Double Dog Dare

Things I've Learned by Walking my Two Dogs

OR

Double Dog Dare.

I started walking my two Jack Russells together several years ago and I’ve had the opportunity to learn a few things about double dog walking. Cesar Millan’s methods are right, but mine work for my dogs. I’m not such a strict pack leader but then again, mine are JRTs. Here’s my take on walking my two ‘June bugs on a string’.

1. Use the same equipment on both dogs. Harnesses are NOT recommended, use collars. I don’t like chain chokes, as my dogs are both civilized and small. I prefer the martingale collar. I have heard some people can use a coupler, a short connecting leash between dogs, but I cannot recommend it with Jack Russells. I believe it could lead to fights and possible injury to one or both of the dogs.

2. The leashes must be the same length.

3. Carry a walking stick or a cane for protection against loose dogs, snakes, etc. If you have pepper spray that may work but it can backfire and it doesn't work on snakes.

4. Be sure your gear is fitted properly to include your clothing and packs. Think comfort and safety, pants not too loose or too tight, cotton socks with sturdy shoes. Wear a hat.

5. Use a backpack or a fanny pack for your supplies. You should carry:

A. water for you and your dogs, at least two bottles.
B. bowl(s) for your dogs to drink water from
C. pocket knife
D. whistle to signal your location if necessary
E. cell phone
F. Extra leash and collar for emergencies.
G. First aide kit (band-aides, sterile wipes, antibiotic cream, etc.)
H. wallet with your ID and if you have any health problems an updated list of your meds. I. always bring any emergency meds you might need on the trail such as inhalers and epi-pens.

6. If you've never walked your dogs before start by walking them one at a time to get them trained to the leash and your signals. Take your time with this as you are setting the foundations for their future behavior. I would suggest that you develop certain verbal cues to help them understand what you want from them. Words like 'Lets Go' to indicate forward motion, Perhaps ‘This Way’ for a left direction or ‘That Way’ for a right direction. There are traditional terms like mush, gee, haw and whoa but use what is comfortable for you. The dogs don't care.

7. Once you have mastered the walk try taking them both out together. If one is higher energy, in the beginning you might take him for a short walk alone then pick up the second dog afterwards. At this point in your training, I would recommend that you take one in each hand the first few times. Leave your stick behind at this point. This is just to familiarize them with walking together and to see if you have a fearful dog or if there is aggression between them. They can cause tripping problems for you and excite his pal. Dog fights can occur, be prepared.

8. When you all have become acclimatized to walking with each other, they you can start to fine tune the walk. Determine which side is more comfortable for you to control the dogs on and which side is more comfortable for you to carry your stick with. Traditionally, they go on the left side. I happen to like the right because it is my dominant hand, but that’s just me.

9. Position the dogs on the selected side of your body preferably side by side. Give your command and step off with the foot closest to them. This gives them a verbal and a visual cue to work from. Take a few steps and then give a halt command. Practice this a few times until they understand what you are doing. If they try to switch sides, don’t allow this. It can tangle you up and cause a bad fall. Just tug GENTLY on the leash or tap LIGHTLY on their flank with your stick. Do not scare or hurt your dog. This should be FUN for ALL of you, if it's not don't bother.

10. After this you will learn to adjust to your dogs and they to you. It is a learning curve. Each dog will react differently according to their natures.

I do recommend that you take things slowly and watch your feet. Dogs are tricky and will try to take advantage of many things to be where They want to be. But if you allow them free rein, you can get into trouble. You can take a hard fall just as easily on flat pavement as rocky ground with a tangle. This is a great way to get your exercise and your dogs’ also. It can be difficult at first and as I said, there is a certain danger involved.

You must be prepared, think ahead, and have the proper equipment in the arsenal in your backpack. Good luck and if you learn something I don’t know about, please let us know.

SITREP: Home Invasion

From the POV of Cpl Bridget, JRT USMC Cpl


Ooh, le'me tell it, le'me tell it!!

Okay, ruff, go ahead. But remember...

Okay, okay, I remembers.

FROM: Fire-base Cole

TO: JRTUSMCs all over the place

DATE: (what's a date?) {today of course, those numbers I told you.} (oh, okay)
DATE: 13 June 2010

Deer fella JRTMarines

I git to tell this cause it was me. Well, I gotta say, it was both of us, but I caught it and Abbott kilt it. First tho, Abbott sez I gotta set the stage.

We wuz all in the big nest all warm and comfy asleep early this morning when we hears something in the den. I wants to go see, but Abbott sez we gotta warn Mama. Sos we start barking. Mama sits up in the bed and finds her glasses and grabs the big ole iron noiseybang gun she keeps under the mattress.

