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Are You Enrolled in a Canine Life and Social Skills Program?

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 12:35 am

It looks like my pet parent is checking out the Canine Life and Social Skills Program to promote training using positive reinforcement. It has been been developed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to strengthen relationships between us dogs and our pet parents. I am all for that. Strong relationships are what keep us in our homes in spite of what we do…

I Didn't Do It!

how we look (dirty & scraggly), or how much maintenance we require (annual vet visits).

This program is similar to the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

American Kennel Club Socialization Training Activity and Responsibility

Socialization-Training-Activity-Responsibility

and Canine Good Citizen Program in that life skills are taught and then tested by certified evaluators.

Are You Ready to Become a Canine Good Citizen?

The APDT C.L.A.S.S. program is based on input from both dog owners and non-dog owners, shelter workers and professional dog trainers. It is a 3-level evaluation for our pet parents to demonstrate our real-life skills and their basic knowledge of how to handle and care for us. The positive, reward-based training minimizes the chance that we will be punished and increases the chances of having fun with our pet parents.

We can earn a B.A., M.A., or Ph.D. certificate as we progress with our skills. An entire curriculum is available for use by shelters to either enhance their present programs or to create a new one. The dogs waiting for homes can be evaluated for no cost and then listed in the C.L.A.S.S. web site ins the “dogs for adoption” section…train ‘em up and match ‘em up! Fees for other dogs are only $5.00

The APDT designed C.L.A.S.S. with the needs of shelter dogs in mind. This makes the shelter dogs more adoptable.Knowing basic skills will increase the shelter pet’s chances of staying in their new home. The marketing behind the C.L.A.S.S. program will attract people to these precious pets.

So ask yourself these questions:

Can you wait at the door?

Come when you are called?

Allow your leash to be attached?

Walk loosely on a leash and stare adoringly at your pet parent?

Meet people nicely when you are out and about?

Leave the “untouchable” items untouched?

Wait for your food bowl to be placed in front of you?

Stay in one spot?

Settle down your wiggle butt?

If you can do these things, then you are ready to become a B.A. with C.L.A.S.S.

Have your pet parent study the rules and requirements in the Student Handbook. The components of Canine Life and Social Skills includes educating your pet parent in responsible dog ownership and positive reinforcement, assessing real-life skills, encouraging ongoing training, expanding the opportunities for those of us that are well-behaved and supporting shelters and rescues.

Scientific research has shown that we dogs do not behave “badly”; we just exhibit normal dog behaviors to get our needs met or to resolve conflict. We don’t feel guilty at all because we don’t know right from wrong. We just know what works and we figure out a way to get what we feel that we need.

Your pet parent will have to pass a multiple-choice test on dog information and ownership. They will learn how to relate to you by setting clear boundaries for you rather than confronting you with drama.

Positive, reward-based training works! How have your pet parents “trained” you?

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Train a Pet Parent You Can Be Proud Of!

Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at 11:41 pm

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National Train Your Dog Month | APDT

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) wants your pet parent to have a dog that they can be proud of so it has designated January as National Train Your Dog Month. Regardless of whether you become a part of their family as a puppy or an older dog that has just rescued them from a life of boredom and loneliness, you should make training your pet parent a part of your everyday life.

Puppies Do What Puppies Do!

Puppy classes give your pet parents a routine to follow and support from other puppy owners for those moments when they are in overwhelm with normal puppy behaviors such as chewing and housetraining. The classes will help your pet parent develop skills to interact with other puppies, with children and adults and to experience new but safe environments. You will look like an angel compared to the other puppies so be eager to go to puppy class.

Training that occurs outside the classroom reinforces the basics learned for any sports activity, therapy behavior or other job that you want your pet parent to do.

There are FEW Books on Training Pet Parents!

You can be proud of your pet parent when he has learned to greet your guests politely, to walk nicely on the leash and to come when called. Well-trained pet parents can fully participate in your life rather than be left behind or confined to a separate room.

Although we are not allowed at many sporting events where children play, older children may play with us at a well-designed dog park such as the Frostburg Dog Park in Maryland.

