Day 419 - Trekn' through Mill Creek Ravine Park (-2 degrees Celsius)

Mill Creek Ravine Park provides Puddle an opportunity to meet other dogs in an off leash environment; the park providing 100s of acres of hiking along the creek side, valley floor. Mill Creek is one of many off leash dog parks dotted around the city. Here the city provide park benches, tables, bridge walk ways, poop bins.



View Zero G's - Puddle Jumper in a larger map






The Mill Creek Trestle Bridge is a bridge that Puddle the Edmonton Shepherd uses during his winter jaunts. The bridge is one of the last physical reminders of the existence of the Edmonton, Yukon and Pacific Railway line, which was the first rail connection between the towns of Strathcona and Edmonton. Completed in 1902, the railway followed the Mill Creek Ravine alignment and crossed the North Saskatchewan River over the Low Level Bridge, providing reliable, convenient passenger and freight transportation services between the two towns as an alternative to John Walter’s ferry further west. Passenger service was provided until 1928, but the railway continued to provide a vital link until the 1950’s between the river valley industries and Edmonton’s south side commercial centre, which offered rail connections to the remainder of the province.

Day 418 - Winter Trek

Walking creek side, covered in newly fallen snow (-4 degrees Celsius, overcast day) - Blackmud Creek, Edmonton Alberta.  
- February 19, 2012


Edmonton provides ample opportunity for extended jaunts and hikes..  For example, Edmonton's North Saskatchewan river valley park linked with its feeder creek extensions make it the largest urban city park system in North America.  


View Puddle G in a larger map

Puddle the Edmonton Shepherd

Puddle approximately 35 pounds here; pictured here in August 2011.... 

Puddle the Edmonton Shepherd is a medium-sized (as at February 2012, he is approximating 50 pounds), robust, well-balanced, weather resistant, rustic male dog. 


His ears are set high at the side of the head, triangular and slightly rounded at the tip.   When the dog is at full attention the ears break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear. 


His coat is of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with an undercoat. The quantity of the undercoat varies with climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head, outside of the ears, front of the forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of his forelegs are moderately feathered; breeches are moderately full.  He has a natural or docked bobtail and is straight. 


His body is slightly longer than his height at the withers. The chest is not broad but is deep with the lowest point reaching the elbow. The front legs are straight, perpendicular to the ground, while his feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. The front dewclaws are not removed, but the back dewclaws have been removed. 


The overall size of the Shepherd's head is in proportion to his body, with the muzzle being equal or slightly shorter than the back skull. The stop is moderate to well-defined. The teeth form scissors and have level bite. His eyes are oval in shape and medium in size, and are mainly brown.


The coat is medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. There is feathering on the back of the legs, the mane and frill around the neck. 

Puddle to the Left!

The one to the left reminds me of the Edmonton Shepherd - Puddle

My Mom (Ember) -

The World Championship is the culmination of each year’s Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship Series – the largest disc dog series in the world. The Hyperflite World Championship is the premier event in canine sports and features top competitive teams from around the world. Competitors at the World Championship earn invitations by finishing in the top spots at a Hyperflite Skyhoundz Qualifier. Competing in the Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship is a unique and rewarding experience, the memories of which will last a lifetime. At the World’s, the best canine disc teams on the planet go head-to-head and paw-to-paw in spirited competition as they vie for World Titles in four World Championship Divisions – Sport Division, Micro Dog Division, Pairs Freestyle and the Open Division.

Ember is making her mark on the world. 
Here is just a short list of her most recent appearances and accomplishments.

