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.

Here is a little of what my day looks like with Chloe. I wake up with my 90 lb girl sprawled across the bed, from end to end. I feel the krink in my back from sleeping in fetal position because of not having any room to stretch out. Chloe has Cushings disease. This disease is an imbalance of hormones and cortisol production. It is very important that Chloe have a calm lifestyle. When she is sleeping, it is like music to my ears. Over the years, I have become accustomed to her very loud nasaly snore. I don't think I can sleep without it. When she is snoring and resting soundly, I know all is well and I can close my eyes and get some sleep myself. So back to the krink in my back. I find it hard to move her or disturb her deep sleep (one) because she is so cute and the other because to see her peacefully sleeping means the Cushings is not winning the battle. So, I suffer mildly and she sleeps soundly.

Sometime half way through the night, she moves to her bed in the closet and all is well.

When I wake up and see her squishy, crinkled, sleeping face, I can't help but stop and kiss her. She knows when I wake, it is time to get the day started.

What Chloe wants, Chloe seems to get. She has these subtle (yeh right) ways of communicating with me that tell me exactly what she wants me to do for her. When she wants to go out, she goes to the door and may sometimes paw at it. Here I come running to take her. When she wants something to eat, she goes to the fridgerator and paws at it. Here I come running to get her a snack. When she wants a drink, she goes to the bathroom bathtub faucet and paws at it. Here I come running to turn the water on. The funny thing is, she loves me so much that when Mike and I are sitting on the couch watching TV, she loving looks at him and looks at me and looks at him and looks at me, and she is basically saying, "Daddy, get up please, I want to sit next to my mommy." Mike having the same heart as mine for our girl Chloe, says, "Alright, I see how this is going to be." He moves over so Chloe can do what she loves best, spend her time and life with us. (Well, more particularly, with me lol). Chloe has such a personality and distinct way of communicating, that you can't help but love her.

As her pack leader, I am not doing a very good job by letting her dictate to me when her needs will be met, but she has such a polite, yet persistent way of doing things, that I just can't resist. Chloe is a good dog. She hardly ever does anything wrong (ha ha). She is the queen of our house and the leader of her pack, as long as we say so. I am sure, both our Pitt and our Rott would gladly take this position, but not as long as Mike and I are still breathing. It simply won't happen. One day, as Chloe gets closer to getting her call home to the heavens, she will quietly relinquish her rights to her position in the home. We will continue to protect her, love her, and honor her for the joy and healing she brought to our lives when we lost our beloved Rott, Sasha. See, every dog in our lives has a divine purpose. Sometimes they are an answer to healing and sometimes they are to teach us important life lessons, like patience, compassion, devotion and committment. All I know is that my girl Chloe loves me unconditionally, she is always by my side and I am always within her sight. During the times, I am away, she can be found faithly peering out the window or laying below it to patiently await the sounding of our truck. As soon as I enter the house, all is well and all is right in Chloe's world again. Do I really care that my dog has me so well trained? Not really, because there will always be that one dog that steals your heart in which you find you would do just about anything for each other.

Please let me know if you can relate to the love for your dog by leaving a comment in the comment section. Have a great day with your dogs and enjoy every moment life has to offer.

Let's Talk Dogs is proud to offer "The Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Dogs Seminar." Please come join us Saturday, October 23rd in the Music Room at Bethel Christian Life Center off State Road 52, on the West Side from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Please leave your pooches at home so we can have your undivided attention. We will be answering questions and discussing topics that pertain to potty training issues, behavioral challenges, pack structure leadership, health issues, balanced diets, obedience training and resources to meet all of your canine needs. Education is the key to optimal dog ownership. Take the next step in pleasing your pup by learning to communicate your love and leadership in a language they understand. Let's Talk Dogs is speaking for those who can't speak for themselves.

Can't wait to see you there! For more information or to register, please contact: 765-413-5270

Well it's been a long time since I have had the time to actually set at the computer to update the blog! Both Nico and Dainjer are doing well, they have inspired me to keep pushing forward to help as many dogs as I can. I must say that I have been excepted into their pack with love unconditionally. During this process I have learned a great deal about the hurdles people face, in order to rescue and foster dogs everyday. The people who pursue this life's passion are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I have come to know how much sacrifice it takes to do the right thing for the animals we love so much! 

In Tippecanoe County there is an ordinance that only allows for three dogs in a home environment.  If this rule was amended to allow more dogs, maybe our shelters wouldn't be so over crowded. The number of dogs euthanized due to over crowding each year is staggering. Why do we spend so much time killing instead of preventing?  My concern is this, if we continue blaming the dogs and cats for their owners ignorance, what reason do the owners have to do the right thing? I say give them house arrest and community service at the Humane Society. The only time they can leave while on house arrest, is to go to work and pay for the damage they've done.

