Holiday Reflections

I have been tied up with my new work position, holiday shopping, gathering with friends, and of course walking the dogs. As times goes on, life is busier than ever- rushing to work, doing work around the house, tending to the family, and attending events. People today are more stressed, sleep less, and are always rushing somewhere. This holiday pay yourself and slow down, life passes by too quickly and the important things are often put on the back burner.

This time of the year is meant to spend with friends and family, reflect on our wealth, health, and share your life riches with people you care for the most. Looking back at 2008, this has been a year full of events in my life- I lost my rescued Rottie Rion to cancer, then gained Kona who was due to never have another Christmas. I have 2 new babies in the family, and my young niece is growing into a wonderful little girl. Family, health, and work has all had its ups and downs and now seem to be on track- for now.

I know I will be celebrating my Christmas holidays with Rugby, Kona and the rest of my non-fuzzy family and just enjoy their company (and not being rushed around). I look forward to many changes in 2009 for Doggyfitness, my other job, and continuing my adventures with my pups, friends and family.

Take care all and have a Merry Christmas and a Fantastic New Year.

Sara, Rugby, and Kona

What rescued dogs really do....

This is Kona in the Shelter. He was due to be gassed as there was no room left for the "limping Rottweiler". I am forever grateful for the Rottweiler Rescue of Michigan for saving him.


I Rescued a Human Today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I promised to keep her safe.

I promised to always be by her side. I promised to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors…so many more to be saved.
At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Paws up to Rottweiler Rescues

I have rescued my fair share of Rottweilers through the years.
My first love Sasha was my first rescue, she is the one that opened my heart and eyes to the breed. I got this skinny little girl from the Woodstock Shelter because her owner was to busy to take care of her. Because of his being able to recognize that Sasha was not getting the attention she deserved, I lucked out and got the most fabulous dog ever! Sasha aka "lumpy" lived until she was 12.5 years old, until the day she was stricken with a stroke. That day was one of the most devastating days of my life to say goodbye to my best friend. Its been 2 years now and I still am filled with a lifetime of happy memories of my girl, and sadly I still grieve the loss of my little shadow. I am so lucky to have had my little black and tan girl in my life.

Since then I have had Starke, Rion, Jackson, Rugby (my lab and my only exception to the Rottie Rule) and now my Kona. All of these dogs have brought something different to my life and have filled my heart with love and laughter. I could not imagine my life without each of them. They have all left pawprints on my heart.

I know most people love puppies, however, all but 2 of my dogs (Starke and Rugby) have been adult dogs. Most people think older dogs don't bond and can't learn new tricks. Everyone of mine has bonded, and everyone has learned new tricks - Kona is the biggest momma suck ever in 6 short months.

The whole point of this babbling blog is to raise awareness to adopting an older dog. To give the ones that need a second chance the most. I have had the opportunity to meet 2 wonder ladies that fight for such dogs and rescue Rottweilers day in and day out. I have seen firsthand how these wonderful organizations take those lost souls and find them the deserving forever homes. Please consider the next time you or a friend wants a dog to look outside the box and into a rescue. I am forever grateful to these organizations for the special little black and tan angels I have crossed paths with.

Please check out these sites and if you think your know anyone that can open their hearts/ homes to such dogs pass it along.

Please also think of donations this time of year to such rescues. To often the animals are overlooked during Christmas time as we spend countless dollars on material things.

***Rottweiler Rescue of Michigan (in dire need of homes as the US recession is forcing people out of their homes and more Rotties into Shelters- they will adopt to Canada despite what website says)
https://www.msu.edu/~silvar/rottweiler.htm

***Ontario Adopt a Rott. Always in need of foster homes and supplies for the dogs.
http://www.adoptarott.com/

Cooper (and dogs and kids in general)

Yesterday I got to welcome my new nephew Cooper Lee Clark into the family. He came home from the hospital into a household of Grandparents, Parents, Aunties, Cousin Jordan, and his fuzzy brother and sister. Judd and Whisper are two disqualified guide dogs and have been my brother and sister in law's "kids", that is until Cooper came along.

Cooper was born into a much loved family on November 20, 2008; he is happy and healthy.

So when Cooper and parents entered the home they were greeted by Judd and Whisper, who were acting like "what is that?" We worked with them to introduce not only the new little guy, but, also introduce Jordan my 3 year old niece into the mix. Judd is over 100lbs and a boisterous boy, Whisper is about 80lbs and more calm in her ways- both did so well in the introductions.

Here are some suggestions to follow with introducing kids and dogs.

