|
MONDAY, JANUARY 05, 2009 7:48 AM
|
Pets Product Review - Linda Pickens Chocolate Lab Best Buddy Porcelain Collector Plate
Well today is the first official work day back after the long, fun filled, and sometimes hectic holidays. So great to be back on schedule. With that I thought what product should I discuss? and althought its a gift that would have been perfect for the holidays, its one that I just love for the whole year.
The people at GiftsToday.com sent me an assortment of dog-lover gift items. All of them were very unique, and of the highest quality. But today the one that stuck in my head was the Chocolate Lab Best Buddy Porcelain Collector Plate crafted by well known artist Linda Picken. I couldn't help thinking what a better way to start the new year than with a hug hug and sloppy kiss from a big labrador. And this plate conveys all the warmth and love our labs give to the whole world.
If you have a Chocolate Lab, this plate is a must. Its only $29.95 but will be one of your prized decorations for years. Go to http://www.giftstoday.com/product/linda-pickens-chocolate-lab-best-buddy-porcelain-plate.html for more info on this plate and more from GiftsToday.com. I have to tell you the quality of the porcelain and the fine detail of the artistry are exquisite.
If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
0 Comments
|
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2008 4:14 PM
|
Here are the RULES, because you know these tags always have rules . . .
1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Seven facts... hmmmmm... guess what - I said I'd do this tag on this blog AND Misty's Words, so y'all have to listen to FOURTEEN things about me! I know, I know, you are running and hiding and hoping I can't find you.
OK - seven things for this blog...
1. Some of my favorite people ever are fictional characters - Yep, movie characters and book characters... I feel like they are my friends. Forrest Gump - yep, he's one of the coolest people EVER!
2. I have a serious issue with people rubbing or scratching their socks within my hearing distance. Doesn't matter if it's Dansko footwear or what. I can't explain it - when rough skin or fingernails catch the fabric of the socks, it's like fingers on a chalkboard to me. Hmmmm, maybe it has something to do with my own hatred for socks. I dunno.
OK, I just enlisted Hubs and Bear's help, and they both quickly (rather too quickly) jumped on the task and started listing things. Hmmmm, two of the most important guys in my life (next to Daddy of course) have NO problem helping me come up with 14 weird or random things about myself. I'm wondering if this should bother me... anyway... Here's some that Hubs volunteered...
3. I have backwards elbows. I think it has to do with my being underweight, but if I put my hands flat on a surface and straighten my arms, they almost bend backwards a.k.a. the wrong way.
4. According to Hubs, I have ESP. I asked him why he said this, and he replied, "Well, duh! You're Radar!" He's referring to the fact that my lawyer-boss calls me "Radar" (in reference to Radar from M.A.S.H.). He started calling me that because I would predict what he was going to say or ask and beat him to it. I think my lawyer-boss calls me "Radar" more than he calls me "Misty". I also have such a strong connection with my dad and Bear (and Tammy too a lot of the time), it's uncanny. It's like we read each other's minds. I could go on and on giving you examples, but I'll spare you.
5. I have an extra (PAINFUL) rib. Actually, this is the whole reason I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I was trying to figure out what was wrong with this rib, which sticks out under my skin and is very, very painful. It also swells up, and then it REALLY sticks out and I can't even stand clothing touching it. They never did figure out what was wrong with the rib, by the way.
6. I have NO sense of direction (yes, these are still coming from Hubs). I've been told I couldn't find my way out of a paper bag. It's true - I won't deny it. YES, I know where the sun comes up (East) an were it sets (West) (thanks Daddy), but I still don't know where the hell I'm going! I just know where to look for the sun. I learn a way to get from place to place. If I have to change that route, I'm in a complete panic. I just can NOT 'picture' directions and routes in my mind - my mind doesn't work like that, I guess.
7. I'm a MAJOR sap. Not only do I cry at happy or sad stories and shows, but I also get tears in my eyes if a commercial (YES, I said commercial) touches me emotionally in some way. It is for this same reason that you can see me sitting in front of my laptop, reading blogs, and laughing my behind off or having tears streaming down my face. It's just how I am.
OK, now I'm supposed to tag seven people... but, since I'm doing this on TWO blogs, I'm just going to tag the two people I mentioned in this post and then tell the next five people who read this post and the first seven people who read the one on Misty's Words - that YOU'RE IT!
So -
Tam
Bear
You've been tagged, cuz, well, that's just how I am... hahahaha - you love me and you can't help it!
Everyone else! I'm watching you! You better do the tag!
|
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2008 9:07 AM
|
|
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 8:38 PM
|
|
Living in the city with a BIG, BIG DOG!
I've heard it before,
I've said it myself,
and I am repeating it again.
Dogs are time intensive, NOT SPACE INTENSIVE.
A big dog can be just as happy in a city as a small dog. Honestly, I think they may even be easier to provide exercise and stimulation for than some of the smaller, more active dogs.
