Dog walkers...Caveat Canis!

Yesterday I was reminded of how important it is to teach your dog the 'come' command. I own two dogs and walk others but I never let any dog off leash unless I am 100% certain of their recall. It is safer for me and for the little dogs.

Today at a park I met a lady who had a fairly large dog pack of close to 15 dogs, all sizes and all colours and all off leash. One of them decided to follow me and my little client. Shout as she may the little dog did not listen. The little fellow was a very cute dog but had no recall whatsoever.

Eventually I concluded she would follow me and I left the park with the dog and approached the road I saw that she was not following us but had elicited the help of a total stranger to 'catch' the dog. I caught the little dog, calmed him down and gave him to the dog catcher.

Folks if you are thinking of a dog walker ask the following questions for your dog's sake:

1)How many dogs do you walk at a time?
2) What is your off leash policy?
3) What kind of restraints do you have in the car?
4) Are you or have you taken a course in pet first aid?
5) Does your dog know the 'come' command? If not get your little dog trained.

Rules for small dog owners.

The bane of most dog parks and neighborhoods is not the snarling large breed dog, but almost always a yapping, aggressive pint sized terrorist, otherwise known as the 'small dog'. Small dogs have a terrible reputation. Every small dog that I have met is always lunging at its leash, or other people, or cowers and growls after a few minutes. The owners simply laugh when the dog lunges or behaves in unacceptably aggressive ways.

I am the owner of a small dog and a medium sized dog. The small dog, the Lhasa apso requires much more training and discipline then does my small retriever.

Yesterday, I was walking past the drug store and a small dog, looked a little bit like a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a Pomeranian came charging out of the door, not on leash towards my two well behaved dogs. I chided the lady for not being able to control her dogs and told her her dog was aggressive. She denied it and said her dog simply did not like dogs on leashes.

My pack and I went to the pet store where she followed us, this time with her tiny terror in her arms.

The problem with small dogs is invariably their owners. They do not spend the time or the energy to train these dogs thinking they are cute or toys. As a result, they soon become unhappy, yappy and aggressive little creatures. You would not dream of not spending any time to train a large breed...so what makes small dog owners think they can simply unleash their terrorists on owners of well behaved dogs and on well behaved dogs.

My little dog is a therapy dog and for the most part pretty unflappable but he was taken aback when lunged and barked at.

Here are what I consider some very basic rules for small dog owners:


1) My small dog is not a toy, but a living breathing dog that I will treat with respect and dignity
2) I will train my dog in basic obedience and reprimand him or her if they become aggressive
3) When my dog is aggressive I will not pick it up and cuddle it, but remind it of its place in the world and of my place as the dog's owner.


As small dog owners we have a responsibility to change the bad reputation of small dogs by becoming responsible owners!

Pack leaders and human misery

I have been enjoying watching episodes of the dog whisperer with my dogs. The show basically has one theme and that is in order for dogs to be well adjusted they need a pack leader. The leader is not a tyrant merely one that is consistent and worthy of respect. Without a pack leader, the dogs in the house set up their own rules, which are almost always disastrous. These dogs are aggressive, destructive, bolt at the doors and rush at strangers or other dogs. Some dogs even throw themselves on the floor and jerk their legs as if having a fit if they are not paid attention to. Many of Ceasar's clients are literal slaves to their furry house partners!

A dog with a pack leader is well adjusted, calm and able to interact with other dogs and other people. In other words, a good pet! Dogs have a complex system of social interaction and once they have a pack leader, they fit in very well. They then know what is expected of them and how to behave.

I have known many families who have no pack leader. The children watch videos and need to be coaxed to do something with the family. The parents barely speak to each other and the entire family is busily pursuing their own interests. Families such as these do not even gather to eat together, they snack and run. They do little, if anything 'together' and there is no negotiation. Like neurotic dogs, if they don't get their own way, the children whine (Bark) or misbehave until the parents capitulate. Like the badly adjusted mutts featured on Ceasar Milan's entertaining shows, the children have no clear leader and act out of fear, aggression and insecurity.

In any social group, we as humans need a pack leader. It is someone whom we respect and whose authority we defer to. It is someone who 'sets the tone'. In a family this is crucial as young children are learning how to behave around other children and adults. They learn their socialization skills mainly through their parents.

Ceasar Milan should expand his practice to include parents!

Bubba replies

I am Bubba and for the past 6 years have lived with Karine and Cyril. Unlike most dogs, I am an intellectual and enjoy working. I work as a volunteer visiting Alzhiemers patients. It is very rewarding but exhausting work. Most of my patients have suffered many losses in their lives and I offer a warm touch and a few kisses. I am beloved where I work and some folks even sing songs to me. This is what I call a welcome!

Sophie moved in about a year ago. She is obsessed with food. Honestly, I just sit back and shake my head. I know my meal will come, and sometimes I have brunch instead of breakfast. Sophie is always trying to cuddle with me and within a week of moving in, tried to steal my bed.

I now volunteer twice a week for about an hour at a time. I would do it daily if I had a choice, but my driver has limited me to twice a week. My driver, is also my mom Karine.

While I am pretty wise, there are a few things about humans that elude me. The first is, what is their fascination with computers? The sun is shining, the snow is almost gone, and my mom is here typing my thoughts. I also want to know why I am not taken everywhere when my mom or dad use the car. I love cars! I wanted to be a race car driver but I cant reach the pedals. My last question about humans..is why cant they all get along. I watch the news at times with my mother and I am dismayed at the number of wars and conflicts. Dogs just dont do that. We say hello to all the other dogs. While I have heard of some doggie psychos who attack other smaller dogs in parks, I am pretty convinced that this condition was brought about by their environment, ie humans and not a genetic condition. If we dogs ran the world, there would be treats for all, and fights for none.

Sophie the Finder

My name is Sophie and for many years I just survived. I did not really have a lot of joy in my life until I was adopted over a year ago by Cyril and Karine. I share my home with Bubba, the therapy and wonder dog. Sometimes it is really a pain sharing space with super dog. To show him who is boss I will sometimes put my nose on his back..just so he knows or give him a little slap when he comes back from work in a coat. Oh yes, Bubba the super dog works.

As for me, besides adoring my meals and a warm loving home, I have discovered a hidden talent that my mother finds charming. I can find things! Yesterday I found a silver ring while on a walk..but today I found a rabbit. I used to chase them but now I just pointed it out to my mom. It was nearly dark but I could see him... a frisky little brown thing that would make for a great chase. Somewhere in my brain my hunting background was awakened and on that darkened suburban street, I felt like Sophie the huntress. Yes I was Diana with her bow...only I was on a leash. I pointed out the rabbit and my mom was thrilled.

She came home and announced to my dad that I find things. I smiled smugly at the 'super dog' who was being warmed up by a blanket. I find things...yes you may work and win accolades and yes your wardrobe is a lot bigger than mine...but I find things!

Don't get me wrong, I love Bubba, but I want him to know I am more than just a pretty orange face!