Fat sounds AWESOME!

Saw this on facebook yesterday and even though I'm not one to share these sorts of things, it captured the spirit of Tess and every other "breakfast challenged" dog out there perfectly :)

Group picture

Tess says......Group picture?  What group picture?

Going out for a run with both the horse and the dog I decided there should be a group picture.  So I set the camera on my trunk, walked over to Farley and attempted to convince my pre-run electron puppy to come over to the proton/neutron nucleus and pose for a picture. 

Farley was the only one ready when the shutter went off.

*sigh*.  As I'm strictly a one-shot picture taker (HATE posing and setting up for them) this is the image that I get to remember this moment by. 

The Diary of a (allegedly) Starved Puppy

This is Tess speaking.

I need to bring something to your attention - I thought I had solved my hunger problem, but as of this morning I've been put back on the starvation plan.   

She (whom you know as Mel) caught onto my strategy - I was soliciting meals from both her AND Matt.  For at least a week!

I was totally getting away with it.  She had no clue! Going into my kennel and begging for my meals at the appropriate times, unscrewing the food on the dog lid (and getting screeched at by the bird) and going through extraordinary lengths for the single piece of kibble beneath the treadmill.........No one knew (but me!) that I was being fed at 4am when Matt got up, and again at 6am when She got up!  Same for dinner. 

Isn't it wonderful when 2 people that live together have such weird schedules they barely communicate about such mundane things as who is feeding the Tess? 

Then, 2 days ago, I got busted.......First there was forced cuddle time on the couch and She noticed my collar was too tight.  And then....horror of horrors she flipped me over for a nail trim and accused me of having fat pads on my stomach.  And then, this morning while walking to school She commented on my lack of waist and hourglass figure. 

Ummmm.....look who's talking! Yesterday I personally observed Her hopping around her bedroom while attempting to pull jeans on that fit last year that has *mysteriously* "shrunk".  Oh yes, who's getting pudgy around the middle????  Remove the plank for your own eye before looking at me! 

And the fact I collapse in the shade, panting on hot afternoons when running around?  Has nothing to do with this errr....."extra" layer.

Ominously She had a conversation with Matt, and today, I only got 1 breakfast this morning.  And She has said things like "You can't be trusted".  WHAT?  I am the epinamy of trust!  You can trust that I'm always hungry.  Always. 

Speaking of ominous, apparently there is some sort of cummulative 2 year test coming up and She keeps saying things like "practice blood draws" and "but, she's a white dog and stains!".  Doesn't sound good.  I would like to remind her the last time she drew blood it went like this.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melinda: You really need to pin her down.

4th year student restraining me: Got her

Mel: She's really athletic

4th yr: don't  worry!  :)

Mel sticks the needle a fraction of the way into my leg and I scream and procede to levitate myself towards the ceiling.

Mel and the 4th year proceed to scrape puppy off the ceiling

Mel: do you got her?

4th year: (teeth gritted) Yes......

Mel proceeds to uneventfully draw blood.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
And don't forget the time She tried to give me my first set of puppy shots.  She jabs me in the neck and I arc and scream like no puppy has before.  She, completely freaked out enlists Matt to help, who upon seeing a streak of red blood on my coat from an itty bitty capillary threatens to pass out as he restrains and She attempts to rejab me with that needle again. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In conclusion, I would like to point out that there is at least one other dog in the house that is fat dumb and happy (and also a golden color, if you need more of a hint), who probably wouldn't notice if you stuck a thousand needles in him.  ( FAT, dumb, and happy.....why is he allowed to be fat and I'm not?)

Kept Promises

Tess got that run on Friday. :) Here she gets a much deserved cooling off after a moderately paced 5 miles in warmish weather. The trail goes by a creek so she got to cool off several times during the run - the only way to do a 2pm, 80 degree run with a dog that has a far less superior cooling mechanism than a horse unfortunately. (otherwise Tess would be making a bid for Tevis! At this point she probably has a better shot at it than either me or Farley...)

