Choosing a Trainer For Your Dog

Too many dogs are given up after their normal, easily modifiable behaviors are allowed to become problems. But it doesn't have to be this way. To prevent your dog from becoming a sad statistic, take your dog—and your family—to a professional dog training class. A good training class is a fun, social activity that helps your dog become a well-behaved, safe, and valued family member.

WHY TRAINING IS NECESSARY

Whether it is your intention to teach him or not, your canine friend is always learning—this is true not just for puppies but also for older, adult dogs. If you don’t teach your pet your rules, he will invent his own. Training allows you to safely and humanely control your dog's behavior. Positive training enhances the bond between you and your dog, and helps ensure that your dog will respond happily to your instructions.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TRAINER

It's essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through positive reinforcement, such as food, attention, play, or praise. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses or withholds rewards until the dog behaves appropriately. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain. The qualifications, of a good Trainer, have to do with good people skills, excellent dog reading ability, and knowledge of dog health, breed characteristics, and body language. Trainers train people (owners) to train their dogs. The Owners DO the actual training, so the people skills of the trainer must be excellent.

The ability to read a dog is important, because many times dogs do certain things, due to how they perceive their surroundings. If the trainer is not aware of, for instance, the fact that dogs see things LONG and TALL, then he wouldn't understand why a dog who is afraid of stairs, balks and acts "stubborn". Instead of working WITH the fearful dog, alleviating the fear with positive reinforcement and praise, he might instead force or punish the dog into walking that narrow staircase, instead, reinforcing the fear.

Dog health comes into play all the time when dealing with training, especially, for instance when a family has a "housebreaking" problem. Did you know that at LEAST 1/2 of housebreaking issues involve dogs which have bladder an kidney infections? Most dog owners do not know this, and punish the dog, when in fact the dog needs medical help! If a trainer doesn't have at least minimal medical and health knowledge, he can cause more harm than good.

WHERE TO FIND A TRAINER

A recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, boarding kennel, or groomer is a good place to start. You can also search online or check the Yellow Pages under "Pet Training." Don't assume that a trainer's membership in a dog trainer association qualifies him as a suitable instructor: Not all associations' membership criteria will meet your expectations. Also, because no government agency regulates or licenses trainers, it's that much more important to investigate their qualifications before enrolling in a class. Find out how many years of experience they have, how they were educated, and what training methods they use. Ask prospective trainers for several references from clients who completed the classes.

WHICH CLASS FORMAT IS BEST?

In group classes, dogs learn to interact with other dogs, accept handling by other people, and respond to their owners despite distractions. Owners learn by observing other people interacting with their dogs and benefit from the camaraderie. Self-help training, private lessons, and dog-only lessons that exclude the owner do not provide these important advantages. Another disadvantage of dog-only lessons is that the dog may respond well for the trainer but may not transfer what she has learned to you and your family. When possible, all family members should participate in the dog's training. By learning to communicate humanely and effectively with their canine friend, they will develop bonds that will form the basis of the entire relationship.

Group classes

Ask the trainer whether you can observe a class in session before signing up. Watch for the following:

• Is class size limited to allow for individual attention?
• Are there separate classes for puppies and adult dogs?
• Are there different class levels (for example, beginner, intermediate, and advanced)?
• Are training equipment and methods humane?
• Does the trainer use a variety of methods to meet dogs' individual needs?
• Is proof of vaccination required?
• Are the students, both human and canine, enjoying themselves?
• Are dogs and owners actively encouraged?
• Is praise given frequently?
• Are voice commands given in upbeat tones?
• Are lesson handouts available?
• Is information available on how dogs learn, basic grooming, problem solving, and related topics?

1. OBSERVE the trainer in other training classes, and interview other present and past clients. If the trainer won't allow this, look elsewhere for a trainer.

2. Ask several trainers about their backgrounds and what it is they like to do in regards to training. If a trainer only has experience in Protection Training Dogs, he probably would not be the first choice as a pet dog trainer. This doesn't mean he isn't qualified to teach pet dogs, he may be great, but you should still pay attention to this. I would first look at a trainer who perhaps likes to work with Families, Obedience Competition Training, Therapy Dogs, or maybe works with Puppy Kindergartens primarily.

