Dog Zone #3
Dog Falls through a Frozen Lake. Celebrating Black History Month. Teddy Lives His Best Life
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In the News
This week’s Dog Zone begins with a cautionary tale highlighting the importance of being fully aware of your surroundings with your pup.
One reason I tell my clients to make sure both dog and human are ready for off leash or long leash walking is because things can go from tranquil to tragic in seconds.
According to the Denver Post, an adult female and her canine were walking in a snowy open area when her dog took off to chase geese. Her dog fell through an icy lake, then the woman fell through next. They were rescued and are fine now.
This could have been prevented.
It never hurts to bring a dog in and shorten his/her leash anytime you're unsure of your surroundings. This applies to more than frozen waters.
Use a short leash when:
Passing another dog owner whose dog (or owner) seems unruly.
If your dog is unruly or jumps up on others during walks.
Introducing your dog to another dog, at home or out and about.
When visitors come over.
Anytime you have less control in public, are still training your dog, or feel unsure in a given moment.
Keeping your dog on a shorter leash helps train them to develop spatial awareness, strengthens bonding, and keeps them close in unpredictable situations.
If you have questions about other scenarios where a shorter leash may or may not be needed, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I’ll answer your questions in the next Dog Zone.
Featured Dog Professionals
I have begun everything with the idea that I could succeed, and I never had much patience with the multitudes of people who are always ready to explain why one cannot succeed. – Booker T. Washington
Dog entrepreneurship, especially among people of color, has been growing steadily in the last several years. The narrative regarding canines and African-Americans has blossomed into a new generation of business owners who serve not only dogs but those who live and work with them.
In celebration of Black History Month, here are three profiles of African-Americans who are dog entrepreneurs and guardians.
Durrell L. Smith is a polymath of a man. He's a hunter who trains hunting dogs and has a podcast on this lifestyle called The Gun Dog Notebook. Smith is an artist and teacher. Additionally, he has started The Minority Outdoor Alliance, which strives to make the outdoors feel more accessible to all who wish to explore the natural world. His hunting dog Ruger, is named after the firearms manufacturer.
“It’s honestly astonishing how much man and dog understand each other WITHOUT words. Think about it! Your dog is not talking “audibly” anyway! The silence honestly allowed Ruger and I to deepen our connection. We have developed this sensational silent system of trust. He watches me and I watch him! “- Durrell Smith
Seattle native and owner of Northwest Dog Trainer, Marcus Wright is a dog trainer who left a finance career behind to help his community benefit from better behaved dogs. Wright partnered up with fellow trainers Ty Clark and Zayne Brown to create a Black-owned dog training collaborative called The Northwest K9 Training Center. Wright not only trains but has six dogs of his own and even trained his cat to walk on a leash.
“I think when people think of the term ‘dog trainer,’ they don’t think of a Black face. We are here, and we want to work with your animal.” - Marcus Wright
“Just because a dog is not speaking English doesn’t mean it’s not speaking to you.” - Zayne Brown
If you enjoy fancy dog clothes and accessories (I know I do!) Chaz Olajide's Sir Dogwood has exactly what you need. Her online boutique features chic dog wear that looks modern, sleek, and is gender neutral. From luxe cashmere sweaters to upcycled African print bowties, Sir Dogwood is an inclusive shopping experience for pet parents looking to spoil their four-legged companions. She is the owner of Winston Churchill, a Miniature Schnauzer.
“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to trust your instincts and to not hesitate to say “no” if something doesn’t feel authentic to your brand.” - Chaz Olajide
Teddy Lives His Best Life
Teddy (or Sir Teddy or Prince Teddy) is a mellow Chihuahua who we still love though we’re miles apart. He was a longtime client of ours when we lived in Portland. We remain friends with his warm and wonderful parents and love getting his super photogenic updates. Teddy is one of the calmest dogs you'll meet and he loves nothing more than to sit in the glow of sunlight or cuddle his people. 🐾
Frances ... nice read. Dogs are a gift to humans. In some ways we don't deserve them. Mark Twain (my avatar and hero) said this about dogs. https://www.azquotes.com/quote/353736
We had to put down my beloved golden retriever Sam 10 years ago. My sons, grown men, cried like babies.
You have captured Teddy so well here! <3 Prince Teddy was Most Pleased at your homage. :-)