cause of Xena's skin problems. I wish I could give all those months of itching and scratching and chewing back to her. At least now, with our new organic lawn care, there are not chemicals or pesticides on the lawn to irritate her skin.

Since the change in lawn care, Xena has played freely in our yard without so much as a bug bite. She enjoys the outdoors immensely. Sitting in the grass during the Winter is her favorite way to relax.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Xena's Last Hot Spot--

Only a Bad Memory Now

Sadly, that last hot spot was a really bad one. She got her skin so infected with her chewing, that we had to shave her in order to treat the infection. She began to shake from the chills, as she had always had such a thick coat to keep her warm. It was the shave job that prompted the Lifeguard outfit. We call it her Pamela Anderson imitation. It made a good Halloween costume.

Now that we know what was causing her problems, we've been able to fix them. We've hired an organic lawn care company to service our yard and our home. We use natural flea control on Xena and her buddies, Tanner and Oliver. These include food grade Diatomaceous Earth powder, supplemented with Cedar Oil spray. Both can also be applied to their bedding and carpeted areas. I also use Neem Oil Shampoo and conditioner to help keep her skin healthy. At her age, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. Right?!!

Cool Dogs on the Hot Days of Summer

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Cool Dogs Show Off their

Cooling Blue Bandannas

After a visit from a new friend, Lauren, we received a package. Much to our delight, Lauren had sent the pups new bandannas, with their names painted on each. The beautiful blue colors gave me an idea, as I opened the package while watching Tanner swim in the pool. All that blue just screamed out COOL, and I remembered seeing a cooling bandanna at a local pet store.

Figuring that I could easily create this same product, I hadn't purchased one, but tucked the idea in the back of my brain for future use. So here goes.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Flexible Ice Packs are Rolled

into the Neck Area of the Bandannas

After raising 3 kids, I've had tons of injuries to ice. The top of my freezer has a good inventory of ice packs in various sizes, even a tiny one from one kids' wisdom teeth removal, that is perfect for Oliver. I rolled these ice packs into the neck area of the bandannas, before tying them onto the dogs. I wasn't entirely sure if the ice packs would stay put, but they did. A successful experiment!

I did have to make one modification. Oliver's bandanna was the same size as the bigger dogs', so after I rolled the neckline of his even farther than the others, I tied knots at the spot where the tie and the triangle area of the bandanna meet. This shortened the ties so they did not drag on the ground, and probably helped keep the ice pack tucked inside also. It worked well.

Xena seemed to maintain her pace better, with this cooling apparatus around her neck, and Tanner clearly enjoyed the sensation of the chilly addition.

One thing didn't change though. When we got home, Tanner and Oliver still went for their cooling swim. I suppose swimming is the still the best way to cool off after you work up a sweat.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner's Favorite Cooling Activity

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver's Takes a Quick Dip

No bandannas or ice packs? You can order your pup a cooling bandanna right here. Actually, they are pretty cheap. I was pleased to see the prices.

Have you tried any other ways of keeping your dog cool on long, hot walks? One of my neighbors hoses his chocolate lab, Roxie, down before a walk. This works great for her.

If you have pictures of YOUR dog wearing a cooling bandanna or other creation for this purpose, I'd love to share your best friend's photo on my blog. Send it to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com . Stay cool!

Helping Your Big Dog Adapt to Playing Safely with a New Puppy

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver and Tanner Get Acquainted

Let's start with some stats here. These photos are about 15-16 months old. Tanner, the Golden Retriever is 47 pounds in this picture, and still somewhat of a puppy himself at 1-1/2. His new housemate is Oliver, a Papillon. Oliver arrived still a bit under the weather, so we waited to take pictures until he perked up. We adopted him when he arrived sick at a pet store. Lucky us; he is a great little fella.

Oliver was 3.2 pounds when we brought him home. That size difference between the two pups could have spelled disaster, but we were careful about the introduction and initial days of getting acquainted. This is what I will chronicle here. Using Cesar Millan's philosophy for bringing a new dog into your pack, I first began with a long, migrating walk.

Tanner, Oliver, Xena, Toni and I all walked for about a half hour. We had to carry Oliver a good share of the way, given his still weakened condition. But I think he still got the message that he was migrating to a new place with a pack leader.

While Toni held Xena, and then Tanner, I held Oliver up to sniff their behinds. Sounds a little off-color, huh? Well, that's how dogs give a friendly greeting, according to Cesar Millan. It also establishes dominance. In this case, with a new puppy coming into the pack, we wanted to assure that the two older dogs did not feel dominant over the puppy. This will help to assure their gentleness and his safety.

Honestly, I wasn't sure how smoothly all this would go, but I was ready with baby gates and separate rooms, if needed. We were committed to bringing this little fella home, by my daughter's agreement to take him. You know how that goes.

When we arrived back at the house after our migrating walk, I made sure that all humans went inside first, establishing them as the pack leaders. I then lead Tanner to a dog bed, where I placed him in a DOWN position, and asked him to stay. Tanner is very good at STAY.

