Canine Helpers

Not every dog is cut out to serve as a guide dog. These uniquely gifted dogs are the result of careful breeding and vigorous training. And, of course, thoughtful placement with the right owner ensures the best possible outcome for both the dog and owner.

Historically, German Shepherd Dogs were used as guide dogs because of their strong-bodies and willingness to perform tasks. Starting in the 1960's other breeds were incorporated into the guide dog training, including Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.

Today, worldwide, the Lab is the most-used breed of dog for this work. Not only do they have a strong body and will, but also a calm, even-temper and the initiative.

Guide Dogs of America, founded in 1948, is one such organization that trains and breeds dogs to assist their owners. At 8 weeks of age the dogs go to foster homes and begin a program of early socialization, formative training, learning to be a house dog, and getting into normal public places. At 16 to 18 months they return to the school for their formal guide-dog training.

You can apply for a dog or make a donation by clicking on the above link.

Snow Games for You and Your Dog

Do you have snow where you live?

As every retriever knows, the chief purpose of snow is to make snowballs. If your dog loves to play with balls, he will love snowballs. "Catch and chomp" is a favorite game among many retrievers. For more entertainment, roll snowballs down a hill and watch your dog return with a mouth full of melting snow and a funny look on its face.

Snowball toss, considered it winter Frisbee, is fun for most dogs too. See if your dog can intercept snowballs when thrown to someone else.


Build a snowman (or elephant) with your dog. Ask your dog to, "Find a stick," for the snowman's arms. Or bury one and see if your dog can find it.

Hide and seek is a classic especially with a good snowfall and snowbanks. The best hide and seek game involves hiding yourself, of course. It is easier if there are two of you, one to give the commands, including the command to go find, and one to hide. If there is just you, you may need to shout "find" from your hiding place. It is not really giving away where you are - the tracks you left in the snow will do that anyway!


If the snow is really deep and fluffy, some dogs like to swim through it after a stick or a snowball. And speaking of deep snow, build a labyrinth or a maze and watch your dog work through it for a treat.

Slippery snow is best for sliding and some dogs really take to it. And there are some dogs that are perfectly happy just rolling in snow.

Most ski resorts do not allow dogs, but you might find some areas to cross-country ski and snow shoe where dogs are permitted off leash. Keep in mind that if your dog is a novice to the sports, you will need to spend time familiarizing him with the equipment. A human being on cross country skis looks like a very strange creature to most dogs especially those two sticks he swings.

While you do not have to worry about heat stroke in the winter months, dehydration can be a problem even in the coldest conditions. If you are out for a long period of time, make sure you take a drink break. And remember, having fur does not mean you do not feel cold.

Also, take care of your dog's feet. During walks, check paws for icicles and balls or hard snow. They make walking very difficult. If you live in a city where roads and sidewalks are salted, you may want to consider getting some dog booties or rubbing your dog's paws with petroleum jelly before going out, and washing the salt off when you get home. Salt can dry and crack paw pads.




Winter can be as much fun as summer for your dog and you.

Dog Family Christmas

Most of you are gathered together with your families this Christmas Eve.

In my son's household that family gathering includes the dogs. Can you imagine a house full of Golden Retrievers? Cute, but I imagine chaotic!


Oh, did I forget to mention Koda, the German Shepard, as part of the family clan?


How can Ebony miss out on all this fun?! Besides, a black dog would add variety.

Maybe I should bring her when I visit on Christmas Day :)

Dog Buddies

I believe dogs have best friends.

Ginger and Brinkley, Golden Retrievers, met at Marymoor Dog Park in Seattle, Washington when they were six and seven months old. Jayme and Brian had a hard time separating them when it was time to go home. They decided to have doggie play dates.

As the story goes, the doggie play dates then turned into Jayme and Brian dates. It is a fact, proven here, that dogs are attractors for partners of the opposite sex.

Now Ginger and Brinkley get to play together when ever they want!

Ginger and Brinkley
Best Friends
Step-Sister and Step-Brother

Babies and Dogs

Now that I am a Proud Grandma of a beautiful two month old baby boy, I have been watching their dogs interaction with him. I have also observed how much Mom and Dad will permit. At first, it was "NO! Don't go near the baby."

The Golden Retrievers wanting to get close, have now been allowed to lick the baby, but only occasionally and a little bit. I can just see this happening in a few short months........

Watch this video of a baby and his dog sharing toys in the bathtub.

VERY CUTE!

Golden Retrievers - Popular Breed

Golden Retrievers are the second most popular dog according to the AKC.



Here are some pros and cons about choosing a Golden Retriever as a pet:

They are great dogs, sweet, social, and can be very laid back. Unfortunately, because of the breed's increased popularity there has been some in-breeding and this has caused some lines to be less consistently laid back.

Some of the breed lines can be very nervous, anxious, hyperactive and aggressive. If you choose this breed, it is important to go to a reputable breeder and look closely at the parent's personalities whenever possible. I would also call references from previous litters to find out the adult personalities of the dogs. Golden Retrievers, like the Labrador Retriever, require plenty of attention, exercise, and stimulation-especially during the first 2 years of life. Their hair is long and may require more care than other shorthaired breeds.

Generally, these dogs are happiest if they are given the opportunity for lots of exercise. They make great companions if you like to play fetch in the yard or enjoy a loyal jogging partner. As with any large dog, if they become ill or injured they can be hard to carry or manipulate if they require assistance.

How Smart Is Your Dog?

The other day my friend and I were talking. She pointed to a neighbor's dog - a very happy Golden Retriever - and said, "That dog is dumb as a box of rocks."

Well, I don't think Golden Retrievers are dumb at all. I think they are generally happy dogs and they can at times have "selective hearing". I actually love Goldens. They are one of my favorite breeds. And they can be very smart.

Some dogs are smarter than others (just like people)!

A pet writer, Heather Stern, said, "Studies have shown that the average dog possesses the intelligence of a 3-year-old child."

That is interesting. That level of intellect corresponds to an ability to learn basic commands, to express themselves (not always clearly), and to interpret some emotions of those around them.

Some breeds certainly display character traits much more advanced than this. Herding breeds for example appear to understand and function in complex thinking patterns. It's clear that many dogs understand certain words, for example recognizing toys on command. Perhaps talking to your dog isn't quite as crazy as it sounds.

Some dogs never get the whole fetch thing. Other dogs love puzzles. In fact, some dogs aren't happy unless they have something to do (e.g. something to herd or fetch) or something to figure out. That is one reason there has been a big trend toward toys that are puzzles.

Wondering if this is similar to the older generation keeping their minds active with crossword puzzles and other games?

Dog Walking Dog

Today, my son and I took our dogs to Tracy Owen Station Park in Kenmore, Washington.

It was one of those Washington days; fabulous clouds, sun breaks, and some rain.

My son's Golden Retrievers out for a walk.....


Brinkley walks Ginger

Snow again!

Spring time and it is snowing! Not a favorite subject here in Washington.

Why is it that the first thing Golden Retrievers do when they race outdoors after a snowfall is to rolling in it? Anyone out there know?

Having my life blessed with a dog of this breed, I am familiar with their love to roll in stuff (mostly stinky). Snow seems to be a favorite as I have witnessed other Golden Retrievers partaking in such fun. I pet sat a Golden who behaved in this manner, and my son's Golden does too. Not only do they love to roll in the snow, but Goldens seem to enjoy snow as much as children.

Unfortunately, if they spend too long playing in the snow, they get serious frozen snowballs between their toes because the snow collects in their long fir. That's when you must convince the dog to come inside to thaw.

No hot chocolate for them!