Tom's Dog Blog
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Phoebe is my constant companion. She sleeps at my feet, curls up next to me on the couch, and follows me everywhere. When I'm working in my office she is always curled up on the daybed within reach for a skritch or a rub. She is very keen on little furry things. Squirrels and rabbits beware. Cats had better keep their distance too. No showgirl this little liver and white fieldie!
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Thanks Dr. Moll Marie, Lovey and I all appreciate your patience and expertise!
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Lovey has pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, a very high colon bacteria count, and a nasty bladder infection. At first we thought she would need exploratory surgery, but the vet canceled it at the last minute. He decided that Lovey's pancreatic problems are probably congenital and not caused by a tumor or infection. So, we treat the nutrition problem, control the secondary infections, and give her some time.
Lovey is taking antibiotics for her bladder infection and enzyme supplements to help digest her food. Improved nutrition should help all her problems. Meanwhile she is enjoying the sympathy and extra treats. She eats potatoes and fish, just in case she is allergic. We keep extra mashed potaoes in the fridge and dole them out as treats. (Great for giving pills too.)
Friday, 2 Sept 2005: Wow is this one smart dog. (My baby's smarter than all the rest!) Her sit's are up to 60 seconds now; but she was breaking too readily when I moved around her. So, yesterday I started dancing around in front of her. Every time she moved I said 'Uh-Uh' and started over with a fresh sit. When she held for 10 sec despite my antics she got a click and reward.
We still had a problem with staying while I moved beside and behind her. She was following me with her eyes and would move her feet too. For now I'm holding a closed fist in front of her snout while I circle behind. That's working, tomorrow or the next day I'll start omitting the fist.
We've also started using simple sits as we exit doors. She breaks everytime I open the door, but I put her back on sit and step out first. Then I release and reward. It's not a dominance thing, that rationale is a bit over-done. It's just that having a dog sit while you open the door and exit first puts you in control of the situation.
Monday, 29 Aug 2005: How shall I train this dog? She sits on command but does not stay more than 10 seconds. She pulls on the leash like a miniature Clydesdale. Aversive training (a choke collar) would break the tugging, but I've begun to believe that there are better ways.
A few years ago I was a steward at an obedience trial. I watched many dogs go through novice obediance (Companion Dog) trials. Most of the dogs did their work but didn't seem to enjoy it much. Then one woman put a Chessapeak Bay Retriever through it's paces.
The dog was eager and attentive. He watched his mistress like a hawk and jumped to obey every command. This marvelous team scored an almost perfect 197, easily winning the competition and completing the dog's CD title at the same time.
After the competition I chatted with her and asked about her training methods. She said she had used food rewards and play training, no choke collars at all. The only punishment she used was "No!" and removal of rewards.
Miss Lovey will be the first dog I've trained in quite a while. It's time for this old trainer to learn some new tricks!
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Miss Lovey is well named. She adores contact, leans against you and beams when you give her attention. She seems well house broken, gets along with other dogs, and is easily motivated with treats. She has identified strongly with me, though she is working well with Marie too.
Miss Lovey stayed home by herself this evening while we went out to dinner with friends. She slept on my office daybed with access to the hall and bathroom waterdish. We snuck up on the flat when we returned 4 hours later. No barking no fuss. Miss L didn't even jump off the daybed when we entered. She just sat there with her head cocked as if to say: "Oh, you're back. Is it my dinner time yet?" No accidents, nada. A non-event.
You can read her history at Illinois ESRA.
Thursday, 18 Aug 2005: Today I joined the English Springer Rescue Association. Fostering some spaniels will give me a chance to learn first hand about the breed and will slow down my rush to buy. Besides, the pictures and stories on the rescue web site break my heart. These poor pooches deserve better.
Wednesday, 17 Aug 2005: After much confusion about breeds, I'm focusing on English Springer Spaniels. Their friendly temperament and moderate size fit apartment living yet they have the dog sense that I love. A friend had a really great one, and Wisconsin (just North of here) has an active Field Trial Club. Lots of activity and plenty of contacts.
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No dog will replace her, but maybe we can find another good friend. This is my search journal.
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CLUBS
American Kennel Club AKC is the oldest and largest kennel club in the US.
Westminster Kennel Club Host of the well know dog show and a great link site to specialty breed clubs.
ESS Field Trial Assoc The AKC Parrent Club of the English Springer Spaniel
Wisconsin ESS Assoc
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RESCUE
English Springer Rescue Association The pictures and stories will break your heart.
Illinois ESRA The Illinois springer rescue group associated with ESRA.
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INFORMATION
ESS Field vs Show An interesting discussion of the common complaint that show dogs don't make good gun dogs.
ESSFTA Breeders This list identifies Show, Hunt, and Feild Trial breeders by state. Very usefull.
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