3. When observing classes, watch how the trainer interacts with his students and their dogs. Is she/he rough? Is the instructor greeted excitedly by the students and dogs, or is there and air of "reserve"? I like to see happy dogs and owners!

4. If a trainer PROMISES you that a specific behavior will be FIXED, don't be too trusting. While many trainers can help you modify behavior pretty successfully, there are no absolutes when it comes to training dogs. Instead, look for someone who says they will do their best, and extracts a promise from YOU, to do the required follow-up training at home.

5. Listen to your gut reaction to this trainer! If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and waddles like a duck, its probably a DUCK! IF you don't feel "right" about an instructor or school, move on!

THE COST OF A TRAINER

Training costs vary, depending on where you live and the type of instruction you want. Private lessons are usually priced per session; many group lessons are priced for several weeks of sessions. Some animal shelters offer subsidized training programs; the price of several weeks of sessions may depend on whether you adopted your dog from that shelter and the number of class sessions it provides.

THE BEST AGE FOR TRAINING

Although "puppyhood" is the best time to train and socialize dogs, older dogs can learn new tricks, too. In fact, dogs of all ages can benefit from training. Dogs between 8 and 16 weeks of age should be enrolled in puppy classes. Regular classes are appropriate for dogs 6 months or older.

BEFORE YOU START TRAINING

When you have selected a training program:

• Have your dog examined by your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy, free from parasites, and up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Don't feed your dog a large meal before class because many trainers rely on food treats to encourage or reward desired behavior.
• Bring the training equipment recommended by the trainer.
• Practice between classes with brief lessons that end on a positive note.

By enrolling and actively participating in a dog training class, you will help your dog become not just a well-behaved member of your family, but also a safer member of your community.

What Makes Michael Vick So Bad?

I've heard people lately admit that they don't know what Michael Vick actually did but they know he "hurt some dogs" For those who don't know exactly what he did or why he is fast becoming the most hated man in the US, here is a timeline that I came across:

Timeline

• April 25, 2007: Police and animal-control seize 66 dogs (53 pit bulls and dogfighting evidence from property owned by Michael Vick. Dogs are distributed to six different animal control shelters throughout Virginia.
• June 7, 2007: U.S. attorney's office, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Virginia State Police present warrant and search Vick's property.

• July 2, 2007: Federal authorities file court documents alleging that a dogfighting venture had operated at the Vick property for the past five years. The U.S. attorney's office files papers seeking federal government ownership of 53 pit bulls that were among the dogs seized from Vick's property.

• July 6, 2007: Federal authorities now on the case, evidence of dogfighting in the form of animal remains is discovered

• July 17, 2007: Vick and three other men are indicted by a federal grand jury on dog fighting charges for activity over a six year period.

• July 19, 2007: Nike suspends the release of a new Vick footwear line, but allows current Vick products to remain for sale.
• July 24, 2007: Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank holds a news conference and calls Vick’s behavior "horrific."
• July 26, 2007: Vick pleads not guilty in federal court in Richmond, VA. (translation: He lied)

• July 27, 2007: Reebok, Upper Deck Trading Cards and Rawlings Sports Goods ends relationship with Vick.

  Entering month four of confinement for dogs.

• July 30, 2007: Co-defendant Tony Taylor pleads guilty to dog-fighting charges and agrees to cooperate with the prosecution. BAD RAP submits rescue proposal to federal prosecutor, requesting permission to evaluate dogs for placement potential.

• Aug. 1, 2007: Surry County Animal Control Officer James Smith about the Vick dogs,“They are in good shape,” he said. “They are not violent to humans.”

• Aug. 17, 2007: Vick's other two co-defendants, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, plead guilty to dogfighting charges and admit to killing dogs "that did not perform well" by hanging and drowning.

• Aug. 20, 2007: Vick's lawyer, Billy Martin, says that Vick agrees to plead guilty to dogfighting charges. BAD RAP and the ASPCA agree to partner to evaluate the dogs.

• Aug. 23, 2007: Vick signs plea agreement and statement of facts admitting to conspiracy in a dogfighting ring and helping kill pit bulls. Dogs enter fourth month of confinement. PETA calls custody dogs "ticking time bombs" and advocates for euthanasia without evaluation.

