Daisy

My friend saw that her Father in Law was getting up there in age and needed a companion. So she and her husband purchased for him an Old English Sheepdog puppy who, of course, became his daughter, Daisy.

That dog was a sight during the winter in New York! She would race to the top of a piled up "snow hill," sit, then slide down on her rear. I certainly would have loved to see that.

Daisy was a fine example of the Old English Sheepdog breed, sired by the canine star of "Please Don't Eat The Daisies." She later mated with a Grand U.S. and Grand Bahamian Champion who had sired many champions. What an awesome litter that was!

I'll tell you about the pups some other day. My friend has a thick "puppy album" of just the first six weeks of the litter's life.

My Mother often tells me that the film, "Please Don't Eat The Daisies," is hilarious. I suppose I should see it in honor of Daisy. She was a character!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Animal Shelter Over-Population: What's the Truth?

Letting dogs who are not fixed run free and mate as they please contributes to some of our over-population in animal shelters.

Do you know what adds even more dogs to those dog kennels than that?

People see a movie or someone walking a dog that they feel is beautiful. Then without researching the dog breed, they go and pick one up ... only to become overwhelmed by tendencies the animal naturally has.

If you want a dog, please do your homework. Know the dog breed, know its tendencies, health risks, temperament, and exercise requirements. For example, most working dog breeds, such as my Border Collie, need runs twice daily. They need it! It's not optional.

If you have an active lifestyle and want your dog to be part of that, get a dog breed who loves to work. If you are laid back, get a laid back breed.

If you do not know what signs to look for, take a qualified evaluator with you to select the right dog for you.

Common sense will cause the most dramatic drop ever in the animal shelter's dog population. It is up to each and every one of us to do our part!

Rena Murray
Dog Whisper Woman

What Makes A Good Dog Trainer?

I read something last night that absolutely cracked me up. It was a story by another professional dog trainer that addressed an issue I also deal with constantly.

A friend his dog knew, a former dog owner related to a dog breeder, approached his dog in her Halloween costume. The dog freaked out and warned her with his body posture, "back off." The dog trainer warned her, "Stop, you idiot. You're going to get bitten."

But she continued moving toward that dog even when he gave his warning lunge, saying, "He knows me." Well, she ended up being pinned in the corner...

There are those who breed dogs that believe this makes them an expert "dog trainer." Breeding dogs may make you an expert on the dog breed, its tendencies, its looks... that kind of stuff. But it no more makes you an expert dog trainer than owning a dog does. Thousands of people all over the world have dogs that are completely out of control.

Degrees don't really make you an expert, either. A degree comes through studying and fulfilling some requirements.

So what really makes you a "professional?"

EXPERIENCE. And genuine insight.

Dog trainers are not created equal, and many don't really know what they are doing. You don't need to be letting someone handle your dog who goes strictly by the book. Or anyone who believes that every dog is the same. All dogs must be respected and treated as INDIVIDUALS.

By the way, guys, I walked into a hospital a few months ago. I did not come out a doctor.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

A Shelter Dog In Adopt-a-Dog Month?

October is "Adopt a Dog Month". I am personally all for adopting a shelter dog so long as the shelter has a reputation that can be trusted. I have the skills to evaluate dogs, and I know how to read dog body language to see what the dog is telling me about himself. But most potential adopters do not.

Meeting with the family who fostered the dog is important. So is speaking with any previous owners the dog has had.

I also strongly recommend NOT getting a new puppy as a gift or a surprise for a family member. Especially on holidays or birthdays, as there is a frenzy of activity that make scare the new pup.

Before you bring home a new puppy or older dog, you should sit down and determine all rules for the dog. Inconsistency really causes a lot of dog behavior problems.

You also need to research your dog breed of choice well and be sure you can handle it's care needs. Walks, grooming, etc. A dog is not a toy that you can play with when you wish. It is a serious commitment.

The truth is that many dogs were abandoned for one of two reasons:

1. The owner no longer wants the responsibility, or
2. Extreme dog behavior problems.

You need to know which it is before you give your heart to that cute shelter dog or playful pup.

It's also good to agree that "I am going to try this shelter dog for two to four weeks before committing." Sometimes, the full extent of dog behavior problems doesn't show up at first, and most owners might miss the subtle symptoms. Explicitly stating and enforcing this "trial period" will help prevent heartbreak, for we people tend to form serious emotional attachments to our furry friends very quickly!

Consider this. Everyone loves to watch Beethoven and Turner and Hooch, but it's not cute at all when it's YOUR house!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Do Not Blame the Dog Breed -Use Common Sense!

You know, for most people it's very frustrating to see when someone does not use common sense.

It is common sense that an unsocialized dog -who spends his life pent-up and in a very small bubble around maybe two people at the most - is eventually going to turn one of them or something else into a "target."

A couple of years ago, I heard a news story about a man who had a Pit Bull. He kept it in a very small cage, with plenty of food and water. And he kept the cage clean by rinsing it out with a hose. But he did not play with, interact with, or exercise the dog.

Well, not surprisingly, the day came when the man walked in to feed him, and the Pit Bull killed him. Of course, the dog was euthanised.

Once an animal has killed someone, yes, I agree - It needs to be put down. Unless, of course, it was saving someone's life.

However, you do have to recognize that you can't blame the dog breed for the stupid actions of one person. Especially powerful dog breeds - Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, or any working dog for that matter - HAVE to be exercised, socialized, and disciplined.

When are people going to learn to do research on a dog breed before they get a dog, and to get help when things are getting out of hand?

Please, everyone, use common sense!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman