medic09

I think some of you will want to see this. It was posted by a local rancher/handler (Geri Abrams). That's all I know. ​https://www.gofundme.com/y5hj982s?rcid=3a74669bfda54e1495c44672027bacaa RIP Diane. You are an inspiration.

They were common not long ago. I'm looking for the sort of thing that was fleece or some such on top, with canvas or Cordura on the bottom. We use them in the car, or to throw over a kennel pad, or even to throw over furniture (our house looks like a dog house no matter what...). I went looking tonight and the ranch store didn't have them, and the big-box pet stores didn't have them. Now a 'dog blanket' is a soft, flimsy bit of fleece that any self-respecting dog would destroy in an hour. We've had ours for years, but I need another one or two. Anyone know where to find them?

All sorts of dogs can and do follow trails. At least when they want to. When I was active in Search and Rescue, we used to have to be sure that new dogs did NOT follow trails. Apparently it is quite common. We wanted to teach them to follow an actual track (if it was a tracking dog), or to do a scent pattern. But apparently many dogs will just go off down a trail, if it is available. So we had to make sure to teach them not to do that. This was true for all the breeds we had.

I guess we've been quite lucky. There is a doggie day care here that allowed us to observe what goes on and see the entire facility. The two co-owners carefully screen and train their staff. The place is kept clean and in good repair. The dogs are usually in two groups, roughly by size. There is ample indoor and outdoor space for the groups, and dogs can just find a corner or crate if they prefer. Golan has a soft personality, and can be just a bit anxious. He doesn't herd other dogs. We brought him to the day care from about age 20 weeks or so to help with socializing him to a broad range of dogs. Around here a hike out in the arroyos or woods can mean meeting up with anybody, and we like to let our dogs off leash. So day care was a place for him to get extra activity and get used to different dogs. It worked very well for us, and even now, at almost 2 1/2 years old, we'll occasionally bring the dogs there for a change and some activity on a slow day at home. I've also boarded him there overnight a few times when needed. It has all worked very well, as far as we can tell. He has always looked happy (as does our other little dog) when I pick them up. The staff keep a card on each dog with any pertinent information, instructions if the vet is needed, etc. Maybe we're just lucky because Golan is usually an easy dog; but the day care thing has worked well for us. One of our daughters has a very large GSD female who has terrible separation anxiety. She goes to a doggie day care run by a family out of their home; and that, too, has worked very well. They even take the dogs on walks and 'field trips'. They take in a small number of dogs on any given day, and they provide personalized care.

I still walk into stuff, and I'm no pup anymore...

When I was stronger, I regularly took our previous generation of dogs up into the mountains above town. Up about 11,000 - 12,000 ft. We'd spend entire days up there, and every so often the dogs would get just a bit spooked. We had the occasional black bear and cougar up there. We've even had the bears come down into town once a year or so. Cougars in town are rare. Fortunately, no brown bears (like we had in the Coast Mountains). Coyotes are plenty common around here. About 10 years back I neglected to close in our hens one night, and in the next morning's first light we saw a coyote bounding over the fence (ironically, 'coyote fence') with a last hen in his/her teeth. Back then, our BCX was the smallest dog, so we didn't worry too much about the dogs and coyotes. Now we've got a BC and a terrier/poodle/? mutt. The wife won't let the little dog out in the yard at night unless the BC goes out with her. Mornings around here you can find a couple coyotes loping down the road, heading back to shelter before lots of folks come out. What's interesting is this is a town of about 80,000 people, so pretty urban/suburban where we live. But we can hear the coyotes singing at night pretty close by; and meet up with them if we're out at the right time.

Golan loves physical affection. He cuddles on the couch until called to something important like herding a cat. Solicits a quick scratch or pet before going back to his business (often herding the cats). Effusively greets me at the door with tail rotating like a helicopter rotor, elicits pets, then goes back to what he was doing. On walks, he'll trot ahead to greet people and solicit their petting. Occasionally goes down for a belly rub. He likes all kinds of physical affection from all people. Interestingly, when my wife comes home he greets her effusively at the door, does a quick sit (which she requires) to get petted, then heads out the back door to get her to follow and throw his ball or frisbee. Everytime she comes home, he heads out back expecting to play. During the day, he may go out, then come back to scratch at the door to draw me outside to play with him. Less often, he'll bring a toy to me in the house. More likely, he'll bring a bone to show me before resuming chewing it nearby. Often, like several times in the last few minutes, he'll come into my study as if 'to check on me', accept as much attention or petting - or as little - as I'll give him; then back to somewhere else until it is time to 'check on me' again. My old Aussie/sled dog mix would do that, too. As far as motivators, it is pretty clear to us that although he responds very well to treats; he is really interested in human interaction. Treats, petting and praise, play - it's all the same to him as long as there's a person on the other side of it.

You do have my sympathies. I've rented multiple places before we owned (including two different houses in Vancouver), and the only problem was there was always some damage or other from the animals. So at one house in Vancouver I lost my deposit. I think RDM has it right overall. I imagine Van has changed since I moved away (in '96); but it was pretty animal friendly when I lived there.

Awesome. Simply awesome. You've got a great direction in your life, and great companions for the journey. Awesome.

Thanks Diane, for letting us all see that. What a great dog and great gift of a relationship. I'm sorry for your loss; especially after just a few years. I pray that you are recovering from your illness well; and that in due time you will find the next dog to step in and (not replace, but...) fill the role that Tess and then Maid did. These dogs are truly a gift beyond measure. Edit: I just read further in your blog. Bliss? I hope so.

Ah, real life. I'm sorry for your loss of Cash, and celebrating your new-found potential for a different happiness with a different dog. Congrats!

Lots of sensible observations here. I also say, one new critter at a time. You can't know how much Baby will demand and change things until you are doing it. Though I am glad you have the one dog already. I think children should be raised with animals. Your present dog is still pretty young. Let Dog and Baby get all your attention for the coming year or so. You may find your hands plenty full with the two of them. (Don't forget your husband will still be needing some attention, too... )

Dunno. It's sort of blue-ish color. I'm not particular about such things long's they work.

So I got a Lupine Martingale-type on Amazon. Was actually a tad cheaper and the fast Prime shipping. Golan has used it twice so far, and it seems to help; thought the real reason (and test) will be when I bring him out to the ranch again and see if it helps around the livestock. Interesting that I took the boy out in his harness yesterday, and let him loose in a nearby arroyo. He walked with the leash a lot more loosely than previously. I wonder if the Martingale is helping teach him to relax a bit on leash altogether, and that he is going to generalize that to the harness? That would be a pretty good start after only two short uses!

I know about the Lupine guarantee. We went through three of their leashes before we finally stopped our little terrorist, er - my wife's little dog, from chewing them up. Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll be getting Golan an all-cloth Martingale.