 

 

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CC - Dapht answer (and a not-so-brief discourse on hip dysplasia)

Yep - Deered got it right - this is a case of hip dysplasia. (email me at mnfaubel@gmail.com and I'll get your mailing addy and get your fabulous prize off to you!

BTW - from now on, if there is no correct answer posted, EVERYONE that put SOMETHING in the comments will be eligible for the prize, to determined by random drawing. So please - even if you don't have a clue, put something funny that makes me laugh :).

Here's a close up of the hip joint. Do you see how instead of two bones that look like they were made for each other, instead they look like they came out of a random grab bag from two different animals? Not good.

Even though one side is more affected than the other, both sides are affected.

 

Hip dysplasia is a multifactoral disease. Prevention is not as easy as not exercising your young dog, or buying a dog that has been "certified", or feeding it "right". In my family we have 3 dogs, 2 of which are breeds that are at high risk for this disease. The German Shepherd came from a non-certified, backyard bred, chosen-based-on-price situation.......If she hadn't been radiographed (x-rayed) for an unrelated situation (broken pelvis) we would have never known she has a slight degree of hip dysplasia (meaning that the ball and socket joint weren't perfectly a match for each other). It will probably never cause her any problems for her - it's an "incidental" finding that will most likely stay "sub-clinical". Let's take the Golden Retriever now......Specifically purchased from a breeder who has "certified" dogs, a low incidence of the disease, and a provision in the contract for a replacement pup if it's diagnosed etc. We fed him the "right" large breed puppy food, didn't let him heavily exercise, and didn't neuter until after a year. Guess who got diagnosed with hip dysplasia? That's his hip radiographs that were used for his case. It's not a subtle case either - it's definitely clinical and absolutely affects his quality of life.

So what can you do?

1. Genetics plays a role. But it's not as simple as buying a puppy from parents whose hips look good. Remember that there seems to be a lot of different factors that interact. There's definitely a breed association (and thus a genetic association) - if you are truly concerned about hip dysplasia, avoid buying from those breeds, or a mix breed that resembles that breed.

Want to know the difference between a pure bred dog and a mutt? When a purebeed or a mutt that looks significantly like a certain breed walks in the clinic, I have a list of differentials what is wrong. When a mutt walks into the clinic I have to do more testing to have a list of differentials what is wrong. Mutts are not necessarily immune to "all those purebred diseases".

2. There may be an association between sex of the dog and whether they develop hip dysplasia. Of course, by getting a female, you may be reducing your chances of hip dysplasia but increasing your chances of some types of cancer (remember that there are tradeoffs to everything - just like the purebred versus mutt argument).

3. There may be an association between when you neuter, and the development of hip dysplasia. Wait until after puberty (usually considered neutering after 1 year of age) and you may decrease your risk of hip dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders. This is one preventative strategy that I don't see a significant trade off - I think there are very few arguments related to the health of the animal that support altering/neutering before puberty.

4. Exercising and feeding? I think it's unknown at this point what the exact association is between these factors and hip dysplasia is, however appropriate exercise and nutrition intake seems to be preventative for a lot of general musculoskeletal problems .

I think appropriate nutrition is something that most dog owners have a handle on - and the specifics of what you might consider "appropriate" nutrition is a nuanced issue beyond the scope of this post. Sufficient to say that with the majority of the food on the market meeting minimum AAFCO standards and the information available out there with a simple google search, that as long as you aren't doing something totally weird with the diet of your large breed growing puppy (and if you are doing an alternative diet, you are doing your own basic research) than nutrition probably isn't a huge factor in hip dysplasia development.

