February 2010

A Buck, A Chevy And The Open Road...

Posted by jennifer on February 16, 2010.

After spending days on the road, I have traveled now back and forth over the Southwest landscape like a ball on a ping pong board centered in the mountains above Boulder, Colorado. I have broken down twice, drove hundreds of miles on a check engine light with little heat or air but nothing prepared me for my ride into a remote portion of Utah recently from Arizona.
I left the horse ranch from which I was awaiting three mares to give birth and observe the territorial actions of the rescued ranch dogs against their opposing rivals- the coyotes. These little creatures held lighter coats than the coyotes of the Rockies who seemed much heartier in their appearance.
Recently, a small stream had flooded into a somewhat raging river which took out a round pen on the property and left remarkable erosion similar to a mini- version of a Grand Canyon like drop-off.
Upon my disappointment, a foal was only born two days after my departure and I needed to get back to Boulder to resume my research living with the wolves.
I set out that day expecting good weather, traveling North up through Flagstaff and Tuba City and onward into the remote regions of Utah which in these parts are a lot Indian reservations and nearby Fundementailist Mormon strong holds. It was about 5:30 pm as the sun set across the desert and the few cars that past by had now turned on their headlights.
I saw a large pick-up truck approaching from the north, flashing his lights on and off heavily. I slowed down looking for signs of a police car and out from the corner of my eye, I saw a large buck heading straight for the open road.
It all happened so calmly as if a slow motion picture was unraveling. I looked at him, he looked at me and we both started to try and read each other within a few split seconds. He was in between decissions as if to say "am I going to run all the way across or hesitate and wait for another car on this side to hit me?" I saw his hesitation but he then committed forward trotting quickly. At this point my car had slowed to about 30 MPH from 75. As he moved across, I swirved to the left so as not to hit him but it was too late. Both dogs crates slid forward, luggage ended up in the passanger seat and my right front headlamp hit the hind quarter of this poor creature. I pulled over immediatly looking for him but he was gone. "Was he dead? No- the impact wasn't hard enough." I told myself. I imagine in a worse case scenario he could have broken his hip but I imagine from the damage to my car, he is badly bruised but will hopfully survive.
Here it was on this day that the very thing I am fighting against- the over expansion of roads and highways, more cars, urban sprawl and modernization that I hit a deer.
Each and every year, thousands of dollars are spent on damages to vehicles from hitting wildlife. Human lives are lost, severe injuries and accidents take place as well as open corridors for animals are slowly diminishing. Top predators such as the mountain lion and wolf find it harder to expand and seek new territory surpassing these human inventions called roads and highways.
It was a reminder to me of the dangers of the open road in areas that I do not drive frequently. Near my home, deer and elk will migrate in the same spots consistently so each of these areas you pay special attention to before approaching. Going 75 MPH, unless the oncoming truck flashed his lights to warn me, both myself and the large buck could have been killed.
I have seen about 3 deer killed on my travels the past four years and it can be a slow and painful death.
Remember to pay close attention to signs and stay alert always. A tired driver could be a deadly one. Stay safe and watch out for wildlife when driving through the corridors of mother nature.

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Simply Experience.

Posted by jennifer on February 14, 2010.

When you look on-line for a qualified horse or dog trainer, you'll find words coinciding with people's names like "whisperer", "communicator" or even "healer". I have been called many names, some of which have included "dog trainer to the stars", "K-9 Rockstar", "Wolf Woman", etc. In simple terms, I do not believe myself to be a magician or any different than anyone else on earth. I feel as though experience and a need in my childhood for nurturing brought me to understand and be passionate about animals.
The truth is, despite what you see on TV, it sometimes takes a lot of time to call a case "recovered". It may look easy but in reality, many, many steps are taken to resolve issues. Nothing is solved over night as up-keep from owners and other factors are always an issue.
Patience is what I like to call a strength of survival in the wild. It's hard for many people to be patient yet patience is one of the best assets a human can obtain. Whether in business or in life, this one tool can keep you staying in the moment and allowing a process to unfold.
A coyote by example, doesn't rush in to eat when wolves are present. He may sit for hours but he will eventually get some food. Birds are great at this as well.
Remember that patience with animals is necessary to always continue moving forward. If you lack this skill, your pet may very well shut down or even win.
Think simply, act naturally, be a calm presence- always asserting guidance along the way.
Experience will lead you in the right direction. It's not magic, not rocket science it's just an understanding of simply reading an animal & understanding it's intentions.

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The Art of Listening...

Posted by jennifer on February 5, 2010.

In my experience, it is the dog owner that fails to take the time to listen to their pet that has the most problems.
You must remember that it doesn't matter if you have a fearful dog or an overly aggressive one. If you cannot listen, you will not make progress.
This is an element to good horsemanship. No one goes out and throws a saddle on a green horse and expects to ride. You work everyday to desensitize and pay close attention to the signals your horse gives you before moving on to the next step. Should one thing become difficult, you honor that by working on it until the horse releases the fear and moves towards trust. Trust is earned with animals- never given.
It is an honor to consider yourself an "owner" of a pet but you must always show respect. Learning about body language is key as it is the second form of communication every dog uses. Don't just learn about dog body language but also how your body language can mean different things to your dog.
An experienced animal trainer is an artist, a creator, a problem solver and an athlete.
You must work WITH the animal and never against her as you can re-direct unwanted natural instincts into a healthier direction. Pay close attention to their personality as no two dogs are a like, they are all unique like human beings. It would be close minded of us to not recognize that animals are individuals and have different personalities as I have never met two dogs that are exactly the same.
It may take longer to pay attention to the details but in the end, those details are going to give you a better dog.
Never expect that just because you aren't afraid of something that your best friend shouldn't be either. Acknowledge that fear and take steps to work with him in eliminating it. Don't rush anything- If you have time on your side, there are limitless possibilities to what can be accomplished.
There is a Native American horseman who believes you should spend a day with your horse. Showing love and affection by giving treats, toys and allowing your dog on your bed is not really what a dog wants. If you go and pick up your pet's leash, she'll show you what she really wants- your time. This is listening.
If you spend a day with your dog away from your house on an adventure, you're bond will be stronger than you have ever imagined. It is that bond from hundreds of years ago that we all know with dogs, formally with wolves- the bond of travel- on the hunt and on the move.
I am lucky to have Elvis and Lola by my side always and as much as Lola loves to eat, if I open the back of the car, there is nothing that will stop her from getting there. I believe that when you give your time, you give it 100%. I will turn off my cell. phone on a walk with my dogs through the city. If I am playing ball with them, I schedule time that no one can interrupt me. I show my respect by giving them 100% at least an hour everyday and you know what? When they have to go into a hotel lobby crowded with people, they give me 100% back by being well behaved. This is a true bond we share that is equal.

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