Teach Your Child To Treat Us With Respect!

AKC kennel clubs and 4-H Clubs focus on teaching the proper care and training of dogs to children and emphasize building a lifetime relationship with their dog. If you do not have children in your family, consider adopting a neighbor’s child…who may not be able to have a dog of their own…to work with you under supervision. Both the child and you will benefit from the time that you spend together.

Once the basics of training such as sit, stay, down, wait, and come are taught to your pet parent, then you both are ready to have fun!

: Lead the Way!

If you have a high-energy pet parent or fearful or nervous pet parent, consider dog agility as a sport.If your pet parent displays aggression or serious intent to be aggressive, consider how your pet parent would benefit from tracking. If your pet parent is aggressive towards you only, train your pet parent to do agility and herding to redirect that frustrated energy.

: This is NO Dog Whisperer!

If your pet parent is easily frustrated and under exercised, add joring sports to the mix. If your pet parent loves to be dragged behind you, definitely consider joring sports, tracking and carting. If you and your pet parent are all-around athletes that love to try everything, then follow your heart and include rally obedience, dancing, dock diving, tracking, search and rescue, skijoring, sledding, swimming, water rescue trials, carting, and field trails.

You may also want to try reading programs, therapy work, and whatever your imagination can lead you to do in the way of entertainment and philanthropy passions.

: Use Your Imagination!

Training your pet parent will enable you to keep your pet parent with you through any life changes such as illnesses, travel, or moving into a new home and environment. Training your pet parent everyday as you go through your day is what builds a mutual bond, enhances your partnership and enriches the relationship that you share with your pet parent. Remember, we are the species that teaches them to love unconditionally, by loving them…no matter what they look like or how much money they spend on us.

Training a pet parent you can be proud of involves teaching your pet parent new behaviors to use in your “real life.” Some stores and restaurants allow your pet parent to take you shopping with them. Pet stores are a great place to take your pet parent first since they will be reinforced with attention and you will be able to sniff pleasant smells. While you are shopping, your pet parent can practice greeting people and other dogs politely and walking on a loose leash. Your pet parent can also practice waiting for people to pass without growling at them before going up and down the crowded aisles.

: Take Time Out

You can train your pet parent to ride in a car and be a safe driver. If your car is not suited for a dog kennel, then buckle your pet parent into a harness to keep him secure in case of sudden stops or impacts caused by your loud barking. Start with short trips and go to places where your pet parent may be reinforced with good things … and you can get treats…like at banks or the drive-through. Visit the veterinarian’s office just to say hello and ask the staff to greet your pet parent, then leave and have some more fun.

: We Rule the Roads!

If the mailman, garbage truck, paperboy or deliveryman overly excites your pet parent, have them sit politely while they reward you with treats. Sit and down stays can be reinforced while you are watching TV with them; while they are talking on the phone as you eye their favorite shoes; while they are cooking your favorite meal, and while they are eating dinner. Ask your pet parents for a chew toy to keep you quiet and relaxed while they are working at home on their computer or your children are doing their homework.

: Are Pet Parents Driving You Crazy?

Take your pet parents to a place where children ride their bikes, run and skate so that you can watch from a distance. Practice more loose-leash walking, sits, downs and stays. Over time, your pet parent will learn to relax in these highly distracting atmospheres.

Play the “recall game” in your house. When you run to the front door or window to bark at something or someone outside, have your pet parent hide in another room and call you to them and give you a treat. Be prepared to reinforce your pet parent with multiple sloppy kisses or a fun game to play so that you remain the main attraction!

: Building Benevolent Relationships

Your pet parents are good at telling you what they want. Use these behaviors to teach them “what you want.” When you want to go out, teach them to call you and have you sit politely while they put your leash on rather than hurrying to you as you bark near the door and bounce off of the door. Wait politely while they prepare your food and give it to you. When your pet parents want affection, have them ask you to sit or lay down first. You will both benefit. Whenever you ask your pet parent to do “something” in exchange for a valuable “life” reward, you are practicing “real life” training that is stress-free and rewarding to both of you. By training everyday, you will be living with a pet parent that you can be proud of!