• Aug. 28, 2007: ASPCA announces plans to work with BAD RAP to evaluate Vick dogs. Entering month five of confinement for dogs. All groups begin a 'gag order' to prevent news leaks or publicity that might compromise the legal proceedings.

• Sept. 3, 2007: BAD RAP officers Tim Racer and Donna Reynolds and colleague Justin Phillips from SPCA Monterey County leave CA to join Vick dog evaluation team in VA. Evaluations commence on Sept. 4-6.

• Sept. 9, 2007: BAD RAP submits evaluation results and recommendations for disposition of individual dogs to foster care homes and to sanctuary care.

• Sept. 25, 2007: Entering month six of confinement for dogs.

• Oct. 1, 2007: Motion filed in Virginia U. S. District Court to move all but one dog to foster families or sanctuaries. Report reveal that only one dog displayed aggression towards humans and numerous dogs presented "no threat to other animals.'

• Oct. 16, 2007: Professor and animal law expert Rebecca Huss of Valparaiso University School of Law named guardian of dogs in Vick case.

• Oct. 17-20, 2007: BAD RAP officer Tim Racer returns to VA to accompany Guardian/Special Master Rebecca Huss in conducting Round Two of dog evaluations. BAD RAP works with Huss to arrange interim foster care of 16 foster/observation status dogs so they can receive relief from shelter confinement. USDA approves interim transfer.

• Oct. 21, 2007: Three dogs quietly leave the shelters with east coast rescue groups. BAD RAP representatives begin cross-country road trip to bring 13 dogs to new lives with three different organizations on the west coast.

• Oct. 23, 2007: 13 dogs arrive in Oakland, CA and move into NorCA foster homes.

• Nov. 6, 2007: BAD RAP representative Nicole Rattay relocates to VA to begin six weeks of daily exercise and care for the dogs still remaining in shelter. Nicole's daily updates and observations of sheltered dogs offer invaluable insights that allow Special Master Huss to create placement matches with approved rescue organizations.

• Nov. 12, 2007: Deadline closes for rescues to submit applications.

• Nov 20, 2007: U. S. District Court orders Michael Vick to pay $928,073.00 as "restitution" for expenses incurred in caring for "the victim pit bulls."

• Dec. 3, 2007: Special Master Guardian Rebecca Huss submits recommendations for disposition of Vick dogs to Judge Hudson in Special Master Report Eight groups named to be permanent caretakers of Vick dogs.

• Dec. 10, 2007: Michael Vick is sentenced to 23 months in jail in a federal courthouse in Richmond, VA. BAD RAP reps Tim Racer and Nicole Rattay attend sentencing.

• Dec. 17, 2007: USDA signs 10 dogs over to BAD RAP's permanent custody, roughly eight months after being seized from Bad Newz Kennels. Dogs transition into family settings in preparation for adoption into qualified homes.

• Jan. 25, 2008: The final defendant (Owen Allen) sentenced, America gets its first glimpse of the dogs that were given a second chance.

You can order "The Lost Dogs" at http://www.thelostdogsbook.com. This book will show you exactly who Michael Vick is:

As [the little red dog] lay on the ground fighting for air, Quanis Phillips grabbed its front legs and Michael Vick grabbed its hind legs. They swung the dog over their head like a jump rope then slammed it to the ground. The first impact didn't kill it. So Phillips and Vick slammed it again. The two men kept at it, alternating back and forth, pounding the creature against the ground, until at last, the little red dog was dead.

One of the men comes towards the dogs. He grabs the one that had been in the rectangle with the little red dog and fastens the old nylon leash around her neck. He picks her up and carries her over to two trees that stand next to the two-story shed. The other man ties the leash to a two-by-four that has been nailed between the trees. Once the leash is secure, the first man boosts the dog a little further up and lets go.

For a moment, the dog lifts upward, her back arching and her legs paddling the air. Her head spins as she looks for the ground. Then her upward momentum peters out and she begins downward. Forty pounds of muscle and bone accelerate toward the earth. The rope pulls. The dog's head jolts to the side and with a single yelp she is dead.

The other dogs in the yard spring to their feet; the ones that had been brought up from the clearing that morning, the ones that lived in the kennel, the ones inside the shed. They bark and howl and run back and forth, pulling at their leashes or bouncing off the walls of their enclosures.

