Talisman & Totem SportDogs

When do you know you have too many dogs? When you can not commit daily to doing something with each one, is my answer. I have More than some people, and Fewer (not less as is common poor usage brought on by "Less Calories" for one) than others. My goal with each dog is to find what makes them tick and go from there. They are all different, even those of the same breed-I try to never compare.  Right now I am working with a couple younguns, who are about as different as the sun and moon. Neither is "better", but what makes them tick and their natural instincts that I see, affect how I am approaching their training. With many pups, they melt into you when you call them, or touch them. With some (especially a BC pup), as they begin to lose teeth, you might see their natural  inclination is to be just out of reach, or heightened body sensitivity. They are just outside of the "bubble" or flight zone, if thinking in terms of stock. They aren't trying to be ...

Many people ask me what is the best way to introduce a new pup or dog, to an existing canine (& feline) family. In my usual non-methodical way, I haven't really thought about the "steps", but I guess that comes from knowing my crew well. What I would consider the first step is to look at who you have at home and what you know about them. I also foster a lot, so introducing a new dog is something my crew is used to. But for some dogs, they may have only child syndrome...take it slow. A resident dog or cat, who has not lived with another dog, may need that bit of extra time and reassurance that their world just improved, not the reverse. It is kind of common sense to go slow on introductions and use the old standby of meeting on neutral ground, before heading home. Neutral meaning, take a walk and keep moving, not standing there with nose to nose and expect them to become instant friends.  I also make sure that those at home are not going to end up with "less...