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<title><![CDATA[Getting In Tune]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/29.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The first time I noticed it was last summer when my last remaining aunt passed away five days after leaving a party at my apartment. All my aunt had talked about was meeting Carmine and then after she did, she went into the hospital that night and passed away five days later. When I got home after receiving the news from my cousin, I cried when I saw Carmine because I was thinking how much it meant to her to have met him.&nbsp; As I cried, Carmine licked my face. I thought nothing of it.
Earlier in the year my long-term relationship had ended so when the occasional bouts of tears would come, Carmine would lick my face. Regardless of where he was in my apartment or what he was doing, he would come over to me and lick my face. If I stubbed my toe so hard that tears came to my eyes…..Carmine would lick my face.&nbsp;
I started to pay attention. And I noticed that as he matured, he was even more attentive to me and my emotions. Even if he was passed out snoozing and he heard a slight whimper coming from me, he would get up and stick his head into me nose first as if to say “Chin up like this Ma.” The consistency of his reaction fascinated me and still does.
So whether I cry over a death, a stubbed toe, a memory of times passed, or a line so funny that it brings tears to my eyes, Carmine is there to dry my tears.&nbsp; Last week I had laryngitis caused by a dry hacking cough.&nbsp; At first, the sound of my voice made Carmine look at me with his head cocking from side to side. After about three days of coughing, I got one of those horrible tickles and started hacking. Carmine woke up from his side of the couch and started to lick my face just like he did when I cried.&nbsp; As the severity of the cough worsened, so did Carmine’s licking again as if to say “Feel better Ma!!”
So I’ve come to the conclusion that he’s finally getting in tune with me.&nbsp; And going back to a blog from last summer where I wondered if he would protect me if I was in danger:&nbsp; I think I now know the answer.
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<title><![CDATA[Michael Vick]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/28.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I am angry.&nbsp; I’m told I’m being unfair; I don’t know what I’m talking about; others have
done worse in professional sports and still continue to play (Stallworth); etc etc. I’m talking about Michael Vick’s return to the NFL. He doesn’t deserve to return to a position that children idolize. I’m told he’s remorseful (although I didn’t see any remorse in his press conference); yes he’s remorseful because he got caught!! He says he cried every night in jail. Yes, because he realized how many millions he lost and he was now bankrupt. He claims he was naïve and he was wrong…..for SIX YEARS???
Michael Vick’s kennel began back in 2001 and he was caught in 2007.&nbsp; Tell me he didn’t know what was going on on his property?&nbsp; He had no idea where his money was going for all those years? Please.
I’m sorry but I do NOT believe 18 months in federal prison and TWO appearances with the Humane Society has reformed Michael Vick.&nbsp; Yes this is America and everyone deserves a second chance.&nbsp; And what about the dogs that were hanged or electrocuted because they didn’t win a fight??&nbsp; What about their second chance??&nbsp; Thankfully Best Friends has rehabilitated and successfully adopted out a good portion of the Vick dogs. But that has nothing to do with him.&nbsp; In the meantime, the Eagles have taken him on for possibly two years at a salary of $6.8 million. (And let’s not forget Pete Rose was BANNED from baseball for gambling.)
I adore Wayne Pacelle from the Humane Society but it bothers me that he believes Vick has changed. If Pacelle gets Vick out in the community on a weekly basis and talks to kids in schools about dog fighting, then maybe I’ll believe that there is a positive aspect to this whole debacle.&nbsp; But in the meantime, as a viewer wrote in to a local TV show I hosted:
“Michael Vick is a friend to dogs as Colonel Sanders is a friend to chickens.”
Exactly.
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<title><![CDATA[Walk, Lay, Squat]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/27.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[“Wow, he’s a good boy; he walks without pulling.”&nbsp; “Does he have Mastiff in him?” How do you keep a dog in an apt?&nbsp; I have a Great Dane but I have a house in Greenwich.”&nbsp; “Oh My God he sits just like a bulldog!”
These were the different comments I got yesterday as I walking Carmine.&nbsp; I always have him Sit and Stay at corners so it invites comments.