2009 September
1st place Puppy Rollers Division - Skyhoundz regional tournament

2010 September 1
Dodge World WPCA Chuckwagon Championship - Disc Dog Demo team

2010 September 3
Dodge World WPCA Chuckwagon Championship - Disc Dog Demo team

2010 September 4
5th place Freestyle Division - Skyhoundz regional tournament

2010 September 5
1st place OPEN DIVISION, Expert Class - Skyhoundz World Championship Qualifier
**This gets Ember an invitation to compete against the worlds best disc dogs and their handlers September 25-26 in Chattanooga, TN.**

2010 September 5
1st place Pairs Freestyle Division, Expert Class - Skyhoundz World Championship Qualifier
**This also gets Ember an invitation to compete against the worlds best disc dogs and their handlers September 25-26 in Chattanooga, TN.**

August 25, 2011 update

Ember has qualified for the Skyhoundz World Championships for the second year in a row, taking 1st place in the Open Expert Division! 

Ember has qualified for the USDDN World Championships taking 3rd place in Superpro Freestyle


RAVINE ACRES EMBER
&
Handler (and best buddy), Kristen McKenna


Skyhoundz Western Canada Regional Qualifier 2010

Day 411 - 4 degrees of sunshine

Day 411 - Standing ready at 50 pounds. (Location: Bearspaw, Edmonton Alberta

- Currently responding to search and rescue hand signals (rather than having to use voice commands). 

Human Pack Leader Entry - Garmin Astro 220 Dog Tracking GPS

Discovered this the other day while browsing:


Tired of searching for your dog in tall grass or dense cover? Now you can leave the hunting entirely to him. Astro is the premier high sensitivity GPS-enabled dog tracking system for sporting dogs. This unique system pinpoints your dog's position and shows you exactly where he is, even when you can't see or hear him.
http://amzn.to/z7vycx

Note: The Edmontonian Shepherd is considered a faithful 'velcro' dog always close by....

Rest in Peace - Remembering Summer (female Australian Shepherd; kind hearted soul, age 13)

“The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief. But the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared with the pain of never risking love.”

(Hilary Stanton Zunin)

A natural way- diatomaceous earth (food grade)

Food grade diatomaceous earth has many uses and excellent health benefits for humans, plants, and animals.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is the remains of microscopic one-celled plants (phytoplankton) called diatoms that lived in the oceans and lakes that once covered the western part of the US and other parts of the world. These deposits are mined from underwater beds or from ancient dried lake bottoms thousands of years old. This means, diatomaceous earth has an unlimited shelf life provided you keep it dry.

Diatomaceous earth is mined, milled, and processed into a myriad of types for a large variety of uses. Filtering and filler are two main uses but diatomaceous earth also ends up in paints, cosmetics, drugs, chemical insecticides, etc. Because the milling produces different sized and shaped particles, it is important not to use the filtering type for agricultural purposes.

Pool filter grade diatomaceous earth has been heat and chemically treated and will poison an animal or human who ingests it, so it is always of utmost importance to only obtain food grade diatomaceous earth to use in and around your household.

Diatoms (DE) are the grass of the oceans and lakes. Just as grass is the staple food of earth animals. Diatoms (algae) are the food of the ocean or fresh water grazers. Magnified 7000x, diatomaceous earth looks like spiney honeycombs.

Food grade diatomaceous earth is EPA approved to be mixed with grains to control mealworms and other pests and has been exempted from tolerance requirements as an inert, inactive ingredient in chemical pesticides. Diatomaceous earth is EPA approved against indoor and outdoor crawling insects. Diatomaceous earth is USDA approved as an anti-caking agent for animal feed. Diatomaceous earth is FDA approved for internal and external use and has a rating of Food Chemical Codex Grade.

INTERNAL PARASITE CONTROL: Food grade diatomaceous earth makes a very effective natural insecticide. The insecticidal quality of diatomaceous earth is due to the razor sharp edges of the diatom remains. When diatomaceous earth comes in contact with the insects, the sharp edges lacerate the bugs waxy exoskeleton and then the powdery diatomaceous earth absorbs the body fluids causing death from dehydration.

