Trisha is feeling a little under the weather this week, but didn't want to leave you without a few cheery pictures. Here is Willie playing a good game of chase with Lily, Katie's Dogo Argentino, in the upper pasture this week. From all of us at McConnell Publishing, have a happy, healthy, and safe New Year. Give your dogs a good belly rub from us! __ Read More
Archives for December 2012
Thank You and Happy Holidays!
I had planned to post a different article (about new research on the effect of different types of music on kenneled dogs) but want to interview one more expert before I finish it. It's a fascinating issue overall--how the acoustic environment effects dogs (and us too), and one that deserves an in-depth inquiry. And so, I'll be posting that article after the holidays. Meanwhile, it seems fitting to send out a short and sweet THANK YOU to all of you who read the blog, and to those of you who post such thought-provoking comments. I hope your holidays are full of love and warmth and gratitude. BACK ON THE FARM? Well, I couldn't write from there if I wanted to. We got dumped with snow yesterday, anywhere from 16 to 20 inches in the area. The dogs and I spent a quiet day together in what I am Read More
Play Bows as Meta-Communication
We all know the signs of imminent danger between two dogs right? Immobile stiff bodies, direct eye contact, round eyes. Except when dogs are playing and then the exact same postures and expressions are nothing but pauses between frolics. That is a perfect example of what's called meta-communication, or communication about communication. Here's a video of Willie and his new friend, Leo--the new pup of Katie Martz here at the office--illustrating meta-communication as well as any two dogs could. I look forward to your comments about it. First, some background: Yesterday they met for the first time, and it went beautifully. Katie stood 40 feet from the door with Leo as I let Willie out and asked him "Where's the Dog?" We played tug when he looked at Leo and then back at me. After 2 Read More
What’s In Your Library?
Now that winter is here, it seems like a good time to talk about some good books and DVDs to keep us busy during those long, dark evenings. Here are a few books and DVDs that I've enjoyed, some dog related, some not. AWAY TO ME DVD: First, check out the trailer for a new DVD that has just come out, Away to Me! Anyone who works sheepdogs or likes to watch them will be interested in this video. I got to see the entire thing before it was finished, and it has some of the best scenes of close up interactions between dogs and range ewes I have ever seen. it follows three handlers as they compete in the well-known Soldier Hollow Classic sheepdog trial in Utah. Here's the movie's website where you can order it. UNLOCKING THE ANIMAL MIND, is a great book by Franklin McMillan. Subtitled How Read More