Working with the shelter dog I drew for the Extreme Mutt Makeover, Mandy, made me think, in great detail, about a number of things that are normally just passing thoughts.
I only had six weeks to work with Mandy, and so everything was more.
More training sessions, more treats and more time bonding. This was done trying to get her to be the best dog she could be so that after the competition, she would have the best shot possible at getting the perfect home for her — and she will give her new people a lifetime of devotion and love.
Part of her training involved taking her for walks and to various social gatherings so that she became socialized.
It was obvious from day one that she enjoyed the company of people, so socialization was something that just needed to be kept up.
While searching for a place bigger than my backyard to let her stretch her legs and run free, I discovered there is not a local place in my town where people with their dogs can go — at least they can’t go with their dogs off-leash.
We piled into the car several times during training and headed to Fort Worth and the great dog park there, Ft. Woof.
What a great opportunity we are missing out on in my town by not having our own version of the gathering place for canines.
And, the Ft. Woof dog park not just a gathering place for dogs. Many people bring their canine buddies to the park in order to have conversations with other animal lovers. Some folks come out and don’t even own a pooch — they just like the company.
While up that direction, we typically stop for a drink or a bite to eat and gas, if we need it. Those are dollars I would rather spend locally, but find myself in need out of town, only because I must go out of town in order to take part in an activity that is not offered locally.
A local park would benefit the community socially and economically. Perhaps it is something that should be considered by city leaders.
Dog parks are something officials typically overlook because they can't see the immediate benefit of one. What they typically see is that the dog park will cost money rather than bring money into the city. They don't understand people with dogs buy goods and services and that money could be leaving their town if dog owners are forced to go to a neighboring community to take part in having fun with their dog.
I recently mentioned I would be trying various products and telling you if they are worth your hard-earned paychecks, and I have something to report.
The Mosquito Magnet is a contraption that supposes to attract the little buggers with a mix of propane and a chemical attractant.
I hooked one outside by my pool a couple of weeks ago, and I can honestly say it has made a difference. It is a bit pricey, running a little over $300, but being able to sit out in the evening without getting bit is worth 10 times that amount. I’m sure my neighbors are enjoying the relief from mosquitoes as well, because it is said to clear about an acre of land from the pests.
I just hope mosquitoes never get organized and build a mosquito park.
Blake Ovard is a professional dog trainer and a top-three finalist in the Extreme Mutt Makeover. He can be reached via e-mail at blake@didyaq.com when he is not at the dog park or barking up a tree.
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Change in the air
I know many of you tune in to see what is going on with some of the training I'm doing, what my dogs are up to or — hopefully — to get a chuckle. Today's entry is somewhat of a departure from my normal blog post, but I think the topic is something many people may identify with.
This column is the most recent of my newspaper columns, and deals with the more serious topic of politics — which some may say has no seriousness in it, just a bunch of would-be comedians trying to act serious and pretend they have common sense. I could name names on that front, but will leave that for another day.
So, without further ado, here is my current column, Change is in the Air. Please let me know what you think.
Recently, President Barack Obama gave the first State of the Union Address of his presidency. In that address, he mentioned he was voted into office because voters believed he would change the way this country does business.
Whether you agree with the president’s position on the various issues he has championed, one thing does stand true, he is making good on his campaign promises of change.
For the first time in history, the federal government has actively stepped in and has taken ownership of big companies in the private sector and fired the CEO of one of them, General Motors. I never knew it was within the scope of presidential powers to make such a sweeping move, but it has now been done.
Governmental sights have been set on insurance companies and banks in recent months, while in their periphery lies newspapers. I need not tell you what a state-run newspaper might look like, for examples lie in other countries like Russia and China.
Yes, change is in the air in Washington, but it may not be the type of change many voters thought they would be getting.
Those voters, it seems, have started sending signals to Washington and to state capitals that change may not only originate in those governmental bodies. The change that may be coming may not be what the president had in mind during his speech.
Two recent gubernatorial contests saw GOP victories in long-held Democratic seats and the recent senatorial victory for Republican Scott Brown, in Massachusetts — a state with almost 1 million more registered Democrats than Republicans — stunned many in the national media.
Some may blame those victories on the TEA party and 912 movements, but I think it goes deeper than that.
