An Ideal Solution to Animal Overpopulation: Human Accountability

Did you all hear that horrible noise yesterday? It was an intense banging sound mixed with a side-order of grumbling and a dash of whining. This intense display of human communication was coming out of my certified professional dog trainer mom. It seems she came across yet one more article on the issue of the overpopulation of animals in our country. The focus of the Santa Barbara Independent pet related article was actually on the "Chihuahua Explosion" in California - being part Chihuahua myself, it kinda hit home for me.

It obviously hit home for my Ventura dog trainer mom because of how she was behaving: eyes rolling towards ceiling, speaking loudly at the computer asking it questions like it had an answer, grunting a few times and burying her head in her hand - if it wasn't in her hand, her head was against the wall - not a good thing. Being an inquisitive canine I have learned that these cues my mom is exhibiting predicts yours truly needs to take charge. It's all about great teamwork ya know!

Anyway, the "straw" in the article was about "blaming Hollywood" for our increase in Chihuahua's in California. Okay, I agree with the fact that anytime a specific species or breed of animal is popularized via the media then yes, there seems to be an increase in the general population of that animal. So yes, "Hollywood" does have some influence. But to place the blame directly on "Hollywood" is a complete cop-out on the main issue: irresponsible breeding! Now hold up, before all of the comments on the right to breed dogs come flowing in, allow this inquisitive canine to elaborate.

Let's look at this from a more schematic approach: Flowcharts! (Mom and I love flowcharts - they're so handy!) But we're going to work backwards.

• End result: Millions of shelter animals killed every year!
• How did the animals end up in the shelter?: Humans didn't want them, humans can't afford them, humans didn't mean for their dogs or cats to procreate, humans weren't paying attention to what their pets were doing. (Hmm, see the "human" trend?) And the "humans fault" list goes on and on...
• How did the animals end up on the planet?: Humans breeding willy-nilly, humans leaving dogs and cats intact giving him or her the ability to make more of themselves. (Uh, not spaying and neutering!)

Yes, spaying and neutering animals is beyond important. Us non-human animals don't consider the long term consequences, like where are our offspring going to live and how are we going to support our kids? Nope, we just go for it whenever we can - because that's what our DNA says to do. BTW, you humans aren't much different. It's just us dogs and cats aren't able to don a condom before the dreaded act - darn the lack of opposable thumbs!

To me and my dog training mom, we believe folks need to go beyond spaying and neutering - there needs to be a complete crackdown on the world of breeding! Yes, there are responsible breeders out there, but unfortunately the irresponsible ones have ruined it for everyone else.

If pets are considered property then we should be treated as such. Meaning, if a human is going to run a legitimate business selling items to the public (ones that can cause harm to others) then these people need to jump through hoops to make it legal: permits, business license, insurance, written procedures and guidelines, quality assurance etc.

It's not legal for mom to sell the baked goods she makes here at home, so why are humans allowed to make animals and sell them? I mean, if running a prostitution ring or meth lab isn't legal, then breeding animals to make money or because the dog or cat "is cute" shouldn't be legal either.

As for which animals society should be allowed to breed? How about breeding for functional behaviors all of you humans seem to want, as opposed to "jobs" that we're no longer needed for! (Talk about being outsourced!)

Hmm, I wonder if you humans will ever learn from your own behavior? I wonder if humans will ever hold themselves accountable or if they will continue to place blame on others? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Dog behavior and size: It's not about me, it's about getting in my face!

Okay folks, enough of the "small dog syndrome" label, please. I know I'm short, but if I'm snarking at your dog, it's not because I'm small, it's because you're pooch is getting up in my face! You don't hear me asking Mastiff's "Hey, how's the weather up there?" Do you? 

Anthropomorphism: an ugly word when it comes to us pet dogs. Let me say it again, "pet dog"! I'm not a human. Yes, my mom the rockin' dog trainer even knows that I am a dog, not a human. And yes, my dog trainer mom, is in fact a "dog mom" too. She coddles me like a baby, and gets all giggly with me, but she does know I'm a dog. 

Why do I bring all of this up? I'll tell you. Mom and I were out loose leash walking with friends the other day. A new friend and her dog joined us. Well, this new dog, who shall remain nameless, got all up in my face...for a bit too long. I was nice, let it go for a few seconds, but he really pushed it. So, I did what any normal, well socialized dog would do, I snarked at him! "Dude! You're hangin' in my face wayyyy tooo long! Back off! Maybe where you come from this is okay, but in normal doggy greeting world, that's totally inappropriate!" 