* Do NOT let dogs sniff babies faces, keep them out of the facial area in case they should snap or bite.
* The dogs house (crate) is the dogs house- NOT a kids toy.
* Set consistent boundaries for the dog to keep the dog from jumping on you, running near the baby, chewing on baby toys, or making contact with the child.
* Give the dogs their individual special time, Do NOT ignore them once the child arrives.
* Incorporate the dog and baby activities, ie daily walks, obedience lessons (sit/down stays) while the child is on the ground playing.
* As the child grows teach them to respect and properly approach the dog. It is not fair for children to hit or pull the dogs tail. (And parents wonder why the dog bit their child, when it non stop tortures the dog)
* Have the children (when older) command the dog, they can say "sit", "down", etc so the dogs learns its rank in the family pack
* NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN AND DOGS UNATTENDED- NO MATTER HOW GOOD A DOG IS!

Common sense goes a long way to introducing the child into a "dog" family. With patience, and consistency the child can be integrated into the family dynamics and have great success. There is nothing sweeter than your ever faithful fuzzy friend cuddling, guiding, playing, and protecting your child.

WHISPER
JUDD

Winter Wonderland

Despite the frigid wind, inches of snow, and sub zero temperatures- I have 2 dogs that are the biggest fans of this Winter stuff. I grabbed my touque, parka and Sorel boots and leashed up the pups and off we went...




















These pictures are the product of my Rugby and Kona enjoying the elements.

Santa Sighting

I have been telling my niece Jordan, and my two pups that now Christmas is coming that they all better behave. Well everyone laughs that there is no Santa but, this picture above pretty much disproves all the nay-sayers!

So Jordan, Rugby and Kona you better behave or you will only find a lump of coal in your stockings this year.

Here comes Christmas people! Ho Ho Ho

(Sorry I have been missing in action I was in the Mayan Riviera trying to dodge all the snow I could)

Alert- Animal Abuse!!

It has come to my attention that people all over the Country are abusing their animals today. Here are 2 pictures of 2 spoilt dogs now forced to dress up as a lady bug and zebra. Beware of all the owners doing the same to their pets and report them immediately to the proper authorities!

Kona (the biggest ladybug ever) and Rugby (the cranky zebra) are clearly not impressed, but, please note they received a cookie for their efforts and were not harmed in this production.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE FROM ME, RUGBY, AND THE KILLER LADYBUG KONA!

Winterizing Your Pup

BAG BALM=OKAY


KONA + HAT=NOT OKAY



BRRRRRR Its getting chilly out there as you may have all noticed. First the warmer sweater, then the toque, and next thing you know it will be the parka and winter boots (I'm so not ready for that yet). We get to put on the layers but, what about your pal?. I have seen the undercoat on my two start to come in, the fur is a little fluffier and softer, and they don't want to dawdle so much on the night time backyard run. WINTER IS COMING ARGGGG!!!

So what to do with your pup to help them for the upcoming snow season? I am not an advocate of doggy coats and booties, I know there is a need for some dogs but, I refuse to put them on my crew. I can't look at my two dolled up and be okay with it. My guys usually fair well in the winter, I try to build them up to winter and do my best to protect them from the elements. That being said, whether there is a snow storm, or 2 feet of snow- my guys still go for their walks. They are walked briskly to warm up the joints before bounding in the snow banks, I make sure my guys drink a lot of water (yes dogs can be dehydrated in winter too), and I keep them moving the whole outdoor session.

The biggest things to watch for come snow is the salt for de-icing the walkways. My rottweilers have always had a tough time with salt, more so than my lab. They crack their pads, and usually with the addition of "more salt to the wounds" per-say squeak in pain. My solution is to bag balm them. If you check out the picture above you see the cream meant for cows udders, It works wonders on softening the pads and making them more pliable and less prone to cracking. For about $10 you can bond with your dog with nightly foot rubs, and prevent the heart wrenching squeals from your pal. Watch out for "snowballs" that accumulate in the crease of the toes, it builds up like a little ice ball. Easy to fix just pick out with your fingers.

The more you let your dogs coat acclimatize to the elements the thicker it will come in (minus some of the smooth coat breeds- doberman, sighthounds, and those Paris Hilton under arm warmers). This undercoat will assist keeping the vital organs warm through the cold weather.

With every dog common sense in the winter months is a given, don't leave your dog outside for long periods of time in the sub zero temperatures. Provide fresh water (even though they have eaten their weight in snow), up their food intake if they are spending long periods of time bounding in the snow, and always check your dogs feet and pads for cracks and ice injuries.