I’m happy to say that he has been walking nicely, and reading Jolanta’s advice in this week’s Ask the Trainer section makes me realize I’m doing something right! When Carmine gets stubborn, I turn and go in the other direction and the boy is happy to just follow. Although I’m not taking it for granted because he does regress sometimes.
I also realized that when he does a “lay down,” I have to keep people away from him; the attention he gets keeps him on the ground and not walking.&nbsp; For some stupid reason, people’s reaction is to laugh when they see him lie down although I’m not sure what is humorous about it. And I notice he does it if there’s a mass of people around. If I do wait it out too long, it attracts too much attention so I sometimes turn to him and say “Get up!”……and he does. Not sure what that’s about but it is what it is and it works.
So I’m hopeful that Carmine’s lay-downs are becoming a thing of the past. Even my dog walker said he’s been having great walks so we shall see.&nbsp; My fingers are crossed.
Here’s a funny incident that I thought you’d enjoy:&nbsp; The other day we were walking home from daycare and Carmine squatted in the middle of the street. What can you do? When a dog has to go, it has to go. So I blocked him with my body so any cars turning onto that street would see me and not hit him. I waved two cars around us. When he was done and I was about to pick up his poop, a Mercedes started to turn onto the street and although I waved him on, the driver ignored me.
So guess what happened? His back tire ran right across the fresh poop causing me to laugh out loud!&nbsp; I tried to warn him but he couldn’t be bothered.
I guess he saved me a bag for the next pick-up.&nbsp; I just hope he doesn’t live in a house with a garage, LOL.
I bet you have a funny poop story! Please share it with me here.
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<title><![CDATA[Two Steps Back]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/26.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I apologize again for lack of a blog: A 1.5 year-old dog takes a lot of time and energy . . . or maybe it’s just Carmine.
I guess it all started last week when Carmine decided that walking wasn’t for him — this just days after we were doing so well and had increased our walks to two miles. He suddenly decided the Bulldog in him was dominant, and he started lying down during walks (like he did when he was much younger). Anywhere and anytime: in a crowd of people; at street corners; in the middle of an intersection.
A couple of days ago, as he lay in the middle of the street we were trying to cross, a group of students standing on the corner started hootin’ and hollerin’ and calling out at Carmine. I heard a female voice yell, “She can’t control her dog!” I tensed up, but bit my tongue and tried harder to get him across. When I finally succeeded in getting us across the street, an older gentleman who had been watching told me he had a Boxer who used to do the same collapse in the street thing all the time . . . OMG!!! Carmine is acting like both breeds that he’s made of?? I’LL NEVER FIND A SOLUTION!!!!&nbsp; The man also said he was sure Carmine felt the tension in the leash from me as I probably wanted to scream at that girl making fun of us.&nbsp; I sure did.
So everyday is once again a challenge.&nbsp; I alternate between the martingale and the gentle leader; there is no consistency in our walks.&nbsp; Some days we walk for two miles; other days we walk two blocks.
I’m envious of anyone I see strolling along with their dog.&nbsp;
Funny thing is someone on the street asked me yesterday if I just adopted Carmine from a shelter because he was walking like a “shelter dog!”&nbsp; Although I felt bad about his question, I explained that Carmine has walking issues regardless of what I do. The guy then said but at least Carmine’s sweet and I’m lucky in that sense&nbsp;— apparently this man's dog is aggressive and lunges at any dog who passes them on the street.
I guess I don’t have it so bad after all.
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<title><![CDATA[On Our Way]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/25.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Boy oh boy, time has flown by and my apologies for not writing. I have been way pre-occupied with Carmine and re-training him. Or rather training him further.
He’s at that age now — 16 months — where he’s feeling confident and rather like a “man” instead of a boy, so I’ve been hyper-sensitive watching every move he makes. And I’ve been working with a trainer as well to combat his walking stubbornness (he’s SUCH a bulldog!) and just wanting him to really be attentive to me, regardless of the situation.
