Category: dog training

The Bonus Daisy Post

Posted in animal adoption, animal training, California, dog training, dogs, hot tub, humor, nature, park, rescue, worstLeave a comment

Normally I write about my rescue dog on a monthly basis, on her adoption anniversary date, the 26th of October. Consider this a bonus post, since she has been making news these past two days. Every morning I get into the hot tub with my cup of black tea, and Daisy perches on the edge… Continue reading The Bonus Daisy Post

Daisy the Rescue Dog, Month # 9

Posted in animal adoption, animal rescue, ARF, ball launcher, California, dog training, dogs, food, humor, leash, memoir, relationships, rescueLeave a comment

Today is Daisy’s ninth month with me and my younger dog, Pepper. Two females is never the best idea for dog-mates. I thought Pepper would retain her Alpha position because she is bigger. But Jack Russells are born with attitude to spare, and Daisy has managed to boss both of us around. I’ve never had… Continue reading Daisy the Rescue Dog, Month # 9

Naming the Rescue Dog

Posted in animal adoption, animal rescue, ARF, best, California, daughter, dog training, dogs, humor, memoir, relationships, son, surpriseLeave a comment

(re-run) The day after Christmas I bought myself a belated gift. I got an adult dog to be a buddy to my exuberant two year old dog.  I’d been to the Martinez animal services shelter the week before, since they had so many dogs (140) and were giving them away. It was cold and damp… Continue reading Naming the Rescue Dog

Border Collies 2, Geese 0

Posted in aging, California, dog training, geese, golf course, humor, nature, outdoors, relationships, summerLeave a comment

She named you Tru. You are a member of the smartest dog breed on the planet, one that performs in sheepherding trials, one that needs to work every day because you are so intelligent. You are happy to get into a golf cart and ride around the Crow Canyon County Club golf course, looking for… Continue reading Border Collies 2, Geese 0

Rescue Dog Month # 7

Posted in animal adoption, animal rescue, ARF, best, California, dog training, humor, memoir, relationships, summerLeave a comment

Daisy’s purple collar is missing. She had it on when she got up, but an hour later it is gone, along with her license and I.D. tag with my phone number on it. Where could it be? And how did it come off? I’ve walked the entire back yard and haven’t found it. I’ve looked… Continue reading Rescue Dog Month # 7

The Dog Crate Disaster

Posted in animal adoption, California, crate training, dog training, Ghost Ship Fire, humor, relationships, worstLeave a comment

When my pup was just over a year old, the Ghost Ship Fire happened in Oakland. 36 people died in a warehouse that had been converted into artist co-op with an illegal dance club on the second floor. When the fire started, the young people dancing upstairs were trapped, and they died. Tragedy. Every night… Continue reading The Dog Crate Disaster

Dog Training, the $100 Secret

Posted in animal adoption, animal rescue, animal shelter, ARF, best, California, dog training, dogs, holidays, humor, memoir, relationships, secret, worst5 Comments

When I got a ten-week-old puppy the Monday before Christmas two+ years ago, I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be. I’d trained many a dog, but I did it within the context of my family, with my children at the ready to wear out the new pet. This time I was living… Continue reading Dog Training, the $100 Secret