In fact, getting out that early one gets to see a beauty only available at that time of day. Here are just a couple of pictures to give you an impression. The sparkles are not quite as obvious here in the backyard, still - you can see them.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Jeweled Landscape
These days I get to walk the dog (s) in the very early morning in weather that has ranged from pouring rain to subfreezing temperatures. Yesterday morning I saw a jeweled landscape for the first time: frozen condensation and droplets on grasses hit by sunlight at an angle that broke the white light up into the prismatic colors...and everything sparkled like colored gems...really cool.
In fact, getting out that early one gets to see a beauty only available at that time of day. Here are just a couple of pictures to give you an impression. The sparkles are not quite as obvious here in the backyard, still - you can see them.
In fact, getting out that early one gets to see a beauty only available at that time of day. Here are just a couple of pictures to give you an impression. The sparkles are not quite as obvious here in the backyard, still - you can see them.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Dog Training as Spiritual Practice
It has been 2 months now since we got Skye, our 1 year old German Shepherd/Husky, from the shelter - and with that started my new job assignment, this "quest", to stay with gaming a bit, of training a dog.
I fell in love with her, am still in love - only more so. I love to watch her move - do anything really. The beauty and elegance is amazing. Watching her play with Shakti is a pleasure. She must have grown up with other big dogs in a good way. Her general disposition towards humans is friendly (Husky), as well as aloof, needed to be won over (German Shepherd), her energy open, very playful, energetic and determined when it comes to following a scent and digging. Her energy definitely needs channeling and outlets - though at this point, observing her getting tired much sooner than I thought and after watching some videos, I no longer think she has a high or very high energy level, but more moderate to medium high - but still, seems higher than mine.
After falling a few times (being pulled over describes it more accurately) and my legs looking bruised as if seriously abused and after jamming a thorn almost 8 mm into the thenar (thumb pad) of my right hand requiring antibiotics within hours - I started to get more serious about proper dog training.
Wow...a really cool journey, as well as demanding and challenging and ongoing - with no end in sight for as long as either of us lives.
As any new subject or area you're getting into, dog training is a whole world onto itself, and much the same rules apply when penetrating into a new world. I love this one, and part of it is having such a beautiful and strong animal to work with.
I started observing her patterns much more diligently, went online for training info and in the course of that, discovered the world and work of Ceasar Millan, the "dog whisperer". Amazing if I may say so - and I started using what I learn and see there. Despite any controversy, from what I have read, seen and experienced, he is a master in this realm. Some of the description of states he gets into in the course of his work remind me, or rather caused me to intuit what we call some high spiritual states of being.
In the course of this exploration, there's a discovery of things we could have done better had we taken the time to inform ourselves what we were getting into before getting each one of our more recently aquired dogs. Type of dog, time, attention and training not properly considered and given when needed has to be dealt with in the form of bad habits they developed. (HINT: important work habit ideas here too). It is impossible to train one and ignoring the other 2 dogs. You can't train a dog in a vacuum. So I don't just have Skye to deal with, but also the other 2, one of which came to us as a sweet, eager to learn but already dog aggressive 4 month old puppy, only we did not recognize it at the time. The other was sweet and eager to please us, but is now deaf...which is really difficult when you try to establish a "come when called" habit. He just does not hear you - but the other dogs don't know this and follow him...if he does not have to listen...why should I? Dogs mimic each other, learn from each other.
And I remember both of them coming in and having thought: Beautiful animals, good energy - and also: it's not my dog, I have a lot of things to do, don't have the time to "play" with them...
True remorse arises having failed the responsibility to these beings entrusted to us. They did not get what they needed. They got fed and vet care but not a lot else. Their training was left to the older dogs, which had worked in the past, - which were very well behaved - but very different breeds and temperaments. Somehow the excuse: it was not my dog...does not actually work. Not in real conscience. Somehow ignorance is not an excuse....somehow the non-willingness to help is not on par with the spiritual game.
So, if you are thinking of getting a dog, here are some things you may want to do or consider:
actually, to be more honest, I'd say: you have to do, should do and that I want you to consider!!!
