Doxie Lovers: Super Cute Dachshund Plush Toy

I have a shop on Etsy.com and if you're not familiar with Etsy, it's a community of entrepreneurs selling handmade or vintage items.  There are some REALLY cool things on Etsy!  If you know me, you know that I am crazy about dogs.  While I have 2 border terriers, I love all dogs and there is a seller on Etsy who has made some really cute stuffed Doxie toys.

Friends of Scoktopus / Black Bird Fashion is an Etsy shop out of Anacortes, Washington and while they also make sock monkey toys and other stuffed toys - all handmade, I'm crazy about their stuffed Dachshunds!  The fabrics are so cute and who can resist a doxie of any kind?  Check them out for yourself here.

And here's a photo of one of my favorite Doxies...

www.etsy.com/shop/blackbirdfashion

Pit Bull T-Shirt with Anti-Dog Fighting Message

I am a native Atlantan and was educated about dog fighting when former Atlanta Falcon, Michael Vick was convicted of dog fighting.  I learned more about dog fighting than I probably wished I had, but it was an important education.  Back then, I created a "Neuter Vick" t-shirt and sold out of them fast.  I can't understand why anyone would ever hurt an animal, let alone make them fight one another, this is so foreign to me.  As I've become more and more involved with dogs and shelters, I've seen so many pit bulls who are languishing in shelters, they are tough to adopt out, they've gotten a bad rap. 

I'll admit, I used to be apprehensive around pit bulls, because I was ignorant about them.  I believed what I heard in the media and I wasn't educated about dog training, behavior, etc...I've met many wonderful pit bulls who are sweet as can be.  I understand that dogs are the way they are as a result of how humans have raised them and treated them.  I've seen wonderful stories about rehabilitated Vick dogs at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and am amazed at how these dogs can learn to trust humans again (http://www.bestfriends.org/).

Because of my education and understanding, I created a design that is pro-pit bull and anti-dog fighting.  The shirts reads, "I'm A Lover Not A Fighter" and features a smiling pit bull.  I just love this design and am so proud when I wear one of my shirts.  My goal is to donate $1 per shirt to pro-pit bull or anti-dog fighting groups and I'd love to raise LOTS of money for this cause!  Here's the link to my Etsy shop so you can get a shirt of your own:  www.etsy.com/shop/houndandthistle  There are standard shirts and fitted shirts for those who like a more snug t-shirt.

Do you know of a great organization that supports bully breeds? 
Do you know of a group that aims to end dog fighting?
If so, please share this information with me so I can consider donating proceeds of these shirts to them.

If you live in the Atlanta area, there is a motorcycle ride coming up to raise money for anti-dog fighting efforts:  http://www.terminuscityride.com/ make sure to check it out!

Best, Megan
http://www.houndandthistle.com/
www.facebook.com/houndandthistle

Why Don't We Teach Shelter Dogs to Work?

I was recently at the dermatologist to get my yearly mole check since I had melanoma removed 4 years ago...While waiting, I picked up a Newsweek magazine which had a short article called, "Are Dogs Stealing Our Jobs?"  It was a brief article mentioning a Beauceron who was recently at Westminster Kennel Club's Dog Show who sniffs out gluten in food for those with Celiac disease and that canines are increasingly being used to do jobs that don't come as naturally to us humans.  The article mentions several breeds and their specialties, from Jack Russell Terriers who detect bedbugs to Labs that can detect cancers like colorectal cancer.  


You can read the full article here:
http://www.newsweek.com/2011/02/13/are-dogs-stealing-our-jobs.html
and it really got me thinking...


I have seen many, many shows about dogs on television and some of the stories are amazing.  Years ago, I saw one that highlighted a woman whose dog kept nipping at the back of her thigh.  It turned out that she had skin cancer and because this wasn't normal behavior for her dog, she found the spot and got checked out.  She says her dog saved her life.  Studies show that dogs can detect cancer, roadside bombs, drugs, and of course, they can help find missing people.


While humans are more visual, dogs lead with their noses.  According to Wikipedia, "Dogs can discriminate odors at concentrations nearly 100 million times lower than humans can.<sup>[110]"  I recently saw a show that showed scientists who have built and are working on a machine that works like a dog's nose to detect things like cancer, drugs, etc...For all the trouble they've gone through and with the machine taking up an entire room, I thought, "why not just train more dogs for things like this?"


