Speak! Jennifer McCarthy's Blog: Los Angeles Base Archives

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Free Dog 101 Seminar at Healthy Spot: West Hollywood!

Posted by jennifer on July 29, 2010.

"Free Dog 101 Seminar w/ Q&A - THE WOLF WOMAN Jennifer McCarthy

Who is afraid of the big, bad wolf? Not this lady. Jennifer McCarthy is a world class celebrity dog trainer that has done extensive work with wolves. She is widely regarded as a leader in the field research with wolves. You can call her a leader of pack!

We are excited to WELCOME Jennifer McCarthy to our West Hollywood Healthy Spot location for a special FREE one night engagement.The Wolf Woman will be presenting her Dog 101 lecture and Q&A session Tuesday night, August 17th at 7pm

This is your opportunity to learn and ask one of the very best in the industry about your canine companion. It promises to be a wild night out. Come join us!"

To access Healthy Spot's website, visit: www.healthyspotonline.com

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New Adventures...

Posted by jennifer on June 14, 2010.

Today I am heading home after spending some time with my friend Henry (a high percentage wolf-dog) as he recovers from an injury from hiking last week. It's one thing to get a 100 lb. animal that is pretty much all wolf, into the back of my Jeep and into emergency care. It's another thing getting him down the mountain, into the emergency clinic off a high traffic area street, going through surgery and then successfully adopting a lamp shade collar. Then after this, having to take him back to the emergency clinic after he figures out how to chew through the collar and pull out his drainage tube. I am happy to report that Henry is now doing well and is no longer resisting the lampshade although many objects tend to fall or get knocked over in his path.

I have a busy next two months ahead of me- I am leaving for Africa in two weeks, packing up a lot of my things into storage and when I return, heading to Arizona to begin a journey back to horses, coyotes, the Mexican Gray Wolf and coexistence issues between wildlife and ranchers. You may be wondering why I do all of this and you will soon find out as I launch a new behavioral concept this fall right here on my website based on four years of research. Don't worry, it still has to do with dogs but on a much broader spectrum.

After heading to Az. for one week, I am then in L.A. to meet with clients then up to a horse ranch where I will be living at for 1-2 years. I will still have my current locations and will eventually be heading back to Colorado but will still be there to meet with clients as I do in L.A. & Vegas in the meantime.

This is good news for those in Los Angeles and in Scottsdale, Prescott & Phoenix as I will be in these areas more often now to service those that need my help.
With all of this research, I have come to find some great advancements in the world of non-human animals so stay tuned for some amazing new information coming soon!
I am off to pack and gather up my equipment for some tent living in the bush of Gorongosa National Park as I document the re-introduction of species similar to that of the wolves in Yellowstone. I will be gathering information on local struggles between wildlife and livestock and see if they are having success with the Hyena and Wild Dog packs that run through the park and into local communities.
Off to pack and will blog from the road!
Best wishes,
Jennifer

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Living With Nature As Your Neighbor...

Posted by jennifer on April 6, 2010.

Today I stood starring into the eyes of a collared bobcat in the Santa Monica Mountains. To my left was a Great Horned Owl with big golden eyes, flapping his wingspan above me- so close I was captivated by this beautiful essence of wildlife.
I was ironically just outside of Los Angeles and in the midst of a breath-taking environment straight out of a post card. In the far distance, I could hear cars humming on the freeway. I was so close to these animals which is much closer than I would be near my own home in the Rocky Mountains. I felt sense of sadness come over me that here they were in all their glory- trapped in a pocket surrounded by over development, Starbucks, homes and McDonald's. If only Los Angeles had more of this I thought. What a place it would be!
I had access to a biologist with a tracking collar on this beautiful beast of feline but then would find myself meeting with THE ONLY WILDLIFE person in the ENTIRE CITY of well over 9 million people. How could it be that I get more complaints from pet owners worried about their yorki in the hills of L.A. and yet only one person held such a position in a city so large?In some sense, it feels unbalanced.
How is it that we care more about our domestic companions than our wild ones? I can remember giving a wildlife lecture here a couple of years ago that I could count the number of people attending on one hand yet with dogs, it was a full house. For every person out there donating to a dog, cat or horse sanctuary there are all too few wild animal sanctuaries going down the tubes. Don't get me wrong- please support our domestics but caring for our wildlife is just as important and understanding how to KEEP IT WILD is more important now more than ever.
I often find it ironic that if a person is stung by bees doing what they naturally do, no one is called to the scene to investigate the bee's bad choice in behavior. Yet, if a coyote, mountain lion, bear, wolf, etc. has put one claw mark (or even just chased or charged in some cases), that predator has to be immediately killed. Is this saying that animals should be treated differently?
Human beings need to understand what it means to live in harmony with nature. It is the common bind that keeps us in good/bad, evil or angelic- you can either love nature too much or not care about it at all.
Nature and "wildness" runs through your blood as much as it runs through the super model's blood on a New York, fashion runway. Our very connection to the earth and protecting it is mis-understood by many people. Feeding any form of wildlife will eventually lead to that animal's death. Not caring about wildlife will lead to more animals and land disappearing. We are entering a new time of awareness & awakening that I believe will connect us back to our humanness as an animal and to our past.
Right now as I type, more log homes are being built in mountain ranges, more hotels and ski resorts. The smog levels in our National Parks will rise this summer unbelievably from lines of cars taking pictures and engines idling. People want more nature and with the internet, more people are expanding outwards from cities to get it. However, did you know that you are actually creating less wear on the environment by living in a city and staying closer to a local grocery store, coffee shop and dry cleaner? Have you considered that by feeding wildlife, you are habituating the animal off it's natural food sources which raises other animal's population rates as well as causing them to become aggressive towards humans from expecting their food?
Did you know that we have been slowly affected by light and noise pollution near urban developments similar to some wildlife being affected? (Try to concentrate on the sounds around you right now like the refrigerator humming and you'll know what I'm talking about).
The more we take over, the farther we keep pushing these animals right out of their homes. They have no choice but to either adapt or leave. Corridors for wildlife are becoming non existent and coyotes frequently come up to beg for food. What makes the earth beautiful is it's land, oceans and the wild creatures that live beside us. We have all but destroyed most and those that are left are falling off the map everyday.
The earth will always be here but in the end it will come down to humans being able to surpass our own destruction. It starts with education in how to co-exist not only with our planet but the land and it's beings as well. We are not superior to non-humans. In fact, I feel strongly that most are here to teach us more about ourselves. They are the intelligent ones and have lasted far longer in some cases than us homo-sapiens who are still developing.
I fear that unless we have a greater & kinder appreciation for what is left out there, there will be nothing left for our children and there children. If you haven't already, join a cause that incorporates these important topics. Teach your children about the earth and all it's inhabitants and not to try to control it.
If we are to make a change, that change starts individually and spreads- YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

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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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Hello From the Woods...

Posted by jennifer on January 12, 2010.

Hi Everyone-
Well, I certainly have been on quite the journey lately trying to re-a-quaint myself again with society after spending so much time alone in solitude with nature, wolves, dogs, horses, birds, lynx- you name it.
These last four years have not only taught me a great deal professionally but personally as well. I have truly learned more from wolves about humankind than I think from humans themselves.
It has been quite the journey thus far that has taken me to places I never thought I would go. My understanding of creatures other than our own has shown me since I was a child that they know more than us in simpler terms. If you can slow your brain down and think with your instincts, you can be more effective with your pet than ever before.
Since modern society has had us "creating" and inventing all this useful stuff with our brains, we have forgotten how to think with our more primal, natural senses. It is about coming forth on equal terms- joining with animals that will allow the greatest respect and understanding between both parties. Animals get this concept btw.... When I meet a horse for example, I am not there to dominate or submit to them- I am only there in friendship to listen to them. Whether it be the most aggressive wolf to the most tame poodle or a friendly street cat- it works the same way. You can never go in assuming anything until you have established a relationship and then AND ONLY THEN true communication can begin.
It saddens me that so many humans are out of touch with these instincts and fail to learn from animals as much as we teach them. Much of society in my experience with nature & various creatures comes from a sense of superiority, entitlement, selfishness or acts of convenience.
When you can feel an animal, they might not always want what you think they want because it's more about you then them. I hate to say it but I see many pets like this and their voices expressing this to me are only getting louder. The owner showers them with affection when rather- they may prefer to be left alone yet the owner fails to acknowledge this because it comes from their own needs not getting met by other humans. There are dogs that do better walking in front of you and dogs that do better walking in back or on the side. The truth is- there is no "one way" but all ways except to injure those involved. You must look at every creature as an individual and different creatures hold different body language but they all hold some things in common: energy, thoughts, souls, intentions & feelings.
I have learned since I was young to be quiet and feel out these situations that may other wise be dangerous. I walk a soft but firm path, set boundaries and help guide animals to a different place of understanding. Perhaps the human is getting in the way of this growth by just the mere lack of improper tools when something else would be better suited. This skill is truly the most crucial- to think with your feelings, your intuition, gut, minds-eye, whatever you want to call it- we all have it inside us to draw upon. Many times pets can get stuck and just need some help communicating so I try to bridge that gap.
I look as these teachers as my equals and they show me things that I need to learn in order to grow as a human being. I feel fortunate that I have sought animals as my friends my whole life but it has come at great cost as I have been more like a lone wolf in life and to help people was like learning a whole new skill set.
With all this said, I really want to communicate to those that are listening that we are in a
great time of change in our world. If parents can teach their children to have a better appreciation for the earth and all it's inhabitants, we will be able to make great changes in the future of humanity. We must lead by example and protect the landscape due to over population and habitat loss for all animals around the globe. Climate change is causing tremendous stress on species fighting for their very survival such as the polar bear and other top predators. I wish there would be some sort of education about these topics in our school system but there isn't. Every day I witness animals suffering great losses to their habitat and fear of these animals causes humans to want to eliminate them. We need to learn how to co-exist peacefully again with Mother Nature. Los Angeles for example has one of the oldest and healthiest populations of coyotes co-existing with humans yet some folks will still call wildlife services or animal control if they merely see a coyote in their neighborhood. As more people try to claim nature as their own (I don't care how much money you make, who you are or all the reasons you can say you own your land...) the land my friends was never ours to begin with and will far surpass your family ownership or claim upon it once you move on from this world. You must know that you are creating homes upon homes that have already existed before you got there. Animals have a far more advanced understanding in this system than us because we expand and spread like a slow burning fire- crushing and killing living things in our wake with bull dozers and pipe lines. Take only what you need and leave the rest... The truest path in life is a simple one.
Goodnight from living with the wolves,
Jennifer

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"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I... I TOOK THE ONE LESS TRAVELED BY, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Posted by jennifer on September 30, 2009.

Hello Out There~
I have been on the road now for over two weeks traveling everywhere from Los Angeles to Phoenix to the Wet Mountains and Mission: Wolf in Colorado. I am home temporarily as I leave soon to live with the wolves again for a week. Next I'm off to the Gila National Forest to dive into the Mexican Wolf controversy and from there I will hit the Defender's of Wildlife Carnivore Conference. Home seems to be where my suitcase is and going from all different climates, I take a variety of gear including two different sleeping bags, one tent, extra blankets, flip flops and my snow shoes. Then again, I could be hiking in rattlesnake country on the outskirts of Scottsdale. My theory is, I never know just quite where I'll be until I get there.
Included in this blog are photos from today in the mountains near Westcliffe, Colorado. I hope you enjoy them.
Soon, there will be some interesting information here on my website for those thinking about purchasing a wolf or wolf dog. I hope you'll come back to view it as it contains fascinating data regarding behavior, financial responsibility, fencing, etc. After reading it, those thinking about getting a cute, cuddly, wolf puppy may want to reconsider as the implications can sometimes far outweigh the rewards. I am not an advocate of owning these animals as pets but if you are considering adopting an unwanted wolf dog (best case scenario), this is something you should definitely read. My thanks go out to Mission: Wolf for allowing me to put it on the website and also Annie White for re-editing and doing such a fantastic job putting it together.
In the mean time, I finally get to sleep in my own bed. It's such a reward for a long journey in one big loop to L.A., Phoenix, New Mexico and up into Colorado. Home sweet home! "Life is about the journey... Not the destination.."
Best,
JMc

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This Has Been A Very Long Journey...

Posted by jennifer on September 6, 2009.

This has been a very long journey for me that seems to have been a life long process over the years. I'm somehow unsure how I've gotten here besides just putting one foot in front of the other but this journey has led me every where from training Coon Hounds in Florida to working side by side sharp shooters in L.A., to hiking off leash with wolves and dogs in the back country of Colorado. If only I knew as a young girl obsessed with animals and horse back riding, teaching my dogs tricks in the kitchen and learning from my Mom how to take care and train all of our dogs, well..., I never thought I would be here.
I would say that the circle of life- how to pull this all together across many fields is what interests me the most. I believe we are all animals and I believe there is much to learn from animals beyond our comprehention. They are invaluable teachers. I don't beleieve we are greater nor less but as equals. We are coming into a time to bring us back to basics- the wind, the sun, the earth are the very resources we need to partner with to sustain our existance for a brighter future. As basic as it sounds, Native Americans had this whole thing figured out long before we did. The difference is we never stopped to listen. With that said, animals- play an imporatnt role in sustainable living, teaching and growing our relationship with them is an important one in the future of a new planet. We have to be careful to sustain balance. Humans love to tip the scales.
Now that I think about it, the most peaceful place on earth to me is in with the predator. I feel truly connected to something greater- almost as if my alignment goes out of whack the more humans I'm around, the more I become centered- the more wolves I'm around. A true sense of peace. The same with scuba diving- I'm always the last one up because I hardly waste any air- just purely relaxed underwater around sharks or when a Rottweiler has my arm in it's mouth & viciously shaking, I relax my arm and he let's go. If that makes me weird- so be it. I have always felt different around animals.
And then there are the dogs. I am still a dog trainer but enjoy educating people on my latest research as it pertains to their given situation is the essence to my philosophy- thinking "outside the box" and being creative.
I would love to do more nature therapy for dogs and their owners. I recently had a situation in L.A. with a woman who had no respect for me as a person- forget about what I do. She had two assistants, a housekeeper, etc. and was hiding behind this mask or wall in which she created for herself that I could see right through. I thought to myself, if I could put this woman in generic clothes, no makeup, no brand names to hide behind- just a backpack made of tarp and a seatbelt, gave her a leash with her dog and sat her down after a long hike to talk, she would have let that mask begin to come down and I would have seen a real human being.
Everyone is affected by their childhhood just as animals affected for life by theirs. There are good mothers and bad mothers across all lines- life is funny that way. It does not hold preference to species. The thing that most people fall into is the trap of, is time. Animals have all the time in the world. If you take away time, take someone into the woods and break them down to build them back up- having to survive to care for the basic needs if themselves and their dog, you have a human being not associated by job, rank, money or fame. To learn to be a good parent, I truly believe one has to have the experience of caring for an animal. If you can protect your dog, surely you can protect your child. The power of nature is beyond comprehention and most that get to experience it on a deep level, will never forget it. Get outside!

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A Few More Pics....

Posted by jennifer on September 6, 2009.

Last Trip For Macho At The Grand Canyon:

Snow Shoeing In The Mountains:

Snow Shoeing With Elvis & Lola:

Elvis Tired After A Storm:

My Tent: Yellowstone

My Tent At Mission: Wolf-

Hiking With The Dogs In Winter:

Colorado Blizzard In The Mountains:

Backpacking The Sand Dunes With Sandrine (Friend Dog Trainer From Paris):

California:

Back Country Yellowstone:

Sleeping Under The Stars:

Searching For Tracks:

Dog Sledding: Telluride

Backpacking Sand Dunes With Elvis & Lola:

Snow Angel:

Hiking With Elvis: Colorado

Wolf Research:

Feeding The Dogs:

Back Packing: Colorado

Captive Wolf Research:

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Posted by jennifer on September 2, 2009.

Venice, California:

Se: San Diego-

Johnny Cash: Newest Addition To the Pack-

Juno: Phoenix, Arizona-

Co-Pilot:

Juno: Tired From Road Trip...

Juno At Home In Phoenix:

Sleeping On the Floor In Vegas-

Lola & Elvis In the Woods-

Lola & Elvis In L.A.-

Living With the Wolves: Lola & Max Hunting

Lola & Elvis In The Pond:

Lola Hunting For Mice:

Lola In The Snow:

Snow Face-

Traveling To Save Wolves-

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Pictures, Pictures, Pictures...

Posted by jennifer on September 1, 2009.

In My Tent: Yellowstone

Jeep In the Snow: Colorado

Jeep On the Road- Mission: Wolf

Splash Magazine Photo Shoot: Los Angeles-

Splash Magazine: Los Angeles-

Workin' Like A Dawg-

Mission: Wolf- Fall 2008

McKinley Wolf Transport: 2008

Hangin' Out In the Tipi:

McKinley- Mission: Wolf

McKinley-

Two Story Tipi- Mission: Wolf

Camping With the Dogs: Colorado

Searching For Mountain Lions: Colorado

San Diego-

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Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Las Vegas-

Getting Hair Done In L.A.-

Got Snow?

Lola & Elvis In Beverly Hills-

On the Strip...

Elk- Yellowstone

Elmo & Ghandi- Phoenix, Az.

Jumping Out of the Jeep...

Elvis & Mitten-

Elvis & the Wolves-

Elvis & Henry Chasing Max: Living With the Wolves-

Elvis Swimming-

Elvis-

Max Following Elvis-

Elmo & Ghandi- Phoenix

Ghandi-

Grand Teton-

Grizzly: Yellowstone-

Grizzly-

Life On the Road-

Henry & Clide: Boulder

Henry & Elvis: Living With the Wolves

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Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Cowgirl & Juno- Phoenix

Coyote- Lamar Valley, Yellowstone

Daisy- Mission Wolf, Colorado

Daisy

At Home In Colorado...

Elvis & Lola Searching For Mountain Lion Tracks-

Elvis & Lola Hiking-

In Vegas-

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It's Not Rocket Science...

Posted by jennifer on March 18, 2009.

Sometimes I find these days that people over think their dogs. The biggest problem I have is that the owners have a hard time making the hurdle between their own thinking and a dog's thinking. It's really not that difficult. The only way for me to truly understand dog communication is to actually get down on their level. I know it sounds ridiculous but if I never acted like a dog and tried to fit in with my own dogs, behaving like a dog, I guess it would be harder for me to understand them. Dogs are very simple. It doesn't take a scientist to figure out how they communicate. All it takes is a very keen devotion to observing their behavior.
Since I have brought Lola and Elvis with me this past month to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, I am noticing that city life not only has an effect on my animals but also on myself. Living off the Sunset strip is stressful enough but take two mountain dogs and a mountain person to the city and it leaves us feeling like caged animals. I spent many hours walking just to get away from people up on some hikes but it was nearly impossible. City life definetly effects the lives of animals here. I can see it when I watch a dog nervously cross an intersection as a bus goes by. If you can imagine that sound of a police car ten times more powerful to a dog's ear, than yours- it seems like it would have a negative effect over time. Even the behavior of people rubs off on their animals.
Today at a Hollywood dog park, there was so many different energies going around that nothing seemed peaceful. I thrive on the simple sounds of birds and wind. In this economy with the thoughts of loosing your home or not being able to pay the bills, those anxious thoughts have a cause an effect on everything around you. I think one of the most freeing feelings in the world is to be able to have the knowledge to live and survive from nothing. I believe that having nothing can bring a sense of freedom to have everything. Having everything only seems more complicated and stressful. Nothing IS peaceful- it's not a new car or house but a simple task such as collecting wood. There is a lot we can learn from our fellow four legged friends. They think simply, live freely and appreciate the little things. Maybe living in their world isn't so bad...
It is the art of traveling on your own two feet to explore, observe and create that is the joy of life. How did we overstep the primitive things to forget what a joy they are? Is walking your dog a hassle or an adventure? If it's a chore, what are your priorities? Look around you and there's whole lot to see. It could be a new tree in someone's yard or a beloved bookstore that needs your help before they close their doors for good. Hit the pavement with your dog or hit the trails. Get in your car and bring Rex to the beach. There's a whole wide world out there for the two of you to discover other than watching the TV. Lastly, no one can bond with your dogs more than you. If you want a true relationship with your pet, there's nothing that says I love you more than exercising together on a walk or run. If you are not capable of doing that- hop in your car for an adventure together with your best friend...
Life is beautiful,
Jennifer
The Many Adventures of Elvis, Lola & Me On the Streets...

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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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L.A. Dog Training Assistant Needed!

Posted by jennifer on January 16, 2009.

Hello Everyone-
If you are a local Los Angeles resident and you are interested in becoming a dog trainer or already have experience as a trainer, I am looking for someone to be a part of our team. Please send your resume and picture to: info@jmdogtraining.com. This is an opportunity of a lifetime!
All my best,
Jennifer

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Hope, Perseverance and Inspiration

Posted by jennifer on December 15, 2008.

Every time in life when I search for an answer (a big answer) somehow something appears to give me direction, motivation and inspiration. Tonight I went and saw "Milk" with one of my best friends which I highly recommend.
I think everyone should ask themselves two questions in life: How can I make a difference?" "How can I help?" The reason is if you have not asked or found an answer to that question, life just doesn't seem as fulfilled. When you leave this planet, what mark will you have left? What small contribution can you make towards a cause worth fighting for? This my friends, is my heart, my soul, my inspiration- to make a difference. If I have to give up some aspects of my life as I know it in order to be a voice, be a role model for young girls or women, I'm going to do it. If I can inspire just one person to get involved in the battle lines at Yellowstone, I'm going to do it. If there is a person who has given up all hope on their one true companion and best friend, I'm going to help them. I don't care how, who, what, when, where or why. I'm just one more person in a fight to stand up and do something good in this world in spite of so much bad. You can too- all it takes is a little inspiration.
Go and see the movie Milk and when you get home, pick something to get yourself involved in. You don't have to have money, all you need to offer is help and your time. You'll feel like a million bucks after you did ;-)

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Working Like A Wolf...

Posted by jennifer on December 12, 2008.

Hello Everyone!
Oh boy, what a month. Let's just say that life just keeps getting busier and busier. Work all day, work out, eat and sleep is my life. I'm here in Los Angeles again desperately missing my animals but more research is needed so this weekend, once again, I will be hitting the asphalt camera gear, field notes, video camera and all down to South Central for another thorough investigation into the minds of feral dogs and the homeless person's relationship to their pet. As things are moving quickly with press, television and radio opportunities, I urge everyone to make summer reservations at the ranch early this year and get in sooner rather than later for those behavior and training sessions.
I hope this finds you well and prepared for the holiday season. Stay tuned on an upcoming article for some tips on saving money while still providing a healthy and wonderful life for your pet as well as tips for after the holidays in how to stay in shape, and burn some of the extra pounds with Fido. We are also expanding our Link Section to now feature a Los Angeles Links section as well and much, much more to come in the future of World Class Dog Training so stay tuned!
Wishing you all the best,
Jennifer

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Welcome to Skid Row and South Central Los Angeles...

Posted by jennifer on November 20, 2008.

