We wish you Happy Holidays!

This is our first Chrsitmas with this special boy! Duke is a foster that has been with our family since March. He is 5 years old and has been a pleasure to foster!

Preview our new video DVD (Spring 08!)

http://s199.photobucket.com/albums/aa307/FxNProductions/?action=view&current=dogsandstorksLg_Prog001.flv

Pure JOY!

Terrific dose of truth and reality

This is a must read for anyone interested in learning the truth behind the various stories hyped up by media. Delise identifies a pattern over the years of our human need for drama through particular targeted breeds. It is time to step back and look at the human element and intentions of choice of dog.
Order your copy today! http://www.fataldogattacks.com

Be aware of your environment!

Chained dogs are a danger to children. Please be aware of how dogs in your neighborhood are contained. Children love animals and are drawn to them. Dogs that are chained up do not have an option to flee if stressed by an approaching child. We can help others by educating and being aware. Prevent this type of death from happening to others!
http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-092507-krg-boy_attacked.10d196529.html
For resources visit
http://www.doggonesafe.com
http://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com

Our latest press release!

Announcing the First National Baby Preparation Program Focused on Family Dogs

Beautiful example of great relationship!

Obedience, freestyle and agility are great ways for kids and dogs to interact and build relationships!

Why dogs get fed up.

Dog play

Dogs play using mouth and paws. They offer an exchange of signals and know how much preasure they can use with one another through mutual communication. Watch for Falco the German shepherd as he offers a "shake off" following a yipe complaint by Oz. At the time they are by the couch and Oz yipes and Falco "shakes off" as if to say " woops...sorry I was too rough."

Dogs may react to new stages of mobility

The pug is unsure of the new "crawler." Notice the circling and "shaking off" (as if after a bath). You can see sammy check in with Jacob and then go back to a "safe" spot the carpet) and then bark.

This would be a great time to give Sammy something else to do or to give a command to follow. It looks like this dog went to get a toy and distracted herself. This is a good choice and great response on the dog's part! :)

What do you see?

This dog gets an award for tolerance. Notice the licking lips, turning away, looking at the camara person, yaning.
The dog is cornered and is trying very hard to avoid conflict.
Toddlers are tough and inconsistent in their motion. Over time dogs may become weary of them and react. Repeated interaction of this type can make even the most docile of dogs "speak up."

Very funny!

Some cat humor

Funny! :)

missed signals

Video below:
Notice how the dog moves away from baby? This is a good choice. It is when the baby continues to pursue the dog once he has moved himself and the toy away that a corrective snap might happen.
Notice when baby moves in for a kiss. Buster stops panting, licks his lips and turns away indicating uncertainty and disengaging. He then walks off.
This direct frontal contact between baby and dog is very uncomfortable for many dogs. Babies this age are unsteady and unpredictable.
Notice the tail grabbing! Most dogs will whip their head around and nip at whatever is at the tail. Buster did this several times.
Dogs may TOLERATE things many times before they escalate to a more severe indication of displeasure.
It is up to parents to observe and SUPERVISE all interaction between their child and their dog. Respecting the subtle signals dogs display help to increase safety and harmony.

Not so funny game.

Here a dad and baby are having a fun time. The dog is engaged in play attack of the toy the baby is one. Look at the posture of the dog. What do you think might happen when this baby is running around?
It may seem cute to "chase" the dog with baby on a toy such as this but....this is no game. This dog is not enjoying this and is escalating. Not a good association for dog and baby.

Baby Proofing The Dog (A spoof!)

This is amusing. :) Rather clever. :)

Another google video

This is a great example of how to teach your dog to bite your baby. It may appear funny at first but this is very very dangerous.

Tolerant dog...until she is not.

This video clip (Below) shows a dog and baby playing with a toy together. Although there is supervision here, I do not advise this type of aroused play. The baby and dog both are excited and this is an invite for miscommunication. It is always important to remember that dogs CAN'T use words to say I have had enough or give me space. This dog demonstrates some great body language that should be respected. She curves her body away from baby, she licks her lips and turns away from baby. All of these subtle cues are ways dogs communicate with one another to increase space and to disengage. If signals such as these continue to be ignored then even the most tolerant of dogs can resort to more stern communication such as a growl or corrective snap.
It is NEVER safe for a baby to engage in tug with a dog NO MATTER how "gentle" the dog may be.