As soon as I sent him my "back off" signal, he did, which was totally cool. I communicated, he listened, all was right with the world. What irritates me was the humans response: "Gee, Poncho, what's the big deal? Little dog syndrome, huh?" I think this is where mom rolled her eyes... 

Let me be clear: size doesn't matter much when it comes to dogs communicating with one another. Whether it be a Great Dane or Teacup Chihuahua, if either gets in my face too long, I'm gonna snark. Just like dogs who snark at me if I myself don't mind my good manners.

I understand that the whole "little man syndrome" is part of your silly, looking for an excuse, human world, reason for my dog behavior. But let me tell you, in dog world, it ain't! I can almost bet my favorite bully stick that if some stranger got all up in your face you wouldn't be real keen either. I wonder if you might even snark too! Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

Wow! What a night!

This Halloween dealio is pretty cool. Young humans come to our door, I "go to my place", mom gives them treats, then I get to go say *hi* and they give me treats! What a great gig we got going... Treats for everyone! 

One of my favorite little treat givers was a little girl dressed up like me! No, not like a lobster, she was dressed like a puppy! She was small and had cute floppy ears, just like yours truly. Anyway, she made a beeline towards me like I was the winning lottery ticket! Kept saying "look at the puppy, look at the puppy"! 

I went to check her out, she grabbed me, squeezed me really tight, and squealed like one of my squeaky toys... At first I didn't know what to think - it kinda felt like when mom holds me...but it's also kinda weird ya know? Us dogs don't usually greet each other like that... However, I don't think it would have been a good idea to start sniffing each others rear ends...cuz I know you humans don't do that. 

Anyway, mom was paying attention, making sure I was minding my manners...watching my body language because sometimes I don't like being grabbed...right? Just like you, right? But this time I didn't mind it at all... Mostly because I could predict what was coming next, and was excited about it. Bam! there it was! Right in my face! A handful of treats.

So mom immediately rewarded me for being brave and allowing my little friend to handle me - then my puppy friend gave me some of the treats mom had. My little friend also got rewarded for playing nice - she got treats from mom. 

What a great night! I totally dig this holiday...I'm sure many of my other dog buddies would agree. I wonder why we can't do this every night? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Pass the butter!

OMG, this is so humiliating...but not really. Just to bust a myth here, us dog's don't really "feel" the same way as you humans when it comes to "humiliation" "embarrassment" "shame" etc... there's enough of that for you all to deal with, so us dogs couldn't really care less... plus, our brains aren't developed that way... 

Why do I bring this up? That's easy... my mom the rockin' dog trainer and coach decided she wanted to "celebrate" this silly outlandish holiday you folks call "Halloween". All I know is you dress up weird and go around scaring people, knocking on doors and asking for treats!!! (uh, wait a minute... YOU ask for treats? Why are you all giving us dogs a hard time when we ask for treats...!!! I'll save that for another post...) 

   

Mom thought this would be the perfect time for me to practice my "go to your place" trick! That's one of the big behaviors she teaches in her classes at the studio and Ventura Community Education... 

The doorbell rings, I go to my little mat next to the door, she opens the door, as long as I sit still, I get a treat while the person at the door gets a treat... How easy is that? For both me and the kids at the door! This is what mom decided to dress me up in... ugh... she kept laughing, and I had this look on my face that she thought was soooo cute... But then she kept saying how she could use some melted butter... whatever... As long as I get my treats for wearing the stilly thing, I'll go along with it...I like to humor her. 

Hmm, I wonder what she'll dress me as next year? And I wonder if mom posted pictures of me on her blog too! Oh geez, what are others going to say! Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Dorothy was right!!!

Yep, "there's no place like home" as Dorothy said... Last night was complete chaos! This wind is coo-coo crazy! I don't like the wind...it's scary to me... I hear all these weird noises and I don't know where they're coming from. I kept looking around trying to detect the source - but no luck. And frankly, maybe I didn't want to know where they were coming from...

Mom was great though. She is one savvy dog trainer and coach. She is really great at "reading me"... She knows that I communicate to her and dad primarily through my body language (sometimes I bark but that doesn't get me very far...she says I'm annoying when I do that)... Anyway, I communicated and mom listened! She knew immediately I was scared. Yep, me, Poncho - the one who has been known to take on garbage trucks and school buses is scared of the wind. Come on! It's loud, it causes weird noises to happen, and makes things fall from the sky!!! 

