Speak! Jennifer McCarthy's Blog: February 2009 Archives

February 2009

The Animals That Live Beyond The Barbed Wire Fence....

Posted by jennifer on February 26, 2009.

As I bring the dogs out to go to the bathroom one last time, I shine my flashlight beyond the barbed wire fence to see the mirrored eyes of an animal looking back at me. I shine the light on my dogs to see them in full alert mode, shine back hoping to get a peak and the eyes are gone. The snow falls silently from a clear star-lit sky. I hear crunching of small twigs and branches in the distance. I wonder what it was beyond the barbed wire fence. Perhaps a Lynx curious about my dogs? This is the second time I see the same eyes. Usually I see foxes, deer, lynx, possibly two coyotes that traveled the fence line. There are two male sibling mountain lions that roam behind my house. These eyes were to small and most mountain lions you never see but they usually see you. One of the great adventures of living up here is capturing glimpses of nature. Having a conversation with a creature that lives it's life in a different mind-set. Surviving daily in the realm of the forrest. When an animal's eyes meet yours, the conversation for a brief moment, has you in it.

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What Is "Natural" In the World of Animals?

Posted by jennifer on February 25, 2009.

Trust does not come easy for me. I trust no one until trust is earned. With animals, trust comes easy but sometimes not as much for them as with me. Sometimes I feel like a dog or a wolf trusting a human. I get close enough to back away. A lot of human behavior can be applied to dogs. I have often times found myself growling with words if someone over-steps a boundary. I can remember my brother eating my french fries when I wasn't looking as a kid. I think I growled and probably nipped at him... LOL Mother's and women in general are naturally protective creatures across many lines of species. We have it in us to protect our young even if that means putting our life on the line. I can't tell you how many female dogs I've seen for guarding aggression & false pregnancies. They growl carrying around a small stuffed toy that they place gently in their bed. "It's mother nature playing tricks on her." I say to the owners.
I have applied my own behavior to dogs in so many instances. I use what I know from human psychology. I also have applied dog and wolf behavior on people. That seems to have worked my whole life. Copying what animals do and selling it as human without anyone realizing what you're doing or where you got the inside scoop. There are many ways in which I like to cross all the lines. Many studies on human behavior have resulted in outstanding affects in the animal world. Unfortunately & fortunately (depending on how you look at it), many studies on animals have resulted on outstanding effects on humans. The only difference is, we aren't bred to be lab rats or locked up in cages to be poked and prodded. There are certain laws that protect humans.
Just recently in the news, I saw the story about the woman who got her face mutilated by a captive Chimp raised like a human baby. My Mom was actually on the phone calling me as soon as she saw it. "Can you believe that?!" She said in disgust. "The woman treated the chimp like her child!" Hmm. I don't remember the last time we were taken away from our parents and raised captive by a bunch of monkeys making us act like Chimpanzees. Of course the Chimp was acting out of rage and possibly confusion. It is completely unnatural for dogs not to roam everyday and go where they please in search of smells to gather information, food and mark territory boundary lines. It is completely unnatural for exotic animals and wolves to be kept in sanctuaries. The reason why they are there is to give them some what of a wonderful life from the most horrific circumstances. It's also unnatural for horses to be ridden and dolphins to do shows at Sea World. So what is natural? Natural is the process of evolution. Because we have bigger brains (although most of the time I think other creatures are a lot more smarter than us), this has caused our greatest achievements and biggest downfalls. As creatures, we are very primitive. This is why we made wolves our pets or some people say, they made us THEIR pets. This is why cats live indoors and fish swim in tanks. Is it natural? No. Is it evolution? Yes. So where do we draw the line? I firmly believe that what is not currently domesticated, should be left wild. I don't believe in keeping wolves or hybrids as pets. I don't believe in keeping a chimp in your home as something you should be proud of. My theory is that unless the animal has been successfully domesticated for hundreds of years, Leave it alone and let nature be wild.
I will insert here on what IS and what is NOT natural dog training... Natural means you treat a dog as another dog would in dog language. Un-natural would be teaching my German Shepherd to beg with a treat on his nose for a biscuit. Yes, we teach dogs stupid tricks for treats. Is it natural? No- it isn't. Here's another example: Natural would be correcting a dog as another dog or wolf would for taking over the job of decision making (i.e. barking aggressively at a child.) Un-natural would be giving the dog a treat to take his mind off what is going on with a gentle leader around his nose. Biting, growling, nipping is part of the natural dog language. You can get the same effects by using methods that portray the same effect another dog would use. Strictly only using "Positive Reinforcement" is not natural to animals. A mother mountain lion would never spit out food when her cubs did something wrong. Mother will teach their off-spring what is wrong and what is right. When a human child gets attention and praise from their mother, there is nothing more in life that speaks that of please and affection from a parent. This is nature at it's finest- this IS natural dog/animal/human behavior that has been making the world go around generation after generation.... More to come :-)

Dogs playing in snow.JPG
My Dogs Playing In The Snow. Biting, growling and having fun. Dylan (furthest left) was head decision maker as the oldest. He would hold Elvis down and said when he could play & when not.

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Hi from Jena

Posted by on February 24, 2009.

Hi Everyone! Jena here - Jennifer's Boulder, CO Assistant. I am incredibly excited to be joining Jennifer and Dana on this adventure. I can't wait to discuss tips and experiences with Dana in Vegas and of course learn everything my brain can soak up from Jennifer. I look forward to getting some pictures posted on the Pack Members page - I have 3 incredible dogs! I am also finishing up our short bio's too, so check back in a day or two to find out more!
Just bloggin in to say, "HELLO!"

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Ralph the Amazing Trick Dog

Posted by on February 22, 2009.

Watch Ralph do his amazing tricks!!! WOW (Don't attempt these tricks yourself at home with out supervision!) LOL
<3
Dana

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Tricks & Frisbee Just for Fun [Video]!!

Posted by on February 22, 2009.

I came across this video that shows you how much you can do without expensive equipment or toys, just three main components: a large area to run, a Frisbee and your beloved dog!!
Enjoy!
<3
Dana

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Teaching Dog Agility Basics

Posted by on February 22, 2009.

Agility is a great sport that builds a relationships between you and your dog.
What does it take to teach your dog agility? Time and patience! But first, you will need the basic agility obstacles which can be purchases on the internet or local pet distributor store. Not only will you need the equipment, a large backyard or park but also lots of discipline and time are required!! The more you practice with your dog the more they will retain. Dogs learn through the process of repeat, repeat, repeat!!
<3
Dana

Here is a video displaying what Agility is about:

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Still Searching...

Posted by jennifer on February 12, 2009.

Hello Everyone-
Do you have what it takes to be on my team of professional trainers? I am looking for a local female Los Angeles resident that has a passion and love for animals as I do. You must be camera ready, have owned dogs in the past or currently own one now. If you see dog training as your next career move, send me your resume and picture. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity as you will have the chance to become an elite trainer only licensed from my school while working directly under me.
Hope to hear from you!
Jennifer
www.jmdogtraining.com

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Jennifer and Kenzie on Las Vegas ABC Morning News (Video)

Posted by on February 9, 2009.

Continue reading "Jennifer and Kenzie on Las Vegas ABC Morning News (Video)" »

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ABC NEWS LAS VEGAS PICTURES

Posted by jennifer on February 8, 2009.

Here are some pictures from a news interview that Kenzie and I did this morning on ABC News Las Vegas...

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Dana Lauren Wants to say "HELLO" to JMdogtraining !!

Posted by on February 7, 2009.

I just want to say "hello" to everyone out there and let you know how excited I am to embark on this new journey with JMdogtraining. I know working with Jennifer and McKenzie is going to be beyond amazing! I cant wait to see what this adventure holds for me and my dog Kenzie as we open up the Las Vegas office.
So far so good, it looks like things are going to start moving very fast here in Vegas as we will begin to take over the city real soon! I better hold on to my seat cause its gonna be crazy-good! :)

so.... HELLO!!!

<3
Dana

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Ashley Judd Speaks Out Against Sarah Palin To Help Save Wolves!

Posted by jennifer on February 7, 2009.

Ashley Judd speaks out with Defenders of Wildlife against Sarah Palin's new campaign to slaughter hundreds of wolves. Sarah Palin is now proposing a $150 bounty for the foreleg of each wolf slaughtered. Watch this video to see more and PLEASE do your part to help Defenders save the wolves of Alaska. Remember, wolves naturally keep the eco-system in balance....

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