A human disgrace

Often we force dogs to communicate through aggression by ignoring and disrepecting their obvious and subtle signals.
Here is an example of 3 very capable men taunting and enjoying the suffering of a helpless and crippled dog for their own "amusment."
WARNING: This is very disturbing video of troops abusing an injured helpless dog. Following the video are links about abuse to animals and how it impacts society. These SOLDIERS found this entertaining.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/824381310?ltl=1169261211

Learn about the connection between animal abuse and criminal behavior.
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/page6.html
http://calswec.berkeley.edu/CalSWEC/Abuse_Slides.pdf
http://www.animaltherapy.net/Bibliography-Link.html
http://www.all-creatures.org/sof/animalabuse.html

http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/first_strike_the_connection_between_animal_cruelty_and_human_violence/children_and_animal_cruelty_what_parents_should_know.html

http://groups.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/Animal_Cruelty_and_Bullying_conf_2006.pdf

Doggie New Year Resolutions

A Dog’s New Year Resolution
This year I will try very hard not to steal yummy tempting things and anger my humans.
This year I hope my humans will help me loose any extra pounds with exercise and fun games!
This is the year I will try to choose to listen to commands more then half of the time.
This year I want my humans to learn more about how I communicate around people I do not feel comfortable with.
2007 will be the year of less slobber!!!!! I promise!
2007 I will make try not to go nuts on garbage day when those men come and STEAL our stuff!
I promise I will try my doggy best in 2007!

Happy New Year! A new year brings many new resolutions and goals. Above are some funny goals our dogs might ponder if we use our imagination. I want to help our dogs reach their goals by offering some insight and suggestions. Let’s take them each statment one at a time.

This year I will try very hard not to steal yummy tempting things and anger my humans.
If your dog has been known to seek unappreciated opportunities such as stealing food from counters or rummaging through the trash then maybe it is time to look at new management or training. Dogs do what works for them. If it works once then they will try it again. You need to identify if you want to "manage" the situation by ex: keeping nothing on counters or putting trash cans up out of reach or if you want to "train" your dog to not engage in this behavior. Either way the solution is not challenging and seeking the help of a dog behavior consultant may help.
This is the year I will try to choose to listen to commands more then half of the time.
Well, my advice here is to be consistent. If you find your dog is not listening more often then he is then I suggest going back to the basics. Keep in mind that using a leash in the home helps when working to rebuild efficiency of commands. Practice commands in different rooms, with different distractions and vary the reinforcement for your dog. Keep in mind that kibble (from dinner) and tiny bits of meat or cheese are perfect for this type of practice. If your dog is toy motivated then I encourage you to make the toy the reward for listening.
This year I hope my humans will help me loose any extra pounds with exercise and fun games!

People often have weight loss goals at the New Year. What about your dog? Could he or she loose a bit around the middle? How about both of you work on a walking plan? This is a great way to bond and spend quality time with your dog. If your dog is not polite on leash or walking is not a fun experience for you then maybe getting help will get you started and you both can achieve your goals. Often there are simple solutions just a call away!
This year I want my humans to learn more about how I communicate around people I do not feel comfortable with.
This is one I hope someone takes me up on! I would love to make this the year of community awareness about dog language. If your neighborhood or community is interested in a free and fun presentation on dog body language and interaction please give me a call. This benefits dogs, neighbors, children and guests. What you will learn will spill over in all dog interactions! Dogs are wagging at the idea of this being the year they feel understood!
2007 will be the year of less slobber!!!!! I promise!
Well, not much I can say or help with this. Get more towels!
2007 I will make try not to go nuts on garbage day when those men come and STEAL our stuff!
Garbage day is always very exciting. Your garbage men will appreciate you preventing the garbage man madness by keeping your dog/s inside on garbage day. Over time frustration associated with the same stimuli can lead to potential aggression down the road. Not allowing your dogs to practice acting wild is the best way to prevent this from happening.
I promise I will try my doggy best in 2007!
I believe our dogs do try to always do their best. So, let’s help them out a bit with some of the above suggestions and ideas and have a terrific 2007!
Jennifer Shryock B.A. CDBC
Dog & child relationship expert
http://www2.blogger.com/www.dogsandstorks.com
http://www2.blogger.com/www.familypaws.com