a warm weather reminder
Hi all, We had a scare today that turned out well. Long story short, Tempi had a rattle snake pinned in the backyard. She was outside for 3 minutes or less. It was our little Rat Terrier who wanted to come in, which is unusual since she is a sun worshiper and enjoys the summer warmth. When I let her in, I decided it was time for Tempi to come in as well and found her running around a potters wheel on the back porch. And then I heard 'the noise'. A very ticked off rattler. We were very fortunate that no one, human or canine, was bitten. Just thought I'd pass on the reminder that some of those poisonous critters are out this time of year. It certainly hit home for us today. Lisa Bakersfield, CA
a new trick
It was a very hot Saturday afternoon yesterday so all 2 and 4 legged creatures took refuge in the cool house. Tempi was bouncing off the walls for lack of activity so I thought we would work on a new trick. I pull out the clicker book and find that the only "paw" trick she hasn't learned is counting. The author suggests beginning with a target such a paper plate for the dog to place their paw. So I gather treats, clicker, dog and paper plate. First time attempted Tempi immediately touches one very large front foot to the plate. Just as I click, she puts her weight on that foot and slides into a down (we were on carpet). I thought (hoped) that she would probably figure out that I had clicked before the sliding down. Maybe, maybe not. She did the same thing the second time. And the third. By now I'm second guessing my clicker timing and not sure what behavior I'm reinforcing. As I'm collecting my thoughts about how to fix this, she sits up, places a foot on the plate and slides into a down. When there is no click and treat, I'm given an evil look followed by grabbing the plate with her mouth and flipping it into the air. A serious look in my direction. Still no click. Still no treat. I'm afraid the paper plate took the full brunt of her irritation. Plate unceremoniously flipped and ripped to shreds. A Berner's frustration with an empty plate knows no limits! Not sure who learned what with this attempted trick, but we were both quite entertained! Lisa and Tempi Bakersfield, CA
Specialty rommate
Hi fellow Berner lovers- I'm looking for a place to stay for the Specialty!!! If anyone knows of someone unable to attend please let me know. I'd be happy to take their place!! I am looking for space for one human and Berner girl Tempi. She is 2 ½ and spayed. Thanks! Lisa
return of the fun survery
1 --- Do you live in a) city b) suburbs c) country d) on Planet Berner in the country 2 --- Where does your dog spend the night? Sofa or tile, depending on the time of year. 3 --- What is your dog's favorite toy? We have a tie here (1) Any stuffed animal from which she has removed all stuffing and (2) a toy that looks like a gum ball machine but is designed for dogs and has a large lever to dispense treats so that they can use their paw to "treat themselves". This toy is obviously regulated or I'd have one huge Berner! 4 --- Your dog's most remarkable feature is (fill in the blank) physically - the non stop metronome of a tail personality - the ability to make me laugh at things I never have before. (i.e. while digging out the newest set gopher tunnels in the yard I actually laughed and took a picture of the landscaping going on. She dug a hole deep enough to hide her head, shoulders and half of her torso - rear end and wagging tail high in the air. Does anyone else's dog do the swan dive into gopher or squirrel holes? Rearing up on the hind legs followed by frenzied digging and quickly ripping and spitting away the turf in large mouthfuls.) 5 --- You bought a new car for your dog(s) Nope. For the horses - must have a truck to pull the trailer. But the large back seat is for the dog. 6 --- Your dog participates in (feel free to list any titles your dog has won) a) conformation b) obedience trials c) drafting trials d) agility e) therapy work f) tracking g) training classes h) digging to China Option H (see #4 above). She is an excellent working dog without the titles! She helps with all chores around the property, goes to (horse) shows, and has her FMX (friend maker excellent). I've met so many wonderful people who approached me because "what a beautiful dog", and because of this list. 7 --- The naughtiest thing that your dog has done is. Really, just one?!? Not sure if it is the naughtiest, but the most recent event was Sunday and went something like this - dog out of "dog area", went straight to the donkey and chased like there was no tomorrow. Our many obedience classes completely useless as she fixated on Eeyore (what else would you name a donkey?!) Resorted to bringing out the treat jar and shaking it. She didn't stop but the Eeyore came over to get a treat and when he stopped running the Berner with selective hearing lost interest! Arg... Lisa Bakersfield, CA
re: Trees and Berners
Hi Karyn, Fencing is probably the most secure. Just make sure that the fencing is not weak enough that the dogs can climb it and bend the fence which can then be crawled over. Also make sure that the fencing is far enough out from the tree that if they weaken a place on the fence it won't fall in and knock down the tree. We have neighbors who are new to "country living" and kept planting trees in their pasture without any fencing around them. We wondered how many times they'd replant before putting fence up to protect the trees from the horses - third time was the charm! Good luck! Lisa & Tempi (who prefers eatting bulbs more than trees) Bakersfield, CA
Re: Sensitive topic: Radio/invisable fence
>Vilma Briggs (Kistner) >Mt. Gilead, OH >U-UD Mocha Java Slurp, UDX, HIC, TT >Ch. Brighteye Expresso Bean, UD, NDD, TT >U-CDX Our Little Buddy, UD, NA, TT >Thirdtym's A Charm, CGC >and now Bruin/Pogo/?? I'd recommend Bruinwe have a Pogo. Heaven help us, she has certainly lived up to her name!!! Much like Tigger, this dog is made out of springs Lisa Bakersfield, CA
Gold Bead implants
It has been quite some time since I have seen anyone mention gold bead implants as a treatment option for hip dysplasia. Is this a treatment that is still considered successful and a top choice for those dealing with HD? If so, does anyone know of a practitioner in California whom they would recommend who has experience providing this kind of treatment? thanks in advance! Lisa in Bakersfield, CA