Food grade diatomaceous earth has been used for at least two decades as a natural wormer for livestock. Some believe diatomaceous earth scratches and dehydrates parasites. Some scientists believe that diatomaceous earth is a de-ionizer or de-energizer of worms or parasites. Regardless, people report definite control. To be most effective, food grade diatomaceous earth must be fed long enough to catch all newly hatching eggs or cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach. A minimum of 60 days is suggested by many, 90 days is advised for lungworms.

Food grade diatomaceous earth works in a purely physical/mechanical manner, not "chemical" and thus has no chemical toxicity. Best yet, parasites don’t build up a tolerance/immunity to its chemical reaction, so rotation of wormers is unnecessary.

*CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF FEEDING CODEX FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO DOGS, O.C. Collins, DVM, Midland Animal Clinic And Hospital, Midland, TX: “In clinical observations of feeding dogs over 35 lbs. 1 tbsp./day and under 35 lbs. 1 tsp./day of DE, within seven days all ova disappeared from stools. DE controlled Ascardis (Toxacara canids), Hookworms (Anclyostoma caninum), and Whipworms (Trichuris vulipis).”

*RESULTS ON FEEDING CODEX FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO WALKING HORSE, L. Thomas, Trainer, L. Frank Roper Stables, Winter Garden, FL: “With horses fed approximately 5 oz. of DE mixed in the feed twice daily, the following results were observed: Stopped scours even on horses that had not responded to any other medications. Noticeable fly reduction. Horses showed an increase in appetites. Weight gain due to better feed conversion. Reduction in manure odor. Elimination of any internal parasites. Healthier appearance.

Daily recommended food grade diatomaceous earth feeding rates:

Kittens - 1/2 teaspoon
Cats - 1 teaspoon
Puppies - 1/2 to 1 tsp.
Dogs under 35 lbs. - 1 teaspoon
Dogs over 35 lbs. - 1 tablespoon
Dogs over 100 lbs. - 2 tablespoons
Cattle, Dairy Cows, & Hogs - 2% of dry feed ration
Chickens - 5% in feed
Goats, Sheep, Alpacas, & Llamas - 2% in grain
Horses - 1/2 to 1 cup in daily ration
Zoo animals - 2% in daily feed
*Humans - 1 heaping tablespoon daily

Internal feeding of food grade diatomaceous earth helps eliminate most internal worms, including roundworms, pin worms, tapeworms, etc. It's also excellent when fed daily to keep down fly loads, since food grade diatomaceous earth is eliminated from the body, exactly the way it went in, it helps reduce the manure odor and kills flies that come in contact with it.

Mix in animal feed or grain and/or feed free choice. 

If fecal counts are not zero for worms and ova after feeding DE for 30 days, increase the daily dose. Feeding too small a dose of DE will not give desired results. Increasing the dose, even if greater than the above recommendations, will not harm anyone. Some horses do fine on 1/2 cup of DE daily, others need a full cup. This reminds us, that all beings are different. So again, if the worm and ova counts are not zero, increase your daily dose.

*Some recommend to dose humans by mixing food grade diatomaceous earth in a glass of water before bed or first thing in the morning, well before breakfast, to allow diatomaceous earth time to move through and absorb toxins from ones digestive tract without interfering or absorbing nutrients from foods or liquids. Some report great results consuming 1 tsp. in a glass of water prior to each meal, 3x/day.

http://www.agrogreencanada.com/store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=4

2011 Seasonal Reflection of the Bearspaw

Spring 2011

Summer 2011

Fall 2011

Winter 2011/2012

Day 383 : -31 degrees Celsius wind chill

Day 376 - 1-yr of Reflection as a Species

Observed behavioural trait of the Edmonton Shepherd:

• The Edmonton Shepherd may get mopey if not taken on their daily 45 minute walk/run (with exercise such as running, jumping, tugging, etc.). \
• The EDMONTON SHEPHERD has paws well suited for sub-zero temperatures (Celsius scale) and will not require winter boots. 

Childrens' Xmas Kick Off

Dog's Couch

Day 334 - Hanging with Bailey the Pug

First Snow Fall

Day 320- First snow fall. 

