Blog

Blog http://letstalkdogs.info/Default.aspx?TabId=143&rssid=22 en-US karla@findeight.com karla@findeight.com Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss PackFlash Publishing RSS Generator Version 2.4.1.0 Owner and Pooch Need Help Last year Let's Talk Dogs posted a request looking for a home for Puma the Pit Bull.  Although Puma is not a full blooded Pit, she needs a temporary foster placement.  This is a very interesting story as I have once posted some of the details before.  Puma was dumped by her owner in downtown Lafayette.  In fact, the leash was simply handed to a young boy and he took the dog home.  The family who provided a temporary place for Puma has a handicapped little girl who is a quadriplegic.  The nurse who takes care of the little girl fell in love with Puma.  This nurse does not have a place in which she can take Puma home with her.  The family did not want Puma, but the nurse requested Puma be able to stay with them as long as she helped provide care for Puma until she could find a place to live that would be affordable.  Puma has to be crated much of the day and is no longer able to go on long walks.  The Nurse has been diagnosed with a neck condition and she is also 63 years old.  For her to continue walking Puma has been physically too much for her.  Puma is able to be outside on a long-line, but still would enjoy a home that could provide some much needed exercise.  The family has asked that Puma be placed elsewhere.  However, as stated the Nurse greatly loves the dog and is willing to pay a foster family a set amount each month to help care for Puma until she can find affordable housing.  If you can help in providing a temporary home, where Puma is able to get more time out, and you have experience with dominant breed type dogs,  Please contact Let's Talk Dogs at 765-413-5270 to discuss some options.  Puma has been around kids and other dogs and does well.  She has been temperament tested by us and she is stable.  Homes with older children will be considered.  As always we ere on the side of caution to protect the dog as well as people.   <p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:06:00 GMT 0 My Dog Has Me So Well Trained! <p>My dog has me so well trained, I sometimes wonder who is really in charge. The true love in my house pack of three is my girl Chloe. She is a French Mastiff (Dog de Bordeaux) and most of you may recognize her as the dog in the movie Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks. Chloe came at a time when my heart was breaking at the slow demise of my other girl Sasha. Just when you thought you could not love any harder, along comes another and steals your heart. Chloe was the answer to bring me joy during a time, when I thought I could never love another dog again. But guess what, here I am writing about how my heart has once again been pierced with the outpouring of love for my girl Chloe.</p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:19:00 GMT 0 What have we learned from our Rott rescue? <p>Within the last two days, our rescue Rott, Diamond has had an opportunity to show her true colors to the Lafayette Journal and Courier and TV 18. Over a year ago, Diamond and her sister Nico (renamed Nala, who is now deceased) were to be sentenced to death because of numerous complaints of the animals roaming free and the accusation that they bit a young boy. Just because a dog bite occurs, does not always mean that a dog is vicious and dangerous. We are extremely grateful that Nala and Diamond received a second chance at life. What a horrible mistake it would have been to put these dogs to sleep. Nala and Diamond were mislabeled. Yes, they did something wrong due to lack of supervision, but they did not have the temperment that they were accused of having. It saddens me to think of the many dogs that are put in the same situation of being put to sleep because there is not enough room at the Inn, the financial burden is considered too great, or the odds of the type of breed being adopted is too slim. Let's Talk Dogs values life and we would rather see more attempts at rehabilitation then simply resorting to what the demands of the community think ought to happen. We saw so many comments from readers that passed judgment on the Rottweiler breed just because it has become the social norm to stereotype this type of breed. Many Rott owners will tell you just the opposite. Any dog that is raised with rules, expectations and limits can be great family pets. The majority of the dogs that we work with have issues because rules are never enforced and proper behavior is never expected. People love their animals, but sometimes love alone is not enough. If the love you feel for your pet is so great that you think they should never have limits, you are eventually going to experience a problem. The reason is when we give an inch, they take a mile. They will keep taking control until there are limitations put on their behavior. By the time the owner has had enough, the dog is usually so out of control, that the owner does not know what to do to fix the situation. Some owners will then begin to feel as though they have been taken hostage by their pets. They can't eat at the dinner table in peace, they can't have company over, they can't watch TV without their pets demanding attention, they can't leave the house without distruction occurring, they can't sleep in their beds without their dogs dictating where it is ok for them to sleep, they can't seem to figure out how to solve potty training issues, and on and on. Dogs need rules to live by and these rules are taught in the form of pack structure. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:48:00 GMT 0 What is the Value of a dog's life? <p>How exciting it is to get a new dog or puppy. Sometimes we get a new pet for the right reasons and sometimes for the wrong. When we shop impulsively and don't think about all the time, money and committment involved in owning a pet, the consequences can be dire. More dogs end up at shelters due to misunderstood behavior and ill prepared owners in not knowing how to handle problematic behaviors. Too many dogs end up on death row because they do not understand their role or place in the home. The saddest part about this dynamic is the uneducated owner's role in contributing to bad behavior in their pets. I am sure this is probably making some of the readers angry, but sometimes the truth hurts and it needs to be told. We the people are to be good stewards in caring for our pets. In fact God gave us dominion over all the animals of the earth. What are we doing to uphold our promise in valuing the lives of the very pets we rescue? They were cute enough to bring home, but not valued enough to deserve patience, time and attention. Dogs living in shelters could almost be compared to kids living in foster homes. The dogs and the kids are scared in their new environment and are looking for some compassionate soul to show them the ropes in a loving and patient manner. We the people however, are sometimes more prone to harsh methods, thinking if a pet fears us, they will be less likely to challenge us and will therefore, come to know their place. This may work some of the time, but the bond saddenly enough is not built on love, trust and respect, but fear. Pent up fear usually leads to an unhealthy submissive dog or an unpredictable aggressive dog. Who is at fault for fostering this type of behavior in a dog? Who is at fault when a child in the system begins to act out. The owner and the parent is the correct answer. Whoever answered this question right, gets a pat on the back from Let's Talk Dogs and a free canine evaluation. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:38:00 GMT 0 Consistency is Key! <p>Is there something in your life you could do better at, but you simply have not shown consistency or every day discipline in practicing? I know I have a few things that greatly challenge me, one being how to work my new smart phone. I see now why they call it a smart phone, because often times it seems smarter than the person using it. Any way back to dogs and how consistency applies in their lives. Consistency is a critical component in the learning of new things in a dog's life. It's funny how such a basic principle can be so challenging. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:15:00 GMT 0 Blog http://letstalkdogs.info/Default.aspx?TabId=143&rssid=22 en-US karla@findeight.com karla@findeight.com Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss PackFlash Publishing RSS Generator Version 2.4.1.0 Owner and Pooch Need Help Last year Let's Talk Dogs posted a request looking for a home for Puma the Pit Bull.  Although Puma is not a full blooded Pit, she needs a temporary foster placement.  This is a very interesting story as I have once posted some of the details before.  Puma was dumped by her owner in downtown Lafayette.  In fact, the leash was simply handed to a young boy and he took the dog home.  The family who provided a temporary place for Puma has a handicapped little girl who is a quadriplegic.  The nurse who takes care of the little girl fell in love with Puma.  This nurse does not have a place in which she can take Puma home with her.  The family did not want Puma, but the nurse requested Puma be able to stay with them as long as she helped provide care for Puma until she could find a place to live that would be affordable.  Puma has to be crated much of the day and is no longer able to go on long walks.  The Nurse has been diagnosed with a neck condition and she is also 63 years old.  For her to continue walking Puma has been physically too much for her.  Puma is able to be outside on a long-line, but still would enjoy a home that could provide some much needed exercise.  The family has asked that Puma be placed elsewhere.  However, as stated the Nurse greatly loves the dog and is willing to pay a foster family a set amount each month to help care for Puma until she can find affordable housing.  If you can help in providing a temporary home, where Puma is able to get more time out, and you have experience with dominant breed type dogs,  Please contact Let's Talk Dogs at 765-413-5270 to discuss some options.  Puma has been around kids and other dogs and does well.  She has been temperament tested by us and she is stable.  Homes with older children will be considered.  As always we ere on the side of caution to protect the dog as well as people.   <p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:06:00 GMT 0 My Dog Has Me So Well Trained! <p>My dog has me so well trained, I sometimes wonder who is really in charge. The true love in my house pack of three is my girl Chloe. She is a French Mastiff (Dog de Bordeaux) and most of you may recognize her as the dog in the movie Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks. Chloe came at a time when my heart was breaking at the slow demise of my other girl Sasha. Just when you thought you could not love any harder, along comes another and steals your heart. Chloe was the answer to bring me joy during a time, when I thought I could never love another dog again. But guess what, here I am writing about how my heart has once again been pierced with the outpouring of love for my girl Chloe.</p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:19:00 GMT 0 What have we learned from our Rott rescue? <p>Within the last two days, our rescue Rott, Diamond has had an opportunity to show her true colors to the Lafayette Journal and Courier and TV 18. Over a year ago, Diamond and her sister Nico (renamed Nala, who is now deceased) were to be sentenced to death because of numerous complaints of the animals roaming free and the accusation that they bit a young boy. Just because a dog bite occurs, does not always mean that a dog is vicious and dangerous. We are extremely grateful that Nala and Diamond received a second chance at life. What a horrible mistake it would have been to put these dogs to sleep. Nala and Diamond were mislabeled. Yes, they did something wrong due to lack of supervision, but they did not have the temperment that they were accused of having. It saddens me to think of the many dogs that are put in the same situation of being put to sleep because there is not enough room at the Inn, the financial burden is considered too great, or the odds of the type of breed being adopted is too slim. Let's Talk Dogs values life and we would rather see more attempts at rehabilitation then simply resorting to what the demands of the community think ought to happen. We saw so many comments from readers that passed judgment on the Rottweiler breed just because it has become the social norm to stereotype this type of breed. Many Rott owners will tell you just the opposite. Any dog that is raised with rules, expectations and limits can be great family pets. The majority of the dogs that we work with have issues because rules are never enforced and proper behavior is never expected. People love their animals, but sometimes love alone is not enough. If the love you feel for your pet is so great that you think they should never have limits, you are eventually going to experience a problem. The reason is when we give an inch, they take a mile. They will keep taking control until there are limitations put on their behavior. By the time the owner has had enough, the dog is usually so out of control, that the owner does not know what to do to fix the situation. Some owners will then begin to feel as though they have been taken hostage by their pets. They can't eat at the dinner table in peace, they can't have company over, they can't watch TV without their pets demanding attention, they can't leave the house without distruction occurring, they can't sleep in their beds without their dogs dictating where it is ok for them to sleep, they can't seem to figure out how to solve potty training issues, and on and on. Dogs need rules to live by and these rules are taught in the form of pack structure. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:48:00 GMT 0 What is the Value of a dog's life? <p>How exciting it is to get a new dog or puppy. Sometimes we get a new pet for the right reasons and sometimes for the wrong. When we shop impulsively and don't think about all the time, money and committment involved in owning a pet, the consequences can be dire. More dogs end up at shelters due to misunderstood behavior and ill prepared owners in not knowing how to handle problematic behaviors. Too many dogs end up on death row because they do not understand their role or place in the home. The saddest part about this dynamic is the uneducated owner's role in contributing to bad behavior in their pets. I am sure this is probably making some of the readers angry, but sometimes the truth hurts and it needs to be told. We the people are to be good stewards in caring for our pets. In fact God gave us dominion over all the animals of the earth. What are we doing to uphold our promise in valuing the lives of the very pets we rescue? They were cute enough to bring home, but not valued enough to deserve patience, time and attention. Dogs living in shelters could almost be compared to kids living in foster homes. The dogs and the kids are scared in their new environment and are looking for some compassionate soul to show them the ropes in a loving and patient manner. We the people however, are sometimes more prone to harsh methods, thinking if a pet fears us, they will be less likely to challenge us and will therefore, come to know their place. This may work some of the time, but the bond saddenly enough is not built on love, trust and respect, but fear. Pent up fear usually leads to an unhealthy submissive dog or an unpredictable aggressive dog. Who is at fault for fostering this type of behavior in a dog? Who is at fault when a child in the system begins to act out. The owner and the parent is the correct answer. Whoever answered this question right, gets a pat on the back from Let's Talk Dogs and a free canine evaluation. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:38:00 GMT 0 Consistency is Key! <p>Is there something in your life you could do better at, but you simply have not shown consistency or every day discipline in practicing? I know I have a few things that greatly challenge me, one being how to work my new smart phone. I see now why they call it a smart phone, because often times it seems smarter than the person using it. Any way back to dogs and how consistency applies in their lives. Consistency is a critical component in the learning of new things in a dog's life. It's funny how such a basic principle can be so challenging. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:15:00 GMT 0 Blog http://letstalkdogs.info/Default.aspx?TabId=143&rssid=22 en-US karla@findeight.com karla@findeight.com Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss PackFlash Publishing RSS Generator Version 2.4.1.0 Owner and Pooch Need Help Last year Let's Talk Dogs posted a request looking for a home for Puma the Pit Bull.  Although Puma is not a full blooded Pit, she needs a temporary foster placement.  This is a very interesting story as I have once posted some of the details before.  Puma was dumped by her owner in downtown Lafayette.  In fact, the leash was simply handed to a young boy and he took the dog home.  The family who provided a temporary place for Puma has a handicapped little girl who is a quadriplegic.  The nurse who takes care of the little girl fell in love with Puma.  This nurse does not have a place in which she can take Puma home with her.  The family did not want Puma, but the nurse requested Puma be able to stay with them as long as she helped provide care for Puma until she could find a place to live that would be affordable.  Puma has to be crated much of the day and is no longer able to go on long walks.  The Nurse has been diagnosed with a neck condition and she is also 63 years old.  For her to continue walking Puma has been physically too much for her.  Puma is able to be outside on a long-line, but still would enjoy a home that could provide some much needed exercise.  The family has asked that Puma be placed elsewhere.  However, as stated the Nurse greatly loves the dog and is willing to pay a foster family a set amount each month to help care for Puma until she can find affordable housing.  If you can help in providing a temporary home, where Puma is able to get more time out, and you have experience with dominant breed type dogs,  Please contact Let's Talk Dogs at 765-413-5270 to discuss some options.  Puma has been around kids and other dogs and does well.  She has been temperament tested by us and she is stable.  Homes with older children will be considered.  As always we ere on the side of caution to protect the dog as well as people.   <p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:06:00 GMT 0 My Dog Has Me So Well Trained! <p>My dog has me so well trained, I sometimes wonder who is really in charge. The true love in my house pack of three is my girl Chloe. She is a French Mastiff (Dog de Bordeaux) and most of you may recognize her as the dog in the movie Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks. Chloe came at a time when my heart was breaking at the slow demise of my other girl Sasha. Just when you thought you could not love any harder, along comes another and steals your heart. Chloe was the answer to bring me joy during a time, when I thought I could never love another dog again. But guess what, here I am writing about how my heart has once again been pierced with the outpouring of love for my girl Chloe.</p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:19:00 GMT 0 What have we learned from our Rott rescue? <p>Within the last two days, our rescue Rott, Diamond has had an opportunity to show her true colors to the Lafayette Journal and Courier and TV 18. Over a year ago, Diamond and her sister Nico (renamed Nala, who is now deceased) were to be sentenced to death because of numerous complaints of the animals roaming free and the accusation that they bit a young boy. Just because a dog bite occurs, does not always mean that a dog is vicious and dangerous. We are extremely grateful that Nala and Diamond received a second chance at life. What a horrible mistake it would have been to put these dogs to sleep. Nala and Diamond were mislabeled. Yes, they did something wrong due to lack of supervision, but they did not have the temperment that they were accused of having. It saddens me to think of the many dogs that are put in the same situation of being put to sleep because there is not enough room at the Inn, the financial burden is considered too great, or the odds of the type of breed being adopted is too slim. Let's Talk Dogs values life and we would rather see more attempts at rehabilitation then simply resorting to what the demands of the community think ought to happen. We saw so many comments from readers that passed judgment on the Rottweiler breed just because it has become the social norm to stereotype this type of breed. Many Rott owners will tell you just the opposite. Any dog that is raised with rules, expectations and