- if you want to get a dog - meet with your family, the people you live with, the dog's future pack, and talk about what it will mean for everyone.
A dog is a social and pack animal. A cohesiveness and cooperation of the pack will affect how healthy, balanced and happy your new family member will be. Talk about the time and energy it will require for someone to train the dog. Assign the various tasks, like feeding and walking the dog depending on the family member's schedule. If you think you can get your emotional love needs, empty nest syndrome or security needs met by getting a large, high energy dog and not willing to train him properly...get real by getting informed!
- start with reading a couple of Cesar Millan's books (Ceasar Millan: "Member of the family" and "Cesar's Way" are the 2 I read) and watch a few of the Dog Whisperer episodes on National Geographic.
- decide if you have the space, financial resources and willingness to pay for all costs - vet, fence, food, toys, training and so on for your dog.
- get a dog that matches your energy level or is of a lower energy level than yours!!!!!!!! It takes a lot to do a dog justice that has a higher energy level than you do.
- get a dog that will and can do the task you intend it to do - as in: a husky does not make for a good guard dog.
- learn about what a dog, any dog, naturally does and needs to be a happy, balanced animal that can be enjoyed by all. Also learn about special characteristics and needs of the dog breed your are getting.
You are taking on a responsibility for a being - who will be happy to serve you, be your companion, teacher, protector, playmate - but it is an animal and a dog first - learn what it needs to be able to be the dog you know it can be.
Training a dog and training the animal in you. Now this is where it gets even more interesting. I don't know if you could "get" grok the importance of the pack functioning and what that alone really means for a work group, or what it means to take on the responsibility for an animal. Some things about dog training however you will find in E.J.s books and also hear a lot during the workshops. The way I am coming to see it, it also seems to address Integral Spiritual Practice in surprising ways.
Exercise - physical exercise is extremely important. Your dog MUST get the physical exercise it needs for it's breed and temperament. If not, you will pay a price. For me, Skye is becoming an aid to get my own body in better functioning shape...:) - though for now it's been mostly hurting....
Mental exercise: yes, your dog needs that too - learning commands and discipline as well as boundaries will do that. For you, studying written information or taking instructions with those experience in the matter is helpful, and necessary in most cases. You can, of course, always do it in the "do it yourself" fashion. I found reading about the way of dogs very helpful, and I am registered for dog training classes :)
Discipline and consistency. .....daily routine, training, never miss, follow through - the essence of spiritual practice - is essential in dog training and establishment of habits. In case you wondered, dogs really don't know about Christmas or vacations - no matter how many times you tell them. They are still ready to go at 600am :)
Meditation and attention - The proper way to deal with a dog is in a calm assertive state of being. Dogs read your energy - not human words and talk.
This means when interacting with your dog, you stay calm and assertive no matter what is going on with you! or in your life!!!!
This is, I am finding, essentially a meditative state of being.
Reading your dog's mind and body language requires unfailing attention.
How's that for a challenge? Your dog will read pity, comforting, sadness, anger, frustration, overwhelm and other such human emotions as a sign of weakness....and learn to not respect you as someone he/she needs to listen to or can trust to handle things.
If you want a well behaved, happy dog without aggression or fear problems - it is best to treat him a certain way, each time and every time.
One observation: Often folks interpret a dog's hyper-excited state with happiness to see them and contribute to it with their own "hyperness"
Relationship - well, if it's just you and your dog, I suppose you don't have to deal too much with the "pack" members of the human family in your house. However - training your dog as a spiritual path will affect your relationships because you yourself, doing the practices required, will change.
Social conscience: You will naturally look for associates and other folks on this path and you get a heart for helping other animals in need, get the ideas of teaching and informing anyone who will listen to not contribute to the misery many animals in this country are subjected to through ignorance and non caring.
In effect, training a dog is a full spiritual practice....especially if you are training a higher energy dog, strong, independent minded and energetic with an irresistable hunting drive and your environment poses somewhat challenging conditions.
