This is one of my favorite clips from the “Dog Appreciation Lessons” CD. It’s a cute story about Jake, a rescued Labrador Retriever, who swims the Alcatraz race with his partner, Jeff Pokonosky. At first, Jeff has to hold Jake back — by the tail — so he doesn’t burn himself out. At the end of the race, everyone asks, “Did I beat the dog?” This is a great example of what can happen in a relationship when man and dog work together on a project. It’s also a great testimony to dog rescue.
Archive for the ‘Dog Bonding’ Category
Jake, a Labrador Retriever, Swims The Alcatraz Race — Short Sound Clip
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011Callie Golden Retriever Loves to Play Water Frisbee
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
Callie's Favorite Sport
Like Jamie, Callie has become addicted to playing “Water Frisbee.” She loves to dive into Lake Arrowhead to retrieve her “Floppy Disc.”
As a perfect example of how dogs like “structure,” Callie has two distinct Frisbee routines, depending on lake conditions.
Her favorite “routine” is to run the length of our boat dock, drop her Floppy Disc at the end of the pier, wait for me to toss the Floppy Disc, and then dive into the lake to retrieve it. Then she swims to shore, climbs up some stone steps, puts the Floppy Disc down to shake off the water, and then continues the loop back to the end of the pier for another dive.
Her other “routine” is to stay close to the stone steps. She waits until someone gives the Floppy Disc a short toss, and then she dives off the steps, retrieves the Floppy Disc, and swims back to the steps.
Either way, Callie is in Golden Retriever Heaven. It’s fun to see how comfortable she is within the two “structures,” or “routines.” It works for me, too, because there’s a lot of boat traffic on the lake and I am happy to know that Callie will stay within her routes.
Callie is so into this that she begs to go to the lake for a swim. She gives me the same intense “please!” look that she uses to beg me to play soccer every day when we’re at home.
One other note about Callie’s swimming. Take a look at some of the video of Callie learning to swim, and you’ll see that she wasn’t exactly a “natural” swimmer. She would paw at the water and “screw up her confidence” before jumping in. Even at age four, she had a little hesitation about diving into the lake. Now, she is totally comfortable diving in.
Callie’s swimming is one of my favorite “dog bonding” activities — it’s a real partnership.
Learn How To Travel With Your Dog: Amy Burkert, Founder of GoPetFriendly.com
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011Amy Burkert travels with her pets all the time. Actually, she and her husband sold their house and spend all of their time traveling — with their pets. Their web site, GoPetFriendly.com lists thousands of pet-friendly places, hotels, and restaurants. And the blog contains lots of helpful hints for traveling with your pets. Listen as Amy shares some of the things she has learned. Amy can save you lots of time and money if you’re planning a trip with your pets.
The “My Doggie Says…” show is broadcast live on KFNX-1100 in Phoenix, every Wednesday evening from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming can be found at www.1100kfnx.com. Every week, Fred interviews an expert in dog training or animal behavior, or some other important aspect of building a special bond with your dog. To call the show: (602) 277-KFNX, or (866) 536-1100. Callers welcome!
The Games Dogs Play
Monday, May 2nd, 2011Callie Golden Retriever seems pretty good at making up her own games. The trick is for me to go along with her and try to figure out what the game is supposed to be. It’s great fun, though, and I know Callie appreciates getting to call the shots sometimes.
Our favorite game, of course, is our daily soccer game. Callie tracks me down every evening and gives me her intense, “let’s play soccer now!” look. This started over four years ago when Callie was just eight weeks old, so it’s totally Callie’s game. Now, as a full-grown Golden, she’s learned to leap several feet in the air and “bonk” the ball off her nose. See some fun video of Callie doing “nosers” in the video section of our web site.
The other day, Callie presented me with “Smokey” a “Smokey the bear” golf club cover that Callie has adopted as a favorite toy. I held out my hand and tried to figure out what Callie wanted me to do. She gave me “Smokey,” but then she took “Smokey” back right away. That went on for about five minutes. So Callie’s game with “Smokey” was “give and take,” “I’ll give “Smokey” to you, then you give “Smokey” back to me, then I’ll give “Smokey” back to you again, and we’ll keep doing it. OK?” I could tell it was very satisfying for Callie that I went along with her game.
