Tails on the Trail :: Huckleberry Hill Yellow Trail

Hello! A-Dog here (aka Cyn.) We’re going to try and share a trail we love in our area every Friday and for the reading pleasure of the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. Below is a video shot on our first trail review. This is our first attempt, so please excuse the heavy breathing and shaky camera work. Details of the trail are below the video. Let us know what you think or if you have a trail to share, send a note to Scout.

Trail Details

Distance: 2.25 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail: Well-maintained with some roots and rocks, heavily wooded
Dog Info: Dogs OK off-leash, but abide by leashing your dog when encountering other hikers/dogs.
Other trails: Yes – Orange Trail (upcoming review)
Location: 116 Huckleberry Hill Road, Avon, CT

It is OK to eat now

Ever wonder why your dog doesn’t eat? Not the physical reasons when her stomach starts talking in squeaks and squelches and squirty noises, but the psychological “I’m choosing not to eat right now” reasons. I can give you some insight into my pathology and perhaps you can apply it to your pup.

When I was a puppy, A-Dog and Shoes-on-the-Floor took my training very seriously. They read oodles of books about what to teach me and which doggy behaviors to hone. One of these behaviors was the danger of food aggression.

With a stubborn breed like mine, food aggression can develop when the humans are careless about feeding time. Training was pretty straight-forward: food in bowl, make me wait, I drool, they say OK, I eat. As with any training, we did this over and over again until there was no training anymore, it just was.

I’m not sure if that plays into my psychosis of leaving a full bowl of food just sitting there, but here’s my criteria for when it’s okay to eat:

::A-Dog and/or Shoes have to be home
::They need to be seated
::No chaos ensuing
(kids running outside, packing for outings, screaming/yelling)
::A calm, quiet atmosphere with only the sounds of two human hearts and the hum of the TV

Not so much to ask for, right? It does get a bit tough when I go to “Scout School,” better known as the kennel. I go twice a year for about a week each and I always slim down significantly. I do eat, but it’s with a sad and bitter edge, because I think that this time they will forget to come get me. You can pity my poor dog brain for that thought, but it is what all canines think when you leave us.

It’s quiet now, so I think I’ll belly up before someone starts yelling for a band-aid.
That happens a lot around here…

Orange is a dog’s best friend – Sophie’s Choice

I’m very happy and excited to introduce Sophie’s Choice, a stylish feature that will highlight some of the best handmade dog-related items the interwebs have to offer.
Enjoy the dog eye-candy…

Boston terrier print by inloveandwar
dog magnet by ideasthatbloom
dog house/bedside table by madshome
love me, love my dog print by fuzzymug

Sophie is a year old Weimaraner who has a nose for great handmade finds for dogs and their humans.   Her human, Linda, is the owner of à la mode (a line of modern products for humans and their homes) and creator/editor of alamodestuff blog.

Preview of My Doggy Plan

Dogs usually don’t make plans, but when you have a blog, it helps to think about what you’ll write and share. In the month of September, I’ll be experimenting with posting Monday through Friday and I’d like to give you a preview of my doggy plans.


First up, and the plan I’m most excited about, is Sophie’s Choice. Sophie is a one-year-old Weimaraner who will be curating dog-related finds from sites like Etsy, every other week here on the Dog Blog. Her human, Linda, is the owner of à la mode (a line of modern products for humans and their homes) and creator/editor of alamodestuff blog. Because I’m so excited, Sophie’s first post will appear tomorrow. Woof!

A-Dog and I will be recording our favorite trails that we walk, hike and run in a weekly series called Tails on the Trail. We’ll explore all different kinds of trails that are dog-friendly, providing details on distance, terrain and location. We’re even going to try a little video experiment with this one, so it should be pretty interesting. I’m hoping to explore not only local trails, but to share some of your favorites as well. Get in touch if you have a great trail that you enjoy: scout [at] riverdogprints [dot] com.

I’m going to em-Bark (ha!) on a weekly photographic journey, called Assignment: Dog 52. There are many people that participate in a 365 photo challenge, taking a daily photo for a whole year. I think I’ll find it challenging enough to provide a doggy image once a week.

Dogs Without Blogs will continue on a regular basis, but I’ve decided to change the name. The name is yet to be determined, but it will be paired nicely, like a fine wine and cheese, to the new feature on your cats. Yes, I’m talking to you humans that have cats. We’ve enjoyed cats in our family (and we kind of miss them), so send us your darling felines to feature here!

My posts on dog behavior will be peppered into the month. These are my favorites and it’s why I started this furry blog. We dogs are fascinating, no? Which is why I’m going to start a new monthly feature called Dog Blog Love. There are many dog blogs out there, but I want to shine a spotlight on those that have a unique sense of themselves and a lovely whiff of originality.

That’s a wrap on the plans. Hope you’re looking forward to the new ideas as much as I am. I’m always all ears for your input. Oh, and I’m all for an ear rub while you’re in that area.

