Active Solutions

Sundance's Weekly Blog: 

Sundance will explain when and not to go for a walk, how to apply leadership, active solutions for high energy dogs, and why obedience training is important in a dog's world.

Paw Boot Camp with Brave and Sundance in a sit-stay position

James: Hey Sundance, you ready to answer some questions?


Sundance: You bet! 

Sundance demonstrating a pulling dog

James: Let's start with the issue of pulling. Would you like it if I were to pull you down the street in all different directions? How would you diffuse the situation and create a more symbiotic relationship? 


Sundance: I personally would not appreciate being yanked anywhere. It's not fair and would really make me feel like a tool. I just saw some dog owners being pulled down the road by their dogs. They and their small dogs were all walking on their hind legs!


James: How would you remedy such an atrocity?

Pack walk with Opie and Sundance

Sundance: I like to think there are many solutions for one problem. When asserting yourself as a pack leader, you should initiate the walk in a calm manner. Then your pack of dogs, your followers, will reflect your energy. Wait a few seconds before starting off on your journey till everyone one is calm. Sometimes this may take five minutes or even ten. Remember, this is an exercise in self control. As a pack-leader, you may have to conduct this more than once, so that the message is sent clearly. 


James: So when the pack is calm, can I place a leash on their collars?


Sundance: Yes. This is the right moment to do that. Sometimes dogs will begin to get excited with just this small gesture. If this happens, unleash and start over again till the message is sent to your dog that calmness is the behavior you want.


James: You mentioned another approach or solution. Which way is that?


Sundance: Sometimes you will find that some dogs are very excited. It's not their faults. It's a lack of exercise and lack of consistent obedience training. Owners are often impatient and just want to rush through life and this transfers over onto their dogs. I suggest if frantically is how they prefer to approach  situations, they find a dog walker who can offer your dog what it truly needs daily. 

Lulu after a bike ride

The only other option is to vigilantly exercise and take their dog for a run, bike-ride or rollerblading. This allows the dog to burn off all his frustrations from being indoors all day or all week, taking Dog down to Owner's energy level. 


James: You mentioned obedience training. Many dogs are deficient of such instruction. Do you firmly believe this is the solution for all dog owners to follow?


Sundance: Woof! Excuse me, but I needed to assert my nature in the form of performing tasks. I feel bad for my brother and sister dogs who go through life with zero guidance. It's a lot to ask for from us. We do not want to be in charge of every situation, especially if it is not within our job description. I heard many humans complain to friends about how bosses asked them to make coffee, separate recycling,  and "go-for" this and that at work, when their job description was much more sophisticated. You see James, over time when the system fails and ownership does not practice what it is expected to, their will be cracks and implosion will take place. People will become smug, in a sense, and take it upon themselves to direct their own lives. Dogs who have a lack of management will follow suit. This is why it is important to train your dog and grant her a sense of purpose. 


James: In general, pulling on leash can be be solved first with consistent obedience training. Why can't a dog just stay in the back yard and be content with that?

Sundance learning to retrieve

Sundance: The mind of every living thing is meant to be constantly active with the business of life, of staying alive. A badger is constantly working at staying alive: the next things to eat, drink, improve the hovel, to find a mate, to raise the kids. The wild boar is always seeking the same: rooting for food, wallowing to maintain proper body temperature, finding pig-love, raising piglets, staying away from predators, fighting off badguys, and sleeping. Dogs even more so are meant to stay constantly active with not just the business of keeping themselves alive and well, but keeping the pack, the family, you, alive and well. If you want an animal to just "dwell", get a cat, a snake, or a sea anemone. Dogs are active performers, task-oriented, job-doers. If you don't have a job for us (even a façade job like hunting for toys or carrying a backpack full of rice) we'll lose it, maybe slowly over time, maybe quickly. 


James: That's serious. Have I fulfilled your need for structure?


Sundance: Of course! You have me run three miles every day to find my kibble, and you have me search for the tennis ball when you lose it again and again, and you train me to do new jobs all the time. I feel so fulfilled!

Throw a dog a bone.

Sundance: Hey James! What signals have you learned from me?