Even as they do, the other man approaches a second dog, one that had been injured and that now lies meekly on the ground. He carries him to the bucket and then holds his back legs in the air. One of the other men takes the dog by the scruff of the neck and plunges his head into the water. The dog shakes and flails, splashing water out of the bucket, but he is unable to shake free and within a few minutes his body goes limp. He's tossed into a wheelbarrow.

In all, four dogs get the bucket and four the leash, although not all of them are as lucky as the first dog. Some of them swing from the rope, gasping and shaking, eyes bulging, blood trickling from the corners of their mouths as they slowly strangle. Even when they are finally cut down, they are not quite dead, so they too have their heads stuck in the bucket. - Excerpts Taken from "The Lost Dogs"

The Scary Bully Breed

Are Bully Breeds Scary?

If you read all the negative stories about them, watch all the negative press they get and listen to the people who tell you how bad they are, then the bully breeds are scary enough that you just wouldn’t want to be around them. But if you disregard all the bad press as people, groups and organizations working towards their own agenda and you actually meet a few of these bully breeds, you may find for yourself, as I did, that they are not scary at all. "Pit bulls" as they are all generally called, are loyal dogs who simply want to be loved and who give a lot of love in return.

There was a time when I would watch and read the stories about "pit bulls" and was scared to death of them. The first time I met one was when I was sitting in the house of the people we adopted Roxy from. The family also had an American Pit Bull Terrier mix named Sasha, When we arrived at the house, Sasha was immediately brought upstairs. After a few minutes, Sasha came running down the stairs, through the living room, around the corner into the kitchen and then right towards me sitting on the sofa. I jumped and was sure I was going to get bit or maybe even worse. She sat next to me and gave me more kisses than I can count. The owner apologized and said that was the reason he put her upstairs when people came over, If he didn’t then she would want to kiss and play with everyone she met. Since then I have met and worked with quite a few bully breeds over the years. I've found that the only thing they really want is to love and beloved. Before I forget, the above picture is of Sherman. If you would like to see a lovable, smart and handsome as can be 2 year old little boy who is always smiling, look no further! You've just found him and his name is Sherman. Sherman has been adopted and is spreading his happiness to his family each and every day. You can view many more pictures of Sherman on his All About Sherman FaceBook page.

In October of 2009, while volunteering at the Animal Assistance League of Virginia, I was very fortunate to meet an American Pit Bull Terrier mix named Bruce. It was obvious that some of the workers there were a bit leery of him because of his breed. I very rarely saw him taken out to play in the play yard, but I was also only there a few hours a day. Each time I went to the shelter, Bruce would go up to the door of his run and bark. I would bend down and talk to him, but that was about it. For some reason, I felt really bad for him one day and decided to try and take him out. The whole time I was going into his run and trying to put his leash on, I kept thinking “this is a bad idea”. Once I got Bruce out in the yard he jumped around, rolled on his back, gave me kisses, rolled on his back again and acted like a little puppy. He was so happy to be out of that cage that confined him. I soon discovered that Bruce was a very playful happy little guy who loved to chase tennis balls and get belly rubs. He would go crazy every time I went to visit him. He wanted to get out of his cage and play. Bruce was a very well behaved little guy who would sit and wait for his leash to be put on before going outside. Once in the play yard, even though I wasn’t suppose to, I would take his leash off, as long as there was no one and no other dogs in there. Bruce would stay close to me until I threw the ball. He would run after it and bring it back to me, wagging his tail and waiting for me to throw it again. Whenever I called him, he would run to me with a big smile on his face. Bruce was finally adopted to a great home and now has a forever loving family. Unfortunately, the Animal Assistance League is now shut down. This no-kill shelter’s ambitious plan to renovate its dog kennel last spring has forced it to close down, making it a victim of a sluggish economy http://hamptonroads.com/2011/01/driedup-funds-keep-kennel-shut-nokill-shelter.

I continue to volunteer my time and have been fortunate enough to have met many other "bullies" over the past years. I've trained them, played with them, wrestled with them, taken them to adoption events and taken them on outings to get them out of the shelter for a while. I use my Hampton Roads Dogs For Adoption FaceBook page and my Hampton Roads Dogs For Adoption webssite to promote these wonderful dogs and, along with friends of mine, help those who face so many obstacles in life, find their furever homes.