What about exercise? I think that there is a credible link between "excessive" exercise and damage to growing bones (like nutrition - more general musculoskeletal stuff, not sure of any specific association between hip dysplasia and exercise) especially when you look at young horses. Does no "excessive" exercise means not allowing your growing puppy to run around your 5 acre property? How about the dog park? Going on walks? Running with me? Hiking? Swimming? Does it matter whether it's an on leash or off leash activity? When I was deciding what the appropriate exercise was for my growing Brittany puppy (Tess) I used the most current thoughts in horse/foal management. It's not that young growing animals shouldn't be allowed to run around at top speed - putting a young foal in a stall or a small pen doesn't allow their bones and joints to develop normally. The most current recommendations for foals that I've seen is that they should be allowed enough space to run around at will and "self-exercise" in an enclosure big enough that they aren't having to do frequent stops and turns dictated by a fence line. It's not the exercise/movement that's the issue - it's the addition of weight, an enforced/maintained speed, that continues until some outside authority decrees that the movement should stop. So, my interpretation of what was appropriate exercise for my puppy was this:

1. exercise stayed far below her fatigue level and attention span (thus on-leash walks, or agility training that focused on mental prep were OK), OR

2. exercise allowed her to choose the speed and duration of the activity. This included off leash play, dog parks, or slowish short runs/horse rides that took place over a small area (laps) where she could take a break when she wanted - she didn't feel compelled to follow me or keep a certain speed to "keep up".

Types of exercise I didn't feel like were appropriate was on-leash runs, runs/rides that were about speed and distance that had me "traveling" somewhere, bike rides, long hikes, agility obstacles such as jumps/poles, etc. These activities I saved until she was a year old.

 

Bottom Line: There are no guarantees when it comes to dogs and hip dysplasia. Multifactorial means that it isn't simple. The best way to prevent having to deal with this disease is to pick a breed that has a lower incidence rate of the disease. Of course every set of genetics that make up a certain breed or look of dog has it's own set of potential issues so you may be trading hip dysplasia for something else. Even if it's a mutt. Even if you had perfect nutrition. Even if you exercised the dog perfectly.

In fact, there are no guarantees when it comes to animals in general...........and that's what makes them wonderful :)

 

 

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Tess speaks

Tess, being ever the good communicator of what she wants, made it clear yesterday that she has added to her "I live for" list "trail rides with Farley". 

Car rides are on this list. Sometimes, convinced she's having too much fun playing with the other dogs and running around the ranch, I decide to leave her at home.  As I drive down the road I'm followed by little puppy cries and yips......

Apparently running is even more desirable than car rides --> put on my running shoes and dash out to the car to grab my watch and I can hear Tess yodeling from the house, as she's positive I've gone running without her.

The biggest reaction yet was yesterday riding past the car where I had stowed her, on my way to a trail ride on Farley. 

Tess, seeing me on horse back and realizing she was going to be left behind, turned into "exploded puppy".  She ended up crawling into the rear window section of sedan yodeling and crying while I disappeared from sight into the orchard.  I have NEVER seen that reaction from her!!!!  I think she likes our conditioning rides....... :)

Tess is not a dog that is normally prone to hysterics when I disappear out of sight.  She's independent, confident and is not the least bit anxious about being separated from me.  She regularly gets left in cars and crates or tied to lamp posts while I do whatever task needs to get done.

She sighs, and then takes a nap.  Especially in the car or crate, she's usually completely asleep before I'm even 5 feet away.

In fact, she's so chill about being left that I sometimes wonder whether she even cares.......that's why it's nice to have that confirmation that I'm doing activities with her that she enjoys and wants to do. Like Trail Rides.

Tess reminds me that I *owe* her a trail ride.....and that a run this afternoon might be sufficient as long as it is long and fast enough......

  

Shock collar, freedom, and what is "best".

It's been a while.  Mostly because I've struggled with how to approach the topic we will be discussing today: shock collars.

I started using a shock collar on Tess last winter, as she approached her 2 year birthday.  I needed a tool that bridged her leash work, and total freedom, while working within the confines of where I live - ie, no where is truly safe for a young dog off leash.  There are roads, and livestock - both of which will kill a dog (the latter from the rancher shooting my dog.....).

You can work and work and train and train and train......but when you unsnap that long line, you must let go of some control to be successful. And I couldn't.  When Tess ventured more than 20 feet away I would recall her.  She soon tired of this game where every 20 seconds she had to abandon whatever she wanted and come back.  Her ultimate reward and what she values is freedom  and I was quickly teaching her that I was absolutely no fun.