James: It's pretty interesting what signals one can learn from a dog. The way they lick, the soft gentle eyes, the way they yawn, the bellowing bark, the look away, these are all signals. Sundance, you and your fellow canines are able to communicate without verbally telling us anything. Should it be so different for us humnas? When I am tired my face is relaxed, I begin to yawn, I begin to stretch and then look away. You recognize this as a sign from me, that I would like to calm down.

Sundance: So you are saying we do the same?

James: Yes. Your body language and conversation is not that much different from ours. Dogs tell us what they want with small cues, so why wouldn't we do the same? Before I begin teaching a dog training class, I do things that will get my students' attention, like taking role call, performing jumping jacks, doing doggy pushups with the most energized dog and owner, or holding a sit-stay command. I am in charge for that moment. This is the message I am sending to my students and their dogs. A small, but effective way to lead.

Sundance: How do you know a dog is excited?

James: I can tell a dog is excited when s/he is pulling on the leash, lunging at people, the kind of bark they give, signs of heavy panting, tense hind legs, and over-sniffing. I listed a few things, surely their are plenty more, but these are common indicators that a dog is not balanced.

Sundance: So if a dog is balanced, s/he will not display unwanted behaviors?

James: Most unwanted behavior occurs when there is a lack of consistency from owners. Not that they aren't consistently giving their dogs enough love, because as you and I know, there are many dogs with back yards and an unlimited amount of toys and training devices. Indeed, they love their dogs, but do they respect and understand their dogs. When I was coaching elementary school children, I would walk around the playground and find groups of children sitting down during lunch period. They had access to basketballs, jump-ropes, hula-hoops, courts, and freedom to play. It's not that they did not want to play, they just were not motivated and challenged. Most of these children would begin each day getting up early, not eating a balanced meal, and rushing to school. All this coming from a down position for seven hours, to a sit position for a few more, and then asked to play for fifteen minutes of recess. Only to be rounded up to sit another ninety minutes before lunch, fed questionable nutrition, then asked to sit for more hours, followed by homework, sleep, repeat.

Sundance: I am beginning to see what you are hinting at.

James: When you are told what to do all the time, never given a chance to play and work with a purpose, you become a grumpy dog. While a back yard and toys may be the traditional american view of dog ownership, it is not in any way natural or best. Just because something is working for the time being, doesn't mean it's ideal. We are still robbing our dogs of a fulfilled life if we do not address the whole dog. The small things we do each day, like exercising first thing in the morning, set the tone for the rest of the day. Releasing excited energy in a formal way creates balance and forms a strong bond. Plus, Sundance, it's best to throw a dog a bone from time to time. The bottom line is that the communication is always there, it's just a matter of knowing the language and paying attention.

Three Day Weekends

What in the world is going on? My Sunday is my Saturday. My Monday is my Sunday. And my Tuesday is my Monday? That means I just get more fun days with my Momma. It all started on Friday, that's the day my beautiful Mamma shared her birth with us.Saturday, our plans were to fire up the Silver Taco (the Tacoma) and head out to the beach. We intended to run and burn off some calories. We did not expect there to be high winds and surf conditions making the normally expansive beach just a tiny strip, nor did we know my good friend Zeppelin would be joining us. We saw a rainbow, played in rain, then in bright sun. We played and played until it was time to go because Momma's feet were cold.Today is Sunday. Last night I had overheard James chatting it up with Mamma about a road-trip to Florence, which is almost 50 miles north of us. I knew I would have a great time. I tend to have a lot of fun when we are away from home. And we did! My first encounter for the day was with a 90-pound, twelve-year-old golden retriever named Clancy. He works at a boutique called Splash selling women's apparel. I did my best to be on my best behavior because I wanted Clancy to see how great of a dog I am, and how I can be clam when the pressure is on, especially nose-to-nose.Here I am with James looking out at the Siuslaw River. You would never guess from this picture, but I am actually very camera shy.
Meet my new friend Bullet. He is a 10 week old Basset Hound and is just about the cutest little guy besides my brother Skuzum. We wanted to make sure he had all his shots before we came over to say hello, but I still kept my distance. It is great to see Bullet begin his socialization and be so open to new experiences. He came up to Momma just asking for love. I think Momma almost kidnapped him. In conclusion, this has been a great first 75% of a three-day-weekend. Life on the Oregon coast is good. Live Happy!!!