Not having to wear snow boots and a jacket:  Priceless. 

My cousin - Bailey the Pug; sleeping. 8 years old.

Day 320 - Cousins are over.

Excuse Me! (Bailey the pug)



Bella the french bull dog. 



Umm. There's no room guys. 

Clicker training

What is Clicker Training?
Methodology: A simple concept. The first step in clicker training is to teach the animal that the clicker sound means that they will get a primary reinforcer, usually food. To do this, some trainers "charge" or "load" the clicker. The trainer clicks the clicker and immediately thereafter gives the animal a reward, usually a tasty treat, one small enough to be consumed almost instantly. Some animals tend to learn the association much more quickly than others. Progress may be tested by waiting until the dog's attention is elsewhere and then clicking. If the dog immediately looks toward the trainer as though expecting a reward, it is likely that the dog has made the association.

• Other trainers, including Bob Bailey and the ABE Trainers, simply start training a behavior and following desired approximations with a click. ABE conducted experiments that demonstrated that for their purposes, where they may be training many animals at the same time, this method was more efficient. 
• Today many clicker trainers use this method of introducing the clicker.After that, the trainer uses the clicker to mark desired behaviors as they occur. At the exact instant the animal performs the desired behavior, the trainer clicks and promptly delivers a food reward or other reinforcer. 
• One key to clicker training is the trainer's timing; clicking slightly too early or too late rewards and therefore may reinforce whatever behavior is occurring at that instant. The saying goes, "you get what you click for."
• Clicker trainers often use the process of "shaping," which means gradually transforming a specific behavior into the desired behavior by rewarding successive approximations to it. A successive approximation is "a behavioral term that refers to gradually molding or training an organism to perform a specific [completed] response by [first] reinforcing responses that are similar to the desired response."Clicker trainers learn to split behavior instead of lumping it, i.e. to look for and reward small steps in the right direction rather than waiting for the whole, "perfect" behavior to appear on its own. It is important to create opportunities for the animal to earn rewards very frequently. 
• A reinforcement rate of one click/treat (C/T) every two to three seconds is common among professional dog trainers. Criteria for receiving the click is tightened gradually, at the rate the animal is comfortable with and so that it will remain successful.

Short video on defining what clicker training is. 

Clicker training was originated through Marian Bailey and Keller Breland, who as graduate students of psychologist and eminent behaviorist B.F. Skinner taught wild-caught pigeons to "bowl" (push a ball with their beaks) while participating in military research.

According to their work, animal training was being needlessly hindered because traditional methods of praise and reward did not inform the animal of success with enough promptness and precision to create the required cognitive connections for speedy learning. Similar methods were later used in training at least 140 species including whales, bears, lions, chickens and domestic dogs and cats, and even humans. 

A clicker is just one example of a conditioned reinforcer (secondary reinforcer) or "bridge". 

Technically a stimulus from any sensory mode may become a conditioned reinforcer (ex. light, smells).

