Ask Darcie
Do you have a Training, Behavior, Food and feeding, or anything about dogs question? Send it to Ask Darcie. The answer will be in the Ask Darcie category here at The Dish so check back to see what help she might have for you and your dog. Practical and positive. That’s Darcie.
(Note: When you ask a question or comment to a post, please don’t advertise your wares or your business. I give those comments to the dogs, they don’t get any air time at The Dish. If your comment attacks a reader I’ll delete your comment. Please make your comments sensibly and honor your and my readers. Thanks! Darcie)
Darcie will not reply or comment back to any comments left for any article or post unless there is a question directed to her. She will answer questions and comments to Ask Darcie. Hugs to Your Dogs!
(Note: When you ask a question or comment to a post, please don’t advertise your wares or your business. I give those comments to the dogs, they don’t get any air time at The Dish. If your comment attacks a reader I’ll delete your comment. Please make your comments sensibly and honor your and my readers. Thanks! Darcie)
Darcie will not reply or comment back to any comments left for any article or post unless there is a question directed to her. She will answer questions and comments to Ask Darcie. Hugs to Your Dogs!
[Dear Pam, search for barking at The Dish. I think you'll find some great help with some of my articles. Thanks! Darcie]
Dear Darcie, I have two 5 year old miniature schnauzers that are brothers. We travel in our RV often. They are pretty well behaved except for barking or howling while we leave them there alone. Is there any way to prevent that or stop it? We have had a couple of complaints made recently about them but we have no idea what to do. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Pam
Pam Wells
September 2, 2009 at 10:07 pm
[Dear Shannon, Take a look at these two at The Dish, http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/08/01/ding-dong-barking-dogs and http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/07/08/barking-what-to-do I think you'll like them both. Darcie]
Dear Darcie, How in the world did you get Dancer to stay quiet with the “thanks Dance” command? We have a beagle who gets focused on whatever he’s barking at and will not stop. We can lure him into another room, run him thru his “parlor tricks” for 10 minutes and when we’re done he’s right back barking at whatever he was focused on. It’s a real pain when the neighbors are in their back yards or people are walking down the street. We have managed to keep him from uncontrolled barking most of the time, but with the garbage truck all bets are off. He just doesn’t even hear us. Suggestions? Thanks. Shannon
Shannon
September 5, 2009 at 11:30 am
[Dear Jennifer, Take a look at my article here at The Dish, "Ding Dong! Barking dogs. http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/08/01/ding-dong-barking-dogs , Thanks. Darcie]
Dear Darcie, My border collie is generally very well behaved and polite (waits for permission to enter a doorway, etc.) My problem is his barking at the door when someone approaches. How can I convince him to give an alert, then accept my judgement that the visitor is no threat and that he should hush? This is driving us nuts. Jennifer
Jennifer
September 5, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m starting TODAY!
