Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Molly-Mae Hague Gets A Puppy From Boyfriend Tommy Fury

Molly-Mae Hague reveals extravagant birthday gifts including a puppy from boyfriend Tommy Fury

*****

Molly-Mae is a social media influencer. It all feels too much like Paris Hilton. Uh oh.

I generally don't think it is a good idea to get a puppy for someone as a surprise gift. Generally, the enthusiasm wanes and the dog is neglected. A dog requires a major life commitment. I don't have a good feeling about this. I hope she proves us all wrong.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

White Woman Apologizes After Calling Cops on Black Man

N.Y.C. White Woman Apologizes After Calling Cops on Black Man Who Asked Her to Leash Her Dog

*****

Why do people say stupid racist things when they upset?

I have puzzled on this one for a while. 

Here's my conclusion. When people are angry, really angry, they want to do something to hurt the other person. So, they look for any kind of nasty thing they can latch onto... race, weight, how they look, sex... and then beat the other person with that insult. 

I think good, normal people do this, not just the fringe types. I would bet if we installed a microphone in all the vehicles on the road, you'd be surprised how often people said the nastiest things when the other drivers did kind of infraction. But, then, if you gave this normal person a lie detector test you'd find they don't really believe this stuff, but that was their available weapon, and they used it.

Yes, we all are responsible for what we do. You shouldn't lash out at others. You are going to reap some bad results if it gets to your boss, the media, etc.  But, my guess is that everyone... including you... and your boss, and that media reporter...  has done something like this at some point. Don't be a hypocrite.

I think this lady is now completely humiliated, might be charged with a crime, and has now lost custody of her dog. Was it worth it?

For everyone, chill out, forgive, forget, and move along. 




Monday, May 25, 2020

What Is Barkitecture?

"A new show called Barkitecture takes dog and design lovers behind the scenes with Bachelorette alum and general contractor Tyler Cameron and Brooklyn designer Delia Kenza as they create dazzling dog houses for celebrity clients like Kyle Richards, Lisa Vanderpump, Wilmer Valderrama, Teyana Taylor, Rumer Willis, Joel McHale, Lilly Singh, and Norbert the dog."

*****

Occasionally, I have advised students to help them create a proper dog house. I remember one in Scottsdale, AZ. He was a sculptor and owned a Doberman. His dog was too young to be left alone in his home. His home based business was too dangerous for the dog to hang around with him during the day (you don't want a dog around a hot kiln). And he didn't want to use a daycare every day.

The dog wasn't supposed to live in the dog house 24/7, it was just for working hours. Thus, it was humane.

First, we set aside enough area for the dog house, potty area, and an outdoor rest/ play area. We also incorporated the right fencing to keep out wild predators, like bobcats and coyotes, we also didn't want a rattlesnake in there.

Next, I sent him some plans I had from research I had done years ago for just such a situation. It was large for a large dog, insulated for the heat and cold, a house quality slanted metal roof. We elevated it in case of heavy rains, with a ramp leading up to the doorway and flap door. A proper heating and air conditioning system was installed. Arizona can get below freezing in the winter, and 120 degrees in the summer. A typical dog house wouldn't be safe. Special consideration was taken regarding the materials used to ensure they wouldn't splinter or be susceptible to being chewed.

Then electricity was installed in such a way to keep it away from his dog so she couldn't chew on any wires. And lastly, he installed a horse automatic self waterer so fresh water was always available, and so there would be no bowls to tip over.

There are a few other features we installed to provide behavioral enrichment.

It all worked out quite well, his dog was happy, and so was the owner.

If budget and space allow, a good dog house is worth considering for some dogs.

As a gift, he made a small bowl for me. I still fondly remember working with him and his dog.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Rachael Ray's Dog Isaboo Has Died

"Ray said she was devastated by the loss, although the pet died in her arms "peacefully" at home."

*****

People do a good job of putting forth a face that all is well. But, we all have hardships in our lives. I'm glad she's being open about this tragedy. It is very hard to lose a beloved pet. I wish her and her husband well. It also goes to show how much people love their pitbulls.

I always recommend getting another dog. It won't replace the old dog, but it will fill the hole in your heart over time.

Animal Abuse: Just When You Thought You'd Heard It All

"A prominent former violent-criminal-turned-anti-dog-meat-advocate raised funds from celebrities including Moby and actresses Alicia Silverstone and Shannen Doherty—but is now accused of staging animal abuse, according to the Los Angeles Times."

*****

This is sick. However, there are a lot of deranged people involved in animal welfare. Try volunteering in your community. After a while, you'll hear stories such as ... people with drug habits using donated funds for themselves rather than the dogs; people who abuse dogs claiming they are training them; funds raised for animals that are later illegally disposed of; hoarders; fake fundraisers where the money is used for personal purposes instead of the dogs; etc.



Why Are Adolescent Dogs Abandoned To Shelters?

"Researchers looked at 69 dogs before adolescence, at 5 months old,  and then again during their adolescence, at 8 months old. They found that in adolescence, the pups took longer to respond to the "sit" command even if they knew how to do it."

*****

I think any keen observer of dogs has noticed that some dogs are not as obedient during adolescence. One of my dogs, Dillon, profoundly changed starting at about 8 months of age. As he started becoming an adult, then things started shaping up again.

Prior to that time, his obedience looked terrific. Once the hormones kicked in, he became a goofball... distracted, didn't retain lessons as well.

I think a lot of adolescent dogs get bullied by their owners, thinking that is the right solution. Instead, if you understand this phenomenon and recognize it happening, you realize that maturity will fix this. As the article mentions, a lot of dogs are abandoned as adolescents, and this might explain why.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Overcoming Obstacles In Life

I have generally found that when you find yourself at an impasse, you probably can't find a way out until you go back to the fundamentals. You're missing some basic truth which will unlock that door or get you around that obstacle. You often don't need a new idea, you need an old idea.

Ben Affleck enjoys a dog walk

Ben Affleck has admitted he's had some tough times in his life. A normal life must be hard for a lot of celebrities. A family, and a dog, can ground you.

L'Oreal model's newly adopted rescue dog 'destroyed her face'

L'Oreal model is left with horrifying injuries after her newly adopted rescue dog Logan 'went berserk' and 'destroyed her face' in attack in Poland... She has now revealed she won't lose her eye but said she has returned Logan, who had a troubled past and had been suffering from cancer, to the shelter.

****

I remember a Lab I worked with many years ago. He was laying in the yard, and the owner called him inside. Instead of going, he just stayed there. She went over, reached for his collar to get him moving, and he attacked her. Her arm was torn up and required stitches. A neighbor was a "German Shepherd trainer" who told her if one of his dogs had done that, he would have "beaten the hell" out of the dog. She found me in the Yellow Pages and called me. I reviewed the entire situation, and told her that her dog wasn't well. Sure enough, after a visit to the veterinarian, the dog's entire body was riddled with cancer. It wasn't a behavioral problem, it was a reaction to a medical problem. Beating a dog isn't training, it is abuse.


Angry Dog Training?

Let’s be honest. If you can’t train a dog very well, and that includes how you manage yourself, your dog’s training won’t get any better by getting angry. No one wants to be around someone with a temper problem. No dog wants to be around someone with an anger problem, either.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Dog Training During The New Normal 2020 COVID-19

You are like a lot of dog owners. You’ve been cooped up at home with your family and your dog for a couple of months, waiting out the coronavirus lockdown. Some of you still have a job and worked through it all. Some had to wait it out, but are just now going back to work. No way your dog is going to be the same after these past couple of months. #dog #dogtraining #therapydog #samthedogtrainer