Sunday, November 10, 2013

Care of the Dog, 3rd edition 1946, Will Judy


 

**Care of the Dog

3rd edition 1946,    Will Judy

 

Dog Owner’s Pledge  
 
I  name here,  as a lover of dogs and all other animals, pledge myself: 
To keep my dog under control at all times and to train him to full obedience.
To respect the rights and feelings of others by keeping my dog from giving needless offense.
And as the dog is man’s best friend, even so I shall be my dog’s best friend.
 
Dog's Bill of Rights

I.       I want one large fresh bone each week for my dessert; I promise not to bury it in the flower pot.

II.      I want clean water in a clean dish twice daily.

III.     I want a dry draftless place for sleeping.

IV.     I want a collar that doesn't choke me and isn't so loose it catches on my ears.

V.      I want a quiet place in the basement on the Fourth of July.

VI.     I want every boy softly reprimanded who throws stones at me or twists my ears.

VII.    I want folks to believe in my wagging tail and pleading eyes.

VIII.   I want all persons to keep in mind that I do with my mouth, most things they do with            their hands; so, they needn't be afraid of a dog's teeth.

IX.     I want to be treated kindly, just as I treat children and all those in distress.

X.      I want my mind to be trained so that I can be of the fullest service.

XI.    I want to be considered one of the family, for I will give my life to protect it.

XII.  I want my master to be my god and to act the part. 


**Although I did not write this only copied from an old book in my library do not copy or re-use this without giving credit to the writer and publication it came from.

Monday, October 14, 2013

I have the money why cant I have the puppy?


Why should you care about who you get your next puppy or dog from?

It is what happens after you walk away with your new pet that counts the most.   You want a breeder or rescue group to provide you with a healthy dog or puppy and make sure you are aware of any problems.   You want knowledgeable support when it comes to training and behavior issues.    you need support if you can no longer keep your dog for any reason.   A good breeder or rescue group will be like an extended family.  


Good Rescue Groups:

Are very community involved so they know what you need to know about dog concerns in your areas.

Have evaluated all the dogs that they sponsor and in most cases have trained them.

Understand that stressed shelter dogs who are reactive to other dogs are not necessarily dog aggressive.

Practice positive reinforcement and desensitization of stressed and fearful dogs and are very successful at changing old behaviors and teaching you how to continue.

Enjoy staying in touch and hearing about your dog.

Will understand that they may miss a perfect home because the applicant does not fit their parameters.

Will be around for future support as needed.

In most cases will help re-home the dog if necessary.

Charge small adoption donation fees that generally cover the dogs spay / neuter and vaccinations and at times other health issues.

Work hard to match family to dog.


Good breeders:

Believe it is all about a good caring conscientious forever home.

Consider new owners like family

Do not repeat a breeding unless there were no puppies or something spectacular happened!

Help and support their breed rescue and their local community by fostering, donations, shelter help, fighting BSL, promoting Responsible dog ownership and have practices in place to ensure none of their product becomes a community statistic or burden

Do not have more dogs than they can provide quality of life for each.

Look for the best stud dog for their bitch, which is usually not the dog in their own house

Will take back their puppy/dog at any time of it's life. 

Wants to stay in touch

Have a contract which will be about the welfare of the dog and may include spay and neuter requirements

Are careful how their puppies are placed and at times will co-own or put limits on registration in order to provide mentorship before removing strings.

Can prove the temperament of their dogs is correct.

Are willing to let you meet the dam and any other examples of the breed in their home.

Will be there for you for days, weeks, months and even years after the purchase.

Have titles on their dogs that will justify Type * Temperament * Soundness for the breed.

Health test their dogs per National Parent Club Health Committee requirements for the breed and often times more.

Will be willing to mentor you or steer you in the right direction so that you can pursue other avenues in the dog world.

Will carefully screen and evaluate the homes for their pups.

Will understand that they may miss a perfect home because the applicant does not fit in their parameters.

Are proud of the dogs they own and have bred and are active in their dog community. 


Good Homes:

Understand that a good breeder wants a future relationship and continuous communication therefore it is like interviewing for a position and you can be turned away even if you have 100 dollar bills falling out of your pockets.

Understand that a rescuer wants the best possible outcome for shelters dogs who have already had a rough start so they may make you jump thru several hoops before approving you for adoption.

Understands the importance of a strong adoption approval process

Is not offended if the breeder or rescue group does not choose them for a puppy.

Knows a breeder is invested in knowing how their/your puppy grows up so they can continue to improve their future choices for breeding.

That there are not always enough puppies or dogs to meet specific demands.

Know that researching the breed and breeders is important to get a healthy properly matched dog for their lifestyle.

Know what proper care, training and socialization are and they don't mind learning new ways of doing things. 

Know how very important responsible dog ownership is in their own community

Know their community dog laws, and what BSL is

Are realistic in their expectations of how a dog fits in their family and proper interaction between the children and puppy/dog.

Understand the importance of meeting the breeder in person and picking up their new puppy.

Do not argue over price because they know the purchase cost is the smallest part of the expense of owning a dog. 