Jennifer Giese
September 6, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Dear Darcie, Your blog is a very good read and very helpful to dog owners like myself. I also really admire you as a dog owner because you seem very responsible, knowledgable, and passionate with your “pack.” Surprisingly, not all online dog supplies store owners are actual experts in what they preach or in what they sell. I just read your blog entry about 3 of the most important things to teach your dog when you begin training it, and I was surprised you didn’t emphasize the “come” when called. From my own personal experience, as well as what dog trainers seem to always teach as “the most important thing you can teach your dog,” I was curious why you didn’t mention it. Great website in SitStay by the way, it has replaced PetFoodDirect as my new favorite. Vast selection of top of the line products at great prices…Gracias. Zachary
[Dear Zachary, I didn't add the Come to the list of three because if she always keeps her dog on leash, it's not one of the most necessary to live well with her dogs. I agree that Come is a life necessity and she'll get to that when she has success with these three things, the Come may even happen as she trains these other things, Come is cool like that. She asked for three things so she could get started and in my opinion, there is nothing more important than: Sit, which gives her control. Good Potty manners, which insures a healthy house. And walking on a loose leash, which will insure exercise for the dogs and a healthy body for her. With those three things, she and her dogs will live together without scenes, in a healthy house, and with her shoulders and back in tact at the other end of a happy dog on a loose leash. She'll have great success with her dogs with these three things and when she does, she'll move on to the rest. Isn't it good how that happens? Thanks for writing! Darcie]
Zachary Odette
October 1, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Hi Darcie, We have a 6 y.o. female Lhasa Apso adopted in February 2008 from a rescue mission. She absolutely loves other dogs and always wants to go visiting so she can play. We’ve treated her like a queen since we rescued her. What are your thoughts about us getting another dog for her? If you think it’s a good idea, would you do a puppy or older dog? My fear is that she has had a hard enough life and will get upset about bringing another dog in the house. Thanks, John
[Dear John, She sounds lovely. Everybody wants puppies, they are usually easily placed in new homes. It's the older dogs that have troubles finding new homes. If I were in your shoes, if it was me? I'd rescue another dog close to her age, temperament, and activity level and let them greet, see how they get along. If she likes the new dog, stay with neutered or spayed please, take them both home and live happily ever after. Rescue dogs, in my experience, have great big hearts, they are grateful for being saved. She sounds like a solid dog and should get along famously with another rescue. Please do spend at least three hours with a dog you suspect that will be your next before introducing them, to be sure it's the dog you'd like to have. If the rescue center will let you see the new dog play and be around some other rescue dogs, that will tell you a bunch about the new dog. Then bring your girl to visit the new one and see how it goes. Most rescues will have a special room for outside dogs to come in to greet. If they get along with each other, go for a nice long one hour, on leash walk with both dogs so they can start bonding as walking partners. Then get on home and enjoy your bigger family. Bless your heart for saving the dogs. Darcie]
John
October 8, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Hi Darcie: I am a volunteer with Big Dogs Huge Paws. While I was at your home, you mentioned a book that will cure dog pulling in one day.
What is the name of that book and does SitStay.com carry it? THanks. Kaywin
[Dear Kaywin, Yes, we do! The book is by Turid Rugaas. It's titled My Dog Pulls. Find it at http://www.sitstay.com, search for it with the words 'my dog pulls'. The Store will show it to you. I love Turid and this book! Give Mr. Lincoln a hug for me. Thanks, Darcie]
Kaywin Sohl
October 12, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Hey Darcie, thanks so much for your wisdom and insight into dog-land! I’ve learned much here and started my 3 border collies (yes, all rescues) on a raw diet this summer. What a difference – “no” to doggy breath and bad poo, “yes” to shiny coats, nice teeth and positive energy. I’ve got a great idea for a bumper sticker: “Let your inner wolf shine – feed raw!” lol. thanks again, mostly from Haley, Sundance & Ted. Jen
[Dear Jen, I am so happy that you're sharing your good results with raw food for your dogs with everyone. The difference is amazing, isn't it! Feeding our dogs the way Nature intended is so perfectly smart. Thank you! Darcie]
Jen in NOLA
October 14, 2009 at 10:00 am
Hi Darcie! I just read Kent’s review of the SnooZZy OrthoAir Inflatable Dog Beds. I laughed so hard when I read “Oliver likes to claw at his bed so the cover ends up next to the bed. He then digs at the bed itself.” My dog does the same thing. She really gets into this routine and sometimes snorts. Then she lays down with the most contented sigh. It’s hilarious. Any insight into why some dogs do this and others twirl a few circles and plunk down? Great to know my dog isn’t the only one who does this before she sleeps! Amy
[Dear Amy, I don't know why some dogs do the circle and make the bed thing. There is some speculation and of course some will tell you that it's a instinctual thing. My Dancer loved to make her bed before going to bed. Tilli just lays down and calls it a day. Frankie sometimes makes her bed but mostly she's on the lookout for a reason to get up again, Black Lab Border Collie, high energy. Oliver does make his bed most of the time. There have been a few times I've seen him lay down and go to sleep with no making at all, usually that's right after a good day play session. I think it's probably more of a personal issue. Like us, do you sleep on the whole bed or your half, do you plump your pillows or let them lay, do you wiggle around to get comfortable or do you just go to sleep? I'm like my Dancer was, I usually get the bed just right, then I fall off to dreamland. Thanks, Darcie]
Amy
October 14, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Darcie — have spent longer on your site and Ken’s notice of dog beds than I can justify; i feel like I’ve been playing hookey. For a long time I’ve wanted to tell you how very sorry i was to hear of Dancer’s passing. Wonderful, wonderful Dancer. You were blessed to have had each other up close and now you’ll be blessed with happy memories and gratitude. Of course, that doesn’t help manage the pain of loss much. They’re pretty much simultaneous.
