British Cat Catches Local Train to Visit Penguins and Fish

A Dog\’s Unending Loyalty

(CBS)

Over the last 20 years, the Love Me Tender animal rescue in central Tennessee has rounded up more than 1,000 abandoned dogs. And although most are timid and untrusting, CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman reports, one Rottweiler named Ella was notably different.

“I could just tell right away she was somebody’s baby. She just didn’t act like a stray dog to me,” said Kathy Wilkes-Myers, who found the dog a few months ago.

Ella was emaciated and drinking from a drainage ditch along an empty stretch of highway. Kathy says it’s typical for people to dump unwanted pets in the middle of nowhere – but again, the dog’s demeanor convinced her there was more to the story. So she did some detective work, and what she found is a heart-wrenching tale of unending loyalty.

“She was hoping her family could come back. But they couldn’t. They couldn’t come back. It just breaks your heart,” said Kathy.

Kathy found the first clues to this mystery – broken glass and tail lights – right near where she found the dog.

And just down from there, she found a second set of even more intriguing clues: personal items gathered up. By the dog, she assumed.

“It was like she was sleeping with them – or waiting with them,” Kathy said.

She took a picture with her cell phone and then gathered the items. They were mostly random, personal things – toothbrush, comb, razor, a candle that said Michelle, but nothing that would explain anything – although now, she did have a hunch.

Kathy remembered two weeks earlier she’d driven by an accident on the same stretch of highway. She remembered because it was such a horrible crash. A single car had flipped over and landed on the side of the road, at just about the same spot where she found the dog.

Based on what she saw that day, Kathy figured there was no way a person could have survived, but what about a dog? So she called the highway patrol.

“She gave me the mom’s name and the dad’s name and the mom’s name was Michelle. And I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is their dog,” she said.

Thrown from the car, rescue crews never saw the dog. She spent 13 days scavenging for food along the highway – and 13 nights bedding down with whatever she could find that smelled like her lost family.

“That’s the last spot she saw her family and she was going to stay there,” Kathy said.

Kathy figured it all out. But fortunately, she got one thing very wrong. Someone did survive the crash. In face, all five family members survived.

“I’m lucky to be sitting here with my family,” said Joe Kelly, the family’s father.

After two weeks believing that their dog, Ella, had died, the family of Joe and Michelle Kelly got the most wonderful, slobbery surprise of their lives.

For the first time since the accident, the Kelly’s had a good reason to cry -all thanks to a dog who refused to forget her family – and the stranger who refused to take lost for answer.

Unfortunately, it was a bittersweet reunion because of the accident and the medical expenses, the Kelly family has had to temporarily relocate to a place that doesn’t allow dogs.

The good news is, Kathy has promised to hold onto Ella for as long as the Kelleys need to get back on their feet.

©MMIX, CBS Interactive Inc.. All Rights Reserved.

reprint from:www.preciouspets.org

Believe it or not, this is not a housetraining problem. It has to do with some normal canine behavior patterns that you can and should deal with in a positive way.

Dogs are instinctively programmed to accept the authority of creatures (animal and human) that they consider to be superior to them. They seek the approval of their superiors and are eager to please them. Many dog owners prefer a dog who is submissive to people and eager to please, and selective breeding has produced many domestic dogs with this characteristic.

Some dogs are more submissive than others. Very submissive dogs, shy dogs that lack self-confidence and often young pups will urinate when in the presence of more dominant dogs and humans. It’s their instinctive way of telling the superior “You are my Supreme Master. Your wish is my command. Please don’t hurt me!”

Puppies usually outgrow this behavior as they mature. Dogs who are naturally shy, insecure, extremely submissive, or who have been abused may continue to exhibit submission in this way even as adults. It is generally an involuntary, subconscious reflex. The dog isn’t deliberately trying to do it. As a matter of fact, he may not even be aware that he’s doing it at the time!

Many dog owners mistakenly believe that this type of urination is a housetraining problem, and try to correct it with discipline. To their dismay and frustration, rather than improving, the dog’s problem gets worse! Because the message he’s sending is misunderstood by the owner, the dog is caught in a vicious cycle – his instincts tell him to urinate to please his superior by showing submission. But when he does, he is punished. He then tries harder to please by urinating even more. This results in more punishment, and still more urination. After a time, the dog may become so confused and insecure that he urinates at the mere sight of a human being or another dog.

