The Dog Company: Newsletter

September 5, 2003 - Volume 50

Materials in this newsletter are the sole possession of the authors and Dog Company. Please do not copy or use in any fashion without written permission

Due to technical difficulties which take matters right out of our paws (ie: the computer is sick), Slick and I are unable to contribute to the Woof this month. Do need to say though, that the Saanich Fair was a great success; our clubs did great jobs of entertaining the throngs of fair goers. Check out the pictures on Troub's website http://members.shaw.ca/phurphotos/agilitydemopage.htm

woof.. "Sweep" ^..^~~!

Hi, my name is Winston. I'm a Bichon Frise, born November 4, 1997 in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. My registered name is Winnie - what a joke that is. I think my mom was hoping for all girls. She was obviously disappointed with me because, when I was 9 weeks old, I was shipped off to Victoria in the cargo hold of a horrible noisy plane. It was a terrible experience that I am still not over - but that's another story.

I spent a week at a home near Tillicum Mall until my new adoptive family was ready to take me. They visited me the day after I arrived and brought me a little blue teddy and a blanket that smelled just like them. I still have the blanket; but my sister, Sage, ate my teddy. I'd had it for 2 1/2 years before she came along and devoured it in a matter of minutes. But then, Sage is a whole other story - a big one.

The day my new family came and took me away I got my first ride in their red convertible. My new mom was worried that I'd get car sick, but I didn't. I'm a tough little boy. However, the girl, Katie, kept hugging me so tight I could hardly breathe. Apparently this was a good thing, although I don't think Bichons are supposed to turn blue.

After a short ride, we ended up at a pet store in Oak Bay. Katie carried me in and kept hugging me tightly while Joanne and Harry, her parents, picked out all sorts of things for me including two crates - one for the car and one for my very own bedroom. I wasn't upset with my real mom anymore for giving me up. I had been adopted by a great family who would treat me like royalty. They even changed my name to Winston Churchill Stokes of Victoria. Winston - plain and simple. Now, that's a name I could handle.

While at the pet store, a lady came and spoke to Katie and me. She asked all sorts of questions about me - what was my name, how old was I, where was I from, etc. She seemed really nice and was really gentle when she held me. She rubbed my ears, muzzle and toes and spoke very softly. She asked if she could give me a treat. Weeks later I would meet this lady again. I never could have guessed at the relationship we would evenually have.

My new family lived on the 12th floor of a big building. Toilet training me was quite a chore because everytime I had to go, someone had to carry me down all those stairs, or take a chance with me in a crowded elevator. Do you know how often a little pup needs to pee? I soon developed a bladder the size of my body.

All the hotel staff fell in love with me (who wouldn't) and wanted to look after me, even when my family was home. I soon learned that hallways were great to chase balls in, and they often contained trolleys with wonderful leftovers from something called room service. Elevators were full of folks who made a fuss over me. The only problem was that I never did learn to jump high enough to press the elevator buttons myself. All little boys like to push buttons. I tried, and tried and tried, but my little legs were just too short.

One Wednesday night my new mom asked Katie to take me for a long walk and wear me out. A groomer was coming for an interview and mom didn't want me to act up. Well, guess who showed up at our place - the lady we met in the pet store. It turned out that her name is Susan and she is a groomer (whatever that is). She goes into the dog or cat's home and grooms them in their own environment so they are happier and their family can see how they are handled.

I was pretty excited to see Susan again - bet she brought me some treats. Yep, she sure did. She talked to my mom the whole time she held me. She rubbed my ears and muzzle and toes again, just like she did the first time I met her. It turned out that Susan was originally going to give my mom her business card when we first met, but she overheard my dad say we were moving. Susan thought we were leaving Victoria. Later, when mom phoned the pet store to see who they recommended as a groomer, we were given Susan's name.

Mom and Susan talked for a long time. Unfortunately, my mom didn't think it was a good idea for me to be groomed in the hotel (I didn't know why - I did everything else there) so Susan offered to groom me in her apartment - which is sort of like a hotel.

Susan explained that it was really important for me to be used to being handled all over in order to make the grooming experience as pleasant as possible. She explained that regular massaging of my body parts (sounds scary) would help me get over the fear of having my nails cut (the guy at the pet shop cut my nails and made some of them bleed - I wasn't fussy about having my feet touched after that), teeth brushed/scaled, ears plucked and cleaned, etc. This grooming business was starting to sound worse and worse. I was sure I wouldn't like it and made up my mind that it just wasn't going to happen to me. Then, while talking to mom, Susan brought out a towel and wrapped it around me tightly. She showed my mom how it would hold me comfortably and prevent me from struggling when my ears, teeth or nails were worked on. She said this usually only had to be done once or twice and then I would never be afraid to have any of this done to me. Funny, for most dogs Susan calls this a "security blanket", but with Sage she called it a "straight jacket".

