The Real Time Canine

I am often asked for bits of advice and training technique. For me, the best way to respond is by example. Beginning with 10 week old Kensmuir Star, I will document his daily lessons in words and pictures and send them to you in an email digest every Sunday. Please join us for Star's journey from puppyhood, through training to success. Please visit The Real Time Canine for more information.

I am taking your training questions as well. Do you have a question about your dog? Are you not convenient to a reputable trainer and need help? Do you have a question with a specific training issue? Please visit The Real Time Canine and look for "Your Questions Answered." How may I help?

Monday, July 13, 2009

The other side of the story

Picture and related article from MSNBC

This mare was found abandoned in Nevada. The wound you see is from her brand being cut out so that the owner could not be identified. A livestock brand is registered with the state department of agriculture, and is traceable in the same manner as a driver's license. On the ranch where I lived, when a steer died, we were asked to cut out the brand and show the owner to prove that we didn't steal and sell it. It was, of course, done after death, and I can tell you it is not an easy thing to accomplish. Imagine cutting out a tattoo.

When I was a kid, there was a man in my area who bought "killers." As a last resort, if you needed money, or for whatever reason, you wanted to rid yourself of your horse, you could call him, he would send a trailer, and pay you by the pound. Easy money, quick and convenient. I sold a few horses to Slim as a last resort and a couple of times I traded with him as well. He freeze-branded every horse he bought with a small heart shape on their left shoulder, and many times, instead of shipping the horses to a Texas processing plant, he would re-sell them. Over the years I have seen that heart brand on horses all over the place including family homes, the show ring and even once at the very exclusive Del Mar Polo Club.

In 2006 the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act was passed making it illegal to kill horses in the US and the business of buying "killers" was effectively stopped. The new law was highly touted by animal rights organizations and, in fact, brought about as a result of their actions. Now with the onset of desparate financial circumstances for many horse owners, they are turning to abandonment in record numbers, and states are seeing it sharply on the rise. Why not just sell your horse? Just like dogs, there are more horses than there are willing owners. Why not just give it away? You have to feed it while you are finding a home, homes can't always be found, and many simply can no longer afford it. Why not take it to a livestock auction? Many owners have no way to get their horse to an auction and the market is so flooded with prices so depressed that you can easily end up owing the auction for transport and stabling even after the sale. Isn't abandonment better than death? Abandoned horses that have been fed and watered all their lives can no more fend for themselves out roaming around than you or I, so they end up starving to death, or worse.

I lay this mare's torture at the feet of animal right's activists, PETA and HSUS that, once again, mettled in things they knew nothing about to the detriment of animals. It's not always as simple as "stop the slaughter of horses," and self righteous organizations like them would never consider consulting with professionals who deal with their cause du jour on a daily basis. They beat their drum, solicit millions, pay lobbyists and attorneys salacious sums of money, win their battle and escalate the war in some previously unforeseen direction that isn't good for any one.

Slaughter is not my preferred method for disposing unwanted animals, horses included. Until we can keep them out of the hands of stupid and/or desparate owners, however, I see humane processing as a reasonable alternative to torturing and abandoning them to their death in a small mining town in Nevada.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Lampropeltis getula

Nothing gets my attention quite like the sight of a big snake, even a harmless, beneficial one like the common King snake pictured here exiting, stage left from my back patio. I was breezing through my kitchen yesterday morning, looked out the French door, and there he was, all 4 feet of him, quietly lazing in a pool of water having a drink on me beneath my potted, just-watered Azalea. After my heart re-started and I began to breathe again, I was happy to oblige, because among other undesirables, like gophers, (bane of my existence,) rats and mice, the King snake kills and eats rattlesnakes.

To find out how I feel about those pernicious monsters, please read "What a disaster," my tale of Price's near-death experience after being bitten by one on a bright, Spring morning in 2005. I don't care for rattlesnakes, and I'll kill them on sight, but I'm happy to share my home with Lampropeltis getula. Go forth and multiply King of snakes.

They're at it again...

Photo courtesy of the ASPCA
The dog pictured here was rescued from a dog fighting operation in Missouri, which is part of the largest ring ever uncovered in US history. Look at the chain that this dog is tied with. Look how tight the collar is around his neck and the raw skin underneath. Look at the expression on its face. Vicious killer? No way.

I have tie-out chains that I use when I am actively training my dogs. I use light chain, 4 feet long, with a snap on one end and a clip on the other, and I can tell you that the chain used on this dog is not only completely unnecessary in weight and strength, but it wasn't cheap either. The only reason I even use chain for the short amount of time my dogs are tied is because, in their excitement watching each other work, they have chewed through every other material I have tried including leather, nylon and cable.

So why would it be any different for this dog? It wouldn't. It is simply some twisted human being's attempt to shore up their dismal self esteem at the expense and suffering of a much maligned breed of dog. Here's what the ASPCA has to say about this round of dog-fighting arrests:
On Wednesday, July 8, the ASPCA began assisting federal and state agencies in what is believed to be the largest crackdown on dog fighting in U.S. history. The raid spans eight states so far—Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska and Mississippi. Arrests have been made in all eight states.Nearly 400 rescued dogs, many pregnant, were safely transported to a secure facility under the direction of the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force, where they will be cared for until final disposition is determined by the U.S. District Court.

The ASPCA has compiled good information on how to eliminate dog fighting. Click here to learn how. Learn more about the pit bull breed and why they are not what you think. Breed specific legislation has been enacted in areas around the country against the pit bull breed and others, but does it work? Click here to read why not.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Virtual adoption

When this 3 year old pug named Joe was found, his right front paw was dangling and vets determined he had been left to suffer that way for 2 to 3 weeks. The ASPCA vets amputated and suspect cruelty as the cause. At the Bergh Animal Hospital, Joe experiences phantom leg pain and cries for no apparent reason. He is being treated for neurological problems as well as hip dysplasia. This little guy has some major issues.

Via the ASPCA website, you can sponsor Joe or another of the animals highlighted there under their sponsorship program. They ask for a one-time donation, or you can sign up for the Guardian Program by committing a monthly donation of any amount you choose. The ASPCA treats sick and injured animals, they save lives, investigate cruelty, and they promote adoption extensively. That is an agenda that I can live with and I donate $5 from each 6 month subscription received for The Real Time Canine. I find them to be a worthy cause and am more than happy to help. I sincerely hope you will too.

Monday, July 6, 2009

It's not what you think

I posted this photo previously, but captioned it as a birdhouse built inside a steer skull. Upon closer inspection, I've discovered that's not what it is at all.

It is a steer skull, that much is true. From the size of the horns and the small caliber bullet hole showing prominently in the forehead, I can tell you that it was a yearling and I know that it came from the San Felipe Ranch, where I used to live. Clearly, we were unable to doctor it back to health, and had given him the common and permanent .25 solution.

You can see a bony structure inside the skull that runs vertically down its length, effectively separating it into 2 halves. That bone is what changes the complexion of the previous caption; "bird's nest."
Here is the nest inside, housing 3, tiny, light-blue eggs, but that's not the unexpected part.
Here is the nest on the other side of that central bone, which also protects 3, tiny, light-blue eggs. You see, it's not a skull at all. Complete with common wall, it's a condo! I wonder if they have an HOA?

Saturday, July 4, 2009

God Bless America

Happy 4th of July to all!