Tag Archives: Daisy

Small Business Saturday

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So, I had never heard of small business Saturday before.  Is this something new we are trying this year because the economy is still…well, you know?  Anyway, this new shopping day is the perfect excuse for my topic (that I’ve actually been planning on writing for a couple of weeks).

So, I am here to recommend two small businesses to you.

First, I now have an independent pet supply retailer and I am in love!  Tails Spin just opened their second location and it’s near me! They sell higher end pet foods (you won’t find corn, soy or wheat here) including frozen premade raw.  They have self wash dog stations in the back so you don’t have to get your bathtub at home all dirty. They also have all sorts of treats, leashes, toys, and dog beds, ect. They love when you bring your pet in. They were even good when I took Bella to get a bath, She was nervous and overwhelmed and they didn’t force her to let them pet her or anything.  They also will match any large chain’s advertised sale prices and there is a 10% discount for buying canned food by the case (what small retailer does this).

Daisy, Grannie, and I went to their grand opening. They had a red carpet for the dogs to walk, lots of great deals, and the fire department showing off their big ladder truck (yes, welcome to small town America, lol)!

Who needs spots anyway?

The other small (and local for me) company I want to highlight is Fluff and Tuff dog toys. I discovered these toys quite by accident and I am sure glad I did! These toys have the softness and fluffiness Daisy loves but her Rocket the Raccoon has been kicking for 2+ months now! I think it’s a new record for a stuffed toy. Even the squeaker is hanging in there.  They *might* seem pricey to some but Daisy just can’t wear hers out. We have played tug with it even and it’s still all in one piece.  You can order them online or look at their ever-growing list of stores that sell the stuffies to see if you can find them nearby. This picture is from their website. I love how the toys look like pretty normal stuffies but are super tough!

 

I was not asked to review these companies and I received no compensation. I chose to write about them just because I think they are awesome! And that is my own opinion!

Hey There!

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So, what do you think had Daisy so captivated in this picture?  (I’ll post the answer in the next day or two).

 

Also, I have a question for you. For WordPress self hosters -how do you post comments on blogger blogs? Right now I’m using my blogger profile but I wished it’d direct people to my blog. I tried to get an openid but lets say that was a disaster! Any other ideas?

Canine Good Citizen

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I need to start with some background….Way back when I first read the requirements for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test, I immediately dismissed it as impossible. I mean, it seemed to be designed for any type of dog, except hounds. For a long time, I didn’t even think about it. I didn’t desire it; it was totally off my radar.  Over time Daisy has become more responsive to me-especially when we are out in public. She likes to perform.  Even more, I have become a better handler and trainer. So, we had the opportunity to test for free at a local dog event. We had not been practicing recently (my bad), but I am pleased to introduce to you:

Daisy Mae, Canine Good Citizen

Words can not express how happy over-the-moon I am!  I really did not go into expecting for her to pass. I should stop underestimating what my dog can do.  I think I’m the half of this team now holding us back and I plan on changing that for the future.  Watch out world…Daisy is on her way!

For those of you who are curious, or don’t know the requirements there are 10 sections a dog must pass:

1. Accepting a Friendly stranger. The evaluator comes up, speaks to the handler, ignores the dog. Dog can’t jump, paw, whine, pull, ect.

2. Sitting politely for petting. The evaluator goes to pet the dog, the dog must sit. No jumping, ect.

3. Appearance and Grooming. The evaluator runs their hands over the dog, touches paws, checks teeth.

4. Out for a walk.  You have to show your dog can walk on a loose leash.

5. Walking through a crowd. You walk through or by several people. Your dog can show a little interest but must stay with you and not jump up. As we were at a dog event, it was a huge crowd.

6. Sit and down position and stay in position. Dog must do both a sit and down. Then must do a stay in one of those positions while the handler backs up 20 ft.

7. Coming when called.

8. Reaction to another dog. Now, this is normally done with another dog of known temperament. The two handlers approach each other and talk, the dogs can show casual interest but can’t pull, bark, whine, growl, ect.  Now, for our test it ended up some stranger (it was in a public park) let his dog run up on Daisy and sniff her butt and her underside and she just sat there. So she passed.

9. Reaction to distraction.  Dogs can’t panic or show aggression. For Daisy’s test the evaluator threw a tin full of coins near her when she wasn’t looking. Daisy startled, then went right up to sniff the tin and see what it was.

10. Supervised separation. I had to hand Daisy’s leash to a stranger (a lady that was helping the evaluator) and walk out of sight for 3 minutes. Dogs can’t bark, pull, ect. Daisy has zero issues with strangers. In fact, I think she’d be more than willing to go home with any friendly face.