• 29Nov

  Incomprehensible

  Dog Training (General), Interesting and Funny 7 Comments

  If  Quick doesn’t understand the first or second time I ask him to do something, he gets upset. He’ll offer me any behavior he can, in hopes that’s what I’m asking for. He lies down, and offers his paws, and tries again and again and again!  On course, he will chase his tail, or run up and down a contact, through a tunnel.  He’s offering things to make me happy because he’s nervous that I am not happy- I must not be, he isn’t getting his party and treats!  What does he need to do to get his party???

  I feel badly when I’m telling his big sister Nova to do something, and he’s doing it for her and goes unnoticed. However, we’re working on him learning that unless he hears his name, the command is not for him!

  How do other multiple dog handlers work out sibling challenges? This is my first time having two dogs, and I’m curious about others’ methods for dealing with double the trouble and double the fun.

  

  Tags: agility beginners, agility obstacles, Inspirational

• 22Nov

  Thankful

  Inspirational 2 Comments

  Dogs are some of the most thankful creatures I know.  They don’t expect much, but when they get anything- attention, breakfast, a treat or a ball tossed- they light up with unbridled joy.  They’ve been given a gift, and they enjoy it to its’ fullest.   In Agility, my dog is grateful for the time I spend with him, the extra ear ruffles and puppy drumming.  He gives wags, kisses, and his absolute best to do what I want him to do.

  What my dog doesn’t know, of course is that he is the gift that I am thankful for.

  This Thanksgiving, take a minute to be as grateful for your dog as he or she is for you.

  

  Tags: Inspirational

• 22Oct

  I Rescued a Human Today

  Inspirational 1 Comment

  Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

  I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

  As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

  She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

  Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

  I would promise to keep her safe.

  I would promise to always be by her side.

  I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

  I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

  I rescued a human today.

  Written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog’s professional dog trainer. Janine’s passion is working with people and their dogs. She provides demonstrations for those who have adopted shelter dogs, lends email support to adopted dog owners that need information beyond our Training Support Pages, and aids shelter staff and volunteers in understanding dog behavior to increase their adoptability. Copyright 2010 Rescue Me Dog; www.rescuemedog.org

  

  Tags: Inspirational

• 08Oct

  Amazing.

  Inspirational 5 Comments

  I have never seen something so amazing in Dog Agility… a blind handler (which is doubtless the reason for the bell on the dog) being guided around the course as they guide their dog.  Just amazing, and a tribute to that if you really want to do something- for yourself, or your dog- you can.  I’m not sure how this would work, but it obviously does!

  

  Tags: Inspirational, videos

• 04Oct

  October Contest

  Contests 30 Comments

  October is Adopt- A- Shelter- Dog month!  Our contest this months’ prize is a bandana (we’ll pick you something pretty!) and a treat bag (perfect for Trick & Treat time, at the end of the month!)

  To enter, comment here or on facebook with a way you think shelter dogs would benefit from learning agility, and/or how your rescue dog has benefited from it.

  Entries close on October 31st, and the winner will be announced on or around November 1st.  Good luck!

  

  Tags: Affordable Agility News, agility beginners, dog fame, Inspirational

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