However, Ralphie had his own thoughts about this owl. Maybe he thinks its real?? Maybe he wants to hunt it?? Maybe...well maybe...see for yourself....
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The Owl
My daughter was given this creative piece of art from an adorable 10 year old girl that's in her life...Erica loves this thoughtful gift and wanted to display it to see at all times. She hung this feathery owl on her bedroom wall to enjoy.
However, Ralphie had his own thoughts about this owl. Maybe he thinks its real?? Maybe he wants to hunt it?? Maybe...well maybe...see for yourself....
However, Ralphie had his own thoughts about this owl. Maybe he thinks its real?? Maybe he wants to hunt it?? Maybe...well maybe...see for yourself....
Monday, June 24, 2013
Fear of Noises
This is our season of thunderstorms, power outages, rain, lightening, hurricanes...yikes!
Ralphie is definitely not fond of this weather. He really had a rough evening yesterday. We had a typical Florida storm with the booming thunder and gushing rain. During this time Ralphie was getting spooked, nervous, and shaking. Then the power went out. My smoke alarms began to beep from the loss of power. Oh my gosh, Ralphie began freaking out with the high-pitched beeping. Finally the rain let up, power still out, so I decided to take him and Ollie for a walk that way it would get his mind off the scarey noises and in hopes it would relieve his anxiety. So we go outside, Ralphie still a bit frazzled from his noise experience. The three of us started our walk and holy and behold my neighbor was have trouble with his motorcycle and making grinding noises and revving the engine. Ralphie completely and totally freaked out to the max!!! With his tail tuck between his back legs, body lowered to the ground, this 53 pound puppy began to pull and pull me down the street towards our house. Needless to say, poor little Ollie was dragging behind. I'm yelling, "STOP, DON'T PULL, STOP!" I was losing all control over him. I strained my shoulder muscle trying to hold him back. He kept pulling and pulling...he was so scared and wanted to get back into the house FAST! Thank goodness the power was on when we got home. I unleashed both of them, and Ralphie ran to my bedroom and just sat there dazed with the most pitiful, sorrowful expression. I think Ralphie was feeling he disappointed me. He knew I was upset being dragged by him.
Finally I get him cozy in my bed and I started searching the Internet ... "dog scared of noises". I learned the best way to help him is to desensitize him...very, very slowly. I will be getting a CD with different loud sounds; start playing it extremely low and at the same time play with Ralphie...he loves the tennis ball. Slowly over time I will increase the volume of the CD and play with him. In the meantime, I am not supposed to coddle him during the thunderstorms or any other loud sound event. I need to ignore his behavior and distract him with play. This may take a month or several months, but whatever it takes I don't want Ralphie to live a fearful life of sounds. I know this is a common concern with many pets so I will continue to update my blog with his progress.
I never want to see that sad, pathetic look on Ralphie's sweet face again. I'm determined we'll overcome his fears in time. Sweet Baby.
Ralphie is definitely not fond of this weather. He really had a rough evening yesterday. We had a typical Florida storm with the booming thunder and gushing rain. During this time Ralphie was getting spooked, nervous, and shaking. Then the power went out. My smoke alarms began to beep from the loss of power. Oh my gosh, Ralphie began freaking out with the high-pitched beeping. Finally the rain let up, power still out, so I decided to take him and Ollie for a walk that way it would get his mind off the scarey noises and in hopes it would relieve his anxiety. So we go outside, Ralphie still a bit frazzled from his noise experience. The three of us started our walk and holy and behold my neighbor was have trouble with his motorcycle and making grinding noises and revving the engine. Ralphie completely and totally freaked out to the max!!! With his tail tuck between his back legs, body lowered to the ground, this 53 pound puppy began to pull and pull me down the street towards our house. Needless to say, poor little Ollie was dragging behind. I'm yelling, "STOP, DON'T PULL, STOP!" I was losing all control over him. I strained my shoulder muscle trying to hold him back. He kept pulling and pulling...he was so scared and wanted to get back into the house FAST! Thank goodness the power was on when we got home. I unleashed both of them, and Ralphie ran to my bedroom and just sat there dazed with the most pitiful, sorrowful expression. I think Ralphie was feeling he disappointed me. He knew I was upset being dragged by him.
Finally I get him cozy in my bed and I started searching the Internet ... "dog scared of noises". I learned the best way to help him is to desensitize him...very, very slowly. I will be getting a CD with different loud sounds; start playing it extremely low and at the same time play with Ralphie...he loves the tennis ball. Slowly over time I will increase the volume of the CD and play with him. In the meantime, I am not supposed to coddle him during the thunderstorms or any other loud sound event. I need to ignore his behavior and distract him with play. This may take a month or several months, but whatever it takes I don't want Ralphie to live a fearful life of sounds. I know this is a common concern with many pets so I will continue to update my blog with his progress.
I never want to see that sad, pathetic look on Ralphie's sweet face again. I'm determined we'll overcome his fears in time. Sweet Baby.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Ralphie and Other Dogs
We're at our destination ... the dog park. Yes, yes again. Ralphie goes there about six days a week. I open the double gate to set him free to run. There were a lot of dogs out today...all kinds, big, small, thin, fat, hairy, short hair, all different breeds. I have to admit Ralphie is quite popular at the dog park! Ralphie is so excited to see his choice BFFs...rolling around, wrestling, running. He loves being the leader of the running pack...all dogs chase Ralphie. I stand there watching and notice Ralphie is only interested in certain dogs ... he only plays with the short-haired dogs, usually big dogs close to his age; his favorites are Pit Bulls and Dobys. Then I remember hearing that Cesar, the dog expert, saying when dogs are in a pack, they are attracted to the ones they think they look like. I found that very interesting because Ralphie passes up the small cutesy dogs or doesn't seem to play with any of the long-haired dogs. Maybe his theory is true.
Moral of this blog... Ralphie thinks he's a muscular, intimidating, bully looking dog like a Pit Bull or Doby...LOL...far from it!
Moral of this blog... Ralphie thinks he's a muscular, intimidating, bully looking dog like a Pit Bull or Doby...LOL...far from it!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Home Alone Test
This week I put Ralphie to the test. After his little escape stunt that I blogged about the other day, I needed to do something to be sure he doesn't hurt himself while home alone. He can't continue to jump counters!
On Monday I was home with Ralphie most of the day. But the short time that I had to leave to run errands, I didn't crate him or lock him in the kitchen. I let him have the run of the house to see if he can be a good boy without damaging anything. After a couple of hours alone, I returned.. he was in his crate, but I was able to tell by toys everywhere that he did stroll outside the kitchen area. No damage! He passed Monday's test!
On Tuesday Ralphie spent the day at Erica's with his pug cousins and fun at the dog park.
Ralphie stayed home on Wednesday while I was at work. I put him in his crate for the morning and then came home during lunchtime to walk and exercise him. Then I decided to give him the second test...letting him loose in the house for the afternoon...about four hours. I left him while he was on his blanket outside his crate in the kitchen leaving the kitchen door open to be able to roam the house. I returned home from work and Ralphie was in his crate! But again there was evidence that he did leave the kitchen. No damage! He passed Wednesday's test!
Ralphie enjoyed Thursday at Erica's place...another fun day at the dog park.
Friday was the BIG test! I left Ralphie home alone all day while I was at work with the freedom to roam the entire house, sleep wherever he wants, play wherever he wants. He was home for nine hours alone (with Ollie)! He started on his blanket outside his crate when I left for work. I was nervous all day thinking of him and what he's doing. I couldn't stop talking about this with my co-workers. I was just picturing in my head the rugs chewed up, sofa torn apart, pillow stuffing everywhere, woodwork gnawed on, etc. etc. I couldn't wait to get home... so annoyed by every red light that stopped me on my way. Finally after a 20 minute drive I'm home...quickly I unlock the door, Ollie's barking at the door to greet me (his normal), as I'm greeting Ollie I quickly glance around...and there's Ralphie...in his crate!!! There were a few toys scattered around the house so he definitely enjoyed his freedom. I walked the house checking each room and NO DAMAGE! Ralphie passed Friday's test! Ralphie passed this week's test! I'm so proud of him!!