Hello everyone-
Just recently I started a research project documenting feral dog behavior and the homeless person's relationship with their animals in Downtown Los Angles. I wanted to find out some very important elements. One of which includes the way a homeless person acquires their dogs and their specific relationship when it comes to food, etc. I was eager to research this as both dog and owner had a very different understanding of one another than some of my clients that live in wealthy communities with dogs. My interest was also to find a better understanding of the domestication of wolves from the beginning of our interactions with them. What I saw and found here was unbelievable. It goes beyond my words and the pictures you are about to see. I finally found a link between the out of control dog problem in L.A.- where it's coming from and why. In two hours, I documented 17 dogs roaming free in South Central. Half had collars with identification and the other half were completely feral. Not one dog that I came across was fixed. Two females had just had puppies and one was pregnant. My quest was a dangerous one as I was roaming as a white woman with a Caucasian female assistant through these streets. Crossing gang territories and witnessing first hand the drug trade. I visited a pet store filled with everything from chains for pit bulls to harnesses, big leather collars with spikes like you've never seen before, unhealthy puppies, dirty and smelly fish tanks to probably over 50 chicken and bird coops located in the back. I saw 5 golden retriever puppies kept in a small dirty run and guinea pigs with scabs all over them. The dogs we saw ranged from missing an eye to completely useless legs from being hit by cars. Not one cop car, not one police officer was anywhere to be seen. I have discovered that dogs that are being owned and left to roam the streets are breeding with feral ones. I interviewed a homeless man in Skid Row who told me that the homeless person's dog always matches their owner's personality. If they are grumpy and/or mean, their dog is usually mean. They also lure the dogs in with food, take them searching for food and the two become a team of survivors- both outcasts in our society. The majority of people who are getting these dogs are usually lonely. Some of which have a hard time communicating to people so they have an unseperable bond to their dog.
There is also a cat problem down there. One woman who is referred to as "The Cat Lady" is using her welfare checks to feed all the cats. The problem has gotten so out of control that they are now joking that there are more cats than rats and because sometimes the rats are bigger than the cats, the cats aren't killing the rats. lol
So if we are to change the feral dog problem in Los Angles, we need to educate those who allow their dogs to roam freely through the streets. Diseases are being spread, more puppies are being born and as much as spaying and neutering is high on the list, for those that refuse, their animals should be kept on their property and not left to roam. Obviously, the new law of all dogs being spayed and neutered in L.A. is not being implemented or enforced.
I will be conducting this study over the next several months so stay tuned for more informative updates based on my findings. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the streets...
Brown Pit w:puppies.JPG
Chair on porch.JPG
Cute Puppy.JPG
Compton Liquer.JPG
Dog in Street.JPG
Dog with tags.JPG
Dogs in front yard.JPG
One eyed dog.JPG
Pit Bull in Yard 1.JPG
Pit Bull in yard 2.JPG
Puppy in street.JPG
Rottie mix.JPG
Sleeping Pit Bull.JPG
Trash in Yard.JPG
Trash in alley.JPG
6th street.JPG
Crack addict.JPG
Crack addicts.JPG
Ford Hotel.JPG
Homeless person's dog.JPG
Man on phone.JPG
Shopping cart.JPG
Skid row.JPG

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Greetings From Downtown Los Angeles...

Posted by jennifer on November 15, 2008.

Hello All-
I am currently working on a research project involving feral dogs in South Central Los Angeles and Skid Row. I am also researching Pit Bull's in and around these areas and their relation to the feral dog problem. My study will continue into next month and I can't wait to include this new and valuable information in our client sessions and classes. I'll post some pics. soon! Until then, be well :-)
Woof,
Jennifer

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A Day At the Gym in Los Angeles...

Posted by jennifer on October 8, 2008.

Today after some clients in L.A., I decided to venture for my weekly workout routine at the gym. I'm usually there about 3-5 times a week depending on my schedule. When I come to the city, it's always a bit challenging the first few days to adjust from mountain lions to traffic and cars. Today however, I learned not to go to the gym around 5 p.m. when their is an in house DJ blasting music into my ears and a spin class in the darkness of a room that's shaking the windows to it's own beat. People wearing sunglasses to work out in just doesn't make much sense to me either. I sometimes feel like a lone wolf in the midst of a Hollywood scene far from her natural environment.
What I am doing though is amazing- showing city folks a different side of life that they may have never experienced or have paid much attention to before. Through each animal is a conversation that is quiet and un-spoken. There is a language being spoken out there in the woods through predator and prey. I'm out here on a Mission to spread this message and get people away from worrying so much about the economy and what's happening in the future. To be quite honest, if we had to survive outside, with nothing, we would still be o.k. Always remember what the animals do- live in the moment.
- Jennifer

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Hello From LAX!

Posted by on April 7, 2008.

Hi Everyone~
I'm on my way back to the ranch after a very successful week with L.A. clients. I also did a TV show for Bravo that will air in August so stay tuned for more exciting news about this... With the warm weather approaching, everyone is in the mood to get outside. Come on over to see us this summer for lots of classes and agility starting this spring at the Ranch in Colorado. In the meantime, if you're in Los Angeles and are in need of my services, have no fear- I will be back the first week in May. I'm advising clients to book early because my schedule is getting very hectic out here ;-) See you soon!
All my best,
Jennifer

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Residents Threatened By Southern California Fires Encouraged To Include Pets In Evacuation Plans

Posted by on October 24, 2007.

Jennifer McCarthy World Class Dog Training send thoughts and prayers out to those affected by the wildfires in California. Below you will find information on how you can help leave "no animal behind" with ways to donate, prepare and find emergency shelter.

SACRAMENTO (October 22, 2007) – As more than a dozen fires burn in seven Southern California counties, United Animal Nations (UAN) is encouraging residents to take their pets with them if they evacuate. Animals left behind during fires can get injured, fall ill, starve, die, and hamper human evacuation and rescue efforts. Families who must evacuate are encouraged to:

Assemble an animal disaster kit that includes food, water, medications, a leash or cat carrier, and photos of animals with family members to prove ownership if they are lost. Visit www.uan.org for more disaster kit tips. Identify all animals with a tag and microchip so they can be more easily reunited if separated. Make special preparations for large animals like horses. See our “Horse Evacuation Tips,” below, for more details.

Continue reading "Residents Threatened By Southern California Fires Encouraged To Include Pets In Evacuation Plans" »

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Wild Wolf Spotting 101 & New L.A. Office Taking Off!

Posted by jennifer on October 22, 2007.

Sandrine & I will have to wake up very early this next week. Luckily we have access to those with radio collar info. but we'll need binoculors to see the wolves from a distance at Yellowstone.
Aside from that, the L.A. office is now in full swing. We're going national now with media outreach and a focuss on the Los Angeles market. I will be traveling there quite a bit after the holidays but have no fear- Colorado will stay my home base for now and forever... I love it out here.
So, with that said, look for Amy blogging about celebrity dog spotting in the City of Angeles on Speak! (www.jmdogtraining.com/blog) It's always a new adventure around here so fasten your seatbelts for an exciting ride into the world of dogs & wolves (and anything else that happens to be related to them- lol)...
Have a great day!
- JMc

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New L.A. Office Being Set Up!

Posted by jennifer on October 10, 2007.

Well, it looks like the City of Angels will be pulling me back every month for a week. I'll be traveling there to meet more freqently with celebrity clients new and old as well as saying hello to some of my most favorite people- my closest friends :-) Amy- who was in charge of World Class Dog Training for two and a half years will be taking over all business outside the Colorado area. Some of which will include organizing travel dates, booking clients, handling all communication with clients in other cities as well as taking over the "Dog Dish" newsletter. Welcome back to the pack Amy! We're very excited to have her on-board again and I have a feeling she's going to do an outstanding job. Keep yourselves refreshed with www.jmdogtraining.com for more exciting news to come ;-)

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