Recommended Vaccine Schedule

Dr. Jean Dodds' Recommended Vaccination Schedule Vaccine Initial 1st Annual Booster Re-Administration Interval Comments Distemper (MLV) (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) 9 weeks 12 weeks 16 - 20 weeks At 1 year MLV Distemper/ Parvovirus only None needed. Duration of immunity 7.5 / 15 years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending. Can have numerous side effects if given too young (< 8 weeks). Parvovirus (MLV) (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) 9 weeks 12 weeks 16 - 20 weeks At 1 year MLV Distemper/ Parvovirus only None needed. Duration of immunity 7.5 years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending. At 6 weeks of age, only 30% of puppies are protected but 100% are exposed to the virus at the vet clinic. Rabies(killed) 24 weeks or older At 1 year (give 3-4 weeks apart from Dist/Parvo booster) Killed 3 year rabies vaccine 3 yr. vaccine given as required by law in California (follow your state/provincial requirements) rabid animals may infect dogs. Vaccines Not Recommended For Dogs Distemper & Parvo @ 6 weeks or younger Not recommended. At this age, maternal antibodies form the mothers milk (colostrum) will neutralize the vaccine and only 30% for puppies will be protected. 100% will be exposed to the virus at the vet clinic. Corona Not recommended. 1.) Disease only affects dogs <6 weeks of age. 2.) Rare disease: TAMU has seen only one case in seven years. 3.) Mild self-limiting disease. 4.) Efficacy of the vaccine is questionable. Leptospirosis Not recommended 1) There are an average of 12 cases reported annually in California. 2)  Side effects common. 3) Most commonly used vaccine contains the wrong serovars.  (There is no cross-protection of serovars) There is a new vaccine with 2 new serovars. Two vaccinations twice per year would  be required for protection.). 4) Risk outweighs benefits. Lyme Not recommended 1) Low risk in California. 2) 85% of cases are in 9 New England states and Wisconsin. 3) Possible side effect of polyarthritis from whole cell bacterin. Boretella (Intranasal)(killed) Only recommended 3 days prior to boarding when required. Protects against 2 of the possible 8 causes of kennel cough. Duration of immunity 6 months. Giardia Not recommended Efficacy of vaccine unsubstantiated by independent studies

There are two types of vaccines currently available to veterinarians: modified-live vaccines and inactivated ("killed") vaccines.

Immunization Schedules

- There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding the appropriate immunization schedule, especially with the availability of modified-live vaccines and breeders who have experienced postvaccinal problems when using some of these vaccines. It is also important to not begin a vaccination program while maternal antibodies are still active and present in the puppy from the mother's colostrum. The maternal antibodies identify the vaccines as infectious organisms and destroy them before they can stimulate an immune response.
Many breeders and owners have sought a safer immunization program.

Modified Live Vaccines (MLV)

- Modified-live vaccines contain a weakened strain of the disease causing agent. Weakening of the agent is typically accomplished by chemical means or by genetic engineering. These vaccines replicate within the host, thus increasing the amount of material available for provoking an immune response without inducing clinical illness. This provocation primes the immune system to mount a vigorous response if the disease causing agent is ever introduced to the animal. Further, the immunity provided by a modified-live vaccine develops rather swiftly and since they mimic infection with the actual disease agent, it provides the best immune response.

Inactivated Vaccines (Killed)

- Inactivated vaccines contain killed disease causing agents. Since the agent is killed, it is much more stable and has a longer shelf life, there is no possibility that they will revert to a virulent form, and they never spread from the vaccinated host to other animals. They are also safe for use in pregnant animals (a developing fetus may be susceptible to damage by some of the disease agents, even though attenuated, present in modified-live vaccines). Although more than a single dose of vaccine is always required and the duration of immunity is generally shorter, inactivated vaccines are regaining importance in this age of retrovirus and herpesvirus infections and concern about the safety of genetically modified microorganisms. Inactivated vaccines available for use in dogs include rabies, canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, etc.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310/ 828-4804
fax: 310/ 828-8251

Note: This schedule is the one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice. For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or affected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison's or Cushing's disease, diabetes, etc.) the above protocol is recommended.

After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo, Great Dane).

Another alternative to booster vaccinations is homeopathic nosodes. This option is considered an unconventional treatment that has not been scientifically proven to be efficacious. One controlled parvovirus nosode study did not adequately protect puppies under challenged conditions. However, data from Europe and clinical experience in North America support its use. If veterinarians choose to use homeopathic nosodes, their clients should be provided with an appropriate disclaimer and written informed consent should be obtained.

I use only killed 3 year rabies vaccine for adults and give it separated from other vaccines by 3-4 weeks. In some states, they may be able to give titer test result in lieu of booster.

I do NOT use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local area pr specific kennel. Furthermore, the currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today.

I do NOT recommend vaccinating bitches during estrus, pregnancy or lactation.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET

http://www.weim.net/emberweims/Vaccine.html