You'd think I might be used to it by now. After all, as a host and a faculty member, I've been to, let's see, I think it has been THIRTEEN ClickerExpos! But, no—I'm more excited this year than ever.
Dogs
A Sense of Fairness and Equality Among Dogs?
By Aidan Bindoff on 12/13/2008If you’ve ever imagined what it would be like if your dog could talk, add another phrase to his or her imaginary phrase book—“Hey, no fair!”—because recent evidence suggests that dogs DO have a sense of fairness and equality.
I Rescued a Human Today
By Miranda Hersey Helin on 12/09/2008KPA faculty member Carolyn Clark recently received the chain e-mail below, which you may have received yourself. The poem had been sent to Carolyn by several friends, with author unknown. Carolyn tracked down author Janine Allen, who works for Rescue Me Dog, an organization committed to promoting shelter adoption and providing education and training resources to adoptive pet owners. Carolyn and Janine discovered their mutual interests, including their shared appreciation for Karen Pryor's Don't Shoot the Dog. Many thanks to Janine for allowing us to reprint her poem here. Enjoy!
I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY
I rescued a human today.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.
I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
by Janine Allen, CPDT
Trainer, Rescue Me Dog
www.rescuemedog.org
toll-free 888-777-0071
When your dog attacks the Roomba, scold the machine
By Miranda Hersey Helin on 07/23/2008Dog and vacuum don't always get along. As reported on NPR's "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me,"the Wall Street Journal published an article on how to handle this particular domestic dilemma:
The trouble started when Mr. Hearn first turned on his Roomba automatic cleaner. When the device started scooting around the floor, Mr. Hearn's dog, Argos, attacked it.
Seeking help, Mr. Hearn found an online forum dedicated to the hundred-dollar Roomba buzzing with similar stories of pet assailants. Owners were offering advice. Among the most popular: Chastise the vacuum in front of the dog.
And so, with Argos looking on, Mr. Hearn shook his finger at his gadget and sternly called it "a bad Roomba." Argos appeared to be mollified. "After that, he never tried nipping at it again."
See the video or check out the full WSJ article for details. Then, prepare to put your Roomba in the time-out chair.
International Friends—and Chickens, too!
By Tia Guest on 07/21/2008I was both exhausted and exhilarated as I flew home from Sequim, WA. It was a feeling similar to the one I have at the end of ClickerExpo—as if I have just been "refueled" by all the positive energy of the people and the experience.