Dog Noses

Dog photography fascinates and enthralls me. Images of all kinds of dogs, in all kinds of actions and inactions, leave me wanting more. In looking to share some images today, I was overwhelmed by noses. I hope you are too (in a good way.)

preoccupied—
my hand fills with
dog nose

~Anna Tambour
haiku used with permission of author

Photo Credits:
1. Big Ol’ Dog Nose, 2. big dog nose, 3. dog balu 03, 4. “These dogs, with their super-sensitive noses, remain the quickest and most accurate detection devices in this age of technology,” ~ Chris Ellison, 5. Big Old Dog Nose, 6. dog nose, 7. Dog Nose, 8. Zero’s Nose – Week 15/52, 9. Nose from a dog, 10. Dog nose, 11. Dog’s Nose, 12. camera cleaner, 13. Sophie’s nose

Dogs Without Blogs :: Corbin

I have a love affair with breaking the rules. Rules I’ve created, mind you. I should probably change the name of this feature, so I can stop making disclaimers on all these great bloggy dogs. Anyway, here’s another rule breaker to love… Corbin, the American Mutt extraordinaire. He speaks for himself.

Dog Questions
What is your name?
Corbin!

What breed of dog are you?
Mom calls me an American Mutt… they think I’m part American Staffordshire, part Lab, part Great Dane, part Boxer or Bulldog. I’m pretty sure I’m also part Chihuahua, because regardless of what anyone says, I’m a lap dog!

How old are you?
Just turned 1 year in June!

Where did you come from (pound, rescue, breeder)?
I came from a rescue, who rescued me from a Humane Society that was going to euthanize me.

What nicknames do the humans call you?
Monkey, Corb, Corbie, Scooby (Doo)

Do you like any of your nicknames?
Sometimes I think my name is Monkey! I only respond to Corbie if Grandma Lynda calls me that.

What is your favorite walk/hike?
We have a park near our house called “The Crossings” and that’s my favorite place to walk, mostly because there’s so many other people and dogs! And, most importantly, I get to ride in the car to get there!

What toy(s) would you recommend to other dogs?
Well, I eat a lot of my toys… My favorites are my KONG, Wubba and Nylabones.

What is your go to toy?
Currently, my Rhino Bone made by Nylabone… I have YET to chew threw it and it drives me crazy!

What is the most fashionable thing you wear?
My life jacket when I go on the boat!

What is the oddest thing you’ve ever done?
I recently went to a minor league baseball games! Don’t think many dogs get to do that! Lots of fun!!! I also take lots of rides in my dad’s Firebird, I love sticking my nose out of the window, but only in that car!

When you bark to other dogs, what do you usually say?
“How YOU doin’?!” Only if it’s a lady dog though! Most guy dogs don’t like me off the bat and usually say mean things to me, so I get kind of upset and hide behind mom.

What is the treat you will do anything for?
ALL OF THEM!!! But when mom really wants me to behave, she breaks out the hot dogs, they’re my all time favorite!

What act caused you to receive the greatest punishment?
Hm, mom puts me in a sit/stay in the kitchen while she cleans up the living room when I eat the couch… I get really sad, apologetic and regretful because I know I shouldn’t have done that. Honestly, that’s punishment enough!

How do you feel about cats?
I have yet to meet one! But if they’re anything like bunnies, I’m sure I’d love to chase them and once I got them in a corner, I enjoy sitting and staring at them until they hop out of the yard! They confuse me…

What is your greatest skill?
I’m awesome at giving high fives.

If you could speak only one sentence in your human’s language, what would you say?
I have a LOT to say… that’s why I have my own blog (http://cutecorbin.blogspot.com/)! I don’t think I could shimmy it down to just one word!

What is your favorite human food?
Hot dogs, cheese, bacon, meat, bananas…

If you could be granted 3 wishes, what would they be?
A bacon/hotdog/cheese meal breakfast and dinner, endless supply of stuffed animals for me to destroy, and my last wish would be for every dog to be able to have a loving home… I know what it’s like to feel hated and unwanted, and I couldn’t be happier with my home! I show mom and dad every day how grateful I am for them and the home they’ve given me! I want every dog to have what I have.

What do you love most about your human?
That they love me and care for me, they laugh when I’m silly, they play with me and bring me to the lake so I can swim, they treat me like part of the family and it’s awesome!

Human Questions
What is your dog’s name?
Corbin

What breed of dog do you have?
We call him an American Mutt, he’s a little of everything.

How old is your dog?
14 months

Where did you get your dog (pound, rescue, breeder)?
Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of NY. He started out as our foster dog, and became our first foster failure! Once he sat on our couch, he knew he was never leaving!

What nicknames do you call your dog?
Monkey, because he climbs on everything!

What words does your dog understand?
Sit, down, stay, off, high five, catch, lake, out, treat, walk & car.

What is the best thing you’ve taught your dog?
To heel on a leash – but he’d definitely say “high five”.

Are you the leader of your pack?
Yes

Do you have other animals?
Just Corbin… we have lots of furiends that he visits though.

