Command Clinic: That's not your problem.

"That's not your problem" is a cue I developed with Elka, because of course I can't possibly take peoples' advice when they say to keep cues simple. She's smart enough, I feel that simple cues don't always get the point across. Or, they come to mean a broad category, and don't really apply to the next category.

So, while "Leave it" would suffice for most dogs, for Elka, "leave it" refers to items, objects, and wildlife in the yard.

"That's not your problem" applies to other dogs, either in view or barking blocks away. It applies to people walking past on the sidewalk across the street, car doors closing, people coming home next door, etc. The longer phrase seems to assure Elka that yes, I do see the issue, and she can leave it.

September 14 (tomorrow) is Doberman Rescue Minnesota's Dobe-o-Rama

Tomorrow, September 14, Doberman Rescue Minnesota is having their Dobe O Rama at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds from 10 am to 5 pm. This is their annual fundraiser, and they will have merchandise, food, games, raffles, and DRM adoptable Dobermans will be there for you to meet!

(I don't have inside info, but Mordecai and Beau are both DRM dogs, and I've heard of Mordie being at such events!)

Remmy in PA is still available for adoption

Remember Remmy? He's back with his foster family through Dreaming of Better Endings Rescue, inc. (DOBER, inc)

From the DOBER, Inc web site (his info says "adoption pending", but I think that's the family that brought him back)

Note from Remmy's foster:
Remmy is a super sweet boy who is so eager to please. He knows basic commands (sit, down, stay, shake) and will happily comply with anything you ask of him, though it's always accomplished with a wiggly butt. Remmy is crate trained but will need some additional help with housebreaking if being left uncrated. Remmy does have a burning desire to eat socks and blankets, so the appropriate home will be one that will make sure these things are not within his reach. He has been respectful of cushioned bedding and does not chew or destroy anything else but socks are his weakness!
Remmy is a boy who is very bonded to his people. We will consider a home with a very laid back resident dog but would prefer Remmy to go to a home where he will be an only dog. We are unsure of how he will do with cats. Remmy does seem to enjoy children but because of his size and energy level, a home with very small children may not be appropriate.

Here is the link to their Adoption Process, and one to their adoption application. If you have any questions about Remmy, or would like more information, you can email Adoptions AT doberinc DOT com

I'd love to read a happy ending for this guy!

Wordless Wednesday September 11 2013

Please help Maisy, of the Reactive Champion

(picture from Maisy's youcaring.com fundraising page)

Maisy, of Reactive Champion is in the ICU. They're not really sure what's wrong with her, and suspect perhaps a bacterial infection or tick borne illness. She's been displaying pain in her neck and hips. So far, she's got two nights of hospital stays , IV's, and other medications and diagnostics under her belt. The current estimate for her care is $3200, and rising.

If you can, please donate to help Maisy and her owner Crystal Thompson out. Crystal is Maisy's owner and the writer of the Reactive Champion blog, which chronicles her efforts with Maisy, her training experiences, and other dog training information that's useful even if you don't have a reactive dog.

Juke Box, 5 year old female Doberman in Atlantic City, NJ

(I've never used the "embed post" feature from Facebook before, so bear with me.)

The Humane Society of Atlantic County is in Atlantic City, NJ. If you think you might be interested in adopting "Juke Box" (not a bad name for a Jersey Girl, I guess!), the dog pre adoption application is here. There is also some information here about their adoption fees, and the fact that you need to bring state ID and paperwork pertaining to your residence (i.e., if you rent, you must bring your permission to have a pet).

To contact the Humane Society of Atlantic County, their phone number is 609-347-2487 and their email address is info AT hsacpet DOT org.

Post by The Humane Society of Atlantic County.

An Aloof Young Lady

When Elka was younger, she would greet every person exuberantly. A little too exuberantly, as Elka's love is not a gentle one. But, we worked on it. And worked on it. And she doesn't jump on people anymore. Sometimes she'll jump next to a person still, but never onto them. And that's good.