If discipline won’t solve the problem, what will? Your task is to take the excitement and stress out of the periods that previously triggered submissive urination. Get cooperation from all members of the family. When you first get home, you can anticipate that the dog will get excited and urinate so you need to minimize the excitement. Instead of an enthusiastic greeting to your dog, quietly walk in the door and go about your business. Let him outside to pee as usual, but without any fanfare. If you talk to him at all, just say “Hi Rover” in a calm, casual tone of voice. Don’t make eye contact with him or pet him. After he settles down, very gently crouch down to his level presenting to him sideways (this makes you very non-threatening), then calmly and quietly praise him and tell him he’s good. Be sure to tell your family and visitors to do the same.

Do everything you can to boost your dog’s confidence. As he becomes more confident, he may feel less of a need to display extreme submissive behavior:

* Positive reinforcement obedience training does wonders for a dog’s confidence! An untrained dog is doesn’t know how to communicate with humans or how to behave, but the trained dog understands what’s expected of him, and the words you say to him. He’s confident because he has the tools with which to please his superiors.
* Socialization at training classes, dog daycare, at the park, or just going with you on errands and to visit friends can do wonders for your dog’s confidence. Have guests over who are willing to help out with this problem.
* Agility training is another wonderfully fun way to boost your dog’s confidence using physical obstacles and mental stimulation as well as new human words to understand and obey.
* Incorporate basic obedience (Sit, Stay, Fetch, Come, etc.) into your daily life and when your dog obeys, he gains confidence through your praise. Just don’t overdo the praise (this can result in a puddle!). A simple “Good boy” and gentle pat is enough.
* Minimize the occasions your dog makes you want to scold him; think about what your dog does that causes you to scold him. For example, does he get into the trash, steal your children’s toys or chew on your sneakers? By simply putting a lid on the trash can or putting it into a closet and requiring your family to pick up after themselves, these situations can be eliminated. The easier you make it for your dog to do what you want, the quicker he’ll learn and his confidence will grown. On the other hand, discipline, scolding and physical punishment will simply reduce his confidence and worsen your submissive urination problem.
* Dogs, especially shy or submissive ones, are very sensitive to body language and tone of voice. Bending over a dog is a “dominant” posture that may provoke an accident. Instead, get down to your dog’s level by crouching or kneeling, preferably at his side rather than head-on.
* These dogs are often intimidated by direct eye contact as well. Look at your dog’s face without looking directly into his eyes, and only for very short periods.
* If you are expecting guests, take your dog for a walk and get his bladder emptied ahead of time, and restrict water consumption for an hour before your guests are to arrive.
* When speaking to your dog, use a calm, confident, moderate tone of voice. Avoid very high or low extremes in pitch. Don’t “coochy-coo” or babytalk to your dog either. These tones can create excitement that results in submissive urination.

Don’t scold or punish your dog for urinating submissively. It will only make things worse. He can’t be held responsible for something he doesn’t understand or even know he’s doing. Instead, use these methods to get to the root of the matter: His basic insecurity and lack of confidence. When he’s made progress in these areas, submissive urination often disappears on its own. How long will it take? Every dog is different and it’s impossible to say for sure. With most dogs, following our directions will show a noticeable difference within a short time. Solving the problem altogether depends on your hard work, patience, consistency and willingness to stick with it.

How often we hear, “I left the collar off because she/he had a bath.  The gardeners left the gate open.”

A Micro chip is a must, but will not stop a car or scan itself.

Solutions?  Don’t take the collar off during the bath or don’t wait til the dog dries off.  Hire a gardener who is a “DOG PERSON”…

Or, Teach your pets NOT to leave the yard. Set  boundaries.

Yes you can…

Here is a good HOW TO that I found on the web.. start now..

Book idea

TEACH YOUR DOG THE ONLY PLACE HE CAN EVER ENTER AND EXIT THE POOL IS BY THE STEPS. Put a large vertical marker that moves (such as a plant or a flag) by the steps so he can easily orient himself. As you are teaching him to swim, repeat each one of the following stages a gazillion times before moving to the next stage. You can reward your dog at each stage by giving him a treat or his favorite toy.

Teach him to touch that marker before he enters the water. Show him the steps, ramp, or ladder from the deck and say “steps.” Then take him a short distance away and repeat. Gently place him in the water with his feet on the top step. If you have a helper, you are in the water and your helper is at the top of the steps. If you are by yourself, attach a leash or long line before you put him in the water and stay by the side of the pool. Say “steps” and let him gain his footing up the ramp.