I have a friend who is the President of her area Humane Society and they have a program, as many shelters do, which pairs dogs with inmates to train dogs.  In some instances, the inmates are training dogs to be service dogs.  With all the unwanted pets we have in this country alone, why not create a non-profit to teach dogs to use their natural abilities to help us and give the dogs work to do and a good life?


If you know about a group that is already doing this, please let me know.  Otherwise, we should suggest this to Oprah since she has a passion for dogs and the pocketbook to fund something like this!  ;)</sup>

Japanese Disaster Shows Emotional Intelligence of Dogs

I'm sure by now you've heard the story of the Japanese dog who stood guard at the side of his fallen friend...another dog.  I am not a scientist, but I am extremely passionate about dogs and have spent years learning about them and I feel this recent story proves that dogs are quite intelligent beings.  If you're a dog lover like me, you probably already believe this to be true as there are other stories like this one...

• Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier, who visited his owner's grave for years until his own death.
• Stubby aka Sgt. Stubby, a Pit Bull terrier, was America's first decorated War Dog having saved his regimen from a mustard gas attack in World War I
• Hachiko, an Akita, remained so loyal to his owner for years after his death would wait for his owner at the train station where they routinely greeted each other daily before the owner's death

I have a friend whose husband recently passed away at home after a long illness and the dog, a Jack Russell terrier, was so distraught that upon his owner's death, he went into his crate and cried for hours.  I'm sure there are countless stories like this across the world.  I know my dogs grin a lot, cuddle when they feel like it and have real emotions.  They are amazing creatures and I think they are often underestimated.

Please feel free to share your favorite story like this with us, whether famous or personal.

DV2BESZCDAEX

The Lesson I Learned from a German Shepherd Dog Named Molly

My sister and I with our first dog.


To say that I am a dog lover is an understatement.  As long as I can remember, I have been in love with dogs.  I was really shy and timid growing up, but I always felt comfortable around dogs.  Dogs don't judge, they give back what you give them, and they give unconditional love.  I was always excited to meet a new dog, but that may not have been the case if I didn't have neighbors like Mrs. V and her dog, Molly.

On my route to the school bus stop, there was a German Shepherd Dog named Molly.  I was in Elementary school and Molly must have only been a year or two old because I remember her being around for a very long time.  To get to the bus stop, I had to go through Molly's side yard and when Molly saw us, she would run up and down along the chain link fence and bark.  One day, my friend told me that Molly had jumped over the fence and attacked her, scratching her arms.  This scared me...a lot.  While I loved dogs, the largest dog we had was our basset hound, Mamie - not a high energy dog!  So, this story about Molly scared me enough to start taking the "long way" home.  I really don't know how long I took the "long way", but that route was streets only, no yards with large, barking dogs.  I do recall some of the older girls whispering and giggling at me, but I continued to take the "long way" because I was now scared of Molly.

One afternoon, Molly's owner waited for me to get off the bus.  This was back in the day when it was safe enough to get off the bus and walk home without worry.  Mrs. V asked me why I didn't go through her yard anymore, so I told her the story my friend told me.  Mrs. V told me that the story was not true, that the girls were playing a trick on me.  She then invited me to meet Molly.  I would say this was a very pivotal point in my life.

Mrs. V went and got Molly so I could meet her.  She had me hold out my hand so Molly could "meet me".  Mrs. V told me to pet Molly on her chest as that made Molly feel safe.  Molly was so sweet and gentle and I had a new friend!  From that day on, every day when I got off the bus, I would spend some time with Molly; talking to her and petting her.  Every day I looked forward to getting off the bus and hanging out with Molly before heading home.

It seems Molly was around forever.  I don't remember when it happened, but I remember not seeing Molly for a couple of days and then Mrs. V telling me that Molly had passed away.  Molly and I kind of grew up together.  Obviously, I was really sad and I'm even getting tears in my eyes as I write this.  While it makes me sad to think about it now, it also makes me very happy to have had that experience and to have known Molly.  Molly and her owner educated a young girl on dogs and dog behavior and I am so fortunate to have had that lesson.  Even though Molly died many, many years ago, her legacy lives on with me.

I'm sure if Mrs. V read this story today, she would be surprised that I remember it and how much it impacted me.  Mrs. V taught me a very special lesson about dogs and if she hadn't, it's possible that I might have always been fearful of large dogs which would have been such a tragedy.  Molly, this one's for you!