So, how does she know I'm scared? That's easy... first thing I do is cling to mom (dad too)... I like to keep my tail tucked under by butt and through my legs, my ears kinda go down and back, I tuck one side of my lip up (mom says I look like Elvis)... I might have one front paw raised if I'm sitting or standing...I also lick my lips a lot and throw a yawn or two in...not because I'm tired mind you. 

The real BIG signals for mom is 1) I ain't hungry! Can you believe it??? Nope, too scared to eat anything and 2) I'm trembly all over...can't stop shaking... You'd think I have the chills or something, but no...that's you humans, for us dogs it means somethings up! We're usually scared or sick. 

Well, mom was my saving grace last night. She picked up on it right away... loud windy noises, I stopped eating... She in turn placed me gently in her lap and cuddled me for the rest of the night...then took me to bed with her. I wonder what mom and dad do when they get scared? I wonder who takes care of them? Maybe each other? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Good friends and good times...!

I've been having lots of fun with my friends Elaine and Genae. They live next door. They're my mom and dad's friends too...but I'm getting to spend lots of time with them - especially since mom and dad are spending more time out and about on the town - working and whatnot.  

My mom the dog coach makes sure that if she and dad aren't available, they make arrangements for other people to take good care of me. Not that I can't be alone - but mom says because I'm a "social animal", if they need to leave me for a longer time it's better to have others come by and take care of me. She says it's not very fair to a dog to leave them locked up in the house all day without any mental or physical stimulation. 

So it's great that Elaine and Genae are our friends. They're SO much FUN! They come over and play with me, rub my belly, talk to me with those cute voices that make me smile inside...and they give me treats! I love when they come over. 

Genae and I get along really well - we both have lots in common. I love my mom and dad. She loves her mom and dad. I like to play, she likes to play. I like sports - ball, chase, tug, Flyball, agility - and she like sports - soccer, running, junior lifeguard, swimming, bike riding - but her favorite is ballet! She's really good at that. She gets to practice all the time - and now she's going to be learning all about something called the "Nutcracker" - not sure what that is, but I think it happens around the holidays - something tells me dogs aren't allowed at the show. Maybe she can show me pictures. 

Anyway, Genae and her mom Elaine have been coming by to play...and I've been having fun. It makes it a little easier when mom and dad aren't able to take me with them. I wonder when Genae is going to come over again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder. 

I can't get away with anything!

Wow class was kinda tough today - not the training exercises per say... I just couldn't get away with anything! That's my mom the dog coach - she's kind, patient, and loves all her students - but she won't let you get away with some things...especially from me! 

All I was doing was barking and whining at her during class while she was teaching...sure, dad was there working with me, but I wanted my mom... I heard her tell the other students what I was doing is called "attention seeking behavior"...which is something I guess you humans aren't too fond of. She seems to know the difference between me wanting her attention, and me letting her know I don't feel well...two different types of whining. It's good that she knows the difference - something else she teaches the students during her classes.

Anyway, mom instructed dad to give me a "time out" - which means I got sent to the bathroom by myself for a few seconds... Geez! Then of course I tried it again, and of course she and dad were right on it! By the third time dad figured it out himself, and well, so did I! I was quiet for the remainder of the class... Dad paid attention to that too - got treats for just sitting on my blanket and being quiet... now I know what the better choice is. 

I wonder if mom or dad ever had a "time out" when they were young? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Mom got a new job!!!

I'm so proud of my mom the dog training coach! She just landed herself a new job... Don't worry. She still has her fabulous indoor dog training studio - and is still taking private clients, and teaching classes... But now she is also teaching her Basic Manners Classes through the Ventura College Community Education programs! This is SO COOL! 

She starts tonight...and she looks really excited. I read her body language just like she reads mine...and that look she has on her face is the same as when she is, what dad calls, in a great mood! 

Maybe I'll be able to go with her once in awhile to help her out... I make a great assistant. Or, maybe dad and I can have some quality time together... I enjoy both so it should be great for me too! 

What a great Dog Training celebration!

Happy Anniversary MOM! Geez, I can't believe it's been a whole year since you opened The Inquisitive Canine studio - just so you can help all of my fellow canines out there... I'm really proud of you mom. Even though I don't get as much of your attention as I used to, I totally understand, and appreciate all you're doing...I don't mind sharing you. 

