Rocky’s “Fear Aggression”

There are times when you have conversations with “dog” people that know little or nothing about dogs or their behavior.  They are often looked to for suggestions and advice because they hold a position of influence.  Oftentimes, they will dispense advice throwing words around that they may have overheard in a conversation.  Some of those words or phrases can be dangerous in the hands of untrained, uneducated individuals.  Phrases like fear aggression are among those that are dangerous.  They think that because they were thinking fast enough to throw out that phrase, it will impress people, increasing their influence among those they encounter.  Some of these people do not have a clue as to what fear aggression actually is, let alone what can be done to modify or manage it.

Spike’s Pack: January 2009 Nominees

It is that time again to introduce the nominees for Spike’s Pack for January 2009.  Voting will commence Sunday, December 28th at midnight and conclude Tuesday night/Wednesday morning at midnight, all times EST.  Congratulations to all those nominated, and good luck in the voting.

Nominee #1 – Smokey Harden

Smokey is a king.  He lives in Henry County, Ga.  He likes to wait until his dad comes home, because he knows they are walking to the mail box.  He loves to be outside.  When his mom comes home it’s time for dinner!  While mom and dad are at work he takes care of the house.  If he gets the opportunity to get in the bedroom, he will destroy all of the pillows, for they are the enemy.  He loves to go to the beach and anywhere else he can.  He is fully house-trained.  Mom and Dad gave him a bell by the door, so he can ring when he needs to go potty, or if he just wants to go outside to play.  Recently, I got to hang out with Smokey’s new baby brother, Biscuit, whose pictures can be seen here and here.

He loves doggie treats, and on the weekend he gets bacon and scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Spike’s Pack – December’s Nominees

First, I would like to congratulate all of the following dogs for their nomination to join Spike’s Pack.  They were able to send in their pictures and profiles (or get their humans to do it for them) for consideration.

Nominee #1 – Rocky Florey

Rocky is a Bull Arab from Australia, and he wrote his own biography.  I first came to live with Mum & Dad when I was 8 months old.  I had been living in a suburban back yard, and I was very bored. I never went out, and spent my days chewing up flower pots and digging up the yard.  At first, I was terrified when Mum & Dad picked me up and put me in the back of the “kennel-on-wheels” because it was only the second time I had ever been in one. When we got to his my home, I did not know how to go up the steps and into the house.

Within the first 2 weeks I:

* Tore up the linoleum in the kitchen
* Chewed the telephone line
* Demolished every potted plant he could find
* Tried to bite Mum

Mum told Dad that I needed training, or I had to go. That was when we were lucky enough to find a wonderful trainer called Jo.  Since then I have been through Basic, Intermediate & Advanced training, and I am a “new” dog.  Mum & Dad have learned how to make me understand what they want, and I am much happier now that I am in the know. I can heel, sit, drop, stand, wait, roll over to be checked and come when I am called. Two years ago, I was allowed to walk off-lead in a local Parade.  I don’t know who was proudest, me, Mum, Dad or Jo.  Now I enjoy rides in the “kennel-on-wheels”, playing ball, going on holidays and having a swim, going back to school occasionally for a bit of socializing and sleeping on the couch by the fire.

Nominee #2 – Richie Shackelford

Richie is an American Bulldog/Pit Bull Mix.  He lives in Woodstock, Ga with his Mom and Dad, his brother, Oscar (who is also nominated), and 2 sisters that are cats (Maddie and Reese).  He is 4 years old.  He is a very well behaved dog who thinks he is a person!  He has even convinced his parents of it too.  He has a great personality, and he does not think he should have to do “dog things.”  He is spoiled rotten, but his home is a very loving one.  He is a big fan of car rides, especially when he gets to stick his head of the sunroof to get the wind blowing through his ears and to look around without being bothered to find a window.  He also enjoys trips to the park, where he sniffs EVERYTHING he can find outside, chewing on bones and doing all his tricks to show off to the other dogs.

You can vote for Richie by himself, or you can use the joint nomination to vote for both Richie and Oscar together.

Nominee #3 – Smokey Harden

Smokey is a king.  He lives in Henry County, Ga.  He likes to wait until his dad comes home, because he knows they are walking to the mail box.  He loves to be outside.  When his mom comes home it’s time for dinner!  While mom and dad are at work he takes care of the house.  If he gets the opportunity to get in the bedroom, he will destroy all of the pillows, for they are the enemy.  He loves to go to the beach and anywhere else he can.  He is fully house-trained.  Mom and Dad gave him a bell by the door, so he can ring when he needs to go potty, or if he just wants to go outside to play.

He loves doggie treats, and on the weekend he gets bacon and scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Nominee #4 – Oscar Shackelford

Oscar is a boxer/American Staffordshire Terrier mix.  He is our youngest entry, at only 6 months old.  Mom and Dad were sold immediately upon lying their eyes on him.  They took him home, and it has been a wonderful match ever since.  One of the best parts of his life is getting to play with his big brother, Richie.  Not only are they brothers, they are best friends.  Among his favorite activities is his time spent chasing his sisters, the cats, around and around the house.  He also loves to go for long walks, play outside with toys and with Mom, Dad and Richie, chew his bones and learn how to perform new tricks.  When he is inside, he LOVES to sneak into the bathroom, unroll the toilet paper, and pull it out as far as he can before anyone notices.  He has the cutest personality and acts like a person, just like his big brother.  As you can see, he has a tendency to be lazy.  His favorite spot in the house is the couch, where he takes his naps and snores really loud, but Mom and Dad love him anyway…

You can vote for Oscar by himself, or you can use the joint nomination to vote for both Richie and Oscar together.

Again, congratulations to everyone for being nominated.  Don’t worry if your favorite pet does not win the December vote, because all nominees will be included in future votes as well.  Once nominated, potential packmates will not be forsaken, as I want to grow my pack to its full potential.

Feel free to spread the word about your choice and vote as often as you would like.  We will announce the winner December 1st.  Good luck to all of the nominees, their friends and family.

Get your vote on!