And I’m happy to report that things are going well: I re-hired a dog walker and for the past two weeks, Carmine goes out three times a week for a full hour walking with someone other than me!&nbsp; Hurray!!!
I’ve also been giving him both good and bad time-outs: good so he learns patience and not always craving my attention and “bad” ones for when he does something wrong even though he’s been told “No!”&nbsp; (Carmine has selective hearing as most children and men do LOL)&nbsp; I was a bit concerned about Easter (last Sunday) as my whole family, including my 18 month-old great-nephew, was coming over for dinner. Carmine’s been pretty good with crowds when I’ve had parties, plus he’s always great with children we meet on the street. But this was going to be the constant presence of a small child in Carmine’s domain. My trainer told me to leash him when we ate and he would be fine.
I was still a bit apprehensive.
Being a dog (and a large one), Carmine table-surfed as soon as everyone sat down for dinner. So I leashed him and gave him a bully stick to pre-occupy. He actually wound up being leashed most of the day ( he was in the same room with us) and I’m happy to say he was a very good boy. He barked twice: The first time I realized he was telling me he had “to go” because the leash didn’t reach the front door (he rings bells when he has to go outside) and the second time was just to get my attention.&nbsp; I turned my back and walked away……he stopped barking and laid down to rest!
What a good boy!
And his reaction to my great-nephew?&nbsp; Every time Jack came over calling him Bow Wow, he would gently pet Carmine’s wide body. Carmine would lick Jack and Jack would turn away giggling. It was just precious. Thankfully, my niece (my nephew’s wife) grew up with a lab and “gets” dogs.&nbsp; She loved the interaction between her son and Carmine.
So all in all the day was a success. I didn’t poison my family with my cooking and Carmine proved that he is truly (and finally!) growing up.
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<title><![CDATA[Walking on Sunshine?]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/24.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Carmine and I now walk, walk, and walk. I feel like Forest Gump! Who knows — maybe we’ll walk across America one of these days! It all started when I began limiting Carm’s dog park adventures for various reasons: dogs not being supervised because their owners are socializing; others not being supervised because they’re part of a dog walker’s six-pack; and some tiffs that I’m tired of breaking up.
A couple of weeks ago, Carmine got into it with a chow—they were about the same size. They looked at each other and within seconds: Bam! They went at it. Only this time my usual grab-the-back-legs-pull didn’t work because I lost my footing and slipped on the pebbles. Thankfully a guy ran over and grabbed Carmine for me. I left with my legs shaking and thought “Enough.”
So now Carmine and I walk and walk. I’m looking forward to the warmer weather and NYC street fairs because we’ll be hitting them all! And being the magnet that he is, who knows whom we might meet. That’s the beauty of walking a dog.
A trainer friend recently suggested that I hire a dog walker to get Carmine out in the early afternoon so I can start trusting him out of his crate. Tuesday was his first day and he gave the walker a hard time although they did walk a bit before he put on his stubbornness hat. Figuring it was because it was something “new”, the trainer tried again with Carmine on Wednesday. This time Carmine went outside and sat. Then he just flattened out and wouldn’t budge. Not for squeaky toys, sweet talk, not even for treats! &nbsp;
I’ve heard numerous reasons why it happened: 1)&nbsp; new routine; 2) didn’t like the dog walker;, 3) he only likes walking with me; and 4) he’s spoiled. What dog doesn’t like to go outdoors
regardless of who’s holding the leash???? Apparently Carmine who is a true mama’s boy.&nbsp; And now, another problem for me to conquer.&nbsp; It’s just another day as the boy grows up.
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<title><![CDATA[Three’s Company]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/23.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[There’s been a big debate lately among my friends on how many dogs one person should be allowed to take into a dog park. I know some dog parks have rules stating no more than two or three dogs per person.
This debate was brought to my attention yesterday when I ran into someone in the dog park with his two dogs and we discussed it. He said there might be a rule passed allowing three dogs max per person. I told him I strongly supported it. He told me he wasn’t thrilled because his two dogs go out sometimes with a dog walker who would have a problem with that. I told him I had a problem with any dog walker who goes into any park with a pack of dogs (like 4, 5, or 6!) because it is not humanly possible to watch all of the dogs at the same time. It’s a workout for me following Carmine around and shadowing his moves; doing that with five different dogs? No way possible. I told him that his dog walker would just have to make more trips. Problem solved.