In my opinion, people who rescue and foster dogs and cats should be considered heroes.  They do it without fan fair or reward, and I tell them all, I am applauding you now!  I started this rescue effort with Nico and Dainjer just to save their lives and now the education I've received is priceless.  I truly love dogs and cats because of their unconditional love.  Now it's my turn to give them what they've never had (PEACE)! 
Lets Talk DogsLLC
Mike Bryant

If you are considering training for your pooch or are experiencing behavioral issues, Let's Talk Dogs will address your needs from a holistic perspective.  To begin, you will receive an evaluation from a certified professional trainer with almost 20 years experience in handling a diverse range of breed types.  From small dogs to extra large dogs, all exhibit a universal language based in their understanding of pack structure.  Mike's unique evaluation will help unfold the mystery behind the problems you are experiencing with your pet.  By the time your visit is over, you will have a new understanding of your dog's temperament, breed characteristics, and emotional soundness to help determine a training style best suited to your pet's personality.  If you have a pack of more than one, you will also be informed of the visible rank structure among your pets, especially if you don't already know.  For two parent family's or family's with children, behaviors will be discussed that visibly demonstrate who in the home is a strong pack leader and who is not.  No worries, anyone can learn to be a better pack leader.  It takes consistency and the desire to change.  If you are tired of your pet running the house and demanding attention, a few simple tips can get you well on your way to becoming a respected leader by your pack.  

Following the evaluation, the next step will be to determine what service will best meet your needs.  Let's Talk Dogs offers in home consults, private sessions, group training sessions, problem solving sessions, seminars on a variety of topics, in home puppy parties - your home of course, and occasional pet sitting!  During all of these services we will be asking questions about your dog's lifestyle to help us determine where problems are coming from.  Believe it or not, medical issues can contribute to bad behavior and so can boredom, lack of exercise, lack of attention, stress and being tied up outside for long periods of time.  Last but not least, poor nutrition can also result in behavioral issues because sometimes our pets just don't feel good based on not having their nutritional needs met.  Can you honestly reach maximum health by eating the same food every day?  Well, neither can they!  How do you behave when you don't feel good?  I'm sure most of us can be pretty grouchy when we don't feel good.  Our pets can be grouchy too, only they don't have a way to tell us what hurts.  They can only act more sedate or more hyper, be more irritable or snappy, or maybe even scratch, jump or bite.  Some of this will be the result of poor pack structure, some will be the result of confusion, and some may be the result of the pet not feeling good.  Now you can see why Let's Talk Dogs considers a holistic perspective in considering your pet's many needs in buildling a quality relationship with the person they love the most - YOU!  To schedule an evaluation or to learn more about our individual services please contact me at woof@letstalkdogs.info or 765-413-5270   

Hello Again:

Pictures will be posted soon of Nico and Dainjer.  We have captured a very loving pose with Mike and the two of them.  As I have been thinking about this whole rescue experience, I can't help but wonder about the thousands of pets across the nation waiting for adoption or unknowingly sitting on death row.  At the same time, there continues to be breeding, breeding and more breeding.  It only seems logical to me that when our shelters our full and our euthanasia rates are even greater, we should have enough compassion within ourselves to save the existing animals and stop breeding.  If breeding is only being used as a source for financial gain, it must be recognized, that in the end, it is the animals that suffer.  During a financial crisis like the one we are currently experiencing as a nation, more dogs and cats get taken to shelters or simply dropped on the side of the road than at any other time.  It is especially important during these times that those who can afford a pet and wish their lives to be enriched by the love of a pet, step up to the plate and adopt.  Maybe someone reading this will take it to a higher level to help pursue stronger legislation to strictly regulate breeding.  I think the only breeding that should be allowed at this point is perhaps for law enforcement.  Then again, strong willed dogs in the wrong hands can lead to problems as you well know. 

I have met and heard from many new people this week.  I truly have not been surprised by the mental and emotional drain on animal care providers as they face the politics and red tape surrounding the system of animal rights.  I believe any living breathing creature needs to be protected.  If we don't protect their rights who will?  Understandably, not every human was called to love animals, but I guarantee that every animal  has the potential to fall in love with a human.  It just so happens that Nico and Dainjer have fallen in love with my husband. 

