"A New Leash on Life"

I can't understand why I haven't blogged about the program called "A New Leash on Life" yet - it seems like I rarely talk about anything else!
I got the chance to oversee this program for Carolina P.A.W.S. My responsibilities are ranging from finding the right dogs for the prison, to making sure they have everything imaginable they might need during the 8 weeks that the dogs stay at the prison. To be honest, I was taken back once I realized how many little things dogs need during that time period - food, crates, collars, leashes, treats, bowls, training aids, toys, heartworm prevention, cleaning supplies, miscellaneous medication, ...
Well, but these are only the first two steps. Then the dogs and supplies need to be transported to the prison - a task I would never have been able to do on my own. Last, but certainly not least we need to find a forever home to adopt those dogs, so that they can go there right after "graduation."
Even though my expectations about my involvement were much lower, I couldn't be more excited or happier that I have the opportunity to be a part of this. Funnily, it actually seems to be even the opposite!

A Dinner Party with dogs - Do you have an "OUT" command?

If you are just a bit like Juergen and I, you consider your pets as a part of your family. Therefore, when we have a dinner party they are allowed to mingle. As with everything else concerning dogs the key lies in practice and preparation.

For example last night - we had several people over to celebrate a friends birthday. All of them have been to our house before and know our two own dogs. Additionally, we have Anka, a beautiful German Shepherd, staying with us right now, who nobody had met yet. But this is not a problem at all. We first took the three of them on a long walk (nearly 2 hrs.) in the morning, so that they were nice and relaxed for the rest of the day, while we were cooking. When the first people arrived we put the dogs in the garage, because we were afraid that Anka would dash out the door, given the chance. Once eveyone was at the house, we allowed our "babies" to come inside and meet and greet. To me the important part there is that somebody should always keep an eye on them until the first excitement is over. I certainly don't want them to tear up nice panty hose or put dirty paw prints on a white skirt, etc. It usually is pretty easy, especially because our dogs are used to this routine. While we serve dinner, the dogs are not allowed in the kitchen or dining room and can only come back once we have arrived at coffee and dessert. At that point they are allowed to receive all the attention with which they usually get showered by our guests. This routine works really well for us.

A very helpful command your dog to know in order to be able to try is "OUT" - it means that they have to leave the room and are not allowed to come in until they get permission. It is something I would practice first just on your own and then start adding distraction to it. Please be clear with your friends and guests that when you tell your dogs to go out of the room that they should stay out and should not be lured back inside and then given affection. Often we have more "trouble" with the people than the dogs. :)

Although, we do have our dogs around at dinner parties more or less all the time, whenever we have a guest that is terribly afraid of dogs, we DON'T allow them to get near that person or sometimes even to come into the dining room at all. I would not be happy, if somebody would make me sit next to a spider or a roach and serve me dinner!!!