When faced with the following choices:

a.  Keep her on a leash always for the rest of her life
b. Complete freedom, relying on my verbal commands for a half deaf dog to protect her from things that could kill her.
c. Use a tool, such as a shock collar, to allow her to fulfill her need of freedom, and give me some confidence that I could get her attention.

I chose C.  Because it best fulfills her needs, while balancing her safety and wellbeing.

Option B? Every dog will bite, every horse will buck, and even the best trained dog won't recall every single time instantly.

One dog in my household, one we affectionately refer to as the "perfect puppy" broke my arm when he ignored a recall and ran at me instead.  If putting a shock collar on my dog means she won't chase that rabbit across the street for 5 more feet before returning, and thus not getting hit by a car, then it's worth it.

Tess's solution to option A is to find "opportunities" for freedom, and even with extensive training, if she only got freedom when she took it, it would become a stressor and then it would turn into a problem behavior. Last fall we were rapidly approaching a point where "2 roads divide".  Were we going to go the route of no freedom, and depend on my human "perfection" to make sure she never ever ever got out and if she did hope that my "just in case" training kicked in?  Yeah right.....Or were we going to find a compromise that gave Tess what she needed, while giving me some control to insure her potential safety?  While not compromising her welfare in the process?

Some of this decision depends on the dog.  Breeding matters, what they are bred for matters, and what I have is a smart, opinionated dog.  Who loves freedom.  She loves me too, but she's bred to run and explore. Not giving her opportunity for freedom would be like punishing a lab for playing fetch. 

My partner is a hunter and uses a shock collar on his hunting dog so I was familiar with their use, and I had access to a very nice one.  Price is important.  The more expensive collars deliver the same consistent stimulation everytime.  The cheaper collars are unpredictable and sometimes the level of shock is higher or lower, even when the settings haven't changed.  I strapped the collar to my own arm first and experimented with the settings.

I was pleasantly surprised.  Levels 1-3 were less intrusive than a cell phone buzzing in my pocket.  Not painful at all - more like a buzzing/vibration.  I have no doubt that the higher levels really do feel like a shock, and hurt, but I AM NOT DOING AVERSION TRAINING, I am reinforcing commands and training she ALREADY HAS AND KNOWS and so I will not be using it at those higher levels.  The only situation I would use the higher levels is if her life was in danger.  If she's running towards a busy road and for some reason isn't coming back and it's the choice between zapping her at the highest level and grabbing her attention, or her running into the road, I know what my choice will be, even if she experiences some pain. 

I put the collar at Tess and found that she would responded (lowest level that there was some indication that she noticed something - expression of "where did that come from?") at level 2.  Taking it onto the trail, I found that if she was watching me and expecting a command (or wet from swimming), she worked at a level 1.  If she was some distance away and tracking a bird or rabbit, I may have to turn to level 3.  For this dog, if I feel the need to work at levels above a 3, it probably means that I have a training hole and I need to go back to the basics with a line for control. 

A veterinary behaviorist asked me how I was sure Tess wasn't experiencing pain from the collar?  It's a good point.  It didn't hurt me, but how can we be sure that the dog doesn't experience something different?

The answer is that we must evaluate the animals behavior and use that as an indication of pain.  Tess is a wimp.  If she even THINKS something is going to hurt, or if she is surprised she will vocalize.  Quite loudly.  She's also quite opinionated.  Going along with something "just because" is not her thing.  However, this is quite subjective and to say "she would vocalize" has a ton of arguments against it (what if something about the collar makes her not able to vocalize?) so let's use a more concrete example.

A favorite tool of veterinary behaviorist is the head collar.  I've used a head collar on Tess since she was about 4 months old and have incorporated it into a lot of our training.  I've introduced the head halter "properly", with the help of a veterinary behaviorist and numerous trainers.

What is Tess's reaction to the head collar?  She will refuse to come out of her kennel.  She will actively run away from me, refuse to make eye contact, and run with her tail tucked and back hunched.  Once on, she will work in it without complaint, but her body language before putting it on tells me and anyone else watching EXACTLY what she thinks of that particular tool.  It causes her stress.  She is a dog were really resents physical restraint and to her, the halter is represents the height of physical restraint.