She looks around kinda bleary eyed and calls out 'Dave is that you?'. Of course it's not Papa. Ifn it was Papa we wouldn't abarked. She sits in the nest and listens real sharp like. Then she hears it too. A noise...inside the house...a strange noise.

Well, hit ain't coming to the nest room, sos we go to guard alert. But silly Mama gets outta the nest and gos a loo kin carrying a holt of the iron gun thing. Well, we hears the noise agin and we go with her down the hall. Then I sees it!

Its a noisy birdy from the chimbley. Them dadburned birds have a nest in there and been making noises fer a week now. One of them has made the mistake of a-comming the wrong way down the chimbley and into the big room. Hes aflying and running into things.

Mama puts the noisy bang gun thing down on the bookshelf. I'm happy cuz I knows what it can do and I'm a little scairt of it. But now, its safe and the bird is mine. Abbott is chasing it around the room but hits too fast for him. Sos I come up and it hits the winder/door and I snatches it right out of the air and crunch down. Then I picks it up and takes it to Mama and drops it on the floor.

Well, she don't look real happy at first but she knows this is what happens to home invaders. I think she's just shocked and maybe surprised. Cause she looks at it and then says to finish it. Well, I knows we got to now cause I done kilt it but its still moving. So, Abbott, being senior Cpl an all, grabs it up and shakes it like a good terrier. Feathers fly everywhere and its ded.

Mama looks at us, says what good Marines we are and ask s ifn we want to go out. Sos we go outside and run and bark and pee like wes susposed to.

Yeah! We guarded Mama, guarded the house and kilt the invader. We good JRT Marines. Yeah!

(is that okay?) {Yea, now Mama will check it and sign it for you, you did good.} (No bro, we done good.)

Yours truly
Bridget Cole, Cpl
Firebase Cole, JRT Marines.



FROM: Firebase Cole

TO: JRTUSMC

DATE: DATE: 13 June 2010

Okay, the pups scared about 5 years off me this morning.

I was sound asleep at approximately 0500, when Abbott started barking. Bridget was standing next to him but not barking. Of course this wakes me up and I grab my glasses and my 38. I sit up in the bed and don't hear anything at first, then I call out for Dave. He knows better to come into the bedroom unannounced when he's not supposed to be at home. (He's at Lake Sam Rayburn on a fishing tournament.) But no, its not him.

Then I hear it, a flopping noise. And then something being knocked over. So I get up and call the dogs to me and we go down the hallway, Abbott in the lead and Bridget behind me. She's afraid of a gun, probably from her feral days. Then I see it. Its a barn swallow, or mud swallow. We have a community nest in the chimney. A youngster has come down the flu and is trapped in the house. It flies down to about about a 3 ft level and that the end of it. Bridget gets it and its pretty much dead, if still breathing. So, regrettably, I let the pups finish the job. Abbott picks it up and crushes it. Poor thing. It made a bad choice this morning.

But, nevertheless, my two Marines guardians did their jobs like well oiled machines. I was awakened to an intruder, they accompanied me on patrol, and the invader was dispatched in a quick lightening strike attack. So its now 0715. I can have my oatmeal, and head to the barn before it gets too warm.

Hoorah, my little Marines, Hoorah.

Debi, Cpl Abbott, Cpl Bridget and Capt Scarlet the horse Marine

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown

The 10 Commandments from a Dog's Perspective

After all, all he wants is your love. He doesn't care if you are carpetbagger or king. You are his leader.

The 10 Commandments From a Dog’s Perspective



1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me―it’s crucial to my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’ve been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

―Stan Rawlinson

Rescued Rescuer

I would never believe that I would write poetry. I write stories, and even a novel or two, but poetry always seemed something a little boring and a lot prim. But I find I can express myself better emotionally with a verse. This is being used by a wonderful lady, Christine Camp, for her program the Alberta Russell Rescue Organization.
https://arrorescue.com/Home_Page.php

Thanks Christine for your great work. You are an Angel on Earth.



Rescued Rescuer
by Debi Cole

Yes, my new baby, my puppy, my child.
I see all your baggage and to me it is mild.
I have some too; some memories to share,
But I'll take you home first and get comfy there.

I'll tell you the stories of joyous times past
and for me the bitter-sweetness will always last.
I'll tell you of Racer and Bonnie and Tiger and Gem.
They once had your place some long past time when.

I'll remember them with sorrow, and speak of my pain
But from my sad losses will come your happy gain.
You see, my new lovely, they taught me so fine
Of how to care for you and to help your hurt mind.

How to feed you, and walk you and how to properly train
So that I can understand you and all of your pain.
I know you've been hurt, starved, frightened and left
I know that you're wanting to start over in a new nest.