limits can be great family pets. The majority of the dogs that we work with have issues because rules are never enforced and proper behavior is never expected. People love their animals, but sometimes love alone is not enough. If the love you feel for your pet is so great that you think they should never have limits, you are eventually going to experience a problem. The reason is when we give an inch, they take a mile. They will keep taking control until there are limitations put on their behavior. By the time the owner has had enough, the dog is usually so out of control, that the owner does not know what to do to fix the situation. Some owners will then begin to feel as though they have been taken hostage by their pets. They can't eat at the dinner table in peace, they can't have company over, they can't watch TV without their pets demanding attention, they can't leave the house without distruction occurring, they can't sleep in their beds without their dogs dictating where it is ok for them to sleep, they can't seem to figure out how to solve potty training issues, and on and on. Dogs need rules to live by and these rules are taught in the form of pack structure. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:48:00 GMT 0 What is the Value of a dog's life? <p>How exciting it is to get a new dog or puppy. Sometimes we get a new pet for the right reasons and sometimes for the wrong. When we shop impulsively and don't think about all the time, money and committment involved in owning a pet, the consequences can be dire. More dogs end up at shelters due to misunderstood behavior and ill prepared owners in not knowing how to handle problematic behaviors. Too many dogs end up on death row because they do not understand their role or place in the home. The saddest part about this dynamic is the uneducated owner's role in contributing to bad behavior in their pets. I am sure this is probably making some of the readers angry, but sometimes the truth hurts and it needs to be told. We the people are to be good stewards in caring for our pets. In fact God gave us dominion over all the animals of the earth. What are we doing to uphold our promise in valuing the lives of the very pets we rescue? They were cute enough to bring home, but not valued enough to deserve patience, time and attention. Dogs living in shelters could almost be compared to kids living in foster homes. The dogs and the kids are scared in their new environment and are looking for some compassionate soul to show them the ropes in a loving and patient manner. We the people however, are sometimes more prone to harsh methods, thinking if a pet fears us, they will be less likely to challenge us and will therefore, come to know their place. This may work some of the time, but the bond saddenly enough is not built on love, trust and respect, but fear. Pent up fear usually leads to an unhealthy submissive dog or an unpredictable aggressive dog. Who is at fault for fostering this type of behavior in a dog? Who is at fault when a child in the system begins to act out. The owner and the parent is the correct answer. Whoever answered this question right, gets a pat on the back from Let's Talk Dogs and a free canine evaluation. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:38:00 GMT 0 Consistency is Key! <p>Is there something in your life you could do better at, but you simply have not shown consistency or every day discipline in practicing? I know I have a few things that greatly challenge me, one being how to work my new smart phone. I see now why they call it a smart phone, because often times it seems smarter than the person using it. Any way back to dogs and how consistency applies in their lives. Consistency is a critical component in the learning of new things in a dog's life. It's funny how such a basic principle can be so challenging. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:15:00 GMT 0 Blog http://letstalkdogs.info/Default.aspx?TabId=143&rssid=22 en-US karla@findeight.com karla@findeight.com Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss PackFlash Publishing RSS Generator Version 2.4.1.0 Owner and Pooch Need Help Last year Let's Talk Dogs posted a request looking for a home for Puma the Pit Bull.  Although Puma is not a full blooded Pit, she needs a temporary foster placement.  This is a very interesting story as I have once posted some of the details before.  Puma was dumped by her owner in downtown Lafayette.  In fact, the leash was simply handed to a young boy and he took the dog home.  The family who provided a temporary place for Puma has a handicapped little girl who is a quadriplegic.  The nurse who takes care of the little girl fell in love with Puma.  This nurse does not have a place in which she can take Puma home with her.  The family did not want Puma, but the nurse requested Puma be able to stay with them as long as she helped provide care for Puma until she could find a place to live that would be affordable.  Puma has to be crated much of the day and is no longer able to go on long walks.  The Nurse has been diagnosed with a neck condition and she is also 63 years old.  For her to continue walking Puma has been physically too much for her.  Puma is able to be outside on a long-line, but still would enjoy a home that could provide some much needed exercise.  