Comments for The Dish by Darcie http://thedish.sitstay.com Training Tips, Opinions, and the SitStay Dogs Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:32:06 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Ask Darcie by Pat http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-626 Pat Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:32:06 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-626 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. Please read it and then buy your clicker training supplies from <a href="http://www.sitstay.com" rel="nofollow">www.sitstay.com</a> You'll like our 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 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. Please read it and then buy your clicker training supplies from http://www.sitstay.com You’ll like our 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

]]> Comment on Service Dog hate mail. by Michele http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/10/28/service-dog-hate-mail/#comment-625 Michele Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:10:28 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?p=1600#comment-625 Iloved Fran's letter. It pretty much states my case. I too have service dog. I too have various disabilities, which aren't apparent. I hate it when people have the nerve to ask "What does your dog do for you?" I think next time I get this comment I will say that he's my spiritual and financial advisor as Fran suggested. Iloved Fran’s letter. It pretty much states my case. I too have service dog. I too have various disabilities, which aren’t apparent. I hate it when people have the nerve to ask “What does your dog do for you?” I think next time I get this comment I will say that he’s my spiritual and financial advisor as Fran suggested.

]]> Comment on DC and the Garter Snake (video) by C Crowley http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/11/02/dc-and-the-garter-snake-video/#comment-624 C Crowley Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:09:01 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?p=1644#comment-624 That was so cute! I especially liked your use of applause near the end. I live in New England & have a lot of garter snakes around; based on my experience with them, I would say that DC and that snake may be frequent sparring partners. The snake obviously doesn't feel particularly threatened! That was so cute! I especially liked your use of applause near the end. I live in New England & have a lot of garter snakes around; based on my experience with them, I would say that DC and that snake may be frequent sparring partners. The snake obviously doesn’t feel particularly threatened!

]]> Comment on Service Dog hate mail. by Fran http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/10/28/service-dog-hate-mail/#comment-623 Fran Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:24:56 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?p=1600#comment-623 I've had a service dog, Honey, for several years now. A trainer helped me start her and I honed her individual duties to fit my needs. We get questioned sometimes as to what does she does for me as I don't appear to have an obvious disability. So I go through the list of things she does waking me in the morning, picking things up, calming me down, alerting me if my chemistry is off. My husband says I should tell everyone she's my spiritual and financial advisor, which I thought I might try next time! I think some of the people who have problems with service dogs have an underlying belief that somehow we (the disabled) are "getting away with something". Like we're getting to "play" with our doggies. Or Maybe they're just stodgy old Republican right winger fundamentalists er somethin'. But I know what everyone is referring to. It's like a jealousy thing. Gee, I'd give them my disability anyday!!!! I’ve had a service dog, Honey, for several years now. A trainer helped me start her and I honed her individual duties to fit my needs. We get questioned sometimes as to what does she does for me as I don’t appear to have an obvious disability. So I go through the list of things she does waking me in the morning, picking things up, calming me down, alerting me if my chemistry is off. My husband says I should tell everyone she’s my spiritual and financial advisor, which I thought I might try next time!

I think some of the people who have problems with service dogs have an underlying belief that somehow we (the disabled) are “getting away with something”. Like we’re getting to “play” with our doggies. Or Maybe they’re just stodgy old Republican right winger fundamentalists er somethin’. But I know what everyone is referring to. It’s like a jealousy thing. Gee, I’d give them my disability anyday!!!!

]]> Comment on Doe Swimming (pics of buck in the water) by Linda Donner http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/10/31/doe-swimming-pics-of-buck-in-the-water/#comment-621 Linda Donner Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:05:53 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?p=1616#comment-621 Thanks for sharing! I miss Nebraska as have been in Arizona since 1985. My fav is the State Fair in Lincoln. Thanks for sharing!
I miss Nebraska as have been in Arizona since 1985.
My fav is the State Fair in Lincoln.

]]> Comment on Service Dog hate mail. by morgan and tango http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/10/28/service-dog-hate-mail/#comment-620 morgan and tango Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:10:18 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?p=1600#comment-620 thank you for dealing w/this controversy w/so much compassion.i have a young service dog that a wonderful trainer is helping me train for public access.there are many folks that need education about dogs in general.and service dogs seem to bring up alot of insecurity and fear. there is a great amount of training and time necessary to help a dog become good at their tasks and public access.most folks are not aware of that. my dog and i get hassled mainly in small stores,bakeries,etc. the library, and the larger stores like safeway ,starbucks,etc dont ever ask or act weird.they have trained more of their staff to understand the ADA. my dog and i end up shopping at these larger stores because its easier.im unhappy that i dont spend my money w/as many smaller businesses. but i refuse to share my money with folks that give me a difficult time.maybe,this will change as more businesses become acquainted w/ service dogs.i would not be able to live as independently w/o my dog.he is an asset to my life daily thank you for dealing w/this controversy w/so much compassion.i have a young service dog that a wonderful trainer is helping me train for public access.there are many folks that need education about dogs in general.and service dogs seem to bring up alot of insecurity and fear.
there is a great amount of training and time necessary to help a dog become good at their tasks and public access.most folks are not aware of that.
my dog and i get hassled mainly in small stores,bakeries,etc.
the library, and the larger stores like safeway ,starbucks,etc dont ever ask or act weird.they have trained more of their staff to understand the ADA.
my dog and i end up shopping at these larger stores because its easier.im unhappy that i dont spend my money w/as many smaller businesses. but i refuse to share my money with folks that give me a difficult time.maybe,this will change as more businesses become acquainted w/ service dogs.i would not be able to live as independently w/o my dog.he is an asset to my life daily

]]> Comment on Service Dog hate mail. by Rachel Nielsen http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/10/28/service-dog-hate-mail/#comment-616 Rachel Nielsen Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:58:32 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?p=1600#comment-616 I have used SitStay for all of my dog supplies for a number of years now. A little over two years ago, my physician finally convinced me to get a service dog. I had needed one for a long time, but did not want to deal with the social stigma; A fear I'm sure many people looking into service dogs face. The dog I ended up getting was a rescue and he was a disaster. He was so violent and unpredictable that the animal control officers that found him wanted him put down. I have been training for over 10 years and have had some awful cases before, but this one was the worst. It was really the first time I thought that I'd taken on too much and that I wouldn't be able to save this dog, let alone train him to help me. It took a grand total of three days to turn him around. Six months later, he was ready to go out in public with me. I remember that first day out with him when I knew that he was working and not training, it was amazing. My life became so much easier, I felt safer with him at my side. We have had some negative experiences but have also met so many great people. Just a few months ago we met a mother who had her young daughter with her. The mother had been looking to get a service dog for her daughter for some time. The sweet little girl had a number of serious medical issues, including epilepsy. Lobo, my service dog, is always so careful with children. He lays down for them and is eternally patient with the kids we meet. He was especially sweet to this mom and daughter. I gave her one of my "I'm a Service Dog" cards that I purchased from SitStay and she later contacted me to let me know she had found a dog for her little girl. Those cards have helped me countless times! Not to mention all the people I have shared them with who needed more info on service dogs themselves. My heart goes out to people with service dogs who are treated badly in public. I've had my share of nasty run-ins and its always very painful. Your cards have saved me from many unpleasant situations. I cannot thank you enough for offering them on your site. Thank you for your kind words about working dogs. Best wishes to you Darcie! -Rachel Nielsen and Lobo P.S. I've included a link to a picture of my sweet boy, Lobo. :) http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh225/freedomshocked/Lobo3.jpg I have used SitStay for all of my dog supplies for a number of years now. A little over two years ago, my physician finally convinced me to get a service dog. I had needed one for a long time, but did not want to deal with the social stigma; A fear I’m sure many people looking into service dogs face. The dog I ended up getting was a rescue and he was a disaster. He was so violent and unpredictable that the animal control officers that found him wanted him put down. I have been training for over 10 years and have had some awful cases before, but this one was the worst. It was really the first time I thought that I’d taken on too much and that I wouldn’t be able to save this dog, let alone train him to help me. It took a grand total of three days to turn him around. Six months later, he was ready to go out in public with me. I remember that first day out with him when I knew that he was working and not training, it was amazing. My life became so much easier, I felt safer with him at my side. We have had some negative experiences but have also met so many great people. Just a few months ago we met a mother who had her young daughter with her. The mother had been looking to get a service dog for her daughter for some time. The sweet little girl had a number of serious medical issues, including epilepsy. Lobo, my service dog, is always so careful with children. He lays down for them and is eternally patient with the kids we meet. He was especially sweet to this mom and daughter. I gave her one of my “I’m a Service Dog” cards that I purchased from SitStay and she later contacted me to let me know she had found a dog for her little girl. Those cards have helped me countless times! Not to mention all the people I have shared them with who needed more info on service dogs themselves. My heart goes out to people with service dogs who are treated badly in public. I’ve had my share of nasty run-ins and its always very painful. Your cards have saved me from many unpleasant situations. I cannot thank you enough for offering them on your site. Thank you for your kind words about working dogs. Best wishes to you Darcie!
-Rachel Nielsen and Lobo

P.S. I’ve included a link to a picture of my sweet boy, Lobo. :)

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh225/freedomshocked/Lobo3.jpg

]]> Comment on Bitten again. Electronic collar this time. by Fran http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/10/17/bitten-again-electronic-collar-this-time/#comment-576 Fran Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:34:08 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?p=1530#comment-576 I can't say that I would ever use this method again on any other dog but it surely has worked with this dog. I'm not convinced that it is a bad thing. I have the image before of working with her with two different obedience groups, one the standard obedience methodology with choke chain, the other using the "Choice Method" developed by Sam Kabbel of Pet Behabior Solutions. Walking her on the lead she pulls this way and that. We circle constantly in some attempt to get her to heel. She never ever tires and I'm worn out with my arm wrenched out. Then there's the shock collar one word, one clear direction and there she is, where she is suppose to be. I'm sure this can be debated and debated. What it comes down to in our case is does the dog get euthanized or do we use the shock collar to "control" her behavior. We opted to control her behavior. Not many options were left to us. She is amazingly speeding through the classes as she never exhibits growling, barking, jumping behavior towards other dogs. No, she just runs up to them and attacks and bites. So we've not had any trouble at all in class. Fran [Fran, I understand the desire to save your dog and stop the bad behavior. I'm glad you stopped the choke chain method of training, that would have made her worse. How long did you give Choice Method a chance to help? A dog who gives no warning before attacking or biting is not a stable dog, whether they were born that way or were accidentally taught not to warn. I wish you would try purely positive training instead. If you find a trainer you trust with your dog, this training will change your dog's behavior without pain, it would let her understand that good behavior doesn't mean pain or fear, she would be done with pain and fear for the rest of her life. Yes, shock collar training can seem amazingly fast. I'd comply, too, if I had a shock collar on. I wonder what will happen when the collar comes off. Please keep us updated. Thanks for writing, I appreciate it. Darcie] I can’t say that I would ever use this method again on any other dog but it surely has worked with this dog. I’m not convinced that it is a bad thing. I have the image before of working with her with two different obedience groups, one the standard obedience methodology with choke chain, the other using the “Choice Method” developed by Sam Kabbel of Pet Behabior Solutions. Walking her on the lead she pulls this way and that. We circle constantly in some attempt to get her to heel. She never ever tires and I’m worn out with my arm wrenched out. Then there’s the shock collar one word, one clear direction and there she is, where she is suppose to be. I’m sure this can be debated and debated. What it comes down to in our case is does the dog get euthanized or do we use the shock collar to “control” her behavior. We opted to control her behavior. Not many options were left to us. She is amazingly speeding through the classes as she never exhibits growling, barking, jumping behavior towards other dogs. No, she just runs up to them and attacks and bites. So we’ve not had any trouble at all in class. Fran

[Fran, I understand the desire to save your dog and stop the bad behavior. I'm glad you stopped the choke chain method of training, that would have made her worse. How long did you give Choice Method a chance to help? A dog who gives no warning before attacking or biting is not a stable dog, whether they were born that way or were accidentally taught not to warn. I wish you would try purely positive training instead. If you find a trainer you trust with your dog, this training will change your dog's behavior without pain, it would let her understand that good behavior doesn't mean pain or fear, she would be done with pain and fear for the rest of her life. Yes, shock collar training can seem amazingly fast. I'd comply, too, if I had a shock collar on. I wonder what will happen when the collar comes off. Please keep us updated. Thanks for writing, I appreciate it. Darcie]

]]> Comment on Thinking, worry, believing makes it so. by Lorraine http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/10/23/thinking-worry-believing-makes-it-so/#comment-575 Lorraine Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:21:12 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?p=1581#comment-575 What's that old saying......."You reap, what you plant". Plant some sunshine on the face of others and soon YOU will be 'glowing' yourself! What’s that old saying…….”You reap, what you plant”. Plant some sunshine on the face of others
and soon YOU will be ‘glowing’ yourself!

]]> Comment on Thinking, worry, believing makes it so. by Charlotte http://thedish.sitstay.com/2009/10/23/thinking-worry-believing-makes-it-so/#comment-574 Charlotte Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:27:22 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?p=1581#comment-574 Missy & Eddie, my Therapy Dogs give most everyday.My Miracel Angels giv9ng the gift of LOVE. you are so very right with what you said. Missy & Eddie, my Therapy Dogs give most everyday.My Miracel Angels giv9ng the gift of LOVE. you are so very right with what you said.

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