So, my dear, we'll face our tomorrows together
We'll walk side by side in all kind of weather
We'll work very hard to heal our hearts old hurts
Our new lives from now on will prove both our worths.

So come to me gently, so lay by me here
So that in our new partnership we will give and get cheer
We will pledge our devotion to one and the other
We will share our new lives and our love to each other.


(to the memory of my lost little ones)

My doggie adventure

I don't know how these things happen to me.

I had a flat tire which caused me to be on a street I'm not normally on. I passed a housing development with high brick fencing all around it. But running down the street was a white blob. I passed him then realized he was a lost dog.

I immediately pulled over to the curb and put my flashers on. (no shoulder on the road). Another car misses him and honks so he's all scared and confused. I get out of the car and hold my hands out and call 'C'mere baby, c'mere.' And he runs right to me. I grab him up and jump back into the jeep and put him in the passenger side. He's a Jack Russell.

He's so happy to be safe again he's giving me doggie kisses. I thought to take him home, but we're in Schertz, not my hometown of Converse (about 10 miles away). So I decided to take him to the ACO because that would be the 1st place his Mama or Papa would look (I hope). He has a collar but NO TAGS! But he also has a collar with a box on it, and Scott, the ACO officer, says its a NO BARK collar. Grrrrr! No chip either.

Of course, they all know me there and Scott looked at me and said 'What's with you and these Jack Russells. Now they're just coming to you off the street.'

So I filled out the 'found' paperwork and Scott says they'll hold him 5 days for the owner to claim him. After that he'll be available for adoption. I'm gonna keep track of him and they know I'll take him before anything bad happens to him. He's a cutie wire haired boy, full grown and fat. I'm sure his people will claim him but they'll have some fines to get him out of jail. No license, no rabies tag.

I hate people who don't take care of their responsibilities.


*****

Update!!


I called the ACO today and am pleased to advise that 'Baby' as I referred to him, was picked up by his very upset Mama. Not only was she worried to death, but she got a fine for no license, no rabies tag and dog running at large. If she'd only had an ID tag on him, I would have brought him home for free.

While I don't always agree with the ACO system, I was happy to hear that she was punished monetarily for allowing her little one to be exposed to dangers like other loose dogs, wild animals like snakes and being injured or killed by cars on a very busy street. I hope the family will learn to take better care of the little soul entrusted to their care.

What is a JRT Marine

Well, I belong to a wonderful group of people who have Jack Russells. In our many discussions it became apparent that JRTs make perfect Marines. They are loyal, faithful, tenacious, proud and always look good.

So within our group, Jack_RussellsUSMC, our little fur kids are considered Marines. So once in a while, My Cpl Abbott or Cpl Bridget will make a Sit Rep Report to the rest of the group. Here's the latest one.


SUBJECT: Nature Hounds Recon @ Eisenhower Pk

TO: Cpl JR Dugan and all the JRTs on the ground, in the air and on the sea and his boss too

DATE: 29 May 2010

Dear Cpl JR

Mama says I have to write this one cause she's 'a whipped puppy'. I think she's too old to be a puppy but that's what she says.

She got us up early this morning, packed all our stuff in the big car and put us in the back seat. We rode a long time and when we got where we were going it was really different from Fire base Cole.

It was reaaally rocky and everything was going up and down. It wasn't flat hardly at all. We met with several other Mamas and their kinds of soldiers. There was a medium black terrier girl, a big fuzzy Aussy girl, a medium sized black lab boy, a black/brown Malinois boy and a HUGE brown Dane guy. Everyone was really friendly except the Malinois who had a red wild rag around his neck. He growls at me and I growl back then Bridget jumps in and starts yelling at him that nobody messes with HER pack-mate. Mama and his mama pulls us apart and we all got quiet again.

Then we started the hike, Mama says it was NOT a walk. We walks awhile on kinda uphill path then boy howdy it got really vertical all of a sudden. Sometimes it was like big ole stair steps and that was hard but we could jump to the top and wait for Mama. But at one point it was like a ladder thing that reached about 3 times as high as Mama. Boy did she huff and puff on that one. She had to use her hands as paws and climb up that way, and we were trying to pull her up but we just couldn't.

Finally we got to the top but going down was just as bad. All rocky and gravelly and slippy cause the rocks wouldn't sit still. The lady with the terrier girl fell oops on her tail and it hurt her feelings. They walked with us for a little while but then they took a short cut back. But not Mama, she was the slowest one there even though we tried to help her. That left 3 other mamas and us.

