Closer to Dog

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Jaclyn Smith from "Closer To Dog," a podcast about people who work with dogs, coyotes, wolves and other canids. She takes a look at everything from a day in the life of an Animal Control Officer, to Slobbr - an app for dog owners that assists in finding dog-friendly outings, eateries and veterinarians. She has a great tone, out-going personality and is naturally very curious.

It was, by far, the most fun I have had recording any interview.

Jaclyn came to a disc dogs class at Everydog, and then we interviewed in the family MINI Countryman because the boxing gym next door was...well, let's just say it was in full swing. And by swing, it sounded like sitting ringside for UFC Fight Night.

The MINI is a fantastic place to record, as long as you don't mind the occasional passersby peering into the car (that is fogging up due to two grown adults talking to into microphones for 45 minutes). I really hope that someone passing by had a great story to tell.

"Heya, Mike? Out there, that fogged up car...what do you think they are doing? Yeah, they were each holding a small ferret and talking into it. What do you think that's about?" 

So without further adieu, here is the link to this week's "Closer to Dog", all about disc dogs (but really, so much more). If you like it, go back and listen to some of the other episodes. They are fun and informative. You might even recognize some of your favorite Boston-area dog-folk like Michelle from Slobbr, and Zee from Wolf Hollow sanctuary in Ipswich, MA.

 Enjoy (and laugh!)
 -M3

What's Next?

You might remember a few months ago when there was a hilarious snafu with the US Postal Service that accidentally sent the woman I look up to the most in this industry a box of dental supplies with my name attached instead of a copy of the book I wrote. 

It could have been SOOOOO much worse than dental supplies....

Well, snafu aside, this entire experience led to a rather wonderful email back and forth between me and Dr. Patricia McConnell where we discussed in great detail some of the specific things that make living in a city different for dog owners compared to rural settings. It was really a wonderful conversation and without the Internet, might never have happened.

Thanks, Al Gore! 

She ended up writing a fantastic piece on her vantage point as an animal behaviorist from Wisconsin visiting New York City, and included some of the snippets of our back-and-forth.

(I might have swooned, but I did keep it totally cool. I think.) 

Me. Trying to "keep cool."

What came out of it was a question she asked in our conversation. A simple question, one that seemed so freakin' obvious, but after being in the city for so long it just never occurred to me to look at things from this particular angle. Her question was this: 

"Do you have a section in it that includes a hierarchy of skills for city dogs? I looked, couldn’t find it anywhere. What you said below is SO valuable! Did I miss it in the book somewhere? The only (minor) critique I’d make of the book is that I can’t find that much info that really is about ‘city dogs’ versus suburban ones. Again, it’s GREAT info, but I couldn’t find city-specific info as much as I wanted it. (ie, broken glass every where.. I NEVER would have thought of that…) Just asking, and possibly a thought for its eventual reprinting?"

Duh! Commands! City Dog Commands.

So my friends at 2 Dogs Treats gave me the latitude to address exactly that question. "What IS the hierarchy of urban dog commands?"

In the coming weeks, I'll be cross posting from the 2 Dogs Treats Blog the urban dog commands hierarchy, and ways to teach these skills. They are longer posts, often with videos and humor. I hope they can help you out. 

And yes, I'll do an eventual 2nd edition of "Considerations for the City Dog" because...my hero suggested it :)

(No longer keeping it cool. That's the last time I'll mention it, I swear. SQUEEE!)

THANK YOU!  Seriously - all of you who read, recommended, reviewed or even helped create Considerations for the City Dog,thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to you, we got up to 25 reviews on Amazon, which means that Amazon *should* start recommending Considerations for other readers who are searching books in the same category!

That doesn't mean you shouldn't review if you haven't. Amazon has tiers of how they promote books to other readers, so the more reviews the better.  If you're so inclined it only takes a moment to review on Amazon and Goodreads and it helps more than any single thing (aside from picketing outside of publishing houses changing "City Dogs Rule!")

