“Hey there Delilah, what’s it like to have such pretty hair and match the leaves that fall brought here…” Okay, I’m not a lyricist but Delilah (full name: Hey There Delilah) is most definitely a giant silky smooth barrel of fun, worthy enough to write a song about.
She has a spunky personality, a little mischief hiding amongst that tousled fur and she could win an energy contest against the energizer bunny any day, paws down. I’m really not kidding. Three hours into our session she was still pretending she was the lead horse in the Kentucky derby. Spurts of crazy dog runs around the yard, her hoofs (yes, they sounded like hoofs) pounding on the wet ground, kicking leaves and debris into a swirl behind her. I can only hope she slept after I left. Champions needs their rest.
Speaking of those leaves, aren’t they absolutely gorgeous? Here in sweltering Central Florida, where we experience record highs (of 93 degrees!!) in October you don’t often see that sort of thing so I was kind of in heaven up there in Ohio.
Although we were lucky in that our session didn’t get rained upon, it did get pretty drenched the day before. Therefore, it only took a few minutes for li’l Delilah to soak up her paws and legs into a dog boot formation. I tried drying and brushing but my efforts were futile, I tell ya. The minute I got done, she was down the track again. But she was having SO MUCH FUN! She did laps, played with sticks, broke the sticks into pieces, fetched her toys. All the while, stomping around like the little tomboy that she is. Oh, Delilah, what are we going to do with you? I suppose just cuddle you and pet you and love you and play with you some more 
Thank you Delilah and Krista, of Rainmaker Ranch, for letting me get my workout in your beautiful fall weather.
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a dog addict. Seriously - I've never met a dog I didn't like. Anyone who doesn't know me will probably get a little hint just by reading the title of my blog. I have three Border Collies, and they are my 'kids'. They truly own my heart, and they truly keep me sane. No matter how hard of a day I'm having, when I see my 'kids' come running to see me, my heart melts and my worries take a back burner.
My addiction doesn't just stop with Border Collies though. I've had mixed breeds, a Golden Retriever, a Great Pyrenees, a Boston Terrier, and several different dogs when I was growing up. There are many, many breeds of dogs which I would be thrilled to bring into my family. In fact, one of my dreams is to run a dog rescue. Since that's not a profitable dream, I'm meeting some resistance on that one. hehe
When I first started hearing about dogs people were referring to as "designer dogs", I was a bit concerned and skeptical. My concerns and skepticism no longer exist though, because I've met several people who have one of the various 'designer dog' breeds and/or have knowledge and experience to share with me.
The list of 'designer dogs' continues to grow. These dogs are usually (but not always) Poodle crosses, meaning it's either a Standard or Miniature Poodle crossed with another breed of dog. Some of the most popular are Labradoodles (Labrador X Poodle), Golden Doodles (Golden Retriever X Poodle), Puggles (Pug X Beagle), Schnoodles (Miniature Schnauzer X Poodle, and the Maltipoo (Maltese X Poodle).
One of the crosses I've heard a lot about is the Labradoodle. There are actually two types of Labradoodle. There are the Labrador and Poodle crosses. However, there is also the Australian Labradoodle, which was created by an Australian breeding team in an attempt to create a winning show dog breed. The Australian Labradoodle is made up of six different breeds of dogs.
As I said, our Labradoodles (or the designer dog creation of Labradoodles) are a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle. However, this breed has been around for long enough now that it has become its own breed and is not considered a cross any longer.
I know some people who have Labradoodles, and they say they are excellent dogs. One common thing I've heard is that these dogs are very intelligent and easy to train. Another great thing is that their coats are non-allergic. So, someone with allergies could still have a dog as a companion.
So, my opinion of designer dogs has come a long way, especially when I hear firsthand experience promoting these dogs. Do you have any experience with these dogs? I'd love to hear what you have to say.
I had the recent pleasure of traveling to Cincinnati, OH for this hug fest! Their sessions took place over a number of days and I really couldn’t have had a better time with all these guys and girls. They are simply wonderful family dogs, raised as such, with love and care by Rainmaker Ranch Labradoodles. All live in their respective, loving abodes but came together this particular week to mix, mingle and model. 
Kiwi is the softest, fluffiest, most snuggliest ball of love. She is so kind and her fur is just to die for. I couldn’t get enough of her. I was so excited to see her again too, because she’s grown into such a lovely lady! I photographed her last year when she was just a wee tyke, just as playful. She loves to lounge around she just makes you want to take the day off and pour yourself a lemonade.
Dash lives up to his name. He’s constantly on the move, his energy never depleted. He was however, quite amenable to allowing me to capture him as still life once in a while
He has a beautiful coat of stark white and black and always enjoys a playmate to tussle around with. He’s quite a character and I was happy to have gotten to know him.
Luke, below, is another snuffly snuggler with a deliciously soft coat and a super-friendly demeanor. He’s easy going, super playful- he loves a kong toy- and will just plop down anywhere. This is what I adore about him though, he’s like the chubby kid at summer camp who no one really talks to, but if you spent a day making crafts out of popsicle sticks with him, you’ll find you’ve made a lifelong friend. He’s sincere and kind and does not judge.
The first thing I noticed about ZZ is that I had a sudden craving for cookies and cream ice cream. In fact, he has been a major contributor to the recent poundage I’ve aquired while working on his photos. I will be happy when his photos are complete and I can switch back to sorbet or yogurt or something
Seriously though, he’s a distinguished gentleman who loves a ride in a convertible. He’s calm, mature and reserved for the most part but he does love a good sprint here and there. Both Luke (above) and ZZ are also co-owned by Kingdom Labradoodles, here in Orlando.