Do you have a "Molly" story?  If so, please share it with us.

Hound and Thistle Loves Etsy

I am in love...it's a new love...but a true love.  I am in love with Etsy and you might be too.  If you're not familiar with Etsy, it's a site that allows one to sell their handmade and vintage items.  It's a friendly place for crafters and budding entrepreneurs, like me!  Hound and Thistle has had a profile for a while now and it took me way too long to jump in to the warm Etsy waters and I'm so glad I did!  I've been officially selling on Etsy for approximately 4 months and while sales aren't through the roof (yet), I've sold to nice folks across the US and in Canada, Australia, and the UK.

Etsy provides its sellers with an abundance of resources to promote their businesses and is so easy to use!  Etsy members can create "treasuries" which feature items of a certain theme and Hound and Thistle has been lucky enough to be featured in several treasuries so far!  It's nice to be loved.  :)

If you aren't a seller, Etsy is a cool place to shop online.  You can find the most unique gifts AND support a community of craftspeople, designers, and those with a keen eye for vintage items.  If you're looking for a special gift for mom, or something unique for your picky sister, check out Etsy, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Thanks to Etsy's cool tools, you can now see some of my items for sale at the top of my blog...and of course, on the Hound and Thistle Facebook page, you can view Hound and Thistle items by clicking "My Etsy".  If you haven't been to the H&T Facebook page, be sure to stop by and "like" us...we'd love to have you!

Stop by Hound and Thistle's Etsy Shop and let me know what you think!

My Passion is Dogs and Design...What's Your Passion?

I just read a great blog post which asked readers to determine what their passion is.  Mine is easy:  dogs.  I started my business, Hound and Thistle, because I am passionate about dogs.  Of course I've known what my passion is for a while, but had a reaffirmation of just how much I love dogs this weekend.  Yesterday I helped the Atlanta Terrier Club prep their tunnels for their earthdog tests in two weeks.  After the work was done, we got to practice with the dogs.  Finlay dug so much while "working" that I was covered with dirt when I grabbed him from the tunnel.  I was covered in dirt and I liked it!  It's not that I like being covered in dirt, but it was the experience of doing something with my dog that my dog loves to do that made me so happy.  With unseasonably warm weather this weekend (65 degrees and sunny!), it was such a joy to be out in a field with my dogs as they got to do the work they are bred for.  Plus, I had to do some digging myself while prepping the tunnels and doing manual labor can feel good...sometimes!

Today, we were invited to another border terrier owner's home to do some more earthdog practicing.  Again, it was a beautiful day and we had a ball!  This time, Riley really got some good instructional time and I do believe she had more fun today than yesterday.  Boy, was she digging!  After we practiced, we went inside for a bit where I got to hang out with 3 border terriers...I was in heaven.  I got to love on three little borders who were so sweet and so fun; it's easy to see why dogs can lower your blood pressure!  They just make me so darn happy.

With Hound and Thistle, I get to share my love of dogs and design...and paper.  Oh, how I do love paper.  I love working with pet owners and design lovers who appreciate what I do. I get to meet people who are happy to be able to get custom note cards with a Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon and which are pretty to boot!  Of course the other wonderful thing about Hound and Thistle is that my dogs can come to work with me.  They switch between laying at my feet to laying by the window keeping their eyes peeled for any passers-by!

I hope you are doing something you are passionate about.  Whether it's fly-fishing or flowers, accounting or architecture...everyone is passionate about something.  It took me a while to realize how I could use my passion as my work (and it's still not full-time), but it's the thing I love to do the most...aside from getting dirty with the dogs, of course!  ;)

Here's the blog on Scoutie Girl by Danielle LaPorte that inspired this post:  http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=a8d54b6cc495ed62834c4e432&id=13bc34fb6b&liket=pop%20your%20cork:%20get%20enthusiastic%20with%205%20h...&likeu=http://www.scoutiegirl.com/2011/01/pop-your-cork-get-enthusiastic-with-5-heros-of-creative-living.html&fblike=fblike-9f473b13&e=[UNIQID]

Did you run out of time to send your holidays cards? Have no fear, our New Year cards are here!

If you're like me, you've got a million and one things to do, especially during the holidays!  Now, I design stationery, so it is a must for me to send out holiday cards, right?  Right.  This year, sales picked up (woohoo!) and work got busy and I could foresee that I would not be able to get my Christmas and Holiday cards out in time.  So, I decided this year I would do New Years cards!

Last year, my friend requested a design for New Years cards featuring a Jack Russell terrier, so I decided to make more color choices and an additional design for those of you who, like me, got a bit busy this year!  I've listed all the designs in my Etsy shop and would love for you to stop by and have a look around.  Also, please feel free to let your friends know if you think they might like them as well!  The site is www.etsy.com/houndandthistle

The cards are blank inside so you can write a note to your loved ones and send your good tidings and wishes for 2011.  As you know, I have drawn over 100 dog breeds in silhouette (plus a few cats and a horse), so we can put your breed on the cards.  If you'd rather leave off the silhouette, we can do that, too.  We aim to please here at Hound and Thistle!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and if you haven't gotten  your cards out, there is still time...If you can't get your New Years cards out, don't fret, I've got some Valentine's Day designs in the works!  ;)

Remember to Spay, Neuter, and Scoop the Poop! - Megan

Can Writing a Thank You Note Be Good for Your Health?

I just read an article on MSN.com called, "12 Little Instant Health Boosts."  Number 4 on the list is "Pen a Thank You Note".  Of course this caught my eye since I not only write thank you notes but also design and sell note cards.  In this day and age, it seems everyone is texting, emailing, and tweeting...everything is digital.  In fact, it seems many people would rather do the above than actually call someone on the phone, let alone actually write a note with paper and pen!  Sometimes I wonder if children who are growing up now will actually have good penmanship since it seems they know how to type before they can write!

According to the article written by Alyssa Shaffer (http://health.msn.com/health-topics/depression/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100265404&gt1=31036),  people who wrote notes of gratitude (and actually meant it) were happier. 

Some other benefits of writing according to the article may be improvements in:

• liver function
• lung function
• immune system
• reduced blood pressure
• well-being

A benefit that I think one gets from writing is the knowledge that the recipient of your note will be so excited to receive an actual hand-written note in the mail.  It seems the only things we get in the mail these days are bills and junk; it's always such a treat to see an envelope with a real stamp and your friend or family member's handwriting on the front.  When you see a note like that in your mailbox, you know something good is inside and can't wait to sit down and read the thoughtful note inside.

So, take a moment to grab some note cards, make some tea (another healthy item on the list!), and write a note or two to those you care about.  It will make you feel better and I guarantee, it will make the day of the ones you love!

Boxerstock - What A Blast!

We had an amazing time at Boxerstock presented by the Atlanta Boxer Rescue.  It was a great event with lots and lots of boxers...and a few other breeds for good measure!  ;)  I think the final count was 1200 people which was fantastic - a lot of great folks came out for a great cause. 

I learned a few things at Boxerstock:

• Check your boxer for lumps as boxers are prone to cancer.  Even if they are young, you should pay attention because if caught early, most cancers can be treated.
• Some breeders "put down" white boxers as they are seen as "undesirable".  Wait, what?!  Why not find them a home like the lovely ones I saw at Boxerstock?!  I realized I hadn't seen a white boxer before and I now knew why.  They are so pretty!
• Many people are not cropping the ears anymore...these guys are so cute with floppy ears!
• There's not as much barking at a boxer event as there is at a terrier event!  ;) 

We had a really good time and will definitely plan on being there next year!  Our thanks to everyone who came out and supported us!

O Magazine article - Megan and her border terriers!

Hi Everyone!

Sorry it's been so long since I've written, I started a second blog called Dog Friendly Spots (www.dogfriendlyspots.com) and have been super-busy!  Alas, I don't want to neglect this blog either, so I think I'm back on track.

For those of you who have been following this blog, you know that I had the honor to be trained by Victoria Stilwell for the October issue of O Magazine.  The magazine is out and the article is great!  They were really truthful and I hope the article will help other dog owners who have similar issues.  I cannot stress how wonderful Victoria was and how her positive methods of training really work. 
Here's a photo of Riley from the shoot...yes, she's on the kitchen table, and no, it wasn't a staged photo! ;)




Photo courtesy of Christopher T Martin.


Here's the link to the article: http://www.oprah.com/relationships/How-to-Train-a-Disobedient-Dog

Check it out and let me know what you think! 

By the way, I'm prepping for Boxerstock next Sunday 10/24.  If you're in the Atlanta area, come check it out!  It benefits the Atlanta Boxer Rescue and is sure to be a great day of live music, great vendors (including Hound and Thistle!), and great fun!  It's at Jim R Miller Park from 12 pm -  7 pm.

Take Care, Megan

Working Terrier...In A Tree!

Check out this video...This is a border terrier who is quite a hunter!  We were watching it with Riley (yes, she watches TV) and she went nuts!  Now, if she could only be that intense at an earthdog trial...

John Paul Pet

We have border terriers and the proper way to groom their coats is to hand-strip them, not use clippers. When Finlay was a pup, our breeder recommended a gentle shampoo like Johnson's Baby Shampoo which worked really well. One day, we found a dog grooming salon that had a groomer who knew how to hand-strip, so we made an appointment. Finlay's coat is softer and fuller than most border terriers and it took us forever to strip his coat. We were excited that we found a professional who could help us!



It turns out, it took a lot longer than the groomer anticipated because of Fin's coat, but he looked great! That evening, we noticed bumps all over his skin and he was rubbing all over the sofas, scratching constantly. Since he smelled 'perfume-y", we bathed him with the baby shampoo and also put him in an oatmeal bath to soothe his skin. After a few days, Finlay was feeling better and we realized that we had to make sure to bring our own shampoo when we got him groomed.



Fast forward a few years and a colleague of mine gave me two bottles of a new shampoo her husband was representing, John Paul Pet. Yes, this is related to the famous human hair care line, Paul Mitchell; the founder is John Paul DeJoria (CEO and Co-founder of the Paul Mitchell brand). Now, I am not a frou-frou person and my dogs are not frou-frou dogs, but it was free and it looked and sounded good! Because of Finlay's sensitive skin, I was hesitant to use it, but after reading about it, decided to give it a try, after all, the kind she gave me was "oatmeal". We tried the shampoo and not only did it clean well, but more importantly, it was not irritating to our dogs' skin. What we love even more is that the company's mission is to promote proper care of all pets and they support several outreach programs for pets.



If you're looking for good shampoos for your pets, make sure to check out John Paul Pet. You can visit their website at http://www.johnpaulpet.com/ to see where to get their products.

Dachshund Saves Owner!

I am a sucker for dogs (but you already knew that) and a sucker for heart-warming stories. Today, a story is circulating that's both heart-warming AND features a dog. Woo-hoo!

A dachshund in Oregon saved its owner! Yep, you heard me right, a dachshund saved its owner! You may wonder how such a little dog could save the life of its owner. I've attached an article from www.widetrends.com for the full story and a photo (love those wrinkly little legs!) of sweet Missy, an 11 year old hero, um, I mean heroine.

Missy's owner collapsed so, like any dog would do (or as we would hope any of our dogs would do), Missy went next door and stayed in the neighbor's yard (he was gardening) until he followed her back to her house where her owner had collapsed inside. Paramedics were called and luckily, Missy's owner is recovering. In case you're wondering, her owner had recently had heart surgery and suffered vertigo, hence the fall.

Stories like this are not only fun to read and heart-warming, but they also provide evidence about dogs' intelligence and bonds with their owners. Dogs are amazing creatures and give us so much that we need to remember to give them all the love, companionship, and stimulation they deserve. Think about your relationship with your dog. Can you improve it? Does your dog need more playtime, more walks, or a fun exercise like agility or flyball? We are responsible for our dogs and in saying that, we are responsible for giving them fulfilling lives. Don't just be a dog owner, be a responsible dog owner, it's amazing how it will enrich your life and strengthen your bond with your dog.

Finlay's & Riley's Fabulous Friday!

Friday night was a great training night for me and the dogs. I got a late start as I was working on a stationery order, a memorial service program, and simply got the walks in late...but late was good in this case because we saw more dogs! It's been so hot here in the Atlanta area (yes, hotter than normal) that many owners were out with their dogs late in the evening. I have to give them props for being good pet owners and waiting until the sun was going down.