Celebrate National Train Your Dog Month…Every Month!

: Celebrate National Train Your Dog Month

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Your Pets View of the LeashLocket Retractable Lead

Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at 11:55 pm

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My pet parent and I attended BlogPaws 2011 where we spotted the LeashLocket retractable leash on display…and I immediately wanted to sniff the display to see if these lockets carried dog treats. I am sure your pet would view anything that is attached to their collar in the same way.

Leash Locket at BlogPaws 2011

Let me report first that Amelia has her reservations about retractable leashes due to some people having received serious injuries from the retractable corded leads. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship even bans them from their show grounds to prevent not only human accidents but also a repeat of dogs being scared by retracting handles chasing them that they have pulled from their handler’s grip…causing them to run off into a dangerous situation. Those concerns aside, Amelia does attach a retractable belted lead to me when we are going on nature walks where strict control is not required.

Upon closer examination, we found out that the LeashLocket is a revolutionary retractable belted leash in that it actually attaches to a magnet that is on an elastic strap that snaps around my collar. Wow…how convenient to use on the trail. Now, instead of both of my pet parents having to carry a separate leash for times when they are not in the same location and have to put a leash on me, I can just return to them carrying my one and only leash! This allows them to have instant control without having to fumble with snapping a leash onto my collar.

The LeashLocket is so lightweight that I don’t even notice it. Amelia feels this LeashLocket will also be ideal to use in the agility and obedience training rings. Many handlers use a short tab that is attached to their dog’s collar but with a big coat like mine, a tab can get lost in my mass of fur. The LeashLocket will be much easier to locate.

So what else makes the LeashLocket so appealing? Both of my pet parents like the way the locket fits comfortably in their hands. An optional wrist strap attaches to the locket for those times when their hands need to be free to grab my doggie bag and scoop the ‘you know what.’

Retractable leads normally extend from 10 to 26 feet which gives the pet the ability to lead the pet parent wherever the trail leads…or not. The LeashLocket extends less than 6 feet so I remain in a safe walking zone near my pet parent. Cool.

We had a puppy try out the LeashLocket during puppy socialization time in class. The other puppies quickly knocked the LeashLocket off of its magnet but the snap kept it attached to the collar and the locking mechanism on the lead kept it close to the puppy. The puppy was not at all bothered by the dangling locket and none of the other puppies tried to grab the locket. If someone planned to use the LeashLocket during play time at the dog park, they may want to make sure the locket magnet is attached somewhere on the dog where the locket will remain secured to the magnet. The optional wrist strap can be removed and attached to a belt loop for later use.

The LeashLocket comes complete with Precautions and Instructions for Use. The top three tips suggest that the locket is only to be worn when dogs are supervised, that they are to be used on well-trained dogs only and handled only by adults. For more information, visit www.LeashLocket.com

Take time to watch our short and fun pet video review of the LeashLocket.

Disclosure
We received a Leash Locket from the company for our review. We were not paid for our review and all opinions about the LeashLocket are entirely our own.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Pet Holiday Greeting Cards add a Personal Touch

Monday, November 21st, 2011 at 2:52 pm

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Greeting cards that feature pets definitely add a personal touch to the the holidays. These cards are also a great way to grow any kind of business. With postal rates going up and service delivery going down, the number of holiday cards seem to be dwindling as pet parents are pushed for time and money. Inboxes are full so not even E-cards provide the perfect solution to showing people how much you appreciate their friendship throughout the year.

My pet parent found a great way to send postcards and greeting cards to our clients…not only can my picture be on the front of the card, but their pet’s picture can be inside the card…or the other way around…I tend to think life is all about me, so forgive the slip of the words there.

It's ALL about Me!

