Dog Training In Your Home: DOWN/STAY COMMAND c Begin with your dog in

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

DOWN/STAY COMMAND c Begin with your dog in

DOWN/STAY COMMAND c Begin with your dog in a SIT/STAY position, on your left side. c Place your left hand palm down, pinkie toward your dog, around the leash. As you kneel on your right knee, slide leash through your hand until your hand is touching the dogs neck. c As you say "__________, DOWN" (command tone), begin to apply pressure on the dogs right shoulder with your left hand. Gently press down while pulling back simultaneously, as you give the DOWN hand signal with your other hand. You may also pat the ground as you give the command. c Once your dog is in the DOWN position say “STAY" (command tone) and begin to move away. When he breaks the STAY use a quick SNAP toward the ground as you say "NO!" (correction tone) Give the STAY command. Repeat until your dog remains in the DOWN position until you release him. c Your goal is to be able to step over your dog while he remains in the DOWN position. Note: The DOWN command is an act of submission for your dog. This is by far the most important command your dog can learn. It is mandatory that your dog master this. Remember: Make it fun! TRAINING GOAL:___________________________________ ___________________________________________________ c Remember: If you have any questions, please call our office Monday-Friday, 8:30 am -5:00 pm c (704) 573-3647
Lucky Diamond, a little dog with a big mission and celeb sidekicks, has died of cancer in NYC

A little dog with a big mission and a pack of celebrity sidekicks has lost her battle with cancer.

Lucky Diamond died Tuesday, in her dog bed at her New York City home. The rescued Maltese was about 15 years old, according to her owner, Wendy Diamond.

Diamond dedicated her life to animal welfare after adopting Lucky in 1999.

The sweet-but-spunky canine patiently starred in photo ops with celebrities ranging from Kristen Stewart of "Twilight" fame to hip-hop star Snoop Dogg and actress Betty White, who is herself an animal-welfare advocate.

In November, the Guinness Book of World Records announced that Lucky was "the animal photographed with the most famous people." Her total at the time was 363, including Kim Kardashian, Richard Branson "and many more," Guinness confirmed Tuesday.

Lucky also was involved in widespread charity work. Among other things, her fuzzy, doe-eyed lovability resulted in funds and awareness for the Humane Society of New York. Her last public appearance was as "chair dog" of the American Cancer Society's "Bark for Life" on May 6 in Manhattan's Riverside Park.

Diamond and Lucky visited Russia, Greece and Mexico while advocating for animals. Fans worldwide followed their adventures and posted supportive Facebook messages after Lucky's February diagnosis of spleen cancer.

"She made me realize how lucky I am, no matter what transpired in my life," said Diamond. "I'm beyond grateful for the outpouring of generosity and support from friends and strangers who know exactly how much Lucky meant to me."

With inspiration from Lucky, Diamond wrote the forward to the book "Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned from the Dog."

On July 12, the always-game Lucky was to be dressed as a bride for an over-the-top, luxury "wedding" extravaganza benefiting the Humane Society. Diamond, who did not shy away from references to Lucky's dwindling time on earth, has decided to adopt another lucky dog so that the show — and the cause — can go on. The winner of a contest to choose the canine "groom" will be named on June 28.

"Lucky's life and her legacy of saving the underdog will be celebrated and her mission continued," Diamond said.

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Online: www.animalfair.com

Family says Texas police chief shot their dogs

Family says Texas police chief shot their dogs.

A Texas police chief has been accused of shooting a family's dogs, one of which had to be put down because of its injuries, MyFoxAustin reported.

Caren Vybiral said she and her two-year-old daughter were inside their home in Florence, Texas, roughly 50 miles north of Austin, when she heard gunshots ring out last Friday.

Vybiral, with her toddler inches behind her, opened the front door and her mom's Rhodesian ridgeback, called Sassy, scooted inside bleeding. She had been shot twice in the shoulders and was put down an hour or so later.

Vybiral said when she looked out she saw Florence Police chief Julie Elliott-Abshire with her gun drawn.

"She was yelling at me," Vybiral said. "I asked her 'What's wrong? Why did you shoot my dog?'"

Vybiral says the chief cursed at her and ran around to the back of the house where Vybiral later discovered her brother's pit bull, Boomer, had also been shot. The bullet appears to have hit his ear and then his leg.

The Vybirals say they have since learned that an employee at city hall called to report the two dogs running astray at a convenience store across the street. According to the employee, they were bothering customers.

Still, the Vybirals feel the behavior did not warrant the chief opening fire, MyFoxAustin reported Tuesday.

"I can't believe she did it. I honestly can't believe that happened. I think it was very irresponsible. She could've killed my kid. She could've killed me," Vybiral said.

The city has released a statement saying it was investigating the shooting.

"After the investigation is completed will issue a public statement concerning the results. Until then, however, we are making no further comment," it said.

Elliott-Abshire has not commented.

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