Here in our area, incumbent candidates from both parties are fighting for their seats in a way they haven’t had to before. Voter apathy seems to have dissipated from the last few election cycles and a renewed interest in the Constitution and how we, the governed, are governed.
This is evident on the state level as well, with what many thought would be a two-horse race for the Republican nomination for governor turning into a three-candidate gallop.
Rick Perry, the longest serving governor in Texas history, has been challenged by popular U.S. Sen. Kay Baily Hutchinson. Both are being challenged by Wharton native and nurse Debra Medina.
Until the gubernatorial debates — the most recent taking place last Friday night — Medina trailed far behind the two seasoned politicians.
Then a funny thing happened after the first debate — Medina surged in the polls to capturing almost 15 percent of the vote among potential voters. And, Medina took her opponents to task in the second debate Friday in a performance that will undoubtedly see her climb higher in the poles.
What makes her popular among potential Texas voters? It could be that she isn’t a career politician. It could be that she could be anyone’s next door neighbor. It could be that she is seen to have some ideas to fix what many consider to be broken, instead of offering more of the same, and politics as usual. It could be that during the debates she seemed to have a firm grasp of the issues and articulated her stance while the two front runners seemed to be consumed with getting shots in on each other.
Medina has made many appearances at TEA party rallies and has gathered grass-roots support at those meetings. With the debates, she has brought her pro-gun ownership, pro-property rights, pro-life, anti-big government message to most potential voters whom she may not have been able to reach without the debates.
Of course on the Democratic side of the ticket, there will be a battle between former Houston Mayor Bill White and Farouk Shami, and whoever wins the Republican nomination will face the winner of that contest. But , most agree, the battle with all the fireworks is on the Republican side.
It will be interesting to see how that race, and others, plays out.
Yes, change is in the air. It starts locally, grows at the state level and continues to the national level. Change will be brought about and, as always, the voters have the biggest say in how that change will take place.
Blake Ovard is a professional dog trainer and a former managing editor for a group of seven newspapers. He can be reached via e-mail at blake@didyaq.com.
This column is the most recent of my newspaper columns, and deals with the more serious topic of politics — which some may say has no seriousness in it, just a bunch of would-be comedians trying to act serious and pretend they have common sense. I could name names on that front, but will leave that for another day.
So, without further ado, here is my current column, Change is in the Air. Please let me know what you think.
Recently, President Barack Obama gave the first State of the Union Address of his presidency. In that address, he mentioned he was voted into office because voters believed he would change the way this country does business.
Whether you agree with the president’s position on the various issues he has championed, one thing does stand true, he is making good on his campaign promises of change.
For the first time in history, the federal government has actively stepped in and has taken ownership of big companies in the private sector and fired the CEO of one of them, General Motors. I never knew it was within the scope of presidential powers to make such a sweeping move, but it has now been done.
Governmental sights have been set on insurance companies and banks in recent months, while in their periphery lies newspapers. I need not tell you what a state-run newspaper might look like, for examples lie in other countries like Russia and China.
Yes, change is in the air in Washington, but it may not be the type of change many voters thought they would be getting.
Those voters, it seems, have started sending signals to Washington and to state capitals that change may not only originate in those governmental bodies. The change that may be coming may not be what the president had in mind during his speech.
Two recent gubernatorial contests saw GOP victories in long-held Democratic seats and the recent senatorial victory for Republican Scott Brown, in Massachusetts — a state with almost 1 million more registered Democrats than Republicans — stunned many in the national media.
Some may blame those victories on the TEA party and 912 movements, but I think it goes deeper than that.
Here in our area, incumbent candidates from both parties are fighting for their seats in a way they haven’t had to before. Voter apathy seems to have dissipated from the last few election cycles and a renewed interest in the Constitution and how we, the governed, are governed.
This is evident on the state level as well, with what many thought would be a two-horse race for the Republican nomination for governor turning into a three-candidate gallop.
Rick Perry, the longest serving governor in Texas history, has been challenged by popular U.S. Sen. Kay Baily Hutchinson. Both are being challenged by Wharton native and nurse Debra Medina.
Until the gubernatorial debates — the most recent taking place last Friday night — Medina trailed far behind the two seasoned politicians.
