Check Out The Fence Built For Jesse

Recently, February’s addition to Spike’s Pack, Jesse, had a fence built for him by his Dad, who documented the process with a photoblog of the events over at the Trukindog’s Den.

The following pictures from top to bottom are my fence project to give Jesse a large play & exercise
Pic. 1 The beginning
Pics. 2, 3 & 4 The base trench is dug & the gate & center posts are set & waiting for the concrete to dry.
Pic. 5 The gate latch/fence end post is set & concrete drying, the gate is hung & waiting for height adjustment
Pic. 6 The Boss/Jesse inspecting my work.
Pic. 7 The first section of fence is up & secure.
Pic. 8 The second section of fence is up & secure.
Pics. 9 & 10 The job is done !

Now Jesse has a big safe place to play & exercise.

Teaching (Go To Your) “PLACE” And “PARK IT” Command

So far, we have discussed many different basic training commands, SIT, COME when called, TAKE IT, LEAVE IT, DROP IT, Potty Training, HEEL, and STAY and WAIT.  This would be the final command necessary to complete a “basic training” class, laying a foundation for more advanced commands later on.

This will teach your dog a certain PLACE to go when you do not want him underfoot.  Sometimes, this may be referred to as a CONTROL CENTER.  To teach this, you first must choose the PLACE.  It can be a cushion, a rug, a towel, the dog’s bed or even his crate. 

A Pet’s Ten Commandments

I followed a link from one of my Twitter friends and this list of a pet’s ten commandments was waiting for me there.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me.  It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment.  You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me.  Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me.  Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old.  You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please.  Never say you can’t bear to watch.  Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.  ALWAYS!

Take a minute to grab your four legged friends and give them a hug today to let them know how much you love them.

Aggression Part 8: Predatory Aggression

Many dogs have a natural instinct to chase something.  Those triggers are usually activated by some fast, unexpected movement, like a bicycle, a cat, or even a car.   All dogs, regardless of how sweet they can be, are capable of predatory aggression.  Training when he or she is young will help you to control this natural instinct.  Unfortunately, if they are successful at chasing down and killing their prey early in their lives, the habit can be extremely hard to break.  As evidenced by their wild canine cousins, wolves, dogs are predators.  Many generations of domestication, selective breeding, and training have dramatically reduced their predatory instincts.

Aggression Part 7: Food Aggression

Food aggression is something that I do not put up with in my pack.  When my brother, Tax, joined our family, he was food aggressive.  He would growl and snap when anyone approached either his food or water dish.  I gave him a few days to get used to our family and our place, but I could not have anyone in my pack aggressive about food, so it was time for me to rule with an iron paw!