Then, the next day, Callie brought me Trojan, another golf head cover in the form of a white horse. (Fight on!) This time, the game was a little different. Callie presented Trojan to me, but she didn’t let go. But she didn’t pull it away from me, either. This time we played “Let’s hold this together for a while!” Again, I could tell Callie appreciated getting to decide what game we were going to play.
Play is a natural part of a dog’s life. Left to their own resources — at least sometimes — a dog will invent its own games. Sometimes it’s interactive play. Sometimes it “doggie solitaire.” An important part of the dog-bonding experience can be letting your dog make up the rules sometimes. You will be amazed at how much your “best friend” appreciates being in charge, even if it’s just for a few minutes!
Clip of the Week from the “Dog Appreciation Lessons” CD — Dean Koontz Keeps His Golden Retriever, Trixie, Out of Jail
Thursday, April 14th, 2011Listen to one of the eighteen sound clips on the “Dog Appreciation Lessons” CD, as Dean Koontz tells a sweet story about how playing with his golden retriever led to a hospital visit and — almost — to jail for Trixie. (2:49)
For more information about the “Dog Appreciation Lessons” CD, visit our Store.
Tamar Geller on the “My Doggie Says…” Show: Wednesday, March 30
Friday, March 25th, 2011Our guest on the “My Doggie Says…” show, for Wednesday, March 30, will be Tamar Geller, Celebrity Dog Trainer, Author of “Thirty Days to a Well-Mannered Dog,” and a frequent guest on major TV shows, including Oprah.
Live streaming at www.1100kfnx.com, at 8:00 pm California Time. To call the show: (602) 277-kfnx, or (866) 536-1100.
Click here to learn more about Tamar’s very fun doggie world!
How to Have a Well-Behaved Dog — A Podcast with Julie Bjelland
Monday, March 14th, 2011Julie Bjelland is the author of “Imagine Life with a Well-Behaved Dog: A 3-Step Positive Dog-Training Program.” Hear Julie talk about dog training topics like, preparing for a new dog, crate training, dealing with dogs that jump on people or other dogs, getting ready for obedience training, the importance of relaxing (not the dog, you!), the importance of praise, understanding your dog’s energy levels, and much, much more.
Also listen to Julie’s answers to questions from callers, Anthony, Gaurev, Sherry, and Dr. Hegde, a vet who uses Julie’s book in her practice.
Learn more about Julie’s dog training approach at www.webdogtrainer.com.
Learn the Secrets of Bonding with Your Dog — From Victoria Schade
Thursday, March 3rd, 2011Learn the secrets of bonding with your dog — from “My Doggie Says…” radio show guest Victoria Schade, author of “Bonding with your Dog: A Trainer’s Secrets for Building a Better Relationship.”
Does Your Dog Have Daily Rituals?
Thursday, March 3rd, 2011Does your dog have ritual behaviors? Does it have activities that it repeats at specific times, or in specific situations? If you’re not sure, you might want to pay attention. Learning about your dog’s rituals can increase your enjoyment of your pet — and help you nurture its behavior.
Since all dogs are different, I’ll share some of Callie Golden Retriever’s rituals with you, so you’ll get the idea.
“Good Morning.” Callie starts most mornings by walking over to my bed, sitting down perfectly within reach of my right hand, and “presenting” her neck for a “good morning” scratch. I scratch the under part of her neck around her throat and adam’s apple. Sometimes she tips her head so I can scratch the top of her head, but for most dogs “under” is better than “over.”
Sometimes Callie’s “good morning” scratch turns into a full-body massage. She’ll move her body around so that the only part I can reach is her back, for example. This can go on for a long time!
“Pukka: The Pup After Merle” and “Why Dogs Die Young” with Ted Kerasote: Podcast
Friday, January 7th, 2011As usual, Ted Kerasote shares his heart-felt feelings for his dogs — especially Pukka, the Pup after Merle. This new book is a photo journey through the shared life of Ted and Pukka. Lots of terrific photos and lots of entertaining stories told by Ted in this interview. It also peppered with great ideas about dog training — especially training a puppy.
Ted also talks about his current project, a new book titled “Why Dogs Die Young and What to Do About It.”
You won’t want to miss this fun conversation with Ted Kerasote, one of the most popular authors of dog books!
Here’s a link to Ted’s photo-filled web site.
