Shown here is our Jack Russell Terrier Lucy. She's pictured trying to bring a stiffly frozen bluegill into the house, for the umpteenth time (but that's a whole 'nother story) You can see more pictures of Lucy here.

Years ago, Lucy caused me to reconsider all I ever thought I knew about the validity of punishment as a training tool. Like many dogs, she is fiercely protective of anything that is hers. Bones and rawhide chips are highly coveted. I grew up in a household that raised large dogs. From the time they were puppies, we worked with them - and taught them that being snappy or growling at a human family member over food was absolutely not tolerated. It took forever for Lucy to adjust to this way of thinking. My usual way of dealing with this - which worked my whole life - on dozens of dogs - was to deal swiftly and severely with the crime of guarding food from human authority. And then benevolently return the object of controversy. Usually one session that included a swift swat and/or a loud scolding was enough to do the trick. Lucy growled every time. I'd careful extricate the object of desire - scold her for growling, and graciously return it. Everyone in the family knows the drill - and she was treated with consistency each time - with no real progress.

Then, during one of these attempted training sessions she bit my son Jordan and drew blood. I was right there monitoring the interaction - he'd done nothing inappropriate - so I did what I saw fit - I immediately snatched her up by the scruff of her neck and paddled her surly little butt. Fairly severe punishment - but biting is totally NOT allowed in our house. Thinking that surely must have solved the problem once and for all - I had Jordan offer her coveted rawhide chip back to her. She looked at it, trembling in fear. So, not only did I NOT solve the guarding problem - I succeeded in making her afraid of something she dearly loved. I cannot think of another time that I have felt more badly about an interaction with an animal. This was a textbook punishment - swift - immediate - almost as the "crime" was happening. And it's effect went terribly wrong.

It was nearly a year before Lucy could have a rawhide chip without the anxiety showing on her face. Had I not seen this with my own eyes, I would have NEVER considered that one swift correction could have such far-reaching negative ramifications. This event further eroded the base of training knowledge that I had accumulated throughout my life with animals, knowledge that I had smugly regarded as more than adequate to manage our myriad of creatures. It lead me to question everything I thought I knew as correct - and consider many avenues that I had previously viewed as ineffective. It's been a wonderful journey.

Because Martin had no preconceived notions about how he expected to execute the training of his monster dog, his commentary on what he observed as he entered into the world of dog training methodology is fascinating. And he doesn't spare anyone - no matter how well known or well accepted - from his careful scrutiny. He's not an expert and doesn't claim to be, but you sure can learn a lot from his unbiased and careful reporting of the information he gathered along the way. You can order Bad Dog here.

In a nutshell, the author finds a pathetic, nearly dead dog abandoned in a parking lot. She brings her home and nurses her back to health. Somewhere along the way the family realizes they are in way over their heads as the dog has behavior issues that they can't manage. Dangerous behavior issues. It's hard enough to find homes for dogs who behave perfectly, so rehoming this one was NOT an option. Vicky spends a lot of time online trying to solve the problem, and ends up getting hooked up with a rescuer named Malta. Malta supplies Vicky with a horse whip.  And teaches her how to do the "alpha roll" when the dog gets out of line. Now, before you run screaming, thinking you totally don't want to waste your time reading a work written by someone who keeps a whip in hand and rolls her poor dog - give this one a chance. You WON'T be disappointed. I guarantee it. It's thoughtful, spiritual, laugh out loud humorous - and the ending is so very good you will probably cry. Or cheer. Or both. There's a more detailed description and a couple excerpts to read here.

We are selling this book for a bit more than the suggested retail, with the extra money going to Hollow Creek Farm Equine Canine Rescue.

We also have our Dog Lovers Disappearing Muddy Pawprints mug on sale for HALF PRICE, with ALL of the proceeds going to Hollow Creek Farm. This is an 11 oz white ceramic mug with a fun twist. It's imprinted all over with muddy paw prints, and the words SMILE! IT'S ONLY MUD. Fill the cup with hot liquid, and the most amazing thing happens. The words & paw prints dissolve away, revealing a pack of smiling dogs. As the cup cools, the words & paw prints reappear. It works over and over again. To see this and all our other HALF PRICE items, click here.

Most folks who live in a rural area have experienced this. A strange dog shows up at your place. He or she appears to be somebody's dog - it's apparent someone's given the dog care. Sadly, the dog waits for his "master" to come back for him - and they never do. The dog's been dumped. Someone decides they can't (don't want to) keep it any longer, so they take their doggie friend for a ride in the country... and leave him there. In urban areas, folks just toodle down to the animal shelter and dump their dogs there - without the bother of casing a likely home in the country with the proverbial "big yard".

This book is written by someone who's worked in one of those shelters where people surrender their dogs, every day. Randy does what most of us can't - he works tirelessly to place all these dogs without euthanizing any. Mama dogs dropped off in the nick of time - BEFORE they deliver a litter of puppies, fighting dogs, starving dogs, sick or injured dogs... you name it, Randy's had it. And he's pretty mad.

Cleaning up all these messes left by irresponsible and stupid people can do that to a person. In the stories, he speaks of therapy sessions with his shrink, psychiatric medications, alcohol and caffeine. Thankfully, he's channeled his anger in a most productive way - this book. It's about the funniest book I have ever read. And, bless his heart, he's included concise, step-by-step instructions for solving most dog behavior problems that we all encounter. There's none of the "pack leader" bullying stuff, either - it's all delightfully positive, constructive and sensible training. And in case you think all this might be a little boring, take a look at some of these chapter titles:
A.D.D. Dogs
Shuuut Up!
The Turd Eaters
Cujo in the Dog Park

Gina's note: Even if your dog doesn't eat turds or attack in the dog park - you'll be captivated by this book - it's humorous, serious, informative and inspirational. Randy is a brilliant writer and I am so thankful that he shared his (and his dog's) stories. To order the book click here

This would be a fun gift for anyone with a new puppy... or even for someone who'd lost an old dog and would like to compile a keepsake for memories. When Zack died, and I set about creating his tribute video (that's here) I realized I had pictures of him scattered all over - in albums, on the computer, etc. I even still have his AKC papers, and the results of some genetic testing we had done for a muscle disorder. (weird, I know - but you never know when you might need the AKC papers and genetic test results for a neutered, dead dog...) I once had a dreamcatcher woven of shed hair saved from another beloved dog - (that's a whole 'nother story... Anyway, this album would be the perfect place to round up all that stuff and keep it all together, more info here.
Also shown in this picture is our sterling silver Angel Dog Necklace and Dog Keepsake Box, those are sold here.

All about the Cavalia Products here