What about the shock collar?  Tess runs over to me and sits with her "smile" face.  If I have it in my hand she will run along beside me doing nose touches.  She can't wait to get it on.

So which tool is causing stress, distress, and pain?  Just because by "convention" the head collar is considered "more humane" from our human point of view, do we not get to consider the dog's point of view?

Every dog is different - the German Shepherd in my household LOVES her head collar.  She responds to it like Tess responds to the shock collar.  However, if I tried to use the shock collar on the GSD, we would probably melt into a little ball just like Tess's response to the head collar.

For Tess, I think the responsible choice is the shock collar.  Stress derails training and sets up an environment where it is almost impossible to effectively learn.  Because I've been able to take the halter/collar/leash out of the equation, Tess's off leash training has taken off exponentially and I have my "dream" dog who can safely go out on the trail and condition with me.  I've been able to completely de-stress our outdoor off leash training and as a result Tess is more responsive to me and what I'm asking, and isn't worried that any moment her freedom is going to be curtailed.  I'm making the freedom work FOR me instead of AGAINST me. 

I am not so naive as to think that the shock collar is the answer to every training problem or every dog.  There are very very few tools that I think can be universally applied to every animal (the "leash" comes to mind).  I think the responsible trainer evaluates each animal individually and uses techniques that eliminate stress, aid in learning, and provides safety for the dog and handler.

I've seen the shock collar misused.  I've been so sickened by it's use that I've had to walk away and let my partner confront and handle the situation because I was past being able to form words.  However, I would argue that many other standard training tools are also misused and cause mental and physical harm to man's best friend and the use of any tool requires thoughtful application.

To those behaviorist that argue that all training should take place within the limits of positive reinforcement........what is the reinforcement category of the "gentle" leader/head collar (many different brands)?  It is a combination of positive and negative punishment.  Positive reinforcement is a powerful way of training, especially when teaching a new behavior.  And I think that it is wise to critically evaluate how you are teaching a behavior - release from pressure? (negative punishment) shaping/clicker training? (positive reinforcement) Leash corrections? (positive punishment).  It may be effective to use a combination of techniques and the combination may change as you move from teaching to reinforcing a behavior.

When I taught the sit, I taught through positive reinforcement (shaping with cookie rewards).  I reinforced with cookies (positive reinforcement).  I continue to reinforcement now (2 years later) through a combination of intermittent positive reinforcement (cookies) and positive punishment ( guiding with her collar into a sit if she does not respond to my request).

***Remember that positive punishment doesn't mean hitting or slapping or other physical violence!!!!!!  It is the addition of a stimuli that is not a reward - in this case the fact that I'm touching and manipulating her).

***Remember that positive reinforcement is adding/giving something to the animal that it finds desirable - ie cookies.  It can also be physical petting, freedom etc. The point is that it has to be something the ANIMAL - not necessarily you - find desirable.

How does this connect to Tess's off leash work?  9/10 times when she I have her recall to me, I can send her back out to play.  What if I had given her a cookie and then snapped a leash on her?  Since she values freedom over cookies, she just gave up something she considers of high value for something of a lower value.  If I do that too many times, I have just "devalued" my recall.  By using the shock collar I have been able to give her MORE positive reinforcement reward she highly values.  No wonder our training and bond have increased so dramatically in a short amount of time.  This high amount of positive reinforcement is why Tess is so happy to see that collar.  The gentle leader/Halti/holt?  For 2 years I worked like MAD but could never get the amount of positive reinforcement high enough to outweigh the positive/negative punishment for that tool, which is why our off leash work suffered.  Yes, we still use the collar on leashed walks and it's still a tool I use, it's just not necessarily the ONLY tool in my training box.

I know that this is a controversial issue/tool and it's not often that we can have an honest, open conversation between the "sides".  I've sat through too many presentations by behavior "authorities" on how anyone that uses this tool is abusive, and since hunters murder/kill animals "for fun", aren't interested how to humanely treat their dogs.  Putting my hunting connections aside, I wonder what they would think of this vet student's food processing/slaughter background?  But I digress.