I placed Oliver near him and allowed them both to sniff and come close to each other's muzzle. When Tanner began to use a paw, I touched the paw, and said firmly, "No Paw." When Tanner used his snout to play, I said "Good Boy, Tanner!" He learned fast. A few minutes of snout playtime and Oliver was beat. Off to bed for him.

© copyright 2008 Carrie Boyko

Oliver and Tanner

He quickly snuggled into his crate, which we placed in an area of our family room/kitchen where he could see everyone. He slept for quite a while after that first playtime with Tanner.

Similar exercises continued for a while, mostly with Tanner. He was a quick study. Xena was not terribly interested in the feisty little boy, Oliver, at first. She found his energy level to be overwhelming. No aggression...she simply chose to ignore him. At 12 1/2, she's earned the right to ignore a rambunctious child, if she likes. Her tolerance of Oliver has continued well, without any concerns for his safety. She is pleasant and easy going, for such a lot of mileage on her odometer.

As time went on, Tanner and Oliver began to fall asleep together, after playful displays on the couch or floor. I caught a few of these on camera:

© photo copyright 2008 Carrie Boyko

Oliver and Tanner Crashed

© photo copyright 2008 Carrie Boyko

Oliver and Tanner Sleep Quietly Together

Within a few days, Tanner was Oliver's favorite playground obstacle. Oliver crawled all over Tanner, and enjoyed litter mate-style play like chewing on Tanner's ears and tail. Tanner didn't mind a bit. Actually, I believe he was enjoying all the attention he was getting from this new boarder.

© photo copyright 2008 Carrie Boyko

Oliver Climbs on Top of Tanner

Best of all, Tanner still remembers to be gentle and careful with Oliver. Rarely does he get too rough. If anything, Oliver may abuse his privilege of being the small one occasionally, but Tanner doesn't seem to mind. They're great buddies.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Oliver and Tanner Continue to Play Nicely



© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Oliver Shares His Toys with Tanner

Teaching the boys to share their toys went smoothly also, but we'll leave that topic for another day. Just remember, all toys belong to the Pack Leader, and you'll be good to go. This Cesar Millan approach worked for me also.

Swimming Isn't Just for Lab-Lovers

© copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Tanner in True Fetching Form

Lately I've spoken with a number of Retriever owners whose dogs do not enjoy the water. After a few questions, the problem becomes clear. Given that these dogs, bred to collect the hunter's kill from the water, are natural water dogs, they probably just need a little instruction. Perhaps an easy acclimation to the water will work for them, as it did for Tanner. Here's how it went for us with Tanner, with photos from Oliver's experience. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of Tanner's turn. :(

At about 9 months of age, the water was an inviting temperature, and Tanner's interest in new things was peaking. Perfect timing for an introduction to swimming. After a long walk to tire him out, we enjoyed a cool-down on the pool deck. He likes being wiped down with a few splashes of water, so I used this to my advantage, and got him more wet than usual.

Then, taking my arms under his belly, we sat slowly down on the edge of the pool, danging his toes in the water. This felt good and he quickly found it pleasurable. I dropped to the first step. Now his legs were in the water and his tummy was feeling a surge of cool water. That did it. He wriggled and tried to escape, being confused by this chilly surprise. Holding him close, tightly to my body, I did not speak. I just waited for him to calm himself and acclimate.

When Tanner's breathing slowed and he loosened in my grip, I gave him a few minutes to enjoy the relaxed feeling and then dropped another step. Water rose up to his shoulders and his eyes became like marbles. He looked at me as if to say, "We're not going to keep going into this giant water bowl, are we?"

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver Gets Ready

for a Swim with Alan

Again, I simply sat quietly, holding him snugly against my body. And again he calmed after realizing, from my body language, that all was okay. I lifted Tanner out of the pool and allowed him to enjoy a good tail chasing and then dried him off. He loves being massaged with a thick towel, having his ears rubbed and his chest dried with a circular motion. This pleasurable end to Swimming Lesson 101 was perfect. He left his lesson with the pure enjoyment of a good massage. My hope was that his next lesson would go more easily.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Look What You Did to My Beautiful, Fluffy Fur!

It did. Without surprise, he awaited the move to each step. When we sat covered in the water up to his shoulders, his anticipation was palpable. Yet I waited. When he relaxed, once again, suspecting that we would go no further, I took this as my cue and stepped into the pool, continuing to hold him securely to me, as we moved around at a steady speed.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver Heads for the Shallow Step

This took him by a surprise, but didn't take long until he began to relax in my arms. I dropped my arms, giving him a little push and said "Swim, Tanner!" He turned and came right toward me, using his paws to try to reach my shoulders for a good grip. Tanner's default grip has always been more like a toddler's. Tummy to tummy, he enjoys holding on to Toni or I, with his feet on our hips. And this is where he was headed. Without clothing to protect my shoulders or hips, I did not want this to happen now. Not here in the pool.

