Category Archives: Mixed breed

Truman in the Lead for Learning

Truman loves doing tricks for two reasons: 1) I enjoy what I’m doing and always use positive reinforcement, 2) because that’s his personality. It is so much easier to teach other dogs to do ANYTHING if they have someone to first show them how to do it. Following another dog’s example is innate to them,Continue reading “Truman in the Lead for Learning”

Who’s the Second Boss Dog? – The Woes of Unstable Hierarchy

The Problem All is not well with the Three Musketeers. Occasionally there is a drop or two of blood from aggravated sparring. Will it resolve, or will it lead to substantial injury? I have to admit, Teddy’s life with us is at risk. Don’t fear, the other dogs won’t kill him, and we won’t putContinue reading “Who’s the Second Boss Dog? – The Woes of Unstable Hierarchy”

Predicting Good Dog/Bad Dog (Truman/Bear)

I admit, I hadn’t read the scientific research papers. When I learned about the connection between behavior and left/right handedness in dogs, I was delightfully shocked. How had I missed that? As it turns out, there are predictors of a dog’s propensity to be a more easily trained, and less troublesome. The predictors are basedContinue reading “Predicting Good Dog/Bad Dog (Truman/Bear)”

A Mystery Bear – A Rescue Story

Truman Blue has a new little brother, Bear. Like all the other critter’s in Truman’s household, Bear is a rescue. Adopted from the local shelter, Bear is a “Labradog”, mostly Labrador and maybe something else thrown in. Or maybe not, it’s hard to tell. Do I see a DNA test in Bear’s future? Why Bear?Continue reading “A Mystery Bear – A Rescue Story”

High in Trial – Truman Blue Scores!

Soggy dogs. It rained and rained, but the participants in the scent work trials were used to working in natural elements. Canines and people were wet and muddy, but that didn’t matter at this show. It was the ability of the dogs to locate a hidden odor cannister that counted. Scent work is a dogContinue reading “High in Trial – Truman Blue Scores!”

Celebrating a New Book Release – Naturally

Celebrating can be disastrous. There’s the prep, the expense, and the stress of performance. Since it was sunny and 62 degrees, Truman and I went on a walk about on our few acres. I didn’t even put on a bra, and Truman didn’t even put on a harness. We celebrated the day, just as itContinue reading “Celebrating a New Book Release – Naturally”

Following a New Scent

Truman and I have approximately the same level of engagement curiosity. That means we like to do things together that are fun, but don’t drain too much energy and are not too risky. So what does that mean for a dog who is a quarter bloodhound and a third Labrador? You guessed it, nose work.Continue reading “Following a New Scent”