Shall focus on an order soon — inflatable dog beds and a black light (our carpet would probably light up Washington). Till next time. Hugs to your dogs. julie
[Hi Julie, It's so good to hear from you! Yes, I miss my Dancer. I do meditation every day, it's what keeps me sane and as normal as I can be, I think. Yesterday while I was meditating, I saw Dancer in my mind's eye. It's like she came to me to say hello and that she's just fine. It was the neatest thing and as real I'm sitting here. She kind of trotted through, looked at me and smiled. I sure do love that dog. You always say the most perfect thing. Thank you for your friendship and your business, it means so much to me. Darcie]
julie defler
October 16, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Dear Darcie, How can I cure my 8 month old beagle/??? mix from chasing cats? She killed a baby kitten that came into the yard. We now have 2 kittens about 10-12 weeks old. They live in the barn but I can’t trust Bella anywhere near them. Where do I start to train Bella to leave the cats alone? Spanking and locking her in her cage has not helped. Her sister is not nearly as aggressive or interested in the kittens, but will go after them when Bella does. Thanks for your help. Pat
[Dear Pat, Yes, usually violence doesn’t work, it just creates more violence. In your case, against cats. Karen Pryor probably says it better than anyone I know. Here’s a link to her article on how she stopped her dog from chasing and hurting the cat. Karen’s article is really good and I know her so recommending her to you is easy for me, click here for Karen’s article.
Please read it and then buy your clicker training supplies from http://www.sitstay.com You’ll like our SitStay’s Getting Started Clicking Kit, it has everything you need and treats. I think you’ll even get a free treat in your order! Thanks, Darcie
Pat
November 4, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hi Darcie, do you happen to remember the name of the dog you write about in your post on the shock collar and scat mat? I’d really like to see it but trying to watch the current episode on the NG site I only get the lady from the Biggest Loser and her dog. Thanks! Laura
(Laura, It’s in that same episode. The woman from the biggest loser really surprised me, she seems so practical with people. It’s common sense for me not to let a dog run amuck with no manners like hers was. She did a lot of yelling at the dog but didn’t go to get the dog so nothing she said was being taken seriously by the dog. Her assistant did have control of the dog, I’d guess because she put in the time with him. Putting a leash on the dog was the perfect solution for a dog out of control, then training sit, stay. I liked how Cesar portrayed this one. Of course we all know that the dog had been exercised a lot when they started showing the film, and a tired dog is usually a good dog. It was still a pretty good one, I didn’t see any hurt happening. Thanks, Darcie)
Laura
November 11, 2009 at 1:03 am
Dear Darcie: I was reading on the ASPCA’s Facebook page about Oreo, a pitbull they are euthanizing. Several comments related to “Call Caesar Milan because he’ll help”. I feel the need to comment on why NOT to call Caesar. I am struggling to keep my post appearing sane and leading people to investigate his methods vs. becoming defensive of what they do not realize about his methods. What advice can you share on how to reply? Or in the future to explain to people why Caesar’s methods are not to be praised or followed? Thank you. Amy
(Dear Amy, I wish there was an easy answer. I and many others have been working for years to change minds and it’s been successful, a person and a dog at a time. Changing minds about how to care for and train animals can be difficult. As humans, we like to think that we know best so no matter what our choice of method is, we don’t like to change. If we’ve had some success with harsher treatments, we believe that it works and we’ll stick with that until hell freezes over. No matter that there are much better ways. It’s hard to say I’m sorry I was wrong and it’s harder yet to forgive one’s self for having done it badly. It usually finally takes a person working with a dog that they love, from puppyhood and having something go wrong in adulthood, seeing