Not all SMALL dogs are LAP dogs. Lap dogs were selected and bred for their companionship (aka: Toy Breeds) They include dogs like the Pug, Papillon, King Charles Cavalier, Brussels Griffon, Pekingese, Shih-Tzu, Maltese, Japanese Chin, and Silky.
This does not mean that I have not had the pleasure of meeting a marathon Pug or that there aren't Yorkies out there that can fetch for hours. But in general, these breeds enjoy their snuggle-time, like napping and being pampered.
More importantly, there are plenty of small dogs, like terriers, that prefer active lifestyles. Breeds that come to mind are the Jack Russell, Fox Terrier, West Highland, Boston and Manchester Terrier.
Again, not to discount the testimonies form those with Scotties that snuggle with kittens or JRT's that act act like 50's housewives on valium, but generally speaking the consensus would be terriers need ACTIVE PEOPLE & MORE EXERCISE THAN a newly-single gym rat.
SO, DOES SIZE MATTER?
Not really. I have seen just as many frustrated, under-exercised, under-stimulated, small dogs as I have big dogs. If you are thinking a small dog might be happier in your urban apartment, think again.
I know many Akitas, Danes and Sighthounds that are content to chew on bones, eat their breakfasts from Kongs, and snooze away the day while waiting for their afternoon walk. And, I know many Jack Russels, Dachshunds, Corgis and Fox Terriers that would sooner pull all the stuffing from your couch (for the third time) than to take a nap!
There are plenty of big dogs that could care less about riding in elevators, busy streets, and loud noises. And, there are plenty of small, fractious dogs whose nerves are shattered by the thought.
There are also many large dogs that could easily take food from a counter and don't. And, small dogs that leap, launch, pounce and propel themselves onto the tallest surfaces.
The only thing I know for certain...Big dogs, will always have bigger poops!
But, size is just one factor. Tthere are other more important considerations. Stay tuned for more information on Choosing The Dog For You.
|
|
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2008 1:29 PM
|
|
STOP NAGGING YOUR DOG!
Teaching/Learning is a Three-Part Equation
I. The way you let the dog know something is expected.
II. Whatever the dog decides to do (based on instincts, learning, motivation)
III. The consequences that are connected to the actions.
Part-I THE CLUES
Usually people focus on the first part -humans love to give verbal instructions (commands). This part of the equation is really the LEAST IMPORTANT PART of teaching an animal to DO SOMETHING. Furthermore it is the LAST part I worry about when training a new dog or teaching a dog that a new situation requires a previously known behavior.
Part-II THE OPTIONS
Dogs that are trained with force/aversion often get stressed out during the second part of the equation. Stress is NOT conducive to relationships or learning. In Aversive training the risks for getting answer wrong can be high and/or the motivation to give an alternate answer to great to avoid putting the dog in a double bind (I really need to pee, but if I do I might get punished).
In contrast dogs trained systematically with rewards are encouraged to try stuff and praised & rewarded at first for: Good-Attempts, Better-Answers, Correct Responses. The consequences for mistakes are "bummers" they don't get access and/or loose a reward, but they are never given aversive treatments for failing.
Part-III CONSEQUENCES ARE CRITICAL!!!!
This is **THE MOST** important part of training any lasting behaviors. Sadly most people never think about it, they just keep repeating commands to their dog. Consequences are where it is at.
Whenever I ask something of a dog, I already know in my mind three questions.
1) what will I give them if they do it right
2) What will they loose if they give the wrong answer
3) How will I know they don't know they don't know the answer and need a hint for training to stay fun and successful.
YOUR HOMEWORK...
Teach your dog to offer good options & give consequences.
For the next 3 weeks, whenever you are going to leave with your dog through a door... Leash your dog and get your stuff. Put your hand on the door knob, but don't open it. SAY NOTHING!!!!
Week-1: Wait. Do & Say nothing. Ignore your dog. As soon as your dog sits, Say "AWESOME!" and open the door. Let the door do through the door however they want as long as they are on-leash and safe.
How long does it take before your dog sits as soon as you are at the door?
Week-2: Do everything from above. As soon as your dog sits, open the door SLOWLY!!! If your dog's butt pops up, close the door. Again, SAY NOTHING. If your dog re-sits, open the door slowly. If the butt-pops up, close the door. Repeat. If you get the door open 6" and your dog's butt is still on the ground... Say, AWESOME! and open the door allowing your dog Out!
Week-3: Everything from above, but go for door open 12"... Door open 18"... Door open 6" & 30 seconds... Door open 12" and 30 seconds... Door open all the way, 5 seconds... Door open all the way, 30 seconds.
NEVER SAY A THING! Just close the door (preventing access to outside/walks/play) if the dog's butt moves from a sit BEFORE your can say AWESOME!
