Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks, or bounce a question off the group.

Eddie's 2-year reign as tricks champ of the Dog Jog ended today when a couple talented beagles performed a tandem rollover to perfection. It was quite an impressive trick.

The handler had them sit in unison, down in unison and roll over in unison. I have a picture of them popping up from the ground together -- and even their EARS are flopping in unison! On this day, the Yorkies bow to the beagles.

Use this space to discuss anything you'd like.

2011 Dog Jog

WHAT: 18th Annual Friends of Pets Dog Jog Bring your dog(s) for a day of canine events, ranging from a timed competitive 5K race to a shorter event for walkers and little ones. The Family Fair goes on all day, with vendor booths to explore, demonstrations and contests.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 28. Registration for the jogs begins at 8:30 a.m. The races begin at 10 a.m.

How do you feel about dogs and barking? Is it ever allowed? When is too much? And how do you control it?

I don't have to look past Monday night to illustrate the benefits of barking. Just as we were drifting off to sleep, quite late, Jillie leaped from the bed, ran to the front room and barked up a storm. Her commotion got Lucy barking, too.

I was understandably perturbed, and shouted out a few "NO BARK"s at the entire household. Not long after, it stopped and I drifted back to sleep.

Max
Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

Petey

Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

Do your dogs cop an attitude every now and then? Are they uncharacteristically aloof or aggressive in situations that they would normally be fine with?

If so, do you know what puts them in that mood? Can you see it coming? And what do you do when it happens?

Eddie is one of those dogs who can get cranky, and I generally see it coming. Almost always, it comes when his sleep patterns are interrupted, namely he doesn't get enough sleep.

The Obedience Training Club of Chugiak is sponsoring what looks like a fun event -- the Dog Dash & Dawdle -- Sept. 15 in Chugiak. Here are the specifics:

WHO: Obedience Training Club of Chugiak.

Eric

Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks or bounce a question off the group.

We just got back from a three-night camping trip in Seward over the Fourth. Lots of dogs running around the military campsite, most leashed, some unleashed, but all were well behaved.

Anchorage Animal Care and Control put together these tips for helping you and your pet deal with fireworks this Fourth of July.

PDF: Fireworks and Pets Don’t Mix

Use this space to discuss anything you'd like.

I'll be on vacation for much of the next two weeks, but I hope to keep up with the blog. In the meantime, talk amongst yourselves ;p

Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks or bounce a question off the group.

Saturday is a big day for Jillie and my wife, Kelly. They're taking their Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society) test in hopes of becoming a therapy dog team that can visit hospitals, etc. Kelly already passed the test with Eddie, but this would mean she has her choice of dogs on hospital visits. I have no doubt they're going to rock it. Kelly and Eddie got a far better score than Eddie and I did earlier this year.

Bear
Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

My least-favorite holiday is coming up -- Independence Day. It used to be among my favorites, until I moved to a city where fireworks are plentiful and got a dog who's terrified of loud bangs.

How do your dogs do with fireworks? If you've got one who reacts, how do you manage it?

Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks, or bounce a question off the group.

I was inspired by Robyn and Autiger's discussion on the last "Anything goes" topic, so I've been working at keeping my trio in line when we walk past neighbor dogs in their yards on our way to the park.

I've been woefully remiss in giving Pawstice 2012 a plug. The second annual event sponsored by David Jensen's Alaska Pet-ography is set for noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at Ruth Arcand Park off Abbott Road.

The event is free and is designed as a way for people to celebrate dogs. Highlights include:
* An individual blessing of dogs
* Familes can meet dogs available for adoption
* Live music

Riley
Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

Use this space to discuss anything you'd like.

My dogs are such creatures of routine. I walk them twice a day -- once midmorning and once around midnight. If I try to leave out a walk, I hear about it. All have excess energy and harass me to play or do something. Lucy is especially insistent.

So last night I came home and none of them harassed me. Lucy was lying down quietly on her bed, and the Yorkies were content to sit near me without fuss. I knew something was strange.

Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks or bounce questions off the group.

I've been thinking about simple fixes for nagging dog problems lately. Does anyone have an example of a problem solved without a significant amount of new training?