Soooooooo, everytime my family held me after that, they did just what Susan did - rubbed my ears, muzzle and toes. Oh, what a heavenly feeling.

A week later, I went to Susan's for my first grooming - but that's another story.

Hope your family rubs you the right way, too.

Brutus

Cisco

(To our advertisers: we'd love to hear if your ad in the Woof was successful. Please drop us a line and let us know.)

Wanted: A home. My name is Brutus, but don't let that scare you away - I love other dogs, people, children and even cats. I'm a five year old boxer and have lived with Tyler (he's the non-furry one in the picture) since I was seven weeks old but circumstances have changed and we have to part. At the present time, I'm living in Vancouver, but am willing to relocate. I'd be a great addition to your life. If you can help me, mailto:Dkidd@telus.net or call (250) 704-1233 (Victoria) or in the Vancouver area, (604) 514-3978

Announcements: Don't forget that great afternoon on November 1st. It's for Couch Potatos or Veteran Sports Dogs. An interactive afternoon of 4 speakers - a vet speaking on Emergency First Aid, a Doctor of Accupressure for people and dogs, an Animal Behavourist (any dog problems you might have) and a local author of a just released book, "50 Best Walks/Hikes with your Dog." Bring a friend or friends to this fun filled informative afternoon; all this just for the dog crowd. Dogs are welcome provided their owners are on leash. Hosted by The Canine Trail Blazers, it's at the Brentwood Community Hall, Brentwood Bay, B.C. on Nov.1, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. We've got door prizes, treats from Doodle Dogs, and a Fashion Show; watch those canines strut their stuff! Admission is $15.00 (dogs free) mailto:peni@dogcompany.com for registration details.

Just Arrived: Hey, there my name is "Cisco. " I'm a Blue Merle Border Collie from Del Mar, California. I'm starting out my life with Guy and Ella Biggs, who have two other borders ...not as handsome as me though. I'm looking forward to my life with the Biggs family .. playing flyball and agility in sunny California and visiting my Canadian cousin every chance I get! I'll send pictures up to you as I grow. Some one said I looked like an "Australian Shepard" .... oh, please! No parts of me are missing ...... I have a tail!

Wuff..."Cisco Biggs"

Wanted: Canadian Chaos is still looking for ball crazy dogs and people who love 'em - we're a newly formed flyball club in the Victoria/Sidney area. If you're interested in the sport, but not sure what it's all about, check out this site http://islanddogsports.com/flyball.html and then give us a call.

CROSSING OVER: Suddenly, on Aug. 25th, 2003, Charlotte, beloved friend and companion of Leslie, set forth on a heavenly adventure of her own. Charlotte will be fondly remembered and missed by all her dog friends in Agility and the walking group, Canine Trail Blazers. To Leslie, her friends in both these groups send her their deepest sympathies and understanding of how much of a true loss this is for her.

"What I know of love ... is love is all there is" Emily Dickinson.

Wanted: Your 'articles', your 'For Sales', your 'Want Ads', your birthday wishes, your letters to Mam'selle, your names, your ......... ????? By Wed. Oct. 1st .... for the next Woof, please...... mailto:peni@dogcompany.com

(Disclaimer: Advertisements posted by the Woof are done as a service, not as an endorsement. Please communicate directly with the ad contact for further information on any items.)

Dear Mamselle Poutine:

For a really good reason recently, I have started to go to the bathroom in the house. I am an 8-year old Cocker Spaniel. Our neighbor throws water in his dog's face when this happens and swears that it's the appropriate training and has told my Dad this method. Thank goodness Dad is reluctant to do so - can you tell me:

1. Is this appropriate?

2. Other suggestions

Thank you........"Desperate Spaniel"

My Dearest Spaniel Friend:

House breaking problems can have many causes. Sometimes a dog is never completely housebroken in the first place. Occasionally a medical reason can be the starting point. If your dog is now peeing or defecating in the house, the first thing to do is call your vet. Get your dog checked out for any health problems.