Instead of sending “cookie-cutter cards,” we can send out our personalized cards at a very reasonable price…which is amazing since this system that we use also comes complete with a Contact Manager. This enables us to have our client’s information on file so that we can send them a greeting card quickly at any time of the year while we are sitting at the computer. We can even send the same card to a number of clients or members of the dog kennel club at the same time. This permits my pet parent to have more time to play with me since this company prints the cards and mail them for us…all for about $1.00 per card.

We would be happy to show you how you can use our web site to send your customized greeting cards from the comfort of your home. If your pet parent is not at all creative or just lacks time to be, they can chose from thousands of cards already in the card library.

I must tell you though, that if you tell your pet parents about this and they chose to use this system to save themselves time and money, I will earn some money to buy more treats for my friends at the Frostburg Dog Park. I am a dog with a job that has fringe benefits. Your pet parents can earn commissions by sending greeting cards too…imagine that! Dream big…perhaps a huge bone or new bed or your own hydrotherapy pool!

Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you the other nifty thing about this holiday greeting card system that we use. We can send gifts to our friends and clients too! We send gifts to the veterinarians and groomers that refer business to us. Sometimes we send candy and sometimes we send pet treats.

Happy Thanksgiving

This picture is on the front of my Thanksgiving card. Isn’t it cute?

Pet greeting cards can be created in advance for every reason and every season. Some pet parents really get carried away with their pet pictures and create lots of cards. When it comes to letting people know that you care, there is nothing better than a greeting card or a gift that they can actually hold in their hands. Just think of all the fun you can have too by opening the gifts for them! If you have a reputation for being naughty by shredding paper, your pet parent can take a picture of you shredding the card and making you a poster pet on a greeting card!

If your pet parent is thinking about the chore of sending greeting cards this holiday season, have them check us out at PersonalTouchContacts.com for a quick and easy way to take action, to keep old friends and to make new friends.

Come back here and tell us about your photo session for your greeting cards…remember you get lots of treats for smiling!

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Scenes Around a Dog Show

Friday, November 4th, 2011 at 3:02 pm

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The scenes around a dog show vary greatly depending on whose point of view is emphasized. As a show dog myself, I can tell you what the pet’s view is of a dog show.

My own pet parent is a former dog groomer. She followed her passion years ago when she went to grooming school to learn the proper way to make pets both look and feel beautiful. Professional groomers are seen around a dog show. They are employed to help the dogs look their best before entering the ring. These groomers usually learn their skills from another show groomer rather than from a grooming school that focuses on pets. Often, the dog’s show handler is also the groomer.

As you stand outside the dog show ring, you notice two different types of handlers. My pet parent is an amateur handler. A professional dog handler must have a great deal of experience with showing dogs first. Then, to be successful, the handler should apprentice with a well-known handler. Many junior exhibitors grow up to be professional handlers, following in their parents’ footsteps.

The number of dog shows have increased across the country so owner-handlers often hire professional dog show handlers to show their dogs when they are not able to be there themselves. The salary range for a dog show handler varies greatly with experience and even the prestige of winning at a particular show. In my case, Amelia and I earned my show titles without hiring a professional dog handler. However, whenever we were around a dog show, we watched what the pros did very carefully to learn how to be the best we could be in the show ring.

The most respected people at the dog show are the judges…or at least they should be. I have found that dog show judges are very nice to puppies and junior exhibitors. They prefer to give helpful tips and make cheerful noises to get the puppy’s attention. They do expect more from long-time professional dog handlers though. A dog show judge must pass the test of the licensing organization and take courses and seminars to learn more about the breeds they are judging. More breeds are being accepted by the American Kennel Club. The AKC requires that judges have 12 years of documented experience with dogs.

AKC delegates who represent member clubs may judge but they receive only show expenses such as travel, parking, tolls, motels, and meals. Most starting judges receive a small fee per dog. Fees paid to experienced judges can progress from $100 upward per day plus expenses according to Ellen Shenk who authored the book “Careers With Animals.” We have known judges to waive their fees or discount their fees so that the show itself keeps the money and is able to continue having shows. It stands to reason that judges who are qualified for judging more breeds showing in the conformation ring will have more work. This is also true for judges qualified to judge both Rally obedience as well as the standard obedience trials. This allows the dog show to hire fewer judges and minimize dog show expenses.