Please take a look at the pictures and brief stories below. These are the "scary" dogs you've been warned about.

Blue was at the Portsmouth Humane Society for over 440 days!!! As you can see from the pictures on his Little Boy Blue FaceBook page, there’s no reason for him to have been there that long. He’s an adorable 2½ year old Labrador  Retriever/American Pit Bull mix. He’s charming, loyal and very loving. He would be a great pal. Blue enjoys lounging around or going for a walk around the block. He’s a calm guy with eyes that will melt your heart. Blue is housebroken, gets along well with other dogs and absolutely loves people and older kids. He wouldn't do too well with young kids, since he doesn't like to be tugged on and absolutely hates his tail being touched for any reason. He would be a great buddy for anyone looking for a little companionship. Blue can't be around cats, guinea pigs or any small critters. It's not that he doesn't like them, he loves them, but only if they’re in his belly. You can see for yourself just how well behaved he is in this picture. His leash is just sitting there on the ground, with not even a thought of him getting up and walking off. Click on his Face Book page to see many more pictures and additional information about Blue. Update: Blue has been adopted to a family with 6 other dogs. He gets along very well with them and has even learned how to play.

This is Beau, or as I call him "Beau Bear. Beau belongs to a good friend, Maria, and her husband Byron. I was fortunate enough to work with Maria as a volunteer and have remained friends with her since. As Maria tells it "In October of 09, while taking pictures of the new shelter residents, I met a male American Staffordshire Terrier that was THE most gentle, dog-friendly teddy bear of a guy I had come across in a good while. I knew he would get along well with our two girls, so how could we not adopt him also? He was not the most confidant dog when we brought him home and was very submissive, but has since come out of his shell and is a very happy-go-lucky, want-to-please boy. Beau (shelter name Bruce) looks like a tough guy, but is a big, lovey marshmallow." Beau passed his CGC test and passed his TDI (Therapy Dog International) test back in May, 2010. For more information on Beau, please take a look at his Beau: American Rescue Dog FaceBook page.

Hannah, Lexi, Cleo and Ziggy are Beau's adopted sisters and brother. That's right, Maria and Byron have 5 Pit Bulls! In October of 08, they adopted Lexie from the Portsmouth Humane Society. Lexie had been a shelter resident for 5 1/2 months. Lexie has passed her CGC test. In March of 09, they adopted Hannah (shelter name Coconut). She had been at the shelter for over 8 months, living in a small cage. Hannah has also passed her CGC. In November of 09, Byron fell in love with this young pit bull female that was very stressed out at the shelter and was not doing well. Maria and Byron were going to foster her but was asked by the Shelter Manager to adopt her instead and so they did. In the summer of 2010, Ziggy ended up at the Portsmouth Humane Society. This little guy was just a puppy. Not wanting him to grow up in a shelter, Maria and Byron adopted him. Byron has worked quite hard with Ziggy and has turned him into a terrific ambassador for the breed. And that little puppy is now even bigger than his brother Beau, who is not small by any means.

Cassie Andra was also a resident of the Portsmouth Humane Society before being adopted by Wendy and her husband James. They both volunteered at the shelter and just knew they had to get, then Kissie, out of that cage and into a nice comfortable home and bed. Since then, Wendy and James have fostered Pit Bulls and have worked very hard, along with Maria, to find homes for and change the opinion people have of Pit Bulls. Mae West was taken out of a shelter and cage and was given a new home, a nice comfortable bed and a friend named Cassie Andra. Mirage was the baby of the group. As Wendy puts it " The baby. The little naughty one. Cute as a button. Her cuteness forgives her many naughty ways :) Definitely her mama's girl." Sadly, this very sweet precious girl who never did anything to anyone was most likely poisoned with antifreeze, from what her vet thinks, and has crossed over the rainbow bridge.

Carson was adopted from the Portsmouth Humane Society by his mom Tess. Carson didn't know anything about stairs or cars or baths when Tess got him. He was a shy timid guy at first with bad separation anxiety. He blossomed into a wonderful gentleman quickly though. Carson even earned his CGC with no formal obedience training. There wasn't a dog or person he met that he didn't like. But kids were his guilty pleasure. He loved them so much! I only met Carson once, but once is enough for him to leave an unforgettable impression. He was such a sweet little boy who listened to and obeyed every command given to him. Although Carson is no longer with us, those of us who met and knew him will never forget him. Tess wrote about Carson "RIP Carson. Your previous owners didn't value your worth. They didn't bother to get to know you. That you were a 'lover not a fighter'. They threw you in the 'pit' for sport, money, or both, then tossed you aside when they were done. I didn't rescue you. YOU rescued me. I'll never forget when you walked out from the behind that counter to meet me. I knew then that we would be together 'til the end. Unfortunately, that end came too soon. In a 1 1/2yrs time, you became my best friend, my companion, my confidant. Thank you. I'll never forget you and your happy 'wiggle'. One day, we will walk over that bridge together again... I love You".

Mouse was a resident of the Portsmouth Humane Society before being adopted by her mom Lori. Mouse was our wild little girl. The second her cage door was opened, the only thing on Mouse's mind was to get outside and run and play. She was adopted once by a family who it turns out wasn't actually ready to take care of a dog, especially a timid little girl like Mouse. Fortunate for her, Lori saw her one day and saw how special little Mouse girl was. We still get to see Mouse, since she likes to come to the adoption events and visit with her human friends and canine friends that are still looking for their furever homes.

 

Ringley was the first dog in the first run at the Portsmouth Humane Society. I would watch as people would come in and move away the second they saw him. I can only imagine they thought he was pretty scary. But that is the furthest from the truth about this gentle guy. Ringley was one of the biggest teddy bears you could ever meet. He is a huge muscular guy but is the gentlest of gentle. As soon as I took Ringley out, he would roll over on his back and wait for his belly rubs. There is no getting around giving him the belly rub that he wants. You just can't move this gentle giant. But once you rub his belly he'll do anything you want. Ringley loves people, loves to play and loves to learn. Many were intimidated by Ringley's appearance, but his goofy and sweet nature won over his new family within minutes.

I have to say that Tanner is one of my all time favorite. He’s an extremely friendly guy who went through a rough period and then ended up being at the shelter much longer than he should have been. Tanner is a bit shy at first, but once he gets to know you, he'll do anything in his power to please you. Tanner LOVES to learn new things, especially if there are TREATS involved. He thoroughly enjoys working for those treats. And he's super smart. He learned how to sit in just minutes! And to top it off, he walks very politely on the leash. This big guy was nicknamed Tigger, like the Winnie-the-Pooh character. When he gets excited he sits and bounces just like him! And he gets excited a lot. He made everyone laugh when he bounced. On July 24, 2011 Tanner was shot...a victim of a drive by shooting. Fortunately, the bullet went in his chest and went straight through without hitting anything at all. He recovered with me for a while and is now back at PHS waiting for a new home. Since his shooting Tanner has had severe separation anxiety and will only be adopted out to a family experienced in dealing with this issue. Other than the separation anxiety, Tanner is the perfect dog in every way imaginable. Update: Tanner has been adopted to a wonderful family with another dog. They get along very well and Tanner even plays with him now. You can follow Tanner by liking his facebook page, Tigger Bouncing Tanner.

Wilson, Piper and Sako (L to R) belong to Kady. I've met Wilson and Piper but haven't met Sako yet, although I feel I know him as well through Kady's postings of her dogs on her Face Book Page. Just look at the picture and how adorable these "pitties" are. They get along so well, even when Piper and Sako are chewing on Wilson or using him as their very own pillow (see picture below). Wilson has quite a few roles he has to fulfill Piper and Sako. As Kady wrote about them "Wilson is a CGC & therapy dog, and my "old soul" who really never does anything wrong; Piper is a CGC and my wild child, but is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met.; Sako is an AKC STAR puppy. He is a very special boy. ♥ them all." As I was getting ready to post this, I was informed by Kady that Sako passed his CGC! Way to go Sako!!

Tank is a male American Staffordshire Terrier who was at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center for a while. He is one of the first dogs there that I just had to work with, but I soon found that he didn’t need any work at all. At 75 pounds, he’s a big strong boy, but don’t let his name or size fool you for a minute. He’s got a great personality and is one of the gentlest dogs I’ve ever worked with. Tank is one incredibly happy big boy who loves to be outside. He'll run and chase you and loves to play tug-o=war!! He walks very well on a leash. Each time we went for a walk, Tank stayed right by my side and never pulled on his leash. He also sits nicely for treats and takes them very gently. He’s very eager to please. This big headed/big hearted boy is a super love bug. Each time I took Tank to the beach, he turned heads and had everyone come up to say hi to him. Each time he would sit nicely and wait to be greeted before giving gentle kisses. Of course, Tank has since been adopted and is living a wonderful life with his forever family.

Another one of my all-time favorites is this big-headed boy name Kioti. Besides having a big head, he also has a BIG heart and loves to meet to people.Being only 2 years old, Kioti is an active boy who loves to go for runs but also knows how to walk very well on a leash (He’ll stay right by your side the whole time). He likes to play with humans more than toys, but also likes to play with toys. Kioti thinks he’s a puppy at times and will act like one. This boy has kept me laughing over and over on many occasions. Hey, he simply wants to have fun! Kioti also loves to play tug and fetch tennis balls, but he would rather lay by your side and show you how affectionate he can be. When Kioti came to the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center, he didn’t have many manners, but learned very quickly. It became very apparent how smart this boy was and how much he truly wanted to please. Of course, the treats help a bit as well! He will learn anything you want as long as you give him a treat. Kioti has loved every person, child and dog that he’s met. Kioti was adopted to a wonderful family who happened to have adopted a dog from me a year previous. He ended up with the best family I could ever hope for and a brother who likes to play as long and hard as he does.

What can you say about a dog named King Dobie Bryant? This boy is so amazing. He arrived at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center in March 2012 and spent 9 long months there. I worked and played with this boy every chance I got for the long time he was at the shelter. Dobie is a slim, sleek, tall 3 year old male pit mix and he is always ready to play! Someone docked his tail and clipped his ears to make him look like a Doberman. So, he was given the name Dobie-Bryant from the shelter staff. Along the way someone realized how regal this boy looked in his photos and the King was added. But to me he will always be Dobie. Dobie is super responsive to treats, and LOVES tennis balls and being outside. Each day at the shelter would consist of us going out in the big yard with me throwing the tennis ball for him for 20-30 minutes. One he had his harness and leash on, he would take me right over to the play yard and sit at the gate, waiting for me to open it and let him play. The only big Issue Dobie had was that he did not do very well well with other dogs. I believe that this, along with Dobie being a big black dog worked against him being adopted. At the beginning of January we made the decision to find a rescue or someone who would be able to work with Dobie on his issues in order to make hm more adoptable and so he could finally find that forever home that he so well deserved. Dobie was taken by Forever Home Rehabilitation Center. I am fortunate that he is only 10-15 minutes from me and I can still visit with him. IN the few weeks Dobie has been at Forever Home, he has gone from a dog who doesn't get along well with other dogs to a dog who will lay in the same bed with other dogs. I am so proud of this incredible boy and can't wait until the day he is able to live with other dogs and find his forever home and family.

Roxy and Duncan are not bully breeds. Roxy is a Lab mix and Duncan is a Husky, Shepherd mix. They are my babies. Roxy was adopted from the Isle Of Wight dog shelter, in Virginia, by a very nice military couple. He was re-assigned to Japan and the family could not take Roxy with them. We adopted Roxy before she ended up having to go back to the dog shelter and start all over again. She was 9 months old when we adopted her and has been with us for 3 1/2 years now. She loves her brother Duncan very much. Roxy also loves going to the dog park, going to the beach, swimming. going for walks and, of course, sleeping. 
 

We adopted Duncan from the Portsmouth Humane Society. Duncan had a very rough start in life. His previous owner badly abused him and kept him outside with two large dogs for the first two years of his life, until he was finally rescued. Duncan had to fight for his food every day and only weighed 27 pounds when we adopted him. Since he had never done it before, Duncan had no idea how to walk up stairs or how to get into a car. For the first few weeks, we carried Duncan up the stairs and into and out of the car. His sister Roxy helped us teach him everything he knows and are now the very best of friends. Duncan proved to be a survivor and was named after the character in Highlander.


Updated 02/02/2013