While you're at it, review a few of your favorite books, especially if they are written by indie or "self" published authors as they don't have the long arm of a PR firm or publishing house to help get the word out. I put "self" in quotes because I think it's the biggest misnomer in the book industry. It took a team of 15 to get Considerations for the City Dog up to snuff, and bless their hearts, they all volunteered because they believed in me or the concept of the book. If there is a book you love and believe in and you know it's by an indie or "self-published" author, consider giving a quick review so they can perhaps reach that magic number. For all of you who reviewed or recommend in any way:

Thank you :) 

-M3

My Hero, Dr. Patricia McConnell

When most people get up the gumption to contact their heroes, a feeling of nervousness and excitement washes over them.

There is a certain population where the universe bends all rules of probability and says this:

"Oh, that's really cute. Let's make this weird and awkward for all parties involved."

I am a part of that population.

Pretty good advice. It's served me well.

After attending a conference where Jessica Dolce of DINOS (Dogs In Need of Space) was presenting, I let her know that I loved her work and included her in the references of my book. We did a book swap. After she read mine, she suggested that I write to Dr. McConnell to let her know how much she affected my work and influenced the book. I was nervous, but whatever the gal who created DINOS says, I do.

So I ponied up the courage (drank shots of whiskey), contacted "her people" and in 3 minutes got a letter back from one of her assistants. "We'd love to get the book! Send it along!" She included an address.

Excitedly, I prepped the book. I thought about how to inscribe it. I sent it off.

A few weeks went by.

I received a certified letter that I had to pick up in person at the post office. I thought about all the times on Maury Povich that "the kid is yours" starts off with a certified letter...but then I remembered I'm a woman and would have remembered something like that. Then I thought I was being sued for something and totally panicked.

Turns out, a post office in Wisconsin sent me a letter. It stated that my book didn't qualify as "media mail" - which was strange because the post master at the post office told me to send it by "media mail." This includes "books" which my book actually is. They told me to cease and desist sending books as part of their book mailing program.

I was confused. I was also concerned that they didn't send my book along to Dr. McConnell.

When I called the post office and explained I sent a book, the post master on the other end of the line in Wisconsin went silent.

Then, she sighed and said the words I was a little worried to hear.

"Oh. Um...I think I know what happened."

Apparently, my book came out of the packaging between Wherever, USA and Wisconsin.

In the same shipment, a box of dentistry supplies ALSO came out of its packaging.

My envelope said "Dr. Patricia McConnell" - so naturally, the dentist supplies had to go to Dr. McConnell.

The book...is missing (later found out, because of a podcast my beloved listens to, that it is in Atlanta where all missing mail goes to stay lost.)

Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, my hero Patricia McConnell picks up a package of dentist supplies from M. McCue-McGrath with no other note. She, as anyone would, returned the package to the post office.

Some dentist, somewhere, is missing his...or her...supplies. They are in Wisconsin.

Once I found out what happened, I emailed Her People (tm). I was crestfallen, embarrassed (what on earth is she going to think?). Also, where is the book? Also, this poor dentist is missing important things!

Lisa, the Assistant Of The Year, (I'm giving her this award) laughed it off and said something about Dr. McConnell showing up with a box of dentist supplies and a quizzical look.

Two days later, I receive a letter.

Not by certified mail. Regular, won't make you crap-your-pants-in-fear mail.

In this envelope was a hand written note.

A hand written note from my hero, Dr. Patricia McConnell.

"Dear M.McCue-McGrath -

I received a box of dentist supplies from you.
I'm guessing that's not what you sent - unless you're giving me a not-so-subtle hint about my oral hygene.

If you sent a manuscript for me to read, please kindly send it again.
 - Patricia McConnell"

Yes, It's framed. This is totally normal.

I sent a new book. On the envelope I wrote:

"Includes ONE BOOK. No dentistry supplies."

The note will be framed because it's from my hero. I hope she likes the book, but right now, the universe is laughing, as am I. Well played, universe.

Well.
Played.