From those same people that condemn all uses of shock collars I get compliments on how happy, well trained, and adjusted Tess is. 

What's your take on the issue?  Would you use a shock collar?  Under what circumstances?  Do you view them as a training tool or a last resort?  What kind of training would you do with it?  Aversion training or reinforcement only?  How do you rank it with other tools?  Does it depend on the dog? 

 My bottom line is this:
-the collar is used for reinforcement, not teaching a new behavior
-I like to wait until the dog is mostly an adult and isn't going through any type of fear behavior before introducing
-I watch the dog carefully for signs of stress and discontinue/reevaluate if necessary
-never use the collar out of anger
-Realize that timing is paramount - if you can't time a clicker and positive reinforcement consistently, AND if you don't have a plan of exactly what you WANT and can make it very black and white for the dog, it's probably not time to go to the shock collar. 
-Not every dog is a good candidate for the shock collar.

Tess goes backpacking

Tess has gone on numerous hiking trips since she was a relatively young dog.  I've waited to go backpacking with her until she had matured physically (and mentally--> since she would be sharing my one person tent!).  Her first backpacking trip was in May 2012, when she was just over a year old.  To ring in the New Year, she accompanied me on another, more strenuous trip. 

She definitely has the hang of backpacking.  Walk, walk, walk, and when it's lunch time REST (unless there are squirrels to be monitored....).  And then more walking and finally CAMP.  Melinda's lap is much warmer than the ground during dinner, and then it's off to the tent, where it can be hard to find a good sleeping position, but by the second night it goes a lot more smoothly......

And of course, the best part about a strenuous winter hike is the DOUBLE RATIONS!!!!!

I'm so happy I chose a Brittany as my doggie companion.  Active enough to keep up on my adventures with energy to spare, but small enough to stuff inside my sleeping bag, or manhandle on the trail. 

Below is a collection of photos from my trip that include Tess with captions as I see fit......the pictures are not in order.

The trip was a 20 mile, 4 day 3 night trip in Ohlone.  Dogs are allowed on the trail during the day, but not overnight, thus Tess was on duty most of the trip.

The last morning of the trip, taken from on top of a very tall rock, looking down into camp.  

On the last day, heading back to the car, I decided that since Tess's pack was empty (no more kibble!) she could carry the myler poncho that doubled as our "pad" inside the tent, and a picnic blanket.  The ground was very cold (nights into the 20's F) and even during lunch Tess appreciated some insulation from the ground.

I had broken ice in this trough the night before, but by the next morning, it was frozen solid again.  Tess didn't understand that she was the drink out of the little hole I had broken through and kept thinking she was supposed to jump on top of this strange trail object.

A picture that I hoped would come out better than it actually did :(.

Within the first mile of our trip.  

First major landmark that reassures us that we are making progress on the trail, which is very STEEPLY uphill for the first couple of miles.  

Yes, I qualify for a service dog, and yes, Tess is a "real" service dog :).    Tess waits on the morning of the second day for us to get our stuff in order.......

 And waits......

And decides that we are all ridiculous.  And she will now do her best "lion in the Sahara" impression.

Tess decides that my new years resolution is to get both of us killed.

Rose Peak shortly before settling in for the second (and coldest) night.  

 Tess is not amused.  Just because she's only 35 pounds doesn't mean I can just pose her on objects 5 feet in the air "just because". 

Face off with a bull.  Tess reminds me that she is bird dog, not a cattle dog, and her services do not include "get bull and his herd off the trail". 

 The last day. Testing the waters before the humans cross. 

Starting out the trip.  Let's go!

Multiple choice Tess(t)

 In the spirit of my final today, I present a multiple choice Tess(t)!

From the images above, please choose the correct answer from below.  However, you may have misread this question and the object may to be to chose the INcorrect answer.  It's unclear. 

