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)