The other ladies was real good on the trail, real skinny and healthy. But Mama and the us walked slower. Then, dad-burn it a rock rolled under Mama and she fell oops too. But she picked herself up and off we go again. The other ladies were waiting up aways and we all sat and rested for a little bit. After that, the Malinois lady and Mama walked together and talked about us pups. She found her boy in a park all by himself lost and alone so he loves her so much he wants to protect her from other dogs. Bridget and I told him we was once lost too, so we understand and we three got to be pals and nobody growled or nothing.

At the tail end of the walk Bridget pooped out on the trail. We had to wait for her to cool down and she drank a lot of water, almost two bottles. I only wanted a little cause I knew I was in charge and had to take care of Mama and Her too. We walked a little slower and finally got back to the trail-head and the big car. We all said good bye and we got into the big car and Mama turned on the A C button and the car got really cool. It was wonderful!

Finally we got back to Firebase Cole and we slept for 3 whole hours on the big nest while Mama and Papa went to see a movie thingy.

So, we all had a wonderful day except for when Mama went oops and Bridget got tuckered out. But now we ate dinner and we all feel much better. Mama says she's proud of all of us, including herself, for lasting on the Rough Trail at Eisenhower park.

Abbott Cole, Cpl, JRTMC
Cpl in charge of Firebase Cole


Just a quick note from me. It was a hell of a march and much rougher than I anticipated, and I embarrassed myself by falling, but I have a real sense of accomplishment for finishing the trail. Bridget overheated herself again by getting too excited and trying to do everything the hard way but she got over it quickly thank goodness.

I feel very lucky to have found this group and I'm looking forward to going out again.

Debi, too pooped to pop.

Cookie's story

A cautionary tale. There is no neighborhood that is safe.

A series of emails about a lost Jack Russell.


To: lostanimalsfound@comcast.netSubject: Lost Jack Russell Terrier

I hope I can get her back.
Her name is Cookie.
She weighs approx 16 lbs, 12+ years old, deaf and shakes alot.
She has an Avid chip.
White with large brown spots.
Docked tail, semi up ears
Her tags fell off her collar, but her collar is leather with brass cows on it as in photo.
Lost in a.m. of 4/28/10, Wednesday, from my home off N. Post Oak between Awty School Rd and Westview.
I really apprecdiate your help.
Regards,




Friends,

This is my neighbor’s dog. Please post far & wide to try to help get Cookie home where she belongs!!

I have also attached a flyer that can be printed and posted by all!

Please get Cookie home!




Subject: Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier North Post area/Westview Spring Branch - still missing!!!Importance: High

Friends,
Cookie is STILL missing. Please continue to circulate and look for her! Her family misses her so much! Anyone that can hang even one of the attached fliers is helping so much! Each flyer hung around town – even far from where she was lost- gets the word out to more people.
Thank you!



Subject: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!Importance: High
Friends,

I’m SO pleased to let you know that, after 4 very long weeks away from her family, Cookie is HOME!! Her family is beyond thrilled. J

Thanks to everyone for helping spread the word on Cookie.



Subject: FW: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!

Cookie has been found!!! I emailed owner for details - she asked that I call her (which I haven't had a chance to do yet). Apparently someone found her and they were basically holding her for ransom!?!??! At least she's home and I hope her owner will now NOT let her go outside for any length of time and leave her to her own devices. She's old and deaf and doesn't need to go out for anymore than to pee/poop and back in.


Subject: Re: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!
THERE IS A GOD AND HE LOVES JACK RUSSELLS!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing the news. Hal-La-LOO- YA!!!!

Subject: RE: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!

Well ... just got off the phone w/the owner. Check THIS OUT!! They live in a gated subdivision - Cookie didn't even make it OUT of the subdivision - apparently this people picked her up shortly after she went missing and have been calling the owner since day one from various pay phones asking how much she would pay for her return!?!? Then they'd hang up and the owner wouldn't hear again for several days. They called another time and told her they needed a new car! She said she wasn't buying them a new car. She didn't even know if they REALLY had cookie or just how crazy they were. Owner says they're crack heads and I don't know if she's just using the term or if that's a certainty. They got her back last night - the owner made arrangements to meet them in the parking lot of a hamburger joint and she paid them $1,000 for her dog. Cookie was full of fleas and skinner but she's home now and the owner has learned her lesson insofar as leaving the door open for her to go in and out. Owner said she had friends @ the parking lot in various places watching just in case. Good grief! I'd have gone there, too but I'd have taken a good friend who is HPD and about 6'5 to meet them. She did get the license plate of the car and plans to give it to authorities for whatever can be done.


Subject: RE: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!
What a freak! I’d uv taken a hog leg!!!!!


Subject: RE: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!Yep ...me too.


the end

A happy ending to a cautionary tale. Everyone please be careful and hug your little ones tonight. There are bad people out there.