Sometimes a change in schedule or family situation sets off a bout of mistakes. Have you just moved? Someone or somedog leave, or come into your family? What is new in your routine? New dog walker? New neighbour? Other times there is no discernible reason why it begins. You've probably gotten lots of advice from friendly well intentioned "experts". This advice usually causes more problems than it cures.

Whatever the reason is, confinement, diet, schedule, structure, praise and proper cleaning are the answers. Successful housebreaking or overcoming problems like this are about education not correction.

Where a dog goes to the bathroom is largely a routine. In your case where you are not wanting to go outside any more and what you said about your neighbour....well...that's where I would start to look for my answer. I would take a guess and say you're experiencing something outside in your yard or with this neighbour that makes you feel fearful, so it's safer to go inside.

What your neighbour does is NOT appropriate. It is disgusting and makes no sense to dogs. What it teaches a dog is that our beloved owner is not to be trusted. This break of trust will hurt your recalls and obedience and create even more anxiety for you. That extra dose of anxiety will create more housebreaking problems and create other problems like chewing, barking or becoming aggressive. Do the best you can to try and show your owner just what it is you fear. I know it's hard..... humans mean well but some are not good readers of our body language. Get your Dad to go our website and get in touch with Peni or even a phone call and she perhaps will make a visit and teach your dad some really good ways of watching for and understanding dog's body language. Let me know how you make out!

Woof "Poutine" ^..^~~!

Dear Mam'selle,

I am the baby of my family, with an older brother who's pretty pooped out and doesn't like to play with me as much anymore. I make sure I get lots of attention and cuddles - and I'm everyone's favorite when they come to visit. Sometimes the cats try to get the spotlight with mum - but I make sure they don't stay around very long, with a snarly growl and a chase down the hall. Mum and dad get mad - but there is no way a cat is going to cut into my cuddle time!

I hear my mum and dad talking a lot about a new baby that is going to join our family next March, and I've heard them say, "we're a bit worried about Sam - as she can be jealous." So Mam'selle, I need advice on how to welcome 'the competition' into my house. I desperately want to remain the star, so I want to get a jump-start on the training now!

Sincerely, Sam Morgan

Hello, "Sam,"

Congratulations.................
A new human baby coming...this is going to be very exciting, frustrating, and confusing for you. Your parents are going to go through changes. too and you need to be a very good listener and on your best behaviour. They need you to be a big sister for this new furless pup they are bringing into this world. It's a lot of work for everyone in your pack.

The baby's room WILL NOT BE OFF LIMITS, BUT IT MUST ALWAYS BE AN AREA OF CONTROL AND CALMNESS.

While your parents are renovating this room, they should take times every day to include a training session. At a mimimum, "Sam," you should master a 20-minute Down with mild distractions. Being in the baby's room should be a warm and pleasant experience. Involving you in the nurturing will establish a lifelong bond with you and your new human.

Continue to improve your obedience (sit, down, wait) throughout the house. These new manners will lessen the strain and improve your relationship. Remember to leave the cats alone too. Prior to baby's arrival, you will notice that the routine is gradually changing. Mom is getting bigger and the walks are slower; she doesn't throw the ball...Dad is a bit different, too. They are going through some major life changes...be patient with them.

Your parents will be adding quality, rather than quantity, walks, cuddle time, etc.to your relationship. Once again you need to just start "walking" around the house; no more chasing the cats. Beside it's just a cat.....his time with the folks is going to be way more limited than yours and he won't be allowed in the baby's room ...you will!

There will be new sounds to get used to; human babies can make some awful noises. Oh, and the smells !!!!! But then they clean up pretty good.

There is a lot more to be said on this subject and lots to learn and brush up on. Peni has written papers on this subject but of course they are too long to to put in this format. Please call us and we will meet and start to work on all the things your parents need to have done and Peni can give them the papers, "Bringing Baby Home", "The Baby's Blanket," "Introducing Baby", "The Car/Truckor Van."

All of us here wish you a long and happy life with your new bundle of joy.

Give my fondest regards to your bother, "Boots," when he wakes up....we have an older brother too and he does sleep a lot around home....take notes on his "hang loose" style and copy it; for the most part, it will win you time to be invited places when you least expect it.

Woof "Poutine" ^..^~~!

If you want someone who will bring you the paper without first tearing it apart to remove the sports section - buy a dog.

If you want someone willing to make a fool of himself simply over the joy of seeing you - buy a dog.

If you want someone who will eat whatever you put in front of him and never says it's not quite as good as his mother used to make - buy a dog.

If you want someone always willing to go out, at any hour, for as long and wherever you want - buy a dog.

If you want someone to scare away burglars, without a lethal weapon which terrifies you and endangers the lives of your family and neighbors - buy a dog.

If you want someone who will never touch the remote, doesn't give a damn about football, and can sit next to you as you watch romantic movies - buy a dog.

If you want someone who is content to get up on your bed just to warm your feet and whom you can push off if he snores - buy a dog.

If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn't care if you are pretty or ugly, fat or thin, young or old, who acts as if every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves you unconditionally, perpetually - buy a dog.

But, on the other hand, if you want someone who will never come when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair all over the place, walks all over you, expects you to serve dinner at all hours of the day and night,runs around all night, only comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence is solely to ensure his happiness - then - buy a cat. (Any resemblance to a man is purely coincidental )

(Thanks to Paul and Parker for this)

Yippee.... I finally heard from my friend, Tawny. She used to live here near my place, but she moved away to some place called Newfoundland. We first met when we were both just pups, and right from the start, we were the best of friends. Tawny was always the brave one; she learned to swim, and ride in a boat and be okay in the car long before I did any of things. She was the one who helped me learn to swim; she pushed me off a log so I didn't have any choice. We used to go for walks and play in the park whenever our people could get together. But then she moved away and I think it's going to be for a long time. The other times she wrote, it was winter time in this new place; she didn't mind that at all, because with her big thick furry coat, she felt really comfortable. She said she was actually the right temperature finally. I know what she means; it's been so hot here this summer, I haven't had much energy at all. I'm looking forward to the cooler weather again. But it's summer there now too, and she's getting a chance to do summer things again. She said I could put her letter in the Woof so here it is.

Yeah!, I finally got to swim in the ocean again! But it's a lot colder here than it is back home! I went running in, and I came running right back out! Brr! The beach was lovely sand, no rocks to hurt my feet on. Mom and Dad threw lots of rocks for me to go chase, and I learned to put my head all the way under the water to find the rock they just threw in!! Ok, it wrecked my hair, but I found that darn rock! The current here is a lot stronger than home, too! I had to swim a lot harder just to get back to shore and the waves were really big! I was able to do it though, probably because mom and I go for bikes rides all the time (we've been training) and I have lots more muscles than I knew about! The darn vet said I needed to lose weight, I would like to have a little private chat with her about that.

Sounds like she's having fun, doesn't it? I don't know about the chasing rocks; Mom gets a bit upset with me if I do that, 'cause she's afraid I'll break a tooth, but Tawny probably doesn't chew on them. She's smarter than that. Sure hope she writes again; I know I'll never get to that place. Can you imagine me in a car for that long?

HRH the Lady Trouble (athlete with attitude)

"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult."
......Rita Rudner

Remember the mention of pitch in Trouble's article last month? Here's a tip from a reader.

Hey, thought I'd send you a quick little tip. Butter takes pitch off. Hands, fur you name it. Something in the butter just breaks down the sticky in pitch. Hope you try it 'cause it really works. Yoshiko and Mochi

Here we go again....pick on cats time. Did you read that article about buying a dog -the end part? It's a perfect description of us and our role in life. Why did they make it sound like a bad thing? And what about in Mam'selle's letter to Sam? "...it's just a cat" Excuse me! Cats are supreme, cats are tops, cats are the best. Just look at how we've been honoured. Egyptians shaved their eyebrows as a sign of mourning when their cat died. Cats have been written about in famous stories and plays; why, even in the Diary of Anne Frank there's a cat. And look at the people who get involved with us. Betcha didn't know that Sir Isaac Newton invented the cat door?

We're smart too; just look at Missy. Missy, a Siamese, was dancing on her owner's home computer in Los Angeles, when she accidentally (so they said) punched in a secret five-letter code that accessed a business memory bank - and erased $50,000 worth of account files. Accidentally done? - wonder if her owner was one of the accounts?

Just remember this:

A dog is okay
On a sunny day
But a cat
Is where it's at. (Paula Scher)

Cleocatra

Haikus aren't exactly pouring in, but we do have some. C'mon folks... get writing!

Alarm clock silenced.
Get up! Get up and feed me!
Knead dough; knead, knead dough.
Blu

and

Warm head on shoulder,
cloaked in soft rays of sunlight
Love is four-footed.
Sage

and still one more

Halt! A tree does shout.
Lifted leg amply responds.
Buttercups abound.
Winston

and finally

Dead mouse in the house
Hidden; warm summer days - sniff!
Bad smells! Ugh, yech, ugh.
Cleocatra

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