The family has asked that Puma be placed elsewhere.  However, as stated the Nurse greatly loves the dog and is willing to pay a foster family a set amount each month to help care for Puma until she can find affordable housing.  If you can help in providing a temporary home, where Puma is able to get more time out, and you have experience with dominant breed type dogs,  Please contact Let's Talk Dogs at 765-413-5270 to discuss some options.  Puma has been around kids and other dogs and does well.  She has been temperament tested by us and she is stable.  Homes with older children will be considered.  As always we ere on the side of caution to protect the dog as well as people.   <p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:06:00 GMT 0 My Dog Has Me So Well Trained! <p>My dog has me so well trained, I sometimes wonder who is really in charge. The true love in my house pack of three is my girl Chloe. She is a French Mastiff (Dog de Bordeaux) and most of you may recognize her as the dog in the movie Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks. Chloe came at a time when my heart was breaking at the slow demise of my other girl Sasha. Just when you thought you could not love any harder, along comes another and steals your heart. Chloe was the answer to bring me joy during a time, when I thought I could never love another dog again. But guess what, here I am writing about how my heart has once again been pierced with the outpouring of love for my girl Chloe.</p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:19:00 GMT 0 What have we learned from our Rott rescue? <p>Within the last two days, our rescue Rott, Diamond has had an opportunity to show her true colors to the Lafayette Journal and Courier and TV 18. Over a year ago, Diamond and her sister Nico (renamed Nala, who is now deceased) were to be sentenced to death because of numerous complaints of the animals roaming free and the accusation that they bit a young boy. Just because a dog bite occurs, does not always mean that a dog is vicious and dangerous. We are extremely grateful that Nala and Diamond received a second chance at life. What a horrible mistake it would have been to put these dogs to sleep. Nala and Diamond were mislabeled. Yes, they did something wrong due to lack of supervision, but they did not have the temperment that they were accused of having. It saddens me to think of the many dogs that are put in the same situation of being put to sleep because there is not enough room at the Inn, the financial burden is considered too great, or the odds of the type of breed being adopted is too slim. Let's Talk Dogs values life and we would rather see more attempts at rehabilitation then simply resorting to what the demands of the community think ought to happen. We saw so many comments from readers that passed judgment on the Rottweiler breed just because it has become the social norm to stereotype this type of breed. Many Rott owners will tell you just the opposite. Any dog that is raised with rules, expectations and limits can be great family pets. The majority of the dogs that we work with have issues because rules are never enforced and proper behavior is never expected. People love their animals, but sometimes love alone is not enough. If the love you feel for your pet is so great that you think they should never have limits, you are eventually going to experience a problem. The reason is when we give an inch, they take a mile. They will keep taking control until there are limitations put on their behavior. By the time the owner has had enough, the dog is usually so out of control, that the owner does not know what to do to fix the situation. Some owners will then begin to feel as though they have been taken hostage by their pets. They can't eat at the dinner table in peace, they can't have company over, they can't watch TV without their pets demanding attention, they can't leave the house without distruction occurring, they can't sleep in their beds without their dogs dictating where it is ok for them to sleep, they can't seem to figure out how to solve potty training issues, and on and on. Dogs need rules to live by and these rules are taught in the form of pack structure. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:48:00 GMT 0 What is the Value of a dog's life? <p>How exciting it is to get a new dog or puppy. Sometimes we get a new pet for the right reasons and sometimes for the wrong. When we shop impulsively and don't think about all the time, money and committment involved in owning a pet, the consequences can be dire. More dogs end up at shelters due to misunderstood behavior and ill prepared owners in not knowing how to handle problematic behaviors. Too many dogs end up on death row because they do not understand their role or place in the home. The saddest part about this dynamic is the uneducated owner's role in contributing to bad behavior in their pets. I am sure this is probably making some of the readers angry, but sometimes the truth hurts and it needs to be told. We the people are to be good stewards in caring for our pets. In fact God gave us dominion over all the animals of the earth. What are we doing to uphold our promise in valuing the lives of the very pets we rescue? They were cute