Then a funny thing happened after the first debate — Medina surged in the polls to capturing almost 15 percent of the vote among potential voters. And, Medina took her opponents to task in the second debate Friday in a performance that will undoubtedly see her climb higher in the poles.
What makes her popular among potential Texas voters? It could be that she isn’t a career politician. It could be that she could be anyone’s next door neighbor. It could be that she is seen to have some ideas to fix what many consider to be broken, instead of offering more of the same, and politics as usual. It could be that during the debates she seemed to have a firm grasp of the issues and articulated her stance while the two front runners seemed to be consumed with getting shots in on each other.
Medina has made many appearances at TEA party rallies and has gathered grass-roots support at those meetings. With the debates, she has brought her pro-gun ownership, pro-property rights, pro-life, anti-big government message to most potential voters whom she may not have been able to reach without the debates.
Of course on the Democratic side of the ticket, there will be a battle between former Houston Mayor Bill White and Farouk Shami, and whoever wins the Republican nomination will face the winner of that contest. But , most agree, the battle with all the fireworks is on the Republican side.
It will be interesting to see how that race, and others, plays out.
Yes, change is in the air. It starts locally, grows at the state level and continues to the national level. Change will be brought about and, as always, the voters have the biggest say in how that change will take place.
Blake Ovard is a professional dog trainer and a former managing editor for a group of seven newspapers. He can be reached via e-mail at blake@didyaq.com.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Walking in the parade
New Year's Day was Saturday and we had the great fortune to be invited to participate in the Comerica New Year's Day Parade in Dallas. This used to be known as the Cotton Bowl Parade. But, since the Cotton Bowl is no longer held in the Cotton Bowl and has been moved not only away from the historic stadium, but out of Dallas to Arlington and the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the parade is simply the New Year's Day Parade.
It wasn't just us that were invited to wave at folks along the parade route, it was all of the Border Collie Rescue Texas, of which we are members. www.bcrescuetexas.org
It was a real honor to be asked to participate, as the only other dog organization ever asked to take part is the Golden Retriever Rescue. In addition to securing an invitation, a sponsor is needed to take part, and a local radio station came through for us. That station is KRLD 1080 AM. www.krld.com
The day started off well, with various members of of BC rescue meeting in the parkinglot of the American Airlines Center for visiting time before the parade started. While that might not sound like that big of a deal, keep in mind that members of Border Collie Rescue Texas live all over the state, plus one who lives in Oklahoma and one in Louisiana. And, for those who don't remember, Texas is a big state.
In all, more than 25 members of our rescue group came to enjoy the festivities.
With the temperatures in the low 50s, standing in the sun in the parking lot was pleasant, and I wondered if the matching sweatshirts we were all wearing might be just a little on the warm side. Then we rode the shuttle to the staging area.
At the staging area, the tall downton buildings cast large shadows and made areas of sunshine few and far between. The shaded area of the staging area soon became chilly, and participants from floats, to marching bands and others sought the slivers of warm sunshine.
As the sun moved through the sky while we all waited, waiting participants did what might have appeared to be a coreographed slow dance migrating with the areas of sunshine. People and dogs milled about, visiting, moving, visiting, moving.
Soon it was time to line up. As each float got into position, the anticipation built — in both our people and their dogs.
Our banner was there, the parade director ws telling us it was time to go, and we did. Out into the sun, which shown straight down the street, with throngs of people lining the sidewalks. Those sidewalks were also in the sun.
All of our dogs tugged their leashes, and perked up with the cheers and waves from the crowd. Our 12-year-old BC, Maxx, was loving the limelight. Younger dogs in the group veerd to the sides, seeking attention from the crowd, and were rewarded with pettings along the entire route.
Then, before we knew it, it was all over. We had covered the almost two miles of the parade route, people were tired and dogs were looking for water. Smiles adorned every face — on people and dogs.
Maxx slept the whole way home, and after taking a trip out to the backyard when we got there, he crashed on his bed in front of the TV.
It was a good day.