I turned him back toward the shallow step--his goal--and once again said "Swim, Tanner!" Once again, Tanner turned and headed back for me. This was going to be a challenge. He couldn't see the solid white step under the water; he simply knew that I was right behind him. This time I caught him and took him to the step. I put him securely on it and allowed him to stand there, realizing that it was good purchase, and he did not need me to hold him there.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Yeah, Oliver! You Did It!

I let go and backed up. He swam toward me. I cheered! Toni cheered! Alan cheered! Tanner was swimming!

It took a few more lessons before Tanner would get in alone, and a few more before he would jump into the water, and, well...you get it.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Alan and Oliver Race

Now he heaves himself in after a fetch toy like there was nothing at all to worry about. He just needed a confident teacher to show him how.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner Leaps from Poolside to Fetch "Red"

Trying to teach your dog to swim? Most dogs can swim. Maybe Bulldogs and Bassets might have a bit more trouble. They lack the legs to propel their large bodies. Once again, I'll be willing to field questions. Click the link button at the bottom of the post and send me your question.

I Just Have to Share this Adoption Card:

I got the following card from my pets on Mother's Day. It is simply too cool!

Dog Park Fun: Wait for Me! I Want that Frisbee too!

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Oliver Races after Tanner

As He Catches the Frisbee Like a Pro

Poor Oliver! The Frisbee is bigger than he is, so there's just no catching it for him. The same goes for fetch with a tennis ball. He can't even pick up a tennis ball with his pint sized mouth.

No matter. He gets his exercise at the dog park by chasing Tanner, while Tanner chases the ball or Frisbee. Sometimes, it is even another dog that Tanner is chasing. It really doesn't matter to Oliver. He simply enjoys chasing Tanner.

At home I have a few really small balls that Oliver can chase. They're a choking hazard for bigger dogs, so I keep them at home for our private playtime. It's a good thing he is small, because I cannot throw very far. At the dog park, I have to use a Chucker to throw the balls for Tanner. That thing works great.


This is an image I almost never see my dogs copying. This fella was simply enjoying the view, while getting a nice head rub. Ahh! The pleasures of a day at the park.


My guys like this attitude a bit more....there's nothing like a good run. I'm surprised Tanner wasn't in this race, as he rarely misses an opportunity to run with the big boys.

Got any dog park pictures to share? I'd love to receive them and show off your "kids". Send them to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com and I'll post them in another dog park post. If you're a dog park enthusiast like Tanner, Oliver and Xena, you can visit Adopt a Dog Park to learn how you can help keep our precious dog parks clean and green. With government budgets shrinking, we're probably going to lose our funding. That means park users will have to step up to keep the parks in good shape. Stop in and see what you can do to help.

Learning to Speak Dog: The Play Bow

© photo copyright 2009 Carrie Boyko

Oliver Demonstrates a Play Bow

One of the first recognizable doggie communications we all see in our pups is called the Play Bow. Named for the front legs dropping to the elbows, while the rear stays up, the play bow is an invitation, doggie style, to play.

The Play Bow can be used with people, dogs and other pets. Dogs do not discriminate. Before Marc took his rabbit back to Virginia, Oliver often invited Robby to play. I never managed to catch one of those play bows on camera, much to my chagrin. Oliver still invites our cat, Patches, to play. Unfortunately for Oliver, Patches has outgrown her playing days, and would prefer to smack him in the nose when approached with his juvenile enthusiasm. Her response is something akin to "Get out my face, you dawg!"

Despite Oliver's diminutive size (tipping the scale at 8.2 pounds), the cutest Play Bow in our family is still Xena. She may be nearing 90, but she still enjoys a good wrestling match--generally with Tanner, whose size matches hers much better. At her age, she's not really interested in learning how to wrestle with a peanut sized sparring partner like Oliver. Really! What's the point? She's going to win simply by her size alone. No contest.

Racing would not be much different. Although Oliver could easily keep up with her, dogs generally wrestle at the end of a race, so that's that. Why bother?

No matter who offers the play bow, it is always a pleasure to see--cute and innocent--let's have fun! We should all be so lucky as to have life be so simple.
Want to learn more about your dog's language? Check out this book:

The Definition of Dog: A Bit of Trivia for the Enthusiast

A recent visit to Thesaurus.com was cause for a light bulb moment. I never made the connection between one of the definitions of the word dog and the meaning of the command, "heel."

According to this site, "dog", as a verb, means "To follow closely or persistently." A synonym was listed as the verb "heel," which is a much used command in the dog world and generally asks the dog to follow closely at the owners side, without proceeding in front of the owner.

I had to wonder if the word dog was a coincidence or if the one meaning took its place after the name began being used in human applications. For example, "The police officer doggedly kept pace with the suspect."

I don't know why curiosities like this are fascinating to me. Perhaps because they seem so unsolicited. I am glad that Tanner heeds the heel command so well. It is an asset at our Agility classes. While we are a long way from being ready to compete, one of our strengths is that Tanner sticks to me fairly well. Do you think he could have read this definition?:

Tanner: Dog: To follow closely or persistently: heel. Hmm!

Source: Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition by the Editors of the American Heritage® Dictionary.Copyright © 2003, 1995. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.