Energy, Tools, and Kibble

As I sit here having my morning coffee, and Emma barrels around the corner at full speed, jumping on my lap with 72 pounds...then rolling me across the room in my wheeled computer chair, the idea of energy came to mind.

While she is like a six month old in her head....she definitely is not in size. Excuse me while I get the Kong wobbler
The Kong Wobbler
The Kong wobbler is for incredibly high energy dogs with a vast amount of curiosity....it is used for dog needing stimulation, dogs with Separation anxiety, dogs that gobble their food. It is an interactive game that keeps a dog entertained. They learn to manipulate the extra large kong to dispense one or two pieces of kibble at a time...which leads me to yet another subject...kibble.

Our Holistic vet here in Kansas City was privy to a study sponsored by Ducks Unlimited. As he had been recommending Blue Buffalo and some other high quality foods to his patient's parents, he reported the study revealed that there is a wonderful kibble on the market...one with wholesome ingredients, cranberries, blueberries, with or without grain. It scored highest or comparable in nutrition, and the cost was unbelievable. It is Costco's Kirkland Kibble....yes, I about fell off my chair.
And the cost is 25.00 per bag compared to the nearly 50.00 I was spending.

Back to energy...
Dogs all are born with energy/personality as we know it. When dogs come in, one of the first things I assess is energy. While I have obtained most of my information from the dogs themselves, the Cesar Millan's books and DVD's have lent insight to various methods to be tried and true. I have also found a new source from a trainer named Joel Silverman. I like Joel's information very much, and the color coding of dogs on a color spectrum is interesting. His idea is to curb the dog's energy through training to move towards the center of the spectrum. Yellow being the middle, on the right orange, then bright Red (Emma and Martha). On the left of the middle mellow yellow is green and blue. (Bramble and Abby) Baldwin of course is the yellow, and if I look at the history of all of my dogs...most have been yellow and Buddy an orange. We have been working with Martha with the tactile exercises used to calm a very hyper dog...and it is working! Emma is doing pretty well also. Bramble's energy is very nervous, unsure...we are working with him...he is better, using lots of treats for a shy dog such as Bramble is key.

But will be pulling out Cesar's books once again to work within myself to be able to work with him. The importance of confidence, moving forward each day...not allowing myself to even think of what he must have been through at the mill and beyond is critical. He is here now, in a home with a boy he likes very much. Time to move on, which he is doing little by little.

So check out Joel's new book "Take-2 Training Solutions for Rescued Dogs"
The other book is "What Color is your Dog" which is on the color coding.

Cesar's new book is very, very good
"Cesar's Rules"

Energy of the human must be greater than or equal to the new dog in your life. Cesar also recommends the new dog coming in be of lower energy than the existing dog in the household...if there is one. This has been tricky with adoptions where there is a much older dog already in the house. We have been very lucky to have placed our fosters into homes that are extremely active, and obedience work, nose work, agility is just part of the every day.

Then I come back to Emma...why is she such a perfect fit? What is it about Emma inspite of her rumbling thunder, do I feel so attracted to.
It dawned on me last night, it's Buddy...She is the female Buddy. Her huffing and puffing moving that ginormous body at full speed, her incredibly loving nature, her respect, and just the hole she has filled in my heart.

Mary Murray

New Books Worthy of our Hard Earned Dollars

Two Must have Books for those cold winter nights! Nothing is better than curling up with a good book. I wanted to share two books I would highly recommend!

The first Book is "Cesar's Rules" by Cesar Millan and Mellissa Jo Peltier.



The book encompasses some of my favorites, Cesar of course...Ian Dunbar, Martin Deeley, and Joel Silverman. Many other behaviorists and trainers also, but those above are most interesting to me as I am familiar with them. The similarities and differences are outlined in philosophy, but all have a common ground to help owners achieve balance along with engaging their dog in training that is critical for bonding and safety of the pet. I was very happy to have a book that those of us that are seasoned owners could sink our teeth into.

As Cesar points out, (paraphrasing) A well trained dog is not necessarily a well balanced dog. This book will show you how to achieve both, a well trained balanced dog. As I have read all of Cesar's books, I have two favorites and this is one of them.

In our licensed Shelter home, that takes on only a very few fosters at a time from neglect and mill situations, I have always worked towards balance. As I see this as the most important first step. As we get our dog's trust we can then move on to the training aspect. I loved trying some of the games outlined by Ian Dunbar to engage our balanced fosters, and have always enjoyed Martin Deeley's insight and perspective on training techniques. I loved Joel Silverman's input and knowledge that he has so graciously shared. Joel by the way has a new book coming out soon that I am indeed very excited about. "Take 2-Training Solutions for Rescued Dogs." ...looks to be a tremendous book so also on my list of must haves when it comes out!

As many of you know...."Baldwin", my mill puppy I adopted out of 28 puppies from a back yard breeder relinquish last year, has been raised Cesar's Way as I have understood the philosophy. In fact, all of the 18 puppies that came to live with us were raised with Leadership, as I had to become the Mother dog basically with the little ones 5-6 weeks old with no mother. Of course, I am so very proud of all of them, we lucked out on temperament and stability. Baldwin is so very balanced as he has an extremely good temperament, been raised going to events with Leadership, daycare with other well balanced dogs since he was 16 weeks old, and has been in agility since he was 6 months old. As I see him as the best dog I have ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with, I still want to increase that bond as we learn together. "Cesar's Rules" is just the book I have been longing for, and the introduction to other behaviorists/trainers allowed me to view their insights and knowledge. It is a "Must Have" book truly! With the Holidays coming up, I cannot think of a better gift!



The second book is "Oogy:The dog Only a Family could Love"

This incredible book details the courage and commitment of a one time bait dog, and a family willing to go the distance for a dog that had known no human kindness. Tears are shed through this book, but the lessons this wonderful dog has taught and then shared by his family brings home that no matter how terrible life can be, if we remain positive and hopeful we can survive it. Oogy's story has had a profound effect on me and as the author/owner Larry Levin says on Oogy's Facebook page,

"What we've learned is you can't avoid bad things happening, you can't let them define who you are. You have to wait and see what's going to come out at the other end."

You must get this book....You will LOVE Oogy.

Both books are bookstores now and online!