Riley saw Maggie, the neighbor dog who we trained with when Victoria Stilwell was here. At first, Riley barked which totally surprised me. However, I was talking to my friend, Maggie's owner, and Riley settled really quickly. In fact, Maggie is not confident with Riley (because of her nutty behavior), and was really trying to avoid Riley at all costs! I was treating Riley for he passive behavior and she was so interested in Maggie that she started "army crawling" on her belly to get to Maggie. Maggie also relaxed after a bit and they sniffed each other and were very good dogs. Being a golden retriever, Maggie wanted to see me really badly (Goldens just seem to love people SO much!) so I put Riley in a sit/stay and gave Maggie some loving. Riley was great, Maggie was great, and I was able to bring Riley one step closer to being more balanced around another dog - yea!

Riley also saw her new "buddy" Baxter who is an adorable 9 month old terrier mix and she was great with him too. I call him her buddy because she's got to meet him before and really seems interested in him. She did the army crawl with him too and really seemed like she likes him. In fact, she may have been flirting a little, I'm not sure! ;)

Then there's Finlay; my little guy is making some good progress. We saw our neighbors with their Chihuahua, Lodai and I wasn't sure what to expect. Remember, my dogs are hunters and Chihuahuas are small and can be easily mistaken for rodents! No offense, meant here at all. So, Fin barked and barked as we passed, but then I began to talk to my neighbors and he settled. I gave him treats when he was calm and the one owner even wanted the dogs to meet. They sniffed and did well, though Finlay did "snap" a little bit after sniffing, but did not attempt to bite or anything like that. Since Lodai is very calm (yes, a calm, relaxed Chihuahua!), she didn't react and we used it as a training opportunity for Finlay. It got to the point where he was more interested in me and his food than Lodai and I was able to have a nice conversation with my meighbors. I think it was a success. Fin and I also encountered a Jack Russell who was off leash in his own yard, BUT when he saw us, he ignored his owner, walked across the street (thank God no cards were coming by) and came towards us. Fin did indeed react, don't get me wrong, he's still got a way to go, but we handled it well. I immediately turned him around and walked in the other direction as the Jack Russell followed...his owner still calling for him to no avail. Fin calmed down and we walked back the way we were going. The Jack was now back in his yard and we passed with no barking from our end - Finlay didn't seem to even care that the dog was in the vicinity! Again, it was a great experience for us to train and we are making progress!

Every chance we have to do training is a good thing and while I used to hope not to see other dogs, I now look out for them and try to walk where I know we'll encounter another dog!

Kong Toys - A Terrier Owner's Treasure

If you've been reading my posts, you know I have two border terriers, two border terriers with lots of energy, enthusiasm, and sass! I grew up with yorkies and was accustomed to having all sorts of cute, fluffy toys for my dogs to play with...then I got my first border terrier. I quickly realized that cute, fluffy toys of any kind are not a good thing in my house. Finlay can "kill" a soft toy in seconds. One day, I found an "indestructible" canvas toy that was made of military-grade canvas...This one lasted a bit longer, about 15 minutes.

I have found that Kong toys are the best toys for my dogs. Their website says they are "nearly indestructible" and I have to disagree...I find they are simply indestructible! Now, I'm sure someone out there can tell me a story of a Kong that was destroyed, but I'm not that person. Finlay is all about the food and loves to work out the treat. Riley loves this part as well, don't get me wrong, but she also loves to play with the toys, grabbing one, playing "keep away", tug (yes, we've found a way!), and simply running around with it, bouncing to and fro. When I am able to wrestle it away from her, she loves to chase it as it randomly bounces across the floor. She is cute, she gets such a kick out of her Kong toy!

Below is a short video clip of Riley with her Kong...Isn't she cute?! Oh yeah, that's Fin you hear in the background...we got him all excited with our play, but he was being camera shy. ;)

I'm really looking forward to the new Kong wobbler and will let you know what the three of us think of it!

What's your dog's favorite toy? Have you found anything else that is "nearly indestructible"?

Sneak Peek - Paperweights & Necklaces

Good evening!

Most of my recent posts have been about my dog training updates and I figured it would be a nice break if I showed you a sneak peek of my newest products. These items are not yet available, but will be really soon. I'm so excited about them that I just had to show you what I'm working on!

I got inspired over the weekend and off I went...shopping and working. So, paperweights and necklaces are in the on deck circle and I'd love to get your feedback.

My apologies that the photo isn't the best, but I was too excited to wait!

Dog Training - Week 5

'Evening everyone! And what a muggy, mosquito-filled evening in the South it is! I was out with Riley and saw a few neighbors, so we chatted and I think I've fed all the mosquitoes in my county!

So, I think Riley had a little break through tonight. While I was talking with the neighbors, we saw no less than 4 dogs and 2 of them we saw twice (they lapped us as I yapped!). While Riley got a little bark-y and pulled a bit, I refocused her and she settled down. One neighbor has a miniature schnauzer who is quite excited to see other dogs and we actually chatted for about 10 minutes. Riley did really well with Caesar the Schnauzer and at one point, she got on her belly and sort of inched towards him. I was quickly cataloging through my sleepy brain, trying to remember what Victoria said in her book about body language and cues from the dogs. At one point, she was licking her lips and I thought I recalled this was a nervous sign, so I called her over to me and treated her. She then got on her belly again and again inched towards Caesar. We let them sniff each other and she did really well - not one peep! I was a proud mama indeed!

Just so you don't think I forgot about Fin, we had a nice walk, but he didn't get a chance to see another dog, so no training opportunities for him, just a fun walk with me!

Dog Training - Week 4

I've taken a good look at my dog training posts and realized I'm going into way too much detail and likely boring you all to tears! So, these posts will now be weekly and hopefully much more entertaining than what has come before. :)

I was able to watch an episode of "It's Me or the Dog" while upstairs (read: dogs not in the same room) over the weekend and got a good idea from the show. It was the top 10 most difficult dogs that Victoria has worked with and one was a boxer who looks like he hates other dogs more than Finlay! ;) Anyway, I realized that my timing is of utmost importance when Fin sees another dog and that I should give him a "jackpot" of treats when I notice him realize a dog is coming our way. Victoria mentioned in the show that the boxer should learn that seeing another dog means treats which means that seeing another dog is a good thing.

So, tonight we saw another dog and I kept watching Finlay to see when he noticed the other dog. As soon as he saw the dog, I gave him a bunch of treats. I kept treating him as we passed the other dog and while he turned around and pulled once or twice, I was able to get his focus back on me and he never barked...it was a little victory!

I mentioned timing and Victoria talks about this in the chapter, "Dog School, Basic Obedience Training." Timing is so important in dog training as the dog needs to realize that what he's just done is the behavior you want. Remember this when you train your dog and you may also want to look into learning how to "clicker" train your dog. I've done clicker work with the dogs and since I have small dogs, sometimes I can click faster than I can treat them because they are much further away from me than a large dog.

Dog Training Days 18-21

OK, so it's beginning to look like I should write this blog weekly as my days are getting so busy!

We are making some progress on the walks with both dogs which is so exciting! Finlay is still a bit behind Riley in terms of "getting it" but he's getting closer. When we see a dog, I've tried putting him in a "sit" and have him watch me. While the dog is passing us, I give him bunches of kibble (I switched from treats to kibble so they wouldn't gain weight!) and get his attention on me. It seems that when we are stationery, I am able to control him better than trying to walk past the other dog. I have had success walking past, but quite frankly, I think it depends on how tired he is...

Riley is still doing really well, in fact tonight was great because she didn't make a sound when we encountered a dog off leash. I won't stay on my soapbox for too long, but I can't stand it when people let their dogs "roam". They may think it's safe, but it simply is not. We don't live in the country, the houses are close together, there are lots of children, cars, etc...just too many variables, plus plenty of dogs that get walked and don't react too well when they see another dog (surprisingly enough, my dogs aren't the only ones!). Anyway, I had my eyes on this dog and told him to "stay". We crossed the street and I was keeping an eye on him and didn't even bait Riley with food, I was so concerned about this loose dog. She just walked along with me and watched the other dog. I was so proud of her, that when the threat had passed, she got her fair share of kibble!

It's funny because I've been reading Victoria's book, "It's Me or the Dog", and she talks about body language. When I told the loose dog to "stay", I remembered her book and stood up straighter and felt confident that I could be the one in control of this situation. The dog kept his distance then ran between some houses and didn't bother us.

I'm really enjoying Victoria's book and think it should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of getting a pet or those who are buying a pet. It's so educational, even for someone like me who has read tons of books on the subject of dog behavior and training. Like I said, we have tried other methods and haven't seen the results we are seeing now.

Now I've got to figure out what in the world is making the dogs so excited to go out and sniff the grill! They are so anxious to go back out there and sniff and scratch at it...we checked it last night and didn't see anything, but their noses know and I bet something has been in there...