Relationships with pets are amazing.  My dogs move me every day in the way they sleep, eat, seek affection, romp and play.  I love my French Mastiff, Chloe, and I can only laugh when I forget to wipe her mouth after she eats.   She says,  "I can take care of this myself," and quickly finds my bed to wipe off her leftovers.  If that doesn't work, she stands waiting for our pitt puppy, Capi boo to lick her sloppy face clean.  This is truly a sight for sore eyes.  Where else can you enjoy watching one dog lick the sloppy drool of another and only laugh in bewilderment thinking it must be love.  Only in the dog world right?  LOL 

Nico and Dainjer have yet to show anything but thanks to Mike for their rescue from "jail".  It is a shame that so many pets are awaiting a soft bed, plenty of natural sunlight, long walks, good food, treatment of health ailments and snuggle time.  Dogs can sense their owners return up to a mile away from the home.  Yesterday Capi started barking and went to the window.  I looked out and saw nothing.  A moment later my husband pulled into the driveway.  There are hundreds of dogs out their waiting for you.  If you have the potential to adopt by offering a loving home, we can teach you the leadership necessary to build a bond to last a lifetime.  Don't keep your dog at the window awaiting your arrival.

Let's Talk Dogs offers a breed selection service in which we can help you make a good match to meet your family's needs.  Call 765-413-5270 for adoption assistance!

Today (July 26th) I met with Nico and Dainjer for their second full training session.  It was evident during this time that both dogs have begun to accept me as their new pack leader.  This was indicated by their acknowledgement of me.  They gave me eye contact and looked to me for leadership when walking on the leash.  Instead of them trying to pull me, they were responsive to my control of them.  I was very impressed at their submission to allow me to touch their feet, open their mouths to check their teeth, and I was even able to rub Dainjer's belly.  In the pre-adopt room, the dogs were completely free to roam.  During this time, they came to me and sat at my feet seeking attention while offering me kisses.  Nico and Dainjer filled with excitement when I arrived as they anticipated their freedom from the cage with positive interaction.  During our bonding time, we worked and reviewed the commands sit, down and come.  Tomorrow will be session 3 and we will focus on a release command.  The release command can essentially be used in three instances:  to teach a dog to release whatever they have in their mouth at the time, to prevent a dog from putting something in their mouth by saying the command before they pick something up, and finally a release command can be used during times of play when you want the play to stop.  Stay tuned tomorrow to hear the follow-up as to how Nico and Dainjer perform with their new set of play rules.

On another note, the details of Nico and Dainjer's transition to their new foster home are almost finalized.  The dogs will be moved by Wednesday to Hoofstock Vet in Pine Village for the remainder of their rehabilitation until an adoptive family is identified.  My wife has spent the majority of her time on the phone contacting potential adoption placements and seeking donations for fencing in which to house and maintain the dogs.  So far we have raised $120.00 dollars to support our cause.  Nico and Dainjer have shown great potential!  I am very encouraged by their progress in such a short period of time.  If upon reading this, you find yourself wanting to support this effort through a financial or food donation, please contact Let's Talk Dogs at woof@letstalkdogs.info or call 765-413-5270 for more information.  One of the best services we offer to help clients understand how to begin establishing the foundation of  pack structure is our seminar on this very topic.  Please call to learn more.  

Thanks for visiting our blog.  We want to use this as a public forum to interact with and educate those who are interested in learning more about optimal dog ownership. Whether you are a dog owner or person looking to get a dog we have answers for you in almost every aspect of dog ownership.  In order to do this we feel it is important for you to first learn about our journey that brought us to this place. 

A little bit about Mike
Mike attended West Virginia Canine College with a curriculum that included Animal Behavior, Genetics, Parasitology, canine handling for police patrol, schutzhund, and personal protection.  To acquire his professional certification, 600 hours of prescribed course instruction, plus 60 hours of additional agitation work, was required.

Mike And his wife Rebecca, are the owners of Let’s Talk Dogs, LLC.  This business is geared toward teaching owners the importance of establishing pack structure within their home environment in order to proceed with achieving the greatest results in obedience instruction. 

The Rottweiler has been a favorite breed of his for many years.  He’s owned a pack of four all at once and have found, as with any dog, when raised under the proper leadership, can flourish in any home environment.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell a little about me before reading about Nico and Dainjer!

 

Training info:  For all of you bloggers who are concerned about Nico and Dainjers training.  I worked with both dogs yesterday 7/24/10 from 4pm to about 5:15pm and I can tell you it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I worked with the dogs on sit, down and come just to see their reactions. I was pleased to see that the dogs knew some basic commands and even more impressive, they actually did what I asked. I kept the training simple just to establish my relationship with each dog. Let me make it clear that Rottweilers are not the breed for everyone. I have owned and trained Rotties my entire life and I can say without reservation, they are my favorite breed of dog!!!! I have found a wonderful person to take the dogs in, and I must say that I was beginning to wonder if anyone had a heart to help. I have started pack structure training with the dogs and it went better than I expected. I walked the dogs around outside just to give them the much needed outside time they deserve. The doggie rehab is under way and I will be moving them soon to their new location. Please remember that dogs deserve a chance at a good quality life!!!!!!!!!!! I will update the training after each session with the dogs. The next training session is Monday 7/26/10.