Blake Ovard is a professional dog trainer and a top-three finalist in the Extreme Mutt Makeover. He can be reached via e-mail at blake@didyaq.com
It wasn't just us that were invited to wave at folks along the parade route, it was all of the Border Collie Rescue Texas, of which we are members. www.bcrescuetexas.org
It was a real honor to be asked to participate, as the only other dog organization ever asked to take part is the Golden Retriever Rescue. In addition to securing an invitation, a sponsor is needed to take part, and a local radio station came through for us. That station is KRLD 1080 AM. www.krld.com
The day started off well, with various members of of BC rescue meeting in the parkinglot of the American Airlines Center for visiting time before the parade started. While that might not sound like that big of a deal, keep in mind that members of Border Collie Rescue Texas live all over the state, plus one who lives in Oklahoma and one in Louisiana. And, for those who don't remember, Texas is a big state.
In all, more than 25 members of our rescue group came to enjoy the festivities.
With the temperatures in the low 50s, standing in the sun in the parking lot was pleasant, and I wondered if the matching sweatshirts we were all wearing might be just a little on the warm side. Then we rode the shuttle to the staging area.
At the staging area, the tall downton buildings cast large shadows and made areas of sunshine few and far between. The shaded area of the staging area soon became chilly, and participants from floats, to marching bands and others sought the slivers of warm sunshine.
As the sun moved through the sky while we all waited, waiting participants did what might have appeared to be a coreographed slow dance migrating with the areas of sunshine. People and dogs milled about, visiting, moving, visiting, moving.
Soon it was time to line up. As each float got into position, the anticipation built — in both our people and their dogs.
Our banner was there, the parade director ws telling us it was time to go, and we did. Out into the sun, which shown straight down the street, with throngs of people lining the sidewalks. Those sidewalks were also in the sun.
All of our dogs tugged their leashes, and perked up with the cheers and waves from the crowd. Our 12-year-old BC, Maxx, was loving the limelight. Younger dogs in the group veerd to the sides, seeking attention from the crowd, and were rewarded with pettings along the entire route.
Then, before we knew it, it was all over. We had covered the almost two miles of the parade route, people were tired and dogs were looking for water. Smiles adorned every face — on people and dogs.
Maxx slept the whole way home, and after taking a trip out to the backyard when we got there, he crashed on his bed in front of the TV.
It was a good day.
Blake Ovard is a professional dog trainer and a top-three finalist in the Extreme Mutt Makeover. He can be reached via e-mail at blake@didyaq.com
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Our dogs
I sometimes get questions about our dogs when I'm running a training class or during casual conversation. They usually center around if my dogs always behave, what titles they have and if I ever get upset that they don't do what I'm thinking they should do — and yet have failed to communicate my thoughts to them.
The answers to those questions, in order, are: Of course! Many in many venues, and never! OK, the real answers are not that simple.
Do they behave? Not always, though they always behave the way I expect them too in a given situation if I think about it, except when they are being naughty and trying to steal a cookie on Christmas Eve and when dragging their stocking around Christmas morning because there is a bone stuck in it.
Do they have titles? Yes they do. Some of our dogs excel at herding, some at agility and some at obedience. Several of them are good all around competitors, and others I only participate in activities where I can closely monitor them — or the urge to go visit someone may overcome them.
Do I ever get upset with them? No, not really. I do get upset at myself for not communicating correctly with them, but they are dogs so any communication breakdown belongs strictly to me.
At the beginning of any class, I always tell those in attendance that I believe it is never the dog's fault. I believe this to my core. Our furry, four-legged friends want nothing more, usually, than to please us. Sure the occasional piece of meat, a bowl of sloppy stuff or a small child's ice cream cone may sometimes draw our dog's attention to where they want that more than anything, but those urges don't last long.
I sometimes am asked how many dogs we have, and I usually preface my answer with, "at the moment..." because the number is always fluctuating. Sure we have our usual crew that is always around, but we also have a couple of rescues at any given moment.
We will help any dog in need, but we work with many herding and rare dog rescues, including: Border Collie rescue, Briard rescue, Aussie rescue, Sheltie rescue, Puli rescue, Komondor rescue and Yorkie rescue. Why those breeds in particular? Because those are the breeds we are most familiar with and have that extra-special place in our hearts.
