Animal Connections

I was visiting my Mother who has this big picture/glass door facing her back yard. This is always a little bit tricky for Solveig when we visit because it sucks her into reacting to critters, people, etc. in a big way. The other day, the landscapers showed up with lawn mowers and weed wackers early morning. Solveig went crazy for a minute, but after I told her to leave it a few times (did not have treats, clicker etc.), thinking she just was not going to let up until they left probably, she went and got a bone that until now she had been ignoring and quietly brought it to the window, then sat down to chew it facing the lawn crew and their machinery in front of her. She just quietly chewed on her bone until they left. :-)   I love that Solveig made the decision to get the bone on her own, like she knew it would help her relax.

So much patience and Voila!

 

Thanks, Karen

Left: Kinna takes her horse swimming in the Upper Saranac Lake (Adirondack Park, NY) at age 13.

Above: Kinna, her brother, and their family dog ride in a motor boat on the Upper Saranac Lake.

Kinna and Gene,

Kane went on his first walk since 2020 with another dog (other than his sister Kayuh) today! He did GREAT. The beginning was rocky, but once he had a task, hot dog pieces, and did all of the things he loves (I.e swimming) he felt much more comfortable being around Ivy (a 12 year old pitbull of some friends of ours). I attached a few photos!

All the best!   Jackie & Kane 

I waited to tell you this to be sure that is really what Renny is doing.  After supper, he comes to me and does his sit and stare routine with his tail wagging and I try to guess what he wants.  He doesn't want to go out, won't play, but if I so much as move toward the treat pouch, he runs to the place where we do the training and waits with excited patience.  We go through our routine and when we're done, he curls up for a nap.  So, we are trying some new tricks - rolling over and staying within a circle on the floor.  Still need more practice, but we're learning and having fun.  I just never heard of a dog that "asked" to do the training routine!  Maybe other dogs do this, too, but he is so willing and eager that I just love it.  We are so blessed he came into our life!

~ Cindy and Mitch Smith with their dog Renny

Just an FYI - We have a house guest this weekend, and we did the intro with a training session. Khya is now totally cool with her - no sudden moves of course but absolutely no aggression and very little anxiety. Khya also has come in twice upon calling when the delivery man was dropping off a package. AND when visiting my parents, she goes out to potty unleashed, and comes right back in. I just give her a sample of the treat I will give her when she comes back in. So, everything is really extending to real life situations. I can't wait to start in the community!
~ Cori with her Mastiff Khya who could become out of control in her reaction to strangers
~ Cori's goal for Khya is to be calm and enjoy activities such as camping (and even just walking!) in public areas

Teaching & Communicating:

Just want to thank you for give us a private lesson in such short notice before we left for Florida.  It was a lifesaver.  Short positive interactions between Kai and Toula were the key.  I think Kai was ready before I was.  After about 4 -5 weeks  I was able to have all three dogs loose together.   I started outside in the back yard with Alex and Kai, and Toula on a leash.  Then we would all come in and out together and then short visits inside all together.  Kai is s grumpy old man but very good with her.  It never dawned on me that this could take time.   I was in the mindset of all or never.  You opened my eyes.   Alex is very grateful. He has his playmate/soulmate and Kai enjoys her too.  Thank you so much,
 ~ Lynette Savage with her dogs Kai, Loula, and Alex (here's a photo she sent of the three dogs hanging out together!)

Well I was outside this morning with Daltrey and a bear ran by chasing a deer.  Daltrey started moving towards the "action" and was barking but I was able to call him back to me.  I didn't have treats or the clicker with me, but managed to have him come to me quickly (whew!).

Also while I was in the kitchen yesterday doing dishes and cooking he stayed on his mat (and even when I removed the mat) like a good boy.  Thanks again!

~ Sue and Rick Dodge with their pup, Daltrey

Dora did SO GOOD with my mom and Joseph on Saturday! It was amazing! She barely noticed them at all. She paid attention to me from the first click when they pulled up in the driveway and while she did turn around to look at them often, she left them alone. I was sure to tell them to not interact with her and it all worked really, really well.
Thanks for your help, see you soon
P.S. this is SO exciting!!
~ Brye with her cat Dora who was often known to attack visitors
~ Brye's goal is to have Dora be comfortable with visitors, so her family and friends are able to visit without being harassed by Dora!

I can't thank you enough for the time, effort and energy you and Gene have put in for working with Brutus and me! He met my sister-in-law’s friend, we hiked up Ampersand and Brutus was very well behaved! He wasn't jumping over everyone he was calm and collected, always checking for reassurance! He would default sit and lay down, saw 3 dogs and many people, very little reaction where as in the past I would have to drag him away! He default sat as a jogger went up the mountain. He met my sister-in-law’s friend as I explained he was just slow to warm up, he was polite and just happy to get pet. He had little reaction to a small dog and 2 puppies and he was quick to continue forward without jumping or barking. He walked by people while heeling close by with no attempt to jump. Thank you! So happy our paths crossed, and I see a bright future for Brutus.
~Ashley with her dog Brutus who could be reactive to other people and dogs
~Ashley's goal is to have Brutus join her in Adirondack adventures while staying calm when encountering other people and animals