Like many others, I too made a few of them for the new Year….the usual….organize, choose to live a healthier life (better food choices, more exercise)….be kinder, more generous…understanding…most importantly, Patient. Nothing crazy that I cannot at all attain. …well maybe the organizing part. I am an unorganized individual…big time. So, the last few days has found me in my office…a very small space with a lot of stuff. To organize….well difficult to do in a tiny space for usually as the mess gets bigger and bigger I usually give up….this time hanging in there….will get this done….so that is what I am doing for the next few days. Maybe in the next few weeks I will actually even paint the room….it needs a little something. I have actually found a few things that were purchased and forgotten about…hoping I find a few more surprises for that will keep me going

Over the weekend Michael managed some time to build a pvc ladder for little Niki’s rehab and exercise. It is 10 feet long, however separates into two 5 ft. sections….right now we are just using one section. I introduced it to her yesterday and worked with her until she could run out in front of me… run the ladder, turn around and come back towards me (wanted a few shots). Would have loved a few photo’s of her running across with me on the sidelines for I would have gotten a better view of just how high she is lifting those back paws. I hope by incorporating this into her daily routine it will improve muscle memory in the hind area. This can be used just for fun….Rocky did it a couple of times….helps to teach a big dog that there is a back end. With Gemma, it can help improve her confidence. Oh….might I also add the dogs think this is fun….and wonderful exercise. In one of our upcoming On Line Dog Training classes we will be teaching Agility in a bag and I will be offering info on how to build your own agility equipment, as will I be selling a small kit. Fun way to hang out with your dogs….teach a few tricks, commands and intro agility.

11 x 14 Gallery Wrap

Contact Dee to Commission work.

 

Here in the Atlanta area the weather on this Sunday afternoon is simply beautiful…sunny, low 60’s. Lots of time spent outside practicing a little bit of dog obedience…a few tricks, and some agility. Perfect weather for hanging out with your loved ones! Also wonderful weather for taking time for a painting or a sketch, and that is exactly what I did. Who can resist this face…Buster is an adorable dog!

 

 I have only purchased one dog in my lifetime…Rocky is 19 months old now….he is a little immature for his age, but that is ok He was purchased from a breeder in N. Ga….I had inquired about breeders, in purchasing a dog you really must do research on the breed and breeder. Even at that, there are never any guarantees as far as health, you just do the best you can and always learn life’s many little lessons. In Rocky’s case…it was important that he be from outgoing, friendly parents….of course health was important. The breeder…well let me just state that Rocky will be the first and only dog that was purchased. Rescue is the way to go for me. Rocky has had various health issues since bringing him home….now the pano…and in true Golden form….allergies. He is a bit shy…stand offish….not at all as the breeder described him to be…but then it is my opinion there were just too many puppies for her to keep track of…..if she even did that at all. I had been told by my breeder when she was informed of his health issues….oh wow….in the 19 years of breeding I have never had any puppies with health issues….none of my puppies had ever had any ear problems, allergies etc. If I had heard that before purchasing him I would have run…without a pup and not looked back. Not at all even sure how such a statement can be made for I have not ever heard from her….just the above reply to my email regarding his health.

What I am trying to say….if in the market for a puppy…be picky about where s/he comes from. I had passed up on several breeders for they had only one puppy…the best breeders will have a list and puppies will be sold so best to be placed on a waiting list if you believe a particular breeder is the one you want to deal with. Know that there are some wonderful dogs in rescue….but there also… one must be careful. Deal with organizations that will ask you a few questions, even do a home visit. Do not be insulted that they are checking into you, family and home….they want what is best for the dog….as do they not want the dog to come back due to the fact s/he is not fitting into your families lifestyle. Temperament testing….some breeders and rescue organizations poo-poo this….very important. If the breeder is breeding several breeds at the same time….walk away….if breeding several dogs at the same time…sorry it is a breeders job to care, socialize and start potty training those puppies…yes hard work indeed. Just a few of the many things that make a breeder a reputable breeder While I wish many of the rescue organizations would not take soooo many dogs in….rather, focus on introducing training, exercise and overall good manners during the dogs time in that organization…in other words for the dgs sake….deal with less dogs. That is just my opinion…sadly with rescue it is a numbers game for so many reasons….it all comes down to life and death….so many dogs homeless, in shelters. It is very difficult to say no to a dog that is about to be killed for the simple reason his/her people no longer wanted him’her. Sadly…we are a society that dumps puppies that mature, rather then working to teach, exercise many just get rid of…..we are a society that kills our pets that we no longer want.

So it goes….bottom line….think before acquiring that bundle of joy for the Holidays. Research….take your time. Know that getting a live gift for someone is not always the best gift…the recipient of the gift should know about it and help with the search….for the animals sake really think about what your doing and try your best to not be part of the problem. Oh….most importantly….please know and understand that all puppies grow up
As for Rocky…well we adore him….health issues and all

Coming soon: Dates for future online Dog Obedience Classes.

