My eagle-eyed conference coordinator, Katie, asked me to remind you all the early bird pricing (about 10% off) for the Madison Seminar on October 29 and 30th is over at midnight on Friday, September 30th. The host hotel also has a special conference rate that expires on Friday too, and space for the seminar is limited (and registrations are pouring in, wheee!) so if you are thinking about coming, now’s the time to act. As always, if you are a blog reader please, please come up and say hi. I always love to meet readers in person. I also should mention that you can get up to 20% for groups of 10 and over, 10% off for 5 to 9.
I’m having a ball getting back to working on the seminar now that we are back from Scotland. Have I mentioned how much great research has been done on dog behavior lately (finally)? Did you know, for example, that ambidextrous dogs have higher levels of noise phobias than left-pawed dogs? (About the same percentage of dogs are left-pawed as people are right-handed. Cool, hey?) I’m working on genetics and behavior right now, and trying to figure out how not to spend the entire day on it. Don’t worry, I won’t. Too much to talk about regarding developmental effects on behavior, learning, communication, social systems, etc. I’ll be talking about all that on Saturday and soaking up Ken Ramirez’s practical advice, inspiration and amazing videos on Sunday. It’s coming soon. Oh boy and Eeeeeps! Get to work Trisha.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Willie and I went on a 35 minute walk yesterday in one of our favorite places, a county park of prairie and woods that was flaming with bright red sumac and soft purple asters. Although it was still on leash, it was our longest walk since February, and it was one of the first times I felt like maybe life will someday get back to normal. What a treat. We’ve started on the Hobbles for brief periods off-leash in the house, by next week he can be off leash in the Hobbles outside for a few minutes at a time. Ooooooooh, can barely wait.
Here’s Mr. Will this morning, leash attached (but hidden, not on purpose) and on a Sit/Stay for the camera.
Cleverhound says
All that sounds really fascinating. Totally jealous of people that can go to things like that.
I’ve noticed that when my dog is working with his food toy, he primarily uses his right foot. I presume that indicates he’s right pawed? He’s quite fascinating to watch, he rolls it with his nose, the perfect rhythm to keep it rolling with pauses to get the kibbles. He uses his paw to turn the toy, and when he is trying to get the last few kibbles out he uses his his paw mostly and changes direction a lot.
I love watching my dog, he’s fascinating.
Rebecca Fouts says
Oh….I would love to attend the seminar. But it’s a bit out of my reach at the moment. I’m currently living in the Philadelphia region. I’ll have to check out your website to see if you have information up on how to perhaps book you for a seminar. I go to a wonderful indoor training facility in Colmar, PA. And I’m sure we could get more then enough people to make it profitable.
I was wondering what sources you find the research in? I went to the 2009 ISAZ/HAI seminar in Kansas City and absolutely LOVED being able to listen to the presentations and read the abstracts. Some were incredibly relevant, as a service dog trainer. Not as many behavior related studies were presented though. But even the ones that weren’t relevant to my field were fascinating. But I wasn’t sure what journal most dog behavior articles are usually published in.
Gin Gin Bon Bon says
I’m so happy that Willie is getting better. He looks great! I feel like I know you guys personally from reading this blog… and I’m emotionally attached! <3.
Beth says
So happy for you and Willie! And I would love to hear some good research (finally!) on dog behavior! It seems from watching my own that much of what we have been told has been over-simplified. For instance, my Jack generally walks up to strange dogs with a soft body and ears pressed down and back (a somewhat submissive look). I can’t tell where his tail would be, but probably not up and over his back.
And yet…. a very large number of other dogs, upon greeting him, will submissively lick the corners of his mouth and get even lower while he sniffs who he wants, when he wants. And while if my girl Maddie snarks at other dogs they laugh at her (she IS submissive, though still typical Corgi-bossy), if Jack corrects another dog— which is rare— they immediately back off and then try to show submission.
I believe he approaches other dogs the way he does because he loves to meet-and-greet more than nearly anything in the world and has learned that approaching in that manner gets other dogs to relax. Judging on his initial greetings alone, one would think he is dog-submissive. But all later actions consistently point right to the contrary. Perfect example: He met an Aussie-mix at the park the other day. They greeted each other, and sometime later Jack was saying hi to a human when the Aussie ran up behind him and knocked Jack down. Jack growl-yelped and charged a bit. The other dog ran off. A minute or so later, I saw Jack seek out the corrected dog and walk up to him and sniff his backside, the other dog stood for inspection, then lowered slightly and licked the corners of Jack’s mouth. They then both play-bowed and bounced a little. “All is forgiven,” seemed to be Jack’s language. “Sorry I knocked you down, I’ll be more careful next time” seemed to be the other dog’s.
chloe De Segonzac says
35 minutes!!! Heaven. Watching my BC run, happiness incarnated, is such a joy for me.
I am learning a lot from reading Dog Sense by Bradshaw. So many new studies. Better understanding of canines. I’m so glad we can all reteach that dogs are not plotting to take over!
Now we need a good solid (scientific) trainer on tv. Trish????