*Update: Dr. McConnell ended up getting her copy of the book and we had a lovely email back-and-forth about urban dogs after she read it. She ended up writing a piece on her blog about city dogs and rural dogs. Check it out HERE.*


-M3

Rewards

As a dog trainer, I talk a LOT about rewards.

In short, a reward is in the eye of the recipient. I think of Ron Weasley from Harry Potter and the hand knit sweater. He REALLY didn't want the sweater his mom made him for Christmas - he got one every year and was embarrassed by them. Harry, never having a sweater, really was touched by the gift Mrs. Weasley made him.

Last night, we had a good lesson in "rewards."

Aislyn, my three year old daughter, is trying a full night without her bedroom light. I told her she had to pick her binky or the light (she picked binky) AND she gets a reward of whatever she wants for breakfast tomorrow morning if she can make it through the night.

"I want a Nutella and orange cheese stick sandwich."

"Can I just make you a peanut butter and Nutella sandwich?"

"No. Nutella and cheese stick."

"Ok, Nutella and cheese."

"NO, Mom. Cheese STICK."

So, a reward I never .... never would have thought of - a Nutella and Cheese STICK sandwich.

Now, I could have given her a new toy. I could have given her a peanut butter sandwich. I could have had a dance party with her. Those things would not have been as rewarding as a Nutella and cheese stick sandwich.

Dog help us if we were out of Nutella. Or cheese sticks.

Luckily, she decided at the last minute to have the cheese stick on the side so it didn't get messy.

This is a real reward.

Think about that the next time your dog won't come when called. Was he expecting a game with you and you just pet him on the top of his head? Is that head rub rewarding at all to your dog? We know you think it is but does your dog perceive that as a reward?

Does the behavior of "come" increase or decrease with a head rub instead of a game of tug or a piece of cheese?

2 Dog Treats: Howl-O-Ween Considerations

Hey guys,

Blog post over at 2 Dogs Treats regarding Halloween considerations and ways to prepare yourself (and your pup) for near-constant door bell ringing.

That, and a Poodle dressed as Bo Derek.

Curious? Then click over to 2 Dogs Treats!

Enjoy!
~ M3

Mario Dog

I'd like to think that when dogs are just wandering around, or reacting to things we can't see, they are really playing an intricate imaginary game of Super Mario Bros.



My universe makes so much more sense now!

 -M3

Pro-Tip: Identification Tags

I was a dog trainer LOOOONG before I was a mom. I think that's critical to this story.

It breaks my heart whenever I see a lost stuffed animal, well-loved blanket, or toy with stickers all over it in my city. That indicates that somewhere, sometime in the likely near future, is a 1,2,3 or 4 year old child who is very, very, very sad. 

At least once a month on Facebook, I'll see an image circulating: 

"Have you seen my son's toy? It's his favorite. It looks like this and was last seen at the grocery store." 

"I found this on an airplane seat. I think a little girl left it behind. Can you share it? It looks well-loved and I'm sure she's missing her friend." 

It reminded me of the missing dog posters I see around my neighborhood. These toys are just as important to these kids as family pets are to the family. If you don't believe me, try to take my daughters favorite stuffed toy from her, even just to look at it. Utter panic, real emotion, actual tears. When she gets it back? Instant comfort. 

I had to bribe her to take Puppy for a photo session. 

"If I can borrow puppy, you can watch your show." 

I have been making dog leashes for my students for awhile now, and even tried to make a dog collar once, but couldn't figure out how to size it. Then it hit me: I could put a collar and identification tags on "Puppy," in the same way I tell my students to ALWAYS have a collar with identification on their dogs. As you can see in the photo above, Rohan my cat never goes outside, but even she has a tag with ID because you never know. One day she might slip out, or there might be a fire and she escapes. You never know. I'd rather be prepared for my pets. 

I feel that I should afford my kid the same comfort that if Puppy were lost, I did everything I could to make sure they would be reunited. So, I made Puppy a fancy, schmancy collar.

It's a little big, but it was my first try. 