Andi is a little ray of sunshine. She’s quirky, has so much personality and is always up for whatever. It doesn’t matter, she’ll make fun out of anything. And you know why else I love her? Because she looks like an over-loved teddy bear that has been passed down over generations providing comfort and happiness to all who have the honor of snuggling with her. I’m convinced she’s related to Fozzie, actually, and I do love me some muppets.
Andi shares a home and sofa with the next four adorables below.
Bear is an Australian Shepherd. He’s wise and calm and like the rest of his family, really likes cookies. He’s like the elder in a tribe that everyone goes to get advice from. He’s revered and respected and has a comforting air about him. He transfers peace to all who decide to lay next to him and I certainly got my fill of serenity.
Casey, sorry to embarrass you but I just had to put this picture of your nose up. It keeps making me laugh and everyone could always use a good chuckle. Thanks for delivering. Casey is an adorable poof of happiness. She’s kinda goofy and certainly fun-loving. She likes to smile, loves cookies even more and also enjoys catching the breeze on the outdoor sofa from time to time. She’s certainly a character!
Lucky, has a unique look and one that I’m certainly drawn to. She’s absolutely adorable. I love her expressions and the scattered white hairs on her face and her…um…beard? Ha ha, it’s just fabulous and it makes her no less of a lady. LOL! She naps in the most adorable positions and has a particular favorite corner of the couch that suits her. A gentle girl with soulful eyes indeed!
Rachel is another Aussie and you’d never know that she was 12! I know! I want to know what skin cream she uses. She is incredibly sweet and gorgeous and wanders around doing what she pleases. What she pleases is to avoid the camera at all costs- ha ha- she’s definitely camera shy but I was able to get a few of her before she realized that’s what I was there for. Hee hee!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Krista & Kathy & Jenny for bringing me up for several days of non-stop doodle rompin’ fun. It was nothing but a pleasure. Your dogs are wonderful, beautful and all so unique. My highest appreciation to you also for being such kind, incredibly responsible and respectable breeders. It has always been obvious that the care, love and life of your animals are the priority.
Predatory Drift is a sudden, and drastic change in a dog's demeanor that is characterized by behaviors associated with hunting small prey.
The term is most often used to describe a medium to large dog who has suddenly and uncharacteristically targeted a smaller dog as prey (dinner).
Predatory Drift is NOT Aggression, but it can mean injury or death for small dogs.
Predatory Drift happens when the larger dog's instinct to hunt are triggered.
These instincts can be triggered when play escalates or gets too much like the real thing (an out of control chase game). It can happen when a small dog gets scared or injured and squeals or wriggles in a way that makes them look like prey (dinner), Predatory Drift can happen just because thesize difference says, "You are comparatively bite-sized, or move like something that is bite-sized, and I am a canine predator."
The most alarming fact about Predatory Drift is that it can happen even with well-behaved, well-socialized, playful dogs who play well and often with no aggression, and no fights.
Dogs who are triggered into predatory drift, may or may not have ever been in a dog fight, and may or may not be generally well-behaved and obedient. There is NO protection against predatory drift. It is not a good dog/bad dog problem.
Predatory Drift is not about how brave, strong, feisty, or fearless the small dog acts. Predatory Drift is not about how well your medium or large, or extra large dog plays, listens to you, or how many times they have met, played with or been around a small dog.
Predatory Drift can even happen between two dogs that know each other well and have lived, played, and or known each other for years. In the right situation, a sudden shift happens and the predatory sequence (like dominoes falling) is triggered and completed with lightening fast speed.
While it is not a problem seen every day, all it takes is the slightest trigger -an injury, a fight, a response to something startling or scary. Predatory Drift is a SIZE MATTER! It usually involves a grab and shake, which instantly breaks the small dog's neck. There is no time to react. This in not a fight, it does not escalate. There is a trigger and then it is over.
Read more...
Should dogs of different sizes be allowed to play together?
Are off-leash parks and fenced dog parks safe for your small dog?
Today the world witnessed what many would call a "Dream Come True." Barack Obama took the Inaugural Oath and became the 44th President of The United States Of America.
For two young girls, another dream looms on the horizon. Dog lovers everywhere are rabidly devouring any, and all news of the First Dog. Fans, supporters and critics all have opinions, advice and stories to share.
For anyone considering a dog, finding and selecting an appropriate match for the family and home is paramount. The Obamas seem to be taking their time, waiting for the right dog and the right time. A good choice.
Once found, the pup needs to be welcomed into the home and family. For many families, bringing home a new canine companion marks the beginning of many challenges. As with all things, raising and training a well-mannered pup will have "setbacks and false starts."
Success takes time, commitment, consistency and hard work. Hope is needed here too. Many first-time dog parents feel a paralyzing hopeless as they face any number of unexpected challenges. Perhaps it will serve them well to remember the words of President Obama.
Could there be such truer words?
I wish that I could, so directly and so convincingly, share such wisdom with all those who have puppies and dogs in training.
If we can't acknowledge what we face, then we will never find the courage, strength and commitment we needed to overcome. No doubt, there are bigger challenges in life than how to raise and train a new dog. However, do not underestimate the stresses of a new canine companion.
Training a new pup can feel like an insurmountable task. Trainers should be leaders and must not forget to tell all their clients that they are not alone in their frustrations, fears and concerns. Pup parents and doggie adopters need to hear that the challenges they face are no less enormous than they feel, but that when taken in turn these seemingly insurmountable tasks are smaller and more manageable that they look from afar.
And yes, everyone with a new dog or puppy needs a good trainer; someone who can to lead them in relocating hope when it has been chewed up, peed on and buried deep in the yard. Sometimes a good start is just acknowledging that there is a serious matter at hand and that everyone is going to need to dig in and commit to working hard.
The solution is always out there, but it may not come easily or freely. In life there are no easy fixes, no short-cuts and no magic potions. This applies to training dogs, too.