Foxy Update 12/29/07
Foxy and her favorite person did keep their second appointment almost a month ago. Improvements were made with attention and sit. Leash work was introduced as was recall and an intro to agility….which Foxy so desperately needed. An appointment was made for a third appointment and sadly…I have not heard from them. No call to cancel…just a no show.
As I was sitting working at my PC this afternoon I spied Foxy running along the outside of my fence….look out the front and sure enough her person in the car trying to get Foxy to come. Nope….Foxy just would not do it.
So….I can only assume with the Holidays there was just little time to do all that was needed to help Foxy learn recall. I decided to not venture outside for clearly the decision to leave things as is was made. It is a little time consuming working with a dog….teaching…exercise. For me, that is the fun of having a dog….I realize not everyone has the same thoughts as I. I hope Foxy will be safe and not encounter any harm during one of her little joy runs.

** Foxy Update12-1-07

Foxy and her most favorite person came to say hi this afternoon and to schedule their next appointment. Looks like they have been busy doing their homework. I am also happy to report that Foxy has only escaped once since her last time here. .our goal is to have her never escape again. I am so proud of both Foxy and her Mom!!!! During their visit I managed a quick Photo….they make a Great team and you can just see the love and devotion they have for one another!

Foxy came to visit late this afternoon, actually this is not the first time she has visited my home….just the first time she was actually invited, accompanying Foxy was her favorite person! I met Foxy several weeks ago….I happened to be sitting at my desk working on a portrait when I heard “Foxxxxxy…..Foxxxxxxxxxy, FOXXXXXXY. I giggled a bit for it sounded like Foxy did not want to “Come”. I headed out the front door and there in a car in front of my house was a woman….just calling out for poor Foxy. I scanned my front yard and sure enough…..there was Foxy. A cute little Schipperke….I bent down and while she came to me….when I reached for her collar she “ducked” and ran away….little bugger She ran behind my neighbors house…..she was runnning here and there…..very fast. I briefly spoke with the woman and suggested she train the dog….I said it would be very easy. Later the door bell rang and there was the woman, finally she managed to get Foxy and she was now safe and sound at home. She asked for a business card….I again told her to train Foxy….mentioned that the behvaior would worsen for she will be darting out of the house at every chance she could get.

A few weeks later an appointment was set up. They arrived however Foxy managed to get loose just as they were making their way into my home for the very first appointment…the chase was on. Man, this dog is so fast and she was having SO MUCH FUN visiting all of her friends that she had made in the neighborhood….having her favoirte person chase and chase her….what a wonderful game….what a very dangerous game. Two hours later Foxy was once again home, safe and sound.

I happened to be coming home last weekend…..yep, once again Foxy was out and running the neighborhood. Stopped the car and while she came over to say Hi….nope not getting in the car and would not allow me to get close enough to grab her. I went home….not in the house five minutes when the door bell rings….Foxy’s favorite person….just wanting to let me know they were out front trying to get hold of Foxy. Seemed she followed me home. I opened the gate to the agility yard and she ran in…..LOL, Got Ya!!!!!! Ran in the house and grabed a kennel lead and came out and gave it to Foxy’s Mom….I said she will come over to sniff it and when she does….slip it over her neck…..another Got Ya

Today was our next scheduled appointment. Thank goodness…they made it into the house today. I explained the importance of using the proper collar and leash….a regular buckle collar was currently being used and she was a master at getting out of it. A martingale collar will put a stop to that…rather then using a retractable I suggested a regular lead. We started at the beginning….”Sit” and attention. Foxy was a bright pup….now it was Foxy’s person turn to give it a try….all went well. Foxy’s life has dramatically changed today for this is the day she will no longer run out of the house. All humans in the house will assure the dogs safety it is thier responsibility to keep her in….for now the word “BACK” was introduced… along with a light weight long leash….to be used when supervised only. Even if Foxy manages to get out the door….all the humans have to do is step on the leash. Also, if they are still struggling it was suggested to keep a baby gate at the front door to use to block her from getting out.

Schipperke’s are wonderful little dogs…fun and energetic….Foxy is true to the breed. I recommended an Increase in play and exercise….daily walks and some fun games in the fenced yard. Whenever they are going out in the yard, or for thier walks Foxy must now sit at all doorways. So, today Fox’s life has changed. What a very lucky dog she is for not only was she adopted a few months ago…..her people care enough to go the extra mile in keeping her safe. Will post their progress in the next couple of weeks….along with a few photographs of their next session.

In a recent vet clinic visit Rocky and I had mistakenly arrived a little too early for our appointment….along with the fact it appears the vet clinic is also over booking appointments…..now, just like a to visit my Doctor
Rocky was limping, in a bit of discomfort, in other words, not a happy pup. The waiting area was filled to the brim….dogs on retractable leads…un-trained dogs on retractable leads, some big, some small dogs. Dogs barking, growling, pretty much running a muck for the handlers had little control over them….might I also add the children were behaving equally as well as the dogs. Several ran up to Rocky for a HUG. I said No….I told the parents to call the children away and that not all dogs were friendly, not all dogs were feeling well….the looks of shock….such a big “meanie” am I
I briefly explained that Rocky had Pano. A very painful condition for such a young dog. As an individual with arthritis I am not so sure if I were Rocky I would want children “hugging” me at that moment.

