September 2007Monthly Archives

Wild Dogs

Having this young girl in our house, Tatum (I can’t say enough good things about her), really hits home about how wild young puppies are. Wolves and dogs alike. I have watched the nature shows, but never really related it to my own dogs until now. Now that I’m more calm and relaxed and can observe without the clutter of so much anxiety.

Everything goes in Tatum’s mouth. In the wild this would not only be normal, it would be necessary for survival. She is curious about everything and checks everything out. She’s already destroyed one of our couch cover bed sheets (they were fairly cheap, and really that’s why we get them cheap because of the dogs) and the pushes things around with her nose and grabs onto everything she can.

In the wild this would be a part of her learning experiences. So why not harness this wonderful gift and channel it into things we can both be proud of in this human world we are living in? Like maybe picking up and putting away toys. I want her to always have positive experiences with everything. (yeah sounds more and more like I’m keeping her, huh. ).

If we had a Chrysler, she’d even chew up the Chrysler 300 accessories. She hasn’t chewed up my car yet, but I haven’t left her alone in it yet, either.

Cynthia

September 19, 2007

Tatum

12 comments

Anxiety, Rescue, Tatum, Training

Can’t give her up, Can’t keep her…

Yup… Tatum the Tater Tot. I just love her. I keep thinking of how wonderful she would be in training… and how to harness all that spunk and channel it into fun tricks and training. I have so much more knowledge now… clicker training. And I’m so much more patient now… with being on meds that have helped me such a great deal.

I’m going to be going on about the Tatum debate for a long time. She is up on petfinder. She is such a perfect dog. I’ll have to see how she comes out of her shyness in public in the next few weeks. Ooo… five dogs. No! And I wanted to get down to two dogs!

She gets her mouth on everything. My mouse, the sheets, toys… now she is nibbling on a cushion on the floor in the basement. I could teach her a really good, strong leave it… A positive Leave it. I’d need some treats she would just love.

Clicker, Rescue, Tatum, Training

Very Good Lenses

I just thought I’d post about some really informative and interesting Lenses on Squidoo by Johann the Dog. Since we do dog sports we are very interested in the ones about canine fitness.

Johann has a bunch of lenses you might find very interesting. I swear he must spend all his time online while his Mom is off working to support his internet and agility habits!

Agility, Info, Link Love, Sports

Sheltie Tales!

Check it out! My friends over at Sheltie Rescue of Utah have started their own blog. They are an awesome rescue and they do a lot for Sheltie Rescue here in Utah as well as all over the country. If you would be so kind, head on over the the Sheltie Rescue of Utah blog and have a read and post a comment.

They have also been a huge help for me getting Collie Rescue started up and going. They are an inspiration and a model to be followed. The Shelties are very lucky to have them. And don’t be shy to send them a donation to help out all the Shelties. They need help just like all us rescues do.

Walk Every Morning?

Anyone want to volunteer to take Tatum for a walk every morning? Actually, she’s not ready for that, she’s a bit nervous. Just small 5 minute walks a few times are day are good for her. But in the mornings all she wants to do is play play play… and it is very cute when she nips at me and grabs my clothes and robe.

I think it’d be really cute to put that nip on cue. Would be a fun freestyle stunt, I think. I don’t want to punish her to stop that. I love her enthusiasm! And so maybe I’ll have to shape it, teach her when it is appropriate. That’d be really fun.

And then there were Eight

Well, Sonny is gone to his new home. I miss him, but it’s nice being down one more body since our house is so busy with too many dogs. But they are all wonderful. Tatum came with me and she did a great job but she was a little nervous.

They didn’t have any poker tables at their house, but they had a nice yard and lots of play toys in the back. Of course I cross my fingers the first couple of months hoping it will all work out. He is a good boy, and very patient, he should be great with kids.

I am tired, had a big long day, it’s time for bed.

Cynthia

September 17, 2007

Uncategorized

0 comments

Play, Rescue, Tatum

Tatum

Okay I do officially adore Tatum. She is punchy and full of spunk at home, outside it’s like a whole new world she has never seen before. Which is probably true. Everything fascinates her or spooks her. I took her to a couple shops today where I can take dogs, so she can get used to it. Didn’t go to a place that sells birthday invitations but that would have been good too.

This afternoon all 4 of the collies are going to the vet. Then tonight I’m taking Sonny to his new home. I want to take Tatum with me, to keep getting her out. Not sure if it’ll be too much for her. Long drive with short stops. Might just be good to get her used to the car.

Anyway… I will blog again later after the vet.

Collie, Rescue, Tatum

Want a Harness or Two

I want a good flyball harness. Anyone know where to get one? I really like some styles… I like the Puppia Harnesses, but they are too small for Chase. Maybe one would fit Tatum, though. I want a harness for her because her martingale collar worries me. She could sleep it, it’s a bit large for her.

I haven’t seen any really nice harnesses out there that don’t rub under the dogs arms. Has to be a Y-Neck. If you know of any please let me know as I really want to buy a couple of them. I have mushing harnesses for Chase and Levi when we jog, but they are not really all the secure and I wouldn’t use one on a dog I had to make sure would not get away.

I have been taking Tatum out front on very short walks a couple of times a day. As confident as she is now in our house and yard, she is still nervous outside in the front yard. So slow short trips, but I need a harness for her… and I also like having some home lighting outdoors. It’s going to be getting dark early soon, and a bit of light helps!

Chase, Flyball, Gear, Levi, Tatum