enough to bring home, but not valued enough to deserve patience, time and attention. Dogs living in shelters could almost be compared to kids living in foster homes. The dogs and the kids are scared in their new environment and are looking for some compassionate soul to show them the ropes in a loving and patient manner. We the people however, are sometimes more prone to harsh methods, thinking if a pet fears us, they will be less likely to challenge us and will therefore, come to know their place. This may work some of the time, but the bond saddenly enough is not built on love, trust and respect, but fear. Pent up fear usually leads to an unhealthy submissive dog or an unpredictable aggressive dog. Who is at fault for fostering this type of behavior in a dog? Who is at fault when a child in the system begins to act out. The owner and the parent is the correct answer. Whoever answered this question right, gets a pat on the back from Let's Talk Dogs and a free canine evaluation. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:38:00 GMT 0 Consistency is Key! <p>Is there something in your life you could do better at, but you simply have not shown consistency or every day discipline in practicing? I know I have a few things that greatly challenge me, one being how to work my new smart phone. I see now why they call it a smart phone, because often times it seems smarter than the person using it. Any way back to dogs and how consistency applies in their lives. Consistency is a critical component in the learning of new things in a dog's life. It's funny how such a basic principle can be so challenging. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:15:00 GMT 0 Blog http://letstalkdogs.info/Default.aspx?TabId=143&rssid=22 en-US karla@findeight.com karla@findeight.com Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:42 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss PackFlash Publishing RSS Generator Version 2.4.1.0 Owner and Pooch Need Help Last year Let's Talk Dogs posted a request looking for a home for Puma the Pit Bull.  Although Puma is not a full blooded Pit, she needs a temporary foster placement.  This is a very interesting story as I have once posted some of the details before.  Puma was dumped by her owner in downtown Lafayette.  In fact, the leash was simply handed to a young boy and he took the dog home.  The family who provided a temporary place for Puma has a handicapped little girl who is a quadriplegic.  The nurse who takes care of the little girl fell in love with Puma.  This nurse does not have a place in which she can take Puma home with her.  The family did not want Puma, but the nurse requested Puma be able to stay with them as long as she helped provide care for Puma until she could find a place to live that would be affordable.  Puma has to be crated much of the day and is no longer able to go on long walks.  The Nurse has been diagnosed with a neck condition and she is also 63 years old.  For her to continue walking Puma has been physically too much for her.  Puma is able to be outside on a long-line, but still would enjoy a home that could provide some much needed exercise.  The family has asked that Puma be placed elsewhere.  However, as stated the Nurse greatly loves the dog and is willing to pay a foster family a set amount each month to help care for Puma until she can find affordable housing.  If you can help in providing a temporary home, where Puma is able to get more time out, and you have experience with dominant breed type dogs,  Please contact Let's Talk Dogs at 765-413-5270 to discuss some options.  Puma has been around kids and other dogs and does well.  She has been temperament tested by us and she is stable.  Homes with older children will be considered.  As always we ere on the side of caution to protect the dog as well as people.   <p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/137/Owner-and-Pooch-Need-Help.aspx Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:06:00 GMT 0 My Dog Has Me So Well Trained! <p>My dog has me so well trained, I sometimes wonder who is really in charge. The true love in my house pack of three is my girl Chloe. She is a French Mastiff (Dog de Bordeaux) and most of you may recognize her as the dog in the movie Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks. Chloe came at a time when my heart was breaking at the slow demise of my other girl Sasha. Just when you thought you could not love any harder, along comes another and steals your heart. Chloe was the answer to bring me joy during a time, when I thought I could never love another dog again. But guess what, here I am writing about how my heart has once again been pierced with the outpouring of love for my girl Chloe.