On Monday I was home with Ralphie most of the day. But the short time that I had to leave to run errands, I didn't crate him or lock him in the kitchen. I let him have the run of the house to see if he can be a good boy without damaging anything. After a couple of hours alone, I returned.. he was in his crate, but I was able to tell by toys everywhere that he did stroll outside the kitchen area. No damage! He passed Monday's test!
On Tuesday Ralphie spent the day at Erica's with his pug cousins and fun at the dog park.
Ralphie stayed home on Wednesday while I was at work. I put him in his crate for the morning and then came home during lunchtime to walk and exercise him. Then I decided to give him the second test...letting him loose in the house for the afternoon...about four hours. I left him while he was on his blanket outside his crate in the kitchen leaving the kitchen door open to be able to roam the house. I returned home from work and Ralphie was in his crate! But again there was evidence that he did leave the kitchen. No damage! He passed Wednesday's test!
Ralphie enjoyed Thursday at Erica's place...another fun day at the dog park.
Friday was the BIG test! I left Ralphie home alone all day while I was at work with the freedom to roam the entire house, sleep wherever he wants, play wherever he wants. He was home for nine hours alone (with Ollie)! He started on his blanket outside his crate when I left for work. I was nervous all day thinking of him and what he's doing. I couldn't stop talking about this with my co-workers. I was just picturing in my head the rugs chewed up, sofa torn apart, pillow stuffing everywhere, woodwork gnawed on, etc. etc. I couldn't wait to get home... so annoyed by every red light that stopped me on my way. Finally after a 20 minute drive I'm home...quickly I unlock the door, Ollie's barking at the door to greet me (his normal), as I'm greeting Ollie I quickly glance around...and there's Ralphie...in his crate!!! There were a few toys scattered around the house so he definitely enjoyed his freedom. I walked the house checking each room and NO DAMAGE! Ralphie passed Friday's test! Ralphie passed this week's test! I'm so proud of him!!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
First Pheasant Hunt
Yesterday Erica, Ralphie, and I attended the Tampa Bay Vizsla Club fun day weekend at Lake Wales, FL. And yes it was FUN!! There were about 40 or so Vizslas there from all different areas...all ages, a lot of pups! It was fun meeting all the Vizsla moms and dads. I was worried if I would recognize Ralphie in a crowd of red dogs...LOL But actually each red dog had their own look, each different...overall size, coloring, ear size, nose size, etc. All these red dogs were beauties! But Ralphie was THEE beauty of all! He is such a handsome guy (haha, of course I'm just a little partial).
The day was filled with a variety of events. The one I enjoyed the most was Ralphie out in the field with a real live pheasant for the first time. It's amazing the natural instincts of a Vizsla sniffing and pointing at the pheasant. He LOVED the experience. I also enjoyed the master hunters demonstration. We were able to follow the dogs out in the field and watch every move. The dogs had years of training and were in many competitions. I was in awe watching the Vizsla pointing and the hunter would kick up the pheasant out of the bushes and the hunting Vizsla just stood there in the pointing stance, did not move at all until the hunter gave the command. These Vizslas were amazing!
This video is Ralphie chasing a 'birdie' out in the field. Gosh, he had fun with this little game!
The day was filled with a variety of events. The one I enjoyed the most was Ralphie out in the field with a real live pheasant for the first time. It's amazing the natural instincts of a Vizsla sniffing and pointing at the pheasant. He LOVED the experience. I also enjoyed the master hunters demonstration. We were able to follow the dogs out in the field and watch every move. The dogs had years of training and were in many competitions. I was in awe watching the Vizsla pointing and the hunter would kick up the pheasant out of the bushes and the hunting Vizsla just stood there in the pointing stance, did not move at all until the hunter gave the command. These Vizslas were amazing!
