Time to adopt the NIKE attitude

By this I mean "just do it." I have a running, hyperactive list of blog topics spiraling in and out of my mind, but never landing here!

The best way to learn about so many dog-related topics is networking. My blog is intended to be one more networking outlet.

So, I'm going to try to get something out of my head and into this blog a few times a week. The whole point is sharing information, ideas, and person trials and triumphs. Hopefully, this can introduce a few dog owners to some really great stuff that makes their life with their dog that much more fulfilling.

How about the blog title "Shut up and train your dog?" I feel this way often. Cool topics might include: "What's it worth" (regarding dog reward values), raw food, tricks, fun walks, fun dog-friendly events, reviews of dog-friendly restaurants, finding the right vet, get rid of that awful prong collar...

OK - now I need to make good on my intentions!

Unfortunately, I have first hand knowledge of another topic: Canine Lymphosarcoma. My 7 year old Aussie, Trouble, was diagnosed with Lymphosarcoma on March 15th.

We discovered a lymph node the size of a tangerine on the side of Trouble's throat on Sunday morning (it definitely was not enlarged on Saturday - I am certain of this). He wasn't as active as usual and, though he ate his meals, his appetite was diminished. He received a preliminary diagnosis at my vet's on Monday morning. At that time they took blood samples, biopsies from 3 enlarged lymph nodes, and did chest and abdominal x-rays.

Here is the rundown from the first Monday vet visit:

• Swollen lymph nodes all over Trouble's body - BAD
• Enlarged spleen - BAD
• No abnormalities in the x-rays - GOOD
• Healthy, fit dog - GOOD
• Likelihood of remission with treatment = 85% with an average remission length of 1 year - GOOD

By Tuesday, the biopsy results showed that Trouble had Lymphosarcoma and the results of his blood work had my vet concerned that Trouble's bone marrow was involved (BAD). I made an appointment with a veterinary oncologist at VMS in Campbell, CA for Wednesday. In the meantime, Trouble's energy was fading fast. I was worried he might not last more than a few days. Thank heavens for wonderful vets at Evergreen Pet Clinic in San Jose and my friend Michelle (a vet in Santa Cruz) - everyone was so helpful and supportive. It made decision-making pretty easy.

Wednesday, Trouble was really slowing down and acting like he didn't feel well. That afternoon, he saw the oncologist, Dr. Kiselow, and started treatment.  Additional biopsies were also taken.

• Most dogs handle the treatment very well with only mild vomiting and loss of appetite. They maintain an active, happy life during treatment - GOOD

The plan is 6 months of treatment and then monitoring from then on.

By Thursday night, about 28 hours after initial treatment and about 12 hours after his first dose of Prednisone, Trouble was about 99% himself.  He was barking, carrying favorite toy, and bumping the treat jar for service!

I'll catch up on the following weeks - but, so far, the news is mostly good! Trouble is in remission, eating normally, active and happy. Fingers crossed and hopes high!

Life's a beach

There's nothing like the beach for entertaining and wearing out dogs. Here are Marley and Trouble team tugging a stick or a piece of seaweed. Of course, aussies have self-cleaning coats, so all of that sand will fall off the dogs into my car and home - but it's so worth it! I'll have happily worn out doggies!

Repeat after me, "GOOD DOG!"

"GOOD DOG"

Does your dog know what this means? Do you say this to your dog often?

"Good dog" is the most important part of training your dog. "Good dog" lets your dog know it is doing something right.

When is your dog a good dog???

Whenever the dog sits when told. Whenever the dog doesn't jump up on someone. When the dog quietly watches you and wags its tail. When the dog is just laying there not getting into anything. I'll bet your dog is often a good dog - so take advantage and give positive reinforcement with a "good dog!"

I hear lots of people telling their dog "no." But why? Does it make any sense to say "no" when your dog encounters another dog? In that scenario, what does "no" mean? What was the dog doing that you didn't want it to do? Or do you just want to label other dogs as "no." What do you want your dog to do? Dogs are not creative in thinking up something nice to do after you tell them "no." If you tell a child to leave you alone because you're busy, he'll go play video games or get his own snack. If you tell a dog to leave you alone, chances are it won't go in corner and practice it's sit-stays! Tell your dog what you want it to do. For instance, maybe you could tell the dog to settle or go to its bed or get its toy.

Dogs don't respond well to always hearing what's wrong and never getting any feedback on what's right. when you say "sit," "sit," "SIT" and then just give the dog the silent treatment when it finally sits, how does it know that it's done what you wanted? Is your dog supposed to think that since you finally finished yakking at it that you must be happy? How about a "good dog?" How about learning how to help your dog be a good dog?

"Good dog" isn't just a verbal reward, it's a mindset. It gets you to pay attention to your dog and let your dog get attention for being good. Get started training your dog positively right away. Ready? Repeat after me, "GOOD DOG!"