VERY GRADUALLY increase the distance from the steps/ramp, and let him swim to the steps and exit.
Stay in the shallow end, and keep the lessons short – no more than ten minutes.
To help your dog swim, position your hands so his rear end is up so he will use all four legs to swim. He should look like he is running in the water. You may need to help him by moving his rear legs for him. If he just uses his front legs, he will most likely sink. His neck should extend forward and his head should not point up. Use a food lure if necessary to get him in this position.

Rinse him off or give him a shampoo after your session, and be sure to dry out his ears. Check his eyes because they may become irritated by the chlorine and need to be rinsed.

After he learns to swim, don’t let him overexert himself. Swimming is a physically taxing exercise, and he can easily become fatigued. Take breaks, and watch for signs of exhaustion.

Sometimes despite your best efforts, the unthinkable happens, and you find your dog motionless in the water. Get him out of the water. If he is not breathing, hold his rear legs up to let water drain. Put him on his side. Clear any debris from his mouth, close his mouth with your hand, and apply mouth-to-nose resuscitation and chest compressions. Take him to the vet immediately even if he begins to breathe on his own.

If you have taught him how to swim and taught him where the steps are, you can avoid this tragedy. And you and your dog will have a fantastic time swimming together.

dog commercial

Read this puppy book, BEFORE  you bring the new dog into the home. It takes longer to undo the damage!!!! At least read the forward and the first chapter.

Buy here or order from your local library..

The Art Of Raising A Puppy

How To Be Your Dogs Best Friend – The Monks Of New Skete

Mulholland Estates Dog Walker..

“Walkin’ The Dog”   310 739-7334 (Jan)

This is the BIG thing on the West Coast (and The East Coast)…  Many dog walkers now earn as much or more then many of their clients..   The secret that every dog owner should know is:  having your dog walked professionally 4-5 times a week also TRAINS your dog… Dog walkers must have well a well mannered dogs or they will be “thrown out” of the local dog parks..

THE BASIC RATE usually:
30 minute dog walks are $20 dollars for regular clients.

Additional charge for non-regulars..

This is usually a private walk , one-on-one, in your neighborhood.

“The Hollywood Bitch” is highly recommended..  email: ragsolden@mac.com

some of her clients have been..

James Caan, Sandy Gallin, Dyan Cannon, John Ritter, Warner Estate, Barry Diller, Richard Dryfus, Rae Dawn Chong, Calvin Klein, Hal Lindin, Whoppi Goldberg……

___________________________________________________________________________________

Private In Home Puppy Lessons

Private lessons are the most comprehensive way for you and your dog or puppy to learn since it is a customized program dealing with your choice of topics and issues – with a input from us regarding things we know are important.

The private lessons are six hours of training in five lessons. The first lesson is two hours and the remaining four lessons are an hour each. The fee is $200 for the first 2 hour lessons and if you agree to move forward, the fee is $150 for each additional 5 lessons. Includes phone consultations.

What are some advantages to private lessons?

• You and your dog are comfortable learning in your home.
• We assess what your current situation is, find out what you want to do, formulate a plan to help you reach your goal, and then work with you to get you there.
• You have our undivided attention for the entire lesson, which means that both you and your dog should progress fairly quickly.
• Lessons are scheduled to our mutual convenience, usually one to two weeks apart.
• We work on basic obedience training as well as solving some behavior problems. You receive detailed instructions both orally and in writing as well as strategies to solve specific behavior problems.
• You also receive telephone consultations between lessons as needed.

Basic Obedience and Manners Program includes these behaviors or commands, and we will gladly customize a program to meet your needs.

Basic training is on leash with the goal to be off leash as the puppy ages.

Number 1.. saftey! Using a dog whistle… IT WORKS!

• Come
• Down and Down-stay
• Drop it
• Go to your place and lie down
• Greet people and dogs on leash
• Leave it
• Off
• Sit and Sit-stay
• Staying at a distance
• Staying with distractions
• Stand
• Take it
• Wait at curbs, gates, and doors
• Walking beside you on leash (Heeling)
• Watch me (Getting your dog’s attention)

ALSO DOG WALKING:

Licensed Vet Tech and animal behaviorist.
Most of my clients are high profile entertainment dogs. As dogs are walked they are also being trained to behave on a leash, ride in a car, stay out of the street and become generally well manned. They also learn to safely interact with other dogs. All sizes, breeds and behavior welcome. I have never met a dog that I could not handle. $20 per hour when walked 4-5 times weekly.

I am in the Beverly Hills and Mulholland Drive area. Most of my clients are in BH /Bel Air. I am located at Beverly Glen near Mulholland. 310 739-7334  or package88@gmail.com