Weekly Practice

5 Things I've Learned This Week

Monday: Old friends are the Best

Tuesday: Humans sometimes send dogs the wrong message

Wednesday: There are scam artists around every water-bowl

Thursday: Mother Nature is present all the time

Friday: It's always best to remain calm and assertive around puppies

Saturday: It's a good thing to take care of the ones we LOVE

Vitamin D in Oregon

"Do you think he has any idea where he is going today and who he will be with?"

"I don't think so. But I bet he is dreaming of it."

When I finally woke up, the sun was shining, birds were singing, Sweety was barking next door, and I could hear Mamma and James whispering in the background. Last week, we had rain on and off, but for the last few days temperatures have been in the high 50's and the skies were bluer than an infant's onesie.

After James drove Mamma to SWOCC on Monday, he and I headed to Emma's house to find her waiting impatiently with her master. Emma is a sweetheart, but has much to learn about being a dog and not behaving like she is the center of the universe. I am glad this is where I can be of assistance and aid in her rehab.

While at Bastendorf Beach, we immediately jumped into playful bows. She is still very young, and has a tendency to be very tense, unsure of objects beyond her control, and loaded with nervous anxiety. After about an hour or so, she began to ease up and her usually arched back looked less strained. She actual resembled me.
I had her running, playing tag, and fetching. All the things us dogs love to do. However, getting into the water still puts her on edge. When I was about the same age as Emma, we lived in Santa Cruz and would visit the beach daily. James, Mamma and I came upon a golden party at a beach one day. No, not a bunch of senior citizens. We happened to drop in on about ten golden retrievers playing and bathing in the sun. Never before had I seen such a remarkable pack of dogs; this was the catalyst that lured me into the water, the miracle that changed me. I know Emma is getting closer, but she will need more convincing.

Now I am like a seal peeping his head out near the shore, catching a glimpse of sand dwellers wanting to be like me. I am so happy playing in water, retrieving and body surfing back to James and Mamma.
I'm always happy to come home to my big brother, Skuzum, who is content to sleep on Ducky or lean on Froggy, his love-slave Froggy, for a post-coital lick.
Have a great week friends. LIVE HAPPY!

McFlurry Sunday

Hi good-looking readers!

It is Sunday morning in Coos Bay, Oregon, and most of the town folk are still settled in bed or on their way to church. I happen to know this fact because, had it not been for our first flurry of the year, I too would have still been lounging on my loft.

Instead, Momma and James behaved as any sensible human would and stacked on layers of clothes to take me outside and experience our frosty winter morning. This was a good call because I was eagerly ready to shower the front lawn with some of my own showers. The special thing is that it hailed this morning, even though the forecast was for flurries, and the skies were blue! So we walked in it.

Many people are not aware of this, but James is a big Denver Bronco fan. As much as he would have enjoyed seeing his team advance, he is aware that the TEBOW will live another day. Oregon has a mix of Raider's, 49er's, Green Bay, Seattle and Bronco fan's, but one can be certain that if you are not a Duck, then you must be a Beaver. I could care less because I would much rather be hunting ducks and beavers with my friends Emma and Kobe.

Here I am with Mamma. I was glad to go down these stairs because Mamma always let's me have fun. James just takes me out for long walks and runs. By the way, this past week we did eighteen miles in two days, pretty remarkable. It's a load of fun because we are out before the sun comes up, but by the time we head home the sunshine is happy.

LIVE HAPPY!

Just read my blog!

Dear Sundance,

I see humans guard resources, like bodies of water and land, stocks and bonds, material goods, and people. My issue stems from the covetous way humans allow themselves to establish dominant territorial orderliness, and still become ignorant of the ways their own pets take control of them. My fellow dogs emulate their humans, just from a more basic and instinctual means. Some of my playmates claim resources and view everything in their paths as property to guard and control.

This behavior needs to stop, for the sake of my own kind. Every day there are countless dogs who are euthanized, because human owners do not take the time to learn and understand dog psychology. The simple fact that we cannot converse with humans should be the first sign that we are different. Reading the body language of a dog takes a commitment, and leads to earning trust and respect.

