Walter, “Did you say treat? I hope so because I am not doing this for my health”
Just like many pet parents out there, we are spending our weekend at home, although we did go to the supermarket for a few things we needed yesterday, but other than that we are relaxing at home.
Dexter, “Is the food ready? I hope so because I am starving!”
Some dogs along with their humans are sleeping, walking, eating, etc. whatever you are doing this weekend, enjoy it!
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, senior dogs
Tagged Australian Shepherd, boxer, Boxer mix, Canine Behavior, dog boarding, pack of dogs, relaxing
Walter, Australian Shepherd, and Dexter, Boxer mix. (L to R)
I got a video from Dexter’s mom this week in which he was playing with a toy without a care in the world. When we met Dexter he was 5 years old. He is a little over 10 years old now, and he looked so happy and much older that I remembered. That video made me think. Why we, humans, are so worried about getting old? I know we have to plan for the future, that’s a given, but many of us worry for no particular reason. I do think that dogs live in the moment, something we humans find somewhat difficult to do, and so I’d say to you, do what makes you happy, and learn from your dogs. Carpe Diem people!
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, senior dogs
Tagged aging dogs, aging humans, Annapolis, Australian Shepherd, balanced life, Carpe diem, MD
There’s research that shows that dogs do sense our moods and behavior, even smell our emotional state. I’ve learned this from personal experience from our dogs: Casey, Alex, Bella and Abby.
Casey, a Staffie, would sit perfectly still next to me when I got angry. Funny, one time I told Cynthia that I wasn’t angry, but Casey sold me out. Traitor! Alex, a pit bull mix, would get close to me and shiver. Bella, a pit bull mix, would try to make herself small. And Abby, a Beagle/Bulldog mix, runs toward me and with a concern look on her face looks me in the eyes.
Dogs are amazing teachers, and living with them gives us the opportunity to live a balanced and healthy life. Do you think your dog senses your moods/emotions?
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs
Tagged Anxiety, behavior modification, Family, Health, home, life, Pit bulls
Abby, “Mom, is it lunch time already?”
This past weekend our family continued to unpack boxes, and as I was coming up from the basement, this is what I saw. I just couldn’t stop laughing.
Abby loves to smell the boxes before and after we open them. Why? That’s something only our girl Abby could answer for you. We hope you enjoyed your 4th of July!
Abby, “Mom, are we moving again?”
Let me start by saying thanks to our military personnel-that includes the canine units- and their family for all the sacrifices they make for us every day.
I love living in Crofton, MD but we finally found a house suited to our wants and needs in Annapolis so we’ll be busy this holiday moving our pack to our new house.
Abby will keep you up to date on our move, and I am sure she will delight you with tales of how hard she will be working; how little sleep she’ll get; and how few treats will be dispensed. That’s our Abby! 🙂
Posted in Breeds, Crofton, MD, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs
Tagged 2020, Annapolis Maryland, Beagle, canine companions, Crofton, MD, dog boarding, Memorial Day, Moving with dogs
Walter, Alex, and Dexter (Left to Right)
Because of the Coronavirus pandemic we are taking more precautions in order to stay safe, and that-of course-includes our dogs and home. These are the things I’d recommend you do to keep your dogs clean:
Nap time!
When it comes to our house, I dust, vacuum, and sweep often because as you pet parents well know, our doggies shed a lot. What about yours truly? I wash my hands constantly and I carry hand wipes with me always. Keeping our dogs clean does not require a lot of money or time so let’s get in the habit of doing so in order to keep us all safe. Take care.
Posted in Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, senior dogs
Tagged Australian Shepherd, boxer, coronavirus, dog bed, dog boarding, Dog hair brushing, Dog wipes, Maryland, Pet Parent, pit bull
My Alex. A Pitbull mix.
Looking at pictures of my Alex and the dogs that we’ve taken care of throughout the years filled me with nostalgia and gratitude. Alex lived 13 years and she was the most amazing dog ever, and although when we lost her we were devastated, I wouldn’t trade the time we had with her for anything in this world.
Maggie and Alex (Left to Right). A Rottweiler and a Pitbull
When I look at the pictures of Alex, Maggie and so many other dogs, yes I feel a little sad because they are no longer with us, but more than anything I feel joy. Some pictures also make me laugh because they bring back funny memories. And with that being said, I would ask you, who said nostalgia is a bad thing?
Posted in Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Walking
Tagged Annapolis Maryland, canine companions, Crofton, MD, dog behavior, Family, pitbull, rottweiler
Abby, “I love taking car rides with my moms!”
Lately watching the news is scary and depressing-to say the least-but then I take a look at Abby finding happiness in simple things such as: walking, taking a ride in the car, eating, etc., and all I feel is a great sense of gratitude.
Abby, “I smell food. Mom, do you smell it too?”
Dogs are great teachers, and for me they are an integral part of my life. They make me take a look at what really matters and not worry about things that are out of my control. What does your dog bring to your life?
Posted in Crofton, MD, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking
Tagged behavior modification, Crofton, MD, daycare, dog backpack, dog sweater, retractable leash
Dexter, “Please turn the lights off!”
A few of you, I can imagine, are experiencing cabin fever, but I may be one of those lucky few that don’t feel that way. Yes, your mental health could and may be affected due to the executive order by Governor Larry Hogan to stay at home, but having a dog can make the difference between keeping your sanity or going bonkers.
So with that being said, aside from my usual advice of going for walks, I’d also recommend taking naps. Lots of naps! Stay home, stay safe!
Posted in Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, Walking
Tagged asleep, cabin fever, dog bed, dogs, Mental health, naps, self quarantine
Abby, “Mom, I think that’s your glove!”
In January we moved from MA to Maryland, and to say that Abby was excited about our move would be an understatement. She loved “inspecting” the boxes we were putting together to pack our things; she dashed between Cynthia and yours truly as if to “help” us pack; she watched Cynthia like a hawk while she taped the boxes; and when she was tired she’d take a nap near one of us or go to bed.
Abby, “Aha! I told you this was your glove mom.”
Abby seems to enjoy moving, but she is the exception rather than the rule. Because dogs enjoy having a routine, moving could be stressful for them so I’d recommend the following:
Dogs love routine, but if you plan ahead of time perhaps moving doesn’t have to be very stressful for your canine companion and you. How did your dog(s) do on your last move?
Posted in Crofton, MD, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Walking
Tagged Crofton, MD, Dog, Gentle Leader, Journey, Moving with dogs, retractable leash, stress