Rusty says
Gee, I never gave it a thought that dogs could be left or right pawed. Now I’ll have to pay closer attention to mine. Judging from the past I’d say the Sheltie is left-pawed and the Dobie is right-pawed. Prior to giving them a treat I make them place one of their paws in my hand. Maybe the Sheltie uses whichever paw is closer to me. Dobie almost always uses his right paw when he wants a treat or anything else.
Let me also say that I admire your dedication and patience with Willie. Sometimes doing the right thing is painfully difficult.
Dianna says
Hello Dear Patricia,
I’ve been reading your blog for only a couple of months now. Got hooked after reading your wonderful book, For the Love of a Dog. If I could trade my life for any in the whole world it would be to be an animal behaviorist. I’m too old to change careers but have always, always been in love with dogs and have had them all my life. My dad loved collies so we always had a collie. Boy, could I tell some stories. I use all of my spare time reading books of other’s dog stories and find my life intertwined in them all. I would give my left paw (haha) to attend one of your seminars if for nothing else just to meet you. Since I came along late in your blog life, what happened to Lassie, Tulip and Pip? I fell in love with them as I did Bo Peep. I so appreciate that you keep the dog lovers world going as I’m not exactly surrounded by dog lovers as yourself so being able to read your blogs, etc. keeps me going. Thank you for all you do and who knows, I will hopefully show up at one of your seminars one day. In the meantime, give Willie a hug for me and I’m so glad he’s doing better.
Sincerely, Dianna
trisha says
Dianna: Thanks so much for asking about Lassie, Tulip and Pip. They are all gone now, although they still live on in my heart every day. Lassie died of liver cancer at 16 and 1/4 yrs a year and a half ago. She played enthusiastically until a month before and always was my puppy. Pip also lived past 16, she was almost deaf and partially blind, but doing okay until she started having seizure-like events. The vet came out and helped her go. Tulip died at almost age 13, incredibly old for a Pyr, even though she had Irritable Bowel Syndrome and a progressive neuro-muscular disease. Her last year of life was a challenge, and when we let her go it was clearly time. We had a celebration of her life before she died. Everyone, spontaneously, brought tulips. We buried her on a bed of hundreds of multi-colored tulips, right in front of the house where she used to bark at the coyotes. I miss them all terribly. It is strange to have only one dog now, but I hope that changes soon now that Willie is finally recovering.
Dianna says
Thanks for replying Patricia. I know you miss them more than words can say. I have lost many dogs too as I am 58 years old and have had dogs in my life since I was born. They were all SO special and yes, they still hold a very special place in my heart too. There’s nothing like our dogs to fill our lives but nothing like the deep hole that is left when they are gone. I’m trying to get involved in legislature to stop puppy mills. It has been my mission for the last year and I’m just now getting started so wish me luck. I also push adopting puppies/dogs from shelters even though it does take a special person to adopt an adult dog – especially from a shelter when you might not know what you are getting. Well, I’ve yakked enough…I will keep up with Willie through your blog and it sounds like he’s getting ready to be FREE again!
Sincerely, Dianna
maggie jones says
Trish, I always wonder if you ever look at this site,,it’s generally fascinating,,a lot of falconers stay in touch with him,,especially those who use dogs that go to ground,,like I did with my 8 lb dachshunds,,right now he’s got a great piece on Border Collies in UK about the rather new rule that full champions need to pas “limited field trial” . He’s good at finding great absurdities.
http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com/
Maggie
chloe De Segonzac says
I really enjoyed the piece about Border Collies. However the site puts down Victoria Stilwell, promotes Cesar Millan, and promotes training dogs to kill animals for the sport of it, not to mention the racist comments about undocumented workers….
chloe De Segonzac says
OOps forgot to say last comment was in response to the previous comment listing terriermandotcom blog.
trisha says
Eeeps, thanks Chloe, usually I look at a site more carefully before I post the comment, but crazy busy this morning!
Emily says
Hi! I’ve been enjoying this blog for some time now. I recently read a brochure for visitors to Yellowstone National Park explaining why dogs are not allowed to walk on geyser board trails–no complaints about the rule, but there was a note that made me curious. The first reason given is that “dogs do not seem to recognize the difference between hot and cold water.” Is this true? My dogs certainly indicate they feel extreme outdoor temperatures (-20 in the winter and 90 in the summer–we’re in Montana), but I’ve never thought about their reactions to the temperature of water. Have you had any experiences with this?
trisha says
Emily: I don’t see why dogs can’t distinguish water temperature, but it might be too late for them in Yellowstone. Apparently people have been badly injured, even died, when putting a hand or foot into some of the hot springs. By the time one’s brain has registered TOO HOT! the body part is horrifically burned. Thus, not safe for dogs…
Emily says
Thanks! I don’t have any issues with the restrictions on where pets (or people) can go in the park, just thought the statement about temperature was interesting.
KathyF says
How handsome Willie is! It’s as if he’s posing proudly, aware of the uniqueness of his freedom.
I had a similar thought the first time I was able to take my reactive dog to the wooded area near our house, which I’d avoided purposely, first from grief after losing my Bailey, then after acquiring a dog reactive dog who didn’t need to see all the dogs running lose there.
It was like life returning to normal, to walk in my favorite place with another dog again. (And once again, thanks to your and your book Feisty Fido for getting us to that point! Also: Sparky won the Most Improved Dog prize at his rescue’s annual reunion!)