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| Me and my handsome boy! |
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| Ralphie loves giving kisses! |
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| Ralphie pointing at the pheasant. |
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| Cooling off after a hot day in the field. |
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| All of us heading out in the field for the master hunt demonstration. |
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| The hunters demonstrating the hunt; Vizsla in pointing stance. |
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| My beautiful daughter, my best friend, Ralphe's 2nd Mom! |
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Escape Artist
In my blog on Monday I talked about how I neglected to notice that Ralphie wasn't locked in the kitchen when I left for work. He was 'stuck' in the living room away from his bed and toys ... I felt horrible.
Well, I can say today I am NOT forgetful, I am NOT crazy, I am NOT negligent, I am NOT insane!
Today I know for a fact Ralphie was locked in the kitchen, with his crate open, with an extra comfy blanket alongside his bed, with a boxful of toys, a bowl full of food, and a bowl full of water. I even took a picture before I left of Ralphie sitting sweet and innocent in the kitchen.
I come home from work...where's Ralphie...he's not in his bed or on the blanket or in any other part of the kitchen. The kitchen doors were closed securely. But ... I did notice few things out of place on the kitchen counter. I slide open the pocket door into the living room and there was Ralphie and Ollie... sitting there looking up at me so innocently. I wasn't neglectful on Monday ... it was all Ralphie's fault!! He's an escape artist! He jumped up on the kitchen counter...then unto the breakfast counter...then he took a flying leap to the sofa in the living room!! Can Vizslas do that? Yes, yes, yes they can!!!
Well, I can say today I am NOT forgetful, I am NOT crazy, I am NOT negligent, I am NOT insane!
Today I know for a fact Ralphie was locked in the kitchen, with his crate open, with an extra comfy blanket alongside his bed, with a boxful of toys, a bowl full of food, and a bowl full of water. I even took a picture before I left of Ralphie sitting sweet and innocent in the kitchen.
I come home from work...where's Ralphie...he's not in his bed or on the blanket or in any other part of the kitchen. The kitchen doors were closed securely. But ... I did notice few things out of place on the kitchen counter. I slide open the pocket door into the living room and there was Ralphie and Ollie... sitting there looking up at me so innocently. I wasn't neglectful on Monday ... it was all Ralphie's fault!! He's an escape artist! He jumped up on the kitchen counter...then unto the breakfast counter...then he took a flying leap to the sofa in the living room!! Can Vizslas do that? Yes, yes, yes they can!!!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Beach Diarrhea
Ralphie is very sick today.
Last night was a rough night for him and me. Ralphie has a bad case of beach diarrhea. Although I bring fresh water with me to the beach for him, he still consumed way too much sea water while playing ball and swimming yesterday. He was up every two hours last night to go outside. He was quite miserable.
Today I had to leave him home while I went to work because Erica was working as well. I always keep him separated from Ollie. Ralphie in the kitchen; Ollie in the other part of the house. This morning I must of been so tired and exhausted from the lack of sleep, Ralphie seemed to slip out of the kitchen into the living room without me realizing it. I came home from work a little early today...thankfully. I walk in the house through the kitchen...and no Ralphie! He was stuck in the living room all day. Poor Ralphie didn't have access to his bed in the kitchen and he was so sick. There was diarrhea on the living room floor and in the bathtub!!! Yes, he went in the bathtub and did what he had to do!!! All I can imagine is what a horrible day he had. He must of been frightened as well. It's very upsetting to me that I didn't pay more attention this morning. I really need to slow down!
This incident led me to Dr. Google to look for a home remedy to get rid of this nastiness. This is what I found:
Dog Upset Stomach Bland Diet Recipe
You will need:
An Extra Bonus For Diarrhea:
Adding a dollop of plain yogurt or cottage cheese will help sooth and the inflamed stomach and intestines, especially if the dog upset stomach is accompanied by diarrhea. Probiotics such as Fortiflora or Culturelle may be also helpful for diarrhea so to promote the growth of good bacteria. (See more about these below) Plain canned pumpkin (without spices, not the pie mix) may further help a dog with diarrhea as it firms up the stools. One to four tablespoons depending on your dog's size would help.
Today Ralphie is staying away from food. He has no appetite. It's probably best to let his stomach rest. I will try a dollop of cottage cheese tomorrow in his food. Hopefully that will help, if not I may need to give him the 'bland diet'. We will see tomorrow.
Right now, I just want my baby to feel better.
Last night was a rough night for him and me. Ralphie has a bad case of beach diarrhea. Although I bring fresh water with me to the beach for him, he still consumed way too much sea water while playing ball and swimming yesterday. He was up every two hours last night to go outside. He was quite miserable.
Today I had to leave him home while I went to work because Erica was working as well. I always keep him separated from Ollie. Ralphie in the kitchen; Ollie in the other part of the house. This morning I must of been so tired and exhausted from the lack of sleep, Ralphie seemed to slip out of the kitchen into the living room without me realizing it. I came home from work a little early today...thankfully. I walk in the house through the kitchen...and no Ralphie! He was stuck in the living room all day. Poor Ralphie didn't have access to his bed in the kitchen and he was so sick. There was diarrhea on the living room floor and in the bathtub!!! Yes, he went in the bathtub and did what he had to do!!! All I can imagine is what a horrible day he had. He must of been frightened as well. It's very upsetting to me that I didn't pay more attention this morning. I really need to slow down!
This incident led me to Dr. Google to look for a home remedy to get rid of this nastiness. This is what I found:
Dog Upset Stomach Bland Diet Recipe
You will need:
- Boiled rice
- White Meat Chicken or extra-lean hamburger
An Extra Bonus For Diarrhea:
Adding a dollop of plain yogurt or cottage cheese will help sooth and the inflamed stomach and intestines, especially if the dog upset stomach is accompanied by diarrhea. Probiotics such as Fortiflora or Culturelle may be also helpful for diarrhea so to promote the growth of good bacteria. (See more about these below) Plain canned pumpkin (without spices, not the pie mix) may further help a dog with diarrhea as it firms up the stools. One to four tablespoons depending on your dog's size would help.
Today Ralphie is staying away from food. He has no appetite. It's probably best to let his stomach rest. I will try a dollop of cottage cheese tomorrow in his food. Hopefully that will help, if not I may need to give him the 'bland diet'. We will see tomorrow.
Right now, I just want my baby to feel better.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Crazy Beach Day
What a beautiful Florida day...sunny, high 85...a perfect beach day. Erica and I took Ralphie to the dog beach today. Gosh that puppy loves the beach! Ralphie was full of mischief ... up to no-good.
Ralphie escaped his leash THREE times!
The first time...while playing with the ball in the water, he decided he would rather visit all the other dogs and human's picnics. So he darted out of the water faster than we can get his leash in hand. OMG...he created such an uproar on the beach! Of course, there's Erica and I creating a scene running and yelling for Ralphie. Just an added note...Erica looks fine running in her bikini; me on the other hand was probably a sight to be seen. LOL
The second time...after a nice playtime in the water we decided to relax under our umbrella and enjoy our light picnic. Ralphie was quite calm, enjoying his treats and water. I noticed today he was very observant of the shorebirds. He was using his hunter eyes and ears to the max today. Suddenly Ralphe broke out of his collar and ran and ran after a bird. There goes me and Erica chasing Ralphie AGAIN!
The third time...we're all packed up to leave the beach. Erica carrying the umbrella in one hand, Ralphie in the other. I'm carrying the cooler, beach bag, and two chairs...we were both loaded down. Ralphie sees another bird that he wants. He breaks out of his collar, runs through the preservation area. This time we are frantic...it's against the law for human or pets to be in this area. We drop everything and in a frenzy ran after him...again, my gosh, I can't imagine what we looked liked...two crazy women! Then Ralphie stopped in his tracks, tail tucked, he got into a plant and was loaded with burrs. He had burrs all over him! We came to his rescue, secured his broken collar extra tight, un-burred him and FINALLY made it to the car ... that was our CRAZY beach day!
Ralphie escaped his leash THREE times!
