On this particular day, I am accompanying John on his regular hikes with our dogs. Rio is dashing from tree to tree. From scent to scent oblivious of the world around her. I call her. Nada! I know better than to keep calling her, but I also take notice that this girl needs a refreshing…
Author: Almudena Ortiz Cue
The case of the wagging tail
I am working with a couple and their very aggressive dog. His displays of fear and aggression which constitutes barking, growling and lunging are quite sobering, and I really take them seriously. De-escalating the situation is part of what I need to do as well as making sure I don’t get bitten. We are giving…
At home dog & dog conflicts
One of the most difficult cases to resolve in my experience are cases that involved at home dog / dog conflicts. The motivation(s) behind the conflicts or fights can at times be difficult to parcel out. In addition, these kinds of situations require constant and competent supervision by those living with the dogs. One (still)…
Stocking Stuffers, Part 2
One of the things I like most about living with dogs is seeing them play. Let’s define play first. Most experts will agree that play is an activity which the sole purpose is to have fun. Play can have rules or not and, of course, it covers a wide range of activities. However, the fun as the…
Stocking stuffers for your pup
Yes indeed folks the time of gift-giving is among us. And what do you have planned for the pooch in your life? Since I turned to a vegan eating lifestyle, I have had to experiment more in the kitchen. So as a bonus, I now have the confidence to know that I can satisfy my…
Step UP or Step OUT – A call to breeders everywhere
A few of you have contacted me as a result of the last week’s post: Buyer beware. Just like you, I feel the pain and sadness when I hear of yet another puppy gone bad, just because of human ignorance or worse human greed. Now, one can only take so much of hearing these heartbreaking…
Buyer beware!
Last week I visited with a family that had adopted a Wheaten terrier in April of this year. Seven months later and their sad little dog will not interact at all with the family members! Her days consist of sleeping or hiding in her crate, or lying on one of the corners of the small…
When things go wrong
At times things can go very wrong. Sometimes, if we are paying attention we might not be caught by surprise but in other instances not only can things go wrong but they can do so very, very fast and as a result find us unprepared. Most of the cases I see and the ones that…
Not survive but thrive! Thoughts after the election.
As we try to make sense of what is in front of us as individuals and as nation after the unfathomable election for president of such a bigot, uncouth and ignorant individual, I have heard many voices speaking about “surviving” as in: “we will survive Trump…” Surviving is not enough for me. I want to…
Interested or overwhelmed? Which one is it?
I am taking Thor a lovely and super handsome 5 month old puppy/adolescent for a socialization walk this morning. The intent is to get him super comfortable with all sorts of stimuli such as cars, people of all types, but mainly men and children. I park by a local and not too busy park where…