Tess in the above images is saying:

a. Put a bow on the puppy before giving it to the kids for Xmas

b. Brittany's don't wear clothes OR bows

c. There better be treats in this for me

d. Don't fool yourself.  I'm not smiling.  It's an involuntary zygomaticus m. reaction to my stress panting.

e. Don't think you can make up for ignoring me this week in favor of Connor by putting a bow on me to feel special

f. Just because it took me 4 days to realize there was a bird in the house doesn't make me any less of a bird dog.

g.  At least I'm not wearing the sleigh bells today.

Tess talks and a trick show off

 

Tess here.

It's time for the rest of the story.

Apparently Mel has been telling you all sorts of "truths" about functional clothing for doggies, and from the latest pictures she has posted, you might be led to believe that my life is filled with outdoor activities, dog beds, and a reasonable owner. I'm here to tell you that is not the case.

Did she tell you that she spray painted me green?

I thought not.

And then put a bunch of "accessories" on?

This is my unhappy face

And then there was last Friday

The vet school had a holiday party and I knew I was in trouble when she tried this on me:

Really?? Do you see the dog on the tag?! Pug!!! Not Brittany! Brittany's don't need hats.

So we settled on another theme - bells on my toes.

And my neck apparently, but no one has shown my Christmas song where THAT came out of

This is my "There better be a treat in this" face.

Btw - what does this say? Should I be worried? I've been rather naughty but shhhhhhhhh....she doesn't know yet. Unless this is one of those stupid signs that lists my crimes. Then I know I should take up another hobby besides digging out gophers in the front lawn.

Now, did I get treats from enduring this ridiculousness? Of course not! I had to prove I was a good dog by showing off a trick.

Well...a partial trick, apparently this is turning into a full handstand some day but Mel says she wants to make sure I have the right back and shoulder muscle and didn't want to push to hard because up until a couple of months ago she said I was still a puppy. But then I started disciplining puppies, which she says makes me not a puppy anymore (apparently I do a good job with the puppies and do it just right, Mel and everyone says so!)



One more thing - Mel is going to talk about how she thinks I'm unilaterally deaf in a future post and I'm neither confirming nor denying the allegations until I know which will get more more treats and freedom.

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A walk with Tess

 Daily I try to go to an area where I can take a walk or bike ride with Tess off leash.

Tess is a dog that really resents being restrained for anything (less is more to get cooperation from this dog!) She views a leash as just one more way that a choice is imposed without her opinion being heard. 

Since walking her regularly off leash I am struck by the difference between what she gets out the walk versus me, as the human. 

I keep a constant pace.  Tess runs around using her eyes and nose to explore and look.  She alternates between full speed running, holding points at various interesting things off the trail and trotting ahead of me on the trail.

The eyes seem to be her most important sense --> she's constantly LOOKING and seems to use her nose only to reinforce her eyes. 

It's obviously movement that attracts her --> often she seems to have trouble finding me against the background when I call her, unless I move my arm or other part of my body.  When I call she freezes and looks, but doesn't move towards me until she can actually identify where I am by sight.  If she's out of sight, she will bound into where she thinks I should be in "sight range", freeze and look, and if I'm still not in sight, move towards my voice, where again she will freeze and look.  Only once she has identified me by sight for sure (often attracted by me moving) will she bolt all the way back to me nonstop. 

I've never been around a dog that so intensely LOOKS.  

Usually up ahead on the trail, she'll finding something to look/point at, wait until I catch up to her, and then go bounding up ahead to find something else worthy of her attention. 

I'm most surprised that she sticks to the trails ahead of me and doesn't often go darting off trail to look or explore.  And most often, even if she finds something to stare out, she doesn't often go off trail to pursue a closer look.  Looks like she'll be an excellent trail dog for my conditioning horse rides!!!!

 At the beginning of the walk, she quickly finds a squirrel hole that can fit her entire head (unfortunatley the pic of the headless dog didn't turn out)

 Here she waits for it to come out.....

 Looking at....something....

Checking back in with me

 Trotting ahead

 More looking and staring

 A little off trail exploring.

 A beautiful lane

 A bit too far ahead.......

 Is there something interesting there?

 Not to human eyes!