the harm they’ve caused, to change a mind. Sometimes by then it’s too late and a dog has been damaged beyond saving. The good news is that they then become advocates for positive, effective, no harm dog training and will shout it from the rooftops. Converts are often the strongest of most religions and of dog trainers and dog lovers. If you have to suggest who to contact for help with Oreo, you might consider Best Friends Animal Society, as far as I’ve seen they use only positive and get good results. They worked with some of the Vick dogs and good success. I’ve been told by the owner of a Rotti that Best Friends recently turned down helping that dog, it had been trained with Cesar’s methods and had turned into a biting, emotionally volatile dog. All seemed all right until the dog turned two, then something snapped in his brain, he had had enough, I guess. The dog was euthanized because no one believed they could turn around the damage that had been done with “touches”, stress, pressure, and alpha rolls. They may turn Oreo down if they think as the ASPCA does, that Oreo is beyond help at this point, and she might be. I don’t know what to tell you for sure. Pray or meditate about it. Find that quiet place inside yourself and the right answers will come. Keep it simple. Write something down and then let it sit for an hour if you have the time, then go back and finish it. Don’t use fighting words, they won’t work. Be helpful, write with love. I hate it and I hate to say it out loud but I believe there are times when euthanizing a dog is the only safe choice left, for the dog and for the people. If the dog is so mentally, emotionally, and physically destroyed by humans that no human can safely be around the dog and there isn’t anyone who wants to or can safely manage and pay for the dog’s care for the rest of it’s life, there aren’t many choices left. It sounds like Oreo was beaten regularly and then tossed off of a six story building. It sounds like she’s beyond any human help. I wish it wasn’t so. If I were Oreo and knew that I would have to live out my life in solitude and continuing emotional and mental anguish, I might at this point in my life, shattered, scared and scarred, wish to move on to where there is no pain. If we could stop bad breeding practices, abuse of animals, and bad training practices, there wouldn’t be stories like Oreo’s. Maybe in a better world. Some people would have you believe that they have the same “energy” and strength that Cesar Millan has and some of them do, “the force” is not specific only to him. Some would have you believe that using words like “behaviorist” instead of “trainer” gives a person the right to hang or shock a dog. I don’t agree. The trouble is that there are so many more people who don’t have a good energy to work with dogs. They lose their temper, they aren’t consistent, they discipline when there should be praise, they hang a dog on leash because that’s what they think the method is. Using Cesar’s techniques without good energy can and does cause emotional, mental, and physical harm to dogs and sometimes even if you have the good energy. It all depends on the dog’s heart. Will he still trust and respect you if you treat him like that? If you want Oreo to live and Cesar Millan is the only living human in the world who will try to help, he is your only choice. No, I don’t like some of what he does but I also don’t believe he’s evil. Ask the question, “Is death a better choice than Cesar Millan trying to make a difference in this dog’s life? Can he save her? Is there a possibility that he can without making her worse?” The answer would be another question. You know how he works with aggressive dogs, would he work with Oreo the same way he does with the dogs on the TV show given how she’s been so physically hurt? I don’t know the answer to that. I wish I could be a better help to you. Sometimes, like in the case of Oreo who is so badly damaged, there isn’t an easy answer. Let me end with this. I am glad that you are not being silent. Silence might be golden and only saying nice things might be good manners but they won’t change the world to a better place when things are drastically wrong. I hope you get the end you want for Oreo. I’ll pray for her right now. Darcie)
Amy
November 13, 2009 at 2:33 pm