Just like getting your car ready for winter and prepping it for the snow filled roads, ease your dog into winter the same way. There are some people who with their summer cars put them into garage, do the same with their dog- hibernate for the winter; the "fair weather walkers- FWW". Such a strange concept to lock your dogs up all winter when there is so much to do during the winter with the proper attire, they are missing out huge.

While keeping your dog fit in the winter protect your pup from the dangers of the elements; and to all of the FWW I will see you in the spring!

Dogs Breakfast?

Since I have owned dogs I have been constantly complemented on my dogs coats, and their physiques. I have had Rottweilers and my Labrador- both breeds are prone to becoming "table tops"; they love to eat and have a tendency to get chubby. I take pride in the fact that I have always exercised my dogs (even at 3:30 am before a day shift-dedicated or mad?), but equally important is what I feed them.

One thing that gets overlooked by a lot of pet owners is the food they are putting into their dogs. I am not here to tell you what to feed your dog, but just to make you look at the ingredients a little closer. I have always fed my dogs foods that meat is number 1 on the ingredient list. If I wouldn't eat it, my dogs won't eat it. I feed my dog Orijen currently and am super pleased with the results. The ingredients are as follows:

(from Orijen website http://www.championpetfoods.com/orijen/about/)

ADULT

Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, russet potato, lake whitefish, chicken fat, sweet potato, whole eggs, turkey, salmon meal, salmon and anchovy oils, salmon, natural chicken flavour, sunflower oil, sun-cured alfalfa, dried brown kelp, carrots, spinach, peas, tomatoes, apples, psyllium, dulse, glucosamine Hcl, cranberries, black currants, rosemary extract, chondroitin sulfate, sea salt.

TONIC HERBS AND BOTANICALS
Chicory root, licorice root, tumeric root, funugreek, marigold flowers, sweet fennel, zea mays, peppermint leaf, chamomile flowers, dandelion, summer savory, rosehips.

ORGANIC MINERALS
Iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate.

PROBIOTIC MICROORGANISMS
Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product.

PREMIUM VITAMINS
Mixed tocopherols (source of vitamin E), choline chloride, vitamin A, vitamin D3, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B12, folic acid, biotin.

All the ingredients are wholesome and minus the salmon (ewwww) and a few other minor ingredients, these are all foods I include in my own diet. I used to show my Rottweilers and people would ask me what I bathed my dog in, or what products I used to treat their coats; My answer was always NOTHING. I just fed them right and it came naturally.

I feed my dogs the odd raw chicken back, and tend to stick to natural treats. I can't get away from the odd GHETTO treat like Marrowbones, however, for the most part they eat good food. There are foods that are much more expensive and not extruded into dog kibble, but Orijen has more that met my satisfaction. The results of the quality are in my dogs excellent health, boisterous energy levels, and silky/shiny coats.

When choosing a dog food make sure you know what you are putting into your dogs body, and how much. In light of the huge Pet food recall that resulted in dogs dying its time to take a few minutes and turn over that bag of dog food and read the ingredient list.

Good nutrition + lots of exercise = a long, healthy lifetime of tail wagging and sloppy puppy kisses ;)

Hitting the News

Doggyfitness

Program helps pet owners get fit and train their dogs at the same time

By Jennifer Ormston, Waterloo Chronicle


Oct 08, 2008

Sara Clark has an answer for people who are struggling to fit workouts and dog walking into their lives.

Her new small business -- Doggy Fitness -- offers both.

"It kills two birds with one stone," said Clark.

"It cuts down on having to go to the gym and dog walk."

Started this summer, Doggy Fitness's outdoor training classes incorporate human and canine workouts through running, obstacle courses and obedience training.

"So they're doing drills, they're teaching them new skills that overstimulate the dog so it's fantastic for their learning and getting them in shape," Clark said.

The idea for this company came to Clark because of her own hectic lifestyle.

She's a police officer, so she knows what it's like not to have lots of spare time.

But fitness has always been a passion for Clark, who used to compete nationally as a powerlifter.

Plus, she worked with dogs for almost 20 years, doing training with Dog Guides Canada. And now she's the owner of two dogs, a Rottweiler and a Labrador retriever.

"One day I just thought, it would be fantastic if you had group fitness classes with your dog," she said. "They have group running classes, they have group everything."

And because she couldn't find a class like that to enroll in, she decided to start her own.

Her first step was to get advice from the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, which she learned about online.

"I stopped by, and that's where it all started," she said about her initial visit to the centre, located on the first floor of the Waterloo City Hall building, at 100 Regina St. S.

There, advisor Roy Weber gave her the information and resources she needed.

"She was one of the easiest clients to work with because Sara had a clear vision already and experience in fitness and the uniqueness of combining that with pet fitness," Weber said.