How does your dog make you laugh?
He’s just goofy! Watching him chase is tail is definitely one of the most amusing! But he really is the most expressionate dog I’ve ever met! You always know what he’s thinking and what he wants to say.

Is there any weird behavior you’d like to share about your dog?
He thinks he’s a funny guy, he’ll walk in a room just to pass gas, then leaves.

What is your favorite walk/hike to take?
Every day we walk around our neighborhood, so it’s fun to go to the local park and walk him around there.

What toy(s) would you recommend to other dog owners?
Definitely Kongs and Nylabones… he chews through everything else!

What is the best toy you’ve given your dog?
He loves any sport ball… he destroys them real quick, but his whole face lights up when he sees a new one!

Where does your dog sleep?
He sleeps in his own bed until the early hours of the morning, which is when he sneaks in bed with mom and dad! We enjoy catching some snuggle time with him before we have to get up, though.

If your dog could speak only one sentence, what would he/she say?
He’d never stop talking!!!

What is the most annoying behavior your dog exhibits?
He likes to walk all over you when you’re laying on the couch… we’re working on this habit!

Does your dog wear anything fashionable?
He has a life jacket which he loves to wear for his boat rides!

Has your dog ever destroyed anything in your home?
Couches, ice cube trays, papers and magazines, toilet paper rolls and once he tried eating a zucchini.

What do you love most about your dog?
Everything! He’s our pride and joy and we couldn’t be happier that he decided to adopt us!

:::
I’m impressed with your expertise at the high-five and your boating skills, Corbin. Thanks for coming on the blog and letting us peek into your world. You can see more of Corbin and his human, Jenn, on his blog here.

: : : : :

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Can’t Wait for School!

I’m a bit cranky lately about summer.

From my last post, you know these humans are just running around doing all kinds of activities and they have to leave me home for some of them. [Again, what is UP with that? I behave better than some humans I know. I would be fine in any establishment. Oh, except if the UPS man was there... sorry dude.]

Any-howl (ha!), I cannot wait until school is in session. I won’t pant as much, I’ll get to go walking in the woods again and there will be a routine. Oh, one of my favorite words! Dogs LOVE routine. We get up, we do our business, we eat breakfast, we sleep again, we go for a walk, we drink water, we do our business again, we sleep again, we eat dinner, we relax, we do our business again, we sleep.

Ahhhh, I seriously can’t wait.

Kids and Fetch

Summer is busy and it seems the humans are always go, go, going somewhere. I travel with them when it’s a dog-friendly destination. (Why all destinations can’t be dog-friendly is a mystery to me.) But on occasion, they have to leave me home. They are considerate to make sure I’m comfortable or very comfortable (euphemisms for #1 and #2). They also ensure that I get a proper workout.

I don’t usually walk around the neighborhood for exercise. My games are fetch or keep-away in the yard, depending on the toy. Either A-Dog or Shoes-on-the-Floor work me out. But the other day, as A-Dog was packing for another non-doggie trip, she sent the little ones out to play fetch with me.

Ha! What was she thinking?

I have seen these boys grow from little tiny lumps of curious smells to bigger, gangly shoots of energy. And although they stand taller than my furry self, I see them as my subordinates. I don’t retrieve a ball for just anyone. You need to be my equal or better. That’s how dogs see this kind of thing and how we make some sense of our world in yours.

So, as the boys would throw the ball and yell, “Scout, get it, girl!”, I would be staring through the screen door at A-Dog, saying “What the what?” with my eyes.

She really should know better.

Mesmerized by Bulldog

I dare you to not be slack-jawed by this slow shaking pup. I wish my humans had one of these cameras, so I could see myself shake in super slo-mo.

Best of Scout ::: Tongues are not for Wagging

::: Originally published June 2009



Ahhhrghgg. BOY am I tired. I must rest just a little. Today, and today only I will shorten my nap to a mere 11 hours. I am busy and I have things to do. I am tired because I went swimming in the river with Shoes. It was good to see him out there for a change. Lately, he’s been cooking a lot. I think that’s what they call it. That is one process which baffles me. They take stuff which smells pretty good to start with, and then they add all this other stuff to it, heat it and take it to a whole other room. So complicated, so complex.

That’s just one of the many things that A-Dog and Shoes make so much more involved than they need to be. Grooming is another. The shower, the bath, the soap the brushing. I pity them their teensy tongues that can barely reach beyond their lips. And the tongue is so useful: greeting, eating, licking, cleaning (self), cleaning (others), cleaning (floor). It keeps you cool, it helps you drool. I can drink with it or clean stink with it. The one thing I DON’T use it for seems to be the only thing they DO use it for: Talking. They use it to create all these different sounds… again too much, too complex. I read on the Internet that one of their languages, English, has passed a million words. I know words as you’ve read here, but I only need enough words to express three thoughts:

1. I’m hungry
2. Pet me
3. May I smell your behind?

After that, it’s all just commentary.
Now, about that nap…