To have a well-run show, other workers are needed around a dog show. Any dog that has pooped in the ring is familiar with the pooper scoopers. Often the show will hire 4-Hers or Boy Scouts to fill this job as a way of giving back to the community. It is really embarrassing to poop in the ring and sometimes disqualifies the entrant so there is very little work for the pooper scoopers inside the ring. With limited venues for dog shows, most dog owners and handlers have been conditioned to clean up after their dogs so that they will be welcomed back the next year. In other words, pooper scoopers will have plenty of time to watch the show!

Dog show superintendents have a special spot around the dog show so that they can be easily found. They are needed to handle the details of a dog show so that it runs effectively. They print the entry form which is known as the premium list and mail it to prospective exhibitors. They draw up the show program and then mail it to each registrant. The superintendent may also handle the responsibilities of the show secretary if no one from the hosting club volunteers for the job. They also bring the necessary ribbons and armbands to the show. Websites such as Infodog.com provide a listing of dog shows and enable online registration as well as the results of the dog show.

As the superintendent for The Fall Mountain Classic in Cumberland, Maryland, MB-F also provides the physical equipment needed for the show. Semi-trucks haul in the mats, ring standards, barriers and special equipment such as ramps and tables for the smaller breeds. The day before the show starts is spent setting up the ring barriers, taping down the mats and erecting any necessary tents.

A favorite person at the dog show is the dog show photographer.

Kurtis Photography

Winners are expected to be photographed but others can also pay the photographer to have their picture taken. In today’s digital world, the exhibitor can select the photograph that they want right at the show by reviewing the pictures on the photographer’s computer screen. The increase in the number of shows and types of dog shows will allow a new photographer to get their start. They may also fill the slot of a retiring photographer or the photographers that are not pleasing the exhibitors with the quality of their photographs.

If your pet parent’s passion is to be around a dog show, they can start by volunteering to be a steward. Stewards in a dog show assist the judges so that they can concentrate on evaluating the dogs. They help to keep the show running on time, maintain the show records, and keep the ring clean. Stewards also give the judges ribbons and trophies to hand out. Show dog handlers rely on stewards for their armbands, answers to their questions, and for calling them into the ring when it is their turn to show. Dog club members may volunteer to be stewards but if there are not enough volunteers, then a club may pay a small fee or give a free lunch to a steward.

Encourage your pet parent to follow their passion and fill one of these positions to keep the dog shows fun for everyone! Be sure to comment on the Smilebox video that we have put together from Your Pets View of the scenes around The Fall Mountain Classic dog show.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

The Sport of Adoring Dogs

Saturday, October 29th, 2011 at 10:15 pm

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It is hard to tell who enjoys the sport of adoring dogs more…the dogs who adore people or the people that adore dogs. We were able to capture some adoring eyes at the Fall Mountain Classic held at the beautiful Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland. Over 500 dogs representing 122 breeds were shown each day of the 3-day show.

Many dog show handlers grow up adoring their pet dogs or their neighbor’s dogs. Children as young as 9 can enter the sport of dogs in the show ring. Children and adults alike develop friendships with other like-minded exhibitors who travel to show their dogs. As you can see in the slideshow, these dogs truly enjoy showing and being with their adoring audience, be it family or spectator.

AKC dog shows now include the All-American dog in the sport of performance events. These All-Americans are also known as designer dogs or mixed breeds or mutts but it doesn’t matter what they are called to those that adore them. They enjoy all of the benefits that their purebred counterparts enjoy but with less fuss about having every hair in place.

Feel free to comment about your favorite picture. Have your pet parent let us know how you feel about going to dog shows. Is there a dog that you adore that you look for at the shows that you go to? If you happen to be in the slide show, be sure to ask Amelia for a copy of your picture as you adored your pet parent!

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet companion to animal lover Amelia
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It’s another edition of Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop brought to you by Two Little Cavaliers, Life with Dogs, and Confessions of the Plume! Welcome to all of you joining us for the first time. We are so excited to have you and welcome back to our regular Hoppers.