</p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/52/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:19:00 GMT 0 What have we learned from our Rott rescue? <p>Within the last two days, our rescue Rott, Diamond has had an opportunity to show her true colors to the Lafayette Journal and Courier and TV 18. Over a year ago, Diamond and her sister Nico (renamed Nala, who is now deceased) were to be sentenced to death because of numerous complaints of the animals roaming free and the accusation that they bit a young boy. Just because a dog bite occurs, does not always mean that a dog is vicious and dangerous. We are extremely grateful that Nala and Diamond received a second chance at life. What a horrible mistake it would have been to put these dogs to sleep. Nala and Diamond were mislabeled. Yes, they did something wrong due to lack of supervision, but they did not have the temperment that they were accused of having. It saddens me to think of the many dogs that are put in the same situation of being put to sleep because there is not enough room at the Inn, the financial burden is considered too great, or the odds of the type of breed being adopted is too slim. Let's Talk Dogs values life and we would rather see more attempts at rehabilitation then simply resorting to what the demands of the community think ought to happen. We saw so many comments from readers that passed judgment on the Rottweiler breed just because it has become the social norm to stereotype this type of breed. Many Rott owners will tell you just the opposite. Any dog that is raised with rules, expectations and limits can be great family pets. The majority of the dogs that we work with have issues because rules are never enforced and proper behavior is never expected. People love their animals, but sometimes love alone is not enough. If the love you feel for your pet is so great that you think they should never have limits, you are eventually going to experience a problem. The reason is when we give an inch, they take a mile. They will keep taking control until there are limitations put on their behavior. By the time the owner has had enough, the dog is usually so out of control, that the owner does not know what to do to fix the situation. Some owners will then begin to feel as though they have been taken hostage by their pets. They can't eat at the dinner table in peace, they can't have company over, they can't watch TV without their pets demanding attention, they can't leave the house without distruction occurring, they can't sleep in their beds without their dogs dictating where it is ok for them to sleep, they can't seem to figure out how to solve potty training issues, and on and on. Dogs need rules to live by and these rules are taught in the form of pack structure. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/53/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:48:00 GMT 0 What is the Value of a dog's life? <p>How exciting it is to get a new dog or puppy. Sometimes we get a new pet for the right reasons and sometimes for the wrong. When we shop impulsively and don't think about all the time, money and committment involved in owning a pet, the consequences can be dire. More dogs end up at shelters due to misunderstood behavior and ill prepared owners in not knowing how to handle problematic behaviors. Too many dogs end up on death row because they do not understand their role or place in the home. The saddest part about this dynamic is the uneducated owner's role in contributing to bad behavior in their pets. I am sure this is probably making some of the readers angry, but sometimes the truth hurts and it needs to be told. We the people are to be good stewards in caring for our pets. In fact God gave us dominion over all the animals of the earth. What are we doing to uphold our promise in valuing the lives of the very pets we rescue? They were cute enough to bring home, but not valued enough to deserve patience, time and attention. Dogs living in shelters could almost be compared to kids living in foster homes. The dogs and the kids are scared in their new environment and are looking for some compassionate soul to show them the ropes in a loving and patient manner. We the people however, are sometimes more prone to harsh methods, thinking if a pet fears us, they will be less likely to challenge us and will therefore, come to know their place. This may work some of the time, but the bond saddenly enough is not built on love, trust and respect, but fear. Pent up fear usually leads to an unhealthy submissive dog or an unpredictable aggressive dog. Who is at fault for fostering this type of behavior in a dog? Who is at fault when a child in the system begins to act out. The owner and the parent is the correct answer. Whoever answered this question right, gets a pat on the back from Let's Talk Dogs and a free canine evaluation. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/54/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:38:00 GMT 0 Consistency is Key! <p>Is there something in your life you could do better at, but you simply have not shown consistency or every day discipline in practicing? I know I have a few things that greatly challenge me, one being how to work my new smart phone. I see now why they call it a smart phone, because often times it seems smarter than the person using it. Any way back to dogs and how consistency applies in their lives. Consistency is a critical component in the learning of new things in a dog's life. It's funny how such a basic principle can be so challenging. </p><p><a href='http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx'>More...</a></p> http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx http://letstalkdogs.info/LetsTalkDogs/tabid/115/ArticleID/55/Consistency-is-Key.aspx Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:15:00 GMT 0