"Puppy"
Return to Aislyn 

(617.XXX-XXXX)

Then, I made Puppy an ID tag. Ace and I went up the street to the pet store where she picked out Puppy's new tag. We made it an activity where she was part of the process. Now, if Puppy is ever lost in a grocery store, on a plane, or at the park, I can say that the dog "looks like this, has an orange braided collar, and a gold tag." If the toy is picked up and found, they can call the phone number on the tag, ask for Aislyn and say "I found Puppy!"

#DogTrainerMom  #Win  

I hope, just like with real pets, that we'll never need it, but if my pets, or if Puppy is ever missing, we have that safety net. 

What life hacks have you tried for your kids and dogs? 

-M3

It's Nice To Have A Pup In The House Again

We are dog sitting my friend Ollie for the weekend. It's the first time we've had a dog in the home since the passing of Sadie in August. It's actually really nice, but there are a few things to adjust to.

You may remember seeing Ollie before. We demo disc in the area. She's the only flying Boston terrier I've ever met. She's a Border collie in a Boston terrier body. If you don't believe me, she was even highlighted as my teammate in PBS's Design Squad a few months ago.



Pro: All of our dishes have been pre-rinsed before the dishwasher.
Con: We haven't seen our cats in 26 hours.
Oh, wait. There they are. If you look carefully, there are two up there.

Pro: Super warm feet at night. She's a snuggler - she crawls under all the blankets, and lays on my feet. Plus, if she farts, we can't smell it. Double bonus!

Con: She's so cold. Poor thing. It was -20 degrees the last few days in good ol' Boston. She was cold because as a Boston terrier, she has ZERO insulation.

I wanted to  help.
I found our greyhounds old snood. 
It was a little large.

I'm not sure if Ollie is really pissed off, or if that's just her face.

It made me think of this gem, which we can all relate to.


#BostonTerrierProblems #UnderbiteOfAwesome #FaceOfSadness

Stay warm everyone. Spring will come.....someday.

Right?

Dog Trainer Emergency Kit

Today, I raided the dog's emergency kit to splint what I now suspect is a broken toe (or at the very least, a really, really badly sprained situation in the "This Little Piggy Had None" toe).

In this emergency kit was splinting equipment, tape, soft wrap, gauze, Neosporin, and un-expired peroxide. 

None of these things existed in our human emergency kit.

#AnimalProfessionalProblems

Recall Redux

A student sent me this video yesterday, and I snorted seltzer out of my nose. I'm pretty sure the dog is named Jesus Christ.....

 

Humorous as the video is, it really illustrates why it's critical to have a reliable recall on your dog before letting them off leash. Dogs have 4 legs, we have 2. Guess who's going to win in a foot race every time? More importantly consider the following scenario: Your incredibly friendly, social dog is racing across a field to say hi to another dog - but that dog might not be too keen on your dogs exuberant greeting behavior, and may react with a growl, lunge, or bite.

Rule #1 of dog training: Your dog might be friendly, but that doesn't mean every other dog wants to be it's friend. Rule #2 of dog training: Have a solid recall on your dog.



How to Get A Reliable Recall: 
Here is a quick video on theory:

and how to use a long line to start recall training:

You can also take formal classes to work on recall, or join a club. Every basic manners class should have dedicate time to recall basics while working on other basic skills (sit, down, stay, don't eat that), and some classes are even designed specifically for working on one thing only- getting your dog to come when called.

And then, there is my favorite way to work recall and off leash skills with a dog: Sports. In most dog sports, (Obedience, Rally, Agility, Frisbee, etc), the dog has to be able to execute skills, such as "go this way", "do this thing", "come" and "stay" while off leash...and it looks REALLY cool!

The reason this works? It's fun for the handler, and for the dog. Mark demonstrates the basic principle of come when called while competing with his dog - YOU HAVE TO BE MORE EXCITING THAN ALL THOSE OTHER EXCITING THINGS, which isn't always easy to do, and he never yells at the dog for coming to him. "Fido, come here NOW" and getting a whack on the nose, or getting his nails clipped is a surefire way to insure your dog never comes when you call.

