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
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, “Mom, please turn off the lights. Moving is exhausting!”
Yes, that’s how tired Abby looked after helping us unpack. By the way, she is lucky since we are not unpacking everything. Remember to provide your canine companion a bed and some blankets.
Abby, “Mom, wait! I am not ready. Please wait!
Sorry Abby, but I had to capture that facial expression. We are taking nice walks except when the days don’t permit us to do so. All in all, I could say that although it was stressful to move and super tiring, to say the least, we are really glad to be back in Maryland and we are looking forward to all the adventures we’ll have in Crofton!
Posted in Breeds, Crofton, MD, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking
Tagged Annapolis Maryland, canine companions, Crofton, dog bed, dog behavior modification, MD, Odenton Maryland
Abby, “Mom, I am 100% sure that we’re lost. Could we please ask for direction? Please!!!
Yes, we were totally lost when we visited Quebec, but it didn’t matter to us. How come? We had a good time exploring this beautiful city, and eating along the way.
Abby, “Moms, do you need help packing? One suitcase = 2 cookies. What do you think?”
We were all ready to go back to Massachusetts after visiting Canada, but I think Abby a bit more because she watched us carefully while we packed our things.
Abby, “Moms, did you remember to pack my food and treats?”
I had to take the above picture. Abby looked so adorable that it was hard to resist. Anyway, we were ready to leave Quebec after a nice vacation, and yes, Abby did get treats and food along the way.
Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training
Tagged Beagle, Bulldog, canine companions, dog behaviorist, dog training, Pit bulls, traveling with dogs
Alex, Bella, and Josie (L to R)
Regardless of the size or breed of dog I’ve taken care of, one thing I’ve realized they all love to do is nap. We, humans, sometimes feel guilty of taking a nap, yours truly is one of those, but as time goes by I am starting to feel less and less guilty.
Some dogs like Josie, the one by the sliding dogs, love to nap while getting a bit of sun, while others, like Bella, prefer a mix of a carpet and a cool floor. My point is, let’s learn from our canine companions and take a nap without any guilt!
Posted in ACL Injury, Breeds, Dogs, foster dogs, senior dogs
Tagged behavior modification, canine companions, dog bed, dogs, naps, Pit bulls, weimaraner
Abby, “Are you taking a picture of me again?!!
Summer time here in Massachusetts is great because there is low humidity, and we don’t get many hot days like in Maryland. But just so you know, I still miss Maryland. Anyway, Abby and I get up early in the morning for our first walk, around 6am, in order to make sure that my girl does not get overheated or burn her cute paws. The next walk is late in the evening and this is usually a short walk because there are some days when the ground is still hot.
Champagne, “I am posing and smiling. Treats and water please!
The time you choose to walk your dog is very important, but for those dogs that have dark coats like Champagne, pit bull in above picture, and Abby it could mean life or death. I love to walk with my dog, but I am always very mindful of the weather and temperature. Well, lace up your walking shoes and enjoy your walk with your canine companion.
Posted in Breeds, Dogs, Outings, senior dogs, Training, Walking
Tagged Beabull, canine companions, dog walker, Gengtle Leader, leashes, Pit bulls, Stoughton MA
Abby, “Moms, it’s snowing!”
Abby, at the beginning, didn’t know or understand that once we were home she was not allowed to run like crazy, nip people, grab things off of the floor as toys, etc. Well, time went by, 9 weeks, and she is starting to understand that certain things are expected of her if she wants to help Cynthia cook.
Abby, “Mom, I am not presentable and you are distracting me from helping mom Cynthia finish cooking our meal.”
I like to have Abby in the kitchen when Cynthia is cooking because this is the perfect time to work on behavior. How? Well, for one, she is not allowed to jump while Cynthia cooks; for two, she is to keep those beautiful teeth away from nipping or biting; and lastly, she is not to frantically pace back and forth. This is not basic training but rather behavior modification.
Marcela, “This is Abby letting me know in no uncertain terms that she is not happy that I am not saying that she is perfect.”
I also like Abby to be in the kitchen because I want her to get used to the different sounds and smells that are typical in a kitchen. Abby, so far, has been the hardest puppy I’ve ever had to train and work on behavior modification with, but also the most adorable. Why am I sharing this with you? Because I want you to understand and know that dogs are individuals and as such they learn at their own pace.
Abby, “Mom Cynthia, how much longer before we eat?”
Alex, our pit bull mix, was very easy to train. She got all her obedience cues and behavior, behavior always being the most difficult to achieve, pretty fast and because of that I joined the legions, yes legions, of pet parents that told me that female dogs are smarter than male dogs. By the way, I no longer thing so. Why? Abby proved all those pet parents wrong. If you got a puppy or dog recently, please work with a trainer and/or behaviorist in order to start your canine companion on the right path. Many of the dogs I see in shelters are there because of behavioral problems. Don’t give up on your dog, and find the help of a professional to guide you and teach you how to properly communicate with your dog.
The above picture is of Dexter, a very handsome boxer mix, that used to stay with us often. Since Spring is taking its time to arrive, make sure that your canine companion is properly attired when you go out with him. Dogs that have short hair like Dexter need to wear a coat or sweater or both to keep them warm.
Dogs that are very lean, like my Alex, also need to wear a coat when the weather is cold. In Alex’s case, I make her wear both a sweater and a coat. She is not too crazy about it, but I need to make sure that she is warm.
Dogs look adorable in sweaters, that’s for sure, but remember that for many dogs like short-haired dogs, and lean dogs, wearing a coat or sweater is a necessity.
Posted in Outings, senior dogs, Walking
Tagged boxer dog, canine companions, dog coats, dog sweaters, lean dogs, short-haired dogs, Spring
I don’t know how to start this post, so here it goes. I am going to make a list of the things I like and dislike about Winter so this way maybe someone out there will say, “Me too.” Misery does love company.
Things I like about Winter:
Things I dislike about Winter:
Do you know what is the best part about having a canine companion? In my case, Alex makes me see things in a different way. Look at her. Asleep, close to the vent of course, with no care in the world. Alex makes the best out of any situation and time of the year. What a great teacher she is, don’t you think? Well, I will stop my complaining and follow Alex’s lead and enjoy the day even though as I look out my window I see nothing but more snow. I know, I know. I was still able to complain one more time. What can I say? I am human after all.
Posted in Dogs
Tagged canine companions, dog sweater, foster dogs, Snow, Winter, winter clothing