"I'm always an advocate of niche markets ... so it made my job easy and fun."

Clark's first class was held in September at Bechtel Park, and the response was positive with one participant saying it was challenging but she would do it again.

Called Couch Potato No More, this beginner course doesn't require previous obedience training.

"Because of the way the class is setup, the first part of it is the run and it just burns the (dogs') energy, and then after that they focus," she said.

"I'm gearing it towards people who don't go to the gym because it's very intimidating. It's just a fun time for you and your buddy, and also to get in shape."

Future sessions will be held in different venues, but she prefers Bechtel Park because of its proximity to the leash-free dog park, where participants can take their pet afterwards. Dogs must be leashed during her classes, though.

Eventually Clark hopes to expand the program to offer more advanced sessions as well.

All first-time participants get a free class to see if they like it.

"I'd rather people come back because they want to be there, not because they've paid a certain amount of money," she said.

The next class is on Oct. 25 at Bechtel Park. Participants with rescue dogs will receive a discount.

Clark encourages people to consider Doggy Fitness because it offers an easy, fun forum to get out, socialize and get fit with your dog.

Recent statistics have shown more and more dogs are obese, she said, and along with weight gain comes such conditions as diabetes and cancer.

"I've never seen an unhappy fit dog," she said. "You just see a sparkle in their eye when they're being worked."

For information or to sign up for the class, contact Clark at dogfitness@gmail.com or go to http://doggyfitness.ning.com.

My Training Philosophy

There are always ongoing debates about how to train your dog. There is positive reinforcement, give your dog commands, don't talk to your dogs, show them who is boss, and then there is the psychics that try to "speak to your dog" to understand how they want to be trained.

I have spent 17 years working with dogs and have tried a bit of everything. To sum of my experience on what works for training your puppy, rescue dog, or an old dog some new tricks is..... do what works for YOUR dog. 

I have had 5 dogs of my own and each one has had a different history, different personality, and all have responded differently to training. Each of my crew had strengths and weakness, some were fabulous healers, others were agility gurus, and some has special tricks that they just picked up. Sasha my first Rottweiler could turn a Doritos bag inside out with out tearing it, you can't learn that in puppy class :)

What I do believe though is whatever school  of thought you use, the core fundamentals of training are universal,

a) BE CONSISTENT (for gods sake don't confuse the little bugger)

b) BE FAIR (don't train when your angry and frustrated)

c) BE CLEAR (what  are you are trying to communicate to your dog)

d) FIND WHAT MOTIVATES THEM AND USE IT (whether it be treats, praise, a toy)

e) and HAVE FUN (there are so many ways to get the message across- do it so they don't know they are learning)

......and my golden rule when training puppies "if it's not a cute behavior when they are fully grown, don't let them do it because they are a puppy".

All of my dogs picked up commands at different rates, and old dogs can learn new tricks (the key in Rottweilers though is if THEY want to learn it- stubborn little black and tans). Each one of them all had skills they were fabulous at- and other skills they down right suck at (Rugby I swear I won't tell them you you are the worst fetcher of sticks - Labrador Retriever my ass). 

Bottom line- dogs like people, they are individuals. When training your dog teach them lots, love them lots, and be forgiving to them; If you want a robot dog- get a border collie!!!

Stela and the rescue dogs

My best friend got a dog today, she was one of 23 dogs that were brought up from Ohio to save from their fate of death. The Cambridge Humane Society was the caring people responsible for saving her and 22 other lucky dogs. You can see in the pictures the delight on not only her face but that of Melanie's as they start their adventure together. 

I have been in the same spot Melanie is today, 3 times. I have adopted 3 rescue Rottweilers and know all too well that emotions that are synonymous with adopting a rescue. With a rescue dog you truly never know where thy came from or what you are getting. I have been so blessed with my 3 rescues that they have all been gems.

Sasha was my first in 1996- a 2 year old female; she never knew when her next meal was coming and was left alone for 16 hr days. She went on to win German titles in showing, and was a obedience champion. She was my first dog and will always be my little "lumpy".

Then in 2006 after I lost Sasha to a stroke, I rescued Rion, my blind boy. I had him only for one year before I lost him to Cancer, but, he gave me so much in such a short time. He taught me patience and although he was approx 50% blind, he had 150% heart and gentleness.

Now I have Kona, I speak a lot about my big boy and everyday I fall more in love with my King Kona. Each month the trust and personality grows, and the fears from his past life fade. I am grateful for all that my rescue dogs and adopted dogs have taught me. What little I give them with shelter, food, and belly pat, I can't put into words the unconditional love and warmth I get paid with daily. 