So in short: 
- Never let your dog off leash until you have a reliable recall on your dog.
- Use a long line to work longer distances.
- Find a way to be more exciting than a squirrel (highly motivating treats, frisbee, ball, whatever your dog likes)
 - If your dog doesn't come, make it easier for your dog to be successful (shorter distance/fewer distractions)
 - Keep practicing, join a club, take a class, or start dabbling in sports to make things interesting and fun!

Ireland

Hey Everyone! I usually stick to dog stuff, but since there was a bit of a lull, and it was sort of a big month life-wise, I figured I'd make this more of a personal post.

Brian and I got married in the rain on Friday, September 23 with a small group of 8 people in Arnold Arboretum...with our ring beasts:

I was so glad they were there, but the smell in the car with two wet dogs on the way home was less than awesome.

The umbrella was both functional, and a tip of my hat to MA law. 
Someday everyone will have the same rights nationally as all residents are lucky to have in our great state.

It stopped raining for 15 minutes.

We had a fantastic party the following day on Thompson Island, with a killer sunset. I would get married in the pouring rain a hundred times over for the sunset we had at the reception:

I didn't know a beach in Boston could be so awesome.

Bliss.

The next day, we went to Ireland. I've been explaining Ireland as "wet, green, tasty, and sheepy". But the thing that absolutely surprised me was for the first 5 days, we didn't see ANY dog leashes. The dogs, even in Ennis, a city near Shannon, had a healthy respect for the streets, and stuck to the sidewalks.

The first bar we saw was by far, my personal favorite.

 We made our way the first night to the Cliffs of Moher. If you've ever seen a travel book on Ireland, or watched a movie that has taken place on the island, you have seen the Cliffs of Moher. They are impressive cliffs that plunge 790 feet into the Atlantic. What they don't tell you is how WINDY it is on top of those flat surfaces.

Don't fall.

Of course, I had to laugh at their "warning" system.....

Gaelic for "Don't be stupid".

But as we went on, we noticed more and more dogs. There were TONS of Border Collies, which made sense considering there are millions of sheep and cattle that need to be moved each day, and lots of farmers that need the assistance of dogs. My favorite BC on our travels was a "dud" as the owner explained, but she loved her dog anyway. Turns out, "Pudgie" was brought into the family to help the farmer move sheep and cows, and even shadowed the older, wiser dog before he died. Pudgie, however, had other ideas.

Pudgie decided cars are a better flock - much more interesting than sheep - until one day he bit the side of a car tire, and has a permanent snaggle tooth. He's obviously very self-conscious about it, as evidenced by all the photos I got to take of his back, but he ran away with shame as I circled around to the front. He now serves as a tourist greeter. This same family charges 2 Euro to climb over their sheep gates, through their fields that the sheep are actively using, up what I affectionately call "Sheep-Poo-Pass" up to Eask Tower: An old ruin at the top of one of the highest points of the Dingle Penninusla. The view was amazing.

Eask Tower

View up to Eask Tower

We saw other dogs with jobs along our way. For instance, Traffic Cop: Bringing up the rear is a small black and white Border Collie who meant business. It was amazing watching this dog work, not just with cows, but with CARS. It was eyeing the cars as if to say "you want to go? I'll cut you."

Irish Traffic Jam

Door Greeter/Receptionist:      

"Guinness" the Pit/Corgi mix we met on Inis Mor Island off the west coast of Ireland. He split his time between the pub next door, and the B&B we stayed at. The spike collar was just for humor. 

Bartender/Publican:

This dog got up to greet people with french fries....

and judging by his girth, he takes his job seriously. I called him "Norm", from CHEERS fame.

Tourist Shop Owner:

Tourist Guide: 

I didn't realize until after I took the photo, but there were 4 other BC's inside the little structure that the ticket taker was in. This one must have been "on duty". She didn't move from her spot, and was carefully watching the feet of everyone, as if to say "step on the grass, and I'll take your foot off."

