If your dog isnt ready then dont enter him!

I am going to try and write this post in a way that is helpful and educational and not at all frustrated and judgmental.  However, if I am being honest, I am a bit frustrated.  I cannot tell you how many calls and emails I receive from people who are desperate to get a private with me right away because they have entered a dog show knowing full well that their dog is not properly trained, not even close to prepared or ready for the show ring!  I do not understand why people insist on torturing themselves, not to mention their poor dogs by entering them in shows before they are ready.

I have said this many times before.  The behaviors that a show dog needs to learn are not very difficult to train.  The dog needs to be taught to stack, gait and accept gentle handling, BUT he needs to be trained to a level of reliability that makes it possible for him to perform those behaviors in a novel, highly distracting and stressful environment which a nervous, stressed out, emotional owner at the end of the lead.  It is not reasonable or fair to enter your dog in a show and give him (or yourself) a week or two or three to prepare for it.  People mistakenly believe that handling a show dog and presenting a dog well is easy and takes no work at all, but if that were true professional handlers would be out of a job.  It isnt easy, unless of course you know what you are doing and feel comfortable doing it and have trained your dog to a high level of reliability in highly distracting and stressful environments.

So please, dont enter your dog if he isnt ready to be shown.  If he isnt ready because he doesnt know what to do, if he is fearful or reactive, if he is worried about being touched by a stranger or if he simply needs more training, then dont enter him.  Best case scenario is that neither of you look ready and leave the ring disappointed and frustrated.  Worst case scenario is that you poison the whole dog show scene for your dog by asking for too much of a dog that is simply not ready.  Trust me, there will always be another dog show.  

Read more

Ready for Dating – Single Brown Dog Seeks “Alicia Keeshond”

By Bruin, canine guest blogger

Thanks to CANIDAE natural pet food, Im well on my way to achieving my weight loss goal.  I still have at least 10 more pounds to lose until I do justice to my speedo, but I have been thinking about entering the dating scene.  Since Im currently unemployed, not attending classes, dont spend much time in religious facilities (rules, rules, rules, everybody has their rules) and dont like hanging out at bars, I thought perhaps on-line dating might be the answer.

Im really not interested in the stud service sites since I have a three-date rule (see what I mean about everybody having rules – I guess Im just as guilty).  Since I havent been successful in finding a suitable site, I was thinking I might have to start one on my own.

Although Im over 21 (in dog years), theoretically I should be able to do as I please.  My mom and dad tell me that as long as I live in their house I have to follow their rules (ack, there it is again – rules).  I think their concern is that Ill open myself up to meeting all kinds of bitches.

Right now I spend most of my free time lying by the pool and working on my tan. Since I have no lions to hunt, just the occasional kitty cat, I do enjoy the excitement (NOT!) of bird watching.  The kitty cats actually have the audacity to use "my place" as their litter box.  Believe me, my dad is not a happy camper when its clean-up time.

Speaking of those annoying little rascals, I was thinking of naming my dating site, the CATS MEOW.  Im a little concerned about the name, because I wouldnt want to attract the wrong types.  While were on the subject of type, I want you to know that I have very simple tastes.

The dog of my dreams doesnt have to sing like Cher Pei, Alicia Keeshond or Shirley Bassett Hound. She doesnt have to dance like Jennifer Greyhound (though I do like 4 longs legs that go way, way up) and she doesnt have to look like Collie Robinson-Peete. Im really not into the Brittany Spaniel Spears personality, but almost anything else is fine.  Im looking for someone extremely well-groomed, as hygiene is very important to me.

She should enjoy good food like CANIDAE Life Stages (Chinese and Italian doesnt do it for me, but a nice juicy steak is within the realm of possibility).  Working dogs are OK, but she should know that Im unable to have pups so she has to be willing to adopt.  Obviously, I would not consider someone in her menopausal years as too “mature.”

If she prefers, I would not be averse to meeting in a public place such as a park where I could unleash my animal magnetism if the opportunity should arise.  Of course, it would have to be consensual.  I wouldnt mind meeting up with a gentle Afghan who would be welcome to wrap herself around me.  I know, I know; I said I have a three-date rule…but remember, some rules were made to be broken!

Love & Licks,
Bruin

Read more