Here’s how you can join the Pet Bloggers Blog Hop celebration:

* Link up your blog name and URL using the Linky Tool below. You only need to add you link once to be seen on all the Pet Blogger Blog Hop Linky Tools for that week.

** Grab the Pet Bloggers Blog Hop button that our friends over on Life with Dogs made for us and include it in your Saturday Pet Bloggers Hop post so that your readers will know what is going on.

*** Follow your co-hosts listed in the first 3 slots of the Linky Tool and comment on their blogs to say hello!

**** Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you’d like

***** Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you’re from the Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop

****** Follow back when you get a new follower through the Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop

Please be considerate and do not link directly to a giveaway post. Doing so does not allow others to comment on the post and forces them to look around your blog to find an appropriate place to post. One link per blog please!
This is a Blog Hop!

Dogs Show Their Personalities at The Fall Mountain Classic Dog Show

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 at 4:08 pm

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Digging Into BlogPaws 2011 Treasures

Monday, September 12th, 2011 at 10:54 pm

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I’ve been digging into the BlogPaws 2011 treasures that my pet parent brought home from this gathering of pet bloggers. I am a discerning watchdog so Amelia took me along to keep her company. I also networked with the other pets, boned up on my social skills, and had some fun…actually the ferrets provided entertainment for me during some of the same sessions that we were in together.

BlogPaws 2011 was sandwiched in between the East Coast Earthquake and Hurricane Irene…which explains why some of the speakers never made it in or others had to leave early. We arrived Thursday, just in time for the Welcome Reception. The Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner welcomed pets in all of the educational sessions, general sessions, exhibit areas AND MEAL AREAS!! Of course, Amelia was required to fill out a Pet Waiver for me. A complimentary Pet Park and pet sitters were available too.

Friday morning’s Keynote was by Rescue Ink. Their message was both serious and humorous…and they made my tail wag.

Joe Panz, Amelia, Schatzi, and Big Ant

After meeting the Fire Safety dog Tango

Tango - Fire Safety Dog

and Travelin’ Jack,

Travelin' Jack

we listened to their pet parents Dayna Hilton and Jill Lane talk about leveraging niche blogging. Those lucky dogs get to travel everywhere with them. They even have their own products to promote their message. Cool.Our next stop was to meet Dino Dogan, the co-founder of Triberr to learn about Reach, Relevance, Design and Presentation. I don’t know what all this fuss is about tribes when most pet parents say we travel in packs…but Amelia understood the value of his message. I slept through it.

: Dreaming about Relevance

We had time for two more breakout sessions on Friday so we attended WordPress Tips & Tricks with Nikki Jeske of

Design Coyote

followed by StumbleUpon with Vijay Vachani, Business Development Manager for

StumbleUpon.

I think that is where I stumbled upon some of my own entertainment in the form of sleeping ferrets nesting in bags.

Ferret Entertainment

After snacks, cocktails for pet parents, and more networking, we were invited to the FIRST press screening in the country for Disney’s Spooky Buddies! Many of us dogs in the audience followed the action on the big screen and barked along when the puppies needed some assistance on Halloween night. I also watched the security guard at the front of the room to make sure he didn’t come to close to Amelia. He was one big dude! Amelia and I had our picture taken with Robert Vince, the Director, Producer and Writer of Spooky Buddies. He was sincerely interested in the feedback from the pet bloggers. Amelia got to hold one of the Spooky Buddies while I stayed with one very pretty lady who gave me an awesome neck rub.

Amelia & Schatzi with Robert Vince of Spooky Buddies

Amelia with a Spooky Buddy

Fresh popcorn had been served during the movie and pizza was served after the movie. No one went to bed hungry that night.

Heidi Ganahl, the Top Dog at

Camp Bow-Wow

was the Keynote speaker on Saturday morning. She found her purpose and overcame her grief after a personal tragedy put her on a journey that has been a blessing for pet parents and pets alike.

Then we learned how to Unleash Our Inner Movie Producer with Kenn Bell of

The Dog Files.