Like Ceasar Millan sometimes says: You don't get the dog you want - you get the dog you need :)
As for Skye, our beautiful Husky/German Shepherd puppy/adolescent, I really want to preserve her wonderful disposition, playfulness, boisterous and open energy - just tamed, with good habits, trained to follow command so as not to be scary or in any way or at any time dangerous or destructive for humans and fellow dogs alike - and including cattle!
It'll take work.
Now - chasing cats, squirrels and other rodents - that's a whole other story
:)
Quick snapper just now on the barn porch, before the hailstorm.
I fell in love with her, am still in love - only more so. I love to watch her move - do anything really. The beauty and elegance is amazing. Watching her play with Shakti is a pleasure. She must have grown up with other big dogs in a good way. Her general disposition towards humans is friendly (Husky), as well as aloof, needed to be won over (German Shepherd), her energy open, very playful, energetic and determined when it comes to following a scent and digging. Her energy definitely needs channeling and outlets - though at this point, observing her getting tired much sooner than I thought and after watching some videos, I no longer think she has a high or very high energy level, but more moderate to medium high - but still, seems higher than mine.
After falling a few times (being pulled over describes it more accurately) and my legs looking bruised as if seriously abused and after jamming a thorn almost 8 mm into the thenar (thumb pad) of my right hand requiring antibiotics within hours - I started to get more serious about proper dog training.
Wow...a really cool journey, as well as demanding and challenging and ongoing - with no end in sight for as long as either of us lives.
As any new subject or area you're getting into, dog training is a whole world onto itself, and much the same rules apply when penetrating into a new world. I love this one, and part of it is having such a beautiful and strong animal to work with.
I started observing her patterns much more diligently, went online for training info and in the course of that, discovered the world and work of Ceasar Millan, the "dog whisperer". Amazing if I may say so - and I started using what I learn and see there. Despite any controversy, from what I have read, seen and experienced, he is a master in this realm. Some of the description of states he gets into in the course of his work remind me, or rather caused me to intuit what we call some high spiritual states of being.
In the course of this exploration, there's a discovery of things we could have done better had we taken the time to inform ourselves what we were getting into before getting each one of our more recently aquired dogs. Type of dog, time, attention and training not properly considered and given when needed has to be dealt with in the form of bad habits they developed. (HINT: important work habit ideas here too). It is impossible to train one and ignoring the other 2 dogs. You can't train a dog in a vacuum. So I don't just have Skye to deal with, but also the other 2, one of which came to us as a sweet, eager to learn but already dog aggressive 4 month old puppy, only we did not recognize it at the time. The other was sweet and eager to please us, but is now deaf...which is really difficult when you try to establish a "come when called" habit. He just does not hear you - but the other dogs don't know this and follow him...if he does not have to listen...why should I? Dogs mimic each other, learn from each other.
And I remember both of them coming in and having thought: Beautiful animals, good energy - and also: it's not my dog, I have a lot of things to do, don't have the time to "play" with them...
True remorse arises having failed the responsibility to these beings entrusted to us. They did not get what they needed. They got fed and vet care but not a lot else. Their training was left to the older dogs, which had worked in the past, - which were very well behaved - but very different breeds and temperaments. Somehow the excuse: it was not my dog...does not actually work. Not in real conscience. Somehow ignorance is not an excuse....somehow the non-willingness to help is not on par with the spiritual game.
So, if you are thinking of getting a dog, here are some things you may want to do or consider:
actually, to be more honest, I'd say: you have to do, should do and that I want you to consider!!!
- if you want to get a dog - meet with your family, the people you live with, the dog's future pack, and talk about what it will mean for everyone.
A dog is a social and pack animal. A cohesiveness and cooperation of the pack will affect how healthy, balanced and happy your new family member will be. Talk about the time and energy it will require for someone to train the dog. Assign the various tasks, like feeding and walking the dog depending on the family member's schedule. If you think you can get your emotional love needs, empty nest syndrome or security needs met by getting a large, high energy dog and not willing to train him properly...get real by getting informed!
- start with reading a couple of Cesar Millan's books (Ceasar Millan: "Member of the family" and "Cesar's Way" are the 2 I read) and watch a few of the Dog Whisperer episodes on National Geographic.
