Cesar Tickets!!

Yay! I have tickets to Cesar Millan’s live appearance at the Patriot Center 12/6. I can't wait to see the Dog Whisperer live! I love Cesar because he helps rehabilitate the most dangerous dogs. Cesar never gives up on any dog and it's admirable. I totally practice his techniques with most of my dogs by being a strong pack leader. This is especially important for my dogs who have behavioral issues such as aggression or insecurity (Taao Yai). I practice dog psychology any time I dog sit for a pack of dogs (more than two) and it works like a charm. I have one group who can be pretty aggressive toward each other so they really need a strong, confident pack leader so all the dogs can feel safe and trust that I'm in control.

I admire Cesar's passion and his courage to do what he does.

Taao Yai Tuesday - Post 4

Every Tuesday is Taao Yai Tuesday where posts are dedicated to Taao Yai, a rescue who is super sweet but who’s had trouble finding a home because he’s insecure and scared of new people.

Taao Yai is doing so much better on lead! He is much more attentive and less freaked out by anything and everything on the street. He is also breaking out of his shell at home. I often challenge him by holding something out for him to sniff. It can be anything: an ink pen, a spoon, a can, anything. A couple weeks ago, he would glance at it and then trot away; but today, he will come and sniff it. I had to encourage him the first few times, but now he knows that when I hold something out, I want him to investigate. He does and there is much fanfare and praise! I know he wants to be happy and unafraid, and whatever I can do to help him get there I will do.

Best Part of My Job!

The best part of my job is that one moment—as we’re heading out the door for a proper walk—when all my dogs fall into line—and I think, This is the best part of my job! If you’ve ever walked a pack of dogs, you know what I’m talking about, and if you haven’t, it’s something you should experience as soon as possible.

The reason I love it is twofold. First, I’m the pack leader. And there’s a sense of pride in knowing that I’m doing something great for my pack. Secondly—and this is what brings me the most joy—is that the dogs are LOVIN’ it. Their gaits are confident and I know they are thinking, Oh yeah…gonna check out that grassy patch at the end of the block…gonna check that tree stump…gonna check out what’s gone down in the neighborhood since the last time I checked that spot. And if it’s a new environment where they’ve never walked before, they think, Oh yeah…gonna check out this new environment!

And that, by far, is the best part of my job!

p.s. – and the second best part of my job is experiencing the residual effect of having them all sound asleep as I type this.

Taao Yai Tuesday – Post 2

Every Tuesday is Taao Yai Tuesday where posts are dedicated to Taao Yai, a rescue who is super sweet but who’s had trouble finding a home because he’s insecure and scared of new people.

Taao is a citizen of the world having lived in Thailand, the U.S. and Canada. After spending his summer in Canada with his foster family’s grandparents, he is back in Arlington where I can work with him on overcoming his shyness. He can be nervous on lead sometimes pulling to the side while heeling. He doesn’t realize if he would just follow me and not try pulling away, it would make his life (and mine) a lot easier. I’ve started correcting him with sound or by quickly blocking him with my leg. Both are effective and I love seeing him slip into follower mode because he is completely relaxed and enjoys his walk instead of worrying. He is getting better and this type of leadership is exactly what Taao needs in a pet parent. If you think you could be a good match for Taao, please email me.