Understand that there may be costly and emergency expenses during the life of the dog

Understand that proper health care and nutrition has a cost associated with it.

Look forward to the home visit part of the process as a way to ensure they are ready for their new dog.



Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved







I hate typos...

....not because I care if I make them but because my mother might see and then she will lose the entire point of what I am saying and focus in on the one GLARING error until she feels I not only understand what I did wrong but that I also realize what a savage I have become.  

It does not matter how many times I proof read, the minute I hit send or publish or print without saving I discover an error.   It almost ruins the entire writing experience.   I think it will be a huge growth step for me to accept that I am a savage and savages do not really care about grammar and typos as long as they get their point across.  Furthermore if this savage was a "real" writer she would have an editor who would take care of all that stuff with the efficiency that my 13 year old Mini Bull uses when cleaning her plate!

Instead I shall worry about getting my point across.

Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved

Ciera Puppy Placement Food for Thought


This is a list of questions I have been working on over the years.   It grows and evolves.   I do not think any of these questions are deal breakers but more starting points for conversation depending on potential new home and how well you already know them.   As interviewers we should spend more time listening than talking.    Having been on many many interviews it has always amazed me that the interviewer will not shut up and let me sell myself.    This list will at least provide you with questions so that you can sit back and listen.    I hope you all will add your own favorite questions too!

 I would also like to add that if you send this list to a potential home or if you methodically ask all of these questions over the phone you will scare them off.    Between your application and email correspondence you may get most of these answers or at least a feel for the type of person you are talking to.     I use this because it helps me remember things that are important to me while I am getting excited about someone who sounds like a great home.      The last groups of questions on BSL may never be an issue for anyone but some of the questions are important to get the answers to.   


Purchase and contract

Would you like or are you willing to show this dog in AKC shows or coordinate to allow me to show your pup?
If you purchase this puppy specifically for show but it does not live up to your expectations how should we handle that?
Do you have future thoughts or plans to breed? 
Would you like to become a member of the SBTCA?
How do you feel about Co-ownership and or limited registration?
How do you feel about purchase and co-own contracts?
When do you feel it is the best time to spay/neuter or not at all?
Are you aware if for any reason you cannot keep this dog, you should contact me?  
Is it possible for me to meet and or talk to all members of the household?  
If you have an existing family dog or dogs, can we set up a meeting so that I can see how the family dog interacts with a puppy?
Are you able to come to get your puppy?  (I am in Northern California)
See attached contract for more specifics
Will you ensure that your dog is micro-chipped with your breeder’s information as well as your own and to update the information if you move?
Quality of Life and Basic Minimum Care
How many hours will your puppy be alone each day?
Who will be the primary care giver for the puppy/dog?
Where would your dog stay when you travel?
Where would your dog sleep at night? 
Where and how would your dog spend the day?
Exercise, Training, Boredom, Socialization
Can you describe how you will ensure your dog has enough exercise?
What type of mental and physical activities will you provide your dog to ensure your dog does not develop boredom or stress related problems?
Do you know that puppies and young dogs are mentally and especially physically fragile no matter how tough and willing they seem?   
Are you familiar with critical imprint periods for puppies?
Have you ever been to basic obedience classes with a dog?    If yes, was it helpful?  If not, why not?
Health Care, Diet, proper weight, Injury
What type of food do you feed and how do you ensure your growing puppy and adult and senior are getting the correct amount of nutrition?
How do you know if your puppy or dog is not feeling well?   How would you know if it is serious enough to go to the vet?
Do you see any benefit in letting me know of any health issues?
How do you protect your dog from weather extremes?
Are you familiar with joint structure and the impact that overexertion of the puppy will have on the adult and senior?
Children and puppies and adult dogs
What are your thoughts on children and dogs? 
How do you protect your child from being bitten?
How do you protect your dog from overly zealous children?
How do you avoid being bitten?
Please describe proper child / dog interaction?  
What does it mean when a dog growls?
Can you name at least 5 signs of a scared or stressed dog?
What might cause a dog to be scared or stressed?
Home and neighborhood
Do you Own or rent?   
Do you have a swimming pool?  
If own can you check to see if a Staffordshire bull terrier is excluded on your homeowner’s insurance policy or any Homeowners Association Rules?
If you rent, can you provide proof that your landlord will allow a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?  You may be required to offer renter’s liability insurance listing the dog. 
How long at your current address?
Do you have a fenced yard?   If yes, what type of fencing?  If no, can you describe how you will keep your dog confined safely?
Will your dog have access to a swimming pool?  If yes, how will you ensure your puppy is safe?
Is your home on a busy street or intersection?
Is your home near large wilderness areas?
BSL, Community Issues and Canine Good Citizen
Have you ever been inside a dog shelter or volunteered at a shelter or fostered or adopted a dog from a Rescue Group or Shelter?  
Do you know what Breed Specific Legislation is and what it means to you if you own a Stafford?
Do you plan to take your dog to off leash dog parks?
Are you aware of what draws the attention of Animal Control in your community?  
 What would you do if a neighbor complains about your dog to you or Authorities?
Do you understand the consequences of having your dog labeled a nuisance or dangerous dog?
Can you describe what it means to live in a neighborhood with dog breed prejudice?  
Does your insurance carrier allow all breed of dogs?
What does your lease agreement or HOA say about owning dogs or certain breeds?
What are your community leash and dog laws and potentially dangerous dog classifications?
How do you properly and safely confine your dog?
Can you explain what BSL is?
Can you verify that you do or do not have BSL in your community or a relative’s community or neighboring community where you and your dog may travel?  
Describe how to ensure your dog does not harass, hurt or kill another pet or livestock? 
What will you do if you are having trouble with any of the above issues?
Describe your city or county’s definition of potentially dangerous or nuisance behavior is?
If your dog becomes lost what steps will you have taken to ensure that you will get him or her returned to you?   What will you do to ensure your dog is not at large again?
What will you do if AC takes your dog and will not return it?
I have zero tolerance for “dog at large”.  If your dog is confiscated by your city or county for “potentially dangerous behavior” including but not limited to “being at large” are you willing to forfeit ownership to the breeder or local rescue group so that they may follow your city or county processes to reclaim the dog regardless of whether you feel your rights were violated.