- decide if you have the space, financial resources and willingness to pay for all costs - vet, fence, food, toys, training and so on for your dog.
- get a dog that matches your energy level or is of a lower energy level than yours!!!!!!!! It takes a lot to do a dog justice that has a higher energy level than you do.
- get a dog that will and can do the task you intend it to do - as in: a husky does not make for a good guard dog.
- learn about what a dog, any dog, naturally does and needs to be a happy, balanced animal that can be enjoyed by all. Also learn about special characteristics and needs of the dog breed your are getting.
You are taking on a responsibility for a being - who will be happy to serve you, be your companion, teacher, protector, playmate - but it is an animal and a dog first - learn what it needs to be able to be the dog you know it can be.
Training a dog and training the animal in you. Now this is where it gets even more interesting. I don't know if you could "get" grok the importance of the pack functioning and what that alone really means for a work group, or what it means to take on the responsibility for an animal. Some things about dog training however you will find in E.J.s books and also hear a lot during the workshops. The way I am coming to see it, it also seems to address Integral Spiritual Practice in surprising ways.
Exercise - physical exercise is extremely important. Your dog MUST get the physical exercise it needs for it's breed and temperament. If not, you will pay a price. For me, Skye is becoming an aid to get my own body in better functioning shape...:) - though for now it's been mostly hurting....
Mental exercise: yes, your dog needs that too - learning commands and discipline as well as boundaries will do that. For you, studying written information or taking instructions with those experience in the matter is helpful, and necessary in most cases. You can, of course, always do it in the "do it yourself" fashion. I found reading about the way of dogs very helpful, and I am registered for dog training classes :)
Discipline and consistency. .....daily routine, training, never miss, follow through - the essence of spiritual practice - is essential in dog training and establishment of habits. In case you wondered, dogs really don't know about Christmas or vacations - no matter how many times you tell them. They are still ready to go at 600am :)
Meditation and attention - The proper way to deal with a dog is in a calm assertive state of being. Dogs read your energy - not human words and talk.
This means when interacting with your dog, you stay calm and assertive no matter what is going on with you! or in your life!!!!
This is, I am finding, essentially a meditative state of being.
Reading your dog's mind and body language requires unfailing attention.
How's that for a challenge? Your dog will read pity, comforting, sadness, anger, frustration, overwhelm and other such human emotions as a sign of weakness....and learn to not respect you as someone he/she needs to listen to or can trust to handle things.
If you want a well behaved, happy dog without aggression or fear problems - it is best to treat him a certain way, each time and every time.
One observation: Often folks interpret a dog's hyper-excited state with happiness to see them and contribute to it with their own "hyperness"
Relationship - well, if it's just you and your dog, I suppose you don't have to deal too much with the "pack" members of the human family in your house. However - training your dog as a spiritual path will affect your relationships because you yourself, doing the practices required, will change.
Social conscience: You will naturally look for associates and other folks on this path and you get a heart for helping other animals in need, get the ideas of teaching and informing anyone who will listen to not contribute to the misery many animals in this country are subjected to through ignorance and non caring.
In effect, training a dog is a full spiritual practice....especially if you are training a higher energy dog, strong, independent minded and energetic with an irresistable hunting drive and your environment poses somewhat challenging conditions.
Like Ceasar Millan sometimes says: You don't get the dog you want - you get the dog you need :)
As for Skye, our beautiful Husky/German Shepherd puppy/adolescent, I really want to preserve her wonderful disposition, playfulness, boisterous and open energy - just tamed, with good habits, trained to follow command so as not to be scary or in any way or at any time dangerous or destructive for humans and fellow dogs alike - and including cattle!
It'll take work.
Now - chasing cats, squirrels and other rodents - that's a whole other story
:)
Friday, December 10, 2010
Landscaping - Making progress
Well, that is what it looked like on the first scheduled outing of the 3 dogs. They really were just trying to get to the rodents....
It went pretty well, with only a small incident which was nipped in the bud. They are starting to get along - at least while on an intense project like this.