This one led us from the harbor of Inis Mor Island, up the hill to the open pub in town. This dog earned her tip.

Comedian:

Just one look at this dog, and Brian busted up laughing. Corgi/BC mix at a tourist attraction.

The only dog with true OCD issues, was this Rottweiller at the same tourist attraction. This dog would compulsviely bring rocks to visitors, place them in your lap, and stare until the rock moved. Then, she'd pick it up again, place it back on your lap, and stare at you until the rock moved. Lather, rinse, repeat. Sweet dog, but look at her face - she wasn't satisfied in her "work". Everyone else thought it was funny, but I thought it was just really sad.

And just for fun: Even dolphins had their job:

Look carefully next to the dinghy. There was a dolphin playing at the boat dock. This boat took us to a bigger boat, which took us to Inis Mor Island. I can't recommend the island enough. Totally worth the sea sickness to get over there, plus, the dolphin was really cool.

For Mariah: WE FOUND FUNGI! We actually saw the real Fungi in Dingle Harbor, swimming around one morning, but didn't get a photo.

And, because it's gratuitous, and I can't resist: 

Which, to be perfectly honest, is better than an unhappy hooker.

"If You're Not The Lead Dog, The View Never Changes"

Washington Post's article on the Iditarod from "Tuffy", a Siberian Husky's point of view. It's just adorably funny.

Click here for article

Rose Teaches Puppy School

Lesson 1: Use well socialized adult dogs to help teach young whippersnappers when enough is enough, by using a technique called "avoidance".


Lesson 2: When Puppy doesn't get the hint and continues to use those sharp puppy teeth on sensitive ankle skin, try alternate methods to get your point across without resorting to eating the puppy.





Lesson 3: When Puppy gets the hint, resume play.

Gratuitous Fun

Completely for fun....the dog days of summer are gone, but not forgotten!

Ridgeback = Mother Of The Year!

Article of Abandoned Piglet, Adopted by 8 Year Old Ridgeback

This story is really adorable, and can go a long way to prove to some humans that we can get along, even with all of our differences.

News Flash: Dog Eats Bag of Pot, Get's High

Dog Displays Weaving, Glossed Eyes, an affinity for Pink Floyd and an urgent need of Cheetos. Dog also laughed hysterically at his own paw.

In all seriousness, if your dog is exhibiting behaviors such as tipping over, weaving, vomiting, glossed eyes, take your dog to the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately. These signs can show up by ingesting other materials more dangerous than pot, or may indicate neurological issues as well. Only your trusted veterinarian should handle a case such as this.

NPR on Genetically Enhancing the Dog

If you are at all interested in how dogs have evolved in the last 200 years, NPR had a fantastic article (and podcast) discussing how dogs have evolved with guns. Article and Podcast HERE

I'm working with a couple that have recently adopted a dog, and when they got their mutt genetically tested, she came back as part Duck Tolling Retriever. We've been really working on her jumping, her exuberance, and have been trying to harness her natural tendency to retrieve. But when I listened to this article, and they pointed out that the Duck Toller has a reputation of being the highest energy of all the retrievers, I just had to chuckle to myself. That explains EVERYTHING! I'm now going to buy this family a flock of Ducks for their little pup to have, all to herself. She can Duck Toll all the live long day!

Puppy Pulling Power?

Which breed of pup will be the best wing-man for a single fella?

These guys conducted a test to find out!



It's about 10 minutes long, and honestly, I haven't watched it in its entirety yet, but the concept is pretty great!

Barkley, the Reading Dog

Here is a great video of one of my Puppy II students -

Barkley, the reading dog!

There is no secret hand signal, no bribery, no dog trainer in the background...just Laura and her amaing "reading" dog.



You have to see this to believe it. When we saw him in class, it blew us all away!

Love Lessons....from your dog?

MSN has an interesting article on the lessons in love, that we humans can learn from our 4-legged best friends.

I also personally feel that if more people spent more time on #4, I think the world would be a happier place.