Here are some great resources that I find very helpful:




……and of course me!!   If you get a puppy from me I will be there for anything for the entire life of the dog!

Natures Farmacy for all supplements

 Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved





Thursday, March 14, 2013

Adoption Contract / Promise

In Memory of Sarge, RIP 
 Adoption Contract



I require all new forever homes to agree to these requirements:


This agreement is for the rescue dog named                                    

I/we will license and microchip the rescue dog making the Lorelei Craig a 2nd
contact.                If microchip already in place put registration information here:



I/we agree to never take (the rescue dog) to any public dog park or be released where it could be hurt or hurt other dogs.                


I/we agree to never let (the rescue dog) off leash outside my home or securely fenced areas.   ____ (This would not apply to dogs competing in Obedience or Agility or other controlled performance sports.)


I understand if I/we can no longer keep (the rescue dog) for any reason I/we must contact Lorelei Craig ASAP.  I/we may be asked to foster for a short period while we make arrangements for a new home or foster.                                                                


I/we will not re-home (the rescue dog) with anyone including another family member without contacting Lorelei Craig first.                                 


I/we understand we may not euthanize (the rescue dog) for any reason without contacting the Lorelei Craig first.          _____              (This may be waived in the case of life/death situations but never due to behavior issues.)


I/we understand (the rescue dog) is not to be left with a cat or other small dog unattended.       


I/we understand (the rescue dog) is not to be left alone in the back yard for extended periods of unattended time.                        (Bored dogs become nuisance dogs.)

I/we understand the Bull Breeds were originally bred to fight other dogs and as a result I will ensure that (the rescue dog) is never put in a position where he/she can be aggressive to any other animal.


I/we will ensure that (the rescue dog) is a good ambassador for the breed and not put in a position to be troublesome in our community.  I/we will not ignore bad behaviors or potential bad behaviors and will seek help or guidance to ensure (the rescue dog) is a good member of the community. _____


I/we understand that although many dogs are great with children it takes supervision and guidance to ensure children know how to behave around dogs.  I/we understand that we must never leave (the rescue dog) unsupervised with a child under the age of 12 or any child who is not familiar with (the rescue dog).                                                                                 Please check out this website for information relating to children and dogs and signs of anxiety in your dog. http://www.liamjperkfoundation.org/talk.html


I/we are aware that some homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies exclude some of the Bull Breeds.  I am aware if this is the case with my/our policy I/we will not be covered if (the rescue dog) does harm another person or pet or property.           

I/we have checked with our landlord or homeowner’s association to ensure that (the rescue dog) is welcome and can supply proof is requested.                        


I/we will not leave (the rescue dog) outside at night or in hot, cold or rainy weather during the day    __


I/we will provide good quality food and fresh water daily for (the rescue dog).                            


I/we will provide prompt and adequate health care for (the rescue dog).         


I/we will ensure (the rescue dog) is crate trained and will have a crate available to use as needed for time outs and to keep (the rescue dog) safe during parties or loud holiday noises or other times as necessary.                            


I/we will become familiar and comply with nuisance and potentially dangerous dog laws in my community.                 


I/we am/are aware and agree that if (the rescue dog) is picked up by Animal Control I/we may be required to waive our ownership rights and return (the dog) to Lorelei Craig. By signing and initialing this contract I/we am/are agreeing to give up ownership of (the rescue dog) if it is picked up by Animal Control and held for any reason. ______

Lorelei Craig reserves the right to waive this requirement on a case basis and only after her review.               


I/we agree to attend basic obedience/well mannered pet training with (the rescue dog).               Depending on age and evaluation of (the rescue dog) and experience level of adopter this may be waived, see following note:






I/we understand that the past life of a rescue dog is unclear.   I/we understand that because of this (the rescue dog) comes with baggage but in almost all instances time and patience and good quality life and training will take care of any problems.              


Signed                                                                    Date                              


Printed Name                                                                      


Signed                                                                   Date                                 


Printed Name                                                                           

Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved.