My New Phone

I bought a new cell phone last weekend, got a Samsung Vibrant. Compared to my old and dying cell, it's like going from a 1964 VW bug to a 2010 BMW! It's very thin, light and comfortable to hold. Yet the screen is large for a cell phone, and it's beautiful. It came loaded with the movie "Avatar" which looks and sounds fantastic. It's also a really good phone, I can actually hear people on this phone :) I've been having so much fun figuring out just some of the things it'll do, and downloading apps, ringtones, etc.

You may be wondering what this has to do with dog training or pet sitting, the answer is... nothing really. Except that having a phone that allows me to do so many things, and so easily, is very helpful! Writing emails, texts and anything else is so easy on this phone. It has a feature called, Swype, which allows you to type by tracing a path between the letters in a word, instead of having to type each letter. It took a little time getting used to at first, but once I did I find... I LOVE IT!! It's so much faster and easier to Swype! It's going to make it so much easier to do my Daily Pet Reports from clients houses when I don't have Internet access!

I also find the maps, GPS and voice directions very helpful. It's all google based maps, so they're up to date. I find I like google maps much better than MapQuest, the directions are better and the maps are easier to read. I go to a lot of new clients homes and I find it's so much easier to follow voice commands while driving than trying to follow directions. My car has GPS, which I use most often, but sometimes a place I need to find is too new for my car's program. Updating it is expensive, so this is a great fallback.

It came with a Kindle app, and I've been wanting a Kindle so I can buy my favorite training books and have them all in one easy to get to place. I downloaded my first e-book... Reaching the Animal Mind: Clicker Training and What It Teaches Us About All Animals, by Karen Pryor. I've been reading it on the phone and it's very easy to see, such a nice screen! I'm sure a real Kindle, or iPad would be better, but this works out just fine and it's one less thing to carry!

The camera is awesome, both the photo and video above where shot and uploaded directly from the phone. There are several different settings/filters for the still camera, including the one I used for the photo of Jesse James. The video camera shoots nice video and, as you can see from my little practice video above, you can edit in the camera and then upload to YouTube, and a bunch of other places too. I discovered that larger files need WiFi, but that's not a problem... or won't be when I figure out what my WiFi password is... LOL! Yet another project!

Lucy Learned Touch!

This is Lucy, she's four months old. She's a very cute and very bright puppy! Last week was our first training session and I introduced the "Target to Hand" behavior to Lucy and her family and... They've done ever so well! I knew they would...

It's always so great to work with people who really want to work with their dog! After all, they are the ones who, hopefully, will have a long lifetime relationship with her. I know this puppy will have a lifelong home with her family... that's why I do what I do!

The Turtles

No this isn’t about the 60’s Rock Band, although, several years ago, I had some friends who had a couple of turtles named Flo and Eddie… LOL!

When I was a very young child, my impulsive dad brought home some baby turtles. He was a great animals lover, and would “bring me pets” that he could have in our ‘no pets allowed’ apartment. Of course at that age, I was too young to take care of the turtles and dad was too busy, so mom ended up having to do it. My mom loved animals too, but she really wasn’t into the turtles. I liked the turtles and enjoyed “helping” to feed and take care of them, but I really wanted a dog. When you’re four, you tend to have a one-track mind. After about a year of feeding and cleaning up after the turtles, mom had enough. She gave the turtles to a co-worker who loved them and could provide a better home for them. Since then I’ve shared my live with a variety of animals, but except for Flo and Eddie, that’s been my only experience with turtles.

Now that I have some turtle clients, I’ve found I really like the little guys. At first all of them were afraid of me and would hide and/or stay inside their shells when I was putting out their food and water. They wouldn’t come out until I left. But now two of the three have become used to me, and have come out of their shells… LOL. They no longer retract into their shells when I drop a mealworm in front of them. Instead they wait with their heads extended, watch me drop the worm, cock their heads to see it, and then dive in. They like veggies, but they love their mealworms! I find it fascinating to watch them hunt, catch, and eat the worms. They also really like blueberries, bananas and scrambled eggs, some of my favorite foods too.

Since I’ve been interacting with the turtles, I’ve noticed their individual personalities. Harrison is still very shy and hides from me, but the other two have decided I’m OK. Murphy is now very bold, and has actually taken a mealworm from my hand. Norman is interested in me, but not so sure yet. Although he likes it when I drop a worm in front of him. I’ve learned they are so very cute, active and interesting. I like to watch them walk around, they tend move slowly, but with great determination like they have a goal in mind. Yet, when they see a mealworm, they can really hustle to get it. They’re also very curious little creatures, they watch everything I’m doing, it’s so cute how they cock their heads to keep an eye on me. It’s intriguing to develop a relationship with these little holdovers from the dinosaurs.

I keep finding myself thinking about how cute they are, and how much fun it would be fun to have some turtles too. I also think it would be fun to try to clicker train them to do a trick or two… Turtle weave poles? I think it could be done! If I had the time to be a good turtle mom and trainer, not to mention the space to give them a happy home, I would be very tempted to adopt a couple of turtles. Who knows maybe I will one day, but until then I will enjoy my time with my little turtle clients.

Making Friends with Noche

This is Noche, with his brother Cody, and one of the sweetest cats I’ve ever known, in the background. I wrote about Cody in an earlier blog. When I first started pet sitting for them, Noche would have nothing to do with me, except to hiss and growl at me from one of his hiding places. When coming though the door, I would occasionally see a black streak flash across the living room, so I knew Noche was still there, seemingly healthy and alive… LOL! A big part of my job is to make sure all the animals I’m caring for are doing well. However, it’s difficult when said animal is frightened and won’t let me get near them.

I’ve cared for Noche, and his brothers and sisters, several times now. Over time our relationship has very slowly evolved. Once he decided I wasn’t a threat and I wouldn’t hurt him, and also because I feed him, he stopped running away and hiding from me. I knew better than to try to push him by trying to touch him, so at first I would just walk by, speak softly to him, and drop a treat or two. Other times I would quietly sit near him for a few minutes, I wouldn’t talk to or make eye contact with him. He would watch me, and look like he was thinking about checking me out, but it took awhile until he finally did.

Then he started coming up to sniff my shoes, and bat them with un-clawed paws and walk away. Finally he would do the shoe sniff, paw bat and then sit down next to me; but he would watch to make sure I wasn’t going to touch him… so I wouldn’t.

Now he allows me to pet him for a few seconds… Big breakthrough!

Fun at the Park

One of the many things I love about being a Pet Nanny is taking Jesse James and doggie clients to fun places where they can play, sniff, dig, run, swim, chase, etc., and really "get their dog on." I love to watch dogs be dogs, and I could do it forever! Or until I get thirsty, hungry, or really have to use the ladies room... LOL!

We go to local dog parks, beaches and other places of interest. On hot days out here in the East County, it's nice to go somewhere that's cooler... like Fiesta Island or dog beach. It's usually about 15 to 20 degrees cooler at the coast, about 20 miles away. Or, if we can't get to the coast, we go to parks where there's shade and cool grass for the dogs to enjoy after doing the three 'Ps' of a dog outing... poop, pee and play :)

Where did the lizards go?

It was too hot today... even for the lizards. Issie, Dina and Jesse usually have a blast running around and playing together, not to mention hunting for lizards. But not today... it was too hot. They gave lizard hunting a bit of a try, but quickly decided to hang in the shade instead. Can't say that I blame them, I know that I was hot too!

Overnights and Out of Touch

I did a couple overnights this week. I do a few every month, so I’m getting used to it and have gotten a routine down for it.

I really love the pets I stay with, but also I miss my cats and Jesse, if he can’t go with me. When it happens that Jesse can’t go to an overnight, he stays with friends and has a blast with them and their dogs. I know he’s safe and happy, but I still miss him and the kitties.

Overnights are usually fun, but it’s always sort of hard to sleep in other people’s houses. The odd little noises of a different home, catch my attention, and often wake me up. I’m used to the sounds of my house, but every home has it’s own special set of noises. They take time to learn to ignore, but a couple nights doesn’t really do it. I’ve stayed at this house, and with these dogs, several times, but it’s still hard to feel truly comfortable there. It’s just not home. For instance, I wanted to boil some water to make tea, but it took me awhile to figure out how to use the burners. The electronic starter was odd, you had to dial to it the first stop and wait for the burner to light. Can you tell I have an electric stove? I finally got it and boiled my water, but also decided it was easier to just nuke it… LOL.

The one thing I really miss, besides my babies, is when I don’t have Internet access. Most of the time people have WiFi and are happy to give me their code so I can get online, but some people either don’t have the Internet, or they’re hardwired. They tell me I can use their connection, but I don’t want to go unplugging people’s computers. It’s not that I want to spend the whole time surfing the net, instead of caring for the pets, but I do need to write emails, my Daily Pet Reports, to clients, and I often need to send forms and other docs to people. And I admit I like to check in on facebook and twitter occasionally too.

So I’ve been looking for a way to get Internet access anywhere. I do have and use my smart phone, but it’s just not the same as a real computer. I find in difficult to write anything longer than a couple sentences on that little keyboard. T-Mobile, my cell carrier, like everyone else has 3G USB connecters for computers, but it’s a little more expensive than I want to pay for just occasional use. Also, it would extend my contract and, at this point, I don’t want to do that. At least not until I have to buy a new phone, which may be soon since mine is getting worn out.

Any suggestions for an inexpensive way to get my computer online at my client’s homes would be very welcome and much appreciated!

I Want A Dog!

My cousin took care her friend’s small dog for a week and decided she wants a small “lap dog” too. She emailed me to ask about what age and breed to get, and how to introduce the dog to her cats. I wrote the following in response, which she suggested I publish, so here it is…

I don’t want to talk you out of getting a dog! God knows the right dog makes your life way better… at least mine does for me.

But it’s a big decision, almost like adopting a child, so be sure you really want to have a four-legged kid for the next 10-15 years. Dogs are, or should be, a huge commitment. They are, or should be, time consuming. They need interaction, exercise and training everyday; and they can be very expensive. You have to consider a lot of things like, which Vet to take him to (some are very good, some may kill your dog). Vet bills can be amazingly costly, so keep that in mind too. Even healthy dogs should see a good vet every year, but not for shots! That’s a whole other and very important topic we’ll have to discuss once you get a dog.

Also think about, what and how much to feed him (another big topic of discussion), how much exercise will you be able to provide him, what will you do with the dog when you travel, or go away for more than 8 hours… that’s as long as any dog should be asked to hold their bladders. For some that’s too long. You’ll want to get him treats (for training), chews, beds, toys, collars, leashes, etc. The list goes on and on…

Most of all, unless you adopt an already well trained and well socialized dog, or that one in a billion ‘perfect dog,’ you’ll want to hire a professional, positive reinforcement, trainer to help you and your dog learn to communicate, give him the proper tools to use in your household, and make the transition with the cats easier too. It may seem like a silly extra expense, but a good trainer can save you a lot of money, and stress, in the long run. Consider the cost of torn up furniture, shoes, rugs, walls, yards, etc., which are common dog behaviors, verses hiring a good trainer :)

OK, if I haven’t scared you away from getting a dog… DO NOT BUY A DOG FROM A PET STORE!!! 99% of puppy stores get the puppies from mills. They usually poorly bred and raised, and they’re often unhealthy. Many of my clients are puppy store dogs with major house training issues, not to mention serious behavioral issues like extreme fear, biting, etc. Besides, every time someone buys a puppy mill store puppy, it just makes room for another one.