Good luck Melanie and "Stela" (means star in Latin) on your new adventure to a lifetime filled with learning, trust, bonding, and LOVE!!

There is no bond greater than that of a girl and her dog.

Sasha

                                         Rion                                   Kona

The launch of Doggyfitness

Today was the official launch of Doggyfitness. This friends and family class was a small class, but, a huge success. Not knowing how the dogs would be with the variety of running, agility moves, and people full body exercises- they did awesome. The crew and their fuzzy shadows paced themselves and I think we all had a blast trying too get our butts in shape. The level of class was "Couch potato no more" and was an intro class that had people and pets moving and the teams having to keep a close eye on each other to handle the course. Ann took a tumble (but her dog made the jump), Elisha is now going to become a marathon runner, and Adrienne will never look at a tree stumps the same way.

This was an awesome start to the many classes to come, and I want to thank everyone for being patient and such a great sport in my "little dog project" called Doggyfitness. 

FYI stretching and ice will be your best friend in about 8 hours ;)

Stylin dogs

I am a junkie for the newest toys and collars for my crew. Last year I was told about these collars and to check out the website- i fell in love. I ordered my first Blocky Dog set of collars for my Rion and Rugby. I retire my dogs collars once they pass (like a hockey hero only the fuzzy kind) so had to retire Rion's when I lost him in April. I love my dogs to match, so I got my second round of collars this spring for Rugby and Kona.

Blocky Dog collars are the most durable, functional, and stylish collars I have ever owned. You custom design each one, and there are tonnes of combinations to match the personality of your faithful buddy. I have no benefits of mentioning these collars (no kick backs) I am just sharing with you a collar that will last the life of your dog. I can't say enough about how they hold up to the mud, rain, and heavy play sessions between my 2. Rebecca and the Blocky Dog crew deliver a quality product that is worth every last penny.

Check out the site http://www.blockydogs.com

Above are my two sporting their stylish collars, and my baby Rion before I had to sadly retire it. 

FYI~I have another set of custom leashes on the way too (I'm pathetic I know).

Iron Dog Challenge and the working dog

Yesterday was the second annual Iron Dog Challenge for K9 teams in the GTA. Dog teams from Peel, Toronto, York, South Simcoe, Barrie, Orangeville, and a few other Police forces came to show off their physical skills at Claireville Conservation Area in Brampton Ontario. The teams ran a grueling course that began with a 6 ' wall both Canine and Handler had to get over, then a double jump, a shooting target component, a boating task, dog carry and finally a suspect apprehension component. This was all under the ticking of a stopwatch.

These teams despite a few hiccups with getting lost in the conservation (unknown people had taken down course markers) did fantastic. It was phenomenal to see some of these teams to run the rough approximately 5 km terrain and complete all the above components in record times of about 20 minutes. I believe that fastest time was near 17 minutes- unbelievable!

This day was one for fun for the K9 teams and more for bragging rights, a nice change for the chaos they are usually facing in apprehending suspects. K9 teams in the GTA are used none stop for apprehension of suspects, locating evidence, detecting contraband, cadaver and explosives searches. They are a "behind the scenes" resource in LAw Enforcement that are irreplaceable.

Hats off to all the teams that participated yesterday and all K9 teams that face the everyday challenges involved with Police work. This resource when seen in action is one of awe; to see man and dog work together under such circumstances is a true definition of a bond. 

Working dogs in general are an integral part of our society from Seeing eye, Autism dogs, Drug and Firearm detector dogs, Cadaver dogs and Arson Dogs. These teams often don't get the recognition deserved for their countless hours of training, working, and getting the ultimate job done. 

Here is my salute to K9 teams of all facets; they enrich lives of so many. I would especially like to salute to all the working dogs past and present in light of it being a 9/11 anniversary. 

"The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be"

Konrad Lorenz

Parrot

<---- This is Kona and Parrot.

Anyone that knows me, knows that I spoil my dogs with all the best collars, beds and toys. I have bought toys to entertain them, stuffed toys, squeaky toys- countless dollars on every type of gadget for my fuzzy kids.

Parrot is a squeaky rubber toy that entertains my "killer" Rottweiler (and by killer i mean he will roll over and MAKE you pet his belly for hours). This stupid little parrot makes the most annoying sounds and smells like latex, so guess what naturally became Kona's absolute favorite toy? I did not scan the stores for hours, or order it online, or find a unique specialty store that only carries eco-friendly dog toys. Parrot came from the left overs of a garage sale. My neighbors had a yard sale; weird that no one would buy this ugly toy, and so he came to rest in a box that said "free stuff" by the curb. 

I found the little squeaker in the box and thought hmm I'm sure one of the 4 dogs will like it. (Call me a garbage picker if you want). Kona doesn't play much- its sad but I don't think in his past he learned this skill. He is slowly learning and Parrot has been the key to open that part of his life. He throws that poor rubber thing for ever, drops it and pretends parrot is stalking him, and then pounces to get the upper hand. 

Go figure a free rubber ugly parrot was all it took to bring the puppy out of my 120 lb Kona, while the toy box filled with paid for toys sits collecting dust. Stupid parrot.

Before and After

  
April 10, 2008                                   Aug 31, 2008

On September 10th it will be 5 months since I rescued my big boy Kona from Michigan. I had just lost my 3(ish) year rescued Rottweiler "Rion" to an aggressive cancer called Histiosarcoma on the 7th of April of this year. I was talked into looking at another sad case when I contacted the Rottweiler rescue to notify them about my sudden loss of Rion.

I trekked to Michigan and took in this 113 lb beast named Otis. Otis had be running free through the streets of Michigan and had been picked up by the SPCA. They tried all their might to bring out the aggression in him to make the decision easier to euthanize him. Instead he had none and thus they tried to place him into a home. Time came and went and no one would adopt this beast. He limped terribly and was very shy due to an obvious history of abuse. To this day if you stomp your foot he drops and cowers. Otis's time was about to run out as he was next in line to be gassed. Luckily Rottweiler Rescue of Michigan snatched him up before that could happen. https://www.msu.edu/~silvar/rottweiler.htm.

So Otis (then renamed to Kona) came to Canada. He was fat, lazy, and had a severe limp in his front left foot that the Vets had stated would never heal as its a stretched ligament that was never treated. His back end was weak, he could barely make it around the block without lying down, and was in general in poor health,

Along came me and Rugby and boot camp......

I have been walking, free running, and just recently swimming with Kona. He is up in weight to 119 lbs but is solid and in shape. He can pretty much our run Rugby, he swims like a Labrador, and lives for his long daily walks. His coat is shiny and smooth (the ghetto coat i call it is 90% gone), he is bright, his limp is gone, and he is full of energy and overall just a happy dog. His obedience is still coming along as he sometimes flashbacks to his free running days in Michigan; Its a funny sight me running full speed after him to pull him back into reality- man he can run now!

Above are pictures of my sweet meat head Kona. I think it says all how far he has come in 5 months with exercise, great diet, and a whole whack of love!

I look in the mirror and I see...My dogs

These last few days I have been working the oh so dreaded day shifts. That means 3:30 am wake ups and dragging my ass out of bed and rolling into work for a full day of "serving the public". This morning the alarm went off and I was woken up to some oldies tune (the thought of waking up at that time to something with a beat may just cause too much anxiety). I roll out of bed unwillingly and as always is my faithful Rugby is at my side and Kona is at my feet. I am not a morning person by any means; 3:30 am is just downright not okay with me and what I find more amusing, is that neither do my dogs. 

I have only had Kona now 4 months and I have no idea what past he had before he made the trip up from Michigan. What i do know though is that he is in no way a morning dog! For that matter none of my dogs have ever been. Do they tolerate it?- yes maybe for the bowl of food waiting for them; do they like it? No. All it would take is the look of disgust on Kona's face looking up at me as if to say "are your frickin kidding me? its 3:30 am". He refuses to move that time of the morning, eventually after yell-whispering "Kona lets go" a few times he decides to move from his warm bed.

All my dogs past and present are very much like me in my habits, I guess there is some truth to the old saying your become like your mate. I ask a lot of my dogs with my long shifts, the ever changing schedule, the inconsistent feeding times, and the walks at all crazy times of day/night. I am ever so grateful that they are like me and think a day should start at 10:00 am, and the common nap is so underrated in today's society. I am so thankful that my dogs don't wake me up at 6:00 am every day because they want to be fed, or they decided its walk time. I'm more than okay with my easy, go with the flow, lazy companions sleeping beside me when the rest of the world is out discovering the day at the break of day, as I hit snooze for the 9th time.

One more early wake up Kona and then back to "normal" again... 

Swimming Dogs BEWARE

This is a warning to all that use swimming as an exercise for your dogs to get in shape..... Today I took Rugby and Kona to the Grand River to swim out their excess energy; I had my coffee, they bounced in the river banks and fought the fast current. For a good 45 minutes they chased sticks in the water, watched the water foul take flight, and had a wonderful old time.

Kona, my rescued Rottie, has just discovered that swimming is just about the best thing in the world besides maybe pizza crusts and his daily walks. What he doesn't get though, is that although river water is SO much fun to play in- it is not meant to be gobbled up in large doses!! All went well Rugby and Kona both got pulled into shore, had their Timbit treat, and had a leisurely afternoon of play.

