It’s a health thing

Here it is, the information for the most commonly asked questions, that are above and beyond ‘what to feed’ type questions, that I receive about nutrition during my lectures, talks, and workshops. I work in the field of behavior, so by default I have learned a tremendous amount of nutrition. Why? If a dog does…

shutting a dog down

It isn’t hard to shut your dog down, lots of people do it. Shutting a dog down means ‘taking the wind out of their sails’. It is an effective way to let a dog know they have no choices, and it is your way, period. Family pet owners to seasoned professionals are capable of doing…

Golden Retriever, at the door, jumping up!

It’s early and I have been pondering stuff while sitting on the couch, in front of the fire place, with my hot coffee in hand, and border collies on my lap. Yes all of them, it can get a bit snugly at times. Pondering is one of my pleasures, and I make no apologies here….

The Education of Mr. Sweet Cheeks, aka CALVIN – part 1

Calvin is a seven month old male dog. He was sold to his first owner as an American Pit Bull Terrier, but he is obviously a mix. The wool around his neck and withers is only one big clue, let alone his ear set, long body, over all appearance, and gorgeous marking/coloring. He just moved…

the Dandelion, weed or super hero?

In Montana, gardening season is not long if you think in terms of ‘months’, but it is long if you think in terms of ‘day light hours’. From the time the snow melts, the sun gets a bit higher, and the ground softens, you can pretty much find me outside, in the dirt, and loving…

the exchange of breath

So good morning… My video camera was working today and I managed to get some short but nice footage. A great way to start this morning! My mornings are so varied. Truly, if I were to write my job description out on paper, it would be a bit wack really. I love it, it keeps…

Victor & ‘Hot’ Chocolate

I love when I have the chance to go and spend an hour or two photographing and visiting with some of my ranch clients.  Being with working dogs in their element is good for the heart and soul. There is no other way to describe it than a feeling of complete. I haven’t seen Victor…

my lost boy

We all have our own way of grieving. We all take the time we need, or should learn to do so. We all have different hearts, feelings, and emotions that dictate how we will handle loss. Or not handle it. For me, I’m historically knocked to my knees, no matter how prepared I think I…

… and it unfolds before my eyes!

I love to watch dogs in motion, dogs interacting, dogs with their people. For me it’s like a dance. Sometimes beautifully choreographed, and sometimes like Dante’s Inferno. Nonetheless, a dance. I think the first part of the dance that is important is the use of space. Dogs have an amazing sense of space, when to…

Top 10 tips for dogs in transition

Whether you are moving, adopting a new dog, or home patterns are about to permanently change due to health reasons or job reasons – you know why it is all happening, your dog does not. I refer to this stage in general as dogs in transition. A dog in transition is a dog that is…