Rocky and I went over to the cat side for I swear the situation made my eye twitch. Please note, all of the children were cute as well…all seemed to love animals….never to early for children to learn that not all dogs are warm and fuzzy. While Rocky would not have harmed them….knowing he was not up to par, my job is to protect him….and the children as well.

I wondered as I always do….just how easy it is to train a dog. All of the dogs in the waiting area were cute, several different breeds…..not a one knew sit. I say this with a smile, a very big smile for I no doubt if I asked which dog knew sit all handlers would have raised their hands Most never get passed the “introduction” to teaching the dogs to sit, down and stay.
So….a little later today I will post about a dog that runs away…a lot….once free from her home, she no longer knows her name….Come….well I do not think she ever heard that word before
This dog LOVES keep away. We will be tracking her and her handlers progress to correcting her behavior and teaching her a few new words and commands and behaviors.

Since the move to the new web site I have had little time to continue working on the site, so pardon our mess as we are still very much a works in progress. While I hired someone to put this site together. The rest is now up to me…and like everyone else, time is something I would love to have more of.

Several inquires as to just what the forum is for….I wanted a place where students can go to share, learn and upload images. It does not look like this in house forum will be staying as I see no way to allow students to upload images as does it appear to have privacy issues. I think I have found another forum that will link to the site and it will better suit our needs.

As to what On-line Courses will be offered for 2008:

• Photographing Animals 4 week course
• Digital Photography 6 week course
• Digitally Painting Animals 6 week course (includes Embellishing your prints).
• Dog Obedience Training 6 week course

In the next few weeks there will be a page added to the site explaining each course as will there be an option for you to enroll and pay online. There will be a student limit for each class, the reason being is having enrolled in several online classes myself great for the instructor if there are no student limit, not so great for the students. Students will have access to PDF files, videos, forum and for those that can attend…weekly live chats.

 

I have been so very busy with painting a few portraits, teaching dog obedience that I have not had the time to update the blog. Took a day to get a few chores done, and of course hung out with the puppies. I have not photographed them since my last posting….so early this afternoon found us out and about. It is a beautiful fall day here in the Atlanta area. Still in a very severe drought so while we are enjoying this pretty weather….we really need the rain. Manged a few action shots and of course a few close ups of the puppies….they really are too cute!!!! Due to the lack of  rain I found little else to photograph for I have not planted any of the fall flowers.

Niki and Gemma striking a pose.

 

****Halloween, not one of my favorite days. I did not even like it when I was young…it was not fun to me. Not sure why folks still allow the kids out and about knocking on doors and ringing the bell of strangers. It would seem to me, more fun if the parents allowed the kids to have a party. Halloween Safety…please keep your pets inside, especially your cats. Also, tell the little ones no sharing their candy with your furry friends, especially chocolate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A dear friend is spending a few days with us. I met Sammy many years ago when I worked for a Boarding facility….my job was to implement a training program for them, train a few other trainers. During my stay there one of the dogs that was boarded there for two weeks was also a Board and Train. I remember going to get little Sammy out of his run….he was curled up in ball…shaking and just not wanting to be there. He so looked forward to my daily visits….we would walk, train. I always brought my female Golden Jas to work with me….after training I would give him some play time with Jas….they too became fast friends. When I left the facility his Mama kept in touch with me and each year Sammy comes to visit. He and Jas so enjoyed one another….at the time I had a six pack and while he could be around the two females….the males he could do without. Over the years a few of the older dogs had gotten ill and died.
I remember the first time he came after Jas had died….he pined for her. While he could be around the males…..running, chasing one another was not to be. Slowly each year my pack got smaller and smaller….then two more females joined the pack….now Sammy’s visits are a bit more enjoyable. They LOVE to chase and tease him. .I love to sit and watch there crazy play sessions…Nik and Gemma get the best of him each and every time. All are quiet and resting for the time being….time for me to get some work done for they will soon be ready for another round. Notice the Roc missing in action….they presently do not like one another….in time I have no doubt that they will learn to get along.

 

Yep….with our new site we now have the ability to offer online Dog Training  on the Net…how you wonder

Since my beloved Rocky is in need of some dog training I thought I would use him as my demo dog…I am used to working with the very best as far as Demo dogs go….he has some very big paws to fill.

With video and PDF files you will view your weekly lessons. A private chat room will be set up for you to go to have your questions answered. So, if you have a young pup that needs some manners, or an older dog that you want to spend some quality time with while going over some obedience this will be perfect for you!

So….come join Rocky and I in a six week Dog Training Course starting 10-24 $45.00. Pay in Paw Prints Secure online store.

Yes, it is true….another move. Still with word-press but now our very own space in the vast Internet.

I did my best to bring everything together to make it easy for my dear friends and clients to look around at what we offer, easy to purchase paintings, photography sessions….coming soon our very own forum…..a place for photography students to go….classes can also be given online. I am still working on adding the store and putting together the site, so have any suggestions…..feel free in telling us about them.