BUT THE STORM BE A BREWING IN THE TUMMY OF KONA....ARRRR

So I'm relaxing from my crazy day and just chilling on the couch, the turbulent tummy storm of Kona hit right about the time when I'm getting sleepy. I got the wake up call i never want again; had I any wallpaper it would have been falling off the walls. This big pile of sweet dog has turned (in less then 12 hours) to a foul smelling brewery of dog tootery!!! I had to leave the room it was so rotten.

I will give him that being a Rottweiler he has no muffler (aka tail) but what really puzzles me the most in all of this is....

How is it that dogs have one of the most keen sense of smells of all animals - and yet Kona didn't even lift his head once during the stench storm....

Add another scrap to the bowl...

Just a quick update on what is going on behind this blog, outside of juggling a full time job, my two fuzzy pups, and holding onto what seems a diminishing social life... I am starting to put together my fitness classes. The primary reason to starting this site was to develop fitness classes that can be done anywhere in the world, with the only one piece of equipment -your dog!

I am hoping to launch my first class at the end of September 2008 and then be off and running from there. My classes will focus on burning fat, getting into that smaller pair of jeans (or collar for the pups) and doing it safely, plus a throwing a whole lot of fun into the mix. The classes are designed for a group setting but can be done individually as well. You will better bond with your dog, they will learn fun new skills, and both of you will no longer be "a little thick in the middle".

Keep checking in for updates to the launch date, and if you are interested in trying a free class contact me at dogfitness@gmail.com for info...

........until then you will have to keep pacing

Up the crick

Well me and Rugby have returned from our outdoor adventure in Algonquin park. We paddled 5 km, portaged 1.2 Km (twice) and paddled another Km only just to reach the campsite. We spent 4 days ruff'in it and we are only just recovering. Rugby proved to be a far better swimmer (part otter i swear) and spent hours just chasing sticks and doing laps in Rain Lake. She swam, played, dug, ran, and just enjoyed her 4 days with her best buddies Phelan, Irwin, Oakley, Pilot, and her new friends Viaduct and Robbie. Her feet are battered and her energy tank is depleted. My body is covered in bug bites and has still not stopped itching.

The dog paddling adventure tour was hard on us humans as we did all the work, but, was probably the highlight of Rugby's life. I got to fight mother nature and all the wonder she created in Algonquin Park - all while bonding with my best friend Rugby and my best friends of the human kind. It truly was an adventure worth trying.

Arranged camp trip..... $385.00

Cottage for a night......$50.60

Bug spray and Bandages..... $12.00

A trip bonding with friends and dogs..... PRICELESS

Sleeping dog awakes

I have been on night shifts so my blog and web page have suffered the brunt of it. I am on days off now and packing up to go camping in the Algonquin Rain Lake.Off for a 4 day adventure.

Me and 4 of my best pals and our dogs are going camping, canoeing, and portaging in the bush (well they are making our meals and bringing tents for us- so ruffing it is a term used loosely).This is a great way to bond with your dog, relax from the hustle and bustle of work ,and catch up with friends. There will be new people there to meet too and all the dogs are off leash.

The pack mentality for the dogs will be in full force and a chance to really test their obedience (please no bears).rarrrrrrI will be writing lots when I get back and be taking tonnes of pictures.

Check out the site its year round adventure for you and your dog and a fantastic way to keep in shape!http://www.dogpaddlingadventures.com

Catch you in a few days...

And so the beast grows

I will start to get back onto track about educating you about fitness with your pets. Right now I am developing my layout for this blog. I have added the easy to add RSS feed button, and my newest corner the "silly tails". Keep checking in here to peek into what i deal with everyday as a Police Officer. There will be mostly funny stories to help put not only my life, but, YOUR life into perspective of how good we really got it!

This actually happened

I've been off saving the streets from the criminals, so its left me little time to write this week. I was enjoying my powerwalk this morning with my 2 pups and the funniest thing happened to me (and its not the first time).

I was walking up the street and a huge dump truck stops across the street from me and is yelling something, I look over and the driver is trying to get my attention. He has cars waiting behind him so I figure it must be important to totally impede traffic.

He yells to me (and this is the truth)....Hey I have a female Rottweiler and I'm looking for a male to breed it to. That's a male right?"

Me: "yes it is"

Him: " Well I'm looking to breed her so do you want to get them together?" I HAVE NEVER MET THIS GUY and the traffic is just piling up behind him.

Me: " NO, my male is neutered".

He just said "aw crap" and drove off.