The first time...while playing with the ball in the water, he decided he would rather visit all the other dogs and human's picnics. So he darted out of the water faster than we can get his leash in hand. OMG...he created such an uproar on the beach! Of course, there's Erica and I creating a scene running and yelling for Ralphie. Just an added note...Erica looks fine running in her bikini; me on the other hand was probably a sight to be seen. LOL
The second time...after a nice playtime in the water we decided to relax under our umbrella and enjoy our light picnic. Ralphie was quite calm, enjoying his treats and water. I noticed today he was very observant of the shorebirds. He was using his hunter eyes and ears to the max today. Suddenly Ralphe broke out of his collar and ran and ran after a bird. There goes me and Erica chasing Ralphie AGAIN!
The third time...we're all packed up to leave the beach. Erica carrying the umbrella in one hand, Ralphie in the other. I'm carrying the cooler, beach bag, and two chairs...we were both loaded down. Ralphie sees another bird that he wants. He breaks out of his collar, runs through the preservation area. This time we are frantic...it's against the law for human or pets to be in this area. We drop everything and in a frenzy ran after him...again, my gosh, I can't imagine what we looked liked...two crazy women! Then Ralphie stopped in his tracks, tail tucked, he got into a plant and was loaded with burrs. He had burrs all over him! We came to his rescue, secured his broken collar extra tight, un-burred him and FINALLY made it to the car ... that was our CRAZY beach day!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Ralphie's a Teenager!
Ralphie is about 10 months old now. Lately I've been beginning to see a slight behavior change which is concerning. After some research I read in dog years, Ralphie is a teenager now (10-18 months old). Ralphie isn't that small pudgy cute puppy anymore. His soft puppy coat has turned into a shiny sleek coat. His chub turned into muscle. He's beginning to think for himself, unfortunately sometimes making wrong choices. I guess this is where more training is involved, which means more patience on my part.
Ralphie has been a little naughty lately. I've heard so many stories how puppies have destroyed briefcases, mattresses, pillows, rugs, woodwork, table legs, etc. Not MY Ralphie! MY Ralphie is a good boy, he is so well-behaved. Well, well, well, maybe I talked to soon. This week Ralphie decided to enjoy Erica's vertical blinds...yep chewed a good 12 inches of plastic. He's never done that before! He also decided to shred all stuffed toys to remove the squeakers. He's been a little more difficult on walks, becoming more aggressive with those little lizards and squirrels. Sometimes he likes to tease the little dogs at the dog park. He doesn't see anything wrong with stealing the other dogs' toys at the park. He wants to be outside ALL the time. As a matter of fact, he's outside right now in the backyard tearing apart a palm tree!
I figured I went through the teenage years before (including Erica & Rusty's) and survived. I remember those are the years you need to spend more time with them, but give them space as well. So that's exactly what I'll be doing with Ralphie...spending even more time, challenge his brain with new tricks, maybe even teach him the frisbee, but give him some freedom, like enjoying and exploring the backyard.
Soon, Ralphie will be back to his normal self!
Ralphie has been a little naughty lately. I've heard so many stories how puppies have destroyed briefcases, mattresses, pillows, rugs, woodwork, table legs, etc. Not MY Ralphie! MY Ralphie is a good boy, he is so well-behaved. Well, well, well, maybe I talked to soon. This week Ralphie decided to enjoy Erica's vertical blinds...yep chewed a good 12 inches of plastic. He's never done that before! He also decided to shred all stuffed toys to remove the squeakers. He's been a little more difficult on walks, becoming more aggressive with those little lizards and squirrels. Sometimes he likes to tease the little dogs at the dog park. He doesn't see anything wrong with stealing the other dogs' toys at the park. He wants to be outside ALL the time. As a matter of fact, he's outside right now in the backyard tearing apart a palm tree!
I figured I went through the teenage years before (including Erica & Rusty's) and survived. I remember those are the years you need to spend more time with them, but give them space as well. So that's exactly what I'll be doing with Ralphie...spending even more time, challenge his brain with new tricks, maybe even teach him the frisbee, but give him some freedom, like enjoying and exploring the backyard.
Soon, Ralphie will be back to his normal self!
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| Evidence...the vertical blind...bad, bad boy... :( |
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| Ralphie in action...trying to get that squeaker!! |
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