Sincerely,

Please Share Some Perspective

Dear P.S.S.P.,

So true!

My instinctual approach to this issue: Find a resource! There are so many dog trainers and k-9 behavioralist who can help humans understand our kind better. We are a simple breed and willing to learn and adhere to a set of directions. Our first duty to our owners is loyalty. Not resource guarding. Humans are rational, for the most part, and tend to let their guard down on occasion, especially when cute is involved.

They think it is cute when a puppy rottweiler, jumps on them, yet they deem it inexcusable when an adult rottweiler does the same action. Yet humans allow their eight-week-old to walk all over them, in effect creating little monsters who become adult dogs who are feared and put down. Puppies learn not to do this very quickly from their mother when their behavior has gotten out of line; it is not tolerated. Nipping behaviors like this in the butt with a consistentdog psychology approach must be executed.

I strongly recommend new dog owners skim through the yellow pages, ask their veterinarian, search on the internet, ask other dog owners, read books, get videos on how to share leadership, with trust and respect. Just read my blog! There are plenty of resources and there is no need to guard them with white fangs and growls.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Toy Machine

Dear Sundance,

I love my owners, but they are inundating me with toys, making me feel like I'm in charge of/responsible for to many things. I'll admit, it is fun to receive new things, but the real enjoyment comes from actually sharing in the fun of being with them. I have a basket full of half chewed ropes, kongs, gnawed bones, and rawhides. I have squeaky toys and tennis balls scattered all over the back yard. The latest toy is a red laser light, which makes me feel frantic and obsessed.
I happen to have a fellow K-9 friend next door with the same dilemma, with owners who substitute out exercise time with a large backyard, an abundance of water bowls scattered around the enclosure, in case he becomes thirsty, and an agility course for entertainment and sufficient means to some acceptable exercise. I have yet to see him actually perform any agility in the span he is left alone, but he sure barks like a blues singer the whole time I am passing by. We think his owners are using the accessories to compensate for not giving him time.

In truth, all I want is some one-on-one time with my owner, to reunite with the good old collar and leash, and to share in the fun. A well used collar and leash is worth far more to me than a new toy every week.

Signed,

Toy Poodle

Dear T.P.,

I know our owners genuinely love us, but it sounds like your owners are substituting toys for a good old fashioned walk. The walk is the adventure, the time to share and re-unite, to be a cohesive team, dog and human. The walk is an opportunity to smell the roses, as well as whiff a recently nuked lawn or saturated shrub. It's also a great way for your owner to be proud of you, and make out how well those obedience classes have truly paid off. Maybe they can read this blog and return to the simpler joys of spending quality time with you instead of just letting you chew on imported goods.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Companionship Training

Dear Sundance,

How do I tell my owners I would like to have a partner? another dog to have some fun with? to help train to be like me? a legacy? I am entering my 8th year of life on mother earth, and I would love to share the knowledge I have been blessed with from my wonderful human parents and antecedents with a young pup. Before I was adopted, my owners had just gotten married and previously had dogs of their own. The stories I've heard on camp trips and in the backyard suggest that only wonderful and good things resulting from owning two dogs. Not only that, I love my owners, and I know that dogs don't tend to outlive their people, and I can't bear the thought of leaving them without a canine companion to help them through the hard times, a doggy with a little bit of myself in him or her. If they were to wait until they had no dogs, they would be grieving, and no new puppy wants to enter a grieving household. I eavesdropped on a conversation Dan and Patrick were having the other day about the possibilities of bringing in a new companion, and so this is what prompted me to think and begin writing to you.

Pawed,

Doggy Co-op

Dear D.C.,

Currently, I have been honored to work with a seven-month-old golden retriever. She is a quick learner, even though she can be a silly young pup sometimes. I know the role I play in her life is helpful, but I also know she is getting the correct amount of obedience training from her owners. My owner allows me to tag along on most of our training sessions with young dogs. He is a firm believer in the power of the pack, and its ability to calm and help other pack members adapt to the constant environmental changes. He also knows dogs exude a certain amount of energy. Sometimes dogs who have anxieties can be a bit restless, whereas dogs that give off calm energy will be less likely to resist and willing to experience new things.

When the time comes to choose a companion, it would be in your owners' best interest to allow you to come along. Keep in mind, if you are to see a new puppy, make sure your owners have made sure you are up to date with all your vaccines, and always check with the breeder first. If you plan on going to a rescue shelter, find out if your owners can bring you too.

I do want you to know, I think what you have planned is a remarkable idea. Every dog, and even humans, need a mentor. Picking out the right companion for you will be one challenge and energy levels will be another. Finding the right match is important. Your apprentice and you will appreciate it even more once you both smell each others' rears.

Running for life

Dear Sundance,

My owner runs 6 out of 7 days. I generally tag along and share in the fun. We run 3 or 4 miles in the a.m., before he has to go to work. Right now you may be wondering, "So what's your concern?"
To be honest, I think I have the ideal owner, but my buddies keep suggesting that I am doing too much exercise and I need to conserve my energy. Most of my friends are fairly supple, and the rest of my buddies tend to release their energies elsewhere, like in the form of barking, chewing, digging, playing chase games with their owners, and pulling on their leashes. This could be fun, but I'm always too tired for shenanigans; I do not share in their frustration and ploys for attention. I'm not frustrated, and I get plenty of attention.
So, my question is, at what point am I getting too much exercise and run the risk of injury? Will there be a time when I will need to tell my owner, let's just hibernate today and ice our muscles.
Born to run,
Pure Rhodesian In Caring Environment


Dear P.R.I.C.E.,
Sounds like you got it made. Your owner has committed to your overall wellness and truly picked a prize-winner in you. Rhodesians were bred to run miles, and help chase down lions. Their paws are able to adapt to the heavy pounding, day in, day out. Frankly, I am bit jealous of your endurance. I can't go more than five a day.
Exercise is a key element to our survival. Your buddies are simply jealous and need to get over it. Yes, there should be moderation with everything you do, but it sounds like you are achieving this with just the right amount. Your owner, from the sound of it, seems to be in tip-top shape. I sometimes see my owner stretch in a downward dog position, and this gets me excited because I want to play, so I stretch too. You know what to do. Your owner is probably watching you closely, and as soon as he notices you to act tired (which probably will not happen for a long time) then he will cut you some slack.

Maybe we can run together sometime.

Live Happy!

Sundance

p.s. Here is a reference:

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/rehab/a/rice.htm

Scary Saturdays

Dear Sundance,

Do you believe in ghost? I sometimes find myself howling at the wind or flinching at the sound of my squeaky floor. Sometimes I hear a meow from the closet and no one is there, not even a mouse. I tremble when no one one is around and I am left home alone. I cry myself to sleep when I am left in my crate for more than a few hours and my master is away. He says he needs to go to work and make the money, but I feel when he is away I hear sounds and perceive slight movements. Is there anything I can do?

In need of help,

Trembling Chihuahua

Dear T.C.,

Just the other day I had the same experience. I was left home while James and Mamma went out to buy some groceries.

I was lying there on the verge of sleep and right near my tail, I heard the strangest thrrbbpt sound. I looked up and to my bewilderment, there was no one there. I growled and no one showed there face. I definitely smelled something. Who ever it was eats the same kibble as I do. Surely this was a sign, more than anything a warm presence was felt.

Sometimes our minds play evil tricks on us. I fond that when I start the day with 40 minutes of exercise, even though these things happen, I am too tired to care. When James is leading me out on the trails or around the block, I feel secure. Because he is a pack leader all the time, I feel safe even when he is not home and I do not allow myself to get carried away with strange creepy thoughts. But when things get really scary and I start to feel a little insecure without James and Mamma, I go find where Skuzum my cat-brother is sleeping, and curl up near him (but not too close, he likes his space) and I feel a hundred percent better knowing I'm not alone.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Culinary Quandaries

Dear Sundance,

I am a two year old pit-bull. Despite the reputation of my breed, I am a very intellectual fellow, and I like to read a lot. I've read that the vegetarian diet is very good for everyone, vegan even better. But after trying it for a day, all I can think about is rib eye, london broil, sirloin, new york, tri-tip, hamburger, sausage, and cat. I am torn between my rational mind and my prefrontal cortex, even though I have no idea what this is.