Like the late Bob Barker said "Please keep the animal population down, please spay and neuter your pets". This is not only for the sake of the millions of backyard bred animals born every year that are unfortunately euthanized due to over crowded shelters; but also so idiots like this guy today can't reproduce their pets for a quick $100.00 per pup and call himself a breeder!

One Great Step

Today I went to a dog birthday party with my crew. At the bottom of the page you can see my two Rugby (lab) and Kona (Rottweiler), Rugby is my guide dog that was disqualified due to elbow dysplasia and she is going to be five (next week). Kona is my rescue that I saved from being gassed in an over crowded shelter in Michigan, he was next in line. I have only had Kona for 3 months and he has come so far in that short time. He was over weight, he had muscle atrophy from sitting in a small pen and not being exercised.

I have built Kona up in conditioning, cardio, and socially. He was badly abused by a male and is very shy around men. His exposure to other dogs was unknown. He came to me a very untrusting, sad, and an unhealthy boy. In 3 months i have been working hard with him to give him the loving safe home he deserves. About the party...

Today was Hogans birthday party. Kona and Rugby packed their presents and arrived at the bash, to meet other workmates, their families and pets. Kona impressed me so much because he not only took loving and pats from lots of men, but had a good day with the pups too. He met a Jack Russel, a Rottie cross, and an Australian Shepherd. This is Konas first big outing since i got him, where he was bombarded with lots of new human and fuzzy friends. One of the this big reasons i know he succeeded today because from day one in my care he's had the following:

1) love
2) obedience
3) boundaries
4) lots of exercise
5) lots of stimulation (external walks, runs, tasks)
6) Rugby his best friend
7) built trust between us through all the above CONGRATS KONA!!!!!

No bones about it...

Exercising with your dog can be beneficial to both parties (if done correctly). Not only are there weight loss and health benefits for you and your sidekick, but there are so many more cookies (oops I mean rewards) in it for for you.

One of the fastest ways to train your dog to be attentive and respect you is by working and giving your pup new tasks. Dogs love to be stimulated!! by learning new skills, sniffing the local fire hydrant, or just by life in general outside the house and fenced yard. You can see the dull glaze over a dogs eyes that only know the "fair weather walk", the let out in the same yard, and playing the 5 minute game of fetch you have been playing with them since they were a pup.

One of the most common reason for the dog that won't listen, that keeps chewing your furniture, and is over all the "little brat under your feet", is due to BOREDOM.

Getting your dog out of the house for 30 minutes can help curb all the above negative behaviours and build a better bond between you and your shadow. Spice up the walk by adding some obedience commands to your walks, change directions without telling them, or a quick sprint to the stop sign, both of these simple tricks get your dogs attention and get that gerbil wheel rolling. A stimulated dog is a happy dog!

Adding variety to your every day walk will not only deepen your dogs love and respect for you, but, more importantly, you mguys will have fun !!!

TIP. Reward your dog often with small pats, good boys, and the odd treat. Find your dogs motivation to please, and work that into your exercises.

Puppy Steps

I have a full time job as a cop, this is all secondary for now but, will one day will be my primary focus. I have had a lifetime of history with both fitness and dogs, and have been searching for that perfect career that combines my two passions; I now realize that I have to create that ideal job.

In the new few months I will be launching a series of programs that cater to Human fitness, Dog fitness, and my cup of tea- Human/Pet combined fitness. If you have any suggestions or need that one-on-one trainer contact me at dogfitness@gmail.com.

I look forward to meeting lots of new people, and puppies and working with them to reach their goals!

Ruff Start

Starting a workout regime is tough enough, add long hours at work, family/social obligations, and just life in general. Working out with your best friend/dog makes it a easy simple way to get that butt kick you need. Nothing motivates you more than a pair of sad eyes and whimper from you pal to get you off the couch. By training with your pooch, you benefit in so many ways...

1) NO work outs at the gym THEN walking the dog with what little energy you have left from your day
2) NO plastic people in way too short shorts, or tight clothing ,glaring at you in the gym cause your "new" and actually do eat more than protein bars
3) NO expensive gym memberships that drain your already skint bank account
4) both you and your pet will bond, get fit, and you both lose that winter weight together!

I could go on and on on the benefits but its just another excuse for you to not exercise. Get going

OFF & RUNNING...

Well here it goes the first post. I am new to all this blogging stuff so we will see where we end up. My intention for this site is to help educate you and your dog when starting up a fitness program. Whether you are trying to get you in shape, your dog a little "less lovable" in places, or both of you venture out together- I'm here to guide you. So grab your runners, grab your leash, and lets get moving.......