Get your running shoes on....

Spring is here!

Finally, after a long hard Winter, we see some green, the melting piles of snow, and nature waking up from a long sleep. With the waking of nature also come the movement of people and their fuzzy friends. The fair weather walkers have come out of hibernation, and dusted of their leashes and running shoes.

In a few weeks I will be starting up Doggyfitness classes again where 2 and 4 legged teams can get back into shape. I have made some careers changes that now allow me to open up my schedule for more time to do what I love- spend time with my dogs and exercise. I look forward to a busy Spring, Summer, and Fall with my 2 monsters and meeting lots of new people. I will be adding different levels of classes, and have regular classes so your dogs and you can achieve your fitness and fun goals.

Keep your eyes posted for upcoming classes and workshops!

See you soon

Sara
Rugby and Kona

Remembering Keno

Today I got some sad news, dear friends of mine had to put down their best friend Keno today. Keno was a pretty special little Labrador. He was raised by Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides as a foster puppy and went onto a prestigious career as a Seeing eye dog. He was then fostered by Syl and Al who taught him the puppy basics and skills to be a contender for the job; they unselfishly gave him up after a year of training to a trainer that would test Keno out to see if he had the right stuff. Keno passed all the strict tests to become a guide dog, health, temperament, skills testing and basic training.

Keno graduated and spend about 6 years guiding his blind handler through every day life. He was his eyes, his friend, confidant and trusted partner, but, most importantly he gave his handler independence.

Keno was retired and Syl and Al were blessed enough to take Keno back and pay him back in love for the years of hard work he put into his handler. After carrying the weight of being a Guide Dog, Keno deserved and got a life of luxury. He was joined by his new brothers Austin and Kalvin. He lived a wonderful life of days lying on the sunporch, splashing in his kiddy pool, and endless walks and drives in the neighborhood. People came and visited, and Keno always demanded attention for a loving pat- how could anyone resist those brown eyes.

I had the pleasure of meeting Keno on so many occasions. He was a quiet, stoic, and gentle black Labrador. I saw him running around with his buddies (furry and not) embracing his retirement days, but he always made a point to come by and steal some attention. I just melted whenever I looked at his sweet face. The years passed by, the whiskers turned grey, and the aches and pains started to creep in. Like the true gentlemen he was, he never complained; he went on despite the aches, sometimes for a cookie, a walk, or even open his own Christmas gifts.

Keno finally could go on no more, there comes a time when the bodies will is not as strong as the mind- Today was that day. Keno was with surrounded by the family that loved him dearly, and was laid to rest today.

Keno you will be missed by all that were blessed enough to cross paths with you.

Rotten Rottie

Kona is your typical Rottweiler in more ways than one, he is gassy (I blame it on no muffler/tail), full of character, smiles, and he is STUBBORN!. Anyone that has owned, petsat, or just had 5 minutes with a Rottie knows what I am talking about.

I have had Kona now since April 10th, 2008, he has come so far with his health, training, manners and trust. With the bond he has also started the "my mommy syndrome"- he is starting to protect me now. Just in the last month he has started not liking anyone that is within least distance of me or Rugby and barks at them.

Now Kona was abused, you can see it in reaction to quick movements, when males come near him, or if you raise your voice or stomp loudly he will drop to the floor and cower. It may be because he now has stability in his life, and someone that does not beat him- that he is becoming protective. SO WHAT TO DO??

This is what I have been doing with my stubborn little man.......

*I am working first and foremost with his obedience, he is learning his commands so if he is put in stressful situation with strangers he will listen and respect what is being asked of him.
*I am NOT letting him get away with, or make excuses for his behavior- he will know its not acceptable.
*I try to distract his attention from the person to me and reward for his attention.
*I reassure him that no one is trying to hurt me through the tone of my voice and my confident posture.
* I am maintaining physical control that he will not escape during the learning
* and most importantly praise him when he gets it right!!!

I will keep you posted on my "meathead" and his progress through his training.

Kona is turning from a rough piece of coal into quite the shining little gem.... how could you not love that face?????

What the dogs think of winter

Out for all of 1 minute for a quick pee, and this is just how impressed Rugby and Kona are of all the snow......

Trees

You may be sick of Winter right about now, just like the rest of us. You bundle up your million layers of socks, pants, snowpants, hat, scarf, coat, etc etc- then grab the dog leash and do the dreaded walk. You almost bail on the neighbors sidewalk (who never salts), then your dog squeals and lifts their foot in pain from the salt (the other neighbor that salts ever last bit of snow off the walk). Your hat blows off from the -30 degree wind, your lips are cracked, your nose is cold, and you can barely see through the snow flakes that are purposely landing in your eyes. Sound familiar??

Well first of all congratulations for being a dedicated ALL WEATHER dog walker, so few people are. I know people that train their dogs to go on pee pee pads just to avoid even having to let dogs out in the snow-Yes these are real people.

Instead of just going for a boring sidewalk walk with you pup, think about walking off the beaten path.My suggestion is to find a wooded lot, or any area with trees, and start dodging them! I take Kona and Rugby on woods walks all the time and have Kona tethered to me and the fun begins. Running through trees is fantastic for stimulating your dog, ensuring they pay attention to your directional changes (big trees are not very forgiving if they decide to run in their own direction), and you get to act like you were 10 and playing jungle ninjas. Okay maybe that last part is me just resisting getting older, but, bottom line I run, crash through trees, and end up laughing.

I challenge you and your dog to try the above, and see if you don't have fun doing it. Your dog will be super stimulated, tired, and grateful for not walking that same Winter walk.

ps, close eyes when branches are eye height- poke your eye once and you will remember this :)