The Dog Files

One of Kenn’s dogs left the session with the pet sitter while his other dog slept through it…she’s heard it all before…

Dreaming about Dog Files

Our next session was about No Blog Being an Island. With Irene coming in, getting an internet connection was proving to be tricky but Felissa Elfenbein of

Two Little Cavaliers

persevered and the room full of people learned about topics such as Linky Lists, BlogHops, and other ways to grow blog traffic.

No Blog is an Island

Every Picture Tells a Story was the last session we attended with Brett Chisholm, the photographer for

LIFE + DOG.

Brett shared tips that we have yet to implement but we certainly hope that you have enjoyed the pictures in this blog post. We are grateful that pet bloggers will continue to bring out the Best of Pets.

How do you like my ghost costume? Do you think I would make a good Spooky Buddy for the Spooky Buddies?

A Natural Ghost Appeared at Spooky Buddies Premier!

Saturday morning, along with our room receipt, we received a letter from the Director of Operations and the Sheraton Team. The letter made us aware of the emergency preparations that were underway in preparation for Hurricane Irene’s arrival in the Washington DC area on Saturday evening, August 27th. Luckily, we drove, so we stayed to within two hours of Irene’s arrival. We sure didn’t want to miss dinner and only missed Saturday night’s networking. The remaining pet bloggers were either stranded there or chose to stay and party…Woofie Woo!

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

How to Understand Dog Body Language

Monday, April 11th, 2011 at 11:02 pm

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We would like to think that our pet parents understand our body language. My pet parents’ greatest challenge is getting the visitors to our home or the people we meet to understand what message I am conveying. Some people just don’t get it when I say “You scare me” but they say, “Oh, what a fluffy dog! Let me hug her tightly!”

As a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, my pet parent is happy to know that APDT has partnered with Doggone Safe to educate people about us. Doggone Safe also provides dog bite victim support. You may have heard pet parents yelling “Be a Tree” before whenever we get excited and run after the kids or jump on them to hear them scream. Doggone Safe also offers online courses about dog body language and occupational bite prevention. I think they must be trying to educate the mailmen and especially those UPS truck drivers that ring my doorbell!

Doggone Safe has announced the International Dog Bite Prevention Challenge. Presenters are asked to visit schools and educate 50,000 children about dog safety in a single week. I felt like I had done that in a matter of a few hours when I went to a career day and the teenagers packed in so close around me that my body language conveyed that I wanted to find the closest exit.

May 15-21, 2011 is Dog Bite Prevention Week and this is when the Challenge will take place. Presenters in 17 countries, 11 Canadian provinces and 43 states in the United States are ready to put Doggone Safe into the Guinness Record book by teaching more about dog language.

Time is flying by. Become a program sponsor by purchasing supplementary branded learning materials such as coloring books, paint sheets, a story book, a poster, stickers, bookmarks and fridge magnets that help to teach children to be a tree when they see our excited body language.
Go to the Doggone Safe website at www.doggonesafe.com.

Learn more about understanding dog language by watching this video from the clickerpuppytrainer:

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Politicians Approve Dog Park Project !

Monday, May 24th, 2010 at 1:22 pm

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The politicians have approved the dog park project that my pet parent has been dedicated to for the last 7 years. It’s been almost a decade since the project was proposed to the City of Frostburg, Maryland. The people first behind the project moved away many years ago but fortunately, a civic-minded veterinarian enlisted the aid of two local dog enthusiasts to carry on with the dream.

As the years went by, dog obedience classes and other fundraisers were held to raise money for the park. No doubt, many thought it would never be a reality as the locations offered by the city politicians were either not of suitable terrain, would take a substantial amount of money to create or were not approved of by the neighbors.

As patience and perseverance would have it, not only did an ideal location become available, but the mood of the community and the politicians was one of full support for the project. Since all of the money needed for the creation of the dog park has been obtained through fund raising and donations, the building of the dog park can now begin!

Watch this pet video of the public presentation and approval of the dog park:

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson