Recommended Books on Dog Training (Positive Training)

I have been meaning to do this for a while. This past spring, I created a list of dog training books that I have either read myself or have had recommended by positive dog trainers that I work with. It was originally handed out in puppy classes that I had assisted in, and most of the books I had purchased while I was a librarian/book buyer for the Weber County Library. However, most of the books are available for purchase from amazon.com or from Dogwise

Also please check your local public library. If they don't own a book you want to read, ask them to consider purchasing it, or ask them to order it from another library (Inter-Library Loan).  

I will update it as new books come out that I feel are great books that other dog owners/trainers should be aware of. Hope you enjoy!

 Cheers,


Recommended Books on Dog Training

Tug of War

Pharaoh is always ready to play! Isabella grabbed a Pogo Plush and Pharaoh immediately snatched a mouthful.

Who do you think won this round?

PhotoScape vs. GIMP and we have a winner!

We just purchased a laptop that came with Windows 7, so I needed to find some new photo editing software that works with this platform. After reading some online reviews, I tried GIMP, but I am not ashamed to admit it was way too much for me. Then I downloaded PhotoScape and it was pretty intuitive. Here is a shot of Isabella and Pharaoh playing chase. PhotoScape has some fun features. I am looking forward to playing more with it.

New Picture of Pharaoh

I recently took some pictures of Pharaoh, and here is a full body shot. Pharaoh is a 2 year old Afghan Hound that we recently adopted. He is a Red Brindle with a Black Mask. Because he came from a rescue, his original American Kennel Club (AKC) papers were canceled, so I have to re-register him with the AKC with a Purebred Alternative Listing. This will allow us to compete in lure coursing and agility. I also think his temperament would be a good fit with therapy, so we are going to try that too! I will keep you posted.

So, I am proud to announce  

Pharaoh's Golden Sunrise

If you want to see a picture of his darling face, look for an earlier posting in April. Cheers!

"Do Right By Your Dog"

I was really nervous about showing Isabella this past weekend. When I mentioned this to my friend Meredith Acly, dog trainer extraordinaire, she shared her mantra that she uses before running her dog Sully at agility trials: "Do Right by your Dog". In other words, your job as half of the team is to be clear in your communication; to use your body language and cues to set your dog up for success. Keeping this in the forefront of my mind allowed me for the first time in any competition to be calm and focused. We had fun! This is my goal: to have a happy and confident dog who enjoys working with me. Enhancing our bond each and every time we are competing together is what matters the most to me.

Thanks to Meredith for sharing such a wonderful tip. Cheers!

Utah Beehive Cluster--May 8, 2010

Isabella's and my first conformation show. She was 13 months old. We won reserve, beating a 3 year old female! Pretty good for our first show. The judge was kind in her comments recommending that I have a great looking girl and to keep practicing!

It's All in the Eyes--Window to the Soul...

Doesn't Pharaoh look wise?  I love this shot. What do you think?

Mount Ogden Kennel Club Fun Match January 31, 2010

Isabella and I went to our first Fun Match! Hosted by the Mount Ogden Kennel Club on January 31, 2010. Isabella was 10 1/2 months old. Nancy and Dean Laney, my breeders, were there with Isabella's two brothers. It was great to see them! Nancy and Dean gave me some great tips and Randy took a lot of pictures. Here are a few from the match.

Here is one of Isabella's brothers: Rudy

Waiting for Treats!

 
Isabella, Pharaoh, and Aspen get daily doses of salmon oil. This is a natural source of Omega 3s. Here are all three of them waiting for their capsules. I dole them out and boy are they focused!

A New Friend Joins the Household!

We are fostering a young male Afghan Hound named Pharaoh. He is a delightful boy--very playful and affectionate! Here are a few pictures from the last few days. He is fitting in very nicely.We are glad to share our home with him.

Pharaoh is very fast and he loves the snow!

Pharaoh hasn't had access to a safe enclosed yard, so you can see he is enjoying himself immensely!

I can't believe I captured this on film!

Isabella and Pharaoh are fast friends already! They are sharing Isabella's bed, each enjoying a hoof. 

Isabella and Aspen Playing in the Snow

As you can see, Isabella and Aspen play hard!

Can you find the white dog in the snow?

8 months old

I just took a ton of pictures of Isabella and had to post this one of her hunting for one last tomato of the season. This is our neighbor's garden and she is looking for anything coming through the fence. But Isabella is always willing to pose for the camera!

AKC Canine Good Citizen!!

Isabella passed her AKC Canine Good Citizen test on November 3, 2009. She was only 7 1/2 months old! This is pretty impressive, as most dogs don't have enough impulse control to pass this test until well over a year old. She now has initials after her name:

Nalaney's Isabella of Arrian's Grove, CGC

Show Practice-- One More Time!

Now presenting

Nalaney's Isabella of Arrian's Grove!

Show Practice 6 months old

Isabella and I are learning how to stand for the conformation show ring. We are taking lessons, and this is after one week of practicing. Not too shabby, don't you think?

Isabella 6 months old

Even though the lighting isn't the best, I love this shot; Isabella's expression is just wonderful. Don't you agree?

Silly Dog 6 months old

What a pose!

Wet Dog 5 months old

Isabella right after her first outside bath. She is too big for the tub now!

Isabella--On Your Bed! 3 1/2 months old

What a good girl your are!

Isabella and Me 3 1/2 months old

My little girl! She is too sweet.