Back from Kentucky

I had my first out of Ohio state trip last monday thru tuesday. My parents, and I with my grandpa went to Kentucky State for the funeral of a great grandma. It was a long 7 hours drive but I am happy that Momma and Dada decided that I'd better go with them than staying in that boring Kennel.

We went to Harlan, Kentucky and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. Harlan is a very country place, not much to do in there. It is my Dada's birthplace. Anyway, when we got to there they just dropped me at the hotel, so they can catch up for the visitation. They left me for about 3 hours and I was asleep the whole time they were gone. For now this is my bed...freakin' big for a little me, huh?

I am supposed to be paying $7 here at the hotel, but the lady at the counter knew I had no money, so she did not charged me at all. If I stayed at the boarding kennel, Dada had to pay around $100. Good thing eh?

Dada said that I did very good with the trip. I was behaving very good. I never whine. I wasn't sick, vomit or pee and poo while we are travelling. I waited for the right time for them to stop the vehicle so I can do my thing. You see how goo I am? Woofff! I am a big girl now, remember?

Although the only problem I encountered is that it is a little uncomfortble sleeping especially when it gets bumpy. On the way home, I had to be sleeping at my Momma's lap. I find it less bumpy in there...wofff! woff!

I am really sleepy. Can I sleep on sitting position?

It's so uncomfortbale on this sitting position. I lay down instead.

I better be a lap dog for now. See you in shih tzu dream world.

Visiting the Gelin's

Woff! woof! I just got home from visiting Reyna and Railyn, the daughter of Aunt Lyn and Uncle Richie It was my first time to see them. Reyna had been wanting to see me for a long time.

She was eager to see me most especially when she learned this morning that we are coming to visit them. She even called in our house and left a voicemail just to know when are we coming.

I guess she got bored waiting for us. My little doggie heart felt sorry for having you waited us for so long. Ya know Momma is just slow. So bare with her.

Anyway, I had a pleasant time visiting them. They have a huge house and I was so excited to roam around. I checked all their bedrooms, great room, kitchen...oh I guess I had been to all places. It was neatly arranged and cleaned by Aunt Lyn.

At first I was hesitant to play with Reyna. Ya know I haven't been with kids before so I don't know what to expect. But she is very gentle to me. She let me smell her and she isn't pushy to play with me. She treated me with respect and with that I knew I can depend on her. I felt safe and comfortable with her.

I loosen up after a few times going up and down their stairs with Reyna following me. I even climbed up to her bed! Ohhh...that was the softest bed I've ever been! and she's got TONS of care bears! That makes me want to sleepover in their house -in Reyna's bedroom! I am just not sure if her Mom and Dad would let me?

Later on, we became friends and I've been barking at her to let her know that I liked her and I want to play with her. I gave her kisses, twice until Momma said its time to go home, darn!

Ooppss, I did poo-poo in their hallway...sorry :-( shhh.... don't tell Uncle Richie, OK? Mom said I will probably be back to visit them again, before the school will start. Woofff, then I can play with Reyna again...yay!

Oh wait, thanks Reyna for this new toy. I will surely play with it. Thanks! I'll see you again soon.

Walking a Dog

I am one of those lucky dogs who gets to walk at least 5x a week if not 7. Thanks to my loving Mom who thinks that I'd be a happier dog if I get to walk everyday. We walk first thing in the morning, before I get to eat my breakfast. Morning is the best time to walk a dog because the energy is very high. Utilize it in a positive way.

But did you know how to properly walk a dog? This is how Momma got me trained.

Firs of all, she would call my name and show me the leash. She waits until I am ready for a walk. When I am ready, I simply just go to her and let her put the leash all the way up to the base of my neck.

Using a leash is way better than a harness because of better access when your dog is not paying attention to you.

Make sure you go out of the door first. Tell your dog to sit and stay. Don't start the walk until your dog is in calm/submissive state of mind.

Grab the leash and let the dog go out of the door and tell her to sit or stay while you are closing the door.

Make sure the dog is paying attention to you -the pack leader. Most common mistake is when the dog walker pays attention to the dog - wrong!

Be assertive as a dog walker. Your head should be up, look straight and shoulder blade straight. Project a positive energy. Internally your message will be sent to your dog.

Don't tell the dog "let's go!" or "Are you ready?" That is a big mistake. Just simply start the walk. By this time, your dog's head should be up all the time.

Your dog should walk beside you or behind you. Common mistake is when the dog is walking ahead of you. He will assume he is the pack leader.

Don't let the dog sniff around while you are walking. Let the dog know that this is about walking and that you mean business.

When you notice that the dog's attention is not on you, grab the leash and say Shhhh! which means "pay attention!".

Within 45 minutes walk, Momma and I would stop 2-3x under the shade of a tree. By this time I can do anything I want like sniff around, pee or poo. Drink a water or simply just to catch our breath.

If you notice that your dogs energy is so high (upon going out of the door) then maybe you can take the dog for a short jog or simply run and then you can start the walk. By this time your dog would be more attentive to the proper walking.

As soon as we get home, Mom would clean me and then I can eat my breakfast. That is my morning reward.

***woofff! Dada told Momma that she is a good student of Mr. Cesar Millan, high five Momma!

Dog Whisperer

Here is a great tv program for those who have dogs. -->National Geographic Channel: Dog Whisperer by renowned dog behavior expert Cesar Millan. This show is about Dog rehabilitation and training human how to handle problem dogs. This show is very informative

Insight for Dog Lovers:

1. Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need exercise, clear direction and leadership. Giving them love alone doesn't create balance in their lives. Be a pack leader!

2. Rehabilitating a dog is not about "fixing" it. It's about you, the owner, creating the intention for what you want, not what you're feeling. Dogs pick up on feelings of fear, doubt or worry—and they will move to fill them by attempting to become dominant.

3. Practice unwavering leadership every day, especially on your walk. The energy you're projecting internally is the message you're sending to your dog.

4. Dedicate at least 45 minutes of time to the dog's walk in the morning. Let the dog know you have a consistent pattern that you expect it to follow. Utilize your dog's energy in a positive manner.

5. Don't expect more from your dog(s) than your own children. Dogs need discipline, too. Give them rules, boundaries and limitations as well as love.

6. Avoid nurturing your dog's fears or unstable mind. Imagine a successful scenario and hold it in your mind when dealing with your dog.

7. You are the source of your dog's energy. You are the role model.

8. Challenge the dog's mind—dogs want to know what to do with their lives. Let the dog work for your affection. Once in a calm/submissive state, your love will intensify those qualities in your dog.

9. Dogs need "on" and "off" time. Engage them fully in structured times together; then they can relax and avoid impatient or destructive behaviors.

10. Dogs show us how much we can learn—they live in the moment. Try it!