Archive for July, 2008

News that’s fit to print

I find KYW1060 to be an odd smattering of catchy headlines and alarmist headlines. Oliver finds it useful for the accuweather and traffic reports.

We were both however surprised to find the dog section. The article we liked best was

‘Teaching your dog to come to you’.

Here is the text below. Oliver and I worked on this for a while, and he gets it, but only if there is a treat involved. Or a sneaky pretend treat – that he doesnt think is funny at all.
If however, he’s chasing frogs, or butterflies, or sunshine, really there is no treat that is more delicious than that! So the motivation is low. He’s pretty clever that way.

Teaching Your Dog to Come to You

by KYW’s Nan Talleno

Teaching your dog to come to you may sound pretty basic, but it could ultimately become a lifesaving command.

Dogs usually run to the sound of their name and a familiar voice but surprisingly, many dogs don’t always come when called and that could mean trouble if your dog is ever separated from you, for example if he runs outside, possibly heading into harm’s way and you desperately need to get his attention.

The way to teach him initially is to hold a treat in one hand, at nose level to your dog so that he doesn’t jump up. As his nose meets your hand, back away and encourage him with your voice and praise. The goal is to keep him close to your hand as you back up. Just before he catches up to you, say “Come” and his name only once (as you are still moving) and as he touches your hand this time, give him the treat with lots of praise.

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French Creek State Park

We had a great time at French Creek State Park. We were nervous since it was the first time Oliver camped. It turned out great. Oliver had the best time ever. He almost caught a frog!

The hike really tired him out, so back at camp he pretty much passed out. In a pile of leaves.


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Ready for a nice hike in the woods!

Oliver is decked out in a cool hankerchief to get hiking. Oliver told me he doesn’t like to be dressed up like a hippie – but I told him to shh and be polite and thank his Grandma for watching him! Oliver smiled and said thank you, secretly knowing that he was just going to chew it off later anyway…

 

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seriously.

http://www.petboots.com/

dog boots.

footwear for your dog.

really.

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It’s Camp-tastic!

Oliver is packing up his knapsack and getting in shape for longs hikes in the woods.

In the upcoming weeks, we are going to head to French Creek State Park to go camping with him! Oh the chipmunks beware!!!

I found some helpful doggie camping tips here. I have a feeling the the dog booties they recomend would be helpful on Oliver, until he chews them all off.

http://www.coyotecommunications.com/dogcamp.html

Just like Camp Snoopy!

 

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for pete’s lemon

Oliver dined with us at For Pete’s Sake last night. Where they brought him a doggie bowl as big as a swimming pool – with a little lemon on the side. how awesome.

  


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Adorable AND delicious?

Oliver would like to thank the People’s Republic for doing him and his brethren this solid.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25633945/

Dog meat off the menu during Beijing Olympics

Restaurant staff told to ‘patiently’ suggest other options for diners

updated 4:46 a.m. ET, Fri., July. 11, 2008

BEIJING – Canine cuisine is being sent to the doghouse during next month’s Beijing Olympic Games.

Dog meat has been struck from the menus of officially designated Olympic restaurants, and Beijing tourism officials are telling other outlets to discourage consumers from ordering dishes made from dogs, the official Xinhua News Agency reported Friday.

Waiters and waitresses should “patiently” suggest other options to diners who order dog, it said, quoting city tourism bureau Vice Director Xiong Yumei.

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limpsy on and off

Oliver broke his leg in March, and got the cast off in late May. The Dr said it would take another full month before he could use the leg normally. As of July – Oliver can go for walks that last about 20 minutes without limping. Any longer and he starts to favor his leg. Any time he plays with other puppies at the dog park, he comes back with a limp.

The limp develops slowly. He’ll get home and settle in to watch TV, then an hour later will develop a limp.

This Saturday was no different. He walked with us to the dog park, hung out with some horses, eh I mean Saint Bernards, who were surprisingly gentle. He ran a bit at the park – but I think he really doesn’t like the feel of the new gravel.

Then home we went, and the limp started.

Sunday he was fine. So we just went for a little stroll after the rains passed. It’s hard to predict when or if it will go away and he’ll be able to run as much as he used to. It’s sad. We never got to realize his full racing potential. :)

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happy birthday America!

Oliver is wondering if this blog is just a vehicle to post embarrassing photos of himself. I assure him they are not embarrassing, but adorable. He hardly sees the difference.

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a run in with lucy, the pit

We went to the dog park sunday to see if oliver was ready for some action. It’s always tricky there b/c he loves/needs to run – but if there are bigger dogs there – he gets trampled.

Sunday there was a speckled looking pit named lucy who decided to play with oliver. He was mildly interested in her, and she was a little miffed that he wasn’t giving her his full attention. So the pounced! I scooped him up to get him out of the way – and she lept up to get us both.

I must say, I am afraid of pit bulls. Even the cute ones that are sweet and gentle. I’m terrified they may, frankly, bite my face off.

 

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