I have two Cockapoo pups, Alvin and Simon.
Where did the dog in the middle come from?
Seriously, sometimes Alvin and Simon look like stuffed animals, but even I did a double-take on this photo.
valmillsy
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
'Tis the Season For Canine Lyme Disease
As I was sweeping the leaves off the deck after a recent rain, I remembered the vet tech's warning - fall is the season for ticks - Simon should be vaccinated against Lyme disease. Alvin already had the vaccination in the spring.
I haven't found any ticks on either dog since last spring. But as soon as they start playing in the leaves, the potential for a deer tick bite (and possible Lyme disease) increases exponentially. Also, the deer ticks are the size of a sesame seed - how am I supposed to find one in thick Cockapoo hair?
Both dogs are protected by Frontline Plus, but all that means is the pesticide kills ticks within 48 hours of landing on the animal. It still can attach to the skin and bite.
And if you think because you live outside of Connecticut, you don't have to worry about Lyme disease (named after a town in Connecticut), you best re-evaluate that thinking:
Map from http://www.lymeproject.com/
Guess Simon and I best be taking another trip to the vet's office!
valmillsy
I haven't found any ticks on either dog since last spring. But as soon as they start playing in the leaves, the potential for a deer tick bite (and possible Lyme disease) increases exponentially. Also, the deer ticks are the size of a sesame seed - how am I supposed to find one in thick Cockapoo hair?
Both dogs are protected by Frontline Plus, but all that means is the pesticide kills ticks within 48 hours of landing on the animal. It still can attach to the skin and bite.
And if you think because you live outside of Connecticut, you don't have to worry about Lyme disease (named after a town in Connecticut), you best re-evaluate that thinking:
Map from http://www.lymeproject.com/Guess Simon and I best be taking another trip to the vet's office!
valmillsy
Friday, October 9, 2009
COME Command Not Working? Solution: The Recall Game!
Does your dog look the other way when you say Come?
(This is Alvin's modus operandi)
RECALL This! I Ain't Moving.
(This is Alvin's modus operandi)
RECALL This! I Ain't Moving.
Or does he run happily to you EVERY time you use the Come command?
(This is Simon's modus operandi)
So what happened so that one dog ignores the command and the other enthusiastically bounds to you every time you issue the command?
DRUM ROLL please!
Training of course! And taking advantage of puppy shadowing. And playing The Recall Game!
How can you find out about The Recall Game? On a dog forum! Many dog forum threads are fluff, or drippy, or spam. But on occasion, a thread will communicate a workable idea.
The Recall Game is such a post. It's a step-by-step explanation of how to get your dog to come every time, no exceptions. Best of all - your dog will love playing this game!
valmillsy
P.S. Always remember (and never forget) to check out the "Bible" of Dog Training, the best-selling Kingdom of Pets Secrets To Dog Training:
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