Welcome to the “It’s Not the Dog” Blog
Occasionally, I will share quick tips and quick videos when inspiration strikes me.
Visit at Piedmont Park
Today we had gorgeous weather in Atlanta, blue sky and about 65 degrees. We decided to take Shelby and the boys to Piedmont Park. Talk about mental stimulation and control. Shelby saw roller bladers, she watched bicycles passing her by, she walked next to other dogs,...
Just a Dog
A friend of mine just sent me the below article which rings so true for me. So I share it here on my blog and I hope Richard Biby, the creator of the article, doesn't mind. From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money...
Barko’s Compassion
One of the areas where we need to work with Shelby is passing cars. When 1 or 2 cars pass her by, she stays rather calm. But when she sees several cars coming her way, she freaks out. So today we walked with her to the soccer field near the Elementary school close to...
Visit at Lowe’s
We believe in socialization. Our dogs have been with us in public buildings, restaurants (in German), at the airports, hotels and stores. The people at Lowe's in Kennesaw know our boys already and when we go to Lowe's without the boys, we are always asked the...
Visit at the Shelter
Today was the first day that Shelby returned to the shelter. She still had a couple of stitches in her leg and I wanted the vet to take a look at it. Besides, I needed to check in with Ann, the head lady of the volunteers, so that she doesn't think I took Shelby and...
At the Car Shop
When we go with Shelby somewhere, she is usually with Cito and Barko. That can make a difference for a dog when she is around confident, well-balanced dogs. She picks up their energy and follows them wherever they go. However, today Sloan took Cito and Barko to the...
Limping Dog??
Today we were walking at the Kennesaw park. I had Shelby on the flexy leash and she really enjoys these walks. There was an older gentleman walking behind us for a quite a while bu then he caught up with us. We walked to the side so that he could pass us conveniently....
Snow in Atlanta
Wow, Atlanta received some snow. When I awoke at 7.30 am it didn't look like it would snow but then a couple of hours late, the snow started to come down. We went outside with the dogs so that they could experience the snow but it really wasn't a big thing for them....
Shelby’s first Training Day
Sunday is usually training day with Charlie. Shelby is small enough that she fits in the front seat; so we decided to take her with us. After a good walk with the boys and a good breakfast which was a mix of kibbles, fish and veggies, we loaded up the car for our...
Her First Day in our Home
Shelby's first night at our home was very restful. I got up at 7.00 am and we took her out immediately. And she did her business. Finally, after at least 13 or 14 hours. We took her on a walk with the boys and again - she did so well. We really need to videotape her....
What a Day!!!
We did it! Shelby is at home laying in her crate in front of the guest room. But let me start with the beginning of the day. This morning I took my car to Kauffman Tire just to get an oil change. Since they also found an axle problem, they dropped me off at home....
The Decision to Take Shelby Home
This morning I went back to the shelter to work with Shelby. She was just as fearful as the night before. I had to almost drag her across the street to the grassy area and then she just sat there for at least 10 minutes. I was waiting patiently; after all patience is...
Major Setback
I am disappointed. Not in Shelby but in people. Tonight when I took Shelby out she reacted the same fearful way as I met her 2 weeks ago. As soon as she stepped outside of the door, she layed down and refused to move. I couldn't even coax her across the street. Rather...
A Walk around the Neighborhood
Special, special, special news!!! Shelby and I are walking around the neighborhood!!! Yesterday Shelby and I walked the first time around the neighborhood. This little round usually takes me 15 minutes when I walk it with other dogs from the shelter but with Shelby it...
Shelby’s Ad in Petfinder.com
Hi, I'm Shelby and I have lived a short hard life. I was on the news recently. I was tied up outside & finally got away with the chain around my neck. Unfortunately, I soon got caught in a trap. It hurt so badly & my leg was almost severed. I dragged it around...
Progress
Within the last couple of weeks, Shelby and I made progress, a day at a time. She gets familiar with me, when I walk in the door, she recognizes me and stands up in her crate waiting for me to open it. Shelby learned to cross the street. When I work with her I...
Cito – my Assistant
Today I brought my assistants Cito and Sloan with me, which means Sloan handled Cito and I took out Shelby. She didn't fight me as much as she did a couple of days ago but I still had to give her a couple of tugs to move her forward. I walked her to the grassy area...
Aggressive Dogs or Ignorant People???
This morning I went to the shelter to play with Shelby. Yesterday I went to the Pet Supermarket to buy the Natural Balance meat rolls. These are one of the best treats that I know so far when it comes to reward during clicker training or as bait on a scent track. I...