Do we have any of those breeds? You bet we do. Our Briards are named Ditto and Bizzy. One is a copycat and the other is always busy. Our Border Collie is named Maxx, and he is a maximum BC. Scoop, our Sheltie, can stop the presses with his performances in the agility ring. And, little Manny, our Yorkie, has a desire to be an internet video star — hamming it up in front of the camera any chance he gets! We have had Pulik and Komondors in the past as well as others.
They are all different, and they are all love-bugs who want really to be lap dogs. Each has a personality all their own, but still want nothing more than to be with, and please, their people. If there is ever a misunderstanding, it was probably because I forgot to buy extra steaks or hotdogs — not because the decided to sneak off with one or two.
Sometimes we have two or three rescues, in varying stages of being ready for their forever home, and sometimes we only have our crew. Those times seem strange, because there are not as many paws pattering, tails wagging and cold noses lightly touching the back of your legs. When there are extra bowls with no food in them at meal times, I usually wonder how our fosters are doing in their new — and some not so new — homes.
We love getting photos of our fosters in their forever homes, and love hearing stories about what they are up too. Each still has a place in our hearts.
So, if you ever wonder how many dogs we have, I can only tell you that the number depends on when you ask. If you want to send chew bones and are looking for a specific number, I can tell you they will never go un-chewed.
Blake Ovard is a professional dog trainer and a top-three finalist in the Extreme Mutt Makeover. He can be reached via e-mail at blake@didyaq.com
The answers to those questions, in order, are: Of course! Many in many venues, and never! OK, the real answers are not that simple.
Do they behave? Not always, though they always behave the way I expect them too in a given situation if I think about it, except when they are being naughty and trying to steal a cookie on Christmas Eve and when dragging their stocking around Christmas morning because there is a bone stuck in it.
Do they have titles? Yes they do. Some of our dogs excel at herding, some at agility and some at obedience. Several of them are good all around competitors, and others I only participate in activities where I can closely monitor them — or the urge to go visit someone may overcome them.
Do I ever get upset with them? No, not really. I do get upset at myself for not communicating correctly with them, but they are dogs so any communication breakdown belongs strictly to me.
At the beginning of any class, I always tell those in attendance that I believe it is never the dog's fault. I believe this to my core. Our furry, four-legged friends want nothing more, usually, than to please us. Sure the occasional piece of meat, a bowl of sloppy stuff or a small child's ice cream cone may sometimes draw our dog's attention to where they want that more than anything, but those urges don't last long.
I sometimes am asked how many dogs we have, and I usually preface my answer with, "at the moment..." because the number is always fluctuating. Sure we have our usual crew that is always around, but we also have a couple of rescues at any given moment.
We will help any dog in need, but we work with many herding and rare dog rescues, including: Border Collie rescue, Briard rescue, Aussie rescue, Sheltie rescue, Puli rescue, Komondor rescue and Yorkie rescue. Why those breeds in particular? Because those are the breeds we are most familiar with and have that extra-special place in our hearts.
Do we have any of those breeds? You bet we do. Our Briards are named Ditto and Bizzy. One is a copycat and the other is always busy. Our Border Collie is named Maxx, and he is a maximum BC. Scoop, our Sheltie, can stop the presses with his performances in the agility ring. And, little Manny, our Yorkie, has a desire to be an internet video star — hamming it up in front of the camera any chance he gets! We have had Pulik and Komondors in the past as well as others.
They are all different, and they are all love-bugs who want really to be lap dogs. Each has a personality all their own, but still want nothing more than to be with, and please, their people. If there is ever a misunderstanding, it was probably because I forgot to buy extra steaks or hotdogs — not because the decided to sneak off with one or two.
Sometimes we have two or three rescues, in varying stages of being ready for their forever home, and sometimes we only have our crew. Those times seem strange, because there are not as many paws pattering, tails wagging and cold noses lightly touching the back of your legs. When there are extra bowls with no food in them at meal times, I usually wonder how our fosters are doing in their new — and some not so new — homes.
We love getting photos of our fosters in their forever homes, and love hearing stories about what they are up too. Each still has a place in our hearts.
So, if you ever wonder how many dogs we have, I can only tell you that the number depends on when you ask. If you want to send chew bones and are looking for a specific number, I can tell you they will never go un-chewed.
