Online Dog Training–The Agony and The Ecstasy
We all know that family dog trainers don't train dogs, they train people. As I tease my veterinarian friends, our job is harder, because we have to train our clients to do the equivalent of the surgery themselves. And we all know that we, as a species, can be a bit challenging to train. Not because we're bad people, but because we inherently aren't consistent (ie, the downfall of synonyms), have a hugely variable repertoire, and focus on word content often more than inflection and visual signals. And now dog trainers all over the world are coping with social distancing rules that make in-person classes impossible. My heart breaks for all of those who are struggling right now, as are so Read More
Solace.
That's what I've got today. Solace. Just a little bit, but sometimes a little bit goes a long way. First, I want to share a book, Hand in Hand, that I am reading a few pages of every day. It is the kind of art that reminds us of all the good in the world, and is one of the things that is giving me exactly what I need right now. It's inspired by the macro photography of Meg Boscov, and the micro (non)fiction writing of her husband, Randy Brown of Matter Press. Here's the inside of the book--one side a stunning photograph, the other relevant muses, quotes and explorations. I read a few pages every morning. It's my favorite way to start the day. And the perfect reminder that we may be Read More
Puppies and Dog Parks in the Time of Covid-19
So many good questions. About how to socialize puppies. About whether to go to dog parks. So few good answers. But here's a perspective that I hope is helpful: Risk management. It's all about risk management. FOR PUPPIES what are the risks if you have a puppy and can't follow the usual guidelines for socializing your puppy? What are the risks if you do? We all know the risks by now of not following the advice about social distancing and avoiding contact with others as much as possible. We're all (or should be) trying to avoid this freight train of a virus flooding medical facilities such that people end up dying simply because there were no beds, doctors, nurses or ventilators Read More