It went pretty well, with only a small incident which was nipped in the bud. They are starting to get along - at least while on an intense project like this.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
She is beautiful - and strong
Oh, I am still looking for a bike.......!!!!!!!! It does not have to be a fancy bike with gears and such, in fact it needs to have back pedal brakes, one that works well enough to drive up and down the road a bit with one hand on the handle bar and holding the leash with another - Because I am a real drag when taking her out, I never could run fast or much....
Yesterday afternoon we had walked and played and played some more,a little off leash even. After putting her back on the porch (leached up), where she very contentedly shewed on a bone for a while, Skye became active again...barking even...looking towards the back of the property. I checked it for deer, none. But she would not quiet down in the usual way...so I took her out again - on a leach. In a few minutes, we had meandered to be back of the property and she was going for the corner...there is a fence there, but one that any dog can walk under. And then I saw them - 3 wild pigs, one of them a boar. I guess you call them boars regardless of sex. Skye did too, and she was gone to the other side of the fence in a flash...took all my strength to hold her there and get her to come back. The pigs had run off in the other direction.
Whew...I did not know we had wild pigs to deal with too...just the usual little critters, deer and koyotes.
Without having been leached up - she'd have been gone - run chasing pigs...unsure if she'd find her way back...though 3 wild pigs would have been a lot to deal with too.
Observations in the first 30 days - Husky/German Shepherd
Generally, Skye has lots of energy, a very open and friendly disposition towards people, she is smart (you can literally see her study and evaluate a situation), beautiful, elegant in running and moving in general, loves to dig and play - till she gets bored, which can happen quickly. Loves to play with dogs, but has not figured out how to do the same well with smaller ones. In the dark, she seems very cautious, but not fearful. When noticing a big, dark or unknown object (like a wheel barrow with plants in it) ...she barks at it and seems to rather want to run away than attack it. She will cautiously investigate it...and get more daring. Once the nature of the objects has either been determined as benign or they are gone (deer), she turns her attention to new matters.She seems to like water. When it gets hot, her drive to be active does not last long...it is much higher in cooler wheather
Walking her on the first day, I also noticed a certain aloofness, which she still occasionally displays. It seems she can be very friendly and "attached", and then be content, and quite determined, to just go off on her own...or sit apart and look away.
When she get's a fresh scent, she almost goes crazy...and can dash off in a flash...pulling my arm out (or so it feels) if it catches me off guard. Small animals trigger her hunting instincts, larger bigger ones elicit her dark alarm bark, alertness and desire to investigate.
Unlike other dogs here - she did not just sling down her food in a greedy fashion. Of course, at first, we may not have had the right kind for her. She seems to prefer slightly smaller, but more frequent meals. Treats? Better be real tasty...just a hot-dog bit is not always a temptation...I have to microwave them :) Tip from the trainer, but even that was not always enough.
She by now knows exactly what come, sit, down and wait means...and you can see that it really is her own motivation more than anything which decides whether or not she will follow/obey it without any reinforcement. This requires reading her in the moment, and being quite attuned to her intentions....as I'd rather catch her when she is inclined to follow commands.
After a month, she has adjusted well to staying at her sleeping spot without complaint till about 5 or 530 am.
We have walked the perimeter of the property many, many times - to get her used to the boundaries. But if there's a scent...that gets 100% forgotten, and our fence really is a "no fence". What an adventure. I think she'd be very good in search and rescue.
I love her....:)
Walking her on the first day, I also noticed a certain aloofness, which she still occasionally displays. It seems she can be very friendly and "attached", and then be content, and quite determined, to just go off on her own...or sit apart and look away.
When she get's a fresh scent, she almost goes crazy...and can dash off in a flash...pulling my arm out (or so it feels) if it catches me off guard. Small animals trigger her hunting instincts, larger bigger ones elicit her dark alarm bark, alertness and desire to investigate.
Unlike other dogs here - she did not just sling down her food in a greedy fashion. Of course, at first, we may not have had the right kind for her. She seems to prefer slightly smaller, but more frequent meals. Treats? Better be real tasty...just a hot-dog bit is not always a temptation...I have to microwave them :) Tip from the trainer, but even that was not always enough.