Am I being unreasonable? I don’t think so. Many times I’ve seen dog fights occur in the dog park while a dog walker was busy with his other four dogs. I think if he had fewer dogs with him, his attention wouldn’t be so fragmented among his dogs. Is it always like this? Probably not.&nbsp; But I’ve seen it enough times in the year I’ve had Carmine to realize it is a problem. I usually see things in gray; Life to me is never black and white. But in this case, it’s black and white. Three dogs tops. If you’re a dog walker with a partner, terrific. You can walk into a dog park with six dogs, no problem. &nbsp;
What do you think? I’m curious how you, the doggedhealth reader, feels about this. Please write your comments and why you feel that way. I’m willing to go back to gray.
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<title><![CDATA[Damage Control]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/22.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Carmine and I have had a setback. I have to keep reminding myself that he is only 14 months old, not even two yet!&nbsp; I’ve trusted him more and more out of his crate, and, with the exception of a pillow (intact!) thrown on the floor, he’s been “good” for up to four hours. Ultimately I’d like to leave him free in my apt. during the day and I thought we were getting closer.&nbsp; Oh was I wrong.
I have an old wicker basket — not sure if it held flowers or plants because I got it a long time ago. I currently use it to store magazines on the floor next to the couch.&nbsp; About two weeks ago, Carmine became obsessed with it while I was out. He had destroyed the top half of the basket, but hardly touched the magazines. He did eat the wicker. I found strips of it everywhere as if he had taken his hand-paws and meticulously unraveled the basket. Such a talent. I was concerned about the wicker going through his system, but luckily he passed it and was fine. &nbsp;
I should’ve thrown the remainder out…but I didn’t. Monday night, I left him free for about two hours, and this time he finished what he started two weeks ago. All that was left was the bottom circle of the basket as if it was a heavy placemat. What intrigued me the most was how he got the wicker basket out from under the magazines without toppling them, just like the old magic trick of pulling the tablecloth off the table while leaving the settings in place!&nbsp; I worried again about the wicker going through his system, but thankfully and luckily he passed it and was fine.
Last night I decided to trust him again, and after a long walk and playing in the dog park for an hour, I left him free. He followed me as I prepared to leave. That made me wonder because he usually doesn’t do that. When I got home, I realized he escalated his damage; he chewed the cover of a small plastic wastebasket; found a bag of beaded necklaces and destroyed them (my stupidity for forgetting where they were and leaving them around; thankfully he didn’t eat them!)&nbsp; He also chewed on books including a section of “To Kill a Mockingbird”!! I was angry, but caught myself before I yelled because (I know, I know) it would have been meaningless and confusing since I didn’t catch him in the act. Anyway, he could tell by my body language that I was angry so he hid in his crate.
About an hour later, I watched him stick his nose in one spot on the floor.&nbsp; When I investigated I realized he was showing me the dry urine where he must’ve urinated earlier while I was out!!! He never ever pees indoors!! Boy oh boy trifecta!
I know dogs do damage out of boredom or anxiety, but I also know I did all the right things like exercise and play.&nbsp; I guess the boy is still too young to be trusted.
Make me feel better!&nbsp; Share your stories of destruction.
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<title><![CDATA[Two Out Of Three]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/21.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I like dogs; I like kids; and I like food. But I don’t like two out of those three in the dog park. I’ve become quite militant about people coming into the dog park with food — I always tell them it’s a dog park and there are dogs all around so it’s really not fair to eat food in front of them!!!
Sometimes it’s a dogless visitor but more often than not, it’s a dog owner.&nbsp; And boy does that make my blood boil. Dog owners should know that fact more than anyone else in civilization!!!