About Age: Puppies are so cute! I love puppies, love to train them, love to hold them, love to smell them. Love to give them back to their owners! A puppy is a baby, and like our babies they need a lot of supervision, management, training and socialization to grow into well-behaved adults. House training is like potty training a child, you have to be on it at all times and you should be willing to get up at 3-4 in the morning to take the baby out for a couple or more weeks. At first you many need to take the puppy out every 1-2 hours, and then totally manage him in between times, or you will have potty issues for a long time. Of course, if you’re diligent, your puppy will probably be house trained within a few weeks. Then there’s teething, nipping, chewing, digging, and all the other things puppies and some adult dogs do. See above about the trainer :) That having been said, there’s nothing like raising a puppy into a wonderfully well behaved dog, with whom you have that special bond of a lifelong trusting and loving relationship.

If you don’t want to spend a year + raising a four-legged child, consider adopting an adult dog… over one year. However, be careful about where you adopt him/her. Make sure they’re a good rescue/shelter. The good ones want to make forever homes for their pets, so they’re honest about the age (as close as possible), health, temperament, etc.

About Breeds: My dog is a Shih Tzu; he's small, 14 pounds and definitely a lap dog. He doesn't bark often and usually only while playing or interacting with other animals. But that's not true of all Shih Tzus, or of any other breed. While it's important to do your research into the different breeds before you make a choice, you also have to know that every dog is unique. I've known some Shihs that were crazy barkers and very anxious, while Jesse is Mr. Calm. That has more to do with the fact that he was well bred, and then well socialized and trained, than because of his breed. Any physically and mentally healthy dog can learn to be a good dog, if properly trained and socialized.

When choosing a dog think about things like grooming, many breeds have hair, instead of fur. Poodles, Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Bichons, are among some breeds that will need a lot of grooming. Their hair grows and grows, so unless you want to spend hours brushing and combing, you’ll want to keep the dog clipped. That means a haircut every 4-8 weeks, which can be costly. Even when you keep them clipped, you still have to comb them regularly. I try to comb Jesse every other day, so he doesn’t get a chance to mat. The advantage of these dogs is that they are often less allergenic and don’t shed as much. Other dogs have long, thick fur, which also needs a lot of brushing and combing.

Consider your lifestyle; are you really active? If so, an energetic dog would be great. However that same dog would drive you crazy if you were more of a couch potato, because he’ll be bouncing off the walls, getting into things/trouble to release his access energy. That having been said, all dogs need exercise daily. For some a couple good walks per day is fine, others need to run and chase things for a long time. Of course, no matter what the dog’s energy level, training is paramount to having a calm, well-behaved dog. It’s important to know what the dog was bred to do, that tells you a lot about how much exercise he will need. Terriers, herding breed, sporting breeds and many of the working breeds can be very high energy. Size doesn’t matter, many toy or small dogs were bred to hunt, herd, guard, etc. and they tend to do the things they were bred to do, unless you give them other things to do… See trainer above :)

Plus, look into the health issues that often accompany a breed and, if you choose to buy one from a breeder, be sure he/she has bred for good genetics and not for the money. Like I said, I own a well-bred, healthy dog, but pure bred doesn’t necessarily mean well bred! A good breeder can give you records of tests done on both parents and their parents for at least three generations.

Finally, “mutts” are great dogs, and sometimes the best ones. You often get the best qualities of the breeds, but not always, and they tend to be somewhat healthier. It’s not just about nature; it’s also about nurture… see trainer above :)

About the cats: It will take a lot of time! Be sure to find a dog who is cat friendly. Give the cats their own space where the dog can’t go, so they feel they have a safe zone and let the cats decide when they want to interact with the dog. Also don’t let the dog chase them… See trainer above :)

So now that I’ve totally confused you, LOL, think about what you really want in a dog. Make a list and be specific. Go online and do a search on breeds that fit your requirements. Then be open minded, objective, and well informed when you choose the dog to bring into your home. Take your time to find the right dog, use your head, as well as your heart, and you will find a dog that is the right fit for you and your family.

Hope this helped…