What do you think Sundance?

Signed,

Modern Dog

Dear M.D.,

I too have read many books like Skinny Pooch, Eating Squirrels, The Carnivores Dilemma and find myself torn with this conundrum. At times I really have to buckle down and bite the bullet whenever I see Denzel the cat, and Charlie the squirrel, because I remember not to long ago that James had a talk with me. He helped me understand that squirrels and cats are my friends, and the meat I eat from my favorite butcher is all sustainable. I think this means they did not have to kill the animals, and that like tomato plants, the sirloin just grows right back.

The bottom line is are bodies require certain essential amino acids that we cannot produce ourselves. They are only found in kibble and butcher scraps. So as appealing as lettuce and carrots may be, alas it is simply a biological requirement that we suffer through a steak every now and then and are forever trying to satisfy are neanderthal cravings. If your owners don't understand, have them read The Vegetarian Myth by Lierre Kieth. (I've never read it, but I got some good ear scratches while Momma read it.)

So, sink your teeth into that succulent salmon that your owners left on the counter, and feel no remorse or second thoughts, for the circle of life must go on! (I highly recommend watching The Lion King for scholarly scientific reference)

Live happy,

Sundance

Attraction Advice

Dear Sundance,

I have heard that you have a way with the ladies. How is it that a dog like yourself can maintain such charisma and be so calm about it all the time?

Sincerely,

Desperately Seeking Rottweiler Attention.

Dear DSRA,

I am very flattered that you would consider me to be a ladies' man. I am far from such, but if you must know, I do my best to maintain body, mind, and spirit with a daily routine of exercise, careful nutrition, and grooming. I never question who I am when I am given an ample amount of cardiovascular exercises. On days like today when the heat is above 90 degrees and air quality is bad (normal Los Angeles breathing conditions), my pack and I do our best to head out early in the morning. Even though this city rarely sleeps, dogs are easy going and less hostile at 6 a.m. We are able to be dogs and communicate without owners harboring a day's worth of fear or anxiety.

This approach to exercise helps out greatly when it comes to sniffing the opposite sex. My demeanor is less anxious, instead I am calm and submissive. I suggest you and your master begin a daily exercise routine, at least 40 minutes of structure and focused heart beating exercise every morning. The ladies will notice your trim physique and you can begin conversations with, "Do you run here often?" or "Are you a smoker? 'Cause you are smoking hot!"

Live Happy!

Sundance

LOVE

The day is almost over. Just one last lick of James' neck and I think I will have all his powers. I really do not want to take his powers, I just want to see what it is that makes him get up each morning and support Mama, Skuzum and me. I could tell he was a little tired today. We ran our usual course through Griffith Park with Stella, but he was still asleep. Perhaps it was last night's SWAT and helicopter escapades. Or was it the man he told me about during our run who was carried out of the apartment, after the police raided his building. Supposedly, reports were written that one of our neighbors had taken too many pills and was barricading himself in his house with a gun. By the time police had reached their suspect he had overdosed on pills and was unconscious for who knows how many hours. HE HAD NO GUN!

I do not understand the human spirit in this overpopulated town. It is never at rest, and when it is, it is sitting on some white porcelain thing. Each day we pass by Silver Lake dog park. Many of my friends are running around having a great time because they have been locked up in the small apartments all day. I truly do not understand why their owners choose to take the easy way out and instead walk them. This would truly create a stronger bond than letting them run loose and get into mischief with other dogs who have similar mental problems. I am so glad James takes me out everyday, sometimes twice a day, with my buddies Kobe, Ink and Na_Me. I really support this idea and find it works on all levels. I get exercise which is at the top of my list of things I need to do each day. I am always surrounded by friends, taking care of the socialization aspect of my training, we are always exposed to different experiences, and most of all, I am completely balanced because I don't have to be the pack leader. I get to be a dog.

So you see, I know I am very loved and I remain focused. Rarely will you see me depressed or down and out. Just when have you ever heard of a dog committing suicide and having a team of K-9's raid a doghouse?

I LOVE YOU Mama and James!