One afternoon during the summer, a 12 yr old girl came into the dog park licking an ice cream cone. Did it look delicious to me on a hot summer day? Absolutely. Would I be eating that ice cream cone in a dog park? Absolutely not! So I told her that food isn’t allowed here in the park and that it’s really unfair to the dogs. Did she apologize?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; Did she respond to me verbally? No. She gave her cone to her dad who plopped his big butt on a bench next to her and ate the ice cream. I was annoyed. Thankfully he ate it quickly.
Sunday morning, I took Carmine to the dog park for some early morning play. In front of me, a man and his dog and his small child were entering. The kid was maybe 8 or 9 yrs old. Before I had a moment to breathe, I see the kid lying on the ground and Carmine jumping on him to play, nothing aggressive because I could see Carmine licking the child’s face. I pulled off Carmine and apologized to the dad as the kid was screaming and crying. A friend on the bench called out to me that it wasn’t my fault.
Thankfully the dad got it; he told me he knew my dog just wanted to play and being a big boy didn’t realize his size around the kid.
All is well until the kid decides he wants to throw the ball for his dog. Fine, except the kid would take the ball and hold it over his head and just stand there. And what does that make a dog do? Jump up to try to catch it!!! So I look at the dad and he yells at the kid to throw the ball. &nbsp;
Good thing the dad was a dog person who got it — sort of.&nbsp; I think if he truly got it, he would’ve left the kid home. Trust me, I have nothing against kids—I do like them.&nbsp; It’s not about that at all.
But I can’t bring my dog into the kiddie park so why should a kid be in the dog park? Especially in any dog park where you have many different dog personalities and sizes plus various types of owners: responsible ones; irresponsible one; absent ones; etc.
I guess there’s not much that can be done about it except to tolerate it. And maybe educate the child who does come into the dog park. But when it comes to food, I’ll continue to be militant as long as my voice can be heard.&nbsp; Promise me you’ll do the same thing!]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Rhythm]]></title>
<link>http://www.doggedhealth.com/community/blogs/post/20.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I know this is crazy but I’ve always been intrigued by how dogs vomit.&nbsp; I remember watching a neighbor’s dog eat grass when I was a kid and then my best friend and I watched in amazement as the dog instantly vomited; ate grass again; vomited; ate grass and the repetition continued.
As an adult and a dog owner, vomit is a much more accepted part of life.&nbsp; But I am still intrigued by how a dog vomits. They definitely give you ample warning; usually enough time to move them or make them go to an area where the clean-up is easier! &nbsp;
It seems to start at the tail, and then the ripple seems to work its way upward, sometimes slowly, until it gets to the neck and head.&nbsp; At this point, you know the mouth will soon open and something will come out.&nbsp; All the while, the noise is what always gets me.&nbsp; Kinda like a washing machine in the wash cycle, it’s a combination of sloshing noise and rhythm.&nbsp; And there is a unique rhythm to it.&nbsp; I’m always fascinated to watch it.&nbsp; Poor dog is about to vomit and I’m staring at the groove of nature working its magic.
Now that Carmine sleeps with me for the most part, I knew that the inevitable was bound to happen.&nbsp; And it did.&nbsp; Around 4am last night, I heard the rhythm. It woke me with a start. I put on the light, and sure enough I saw the familiar ripple traveling up my boy’s body.&nbsp; And he knew it too because he sat up straight as it happened.&nbsp; I screamed “Off Off” and he jumped off the bed and vomited on the floor.&nbsp; Typical doggie liquid vomit.&nbsp; Of course I always have to inspect it because I have to see what the dog ingested, hopefully nothing too scary.&nbsp; As I’m squinting I see some fuzzy black thing in the middle of the liquid.&nbsp; I think it was the nose from one of Carmine’s stuffed animals, not too sure.&nbsp; All’s cleaned up, back to sleep….until 5:30am when I heard the rhythm again. &nbsp; And again he produced liquid and a piece of a toy. I soothed him and waited a bit to see if he would settle down. He did so back to sleep we went.
By this morning, Carmine seemed fine. The groove of nature had worked its magic, keeping it all in rhythm.&nbsp;]]></description>
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