Blake Ovard is a professional dog trainer and a top-three finalist in the Extreme Mutt Makeover. He can be reached via e-mail at blake@didyaq.com
Friday, December 25, 2009
Starting out
I don't know why I feel the need to welcome those of you who are taking time out of your day, or night, to read this blog. But I do — mostly because you are indeed welcome, and I look forward to hearing from you.
If you don't already know anything about me, or Did Ya Q?, please allow me to introduce myself and what this blog is about.
I am a writer by trade, so this should come naturally to me, but I'm not writing this because I need another outlet. As a managing editor for all six papers in a small newspaper group in the Metroplex of the Fort Worth/Dallas area, and a freelance writer for several magazines, there are ample opportunities to see my words in print. I am writing this to help people understand dogs, dog training and the relationship between dogs and people and to chronicle some of the humorous adventures in dog training.
You have probably guessed that I am also a dog trainer. Some may wonder why I am both a dog trainer and a writer, and for that I have two answers.
The first answer is that I love both aspects of what I do. If I were no longer looking into the news of the day, producing breaking news stories on tight deadlines and dealing with high levels of stress, I'm not sure I could function correctly. Conversely, if I were not working with dogs, communicating and dealing with them on their level, teaching other people to communicate and learn about their dogs, and relieving all of my stress by being around wagging tails and playful pups, I know I couldn't function at all.
The second answer is that in addition, I am also an artist — usually producing artwork of dogs and other animals. While I will be talking about dog training, dog tales and sometimes writing things, I will be talking about art — at least my art — almost never.
Did Ya Q? is the name of our dog training business and our dog supplies business. We started it after attending conformation, obedience, dog disc, herding and agility events all around the country and could not find many of the items we needed while on the road.
We settled on the name, because the score a dog and person team receives is many time not as important as earning a green ribbon, or earning a "qualifying score" or "Q." The most common question you may hear at a performance dog event is, "Did ya Q?" We want everyone to Q every time, thus the name.
So now it's up to you. If you've ever had any questions about dogs or dog training, you can leave a comment here, or e-mail me. To subscribe — that means being notified when we do a new video — to our YouTube channel, or to follow us on Twitter, those links are below.
You can also see our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/didyaq
And you can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/didyaq
If you would like to send an e-mail comment or question, I welcome those too! you can reach me directly at info@didyaq.com
If you don't already know anything about me, or Did Ya Q?, please allow me to introduce myself and what this blog is about.
I am a writer by trade, so this should come naturally to me, but I'm not writing this because I need another outlet. As a managing editor for all six papers in a small newspaper group in the Metroplex of the Fort Worth/Dallas area, and a freelance writer for several magazines, there are ample opportunities to see my words in print. I am writing this to help people understand dogs, dog training and the relationship between dogs and people and to chronicle some of the humorous adventures in dog training.
You have probably guessed that I am also a dog trainer. Some may wonder why I am both a dog trainer and a writer, and for that I have two answers.
The first answer is that I love both aspects of what I do. If I were no longer looking into the news of the day, producing breaking news stories on tight deadlines and dealing with high levels of stress, I'm not sure I could function correctly. Conversely, if I were not working with dogs, communicating and dealing with them on their level, teaching other people to communicate and learn about their dogs, and relieving all of my stress by being around wagging tails and playful pups, I know I couldn't function at all.
The second answer is that in addition, I am also an artist — usually producing artwork of dogs and other animals. While I will be talking about dog training, dog tales and sometimes writing things, I will be talking about art — at least my art — almost never.
Did Ya Q? is the name of our dog training business and our dog supplies business. We started it after attending conformation, obedience, dog disc, herding and agility events all around the country and could not find many of the items we needed while on the road.
We settled on the name, because the score a dog and person team receives is many time not as important as earning a green ribbon, or earning a "qualifying score" or "Q." The most common question you may hear at a performance dog event is, "Did ya Q?" We want everyone to Q every time, thus the name.
So now it's up to you. If you've ever had any questions about dogs or dog training, you can leave a comment here, or e-mail me. To subscribe — that means being notified when we do a new video — to our YouTube channel, or to follow us on Twitter, those links are below.
You can also see our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/didyaq
And you can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/didyaq
If you would like to send an e-mail comment or question, I welcome those too! you can reach me directly at info@didyaq.com
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