Thanks for bringing me to the party - it sure was a lot of fun seeing all of the other doggies, and their family members. I remember meeting many of them when I go with you to help at your class orientations. I love watching the humans get all excited about the new and fun training techniques you teach them - the looks on their faces, all smiling and everything...and they start to plan about what they're going to try first when they get home. Just like you taught me to "check in" with you when we're out and about...see the picture? Good job mom. 

Hmm, I wonder what you're going to teach me next...? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

The Animal Doctor says my dog behavior was top notch...and so were my teeth!

Today mom dropped me off so I could have my chompers cleaned. Ahhh, clean fresh breath, pearly whites, healthy gums, and a raving report from everyone at The Animal Doctor. That's where mom takes me for my check-ups. Dr. Shelly (Wilson) is my doctor...plus she owns the practice. Dr. Kris (Finch) works there too - she is really nice. Dr. Kris always stops to say *hi* whenever she sees me, and sometimes takes care of me if Dr. Wilson isn't around. And the rest of the staff? They're really awesome too. They take such good care of me. Mom always has a hard time leaving me when I have a procedure, but she knows they're always watching out for me really carefully...plus they give me cookies and allow me to give them lots of kisses. I love the ladies ya know. 

The first thing the The Animal Doctor does when I have my teeth cleaned is give me something that makes me really tired. Then I go to sleep while they clean them. I guess this is a good thing... less stressful for me, plus Dr. Wilson says she can do a much more thorough job if I'm sleeping - otherwise I might get kinda upset...(and you know since I'm a dog I have to tell them in my own doggy language...and you humans don't like that). 

I also ended up getting a regular check-up...saves mom time taking me back and forth... Mom and dad got the report that I'm healthy, and my teeth are in great condition...and the best thing of all, I only got "snippy" once. But the doctors and staff said they totally understood...I guess they were playing with me, then surprised me with one of those icky sharp thing you give medicine with. Yikes! Mom said they're called "needles" and no one really likes them...including all you humans. Check out the photos mom took of my gorgeous teeth! Thanks to all my friends at The Animal Doctor! Now I can show off my pearly whites to everyone! 

                                   

Good thing I only have to go once a year... unlike mom - she goes twice a year. I wonder if she gets to sleep while they clean her teeth? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Awesome You Tube dog filled day for my mom!

Mom had a fun party today - for all of the new puppies. I'm not invited because it's for the youngsters only, but that's okay cuz dad and I got to go have our own fun! We stopped by afterwards because moms "dream team" came for a visit too, and they wanted to see me - and I wanted to see them. 

Miss. Lorrie, Miss. Michelle, and Miss. Amber were all there - they're all really nice and pretty and smart - I love hearing their giggly voices - really tells me they like me. I've met them before when they came down for meetings with mom... There were some other folks with them - Mr. Wil (Lorrie's hubby), and Miss. Anne - she's another dream team person thats gonna help mom - and Miss. Jill (Amber's friend who is another computer type wizard)... We all had a fun time visiting. I got to pose with the group for some photo's - check 'em out. From left to right: N8, Michelle, Lorrie, me and mom, and Anne - Miss. Amber had to leave, but I'll bet she can do something with her talents and photoshop. 

Nathan (N8) is Michelle's son - he is really cool. And oh boy is he talented. He is an awesome videographer - and is working towards becoming a big time director! He was cool enough to take video of mom and the puppies for her website - and ya know what? He edited some of it already, and posted it on You Tube! How cool is that??? Check it out - My mom on You Tube - 

I'm so proud of her - maybe someday she'll have me on there with her. 

Later on dad took me for some more fun at the field for some running around... Then mom fixed me a nice salad with my dinner. Yes, I really eat my vegies. 

 See?

During movie time I got to sit in dad's lap while I ate my Bully stick.  

Geez I love those! Keeps me happy, busy, and that endorphin rush I get from the chewing is really pleasant...helps me rest comfortably - can't you tell? 

By being in dad's lap (or moms too) while I chew my high value stuff has really taught me I don't have to guard my things - I really trust that humans don't want what I have... at least mom and dad...Hmm, who would have thought that? I'll still watch out for others, after all, I am a dog right? But I will certainly communicate with them with my body language if I'm not happy - they just have to pay attention and "listen", right? I'm glad this inquisitive canine has learned.