She by now knows exactly what come, sit, down and wait means...and you can see that it really is her own motivation more than anything which decides whether or not she will follow/obey it without any reinforcement. This requires reading her in the moment, and being quite attuned to her intentions....as I'd rather catch her when she is inclined to follow commands.
After a month, she has adjusted well to staying at her sleeping spot without complaint till about 5 or 530 am.
We have walked the perimeter of the property many, many times - to get her used to the boundaries. But if there's a scent...that gets 100% forgotten, and our fence really is a "no fence". What an adventure. I think she'd be very good in search and rescue.
I love her....:)
What to feed our German Shepherd/Husky? - Sensitive stomach?
While at the shelter and when we picked her up, Skye had diarrhea. Not real bad, but definitely not what we wanted. The dog food she was fed at the shelter happened to be the same we feed our other dogs. We decided to get a small bag of commercial dog food, the brand of which I don't recall. Voila, problem resolved - until it restarted - only to find out she'd been given some chicken with broth, or the original dog food again...hm...the original dog food is chicken based.We experimented for a couple of weeks and concluded, at least for now, that chicken was not the food of choice for our big puppy-girl. She is now getting a lamb based dry food and a can of moist , an occasional beef bone and a hot dog (as many little treats during the day) - and so far so good.
By the way, we thought she was so good in the car, we thought to take her with us on errands...until she threw up. Not that Skye ever complained - other than not really wanting to go into the van in the first place. We figured the reason she was so non-problematic in the car was that she felt nauseous, so now we don't take her "just for fun" anymore.I am planning on short "get used to the car ride" trips for her in the future.
By the way, we thought she was so good in the car, we thought to take her with us on errands...until she threw up. Not that Skye ever complained - other than not really wanting to go into the van in the first place. We figured the reason she was so non-problematic in the car was that she felt nauseous, so now we don't take her "just for fun" anymore.I am planning on short "get used to the car ride" trips for her in the future.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Falling in love
Sometime towards the middle of October I am being asked to take care of the soon to arrive new addition to the big artist family: An about 1 year old German Shepherd/Husky mix, still at the shelter, no history of her previous live. I have a full work schedule, but I could not say no.
So 4 weeks ago - we got her home from the vet. Little did I know just how much this obligation would change my life.
Finally, after 4 weeks, I am finding a few minutes to start writing about this adventure.
Let me just say, to start with: she is BEAUTIFUL, boisterous, "puppyish", very smart, very strong, loves to dig, loves people, already earned her nickname: Houdini Skye - a wonderful sentient being - and while for dog lovers this will not come as a surprise, I have to admit: I am falling in love with her.
It will take a lot of time and energy to train her.
Isn't she beautiful? This is a short video clip. Take a look. This is her, Skye, the 1 year old German shepherd/husky we've had for a month now, picked up from the shelter. She LOVES going after "things" - or so it seems. I have not let her off the leash much because of the irresistable hunting urge that appears to come over her and the love of running that is characteristic of Huskies...since we don't have a fence worth mentioning. So we took her out with a group of friends from Spain...figuring there'd be a really good chance she'd not be so tempted by critter tracks. She had fun running around with us.
So 4 weeks ago - we got her home from the vet. Little did I know just how much this obligation would change my life.
Finally, after 4 weeks, I am finding a few minutes to start writing about this adventure.
Let me just say, to start with: she is BEAUTIFUL, boisterous, "puppyish", very smart, very strong, loves to dig, loves people, already earned her nickname: Houdini Skye - a wonderful sentient being - and while for dog lovers this will not come as a surprise, I have to admit: I am falling in love with her.
It will take a lot of time and energy to train her.
Isn't she beautiful? This is a short video clip. Take a look. This is her, Skye, the 1 year old German shepherd/husky we've had for a month now, picked up from the shelter. She LOVES going after "things" - or so it seems. I have not let her off the leash much because of the irresistable hunting urge that appears to come over her and the love of running that is characteristic of Huskies...since we don't have a fence worth mentioning. So we took her out with a group of friends from Spain...figuring there'd be a really good chance she'd not be so tempted by critter tracks. She had fun running around with us.
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